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Norwegian to have exclusive partnership with Margaritaville

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 December 2014 05 December 2014

Cruisers should get their Fins Up and shakers of salt ready, as the first-ever floating Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville restaurant and 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar will soon set sail onboard the all-new Norwegian Escape. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan announced the news at a company-wide event, with the help of a very special guest – the legendary Jimmy Buffett who performed for the crowd. Norwegian’s exclusive partnership with Margaritaville Holdings LLC extends to Norwegian’s island destinations including the new Harvest Caye in Belize and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, as well as other ships in the fleet.

“Jimmy Buffett is an icon who embodies the island lifestyle and his Margaritaville lifestyle brand which includes restaurants and bars in its portfolio is a perfect fit for Norwegian Cruise Line and the incredible new Norwegian Escape, that will sail the Caribbean and offer our guests the first and only Margaritaville experience at sea,” said Sheehan. “We are more than thrilled to form this exclusive partnership with Jimmy and his talented team and we know our guests are going to love the new tropical experiences.”

Margaritaville’s iconic name brings to mind the desire in everyone to kick back and escape the everyday, if only for a few hours or days. Norwegian Escape’s Margaritaville restaurant and bar will embody that essence of escapism with a laid back atmosphere inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett. Nostalgic island moments will come to life with a menu that invites guests to take a bite out of paradise with signature items like the Cheeseburger in Paradise and Who's to Blame Margarita. This venue will be one of Norwegian Escape’s many complimentary dining outlets. In addition to the restaurant, Norwegian Escape will feature the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, a music venue and outdoor bar on The Waterfront. The 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar will feature live nightly performances so guests can enjoy the sounds of the tropics while sipping a signature margarita or “boat drink” and gazing out to the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

“This partnership is a perfect match between two brands that celebrate escapism, relaxing and having fun,” said John Cohlan, chief executive officer of Margaritaville. “Opening our first Margaritaville at Sea on Norwegian Escape will be a huge milestone for our company. We can’t wait to bring the Margaritaville experience to Norwegian guests and let the floating ‘fin’ begin!”

Along with the venues on Norwegian Escape, the partnership also includes Margaritaville branded food and beverage locations on Norwegian’s new island destination in Harvest Caye, Belize, set to open in fall 2015 and a 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar on Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, planned to also debut in 2015. In the future, the partnership will extend to other ships in the fleet.

Norwegian Escape will begin weekly 7-night cruises from her year-round homeport of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on November 14, 2015. The ship will be the largest to home port year-round in Miami, carrying 4,200 guests to tropical Caribbean destinations including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

CLIA to consolidate headquarters in Washington, DC

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 December 2014 04 December 2014

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced that in 2015 it will consolidate its U.S. offices into a single location in Washington, DC.

“With the globalization of CLIA, we have added new capabilities and expanded our resources in various parts of the world to support a growing cruise industry,” said Christine Duffy, CLIA President and CEO. In the U.S., CLIA has always maintained two centers of operations. The Arlington, Virginia, office has focused on advocacy, technical and regulatory affairs, communications and organizational operations; while the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, office supported travel agent Members and Executive Partners. “To better serve our Members, CLIA will bring all functions under one roof in Washington, DC,” Duffy said.

In addition, CLIA has hired Cindy D’Aoust as Executive Vice President, Membership and Operations. In this role, D’Aoust will be responsible for managing and expanding the functions previously based in Fort Lauderdale. D’Aoust comes to CLIA from Meeting Professionals International, where she served as Chief Operations Officer, and brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and in membership organizations, including senior roles with Maritz Travel. D’Aoust will also oversee the consolidation of CLIA’s U.S. offices and have responsibility to fill the Vice President, Trade Relations position held most recently by Dwain Wall.

The CLIA Arlington office staff will relocate to a new office in Washington, DC in mid-January. Operations in the Ft. Lauderdale office will conclude in the Spring. Some Florida staff have been asked to consider a transfer to Washington, some will work for CLIA remotely, and others will transition out of the Association.

“I have a great appreciation and regard for our Ft. Lauderdale team and their dedication to our members. CLIA will be providing support to them throughout this transition,” said Duffy.

Regent unveils first visual of new Seven Seas Explorer and launches dedicated ship microsite

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 December 2014 04 December 2014

On December 4, Regent Seven Seas Cruises revealed the first rendering of its new ship, Seven Seas Explorer, and launched a dedicated microsite for the ship designed to be the most luxurious ship ever built. The microsite, found at http://www.rssc.com/explorer, is the official site for details, imagery and updates on the ship, which will debut in the summer of 2016. The site will feature the latest information on Seven Seas Explorer, including updates on construction, public space and suite designs, onboard amenities, itineraries and other elements as they are revealed. An added feature to the site is a never before seen two-minute video that sets the elegant tone for Seven Seas Explorer, while building anticipation for the newest addition to the fleet.

“We’re building the most luxurious ship ever created, and our loyal guests and travel agent partners are eagerly awaiting detailed information about Seven Seas Explorer,” said Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “This dedicated microsite provides us with a platform to provide our passionate brand advocates with the latest updates and exciting developments surrounding this extraordinary new ship from now through launch.”

The one-stop portal for updates on the stunning 750-guest, all-suite, all-balcony ship, includes sections on milestones and events, yet-to-be announced inaugural season details and general news leading up to the summer 2016 maiden voyage. There is a dedicated section for Seven Seas Society members, the line’s loyalty program, where guests can register for priority reservation details pertaining to the ship’s inaugural season.

Reservations for Seven Seas Explorer’s maiden voyage and inaugural season open Jan. 19, 2015 exclusively for Seven Seas Society members, and become widely available starting Feb. 11, 2015.

Cruise bartenders invited to submit their recipes for Bacardi Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year 2015

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 December 2014 04 December 2014

Bacardi Global Travel Retail has announced the launch of the world renowned 2015 Bacardi Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year, an annual event – now in its 10th year and believed to be the longest standing competition dedicated to the cruise industry. Its aim is to identify the best bartender on the high seas, as part of the Bacardi strategy to help raise standards of professionalism and cocktail-making in this vibrant and growing leisure sector.

The competition opened on Wednesday November 19, via www.bacardicruisecompetition.com and all bartenders on cruise and ferry lines around the globe are invited to enter – subject to eligibility. As in previous years, participants are required to create their own expertly crafted and unique, inspired cocktail recipes using at least one spirit from the Bacardi rum portfolio, in a way that demonstrates how that personal creation is inspired by their love of travel, the flavors, people and places they have experienced on their journeys including the interactions with guests they meet in the onboard bars.

This year’s competition is a one-stage competition where all entrants stand the chance to make the finals based on the quality of their recipes. Entries close on January 12, 2015 and the five finalists will be announced on January 19, 2015. The finals will take place in Miami, March 18-20, 2015.

Zachary Sulkes, Regional Manager Bacardi Travel Retail Americas explains the purpose of the competition: “Cruise is such a dynamic sector of tourism with strong levels of growth in the numbers of people choosing to vacation on the high seas – for example South America is a key market as more consumers start to travel internationally. With ever more sophisticated vessels launching each year and with many of these ‘super-ships’ offering up to 30 bars and restaurants as a major focus of the guest experience, we’re actively seeking to work with more cruise operators who share our vision to guarantee great cocktail experiences and to develop the mixology and presentation skills of the onboard bartender through initiatives such as the Bacardi Cruise Competition and in spotlighting the quality of destination bars such as Carnival’s Alchemy Bars, Celebrity’s Molecular Bars and Norwegian’s Mojito Bars, to name just a few.

“Cocktails and vacationing are perfect companions, creating special moments and the chance to try something new. By helping the cruise lines and the ambitious onboard bar-tending community to enhance their craft, we can really create a sustained category driving strategy that wins all round. I know there’s a lot of excitement already in the bartending community and we look forward to welcoming back some familiar faces from the last few years’ competitions.”

“Each bartender has a unique perspective on what makes the perfect cocktail – inspired by the flavors, the people and the places they’ve experienced in their travels. We want to see this come through in their submission, from personal passion and bold spirit, to unique creativity and innovation. We want them to show us what inspires them in their craft, in the same way they inspire their guests to have the best cocktail experience possible.”

The winner will receive $5,000 cash prize and a Bacardi experience, specifically selected to further the recipient’s craft and knowledge base.

In 2014, out of almost 2,000 entrants, the top prize went to Europe for the first time, with Liisi Kütt from Estonia – based Tallink Silja® Line, beating the competition with her “Summer Fairy” cocktail – a blend of BACARDÍ® Grand Melon, MARTINI® Prosecco, apple juice, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. She explained: “The inspiration for the recipe came from my position looking out on the calm summer seas of the Baltic with a perfect soundtrack in the background from the live band playing in the bar. Summer Fairy is all about being in that magical moment where summer meets nature and you find yourself lost in time.”

Other finalists in 2014 were Carnival’s Ioana Luncean, Brian Bent and Vera Restarovic plus NCL’s Joeped Garrido and Allan Garcia.

Nathan Hickman joins Norwegian as Vice President, National Accounts and Field Sales

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 December 2014 03 December 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Nathan Hickman, formerly vice president of national accounts for Oceania Cruises, is joining the line as vice president, national accounts and field sales effective January 1, 2015.

“Nathan has a wealth of experience in sales, in particular with national accounts and an extremely strong reputation in the industry,” said Andy Stuart, executive vice president of sales for Norwegian Cruise Line. “We are also pleased that in addition to managing national accounts, he will be taking on the new challenge of managing our sales team and ensuring Norwegian has an absolutely industry leading world class sales force.”

Hickman joined Oceania Cruises in early 2003 and was part of the startup team for the company as the first person hired into the sales team. He managed inside sales in 2003, international sales in 2004 and moved to national accounts in 2005. At Oceania, he also established and oversaw the onboard future sales program, along with Oceania Cruises’ loyalty program, the Oceania Club.

Hickman will report to Stuart and be part of the North American sales leadership team that includes Alex Pinelo, vice president, key accounts; Clark Reber, director, industry development; Glen Rothe, director, sales operations and Katina Athanasiou, vice president, charter, meeting and incentive sales. He will be based in Norwegian’s Miami office.