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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines updates booking policy

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 October 2020 20 October 2020

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the UK based destination focused cruise operator, said it has unveiled an updated Plain Sailing Guarantee to give guests more flexibility around their bookings for 2021.

“The updated Plain Sailing Guarantee allows guests making a new booking for 2021 to move their deposit to any other cruise already on sale without any additional fees before they pay their final balance. Guests can also have their deposit refunded.

In addition, any guest who is unable to travel due to a positive Covid-19 test can move to any other cruise without any administration fees or penalties, right up to the day of departure, with up to 12 months to choose their new cruise,” the company said in a statement

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We know that so many of our guests are looking forward to cruising again just as much as we are, and we can’t wait to get back in the water and welcome guests, both old and new, on board our new look fleet from February.”

“But we also know that we are all still adjusting to this ‘new normal’ that we have found ourselves in, and as a result we want to make our booking process as flexible as possible. We want people to look ahead to their cruise holidays and get excited about them, without the worry of their circumstances changing.”

“Our updated Plain Sailing Guarantee allows guests to book a sailing for next year, knowing that they have the flexibility to change to another cruise – or even have their deposit refunded – before they make their final payment. With opportunities for travel limited in 2020, we have been working hard to make 2021 an incredibly exciting year, with a host of new itineraries as well as our two new ships, Bolette and Borealis. Creating flexibility and reassurance for our guests is a big part of that, too.”

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launched the original Plain Sailing Guarantee in April in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In late August, the company confirmed their ‘Back in the Water’ plans, with Balmoral to set sail in February, followed by Braemar and the two recently acquired ships, Bolette and Borealis, in March and April.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line plans to resume sailings on December 18, 2020

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 October 2020 16 October 2020

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced a voluntary extension to the resumption of its sailing operations. The official statement, delivered by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, is as follows:

“We’re very pleased with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to lift its No Sail Order on October 31st, 2020. The past few months have been an incredible challenge for the cruise industry at large, and we’re thrilled to welcome our guests aboard for what we know is a much-needed getaway to Grand Bahama Island.

While we are eager to return to sea, the overall health and safety of our guests and crew remain our top priority. Instead of returning to Grand Bahama Island onboard Grand Celebration, we’ve decided to return onboard Grand Classica, which features larger deck space and nearly 100 fewer staterooms. The guest-to-space ratio onboard the Grand Classica is one of the highest in its class and rivals many of our contemporary peers. This change, coupled with a capped capacity of 60 percent, will further ensure that our guests and crew members can easily maintain required social distancing onboard. We will resume cruise operations to Grand Bahama Island on December 18, 2020 onboard Grand Classica. We will announce details on our return to Nassau at a later date.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have remained one of the few cruise lines to report no cases of the virus onboard our ships. We have also followed all required guidelines, including adhering to strict requirements for our onboard crew members, and installed the best safety protocols in the industry across our fleet to protect our guests and crew, who are always our top priority.

We will continue to work closely with the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the Bahamian government as we prepare to return to Grand Bahama Island. We appreciate the unwavering support and patience of our partners and crew during this challenging time, and we look forward to welcoming guests back onboard soon.”

Dream Cruises to recruit Singaporeans to work on World Dream

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 October 2020 15 October 2020

With the recently announced debut homeport deployment and resumption of cruise operations of Dream Cruises’ World Dream, Genting Cruise Lines is also utilizing this occasion to reinforce its commitment to reviving sea-faring opportunities in Singapore and cultivating local cruise talent through new employment prospects and educational partnerships to provide more jobs for Singaporeans, during this difficult pandemic period.

On October 8, Genting Cruise Lines announced that Dream Cruises will be the first cruise brand to restart service in Singapore with World Dream, as it makes her homeport debut from 6 November 2020 onwards. World Dream will be the newest built cruise ship to homeport in Singapore, offering a series of brand new 2 and 3-night “Super Seacation” experiences for Singapore residents during the school and year-end holidays.

“Dream Cruises is looking forward to providing cruise travel options to the citizens of Singapore after the many months of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Michael Goh, President, Dream Cruises. “To provide our guests with the highest level of service and hospitality, we are looking within the Singapore talent pool to fill many different positions available on board World Dream. In the past, it was also difficult to recruit Singaporeans, who have many opportunities in the leisure and hospitality industry and cruise lines traditionally tended to use international crew. However, to help alleviate the severe job losses in the domestic economy due to COVID-19, Genting Cruise Lines is committed to hiring as many Singaporeans as possible to support the local economy.”

Continued Goh: “Historically, international crew on cruise ships have to work for eleven months with a one-month vacation. As World Dream operates short 2- and 3-nights cruises, Singaporeans joining as crew can work on the ship with shorter work arrangements that could allow them to see their families frequently. This will make it very attractive for Singaporeans who have lost their jobs in the travel industry during this pandemic.”

In the lead up to the inaugural cruise of World Dream, Genting Cruise Lines will be searching for talent to fill in excess of 100 jobs covering all aspects of cruise ship operations from Marine Officers to Cruise Operations and Galley Chefs, Media Technicians, various hotel and hospitality staff and special Cruise Ambassadors to ensure the best guest relations. The search for talent will encompass a broad local footprint ranging from ex-naval or maritime officers and crew to the hard hit food and beverage sector and the hotel and hospitality industry.

When World Dream begins her “Super Seacation” routes, short 2- and 3-night domestic cruises mean that the ship is never far from home. As Dream Cruises explores expanded itineraries when travel restrictions begin to ease in the future, regional itineraries will still provide ample shore time for Singaporeans at home versus sea days for crew members.

In conjunction with World Dream’s homeport deployment in Singapore and the immediate job opportunities provided by the resumption of cruises, Genting Cruise Lines also remains deeply invested in the long-range nurturing of talent for Singaporeans through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nanyang Polytechnic, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore Polytechnic, Temasek Polytechnic, Republic Polytechnic and the Institute of Technical Education. Under this collaborative effort, a series of joint activities, learning projects and internship programs will be made available to students and graduates who are keen to explore a career in the cruise and tourism related sector.

“World Dream’s debut in Singapore and her new itineraries will be a win-win situation for the local workforce and for Genting Cruise Lines as we are providing new career opportunities during these challenging times and for the future,” added Mr. Goh. “In addition to providing employment opportunities for Singaporeans, the restart of World Dream will also benefit all the associated businesses that support cruise operations and the trickle-down effect will no doubt be an important part of the revitalization of the Singaporean economy. Genting Cruise Lines is proud to play a part in helping Singapore on its road to recovery.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages announces three executive appointments

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 October 2020 15 October 2020

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced the appointment of three managing executives for the luxury adventure cruise brand. Christine Borrack has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer; Carlos Garzon is named Senior Vice President of Business Development; and Andrew Moris has been appointed Vice President of Guest Services. The three executive appointments are announced as Atlas Ocean Voyages continues to grow and prepare for the launch of World Navigator in July 2021.

“Christine, Carlos and Andrew’s appointments significantly strengthen Atlas’ management team,” said President Alberto Aliberti. “Christine has been pivotal in creating our financial framework and Carlos and Andrew bring their extensive industry experience to lead Atlas’ operations as we continue to expand through these unprecedented times. The three new appointees each have critical roles in managing our company as demand for our distinctive luxe-adventure expeditions continues to increase.”

Christine Borrack is promoted to Chief Financial Officer after having served as Atlas’ Director of Finance for more than a year. She has been instrumental in building the financial management framework of Atlas, as well as liaising with parent-company Mystic Invest and global investors. Christine has more than 15 years of experience in accounting, finance and operational management, and has played key roles in multiple company divestments and acquisitions with Cain Brothers, Ernst & Young and KPMH in her previous position as controller at Ambrosia Treatment Centers.

Carlos joins Atlas with nearly 20 years’ experience in Cruise and Travel Sales and Revenue Management, having worked for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. In his role, Carlos will lead the company’s revenue strategy and coordinate the strategic direction of Atlas’ commercial efforts. Carlos holds an MBA from Florida International University and is graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

Andrew Moris comes to Atlas with more than 25 years of experience in Contact Center management and is responsible for creating and leading the company’s newly expanded and reorganized Reservations department. He previously worked for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Alorica (PRC, LLC) and Sun International. Andrew will continue to elevate the Reservations Department; expand air/sea services; as well as foster and train the company’s talented team members to rise in the company.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a small ship, luxury adventure cruise brand designed for seasoned and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in active and awe-inspiring experiences in less-trodden, bucket-list destinations. Guests will enjoy one of the industry’s most-inclusive experiences with Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way. With All Inclusive All the Way, guests can be more carefree and enjoy features such as included emergency medical evacuation insurance for all guests; complimentary round-trip air travel; complimentary prepaid gratuities; premium wine and spirits and international craft beers; coffees and smoothies; Wi-Fi; L’Occitane bath amenities; complimentary shore excursions in select ports; Michelin-inspired dining; binoculars onboard; coffee, tea and personalized bar service in every room; butler service in suites; and engaging and knowledgeable service from every staff and crew member.

For her inaugural season, World Navigator will embark on seven- to 24-night itineraries in The Holy Land, Black and Mediterranean Seas, followed by nine- to 13-night itineraries in the Caribbean, South America and on Antarctic expeditions for winter 2021/22. Atlas’ newly constructed, safe, clean and green, small expedition ships foster a refined and convivial ambience and can accommodate up to 196 guests. World Navigator construction is on schedule and launches in July 2021, followed by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023. The ships are Polar Category-C and Ice Class-1B certified and will have all of the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into their design.

Royal Caribbean prices convertible note and equity offerings

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 October 2020 14 October 2020

Royal Caribbean Group, the world’s second largest cruise shipping company, has priced its convertible note and equity offerings.

The company said it has priced its private offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 at 2.875%.

“The Company expects to use a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to repay its 2.650% Senior Notes due 2020, with the remainder to be used for general corporate purposes,” Royal Caribbean said.

It has also priced an underwritten public offering of 8,333,333 shares of common stock at $60.00 per share. Both the stock and note offerings, which were unveiled yesterday, will close on 16 October, the company said.