Icon of the Seas arrives PortMiami for the first time

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 11 January 2024 11 January 2024

Yesterday, Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas took center stage as it arrived in Miami for the first time. The first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation was welcomed with fanfare by air, land and sea, ahead of its official debut on Jan. 27.

Counting down to the start of a new era of vacations, local residents and Royal Caribbean fans, executives and employees were on hand as the first to see Miami’s newest resident. Icon arrived to PortMiami in style, with celebratory fireboat salutes, banner planes in flight and a community celebration at Pérez Art Museum to mark the new vacation’s first appearance of many to come in the Magic City. With the introduction of the world’s best family vacation less than 20 days away, Icon will continue making its final preparations in Miami ahead of an iconic naming celebration and first cruise.

In store on Icon is an all-encompassing lineup of experiences that combines the best of every vacation – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure – making the first-of-its-kind adventure the way to get away for every type of family and vacationer. Across eight neighborhoods that are destinations in and of themselves are firsts and next-level favorites for everyone day and night, including adrenaline-pumping thrills like six record-breaking waterslides at Category 6 and the Crown’s Edge experience at 154 feet above the ocean, and unrivaled ways to chill with seven pools – one for every day of the week – like the first suspended infinity pool at sea. The game-changing experiences also include a stay-all-day neighborhood designed for families with young kids, more than 40 restaurants, bars and lounges; deck-defying entertainment across air, ice, water and theater; and more.

Starting Jan. 27, vacationers can get away on Icon and island hop in the tropics at any time of the year. Each 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean adventure from Miami features idyllic destinations in the Caribbean and an unmatched day of thrill and chill at Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. Plus, dialing up the perfect on Perfect Day in January 2024 is the private island’s first adults-only escape, Hideaway Beach, an all-day experience complete with a private beach and pools, new dedicated spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music and more.

The Overlook on the Deck 14. Credit: Christer Gorschelnik

The Pearl. Credit: Christer Gorschelnik

Sorrento's pizzeria. Credit: Christer Gorschelnik

Infinite Ocean View Balcony cabin. Credit: Christer Gorschelnik

Celestyal Cruises to sail again year-round, adds Persian Gulf

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 10 January 2024 10 January 2024

Celestyal, the leading cruise operator of Greek origin with cruises to the Greek Islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, has announced that the Celestyal Journey will visit four new countries and six new ports of call in the Persian Gulf starting November 2024.

The new 7-night 'Amazing Desert' itinerary will set sail on November 9 from Doha, Qatar, calling for the first time in Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The Celestyal Journey, with a capacity for 1,260 passengers, joined the company in September last year.

The new itinerary will be extended until January 18, 2025, and will then return permanently for the winter season.

Celestyal has also confirmed that its two-vessel fleet will return to year-round operations, with seasonal offerings consisting of:

– A winter program, from November to April from Doha on the Celestyal Journey, offering the "Amazing Desert" itinerary with more options of three, four, five and seven nights. And the 1,266-passenger Celestyal Discovery, which joins the fleet this year, will offer the "Three Continents" cruise from November 2025 to March 2026, visiting Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt.

–Celestyal's "core" program, from April to October, with Celestyal Journey operating three itineraries: the "Adriatic Sublime"; from Greece to Montenegro, Croatia and Italy, with inaugural calls in Kefalonia, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Bari and Katakolo. The "Sublime Adriatic Summer" also includes Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Greece with inaugural calls in Venice, and the "Idyllic Aegean" voyages visiting the Greek Islands and Turkey starting in 2025. Celestyal Discovery will sail three- and four-night cruises by the "Iconic Aegean" from March to November.

Previously, the company sailed from March to December. Itineraries for 2024 and 2025 are now on sale.

Discounts of up to 70% during Celestyal's Winter Savings Promotion

All destinations, including the new itineraries, are part of Celestyal's current winter discount promotion, with pricing for a seven-night "Three Continents" cruise covering ports in Europe, Africa and Asia, departing from Athens, starting from €559 per person, while a seven-night "Amazing Desert" cruise from Doha to Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi starts from €529 per person.

Celestyal is also offering on select 2024 departures a 50 percent discount on Celestyal Plus+ Experience packages, along with individual supplements reduced by 30% and reduced rates for families with children, with up to 70% off for the third or fourth guest in a cabin.

Lee Haslett, Commercial Director of Celestyal, said: "We enter 2024 with a completely renewed fleet, seven new countries and 12 new international ports, in addition to our much-loved Greece and Mediterranean cruise programme. We do the Greek Islands and beyond like no other, but we've heard from our customers that they want more destinations, more robust itineraries and the opportunity to discover more with Celestyal. We're excited to chart a new course to seas beyond the Aegean and Mediterranean to take our guests to new and exciting destinations as Celestyal becomes a global brand."

"Persian Gulf cruises offer this, with a home port in Doha, stops in iconic destinations such as Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, as well as more personalized jewels in Oman and the island of Sir Bani Yas. We are starting the year strong and we intend to continue growing and delighting our customers throughout 2024," he continued.

Princess Cruises names Jim Berra Chief Marketing Officer

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 09 January 2024 09 January 2024

Princess Cruises has announced that Jim Berra – an accomplished cruise industry and hospitality veteran with nearly three decades of brand, marketing, and commerce experience – has joined the organization as chief marketing officer, reporting directly to Princess Cruises president John Padgett.

As CMO, Jim will lead all global marketing facets including integrated marketing strategy formulation, creative development and brand promotion across all channels and geographies to further optimize Princess’ global marketplace position.

Berra joins a leadership team with extensive commercial and communications experience including highly respected industry veterans Terry Thornton, Chief Commercial Officer; Vicki Johnson, Sr. Vice President of Communications, and Carmen Roig, Vice President of Sales.

"Jim's demonstrated track record of success with outstanding hospitality brands make him a perfect addition to the Princess team," Padgett said. "The Princess brand is truly special, and Jim will ensure ‘The Love Boat’ extends its position as an iconic brand and a global destination leader.”

Berra comes to Princess from Invited (formerly ClubCorp), the largest owner of private membership clubs in the country, where he served as Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer. Prior to Invited, Berra spent six years at Royal Caribbean International as senior vice president and chief marketing officer, overseeing the company's advertising programs, marketing communications, social media, e-commerce, and customer marketing.

“Princess has a rich history of creating unforgettable moments at sea, and I am excited to steer the marketing efforts for the iconic Love Boat brand to even greater heights,” Berra said. “Together, we will continue to inspire travelers to embark on journeys filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories."

Before Royal Caribbean, Berra spent seven years at Carnival Cruise Line as its Chief Marketing Officer. Previously he also held multiple positions with Starwood Hotels & Resorts including SVP of Customer Marketing and Strategic Alliances.

A resident of Miami Beach, Fla., Berra holds bachelor's degrees in economics and philosophy from Northwestern University.

SeaDream Yacht Club appoints Walter Littlejohn as Chief Sales Officer

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 08 January 2024 08 January 2024

Bringing over three decades of extensive experience in the cruise industry, including several executive and leaderships roles, Walter Littlejohn will assume the responsibility of overseeing and leading SeaDream Yacht Club’s global sales efforts across all markets globally.

“Walter brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our growing SeaDream team, with a proven track record in driving performance and fostering team success in the luxury segment. I am thrilled to welcome him to the SeaDream family," said Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club.

“Walter joins us at a time of growth. His deep knowledge and passion for the cruise industry combined with attention to details, strategic mindset and team spirit is a unique combination that will be crucial in writing the next chapter in the story of SeaDream Yacht Club,”, said Brynestad.

Family owned and operated, SeaDream Yacht Club founded modern yacht cruising in 2001. Today, the boutique luxury cruise line offers distinct yachting adventures in the Caribbean, Europe and Mediterranean on two small, newly upgraded yachts. With a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, guests can enjoy unprecedented service, unique all-inclusive culinary experiences and included activities such as watersports directly from the yachts.

"The standard for casual luxury”

Littlejohn joins SeaDream Yacht Club after a long-term consulting engagement with Silversea Cruises, where he has been working on a variety of strategic initiatives. Prior, Littlejohn spent six years as SVP and Managing Director of Crystal River Cruises, building the former Crystal Cruises’ division from scratch to an award-winning five-ship ultra-luxury river cruise line.

“I am truly excited to join SeaDream Yacht Club, a company that for decades has set the standard for modern, casual luxury in the cruise industry. It is a unique product that goes above and beyond any other. At the same time, SeaDream is the best kept secret in the industry, with a tremendous potential for further growth. I am really looking forward to letting more people in on the secret and working closely with travel retail partners to welcome more guests on board”, said Littlejohn.

Life-long cruise experience

Walter Littlejohn started his life-long career in the industry as a summer intern whilst in college and after graduation joined Carnival Cruise Lines to become one of the youngest Regional Sales Managers ever hired. Littlejohn also has strong ties to the travel agent community, having founded his own agency, which he owned for over a decade, after his stint at Carnival.

He has also held key positions at Expedia Inc. and AmaWaterways and is a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Based in Miami, Littlejohn joined SeaDream on January 3 and reports to Andreas Brynestad.

New role for Lepisto

In a strategic move, SeaDream Yacht Club’s President Bob Lepisto, who until recently has overseen the company’s global sales activities, will continue to be an important contributor to the executive team. He will also spearhead SeaDream’s exclusive charter business, and continue to report directly to Andreas Brynestad.

“Continued growth of our charter business is crucial for our future success. I am thrilled that Bob will take on this important role, and utilize his network, knowledge and skills focusing on further improving the way we work with charters”, said Brynestad.

More New faces

The appointment of Walter Littlejohn is the latest in a series of new senior and key appointments in SeaDream Yacht Club.

Recent additions include Mark Schmitt, Sales Director UK and Ireland, as well as Rune Thomas Ege, Senior Vice President of Communications.