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Seatrade Cruise hosts its inaugural F&B@Sea event with plans to return in 2024

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 April 2023 10 April 2023

Seatrade Cruise, the industry’s leading platform for collaborating, innovating and connecting, held its inaugural edition of F&B@Sea, 28-29 March at Port Everglades’ Terminal 2. Inspired by extensive research by the Seatrade Cruise team and the growth of the global food and beverage market, F&B@Sea brought together cruise line executives, suppliers and vendors to meet, learn and discuss challenges, opportunities and expand horizons.

Throughout the event, industry leaders from Virgin Voyages, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and more, took to the stage addressing emerging topics and trends in the sector, including ever-changing supply chains, delivering unique passenger experiences and the demand for sustainable dining.

Top food and beverage trends identified to heavily influence shipboard dining in 2023/2024 include local gastronomy offerings reflective of cruise itineraries, options for sourcing sustainable seafood, demand from consumers for low to no-alcohol beverages, as well as interest in craft-spirit infusions and health supplement drinks. Technology is also predicted to play a major role with continued focus on convenience provided by ordering/menu apps, and AI for predictive ordering and waste management.

“For us, it’s really about changing people’s perception of what food and beverage at sea is really about,” says Cornelius Gallagher Jr., Vice President, Food & Beverage Operations, Celebrity Cruises. “I think that there is a preconceived notion that the cruise industry and the food onboard is all about volume and I think a big part of what we all do here is really try to change people’s perception and to try and educate and expose them to what can be.”

A highly curated line up of vendors and sponsors including Heineken, Campari Group, Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Rémy Cointreau, joined the marketplace alongside live cooking and cocktail demonstrations. Special features and attendee favorites included the Bacardi Speakeasy, Stella’s chalice engraving station and the Sundown Soirée networking reception.

“I think it (F&B@Sea) was a good opportunity to meet a lot of suppliers and potential partners,” says Paolo Raia, Managing Director of Procurement and Logistics at MSC Cruises. “I think that it’s something that can grow in the upcoming years, is full of opportunities – but for sure something that can help the cruise industry do it all.”

The event’s list of attendees included cruise line and food and beverage decision makers such as purchasing and sourcing managers, supply chain directors and managers, restaurant managers and executives of food and beverage sales.

With the conclusion of a successful inaugural event, F&B@Sea will return bigger and better.

F&B@Sea was developed in close consultation with cruise lines, food and beverage stakeholders, and culinary leaders with support from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and industry consulting leader MarkeTeam.

Holland America Line outlines its 150th anniversary celebrations

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 April 2023 08 April 2023

From a ceremony at an historic landmark with a special gift to shipboard gala celebrations and a toast around the world, Holland America Line is getting ready to celebrate a day 150 years in the making. The premium cruise line’s sesquicentennial birthday is April 18, 2023, and on that date, Rotterdam VII will arrive at its namesake city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to revel with local dignitaries, port officials and guests. Zuiderdam will be at Amsterdam, the Netherlands, that day and host an evening gala party on board for Grand World Voyage guests.

Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha will lead the celebrations. Also scheduled to attend the events are Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands, Rotterdam’s godmother; Ahmed Aboutaleb, mayor of Rotterdam; and descendants from two families of Holland America Line’s original founders.

“Holland America Line is a company that takes deep pride in our heritage and respects the role we played in history, so our 150th anniversary events honor our tradition while recognizing the brand we are today,” said Antorcha. “All of the festivities we have planned carry special meaning, and we’re excited to celebrate with so many individuals who have been a part of our story throughout the years, alongside our guests, team members and the people of the Netherlands.”

Upon Rotterdam’s arrival at Rotterdam April 18, the 150th Anniversary celebrations begin at Hotel New York, home to Holland America Line’s historic headquarters. The cruise line will present a commemorative 150th Anniversary bell — in the style of a traditional ship bell — to be permanently displayed at the hotel. At the event, Princess Margriet will follow Holland America Line’s ritual of blessing the bell before it is donated to Hotel New York.

In addition, an original share of the first Holland America Line stock shares will be presented to be kept as part of a special collection in the city of Rotterdam archives. At the ceremony, PostNL, the postal office of the Netherlands, also will unveil a 24-carat collectable 150th anniversary gold-foil stamp to commemorate the special milestone. Available for purchase throughout the Netherlands, only a limited edition of just 1,000 will be produced.

Following a Gala Dinner on board Rotterdam and Zuiderdam, the celebrations move to the Lido pool area with live music and a toast to the special day. Anniversary-themed parties also will be held on the nine other ships in Holland America Line’s fleet.

Brand new Mississippi riverboat passes sea trials

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 April 2023 07 April 2023

The newest riverboat for the Mississippi River passed sea trials this week and is on the way to New Orleans for its inaugural season exploring the country’s most iconic River. American Cruise Lines announced today, that it has accepted delivery of the American Serenade from Chesapeake Shipbuilding as scheduled. American Serenade is the 6th riverboat in the Line’s ground- breaking new series, and the 18th small ship built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding for American Cruise Lines. The 180-passenger boat will immediately join the company’s expanding Mississippi River fleet and will begin plying the famous waterway this month. American Serenade’s first cruise is set to depart April 20th from New Orleans, and American Cruise Lines plans to christen the new riverboat during its inaugural cruise on April 23rd while visiting Vidalia, Louisiana.

“American Serenade shows our continued commitment to small ships for America’s rivers. She has the same spacious features as her five sisterships and a design package that wows everyone who boards,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. Introduced just a few months after American Symphony and just a few months before American Eagle, the new ship is a testament to the Line’s rapidly increasing production capability.

Accommodating 180 guests, American Serenade features 5 decks and offers 100% private balcony staterooms, including suites and singles. The new riverboat has an elegant interior design which incorporates a stunning use of glass, allowing for unparalleled views throughout the ship. American Serenade also showcases American’s patented opening bow and retractable gangway, as well as an open-air 5th deck skywalk with an ellipse that cantilevers dramatically over the café below. American Serenade also offers spacious lounges both inside and out, a grand dining room, casual café, and fitness center.

American’s small ship fleet has continued to expand year after year, as the company continues to introduce ground-breaking small ship designs with exceptional accommodations that enhance guests’ experiences on the Mississippi River, the Columbia & Snake Rivers, and across the U.S.A. This year, the company plans to introduce 2 more small new ships for the U.S. market; two, 100-passenger Coastal Cats, American Eagle and American Glory.

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.