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Royal Caribbean Group to hire thousands of Antiguans and Barbudans

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 May 2022 02 May 2022

Antigua and Barbuda Minister of Tourism and Investment The Honourable Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez was joined by Royal Caribbean Group, Vice President of Government Relations, Americas, Russell Benford to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Royal Caribbean Group to bring thousands of job opportunities to the people of Antigua and Barbuda in June.

In making the announcement, Minister Fernandez said, “Royal Caribbean is one of the iconic brands that is part of the foundation of cruise tourism in the Caribbean, and this initiative will not only see a huge cadre of our tourism professionals become gainfully employed while being ambassadors for our country, but it will further strengthen the partnership between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Royal Caribbean. It’s a win-win solution for all of us.”

The Minister also spoke of the Government’s careful and successful management of the coronavirus pandemic that gave Royal Caribbean the confidence they could hire the services of citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, knowing our people are vaccinated, fully trained and possess the skills needed to add value to Royal Caribbean’s operations.

“The relationship between Royal Caribbean and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda goes back well over 30 years,” said Benford. “We have supported each other through the most challenging times and signing this agreement demonstrates the strength of our partnership and will result in boosting the tourism economy.”

He added, “I take this opportunity to congratulate Minister Fernandez as well as our entire team involved in moving negotiations forward that will benefit the people of Antigua and Barbuda. This is a good day for the travel industry.”

In congratulating Royal Caribbean for its service to Caribbean tourism, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO, Colin C. James remarked, “Antigua and Barbuda have enjoyed a strong rebound in cruise arrivals in January and March of this year and Royal Caribbean has been a major part of that. This new partnership will impact hospitality employment opportunities for the destination in a positive way that goes beyond just welcoming cruise passengers to our shores.”

The employment initiative on Royal Caribbean’s ships will commence with a major job fair in St. John’s in June open to nationals and residents of Antigua and Barbuda. Opportunities for employment are in a number of positions such as the Marine sector which include junior seaman, junior engine man, assistant electricians; in the Operations Sector including storekeepers, cruise staff, youth staff, sports staff, laundry and restaurant attendants, bar waiters, wait staff, bakers, and butchers. In the specialty sector, vacancies are available for all positions in the casino, entertainers, photographers, and the list goes on. “This is the tourism industry performing at its finest”, James concluded.

Antigua and Barbuda will also receive the bonus of showcasing the talent of its people in a range of services. The new employees will be Antigua and Barbuda’s cruise guest ambassadors and further strengthen the existing Royal Caribbean partnership.

Meyer Turku reaches a satisfactory result

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 May 2022 02 May 2022

The Meyer Turku Group financial figures for 2021 were published today. The company's turnover was EUR 1.08 billion. It is somewhat higher than in the previous year, but the result for the financial year was a loss of EUR 17.0 million.

CEO Tim Meyer comments the result: “Exceptional times lasted longer than expected. The global effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, such as labor and material mobility, affected our operations as well. However, despite significant challenges, we were able to keep our production and processes running. In the spring of 2021, we also launched a major transformation program in Turku and Papenburg to increase our cost efficiency and to ensure a sustainable profitability level.

Our customers see growth in the market after the pandemic, and our shipyard's order books extend to 2026. Today, the surrounding society, customers and ship passengers require action to enhance responsibility. Our focus will increasingly shift to sustainable shipbuilding.”

In December 2021, Meyer Turku handed over Costa Toscana to Costa Crociere. At the end of this year, another Carnival ship, Carnival Celebration, will be completed, followed by the Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of The Seas in 2023 and the TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7 in 2024.

New features on the Azamara Onward which will enter service in May

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 April 2022 30 April 2022

Azamara will introduce its newest ship, Azamara Onward, to the world in May and the company said it will offer guests fresh additions to its onboard venues and luxury retail spaces, as well as refreshed accommodations and new entertainment options for travelers to enjoy throughout their sailing.

“This is an exciting time for Azamara, and we are thrilled to be welcoming guests on our new ship,” says Carol Cabezas, President of Azamara. “Destination immersion has always been our main priority, and we are delighted to be bringing inspiration from the Mediterranean and beyond to all our onboard offerings and experiences for guests to connect with the culture of each port, even while we are at sea.”

Travelers looking to sail into spring and summer with Azamara Onward can expect:

New onboard venues showcase innovation and authenticity:

A new addition to the Azamara family, and exclusive to Azamara Onward, is Atlas Bar. The specialty venue brings a unique concept onboard, offering innovative artisanal cocktails created using the latest techniques from smoking domes to nitro-infusions. Fresh squeezed juices and handmade syrups elevate the flavors of the curated list of cocktails including the Grand Bazaar, London Fog Martini, Tuscany delight, among others.

"While trendy, upscale cocktails will be the focal point at Atlas Bar, guests can also enjoy an exotic premium menu of small plates served hot and cold, including beef tartare topped with caviar and shaved truffle, smoked lobster crudo, and more," the company said.

Azamara Onward will also offer an exclusive addition to its specialty restaurant, Aqualina, with a new Chef’s Table. Guests can enjoy a seven-course culinary journey of beautifully presented dishes that capture the flavor and essence of some of the destination’s most authentic dishes.

Luxury mementos for a trip to remember:

Guests looking to take home a souvenir from their voyage can explore the ship’s retail section, in partnership with Starboard Cruise Services. The world’s leading luxury vacation retailer at sea offers a highly curated, distinct assortment of resort wear and travel accessories along with local, hand-crafted artisanal finds for guests onboard. The retail program will bring destination immersion to life through Starboard’s ever-evolving collections and experiences, including a standalone destination shop featuring goods from Spain, Italy, Greece, France and Portugal for Azamara Onward’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean.

Seaside sanctuaries:

Guests traveling aboard Azamara Onward can experience a variety of exclusive benefits in addition to the modern accommodations of its stylish staterooms or spacious suites with butler service. Both accommodations offer 24-hour room service and are the perfect retreat following a long day ashore, whether exploring independently or on one of Azamara’s inmersive shore excursions. In addition to ocean views, staterooms offer plush cotton slippers, bath products and fresh flowers upon arrival.

Signature Shows

Azamara is proud to present four brand-new Signature Shows premiering on Azamara Onward to keep guest of all ages grooving all night long. Led by its Signature Singers & Dancers, these new shows will offer bold entertainment with a wide variety of music styles, including: Club Crooner, offering the classics from Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett to more current artists such as Natalie Cole and Michael Bublé; Amped Up, offering a fun evening of the hottest classic rock sounds of the 70s; Wanderlust, highlighting an eclectic mix of sounds from around the world; and Groove Tonight, offering a psychedelic disco soundtrack that is sure to get guests out on the dance floor.

Additionally, Azamara will be expanding its orchestra with acoustic and electric guitars and will offer local performances on select sailings to provide guests a true sense of the destination’s cultural entertainment. Azamara will also continue its onboard Destination Celebration events, the cruise line’s immersive evening programming which brings the unique culture of the destination directly onboard. Following Azamara Onward’s inaugural season throughout Europe, the cruise company will reintroduce its signature AzAmazing Evenings for guests, which bring these cultural evening events off ship for an even more immersive destination experience, the company said in a statement.

The ship is one of the eight R class vessels, built for the now defunct Renaissance Cruises in 1999. It underwent major upgrade before entering service with Azamara. The company already operates three other of these 30,277 gross ton ships.

Virgin Voyages to operate Australia season 2023-24

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 April 2022 27 April 2022

Virgin Voyages, the Miami based cruise operator in Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, will operate a season of cruises in Australia and New Zealand next year.

The company will send the 2,770 passenger capacity Resilient Lady to operate a series of two to 14 nights cruises, with Melbourne as its base. The season will run from December 2023 to March 2024, the company said.

Resilient Lady is the third of four identical 108,000 gross ton ships the company is building at Fincantieri in Italy. It is scheduled to be completed later this year.

Carnival appoints Josh Weinstein President and CEO

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 April 2022 26 April 2022

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company announced that effective August 1st, Josh Weinstein (age 48), currently Chief Operations Officer for the company, will assume the role of President and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc

From the same date, Arnold Donald, currently President and Chief Executive Officer, is being appointed Vice Chair and member of the Boards of Directors, 'the company said in a statement.

"Josh is a proven executive who is well-respected throughout the company, serving in key leadership roles, driving strong business results during his tenure and playing an integral part in stewarding the company through the global pandemic," Donald said. "Josh's thorough understanding of our industry, operations and business strategy puts him in a tremendous position to lead the next phase of our company's journey. With his vision, intensity and core values truly aligned to those of our company, I cannot think of anyone better suited for this role than Josh."

A 20-year veteran of Carnival Corporation & plc, Weinstein has a long history of success in critical senior-level roles for the company. In his most recent assignment for the past two years as Carnival Corporation & plc's Chief Operations Officer, Weinstein oversaw all major operational functions including global maritime, global ports and destinations, global sourcing, global IT and global auditing. During this time, he also oversaw Carnival UK, the operating company for P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard, which he previously managed directly for three years as president.

Prior to his role with Carnival UK, Weinstein was treasurer for Carnival Corporation & plc for 10 years from 2007 to 2017, overseeing the treasury, tax, insurance and financial planning & analysis functions over this time period. From 2002 to 2007, Weinstein served as an attorney in the corporate legal department.

Weinstein said he recognized what a privilege it is to become CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc. "I am truly humbled to take up the role of CEO and am honored to lead such a talented team of over 100,000 ship and shoreside team members who do such an incredible job in delivering unforgettable, happy vacations to our guests, day in and day out," Weinstein said. "I have benefitted tremendously from Arnold's guidance and mentoring, and I would like to thank him, Micky Arison our Chairman and the entire Boards of Directors for their support. I look forward to building upon the company's successes as we move forward."

Weinstein is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the New York University School of Law. A native of New York, Weinstein and his wife have three children.