Royal Caribbean International appoints new Head of Sales for Nordics

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 15 October 2025 15 October 2025

Royal Caribbean International last week announced the expansion of Sergio Arévalo’s role as Head of Sales for Iberia to also encompass the Nordics region, underlining the holiday brand’s commitment to further strengthening its presence across Europe.

Since joining Royal Caribbean in 2018, Arévalo has managed sales and marketing teams in Spain and Portugal, playing an instrumental role in driving sales growth and building strong trade partnerships across markets. In his newly expanded remit, he will lead sales strategy and relationships across both Iberia and the Pan-Nordics region, working closely with travel partners to grow business opportunities and deliver continued success.

Sergio Arévalo, Head of Sales – Iberia & Nordics, Royal Caribbean International, said: “It’s a privilege to expand my remit to include the Nordics, alongside Iberia. This region has a thriving travel trade community, and I am thrilled to build on the excellent work already being done. My focus will be working hand-in-hand with our partners to understand their goals, strengthen our collaboration, and create new opportunities together. With so much on the horizon for Royal Caribbean, I can’t wait to see what we achieve as a team.”

The regional sales team includes Bente Borvik, Senior Sales Manager for Norway and Finland, supported by a new Key Account Manager, and Christian Erikson, Senior Sales Manager for Sweden and Denmark, supported by Therese Engstrom, Key Account Manager.

The expansion of Arévalo’s role comes at an exciting time for Royal Caribbean, as the brand continues to invest in creating unforgettable holiday experiences. This includes the highly anticipated arrival of Legend of the Seas in Europe in summer 2026, which will offer an even greater choice of memorable holiday experiences for guests across Europe and beyond.

Karen Tucker, who has been holding the position of Sales Director Nordics for the past three years, is transitioning in the next few months to the company’s UK office in a new role as Commercial Marketing Director, EMEA.

Sapphire Princess returns from drydock with enhancements and new specialty restaurants

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 15 October 2025 15 October 2025

Following a two-week drydock in Portland, Oregon, Sapphire Princess has set sail unveiling new guest experiences, including the addition of two popular specialty restaurants – Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill. Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill will be open for guests starting November 16, 2025.

The 115,875-gross-ton ship, which carries 2,670 guests, underwent general refurbishments and enhancements, highlighted by the transformation of two venues into specialty dining experiences.

Following its acclaimed debut aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, Makoto Ocean has been added to Sapphire Princess, in place of the former Internet Café located on Deck 7. The restaurant brings the authentic artistry of Chef Makoto Okuwa’s Edomae-style sushi to sea. Guests can enjoy a premium menu of specialties, including truffle salmon, snow crab temaki, and toro tartare, alongside handcrafted cocktails such as the Genmai Negroni (a refined Japanese twist on the classic) and Kodai No Hana (blending yuzu juice with Doburoku, an ancient sake).

Another highlight of the drydock is the addition of the award-winning Crown Grill, now occupying the former Savoy Dining Room on Deck 5. The Crown Grill is a longtime guest favorite, serving premium aged beef, chops and fresh seafood. With warm, elegant design and attentive service, the restaurant has been recognized as one of the “Best Cruise Ship Steakhouses at Sea.”

Both dining experiences are priced at $60 per person and included as a specialty dining option for guests who book the Princess Premier package.

Upcoming itineraries for Sapphire Princess

Fresh from her revitalization, Sapphire Princess sets sail to Mexico before repositioning for a season of South America/Antarctica cruises, followed by Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages in spring and summer 2026. In fall 2026, she will sail a series of Canada/New England cruises.

In a historic first for the cruise line, March 2027 will mark the reunion of sister ships Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess in Japan. Both ships – built in Japan – will sail from the Tokyo region for Princess Cruises’ most expansive Japan season ever, running March through December 2027.

“With the addition of Makoto Ocean and Crown Grill, our guests aboard Sapphire Princess will enjoy two of our most popular dining experiences, elevating the culinary journey across her itineraries,” said Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage. “We’re especially proud to bring these enhancements as Sapphire Princess prepares for remarkable seasons ahead, including our historic dual-ship deployment in Japan in 2027.”

Ponant announces the appointment of Benoît-Etienne Domenget as Group CEO

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 13 October 2025 13 October 2025

Benoît-Etienne Domenget is appointed as Group CEO, effective November 3, 2025. He takes over from Hervé Gastinel, who is leaving the Group to pursue new professional projects.

With 25 years of experience in hospitality, luxury, travel, and tourism, Benoît-Etienne Domenget will have the mission to further drive the Group’s continued international development and further strengthen its hallmark of hospitality excellence, while honoring Ponant’s unique maritime savoir-faire and the industry’s highest environmental standards.

François-Henri Pinault stated: "I am delighted to welcome Benoît-Etienne Domenget. His extensive and diversified experience and expertise in strategic fields for our company will give him all the assets to make Ponant Explorations Group an ever-stronger and more innovative player in the luxury and responsible cruise sector. He will be able to rely on a highly talented team." He added: "We warmly thank Hervé Gastinel for his unwavering commitment to the Group. Under his leadership, the fleet has grown from 12 to 20 ships, and Ponant Explorations Group has successfully diversified its activities, in particular by entering river cruises and new formats such as the Spirit of Ponant."

Camila and Matthew McConaughey named godparents of New Star Princess

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 October 2025 04 October 2025

Princess Cruises revealed earlier this week that Camila and Matthew McConaughey will serve as godparents of the new Star Princess, carrying forward a tradition that has included cultural icons such as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren. The McConaugheys will christen the cruise line's most innovative ship, marking the next generation of cruising for Princess.

"We're honored to be godparents of the Star Princess," said Camila and Matthew McConaughey. "With Princess, it's not just a vacation – it's time well spent, families and friends coming together, meeting new folks, and making memories. This ship's got that spirit built right in, and we're proud to be part of her story from the beginning."

Camila and Matthew McConaughey, co-founders of Pantalones Organic Tequila, bring their dynamic spirit and creativity to this time-honored maritime tradition. Together they exemplify the values of passion, generosity and innovation that resonate deeply with Princess Cruises.

"We are delighted to have Camila and Matthew McConaughey serve as the godparents of Star Princess," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises President. "Their passion for life, dedication to giving back, and unmistakable charisma make them the perfect pair to christen our newest ship. With their signature warmth and spirit, Camila and Matthew embody the values that define Princess, and we are delighted to welcome them into our family in such a meaningful way."

Across the fleet, Princess serves signature cocktails featuring Pantalones Organic Tequila, founded by the pair, including the guest favorite 24K Gold Margarita. Their tequila is also part of Princess' Love Line Premium Liquors collection, which includes a selection of thoughtfully curated wines and spirits, offering both spirited selections and non-alcoholic* creations.

The 177,800-gross-ton, 4,300-guest Star Princess, sister to the award-winning Sun Princess, features 30 distinct dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings, and luxurious accommodations across a wide range of categories. Unique to Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection, an elevated private escape at sea with access to an exclusive restaurant; the Sanctuary Club, a tranquil, adults-only pool deck; and thoughtfully curated amenities that set a new standard for luxury at sea.

With over 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests can enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms. Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space; The Princess Arena, Princess' most technologically advanced theater yet; and The Piazza, the architectural centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows, and sweeping ocean vistas.

On October 4, 2025, Star Princess will debut in the scenic Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona before crossing the Atlantic to begin a season of Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale on November 7, 2025. Following her Caribbean season, she will sail through the Panama Canal heading west to begin her inaugural Alaska Season. 2025-, 2026- and 2027-Star Princess voyages are now available for booking.

Camila Alves McConaughey is an entrepreneur, NYT best-selling author, and founder of Women of Today. Actor and author Matthew McConaughey is known for his award-winning performances, best-selling books, and his off-screen philanthropic work.