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Quark Expeditions closes 2024 with record-breaking year and welcomes new President

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 December 2024 17 December 2024

Quark Expeditions has celebrated a historic year of record-breaking sales, passenger counts, and prestigious industry accolades, including being named Best Expedition Cruise Line at Virtuoso Travel Week for the second year in a row, winning two Gold Magellan Awards, two Cruise Critic Awards, and, today, having the distinct honor of being named an Afar Travel Vanguard recipient for our Inuit Culinary Experience, Tundra to Table.

True to its innovative and pioneering spirit, Quark Expeditions charted new paths in 2024. The award-winning polar operator launched three highly successful new voyages, Essential Patagonia, Gems of West Greenland, and Canada’s Remote Arctic. Utilizing the technologically-advanced Ultramarine, the industry-leading expedition team navigated unmarked fjords in Patagonia, flew high above Ellesmere Island in the Canadian High Arctic, and soared above snow-capped mountain peaks and glaciers in Greenland. Quark Expeditions also unveiled two exclusive 2025 voyages: Northwest Passage to Newfoundland and Antarctica by Helicopter, and, this November, the company welcomed its newest addition to the fleet, the state-of-the-art Ocean Explorer. With nearly 700 days at sea in the Arctic and Antarctic, Quark Expeditions is proudly polar-only, continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world’s most remote wildernesses.

As this landmark year ends, Quark Expeditions reaches another milestone in its history with the retirement of Andrew White, who has served as President since 2014. White’s transformative tenure at Quark Expeditions, which will conclude at the end of the month, began in 2012 when he joined as VP of Sales. As President of Quark Expeditions, White has driven innovation, spearheaded growth, and upheld its proudly polar heritage. White’s Presidency steered a new era for Quark Expeditions, which included the unveiling of our Polar Promise, the most holistic sustainability policy in the polar expedition industry, the building of Ultramarine, a purpose-built polar expedition ship equipped with twin-engine helicopters, and the company’s triumphant return to Snow Hill in November 2023. Andrew White’s dedicated and unwavering leadership, both in the field and in the office, garnered immense respect from his team and the wider industry.

“The polar regions are places of unparalleled inspiration,” said Andrew White. “Every journey over the last decade has deepened my appreciation for these regions and the incredible wildlife and people that call them home. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, building on our legacy of meaningful exploration, and connecting so many to the transformative experience of the polar regions. As I pass the baton to Sam Seward, I am confident he will carry forward our core values of going beyond, going responsibly, and going together. I say for one last time, ‘Onward!’”

Seward has taken on his role as President on December 5th, and with him brings a bold vision for the future of Quark Expeditions. For the last seven years, Seward has led Travelopia Group’s Adventure Brands, including Exodus Adventure Travels and Sawadee Reisen, both of which promote and sell Quark in Europe. Throughout his career, he has passionately championed travel as a transformative force that fosters appreciation of the natural world, while emphasizing the pivotal role travel companies play in its conservation and regeneration. Seward brings a wealth of sustainability experience, having acted as Chief Sustainability Officer at Travelopia and led B Corporation (B Corp) certification for Exodus Adventure Travels earlier this year.

“Andrew’s leadership sets a high bar, and I’m deeply honored to carry his legacy forward,” said Sam Seward. “The Quark team are simply obsessed with ensuring guests experience the best the polar regions have to offer. More time off the ship experiencing the terrain, more contact with our pioneering award-winning field team, and excellent itineraries aboard our fantastic fleet. Together with our exceptional team, I am excited to build on this strong foundation, driving new initiatives and inspiring impact as we continue to explore, protect, and celebrate the wonders of the polar regions.”

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection christens its superyacht Ilma

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 December 2024 14 December 2024

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated the christening of its latest luxury superyacht, Ilma, on December 11 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Honoring maritime traditions, the ceremony featured a ceremonial blessing and the iconic breaking of a Champagne bottle, symbolizing good fortune and safe travels for all guests and employees on board.

Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Ernesto Fara, President and CFO, joined Ilma’s Captain Magnus Bengtsson and General Manager Sasha Tyas, along Father Sandford Sears – affectionately known as “Father Sandy” – from Seafarers' House at Port Everglades. Together, they celebrated an esteemed group of female leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, both shipboard and shoreside, who collectively fulfilled the role of Ilma’s godmothers. Each team member represents a unique story of leadership and inspiration, uniting to embody the spirit of discovery and elegance that defines Ilma.

The celebration was held abord Ilma at Port Everglades, which was attended by employees from the company’s Fort Lauderdale office, local officials, and distinguished guests. Attendees enjoyed light bites, signature cocktails inspired by the yacht’s culinary offerings, and a live performance. The godmothers then took the stage to officially christen Ilma with the traditional Champagne bottle break, offering their heartfelt wishes for the yacht’s journeys ahead.

“The christening of Ilma marks a significant moment in our journey, as we officially welcome this extraordinary yacht into our fleet. Ilma represents growth and the exciting future of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said Murren. “We are incredibly grateful to all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this beautiful yacht to life – from our dedicated team members to our global partners. This ceremony offers a glimpse of the exceptional design, innovative dining, legendary service, and unforgettable experiences that await those who step aboard Ilma.”

Joining Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s inaugural yacht, Ilma made its debut in the Mediterranean in September 2024, sailing from Monte Carlo to Rome. Named after the Maltese word for “water,” Ilma measures 790 feet (241 meters) and accommodates up to 448 guests across its 224 spacious suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces with sweeping sea views. With one of the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-employee ratios at sea, Ilma sets new standards for the ultra-luxury yachting experience with exceptional dining, innovative design, outstanding amenities, and personalized service.

Ilma offers seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces, connecting guests to the sea and breathtaking destinations. Guests can enjoy five world-class dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, seven bars, and a signature wine vault. Highlights include dining concepts by Michelin-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina, an extensive Marina and Marina Terrace bringing guests to the water’s edge, a dynamic open-air pool and entertainment deck, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, featuring treatments from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi.

For the 2024-2025 winter season, Ilma joins Evrima in the Caribbean, offering scenic voyages to the region’s most captivating islands. In summer 2025, Ilma will explore Northern Europe, marking the company’s first itineraries in the North and Baltic Seas, calling on dynamic cities like Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and Bordeaux. Guests will also enjoy voyages to beloved yachting havens, including the Greek Isles, the Balearic Islands, the French Riviera, and the Italian Riviera.

James Rodriguez to continue as Atlas Ocean Voyages President and CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 December 2024 14 December 2024

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that James A. Rodriguez (photographed left with Mário Ferreira) will continue as President and CEO, spearheading the brand's growth and success in the competitive expedition cruise market. As the yacht expedition brand of Mystic Invest Holding, Atlas Ocean Voyages continues redefining luxury expedition cruising under Rodriguez’s visionary leadership.

“Over the past years, we have built a talented and passionate team that has positioned Atlas Ocean Voyages as a leader in the fast-growing expedition cruise market,” said Rodriguez. “Leading this exceptional group of professionals has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career, and I look forward to driving our continued success together. I am deeply grateful to Mystic Invest Holding Chairman Mário Ferreira and our investors for their commitment to growing Atlas and for entrusting me with the leadership of this innovative brand.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages has quickly emerged as a formidable player in the polar expedition market, bolstered by strategic marketing partnerships and targeted sales initiatives. The brand has expanded its reach beyond polar expeditions into year-round expeditions, introducing Epicurean Expeditions and Cultural Expeditions, which are highly acclaimed by travelers seeking diverse, immersive experiences.

“The expedition cruise market has experienced explosive growth over the past two years and Atlas Ocean Voyages is well-positioned for 2025, with 70% of inventory already sold,” said Mystic Invest Holding Chairman Mário Ferreira. “James Rodriguez has been instrumental in the success of Atlas Ocean Voyages and is the proven leader to guide its future.”

During Rodriguez’s tenure, Atlas Ocean Voyages has deepened its relationships with travel advisors and consumers, further solidifying its reputation for delivering unique, intimate expedition experiences. The brand strengthened its international presence with a strategic focus on markets in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings appoints Leahy as CEO, Goldberg as CFO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 December 2024 10 December 2024

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, today announced two key executive appointments: Natalya Leahy (photographed below) will join as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Jan. 1, 2025, and Rick Goldberg has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Dec. 31, 2024.

"As Lindblad Expeditions moves into its 46th year, I am delighted and confident that the leadership of Natalya Leahy as CEO and Rick Goldberg as CFO will represent an energized, talented and experienced partnership, leading the Company into our next phase of growth in the experiential travel space both at sea and on land," said Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and current CEO of Lindblad Expeditions and a member of the Board. "I look very much forward to, along with my fellow Board members, supporting Natalya and Rick to maintain and strengthen our position as the leaders in this rapidly growing sector of the travel industry and creating meaningful value for all of our stakeholders."

Leahy most recently served as President of Seabourn, where she was responsible for all aspects of the luxury cruise line’s business and operations, leading a global team of more than 4,000 shoreside and seagoing employees. Prior to taking on the role of President, Leahy spent several years serving in various leadership positions at Holland America Group, including Chief Operations Officer (COO) and CFO, respectively. Throughout her career, Leahy served in various leadership roles for global organizations, such as The Procter & Gamble Company, United Nations, and The Coca-Cola Company.

Goldberg currently serves as CFO of Founders Table Restaurant Group, where he has led all aspects of the high-growth, fast-casual restaurant company’s finance, real estate and development, franchising, and customer insights, since 2021. Previously, Mr. Goldberg also held various leadership positions, including CFO, at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., one of the largest providers of assisted tax preparation services in the United States.

"We are excited to welcome two exceptional leaders whose experience, drive, skill sets, and values perfectly align with our vision and mission,” said Mark D. Ein, current Chairman of the Board. “Natalya’s extensive background in senior leadership across global travel and iconic brand-focused companies, combined with Rick’s broad experience as a senior finance leader, will bring invaluable perspectives to our team. Their proven success and dedication to excellence will be instrumental in driving operational and financial performance, achieving our ambitious growth objectives, and delivering lasting value to our stakeholders.”

“I’m excited and humbled by the opportunity to lead such a purpose-driven organization like Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising and the undisputed expert in adventure travel,” said Leahy. “Nearly 50 years ago, Lindblad Expeditions created the expedition travel category, serving as a beacon of authentic, immersive, and responsible exploration. I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of travel, and Lindblad Expeditions is uniquely creating life-changing experiences for sophisticated travelers eager to explore the Earth’s most extraordinary places in extreme comfort. I’m honored to join the talented team here and build on Sven’s legacy as we embrace the exciting opportunities ahead.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Lindblad Expeditions as the new CFO and to be a part of such a revered Company with a deep heritage,” said Goldberg. “With a strong financial foundation and impressive growth trajectory ahead, I look forward to delivering long-term value for our shareholders while creating exceptional guest experiences together with Lindblad Expeditions’ talented leadership team.”

Leahy succeeds Lindblad Expeditions’ Founder, Lindblad, who will become Founder and Co-Chair of the Board. Ein will become Board Co-Chair as well as Lead Independent Director. Rick Goldberg succeeds L. Dyson Dryden, who has served as interim CFO since June 2024, and continues his long-standing position as a Board Director.

Ikenobo Ikebana officially names Mitsui Ocean Fuji in traditional maritime ceremony

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 December 2024 08 December 2024

In a traditional maritime ceremony at the Tokyo Bay port, Ikenobo ikebana Headmaster Designate Senko Ikenobo officially welcomed the newest Mitsui Ocean Cruises ship, by naming her Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

The commemorative event took place onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji in the Ocean Stage theater and Senko Ikenobo, alongside CEO and President Tsunemichi Mukai and Captain Kim Karlsson, warmly wished the ship “fair winds and following seas” for a prosperous journey sailing to unique and beautiful destinations in Japan and beyond. To culminate the celebration, she released a bottle of sake that shattered against the ship, wishing good fortune to all guests and crew sailing onboard.

Senko Ikenobo is the first woman appointed as Headmaster Designate of the Ikenobo School, recognized as the oldest and most influential school of ikebana, the time-honored Japanese art of flower arranging. The Ikenobo tradition of ikebana emphasizes a philosophy of creating harmony between humans and nature and cultivating mindfulness. On this day, the stage was decorated with an ikebana created by Senshu Ikenobo, the head of the Ikenobo Youth Club (and the son of Senko Ikenobo). The ikebana expresses the beauty of nature, as well as the promise of deepening the connection and trust between Mitsui Ocean Cruises and the people living in the communities Mitsui Ocean Fuji will visit. The ikebana added to the beauty of Japan of Mitsui Ocean Fuji's memorable ceremony, which offers “FUNATABI – Beautiful Encounters with Japan.”

Fleetmate, Nippon Maru, was also in port to greet Mitsui Ocean Fuji, and guests onboard both ships waved flags, as the ships festively exchanged three horn salutes, symbolizing the “Mitsui” (three bars) motif in the cruise line’s brand mark.

Takeshi Hashimoto, Representative Director, President, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and several other stakeholders were also joined to naming ceremony to celebrate the debut of Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

Mukai, CEO and President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, remarked: “Senko Ikenobo is highly admired for her dedication and passion for meticulous ikebana artistry in Japan, making her the perfect choice to name Mitsui Ocean Fuji. With her well wishes for a prosperous life and happy and sustainable future, guests will enjoy beautiful encounters with Japan and an authentically and carefully crafted cruise experience blending our distinct Japanese culture with inspiring and unique ways to value time and space.”

On sale now, Mitsui Ocean Fuji is sailing a series of Debut Cruises (December 2024-January 2025), including a special New Year’s sailing; Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); and a 66-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025).

The 32,477-ton Mitsui Ocean Fuji offers spacious guest venues, traditional omotenashi service, delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call.