Lindblad Expeditions Holdings appoints Leahy as CEO, Goldberg as CFO

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 10 December 2024 10 December 2024

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, today announced two key executive appointments: Natalya Leahy (photographed below) will join as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Jan. 1, 2025, and Rick Goldberg has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Dec. 31, 2024.

"As Lindblad Expeditions moves into its 46th year, I am delighted and confident that the leadership of Natalya Leahy as CEO and Rick Goldberg as CFO will represent an energized, talented and experienced partnership, leading the Company into our next phase of growth in the experiential travel space both at sea and on land," said Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and current CEO of Lindblad Expeditions and a member of the Board. "I look very much forward to, along with my fellow Board members, supporting Natalya and Rick to maintain and strengthen our position as the leaders in this rapidly growing sector of the travel industry and creating meaningful value for all of our stakeholders."

Leahy most recently served as President of Seabourn, where she was responsible for all aspects of the luxury cruise line’s business and operations, leading a global team of more than 4,000 shoreside and seagoing employees. Prior to taking on the role of President, Leahy spent several years serving in various leadership positions at Holland America Group, including Chief Operations Officer (COO) and CFO, respectively. Throughout her career, Leahy served in various leadership roles for global organizations, such as The Procter & Gamble Company, United Nations, and The Coca-Cola Company.

Goldberg currently serves as CFO of Founders Table Restaurant Group, where he has led all aspects of the high-growth, fast-casual restaurant company’s finance, real estate and development, franchising, and customer insights, since 2021. Previously, Mr. Goldberg also held various leadership positions, including CFO, at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., one of the largest providers of assisted tax preparation services in the United States.

"We are excited to welcome two exceptional leaders whose experience, drive, skill sets, and values perfectly align with our vision and mission,” said Mark D. Ein, current Chairman of the Board. “Natalya’s extensive background in senior leadership across global travel and iconic brand-focused companies, combined with Rick’s broad experience as a senior finance leader, will bring invaluable perspectives to our team. Their proven success and dedication to excellence will be instrumental in driving operational and financial performance, achieving our ambitious growth objectives, and delivering lasting value to our stakeholders.”

“I’m excited and humbled by the opportunity to lead such a purpose-driven organization like Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising and the undisputed expert in adventure travel,” said Leahy. “Nearly 50 years ago, Lindblad Expeditions created the expedition travel category, serving as a beacon of authentic, immersive, and responsible exploration. I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of travel, and Lindblad Expeditions is uniquely creating life-changing experiences for sophisticated travelers eager to explore the Earth’s most extraordinary places in extreme comfort. I’m honored to join the talented team here and build on Sven’s legacy as we embrace the exciting opportunities ahead.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Lindblad Expeditions as the new CFO and to be a part of such a revered Company with a deep heritage,” said Goldberg. “With a strong financial foundation and impressive growth trajectory ahead, I look forward to delivering long-term value for our shareholders while creating exceptional guest experiences together with Lindblad Expeditions’ talented leadership team.”

Leahy succeeds Lindblad Expeditions’ Founder, Lindblad, who will become Founder and Co-Chair of the Board. Ein will become Board Co-Chair as well as Lead Independent Director. Rick Goldberg succeeds L. Dyson Dryden, who has served as interim CFO since June 2024, and continues his long-standing position as a Board Director.

Ikenobo Ikebana officially names Mitsui Ocean Fuji in traditional maritime ceremony

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 08 December 2024 08 December 2024

In a traditional maritime ceremony at the Tokyo Bay port, Ikenobo ikebana Headmaster Designate Senko Ikenobo officially welcomed the newest Mitsui Ocean Cruises ship, by naming her Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

The commemorative event took place onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji in the Ocean Stage theater and Senko Ikenobo, alongside CEO and President Tsunemichi Mukai and Captain Kim Karlsson, warmly wished the ship “fair winds and following seas” for a prosperous journey sailing to unique and beautiful destinations in Japan and beyond. To culminate the celebration, she released a bottle of sake that shattered against the ship, wishing good fortune to all guests and crew sailing onboard.

Senko Ikenobo is the first woman appointed as Headmaster Designate of the Ikenobo School, recognized as the oldest and most influential school of ikebana, the time-honored Japanese art of flower arranging. The Ikenobo tradition of ikebana emphasizes a philosophy of creating harmony between humans and nature and cultivating mindfulness. On this day, the stage was decorated with an ikebana created by Senshu Ikenobo, the head of the Ikenobo Youth Club (and the son of Senko Ikenobo). The ikebana expresses the beauty of nature, as well as the promise of deepening the connection and trust between Mitsui Ocean Cruises and the people living in the communities Mitsui Ocean Fuji will visit. The ikebana added to the beauty of Japan of Mitsui Ocean Fuji's memorable ceremony, which offers “FUNATABI – Beautiful Encounters with Japan.”

Fleetmate, Nippon Maru, was also in port to greet Mitsui Ocean Fuji, and guests onboard both ships waved flags, as the ships festively exchanged three horn salutes, symbolizing the “Mitsui” (three bars) motif in the cruise line’s brand mark.

Takeshi Hashimoto, Representative Director, President, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and several other stakeholders were also joined to naming ceremony to celebrate the debut of Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

Mukai, CEO and President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, remarked: “Senko Ikenobo is highly admired for her dedication and passion for meticulous ikebana artistry in Japan, making her the perfect choice to name Mitsui Ocean Fuji. With her well wishes for a prosperous life and happy and sustainable future, guests will enjoy beautiful encounters with Japan and an authentically and carefully crafted cruise experience blending our distinct Japanese culture with inspiring and unique ways to value time and space.”

On sale now, Mitsui Ocean Fuji is sailing a series of Debut Cruises (December 2024-January 2025), including a special New Year’s sailing; Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); and a 66-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025).

The 32,477-ton Mitsui Ocean Fuji offers spacious guest venues, traditional omotenashi service, delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call.

Cunard unveils makeover for Queen Elizabeth ahead of Miami-Caribbean and Alaska seasons in 2025

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 December 2024 07 December 2024

Cunard has announced an era-defining refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth, paving the way for its inaugural Caribbean program sailing from Miami and its debut Alaska season from Seattle in 2025.

The 2,000-guest ship will undergo a significant refit from February 25 to March 13, 2025, in Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore, preparing her for a new Alaska season from Seattle in June and a debut voyage from Miami to the Caribbean on October 16. The Caribbean season will begin with a 12-night roundtrip sailing from Miami, offering guests the chance to visit Bridgetown’s UNESCO- listed Garrison and bustling markets of Castries, St Lucia.

For the first time in Cunard’s history, one of their iconic fleet will spend the full season in Miami, and Queen Elizabeth will offer a dedicated program of roundtrip Caribbean voyages with itineraries ranging from 9 to 28 nights. Guests will enjoy idyllic escapes to iconic destinations, including Montego Bay in Jamaica, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and St John’s in Antigua.

Queen Elizabeth’s transformation will feature refreshed signature interiors and exteriors designed to capture both tranquility and vibrancy. Signature spaces such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion will be thoughtfully revitalized, connecting guests to the ocean while providing the perfect space to relax or enjoy al fresco dining.

As part of Queen Elizabeth’s transformation, the Grills experience – a hallmark of Cunard’s luxury offering – will be elevated to new heights. Guests staying in the exclusive Grills suites will enjoy enhanced interiors and exteriors, featuring sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing, and thoughtful design to deliver the ultimate in comfort and style.

The Grills dining experience will also be enhanced by a special menu crafted exclusively for Grills guests by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. Launching on Queen Elizabeth following her refit, this three-course Gala Evening menu – which currently features across the Cunard fleet – will include expertly curated dishes designed to celebrate the finest culinary experiences at sea.

Michel Roux said: “Crafting exclusive new menus for Cunard’s Grills guests is an extraordinary privilege. This project allows me to blend my passion for fine dining with the timeless elegance and sophistication that define the Cunard Grills experience. Each dish is carefully created to celebrate the finest ingredients, ensuring every meal is as special as the voyage itself. I’m incredibly fond of my partnership with Cunard, and I’m really excited to continue this luxury collaboration in 2025.”

Another standout feature of the refurbishment is the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café, which debuted earlier this year on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne. This wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining, with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.

Guests can also enjoy the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, first seen on Queen Anne. This innovative program offers three-day packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery, providing a rejuvenating journey at sea.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “As Queen Elizabeth prepares for her highly anticipated debut seasons in the Caribbean from Miami and Alaska from Seattle, this transformation marks an exciting new chapter for Cunard. Inspired by the beauty of these extraordinary destinations, the ship’s revitalization will seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern comforts, creating an unparalleled guest experience.

“We are especially excited to introduce the exclusive Gala Evening menu, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. This remarkable addition will elevate the Grills dining experience to even greater heights, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”

Paul Gauguin set for multi-million-dollar refurbishment

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 05 December 2024 05 December 2024

Paul Gauguin Cruises – French Polynesia’s destination expert – has announced that the 330-guest Paul Gauguin will undergo an extensive refurbishment during a seven-week drydock in Singapore, February-March 2025. The multi-million-dollar project will introduce sustainable technology upgrades, a contemporary new look for its popular Le Grill restaurant, a reimagined pool deck complete with shaded cabana areas, eight new connecting staterooms, and the updating of soft furnishes throughout the ship.

“Our vision for this refurbishment is deeply rooted in our ongoing commitment to delivering an authentic experience that reflects the beauty and culture of French Polynesia,” said Hervé Gastinel, CEO & Chief Sustainability Officer of Ponant Explorations Group. “The ship is beloved by our guests and the local community, and we continue to invest in The Gauguin’s elegant design while integrating advanced, more sustainable technologies to minimize the environmental footprint – an area in which the Group continues to lead. With her year-round presence in the Islands of Tahiti, The Gauguin is more than a vessel; she is a key member of the Polynesian community, reflecting our profound connection to this region and its people.”

Leading the design is Stirling Design International, a globally recognized leader in transportation design, whose thoughtful approach perfectly aligns with Paul Gauguin Cruises’ vision of artful and authentic discovery. Since 1984, the studio has spearheaded the design of Ponant Explorations Group’s new-build fleet. Their expertise shines through in the design for the ship’s reimagined interiors and open decks, where intricate latticework and canvas elements will harmonize with warm wood finishes, seamlessly blending with the natural light and stunning tropical surroundings.

Highlights of The Gauguin refurbishment include:

– Connecting Staterooms: Eight new connecting staterooms on Deck 7​ will appeal to the growing multi-generational travel boom; a trend that Paul Gauguin Cruises anticipated when launching its highly successful Moana Explorer Program in 2020 in partnership with Te mana o te moana, a South Pacific marine education and conservancy foundation. The Gauguin remains the only cruise ship in French Polynesia year-round to offer a complimentary program for children ages six to 15 on select summer and holiday voyages.

– Le Grill: Offering floor-to-ceiling views of islands and sea, this inviting indoor/outdoor restaurant adjacent to the pool will get a top-to-bottom makeover featuring a sleek, contemporary look in white with wood screens, ceramic tiles, and trim framing culinary stations, and soft oak wood furnishings crowned by stylish bamboo light fixtures. This is where guests enjoy open-seating breakfast buffets, causal lunches dining on grilled favorites and salads, and dinners by reservation showcasing an authentic menu of Polynesian and international specialties.

– Pool Deck: A sweeping new white canopy will shade cabana-like seating on the port side of the newly refinished teak pool deck, while the façade of the pool itself will be wrapped by a new mosaic banner. Ample white chaise loungers will surround the space, ensuring blissful moments of sunshine and scenery.

– Pool Bar: Amplifying the chic new pool space, the Pool Bar will receive the same white wood-carved screens as Le Grill, as well as new lighting for a subtle evening glow.

– Soft Good Enhancements: Throughout the ship, both public spaces and staterooms will see reupholstered furnishings and new carpeting in a tropically chic color palette as well as woodwork restorations.

– Sustainable Technology Upgrades: The refurbishment will introduce cutting-edge sustainable technology to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Energy performance upgrades will include advanced heat recovery systems, efficient chillers, an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system generating electricity from heat, and optimized electric motors, significantly reducing energy consumption. A new seawater treatment system will produce fresh water onboard, while the Nordaq filtration system that produces drinking water from seawater helps eliminate plastic water bottles, minimizing single-use plastics. Waste management enhancements include a glass crusher and a cardboard compactor for efficient recycling.

As a tribute to its parent company, Ponant Explorations Group, the ship’s stack will now feature the iconic Ponant three-sail logo, crafted in polished steel and illuminated with LED backing for a striking nighttime display. Additionally, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ signature scripted “P” logo will take a prominent position on Deck 8 forward, while the sleek white hull will receive modern gray accents. These design elements underscore the shared values of the two brands, reflecting their unwavering commitment to authenticity and the mariner’s spirit of adventure.

Emerging from drydock at the end of March, The Gauguin will offer two unique voyages as part of its 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection – the 14-night Immersive Indonesia: Singapore to Australia, departing April 1, 2025; and a 16-night Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fiji, departing April 15, 2025 as the ship sails home to Tahiti. The Gauguin will then resume her award-winning roster of all-inclusive, luxury voyages offering 7- to 14-night journeys to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas.