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Carnival Corporation makes major executive leadership changes for Princess, Holland America and Seabourn

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 November 2024 25 November 2024

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company, today announced important moves within its global leadership team for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn.

Gus Antorcha, currently president of Holland America Line, has been named president of Princess Cruises, effective Dec. 2, 2024, replacing John Padgett, who is stepping away from the business in mid-February 2025. With the leadership change, Beth Bodensteiner, currently senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Holland America Line, has been promoted to president of the cruise line, effective Dec. 2, 2024. Both Antorcha and Bodensteiner will report to Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Bodensteiner will also have executive responsibility for the company's ultra-luxury Seabourn cruise line as the brand welcomes Mark Tamis back to Carnival Corporation as its new president replacing Natalya Leahy, who has served in various capacities through her career at Carnival, rising through the ranks as CFO of Holland America Line and Seabourn, then taking on the role of chief operations officer for the former Holland America Group and then becoming Seabourn President. We wish her good luck in the new position she has accepted outside of the company, and we are appreciative of all her contributions during her time with us.

"Gus and Beth are proven leaders who reflect the talent and capabilities of our organization and who have a deep knowledge of our industry, our business, and what drives our success," said Weinstein. "Under their leadership, I have no doubt that Princess, Holland America and Seabourn will remain well-positioned for a bright future, and we look forward to the next chapter for these two world-class brands and their ongoing success."

Weinstein added, "I would also like to thank John for more than a decade of service and innovation, including developing and launching Princess MedallionClass, which revamped the Princess guest experience and set a new standard for service and personalization in the cruise industry and for travel and hospitality overall, as well as returning the Princess brand to its rightful iconic status within the cruise industry. John's dedication and impact have been significant. We wish him all the best."

"I'm incredibly grateful to the entire Princess Cruises team for their passion and hard work in making Princess a global powerhouse in guest service, personalization and innovation to give our guests priceless vacations spanning the world," said Padgett. "It's been an exciting journey, and I look forward to watching the continued success of The Love Boat with love, respect and admiration for the brand and all the shoreside and shipboard team members."

Antorcha takes new role in company

Antorcha will lead Princess Cruises, one of Carnival Corporation's most iconic cruise lines known globally as the inspiration for The Love Boat and for effortless, personalized MedallionClass experiences. As president, Antorcha will oversee all performance and operational aspects of the cruise line's global fleet of 16 ships sailing over 1.7 million guests annually to 330+ destinations around the world.

Since 2020, Antorcha has been at the helm of Holland America Line, managing all areas of the award-winning cruise line. After successfully guiding the company's return to full operations post-industry pause, Antorcha has led the cruise line to achieve a number of significant milestones, including amassing the largest single booking day in Holland America history and delivering the strongest financial results in 16 years. Prior to joining Holland America Line, Antorcha held various leadership positions with Carnival Cruise Line, including most recently serving as the cruise line's chief operating officer. He previously served as a partner and managing director for Boston Consulting Group.

"I have tremendous respect for the fantastic Princess onboard and shoreside teams and their dedication to creating memorable travel experiences, and it's a privilege to lead this remarkable brand," said Antorcha. "I look forward to working with the talented team and their travel partners, and to continue delivering the distinctly effortless, personalized Princess MedallionClass vacation experience that has made Princess so popular."

Bodensteiner brings decades of cruise line experience

A 20-year veteran of Holland America Line, as president Bodensteiner will manage all aspects of the award-winning, premium cruise line's business including its fleet of 11 ships sailing more than 500 cruises to over 450 ports in 110-plus countries and territories around the world. Previously, Bodensteiner served for six years as senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Holland America Line where she directed revenue management, deployment and customer service for the cruise line, while taking on increasing commercial responsibilities, including Holland America Line's global sales, product marketing, pricing and planning for Alaska Land + Sea Journeys, and integrated marketing, as well as commercial activities for the company's ultra-luxury Seabourn brand.

Among Bodensteiner's many accomplishments, she spearheaded the deployment and rollout of an advanced corporate-wide revenue management system, and helped drive Holland America's strategy targeting high-value, high-affinity guests, enabling the cruise line to generate incremental customer demand through a variety of high-profile collaborations, entertainment offerings and immersive experiences with organizations such as Top Chef, Audible, and Wheel of Fortune.

"After advocating for this amazing company for 20 years, I could not be prouder to take on the role of president," said Bodensteiner. "This is a tremendous opportunity to work together with my trusted leadership team to continue building on our rich history of helping millions of guests explore the world with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination."

Cruise and luxury hotel veteran Tamis joins Seabourn

Tamis brings more than three decades of ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel experience to his new role as president of Seabourn. He joins the company after serving as global president, Aimbridge Hospitality, leading the business and operations for its 1,500 hotels. Previously Tamis led hotel and onboard operations for Royal Caribbean International and served as senior vice president of guest operations for Carnival Cruise Line. He also worked for more than 20 years in the luxury and boutique hotel space with brands such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Ian Schrager Hotels.

"The most rewarding work in my career has been my time in cruise," said Tamis. "Combining that with my passion for creating the best vacation experiences in the world is a dream come true. I look forward to joining our team members, guests and travel advisors in building on what makes Seabourn special."

MSC World America to offer 19 stateroom options

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 November 2024 25 November 2024

MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC World America, will usher in a new world of cruising – complete with 19 types of staterooms – offering Caribbean cruises from PortMiami next year.

Guests sailing on MSC Cruises’ second World Class ship will find options ranging from balcony staterooms with ocean views to luxurious Duplex Suites and 1,600 square-foot Owner’s Suites in the MSC Yacht Club featuring a dedicated entertainment spaces. The ship also offers family staterooms, which join together to create flexible accommodations for larger groups.

MSC World America represents an important evolution for the cruise line’s successful World Class platform, with re-imagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the U.S. market. The new flagship will also be the first to feature seven onboard districts designed to let guests of all ages choose their own vacation adventure and get the most out of their time on board.

Each stateroom on MSC World America is designed with care and attention to detail, mixing MSC Cruises’ European style with American comfort to create the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day exploring ashore.

Stateroom highlights on MSC World America include:

Some of the ship’s most sought-after staterooms will be in the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept offering guests a world of privacy and luxury. The keycard-only access area provides the ultimate experience with exclusive privileges and private facilities, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and a dedicated gourmet restaurant, lounge, pool and sundeck, all within easy reach of everything a larger ship has to offer.

OWNER’S SUITES – Exclusive to the MSC Yacht Club on World Class ships are two ultra-spacious multi-room Owner's Suites, spanning more than 1,600sqft. The stylish suites boast a large bedroom with a walk-in closet, a bathroom complete with a full-size imperial bathtub, and a separate living-dining area. Each suite features a large private terrace with a hot tub and al fresco dining area.

DUPLEX SUITES – These lush suites, also in the MSC Yacht Club, provide ample space spanning two decks. The lower level offers a dining area, living room and guest bathroom , while the upper level features a main bedroom with its own bathroom. The suites also offer plenty of outdoor space for lounging and sunbathing, with some suites boasting a two-level private sundeck and a private hot tub.

CONNECTING FAMILY STATEROOMS – As a family-owned company, a key element of the MSC Cruises experience is to deliver an unforgettable getaway for families. Guests can expect to find a selection of flexible stateroom options, including the option to ‘connect’ staterooms together through internal doors, making a cruise the ultimate multi-generational vacation option.

PROMENADE VIEW BALCONY STATEROOMS – MSC World America’s balcony staterooms come in various layouts and sizes, including options overlooking the stunning outdoor promenade exclusive to World Class ships. These balconies put guests in the heart of the action, where they can soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

INFINITE OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS – Another World Class ship exclusive, these stylish staterooms offer a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balcony railing when open, connecting guests with the sea and uninterrupted views of the horizon.

Disney Cruise Line welcomes Disney Treasure during ‘Christening Spectacular’ in New York City

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 November 2024 23 November 2024

Disney Cruise Line welcomed its new ship, the Disney Treasure, during a spectacular waterfront christening celebration Tuesday evening on the Hudson River in New York City.

In a stunning display of storytelling like only Disney can do, the night sky above the Disney Treasure sparkled and danced with a larger-than-life light show depicting the stars and icons of beloved Disney adventures represented on board the new ship, including “Aladdin,” “Haunted Mansion,” “Moana” and “Coco.”

The dazzling tribute to the stories and characters was brought to life by a synchronized showcase of 1,000 drones set to a stirring medley of inspiring Disney songs. Award-winning singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks lent her own star power to the celebration with a powerful live rendition of “Live the Adventure,” the original anthem of the Disney Treasure.

“For more than 100 years, Disney stories have filled the world with joy and wonder, capturing the hearts and imaginations of generations across every continent. And since the launch of the Disney Cruise Line in 1998, our ships have become brand ambassadors that bring our world-class storytelling and the immersive nature of our theme parks to new audiences in new places all over the world,” said Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, to kick off the celebration. “We also know that at the heart of everything we do at Disney are the dedicated Cast Members and employees who create the magic that brings joy to millions of people around the globe, and we are proud to honor our employees as the official godparents of the Disney Treasure.”

The Disney Treasure Christening Spectacular culminated in the drones forming a 65-foot-tall champagne bottle that burst into a grand finale of bubbling pyrotechnics as voices from across The Walt Disney Company, the honorary godparents of the Disney Treasure who bring Disney storytelling to life every day, recited a traditional blessing to bestow good fortune on the vessel and its travelers.

“This is an unprecedented era of growth for Disney Experiences, and a dramatic period of expansion at Disney Cruise Line,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “We are more than doubling our fleet to 13 ships by 2031 so that we can bring Disney cruise vacations to even more families across the globe. With the Disney Treasure, we continue to deliver an unparalleled family vacation at sea through the magic of Disney storytelling. The memories our guests create onboard this stunning ship will last a lifetime.”

The Disney Treasure, sister ship to the Disney Wish (launched in 2022) and the Disney Destiny (setting sail in Nov. 2025), calls upon the bold and heartwarming stories of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks attractions to offer new and guest-favorite experiences steeped in the theme of adventure. These include an original Broadway-style retelling of “Moana;” immersive dining experiences inspired by Pixar’s “Coco” and Marvel Super Heroes; a splashtacular Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; signature fireworks at sea; imaginative clubs for kids of all ages; and an all-new collection of Disney Parks-inspired lounges for adults, including the first-ever inspired by the Haunted Mansion.

The ship embarks on its maiden voyage on Dec. 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. The Disney Treasure is part of a multi-year expansion of the award-winning fleet, which currently includes six ships and seven more ships on the way by 2031.

Albatros Expeditions welcomes new CEO Jakob Lunøe

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 November 2024 23 November 2024

Albatros Expeditions has appointed Jakob Lunøe as the company’s new CEO. With a unique background in the travel and technology industries, Jakob’s arrival signals a new chapter for Albatros as it continues to innovate in the world of small-ship polar expeditions.

Jakob Lunøe began his career in the travel industry, where he oversaw voyages across South East Asia, the Mediterranean and Africa as a tour leader. His background further extends to senior positions in the tech sector, where he honed his skills in digital transformation and customer engagement strategies. "I’ve always dreamed of returning to the travel industry, and Albatros Expeditions felt like the perfect fit," Jakob explained. "The focus on adventure, environmental awareness, and delivering unforgettable guest experiences aligns deeply with my personal and professional values."

Under his leadership, Jakob envisions Albatros Expeditions evolving into an even more dynamic and guest-centric company, deeply rooted in its Nordic and family values. "We're an international company with people from all corners of the world and the globe. But the core value of what we do and how we lead this is still a Nordic approach. We have a very flat hierarchy, open communication and strong awareness on sustainability.” Jakob notes. “My focus will be to combine our Nordic DNA with polar expeditions, offering a luxurious, yet accessible, Nordic expedition experience rooted in the beauty of polar nature".

Jakob also recognizes the critical role of agents in the company’s future success, particularly as the industry adapts to shifts toward direct-to-consumer bookings. "Our strongest collaborations with agents are partnerships built on trust and shared vision. We’ll be introducing new tools, like a real-time booking system, and expanding educational initiatives to strengthen these relationships. While direct sales will grow, agents remain invaluable for guiding guests through the complexities of expedition travel," Jakob emphasized.

Albatros Expeditions is excited to embark on this new chapter with Jakob at the helm. "With our shared passion for exploration and sustainability, I’m confident we’ll continue to redefine what it means to travel to the world’s most remote and beautiful places," he concluded.

Crystal unveils the first Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 November 2024 21 November 2024

Crystal has debuted the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea for guests aboard Crystal Symphony during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on the first night of the Chairmen’s Cruise in Venice, Italy. The arrival of the new casino follows the announcement of an exclusive collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), a leader in entertainment, hospitality and gaming. In addition to launching on Crystal Symphony, the upscale casino will soon be unveiled on Crystal Serenity, when she departs from Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 18. The brand’s elevated gaming offerings will also be available on all future oceangoing vessels, excluding expedition ships.

"We could not be prouder to unveil the first-ever Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea aboard Crystal Symphony this week,” said Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group Manfredi Lefebvre. “There was no better choice for a gaming partner than Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, founded more than 160 years ago and remains a global leader in the casino industry. I’ve known the team for many years and, like Crystal, they are fully committed to delivering upscale experiences that cater to the discerning tastes of travelers from around the world. The future is bright for both of our brands.”

The new casino is positioned where the Bridge Lounges were once located on each ship. Casino de Monte-Carlo offers guests unparalleled gaming options at sea, including slot machines, Blackjack, American Roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Measuring more than 1,000 square feet, the casino features 29 slot machines and 3 live tables on Crystal Symphony; while Crystal Serenity will have 32 slot machines and 3 live tables. SBM led the design of the new casinos to mimic the look of the original Le Casino de Monte Carlo. Additionally, guests will have access to Crystal’s premium beverage offerings, including specialty cocktails and a collection of global wines serviced by Avenue Saloon.

“It is a huge pleasure to inaugurate the first Casino de Monte-Carlo ever outside the Principality of Monaco, on Crystal Symphony, and I am very grateful to Crystal for making this dream come true,” said Stéphane Valeri, Chairman and CEO of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. “I am truly convinced that the ultimate cruise experience designed by Crystal combined with the Monte-Carlo expertise in gaming will strengthen our brands while creating unique moments. A big thank you to our mutual teams for this exceptional and successful collaboration to be continued, on Crystal Serenity and on new Crystal ships to come.”

Adds Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, “After learning how much our guests missed having gaming options onboard, we knew we could maintain the essence of the previous Crystal casino experience while infusing fresh elements into our brand and finding a partner that would ultimately exceed expectations. We are so proud of what we have accomplished in collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Like Crystal, the Casino de Monte-Carlo embodies sophistication and attention to detail, and we can’t wait to hear feedback from our guests who have been awaiting this next phase of our journey.”