Explora Journeys adds seven appointments to first ship team

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 07 November 2022 07 November 2022

 

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of MSC Group, has announced the appointment of seven new positions on Explora I, the first of its six ships, which is set to make its maiden cruise in summer 2023.

Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer, Explora Journeys said in a statement: “We are a step further forward in our vision to create a team of diverse and multicultural, luxury hospitality professionals. Embracing a customer centric mindset and culture, we are poised to provide intuitive and respectful hospitality as we continue our vision to transform luxury ocean travel. I am extremely proud of our team who are leading this critical phase of our journey and wish all our team members every success on their journey with us.”

Effective immediately, these new appointments are:

Heike Berdos, General Manager, formerly Hotel Director with Azamara Cruises where she spent fifteen years as part of the starter team to launch the new brand. Prior to this, Heike used to work for MSC Cruises as Shore Excursions Manager and held various guest service positions with Celebrity Cruises over 23 years culminating to her appointment as Hotel Director. Heike was born in Germany and raised in Algeria, Canada and Germany.

Simone Canessa, Staff Captain, started his career with MSC on board of MSC Rhapsody in 2005. The past seventeen years during his tenure with Costa Cruises, Simone held various position both onboard and ashore before being promoted to Staff Captain in 2021. He was born and raised in Italy.

Antonio Iaccarino, Chief Engineer, formerly Chief Engineer for five years as part of a 27-year career with the MSC Group where his career began as 2nd Engineer leading to promotions to 1st Engineer and Chief Engineer in both the Cargo and Cruise Divisions. Antonio was born and raised in Piano di Sorrento, Italy.

Salvatore Ciampa, Chief Engineer, formerly Chief Engineer for 3 years as part of a 20-year career with the MSC Group where his career began as a Cadet Engineer, progressing through 3rd, 2nd and 1st Engineer in the Cruise Division. Salvatore was born and raised in Vico Equense, Italy.

Further to the recent unveiling of the culinary philosophy, Explora Journeys has appointed a further three key positions to bring Head of Culinary, Franck Garanger`s, culinary vision to life throughout eighteen food and beverage experiences including eleven culinary across six distinct and vibrant restaurants, multiple bars and lounges, in-suite dining and a Chef`s Kitchen.

New team members are:

Frederic Godineau, Senior Executive Chef, formerly with Oceana Cruises where he spent six and a half years. Most recently spending five years as Senior Executive Chef, having been promoted from Executive Chef. Prior to joining Oceana Cruises, Frederic spent nineteen years in hospitality commencing at Le Crillon and The Four Seasons, George V and other prestigious hotels in France. Frederic was born and raised in Chemille, France.

Christophe Sapy, Corporate Executive Pastry Chef Explora Journeys. Formerly with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group where Christophe was Executive Pastry Chef for three years at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and previously as Executive Pastry Chef for 3 years at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand. Prior to this Christophe spent ten years in the Middle East with luxury properties at Le Meridien Dubai, Shangri La Qariat al Berry Abu Dhabi as well as being part of the opening of St Regis Saadiyat Island. Christophe was born and raised in Saint Étienne, France.

Jérôme Toumelin Corporate Executive Chef.  Formerly Corporate Travelling Chef de Cuisine for The Apollo Group for seven years, specifically working at sea with Regent Seven Seas and Oceana Cruise Lines. Prior to this, Jérôme spent six years as Executive Chef at Market by Jean-Georges in Paris. Jérôme, who was born and raised in the Loire Valley, France also spent his earlier career in St. Barts, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh and London.

Franck Garanger, Head of Culinary, Explora Journeys said, “We continue to attract and build a stellar team of award-winning professionals to bring our vision to life. Remaining true to our commitment to provide distinct and sophisticated culinary experiences where ingredients are hand selected to ensure only sustainably sourced are selected, we place integrity at the core of our vision. I am so excited to be working with a dynamic and creative team, focused on showcasing a culinary `Ocean State of Mind` for our guests”.

Celebrity Beyond officially named in Port Everglades

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 November 2022 06 November 2022

The newest and most luxurious ship of Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Beyond, set sail from Fort Lauderdale on November 5, kicking off its inaugural Caribbean season. Headlining the sailing’s highly-anticipated festivities was the ship’s official naming ceremony, led by her lauded Godmother and inspirational female powerhouse, Simone Biles, a 19-time World Champion, seven-time Olympic Medalist and most decorated American gymnast in history.

Helmed by the barrier-breaking Captain Kate McCue, the first and still only woman to be named captain of a "Mega" cruise ship, Celebrity Beyond’s much anticipated arrival to the U.S. ushers in a new era of cruising for the industry; coming on the heels of Celebrity’s new brand campaign that defines what a relaxed luxury resort at sea is. As it kicks off its inaugural season with rotating Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries visiting the sun-drenched beaches of Grand Cayman and picturesque vistas of Puerta Plata, guests will recharge as they are treated to luxury hotel- style accommodations, Michelin-level dining, and world-class wellness amenities.

“I can think of no one better to be the Godmother of this incredible ship than the G.O.A.T. herself – Simone Biles,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises. “This ship’s beauty, power, and resilience sets the standard by which all others will be measured. Simone’s determination, progressive nature, empowered attitude, and grace in the face of challenges make her such an inspiration to so many around the world. All of these attributes are why Simone Biles is perfectly suited to watch over Celebrity Beyond’s journey.”

“I’ve been waiting for this day to arrive for a long time and I am ‘Beyond’ excited to be able to share her with our guests. She is the gold standard by which other ships are built and embodies the meaning of relaxed luxury,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises President and CEO. “She is ‘FULL’ of wonder and excitement and our guests will undoubtedly feel reconnected to the world around them as they visit new destinations and immerse themselves in culinary experiences and wellness amenities not found anywhere else at sea.”

Alongside Liberty, Lutoff-Perlo and other Celebrity Cruises executives, Simone Biles officially named Celebrity Beyond in a beautiful ceremony attended by 2500 guests and media, capped by a live performance from award-winning singer and songwriter, Leona Lewis.

Simone Biles follows Reshma Saujani of Girls Who Code and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, who previously inaugurated Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Edge, respectively. Both women are renowned for their advocacy of women everywhere, inspiring them to soar above their limits.

“It is an honor to be selected as Beyond’s Godmother and to join such a distinguished group of strong, barrier-breaking women who have been named as Celebrity’s Godmothers before me,” said Simone Biles. “I appreciate the important message this designation holds in recognizing our accomplishments as empowering women, and I am honored to share the stage today with fellow brave, boundary-breaking leaders like Lisa-Lutoff Perlo and Captain Kate McCue.”

As the most decorated American gymnast in history, with 32 medals from the World Championships and seven medals from the Olympics, Biles is also the first American woman to win seven national all-around titles and is the first female gymnast to earn three consecutive World All-Around titles. As well as her more than inspiring gymnastic accomplishments, she has been included in important lists such as TIME’S 100 Most Influential, Forbes 30 Under 30, Ebony Power 100, amongst many others, placing herself firmly as a role model for women everywhere.

Holland & Knight wins $159 million judgment for Norwegian Cruise Line in faulty propulsion case

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 November 2022 06 November 2022

Holland & Knight recently won a four-week jury trial for client Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) that has significant implications for the cruise industry. On October 20, a jury convened in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida awarded NCL $159 million in its lawsuit against ABB Inc., a U.S. company, and ABB OY, a Finnish company, related to fraudulent and negligent misrepresentations and omissions ABB made about its propulsion systems (Azipods) that are used aboard many of NCL's cruise ships.

"The suit alleged that ABB purposefully misrepresented the reliability and safety of its Azipods, leading NCL to suffer Azipod failures. These failures caused NCL to lose propulsion and steering during voyages, imperiling the safety of passengers and crew, and causing substantial harm to NCL's reputation and business," Holland & Knight said in a statement.

The final award includes $31.75 million in compensatory damages, plus an additional $31.75 million in punitive damages against ABB OY and $95.25 million in punitive damages against ABB Inc. To date, the award is the largest in Florida in 2022, according to Verdict Search.

"This is a case about fraud and negligent misrepresentation and omissions that ruined the cruises of tens of thousands of passengers and damaged NCL's business," said Holland & Knight Partner Alex M. Gonzalez. "The defendants knew that they had a problem with a critical component that impacted the safety of countless passengers and crew, and they hid and lied about it. This verdict sends an important message that you can't conceal or misrepresent critical information from customers like NCL and other cruise lines. NCL feels fully vindicated by this verdict."

Arnold Donald stepping down from Carnival Corporation & plc board

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 November 2022 04 November 2022

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company, yesterday announced that Arnold Donald, its former President and CEO, is stepping down from the Boards of Directors of Carnival Corporation & plc after more than two decades of service.

Earlier this year, with the successful return of Carnival Corporation & plc's fleet into service, Donald announced his decision to leave the CEO role, turning it over to his colleague, Josh Weinstein, who was promoted from chief operations officer into the role of President and CEO, with Donald continuing to support the company in the short term during the transition as Vice-Chair.

"I am extremely proud of all we have accomplished together these past nine years, including the critical roles played by the Board, the senior leadership and every person in this amazing company who worked tirelessly with unmatched commitment, dedication and ingenuity to put our company, following the global pandemic's industry impact, in a position to continue the sustained success we were enjoying," said Donald. "It is an honor and a privilege to serve this great company, and after 21 years of serving on the Board, I feel the time is right for me to step aside, making room for others to enjoy the experience of contributing their leadership to our company while providing me increased flexibility to contribute outside of Carnival Corporation.”

Micky Arison, Chair of the Boards of Directors of the corporation, praised Donald, thanking him for his leadership and successful efforts over the years.

"In working closely with Arnold for more than 20 years, I have the utmost respect for him as a person and as a professional," said Arison. "He leads by example, listens intently, acts with integrity and puts a strong emphasis on supporting everyone around him. Arnold connects deeply with people and has an extraordinary ability to communicate, which has made him one of the most important and influential voices in our industry."

Randy Weisenburger, a fellow Board member and Lead Independent Director, echoed Arison's appreciation.

"Arnold came in with a fresh point of view and an infectious, positive attitude, and he was able to build on Carnival Corporation's long-term success," said Weisenburger. "We have such great respect for Arnold as a colleague and a proven leader with a strong track record of success -- and the company has seen impressive accomplishments during his time, expanding the cruise market and accelerating our growth trajectory as the largest cruise operator in the world."

Donald, 67, began serving on Carnival Corporation's Board of Directors in 2001 and Carnival plc’s Board of Directors in 2003, and he took on the role as President and CEO in July 2013.

Donald’s resignation is effective November 30, 2022.

Donald has agreed to continue to provide counsel and advice to the company and its Boards through a consulting agreement from December 1, 2022 through February 25, 2025. Under the terms of the consulting agreement, Donald will receive $1 million per year as compensation for all services provided to the companies along with health care coverage for him and his spouse. During the term of the consulting agreement and for six months thereafter, Donald is prohibited from providing any services to a direct competitor of the companies or any other cruise line.