Global Ports Holding PLC appoints Mark Robinson as Chief Commercial Officer

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 28 February 2018 28 February 2018

Global Ports Holding PLC, the world’s largest cruise port operator, has appointed of Mark Robinson as Chief Commercial Officer. Mark will be based in Barcelona, Spain and will report directly to CEO, Emre Sayın.

Mark is a passionate leader who has a vast amount of experience within the cruise and tourism industry. During his 30-year career to date, he has held a variety of senior roles, including Chief Commercial Officer of Portaventura World Parks & Resorts, President of Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services - a company that he founded in 2003, where he oversaw the growth of the business from a one port ground operator to a global service provider, and previously VP of Onboard Revenues & Ground Services at Festival Cruises.

Mark started his earlier career working for two of the world’s leading tour operators, TUI & First Choice Holidays, in various senior management roles. Mark has built up an excellent knowledge of the global cruise business and ports worldwide, both from an operator’s viewpoint and also from a cruise line perspective. He has been an active member of various cruise industry associations and forums globally and was previously the chair of the Associate Member Scheme at CLIA.

Emre Sayin CEO of Global Port holdings said: “I am delighted that Mark will be joining our team at this exciting time for the company, and I look forward to working with him as we strive to continually improve the experience of the passengers and the cruise ships in our ports. Mark brings with him a wealth of experience spanning operations, infrastructure and management, and he will help to deliver the development of ancillary services as part of our core strategy.”

Mark Robinson commented: “I am looking forward to be joining Global Port Holdings, a company that I admire, and that has an exciting vision and international growth strategy. It is an exciting proposition to work with the team to grow new and existing ports within the GPH portfolio, with a focus on destination development and strategic opportunities. This will importantly be delivered with the needs of the cruise lines and their guests at front of mind.”

Carnival Corporation's MedallionNet set industry apex for Wi-Fi bandwidth capacity at sea by SES Networks

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 28 February 2018 28 February 2018

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest leisure travel company, established a new industry apex in connectivity capabilities on February 26 at sea when it attempted to make an unprecedented level of bandwidth available to guests on board Regal Princess from its Princess Cruises brand.

Using its newly developed connectivity service, MedallionNet, and working with SES Networks, the world-leading provider of satellite-enabled connectivity solutions, Carnival Corporation and Princess Cruises attempted to achieve bandwidth of 1.5 gigabits per second, the most ever delivered to a mobile platform. The record attempt demonstrated that connectivity is no longer a limitation to cruise vacations. Guests using MedallionNet have access to the internet at speeds that eclipse typical land-based hotel connectivity performance levels.

“With MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea, the extraordinary experience of a cruise vacation is further enhanced by superior connectivity and coverage – providing our guests who want to stay connected with a connectivity experience that equals or exceeds what they experience on land,” said John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer for Carnival Corporation. “This event gives us the opportunity to demonstrate that guests can have connected experience that parallels land-based Wi-Fi, making it exceptionally easy for our guests to share photos, videos and messages about their fabulous vacation. Cruise vacations are already the fastest growing segment of the vacation sector, and eliminating any connectivity barriers will make cruise vacations even more desirable.”

As part of the event, Carnival Corporation will attempt to reach 1.5 gigabits per second as Regal Princess is off Princess Cays, one of the brand’s private island destinations, located on the southern tip of the island of Eleuthera in the outer Bahamas. A bandwidth capacity of 1.5 gigabits per second will give guests unprecedented Wi-Fi access that equates to more than 6,000 users concurrently surfing the internet; or 1,500 Netflix or Hulu subscribers streaming TV shows or movies.

Since mid-November 2017, MedallionNet, a game-changing connectivity service enabled by SES Networks, has been keeping guests connected to friends and family, delivering consistent streaming capabilities through unprecedented internet speeds and bandwidth, pervasive stateroom signal strength and service consistency onboard Regal Princess as well as on Princess Cays.

MedallionNet is made possible through an inventive array of antennae, networks, equipment and configuration innovations that combine to make the Regal Princess the only vessel on the planet that is currently capable of achieving 1.5 gigabits per second and more.

“MedallionNet puts to rest the notion that connectivity at sea will never be as fast or reliable as your broadband at home,” said Steve Collar, CEO of SES Networks and Carnival Corporation Global Experience and Innovation partner. “Powered by our O3b fleet of MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) satellites, and complemented by our GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) constellation, we are not only able to exceed average land-based bandwidth capabilities, but also able to set a new industry apex for guest connectivity experience.”

According to a study conducted last year by Ookla, an internet speed test company, the average U.S. fixed broadband download speed was 64.17 Mbps in the first half of 2017, while the average upload speed was 22.79 Mbps.

MedallionNet download speeds can exceed residential service levels, often eclipsing 100 Mbps, with upload speeds exceeding 60 Mbps. Mark Holmes, editorial director for the Satellite and Aviation Group of Access Intelligence, will be onsite to help authenticate the record capacity, and validate that MedallionNet exceeds any disclosed bandwidth of anyone in the cruise industry.

MedallionNet is another development to emerge from Carnival Corporation’s Global Experience and Innovation Center in Miami. It is the first end-to-end Wi-Fi service development formulated to exceed guest expectations through “GuestCentricityTM” – an initiative to enhance all aspects of the cruise vacation experience by delivering guests what they want, when, where and how they want it.

The system leverages multi-band antennas uniquely configured in an innovative shipboard formation to minimize any potential impact to guest connectivity due to seasonal weather or ship positioning, and it fuses multi-orbit satellite bandwidth to deliver superior connectivity.

By combining multiple sources of bandwidth with hundreds of shipboard access points to achieve the highest capacity shipboard network ever brought to a cruise ship, MedallionNet introduces a level of service reliability and signal pervasiveness not previously achieved on ships sailing at sea.

Pricing for MedallionNet is affordable and simple. Guests onboard the Regal Princess enjoy unlimited internet access for as low as $9.99 per day for one device when purchased for the entire voyage; guests can save even more by choosing multi device plans.
MedallionNet is currently an exclusive feature of Medallion Class ships – one of the latest innovations from Carnival Corporation that leverage the company’s interactive guest experience platform capable of transforming vacation travel into a highly personalized and elevated level of customized service. Brands of Carnival Corporation utilize various satellite service providers to service the nine brands connectivity and onboard TV services.

The activities surrounding the attempt to set a new apex for bandwidth capacity will include a series of Facebook Live streaming sessions as the Regal Princess is off Princess Cays.

The stars of Carnival Corporation’s Ocean Originals television programs will be on hand to put MedallionNet to the test on the ship and at Princess Cays. Hosts will use their mobile devices as they stream high-definition videos, play mobile apps, FaceTime with friends and post video stories on social media – all to maximize the amount of bandwidth use.

Bahamas Paradise's second vessel to start sailings on April 13

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 22 February 2018 22 February 2018

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL), the only Line with a two-night cruise departing year-round from the Port of Palm Beach, has announced that Grand Classica, its new ship joining Grand Celebration, will begin sailing on April 13, 2018. Reservations for Grand Classica are open now with a special Buy-One, Get-One Free booking offer.

Beginning with the first sailing, Bahamas Paradise will be the only cruise line to offer daily departures to Grand Bahama Island from the Port of Palm Beach becoming the largest provider of tourism to the Island. The two ships expect to carry approximately 500,000 passengers annually to Freeport, Bahamas. In opening reservations, BPCL also revealed details of the beautiful new ship, including dining, entertainment, bars and lounges and other amenities.

“At 52,900 gross tons, Grand Classica complements Grand Celebration nicely. There are several additional public spaces – so we are excited to add some new offerings, as well as bring all the popular outlets that we have on Grand Celebration for consistency with our guests,” said Oneil Khosa, chief executive officer of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “Having two ships sailing daily to Grand Bahama Island will also give our guests the flexibility and convenience to take advantage of a two-night getaway any day of the week. Our daily departures also add a number of options to our unique Cruise & Resort Stay offering, with guests able to add any number of nights at a Grand Bahama Island hotel.”

The Classica underwent a major refurbishment in 2014. In October 2017, a comprehensive dry dock took place to improve systems and infrastructure, complemented with refurbishments and improvements executed by BPCL, to make her ready for the US market.

Grand Classica details

With a total of 10 lively, passenger decks and a guest capacity of 1,680, Grand Classica features 658 staterooms and a full complement of dining, entertainment and recreational activities for all ages. When guests board the ship, they will be greeted in the Central Atrium with its large, glass sculpture and guest service and shore excursion desks. The ship’s decks have been named to reflect the vibrant islands of the Bahamas; for example, deck 5 is the Bimini deck and deck 8 is the Abacos deck. All the ship’s activities and entertainment take place on decks 8 through 14 where guests will find a wide range of dining options, as well as live entertainment, large casino, spa, pools and more.

Grand Classica will have a total of eight dining options offering different cuisines and new concepts:

– The Yellow Elder – The main dining room, is complimentary and was named after the national flower of the Bahamas. Two seating times will be offered for guests. A portion of The Yellow Elder will also offer MyTime Dining for those who prefer flexible dining times.

– Admiral’s Steak & Seafood – As featured on Grand Celebration, the Line’s signature specialty restaurant aboard Grand Classica will offer a five-course gourmet meal where guests can choose from fresh seafood or a succulent steak with exceptional cuts like Black Angus and Certified Angus beef.

– The Rock Grill –A new interactive experience for dinner outside, located on deck 10 aft with ocean views -- guests will cook meats tableside on a lava rock grill and can also order The Bull specialty burgers (a favorite concept already on Grand Celebration which combines premium meats with chef-created unique burger pairings), along with drinks and full bar service.

– A Slice Above – A new concept for lunch and dinner on deck 9, serving Italian fare, including flat breads, calzones and build-your-own gourmet pizzas.

– The Grand Café – Mirroring Grand Celebration’s newly introduced Grand Café, this specialty coffee and gelato bar will also offer a variety of hot or iced specialty coffees, teas and other beverages, including smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. In the morning, guests can indulge in chocolate croissants, Viennese pastries, muffins and quiche. Throughout the day, the Grand Café will offer delectable sweet treats, including delicious homemade gelato, sorbet, cakes, tarts, cupcakes and chocolate truffles.

– The Crow’s Nest Sports Bar & Grill – A new concept for both ships, this outlet sits high atop deck 14 on Grand Classica and will be the perfect place for sports viewings shown on numerous large LCD screens and will serve a selection of beer, cocktails and classic pub fare. Guests can also enjoy classic pub games such as pool, darts, skee-ball and vintage arcade games. Grand Celebration will unveil its newly developed Crow’s Nest Sports Bar & Grill in March.

– The Ocean View Buffet – A complimentary buffet located on Deck 10, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks.
Room Service – Complimentary room service will be offered; guests can also order The Bull specialty burgers from room service, a la carte.

Entertainment abounds on Grand Classica with venues around the ship featuring live music, Vegas-style shows, action-packed casino and comedy.

– The Legends Grand Theater – A two-level theater located on decks 8 and 9, where live Vegas-style shows and performances featuring the Grand Classica singers and dancers will be held, along with comedy shows. There is also a bar and lounge area outside the theater for those who want to enjoy a cocktail before or after the show.

– Para-A-Dice Casino – This large and spacious casino on deck 9 will offer a wide range of slot machines and table games for those seeking lady luck at sea. 101 of the most popular slot games, in addition to 10 table games, including Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Three Card Poker and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em Poker are featured.

– Encore Lounge – Located on deck 8, the spacious Encore Lounge is a great venue onboard to have a cocktail, enjoy live music and relax between events and activities. A central stairway serves as a focal point and leads to deck 9 where dining options, including A Slice Above and The Grand Café, are located.

– Regal Room – One of the most popular venues on Grand Celebration, the Regal Room on Grand Classica, located on deck 9 aft, will feature a large bar and stage for live music and entertainment.

For catching rays of the warm Florida and Bahamas sun, Grand Classica guests have several choices.

– The Oasis – Mirroring The Oasis concept from Grand Celebration, Grand Classica’s adults-only area features the aft pool, two whirlpools and a bar on deck 11, surrounded by lounge chairs and amazing ocean views.

– Plunge Pool – The ship’s main pool features a large pool surrounded by a spacious deck and lounge chairs. The adjacent Plunge Bar serves beverages and specialty cocktails. A jogging track above the pool area gives guests the opportunity to exercise while enjoying great views.

Additional amenities on Grand Classica include:

– Conference Center – A business area on deck 8 houses a large conference center that seats 80, as well as several adjacent meeting rooms giving companies more options to hold both intimate and larger corporate events onboard.

– Indulgence Spa, Fitness Center and Salon – When it’s time to get pampered, there’s no better place to indulge than the spa and salon, offering massages, facials, skin treatments and more. The oceanview fitness center includes a wide range of equipment and free weights for those who want to stay fit at sea.

– Kruzers Kid’s Club – Trained youth counselors offer complimentary play and activities for children from ages 3 – 17.
Lucaya Plaza – For some retail therapy, shopping aboard Grand Classica takes its name from the popular shopping district in Grand Bahama Island. Shops will offer duty-free items, as well as jewelry, watches, souvenirs, apparel and the Bahamas’ famous rum cake.

– Central Atrium – On deck 5, this central hub welcomes guests with a large reception area and guest service team members are available to assist with questions, booking shore excursions and making reservations.

– Connect Internet Lounge and Card Room – For those that want to surf the net or stay in touch with family and friends, the Connect Internet Lounge is the place; Wi-Fi is offered onboard for a daily fee.

– Memories Photo Gallery – Located on deck 9, guests can relish their photos taken onboard by the ship’s expert photographers; photo sessions are also offered for guests to make lasting memories suitable for framing.

Accommodations on Grand Classic include at a total of 658 well-appointed staterooms and suites:

– Suites – Luxury awaits at the top of the ship. There are 10 suites located on deck 10. All feature a balcony, queen-sized bed, bathroom with shower and large jetted tub, sitting area with pull-out sofa bed and large closet, sleeps up to four.

– Junior Suites – There are two spacious junior suites on deck 5 that feature a living room with pull-out sofa and large picture window, along with a comfortable queen-sized bed, sleeps up to four.

– Oceanview – 430 oceanview staterooms are situated on decks 4, 5, 6 and 7. Comfortable and spacious, oceanview staterooms feature cream walls and showcase a variety of upscale furniture, including a desk, table & chair, flat-screen television, large picture window (or porthole) and private bathroom with shower. Sleeps two, three or four guests.

– Inside – There are 216 inside staterooms on decks 4, 5, 6 and 7. Also roomy and comfortable, inside staterooms offer an incredible value and feature a variety of sleeping accommodations, a desk, table & chair, flat-screen television and private bathroom with shower. Sleeps two, three or four guests.

Reservations for Grand Classica’s April 13 sailing and beyond open for sale today.

To celebrate her arrival and the “Perfect Pair” with two ships offering daily departures, the company is introducing an amazing, limited-time Buy-One, Get-One Free offer. Guests can experience twice the fun, twice the excitement and twice the beauty of Grand Bahama Island.

For just one week only, guests can reserve one sailing on either ship and get a second sailing on the other ship for free*.

BPCL is also offering special incentives for travel agents and wholesalers to increase exposure through all distribution channels.

NCLH raised $2.5 million for hurricane relief

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 21 February 2018 21 February 2018

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), parent of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, has announced it has met the company’s goal of raising $2.5 million for the Hope Starts Here hurricane relief programme.

“In less than four months, the programme has received more than $1.25 million in donations from the company’s valued team members, loyal guests, travel partners and business partners, which the company has matched in order to assist All Hands and Hearts – Smart Response, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on natural disaster relief, in rebuilding safe, resilient schools on five Caribbean islands,” NCLH said in a statement.

The Hope Starts Here hurricane relief programme launched in late September 2017 when the company partnered with relief organization All Hands and Hearts to help provide immediate relief in Key West and reconstruct schools and critical infrastructure in affected islands in the Caribbean including Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Tortola.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has a longstanding relationship with the Caribbean, where its ships have been visiting for more than 50 years, and is focused on providing both immediate and long-term assistance to the region, it said.