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Betsy O’Rourke appointed Chief Commercial Officer of Windstar Cruises; Dianna Rom promoted to Vice President of Sales

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 November 2022 03 November 2022

U.S. headquartered Windstar Cruises announced two new appointments to its leadership team today. Betsy O’Rourke joins Windstar’s team full time as its new Chief Commercial Officer and Dianna Rom is promoted to vice president of sales.

O’Rourke has been the Chief Commercial Officer for Xanterra Travel Collection, Windstar’s parent company, for 10 years and picked up oversight of the commercial functions of Windstar in 2020. O’Rourke’s move from Xanterra to Windstar puts her focus100-percent on Windstar and growing the brand in the marketplace. The small ship line’s marketing, sales and reservations teams report into O’Rourke who is responsible for the line’s overall marketing strategy.

Before Xanterra, O’Rourke was senior vice president of marketing at Royal Caribbean International. During her career she’s also led marketing teams at Wyndham Worldwide and the Travel Industry Association.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Betsy fully focused on Windstar moving forward,” said Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “She stepped up and ushered us through the challenges presented by the pandemic and her expertise has us poised for success in the luxury cruise market.”

Dianna Rom’s promotion to vice president of sales comes shortly after her promotion to Windstar’s senior director of sales. In her new position, Rom oversees the domestic and international sales team for the Windstar brand and is responsible for developing sales strategies and sales goals for the cruise line. All sales roles including groups and charters report into Rom.

Rom has been with Windstar for seven years in various sales roles. Prior to joining Windstar, Rom was the regional director of sales and marketing for Ohio State Park Lodges, formerly part of the Xanterra Travel Collection (Windstar’s parent company), where she led the sales and marketing team for eight hotels.

“Dianna’s sales acumen and knowledge of the travel and cruise landscape is so helpful to all of us at Windstar,” said Prelog. “She’s approachable and friendly. She has great relationships within the industry, and she’s an incredible asset for us as we work together to strengthen the brand and reach new to Windstar cruisers.”

O’Rourke will work remotely from Denver, CO and Rom works remotely in Ohio.

Royal Caribbean Group returns to profit on third quarter

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 November 2022 03 November 2022

Royal Caribbean Group today reported third quarter 2022 Earnings per Share of $0.13 and Adjusted Earnings per Share of $0.26. Third quarter results were better than expected and above guidance for the quarter mainly due to higher load factors from strong close-in demand, further improvement in onboard revenue and better cost performance. The Group also introduced the Trifecta Program, a new three-year initiative designed to drive superior performance.

“Last quarter's better than expected performance was a result of the continued robust demand environment and strong execution by our teams,” said Jason Liberty, president and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Group. "The combination of our leading global brands, the best and most innovative fleet in the industry, our nimble global sourcing platform and the very best people have delivered a successful return of our business to full operations and positions us well to deliver record yields and adjusted EBITDA in 2023," added Liberty. "The Trifecta Program provides us the financial coordinates we are looking to achieve over the next three years. As we have demonstrated in the past, we expect the formula of moderate yield growth, strong cost discipline, and moderate growth of our fleet will deliver a strong financial profile."

Business highlights

– Load factors in the third quarter were 96% overall, with Caribbean sailings reaching almost 105%.
– Total Revenue in the third quarter was $3.0 billion, Net Income was $33.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA was $742.3 million.
– Booking volumes in the third quarter accelerated versus the second quarter of 2022 and remained significantly higher than booking volumes received in the third quarter of 2019 for all future sailings.
– For 2023, all quarters are currently booked well within historical ranges at record pricing.
– During the third quarter, the company addressed $5.6 billion of its 2022 and 2023 debt maturities, resulting in $0.1 billion and $2.1 billion of maturities remaining in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
– Based on continued strength in consumer demand and typical load factor seasonality, the company expects fourth quarter load factors to be similar to third quarter overall, and to reach triple digits by year-end.
– For the fourth quarter of 2022, based on current currency exchange rates, fuel rates and interest rates, the company expects to generate Total Revenue of approximately $2.6 billion, Adjusted EBITDA of $350 - $400 million and Adjusted Loss per Share of ($1.30) – ($1.50).
– The Trifecta Program is designed to achieve three important financial goals by the end of 2025: increasing Adjusted EBITDA per APCD to triple digits, increasing Adjusted EPS to double digits, and achieving ROIC in the teens, while in parallel returning to an investment grade profile and reducing carbon intensity by double digits as compared to 2019.

Third quarter 2022

The company reported Net Income for the third quarter of $33.0 million or $0.13 per share compared to Net Loss of $(1.4) billion or $(5.59) per share for the same period in the prior year. The company also reported Adjusted Net Income of $65.8 million or $0.26 per share for the third quarter compared to Adjusted Net Loss of $(1.2) billion or $(4.91) per share for the same period in the prior year.

Third quarter load factors were 96% overall and almost 105% for Caribbean Sailings. As expected, total revenues per passenger cruise day were flat as reported and up 1% in constant currency versus the third quarter of 2019 despite the negative impact from the redemption of future cruise certificates (FCCs) and lower than average load factors on high priced Europe itineraries.

Gross Cruise Costs per APCD increased 1% as reported and in constant currency, compared to the second quarter 2022. Net Cruise Costs (NCC), excluding fuel, per APCD improved 11% as reported and 10% in constant currency, compared to the second quarter of 2022. Gross Cruise Costs per APCD and NCC, excluding fuel, per APCD for the third quarter included $3.37 per APCD related to health protocols and one-time lagging costs related to fleet ramp up.

NCC, excluding fuel, per APCD for the fourth quarter is expected to be higher by low to mid-single digits compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, all on a constant currency basis. The company still expects to have transitory costs in the fourth quarter, but are expected to normalize as the company is nearing full occupancies, full crew staffing levels, and adapting protocols. The improvement is partially offset by inflationary and supply chain challenges, mainly related to fuel and food costs, that are expected to continue to weigh on costs through the rest of this year and through the first half of 2023.

Finnish shipbuilder RMC to restructure its business

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 November 2022 02 November 2022

Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), the Finnish builder of ferries and naval vessels will restructure its business in the face of several challenges, the company said in a statement.

“The pandemic forced the shipyard to close down for weeks and prevented workers from coming in from abroad. The pandemic also disrupted global logistics by causing supply chain issues and delays. On the other hand, due to the war in Ukraine, inflation is soaring,” RMC said.

RMC has agreed on ship orders at a fixed price and construction work spans several years. “Our current agreements have been made before any of the events of the past few years. It is evident that the orders are now becoming unprofitable with all the delays and cost overruns,” it said.

The Finnish government has understood the strategic importance of the shipyard and is ready to ensure that shipbuilding expertise remains in Finland. The government has supported the continuation of the shipyard’s operations significantly by granting it an equity subordinated loan.

Focus on core competencies, naval work spun off to new unit

We have chosen to base our operations on a strong commitment to our network of subcontractors. The shipyard focuses on core competencies: project management, building the ships’ hull and assembly work. RMC works with a comprehensive network of subcontractors – our network partners.

Furthermore, major changes have been made in the shipyard’s management team. Mika Heiskanen, who has earned his qualifications in Turku shipyard’s management, has been appointed as the new CEO. The new Chairman of the Board Stig Gustavson is a notable figure in the Finnish industry sector with decades of experience at the helm of industrial companies.

“The financial performance of Rauma shipyard for this year will not be an easy read. The new management team is faced with a difficult task: they must turn the ship around and steer it in a direction where the shipyard can make a profit. Although RMC’s strategy has been proven correct, its execution – or “float-out” as we say in shipbuilding – is still widely incomplete”, Gustavson said.

RMC’s new management must begin their work from a challenging starting point. The Board of Directors has set up a six-month plan during which the company must show clear indicators of the new direction.

The board has created a framework for development. According to the outline, the construction of military and other government vessels will be assigned to RMC Defence, a subsidiary of RMC. A CEO will be appointed for RMC Defence. The yard has four 3,900 ton displacement corvettes on order from the finnish government, these will be the largest vessels ever in the fleet of the country.

The board will continue to emphasise the strengthening of procurement and developing partner networks. The board also requires that the company’s organisational structure and allocation of financial responsibilities are clarified and implemented.

“The transformation process has begun, and it will be monitored closely. A thorough evaluation will be conducted after six months, in late March 2023. The board is fully assured that CEO Heiskanen will commit to his task on a 24/7 basis”, Gustavson said.

Silversea confirms its return to Asia, including Hong Kong

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 November 2022 02 November 2022

Silversea Cruises, the leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has confirmed its highly anticipated return to Asia, with four ships Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, Silver Spirit, and Silver Muse – scheduled to sail in the region between December 2022 and May 2023. The 596-guest Silver Muse will become the cruise line’s first ship to sail in Asia since March 2020 when she departs Singapore on December 2, 2022. Highlights of Silversea’s season will include calls in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, among others, combining opportunities for deep travel to both iconic cities and lesser-visited destinations.

“We are delighted to confirm our return to Asia from December 2022, offering guests the luxury of choice with four ships sailing in the region,” says Barbara Muckermann, Chief Commercial Officer, Silversea Cruises. “Asia has long constituted an important sailing region for Silversea Cruises and our guests are eager to return to this enriching, rewarding continent with us. Including calls to destinations in Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and more – with convenient departures, many overnight calls, and late departures maximising guests’ opportunities to experience the soul of each – our upcoming Asia season represents one of the final pillars in our global return to service.”

Enjoying the finest service at sea aboard Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships, which are among the most intimate yet spacious ships to sail in the region, guests will be immersed into Asia’s varying cultures and landscapes, discovering the continent’s most enriching experiences, and engaging with local communities. Silversea’s upcoming Asia season, which comprises 25 voyages that range from 10 to 20 days, includes the following highlight itineraries:

– MUMBAI to SINGAPORE – Silver Spirit, December 20, 2022 - January 5, 2023

Guests travelling aboard Silver Spirit’s first Asia cruise of 2022 will enjoy enrichments from celebrated travel writer Paul Theroux, who will accompany travellers from Mumbai to Singapore. A long-time collaborator of Silversea, Theroux will embark Silver Spirit over the festive period to host various onboard activities and interact with fellow travellers throughout the 16-day sailing. From Mumbai, travellers will dive deep into India’s rich culture in Cochin, before journeying to Sri Lanka’s Colombo on an overnight call, Trincomalee, Thailand’s Phuket overnight, Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur) in Malaysia, and Malacca, arriving in Singapore on January 4 for an overnight call.

– HONG KONG to SINGAPORE – Silver Spirit, January 19 - January 29, 2023

After time spent in iconic Hong Kong, guests will embark Silver Spirit on January 19, 2023, setting sail for Vietnam, with calls in Ha Long Bay overnight, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City for two nights, before arriving in Singapore. Over 10 days, the 608-guest ship will unlock unforgettable experiences for travellers, including a trip to the ancient town of Hoi An, a tour of the Mekong Delta, a descent into the Cu Chi tunnels, and an optional mid-voyage land programme to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, among others. A series of optional pre- and post-cruise land programmes will allow guests to journey deeper still.

– HONG KONG to HONG KONG – Silver Spirit, February 12 - February 26, 2023

Departing round-trip from Hong Kong on February 12, Silver Spirit will meander through the Philippines’ maze-like islands, before setting her course for Vietnam, complementing calls to vibrant cities with explorations of more remote destinations. Over 14 days, guests will have the opportunity to explore Vigan (Salomague Port), Manila on an overnight call, Romblon Island, Coron (Palawan), Chan May (Hue/Da Nang), Da Nang, and Ha Long Bay overnight. During an immersive guided tour, travellers will discover the UNESCO World Heritage City of Vigan, including the Plaza Salcedo, the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, and the fascinating architecture of Calle Crisologo. Guests will explore the metropolis of Manila with guided tours to Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, and San Augustin Church, the Quezon Memorial Circle, and the American War Memorial, among other highlights of the old city. A beach escape in Romblon and a boat trip to discover the natural wonders of Coron (Palawan) will highlight guests’ time in the Philippines, before Silver Spirit heads to Vietnam, where captivating culture meets spectacular landscapes.

– SINGAPORE to MUMBAI – Silver Spirit, March 8 - March 24, 2023

Guests sailing aboard Silver Spirit from March 8 will experience the great diversity of Asia, journeying deep into Singapore, Thailand, India, and Sri Lanka, with overnight calls in Chennai, Colombo, and Mumbai offering the chance to spend longer in iconic cities. Destinations will include Phuket, Chennai, Trincomalee, Colombo, Cochin, New Mangalore, Mormugao (Goa), and Mumbai. In Trincomalee, guests will have the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of the Rangiri Cave Temple of Dambulla, as well as visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa—also recognised by UNESCO—among a series of experiences that capture the soul of Sri Lanka. Guests will sample some of the finest seafood that the country has to offer during a visit to the Ministry of Crab in Colombo. Travellers will also have the chance to witness the breathtaking Angkor Wat temple during an optional five-night pre-cruise overland programme, or explore the Taj Mahal, Agra, and Delhi during an optional three-night post-cruise adventure.

Celebrity Apex to cruise from Southampton May-November 2024

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 November 2022 02 November 2022

Celebrity Cruises has announced that for the first time, one of its Edge® Series ships will homeport in Southampton, UK for its entire 2024 season.

“The second ship in the line’s award-winning Series - Celebrity Apex - will replace the recently-revitalized Celebrity Silhouette, opening up a new way for guests to explore Europe in style.

The exciting news brings one of the brand’s newest and most innovative ships directly to British shores, signaling the importance of the UK market in the fast-recovering cruise industry,” the company said in a statement.

Celebrity Cruises Vice President & Managing Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Jo Rzymowska, added, “The UK has always been integral to the success of our brand, and homeporting Celebrity Apex from Southampton underlines our commitment to this market and is testament to the strength of local consumer demand, supported by our formidable travel partners. There is huge appetite from UK guests who share our curiosity for people, places and cultures, and our passion for opening up the world through a love of travel. I’m looking forward to welcoming even more of our guests on board Celebrity Apex when she raises the bar for cruising from Southampton in 2024,” she said in the statement.

With four-to-13-night sailings from May to November 2024, travelers can delight in the beauty and culture of awe-inspiring Europe, whether for a short multi-city break or an extended adventure at sea, the company said.