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Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo transitions to Vice Chair, External Affairs; Laura Hodges Bethge named to succeed her

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 April 2023 06 April 2023

Today, Royal Caribbean Group announced that after an illustrious tenure at the helm of Celebrity Cruises, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo will transition to Vice Chair, External Affairs for Royal Caribbean Group, effective May 1. In her new role, Lutoff-Perlo will continue reporting to Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty. Laura Hodges Bethge, currently executive vice president, shared services operations, will become the next brand president of Celebrity Cruises.

“Lisa has been instrumental in transforming the Celebrity Cruises brand to what it is today,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “From helping us introduce the revolutionary Edge Series of ships to advancing the role of women in maritime careers, Lisa has had an incredible career during her time leading Celebrity Cruises, and multiple parts of our Royal Caribbean International brand. I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa for almost 18 years, and I know her expertise will be invaluable as she transitions to serve as my Vice Chair, External Affairs.”

“It has always been difficult for me to imagine leaving the incredible Celebrity brand, but the time is right for me to start an exciting new chapter and turn the helm over to a new leader,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. “It has been my great honor to lead this brand and work alongside the phenomenal Celebrity shoreside team and crew. Together, our accomplishments have been extraordinary. I’m excited to now work closely with Jason on broader initiatives as we sail toward an even brighter future.”

Lutoff-Perlo’s remarkable career with Royal Caribbean Group began in 1985 with her first role as a district sales manager and she went on to trailblaze a legacy of firsts. Along the way, she also led Celebrity Cruises to record growth, revenue, and profit, and she championed the brand’s evolution into the incredible cruise line it is today. Under her leadership, Celebrity Cruises welcomed four new award-winning ships, and underwent the Celebrity Revolution, one of the largest fleet revitalization projects in the industry.

In 2005, Lutoff-Perlo became Celebrity’s first female senior vice president of hotel operations. In 2012, she was named executive vice president of operations for Royal Caribbean International, the first woman in the industry to oversee both hotel and marine operations. Two short years later, she was the first woman appointed to president and CEO of one of Royal Caribbean Group’s brands.

“I would also like to congratulate Laura for her appointment as the next brand president of Celebrity Cruises,” Liberty added. “With her operational experience, business acumen and deep understanding of our company and the cruise industry, I know Laura is the right person to lead Celebrity Cruises to its next phases of growth.”

Most recently serving as executive vice president, shared services operations, Laura Hodges Bethge has been with the company more than 23 years and has held senior positions in many different areas including product development, hotel and marine operations, sales, marketing, product innovation, market development and investor relations.

Hodges Bethge is an exemplary leader with a long history of success at the company. Previously, she was senior vice president of product development for Royal Caribbean International, and led the teams conceptualizing their groundbreaking ships, private island destinations, and new experiences introduced throughout the award-winning fleet, including the first island in Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day Island Collection – Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“Now 15 ships strong, this is an exciting time for Celebrity Cruises,” said Laura Hodges Bethge. “This year alone, we’ll be welcoming Celebrity Ascent, and reaching key construction milestones in the yet-to-be-named fifth ship in the revolutionary Edge Series. I look forward to building on the incredible achievements of Lisa and this world class team, as we continue to break boundaries and chart new courses in the industry.”

Irish Ferries charters Star from Tallink Grupp

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 April 2023 06 April 2023

Irish Ferries adds a new cruise ferry to its fleet. The ship, originally called the Star, was built in 2007 in Finland for Tallink Grupp. The ship will be renamed as the Oscar Wilde.

The Oscar Wilde will be the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea with a capacity of over 2,080 passengers, 134 cabins, and ample space with over 2,380 lane meters for cars, coaches, and freight vehicles.

"With the largest duty-free shopping space for any cruise ferry on the Irish Sea of more than 17,000 square feet, it will be an ideal shopping destination for those travelling between Ireland and Britain," Irish Ferries said in a statement.

The ship interiors have a classic, modern feel and boasts Freight Drivers facilities, Club Class lounge, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a bar, gaming facilities, pet facilities and family-friendly features such as a children's play area.

One of the most exciting features of the Oscar Wilde is its available speed. With a possible top speed of 27.5 knots, it is the fastest cruise ferry with the largest passenger capacity on the Irish Sea. This will enable Irish Ferries to offer tourism passengers and freight an efficient service, getting them to their destination reliably and comfortably.

Commenting on the new addition, Irish Ferries Managing Director, Andrew Sheen, said, "We are delighted to announce the addition of the Oscar Wilde to our fleet. This new ship will be a fantastic addition to our service, offering customers the very best in terms of comfort, speed, and amenities. Along with usual advantages of ferry travel in terms of no luggage restrictions or security queues, we are confident that the Oscar Wilde will become a firm favourite with our passengers and freight drivers, and we look forward to welcoming them on board."

The Oscar Wilde will initially enter service on the Rosslare-Pembroke route in early June, replacing the chartered Blue Star 1 for the busy summer period. Irish Ferries is now taking bookings on www.irishferries.com for the new ship with fares starting from just €246 or £206 for a return journey with a car plus 1 adult. With its impressive size, speed, and range of facilities, it is set to become the ultimate choice for those travelling between Ireland and the UK on the southern corridor between Wales and Ireland.

Princess Cruises announces new Winemaker Dinner with Caymus Vineyards

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 April 2023 06 April 2023

Caymus Vineyards and Cabernet Sauvignon are synonymous with wine enthusiasts globally as one of the most sought-after wines to pour and share around the table for special celebrations. Now Princess Cruises is working with this renowned winery to offer the exclusive Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner, available on Princess ships sailing North America itineraries by the end of April, including all Alaska voyages, and across all ships worldwide by late May.

Available in the popular Crown Grill specialty restaurant for $140 per person, the new Winemaker Dinner leverages the expansive expertise of Chuck Wagner, owner and winemaker of the renowned Napa Valley’s Caymus Vineyards, to deliver a five-course menu (see below), crafted to complement the tasting notes of his wines.

The dinner, available for 12 guests per seating, will be offered 2-3 times per cruise, based on voyage length, and interested guests can reserve their spot once on board.

“Our new Caymus Vineyards Winemaker Dinner further elevates the Princess culinary experience and wonderfully showcases the elegance of cruising,” said Sami Kohen, Princess vice president of food and beverage. “Our passionate culinary team and Chuck have curated what promises to deliver a deliciously memorable and tantalizing experience that will have our guests talking long after the last course and glass of wine are served.”

Wagner, along with the Princess culinary team, personally selected the wines paired with the multi-course menu served. In addition to Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, he has perfectly matched up the dinner courses with varietals from the family’s other offerings, including Caymus-Suisun ‘The Walking Fool’ Red Blend, Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay, Sea Sun Pinot Noir and Emmolo Sparkling.

“We have an appreciation for family, friends, delicious food and great wine, along with the many connections between them,” said Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards owner and winemaker. “We love how Princess also recognizes that cruise travel fosters deeper relationships with its guests and the destinations they visit by sharing experiences around the table, and we’re thrilled to pour our wines and share our passion through a specially curated dinner with this beloved cruise line.”

Caymus is a hands-on family affair which Wagner founded in 1972, alongside his late parents, when he was just 19 years old. After 50 harvests, he continues to make two renowned Cabernet Sauvignons – Caymus Napa Valley and Caymus Special Selection.

Chuck now works alongside two of his children, Charlie and Jenny, and the family also makes diverse wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California and beyond. Wagner is widely recognized for his winemaking and industry leadership, and all three Wagners continue to experiment with farming and winemaking, continuing the family legacy and commitment to excellence.

In addition to the new dinner, Caymus Vineyards is also working with Princess on a refreshed wine menu, and Caymus Vineyards will be the curator for the cruise line’s Crown Grill steakhouse, chops and seafood specialty restaurant, with wine pairing recommendations on the menu. Coming later this year, guests will have the opportunity to visit Caymus Vineyards in Rutherford, Napa Valley, and Caymus-Suisun Winery in Suisun Valley, Calif., on exclusive shore excursions offered on various California-based cruises.

Silversea launches two new Grand Voyages for 2024

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 April 2023 05 April 2023

Responding to strong demand for extended sailings that take travelers deeper into a given region, Silversea has launched two new Grand Voyages for 2024.

Silversea offers travelers the largest, most broad-ranging selection of extended voyages in ultra-luxury cruising. The highest expression of Silversea’s destination leadership, the cruise line’s Grand Voyages are an important product for the company and its guests, offering travelers an in-depth exploration of a specific region. From their diverse itineraries to the tastes of the dishes on board, the special events, and the commemorative gifts, every aspect of Silversea’s Grand Voyages is considered and tailored to create an unforgettable and meaningful experience for guests.

Silversea’s two new Grand Voyages for 2024 include:
– The Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2024 – 34 destinations, 13 countries, 43 days.

Departing Lisbon on October 4, 2024, aboard the Silver Spirit, Silversea’s guests will journey deep into the Mediterranean over 43 days, calling in iconic ports and hidden gems among 34 destinations in 13 countries. Travelers will explore the Iberian Peninsula, the Principality of Monaco, the stunning landscapes of Croatia, and the marvels of ancient Israel, among other storied regions. As well as calls in Barcelona, Rome, Monte Carlo, Korcula, and more, Silversea’s guests will enjoy overnights in Cadiz, Alexandria, Naples, and Jerusalem. The voyage’s focus will be on connecting guests with each destination’s authentic culture and rich history, through unique experiences and bespoke events. In Dubrovnik, Silversea’s guests will wander back in time through one of the world’s most spectacular medieval towns, accompanied by the famous Dubrovnik Guards in period dress, visiting the 15th-century Revelin Fortress for canapés, drinks, and performances from some of Croatia’s best entertainers. The sailing concludes in Athens (Piraeus) on November 16.

– The Grand Indian Ocean Expedition 2024 – 45 destinations, 12 countries, 66 days.
Silver Cloud will depart Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) on April 4, 2024, to unlock the off-the-beaten-path destinations of the varied and diverse Indian Ocean. Over 66 days, Silversea’s guests will discover the region’s unique wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and ancient history of 45 destinations in 12 countries, before arriving in Darwin on May 24. Before departure, all Silversea guests joining the Grand Indian Ocean Expedition will enjoy an included two-night pre-cruise overland program: the ultimate African adventure in Shamwari, a private game reserve in South Africa, where travelers will witness many of the continent’s most iconic wildlife species and enjoy the cruise’s Bon Voyage dinner reception. The Grand Voyage’s numerous highlights include an exploration of Madagascar’s verdant jungle, moments of relaxation on the remote beaches of the Maldives, and snorkeling and diving opportunities in some of the world’s most vibrant waters. In the UNESCO-listed Kilwa Kisiwani, Tanzania, Silversea’s guests will connect with local culture at the ruins of Malindi Mosque, Fort Gereza, the tombs of the sultans, and the Great House. They will learn about the lives of the semi-nomadic people of Vezo, who safeguard their ancestral way of life in Belo sur Mer, Madagascar. They will encounter some of the planet’s richest wildlife grounds, from the Seychelles’ Bird Island to the Addo Elephant Park in South Africa, where all manner of endemic species await. A discovery of Australia’s remote Kimberley Region concludes the adventure.

With these two new additions, Silversea’s collection of Grand Voyages for 2024/2025 becomes the largest in the cruise line’s history, comprising eight unique journeys:
– Grand Pole-to-Pole Expedition 2024
– Grand South Pacific Expedition 2024
– Grand Pacific 2024
– Grand Mediterranean 2024
– Grand Indian Ocean Expedition 2024
– Grand South America 2025
– Grand Africa and Arabia 2025
– Grand Asia 2025

Swan Hellenic takes delivery of its third newbuild from Helsinki Shipyard

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 April 2023 04 April 2023

Swan Hellenic today announced that it had taken delivery of SH Diana from the Helsinki Shipyard on Friday the 31st of March, and that its newest and largest ship is en-route in the Baltic and will pass the through the Kiel Canal tomorrow night.

SH Diana is now sailing to Palermo for its inaugural cultural expedition cruise, the ten-night Mysteries of Carthage and the Moors, which will take her guests to explore some of the most fascinating locations in North Africa before crossing the “Pillars of Hercules” to Seville and Lisbon. Departing Lisbon on the 25th of April, the nine-night Historic Ports of the Western Seaboard will see her hugging the coasts of Spain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands to reach Amsterdam.

Here on the 4th of May, a Christening Ceremony with US luxury travel industry icon Valerie Wilson as godmother will take place naming SH Diana in the traditional manner with a modern twist, sending her on her way in style to cruises of the Scandinavian fjords and a full Arctic season.

“We’re delighted to have taken delivery of this exceptionally beautiful and versatile new 5-star vessel,” said Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. “As the largest ship in our fleet, she is the first to be outfitted with large tender boats as well as expedition zodiacs, offering guests a wide variety of extraordinary in-depth experiences seeing what others don’t.”