Princess Cruises SVP of Commercial Affairs Tony Kaufman assumes responsibility for shore operations

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 May 2012 07 May 2012

Princess Cruises Senior Vice President of Commercial Affairs Tony Kaufman has assumed responsibility for the line's worldwide shore operations function. The change brings this area together with Kaufman's other fleet operations responsibilities.

The line's shore operations department includes shore excursion operations, port operations and passenger logistics in the more than 300 ports where Princess ships sail. The department previously was part of the company's corporate services division.

In addition to his new responsibilities for shore operations, Kaufman will continue his current role overseeing commercial transactions as well as onboard revenue, which includes the retail outlets, photography, spa and casino operations and a number of other products and services available on the ships.

Kaufman has worked for Princess since 1993 when he joined the company as assistant general counsel and director of business affairs. He has served as Princess' vice president of legal affairs as well as general counsel of Princess' former parent company, P&O Princess Cruises plc, based in London. In 2003, he returned to Princess Cruises' headquarters in California to take on his current position.

The consolidation of shore operations into the fleet operations department creates natural operational efficiencies and increased alignment to enhance the passenger experience. Kaufman's background in law and supply chain management will allow for continued emphasis on cost management, profit and commercial discipline.

Former President Bush & First Lady sail on the Queen Mary 2

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 05 May 2012 05 May 2012

The 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, and former First Lady Barbara Bush, joined by their daughter, Dorothy, and granddaughter, Georgia, sailed their first Transatlantic Crossing aboard Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 this week. The seven-day voyage originated in Southampton, England, on 27 April and arrived into New York yesterday morning.

Upon embarking in Southampton, they received a White Star welcome in the ship's Commodore Club by Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line; David Dingle, CEO, Carnival UK; Captain Kevin Oprey, master of Queen Mary 2; and John Duffy, the ship's hotel manager. During the greeting, President Bush was heard to say of their Queen Mary 2 voyage, "I've been looking forward to this for weeks!" Barbara Bush agreed, "You've been talking about nothing else for months!" 

"We are honored to have welcomed President Bush and his family as guests aboard Queen Mary 2," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "Throughout our history, countless dignitaries have enjoyed the height of leisure and luxury offered aboard Cunard's Transatlantic Crossings, and we are pleased that the President now joins in that legacy." 

During the voyage, the President and First Lady enjoyed production shows in the Royal Court Theatre, experienced the world-class Canyon Ranch SpaClub(r) and attended one of Cunard's new Apple iStudy enrichment classes. By night, they could be seen dining with the captain, as well as in the Queens Grill Restaurant, La Piazza and Queen Mary 2's specialty restaurant, Todd English. 

"Barbara and I have always wanted to make a Crossing, and it gives us great joy to be able to do so aboard Queen Mary 2 with our family and close friends. We have enjoyed the voyage from its beginning, and our experience has been made even better by the amazing crew and staff. We will always have fond memories of our Transatlantic Crossing," said President Bush. 

Cunard's legendary Transatlantic Crossings reflect the pinnacle of adventure and civility in ocean travel. Queen Mary 2 is the only liner offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic service, ranging from seven-day voyages between New York and Southampton, England, to eight- and nine-day Crossings offered to Hamburg, Germany. Travel aboard Queen Mary 2 offers the ultimate luxury cruise vacation, rich in classic British traditions, fine cuisine and stimulating on board enrichment. This year's season includes several new offerings, such as new theatrical productions, jazz music workshops, lecture programmes, dining menus and spa treatments. 

Norwegian Cruise Line to introduce new agent partnership programme in UK

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 02 May 2012 02 May 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled details of a new agent partnership programme launched in the UK a year after it was first started in in the US, Travel weekly reports in a newsletter.

The initiative will officially launch via webinars on May 9 and 10 and agents will be invited to attend roadshows in London, Manchester and Glasgow to learn more in September and October. Partners First will consolidate all the support the line offers agents from training and fam trips, commissions and other incentives and drive all future strategies. 

“Probably the most important part of driving demand for us has been travel agency advocacy, building relationships with travel partners that really makes them become ambassadors," Francis Riley, Norwegian’s president and general manager, was quoted as saying. He added the hope is that agents come to consider the operator as a partner of choice and work more closely with it for mutual benefit, the report said.

Earlier this week, NCL Corporation that is the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line and NCL America, reported a net profit of $3.3 million for the first quarter of the year, compard to a loss of $7.9 million in the same period last year. Operating income rose 23.8% to $46.4 million and ticket prices rose 24%, the company said.

Seven Seas Navigator enters dry-dock

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 02 May 2012 02 May 2012

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' 490-guest, all-suite Seven Seas Navigator will enter dry-dock in mid-May, signaling Phase Four of the line's fleet-wide Seven Seas Signature enhancement initiative.

The two-week renovation will encompass a complete redecoration of the ship's eight Grand Suites and Master Suites and the debut of Sette Mari at La Veranda, an intimate Italian dining experience offering both buffet and a la carte service. Phase Four underscores Regent Seven Seas' ongoing commitment to delivering the most sought-after, all-inclusive luxury travel experience.

"We are constantly looking for ways to enhance and evolve the Regent Seven Seas experience, from small touches to major renovations," stated Mark Conroy, the line's president. "Whether our guests are strolling the refreshed teak Pool Deck or enjoying a Porterhouse steak in the expanded Prime 7, they will feel the subtle luxury and unparalleled comfort of these enhancements throughout."

The ship's Grand Suites and Master Suites will be completely renovated featuring new built-in cabinetry, custom-crafted furnishings, as well as new headboards and bedding, balcony furniture, plush carpeting and designer accessories. All Navigator Suites will be refreshed with new plush carpeting and wall coverings.

Concierge-level Suites and above will have modern amenities such as illy coffeemakers, along with a range of new perks and privileges, including priority shore excursion and restaurant reservations, and enhanced amenities, as the program is rolled out starting May 30, 2012. All suites will benefit from new teak on all of the ship's balconies for an added dose of luxury and comfort.

Masterfully repurposing La Veranda, the ship's popular breakfast and lunch buffet venue, Sette Mari at La Veranda will welcome dinner guests with an extensive menu of authentic antipasti and Italian specialty dishes. Guests can choose a selection of items from the buffet and also order al momento (cooked to order). Al fresco dining is also available so guests can dine under the stars.

Additional public room enhancements include enlarging Prime 7, the ship's modern American-style steakhouse, to accommodate 60 guests. A new contemporary sculpture at its entrance will set a warm, relaxed tone. The popular Galileo Lounge will also be renewed and redecorated.

As part of the ship's fresh new look, ultra-plush carpeting will be installed throughout the public spaces. Guests who enjoy leisure pursuits will find enhanced and refreshed spaces on Deck 12 including updated saunas at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub(r), while the luxurious teak-covered pool area on Deck 10 will have renewed surfaces.

Seven Seas Navigator emerges from dry-dock on May 30, 2012, with a seven-night voyage from Vancouver to Seward, Alaska.