Windstar Cruises’ new Star Seeker floated out in Portugal

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 29 November 2024 29 November 2024

The new Star Seeker yacht, the first Star Class newbuild for small ship line Windstar Cruises, has floated out of the building dock, touching water for the first time at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal.

A float out is a maritime tradition of marking when a ship leaves dry dock and becomes waterborne for the first time. While construction of Star Seeker’s exterior is complete, work will be ongoing to complete the interiors, including 112 spacious suites. The ship will also boast five dining options, a full-service spa with a grand entrance from the deck above, a fitness facility, and a fresh take on the line’s iconic Watersports Platform, which turns the ocean into an infinity pool by providing guests access to the sea directly from the ship.

With a capacity for 224 guests and a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, Star Seeker will maintain the intimate atmosphere for which Windstar is renowned, ensuring personalized service at every turn.

Star Seeker will enter service in December of 2025, sailing from Málaga, Spain to Miami, Florida, where Windstar is headquartered and where the ship’s christening ceremony will take place in January of 2026. Star Seeker will then sail its first voyage in the Caribbean and offer more cruises in the region before heading up the West Coast of the United States to Alaska for a full season of summer cruises. From there, the ship will sail to Asia, bringing back the line’s popular Around Japan itineraries.

To commemorate the occasion, Windstar’s Star Seeker float-out ceremony included Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest and Windstar’s Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner, who is directing the ship building project for Windstar. Gunner was on site for the float out and provided remarks including thanking Ferreira for his support through the process and the team at the Portuguese shipyard for their dedication and craftsmanship.

“Seeing a ship come together and be at the point where she leaves dry dock for the sea is a memorable milestone in the life of a new build project,” says Gunner. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to be involved in creating a new ship for Windstar and thankful for Mario’s passion and vision for ships which helped guide us to this momentous event today – the float out of a new, beautiful ship for Windstar.”

Windstar will debut an additional new sister ship, Star Explorer, in December of 2026. Star Seeker and Star Explorer both have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations. The ships are equipped with the latest technology in safety, propulsion, and navigation, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar. To minimize their environmental footprint and uphold the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines and can connect to shore power minimizing port emissions. In addition, the ships have advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet all global standards. Every aspect of their design reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to preserving the environment while providing unforgettable experiences to travelers.

Carnival Corporation makes major executive leadership changes for Princess, Holland America and Seabourn

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 November 2024 25 November 2024

Carnival Corporation & plc, the world's largest cruise company, today announced important moves within its global leadership team for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn.

Gus Antorcha, currently president of Holland America Line, has been named president of Princess Cruises, effective Dec. 2, 2024, replacing John Padgett, who is stepping away from the business in mid-February 2025. With the leadership change, Beth Bodensteiner, currently senior vice president and chief commercial officer for Holland America Line, has been promoted to president of the cruise line, effective Dec. 2, 2024. Both Antorcha and Bodensteiner will report to Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Bodensteiner will also have executive responsibility for the company's ultra-luxury Seabourn cruise line as the brand welcomes Mark Tamis back to Carnival Corporation as its new president replacing Natalya Leahy, who has served in various capacities through her career at Carnival, rising through the ranks as CFO of Holland America Line and Seabourn, then taking on the role of chief operations officer for the former Holland America Group and then becoming Seabourn President. We wish her good luck in the new position she has accepted outside of the company, and we are appreciative of all her contributions during her time with us.

"Gus and Beth are proven leaders who reflect the talent and capabilities of our organization and who have a deep knowledge of our industry, our business, and what drives our success," said Weinstein. "Under their leadership, I have no doubt that Princess, Holland America and Seabourn will remain well-positioned for a bright future, and we look forward to the next chapter for these two world-class brands and their ongoing success."

Weinstein added, "I would also like to thank John for more than a decade of service and innovation, including developing and launching Princess MedallionClass, which revamped the Princess guest experience and set a new standard for service and personalization in the cruise industry and for travel and hospitality overall, as well as returning the Princess brand to its rightful iconic status within the cruise industry. John's dedication and impact have been significant. We wish him all the best."

"I'm incredibly grateful to the entire Princess Cruises team for their passion and hard work in making Princess a global powerhouse in guest service, personalization and innovation to give our guests priceless vacations spanning the world," said Padgett. "It's been an exciting journey, and I look forward to watching the continued success of The Love Boat with love, respect and admiration for the brand and all the shoreside and shipboard team members."

Antorcha takes new role in company

Antorcha will lead Princess Cruises, one of Carnival Corporation's most iconic cruise lines known globally as the inspiration for The Love Boat and for effortless, personalized MedallionClass experiences. As president, Antorcha will oversee all performance and operational aspects of the cruise line's global fleet of 16 ships sailing over 1.7 million guests annually to 330+ destinations around the world.

Since 2020, Antorcha has been at the helm of Holland America Line, managing all areas of the award-winning cruise line. After successfully guiding the company's return to full operations post-industry pause, Antorcha has led the cruise line to achieve a number of significant milestones, including amassing the largest single booking day in Holland America history and delivering the strongest financial results in 16 years. Prior to joining Holland America Line, Antorcha held various leadership positions with Carnival Cruise Line, including most recently serving as the cruise line's chief operating officer. He previously served as a partner and managing director for Boston Consulting Group.

"I have tremendous respect for the fantastic Princess onboard and shoreside teams and their dedication to creating memorable travel experiences, and it's a privilege to lead this remarkable brand," said Antorcha. "I look forward to working with the talented team and their travel partners, and to continue delivering the distinctly effortless, personalized Princess MedallionClass vacation experience that has made Princess so popular."

Bodensteiner brings decades of cruise line experience

A 20-year veteran of Holland America Line, as president Bodensteiner will manage all aspects of the award-winning, premium cruise line's business including its fleet of 11 ships sailing more than 500 cruises to over 450 ports in 110-plus countries and territories around the world. Previously, Bodensteiner served for six years as senior vice president and chief commercial officer of Holland America Line where she directed revenue management, deployment and customer service for the cruise line, while taking on increasing commercial responsibilities, including Holland America Line's global sales, product marketing, pricing and planning for Alaska Land + Sea Journeys, and integrated marketing, as well as commercial activities for the company's ultra-luxury Seabourn brand.

Among Bodensteiner's many accomplishments, she spearheaded the deployment and rollout of an advanced corporate-wide revenue management system, and helped drive Holland America's strategy targeting high-value, high-affinity guests, enabling the cruise line to generate incremental customer demand through a variety of high-profile collaborations, entertainment offerings and immersive experiences with organizations such as Top Chef, Audible, and Wheel of Fortune.

"After advocating for this amazing company for 20 years, I could not be prouder to take on the role of president," said Bodensteiner. "This is a tremendous opportunity to work together with my trusted leadership team to continue building on our rich history of helping millions of guests explore the world with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to each destination."

Cruise and luxury hotel veteran Tamis joins Seabourn

Tamis brings more than three decades of ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel experience to his new role as president of Seabourn. He joins the company after serving as global president, Aimbridge Hospitality, leading the business and operations for its 1,500 hotels. Previously Tamis led hotel and onboard operations for Royal Caribbean International and served as senior vice president of guest operations for Carnival Cruise Line. He also worked for more than 20 years in the luxury and boutique hotel space with brands such as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Ian Schrager Hotels.

"The most rewarding work in my career has been my time in cruise," said Tamis. "Combining that with my passion for creating the best vacation experiences in the world is a dream come true. I look forward to joining our team members, guests and travel advisors in building on what makes Seabourn special."

MSC World America to offer 19 stateroom options

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 November 2024 25 November 2024

MSC Cruises’ newest flagship, MSC World America, will usher in a new world of cruising – complete with 19 types of staterooms – offering Caribbean cruises from PortMiami next year.

Guests sailing on MSC Cruises’ second World Class ship will find options ranging from balcony staterooms with ocean views to luxurious Duplex Suites and 1,600 square-foot Owner’s Suites in the MSC Yacht Club featuring a dedicated entertainment spaces. The ship also offers family staterooms, which join together to create flexible accommodations for larger groups.

MSC World America represents an important evolution for the cruise line’s successful World Class platform, with re-imagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the U.S. market. The new flagship will also be the first to feature seven onboard districts designed to let guests of all ages choose their own vacation adventure and get the most out of their time on board.

Each stateroom on MSC World America is designed with care and attention to detail, mixing MSC Cruises’ European style with American comfort to create the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day exploring ashore.

Stateroom highlights on MSC World America include:

Some of the ship’s most sought-after staterooms will be in the MSC Yacht Club, MSC Cruises’ exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept offering guests a world of privacy and luxury. The keycard-only access area provides the ultimate experience with exclusive privileges and private facilities, 24-hour butler and concierge service, and a dedicated gourmet restaurant, lounge, pool and sundeck, all within easy reach of everything a larger ship has to offer.

OWNER’S SUITES – Exclusive to the MSC Yacht Club on World Class ships are two ultra-spacious multi-room Owner's Suites, spanning more than 1,600sqft. The stylish suites boast a large bedroom with a walk-in closet, a bathroom complete with a full-size imperial bathtub, and a separate living-dining area. Each suite features a large private terrace with a hot tub and al fresco dining area.

DUPLEX SUITES – These lush suites, also in the MSC Yacht Club, provide ample space spanning two decks. The lower level offers a dining area, living room and guest bathroom , while the upper level features a main bedroom with its own bathroom. The suites also offer plenty of outdoor space for lounging and sunbathing, with some suites boasting a two-level private sundeck and a private hot tub.

CONNECTING FAMILY STATEROOMS – As a family-owned company, a key element of the MSC Cruises experience is to deliver an unforgettable getaway for families. Guests can expect to find a selection of flexible stateroom options, including the option to ‘connect’ staterooms together through internal doors, making a cruise the ultimate multi-generational vacation option.

PROMENADE VIEW BALCONY STATEROOMS – MSC World America’s balcony staterooms come in various layouts and sizes, including options overlooking the stunning outdoor promenade exclusive to World Class ships. These balconies put guests in the heart of the action, where they can soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

INFINITE OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS – Another World Class ship exclusive, these stylish staterooms offer a panoramic sliding window that turns into a glass balcony railing when open, connecting guests with the sea and uninterrupted views of the horizon.

Disney Cruise Line welcomes Disney Treasure during ‘Christening Spectacular’ in New York City

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 23 November 2024 23 November 2024

Disney Cruise Line welcomed its new ship, the Disney Treasure, during a spectacular waterfront christening celebration Tuesday evening on the Hudson River in New York City.

In a stunning display of storytelling like only Disney can do, the night sky above the Disney Treasure sparkled and danced with a larger-than-life light show depicting the stars and icons of beloved Disney adventures represented on board the new ship, including “Aladdin,” “Haunted Mansion,” “Moana” and “Coco.”

The dazzling tribute to the stories and characters was brought to life by a synchronized showcase of 1,000 drones set to a stirring medley of inspiring Disney songs. Award-winning singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks lent her own star power to the celebration with a powerful live rendition of “Live the Adventure,” the original anthem of the Disney Treasure.

“For more than 100 years, Disney stories have filled the world with joy and wonder, capturing the hearts and imaginations of generations across every continent. And since the launch of the Disney Cruise Line in 1998, our ships have become brand ambassadors that bring our world-class storytelling and the immersive nature of our theme parks to new audiences in new places all over the world,” said Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, to kick off the celebration. “We also know that at the heart of everything we do at Disney are the dedicated Cast Members and employees who create the magic that brings joy to millions of people around the globe, and we are proud to honor our employees as the official godparents of the Disney Treasure.”

The Disney Treasure Christening Spectacular culminated in the drones forming a 65-foot-tall champagne bottle that burst into a grand finale of bubbling pyrotechnics as voices from across The Walt Disney Company, the honorary godparents of the Disney Treasure who bring Disney storytelling to life every day, recited a traditional blessing to bestow good fortune on the vessel and its travelers.

“This is an unprecedented era of growth for Disney Experiences, and a dramatic period of expansion at Disney Cruise Line,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “We are more than doubling our fleet to 13 ships by 2031 so that we can bring Disney cruise vacations to even more families across the globe. With the Disney Treasure, we continue to deliver an unparalleled family vacation at sea through the magic of Disney storytelling. The memories our guests create onboard this stunning ship will last a lifetime.”

The Disney Treasure, sister ship to the Disney Wish (launched in 2022) and the Disney Destiny (setting sail in Nov. 2025), calls upon the bold and heartwarming stories of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks attractions to offer new and guest-favorite experiences steeped in the theme of adventure. These include an original Broadway-style retelling of “Moana;” immersive dining experiences inspired by Pixar’s “Coco” and Marvel Super Heroes; a splashtacular Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; signature fireworks at sea; imaginative clubs for kids of all ages; and an all-new collection of Disney Parks-inspired lounges for adults, including the first-ever inspired by the Haunted Mansion.

The ship embarks on its maiden voyage on Dec. 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida. The Disney Treasure is part of a multi-year expansion of the award-winning fleet, which currently includes six ships and seven more ships on the way by 2031.