More News

Bridgepoint completes acquisition on Ponant

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 September 2012 03 September 2012

Bridgepoint, a privately owned holding company, completes acquisition of Compagnie du Ponant, the French luxury cruise line renowned for its specialist polar cruises, from CMA CGM via its parent company Mérit. The terms of the transaction are undisclosed.

Founded in 1988 and with over 580 employees, Compagnie du Ponant (‘CDP’) operates three luxury ships (typically with between 32 and 132 cabins) and in 2011 carried 20,000 passengers and had revenues of €80 million.

Working with its established team and taking advantage of its successful strong niche positioning, Bridgepoint will provide the company with the resources to fulfil its growth ambitions and to expand internationally. A fourth vessel is scheduled for delivery in June 2013. The management, led by the co-founder Jean Emmanuel Sauvée and Véronique Saadé, will play an active part in this new stage of its development investing in the future of the company and contributing to the sustainability of the original concept.

The company enjoys global market leadership by volume in the polar cruise segment thanks to the specialist nature of its vessels. It is also the clear leader in the French-speaking European market (France, Belgium and Switzerland).

The luxury cruise market of the type served by CDP is a growing and resilient niche with global demand supported by an affluent customer base in Europe and the US that has been less sensitive to the macroeconomic environment. The polar cruise market in particular enjoys significant demand, yet capacity is limited due to the specialist nature of ships able to operate there.

Advisers involved in this transaction included: for Bridgepoint – Bucéphale Finance (M&A), Ashurst (legal), Boston Consulting Group (market), Ernst and Young (finance) and Arsène Taxand (tax); for CMA CGM and Merit - Willkie Farr Gallagher (legal).

Meanwhile, Ponant says it has joined passenger shipping Association, the UK organisation that embraces both the cruise and ferry sectors.

Daniel Mann appointed VP Product Management at AIDA Cruises

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2012 31 August 2012

Daniel Mann is taking over the position of Vice President Product Management at AIDA Cruises with effect from September 1, 2012, the company said in a statement.

"This means the shipping line has been able to recruit a top manager with an excellent combination of broad international experience and remarkable innovation skills. In his new position with the cruise operator, Mann will be responsible for the departments of OBR & Hotel Services, Food & Beverages, Operations as well as AIDA Entertainment. He will report directly to Michael Ungerer, President AIDA Cruises."

Mann has previously gathered many years of experience in strategy development and implementation in the luxury resort and hotel sector in various management positions with, among others, Ritz Carlton Hotels, Boca Raton Resort und Golden Door Spa from the Blackstone Group and the Revel Entertainment Group. The main emphasis of his previous work included, in particular, quality assurance and the implementation of operating standards in the guest area.

"With Daniel Mann, the product management will in future be managed by a very successful top manager with vast international experience, focusing on product and, in particular, service quality. We are certain that he will further advance the development of our product in a sustainable way with his commitment", explains Michael Ungerer.

With 9 ships, AIDA Cruises is Germany's leading cruise operator to dream destinations around the world. The AIDA fleet will grow to 12 vessels by 2016. The company, based in Rostock/Germany, currently employs 6,000 personnel on board and on shore.

Tai Chi classes on Swan Hellenic's Passage to Oman cruise

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2012 31 August 2012

Should you want to perfect your handiwork with a paintbrush, get to grips with Tai Chi, or learn the art of needlework you can do all this on Swan Hellenic’s recently refurbished ship, Minerva, for a 15-day Passage to Oman cruise, the company said in a statement.

Passengers on board the Middle Eastern cruise can make the most of the ship’s enhanced facilities during their time at sea and take part in a range of workshops and masterclasses. Tai Chi master, Qu Leilei, will join passengers on board the ship to teach them the ancient art of body and mind relaxation whilst Sophie Long, who is trained in more than 30 embroidery techniques, will also be hosting fascinating needlework workshops.

The cruise starts from £1,595 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). The cruise departs from Safaga (Egypt) – overnight and calls at Djibouti, Salalah (Oman), Muscat (Oman) – overnight, Khasab (Oman) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates) – overnight. Price is based on a 21 November 2012 departure.

Masterclasses on board other Swan Hellenic cruises can include painting, bridge, writing, singing and wine tasting.

Norwegian Cruise Line launches £500 on board credit promotion in UK

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2012 31 August 2012

Agents will be able to offer guests up to $500 of on board spending money as part of a Norwegian Cruise Line autumn promotion. The added-value offer is available on any European cruise of three nights or more departing between April 2013 and April 2014, the company said in a statement.

"Guests must be booked between 1 to 30 September 2012 to take part in the offer which includes sailings on five Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Itineraries range from Transatlantic crossings to Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Canary Islands and Baltics sailings," the company said.

Once on board, guests can redeem their on board spend against a range of experiences which could include spa treatments, speciality dining or shore excursions.

Ocean Countess to leave CMV fleet in October

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2012 31 August 2012

Cruise & Maritime Voyage (CMV) will operate its last cruise of the 17,593 gross ton Ocean Countess in October, the company's website shows.

The last cruise the chartered in vessel will sail on for the British company will be a 13 night voyage from Liverpool on 9 October.

Yesterday, CMV and All Leisure group unveiled a cooperation agreement, whereby the 20,636 gross ton Discovery will transfer to CMV under a long term contract in February after a major refit. The ship will make two cruises from Bristol Avonmouth to Norway to start its programme with CMV, the company's website shows.