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Royal Caribbean Group's Jason Liberty named Chairman of Cruise Lines International Association

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 January 2024 21 January 2024

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading authority of the global cruise industry, has announced that Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty has been appointed Chairman by its Board of Directors. Liberty succeeds Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises S.A. who served in the role since January 2021.

“On behalf of the CLIA community including ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, suppliers, business partners, travel advisers, and agencies, I would like to congratulate Mr. Liberty on his appointment as CLIA chair. Liberty assumes the chairmanship at a time when the industry is building on the momentum of strong demand and our members are advancing ambitious sustainability initiatives in pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “Liberty is a highly versatile and strategic leader who will help us build on this resurgence of travel and realize our global operating ambitions."

“I would also like to thank Vago for his leadership as chair over the past three years, navigating challenging times and creating a solid foundation for the industry’s future growth,” Craighead added.

Liberty became Royal Caribbean Group’s president and CEO in early 2022, following a career spanning nearly two decades in the cruise industry and having served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer for many years. Last year, he drove powerful gains in the Group’s business, becoming one of the top performing stocks of the year. He stewards three industry-leading brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, known for game-changing innovations in their respective industry segments; as well as joint ventures in Germany-based TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which the company is a 50% owner.

“I am excited and honored to lead this organization as we enter a new era of cruising. With consumer demand continuing to accelerate, we are doubling down on our commitment to decarbonization and sustainable growth, ensuring that we are not only investing in our oceans and communities, but preserving them for generations of travelers to come,” Liberty said. “I look forward to working with CLIA leadership and our partners around the world to further position cruise vacations as an accessible and responsible option for today’s travelers that create positive ripple effects across the globe.”

Cruise is one of the fastest growing sectors of travel and tourism and is forecasted to reach 106% of 2019 levels in 2023 – with 31.5 million passengers sailing – and approximately 35 million passengers in 2024.

The global chair for CLIA provides leadership to the CLIA Global Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, responsible for establishing the overall strategic direction of the association on behalf of its cruise line members representing 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise lines. As part of CLIA’s long-term strategy, CLIA member lines have set inspiring sustainability goals, and each year the CLIA member fleet becomes more efficient as member lines embrace new technologies, innovations and, as available, the uptake of sustainable alternative fuels.

CLIA provides an important and unified voice for the global cruise line industry representing cruise lines, suppliers, business partners, and a robust travel advisor community.

HX's Maud to return service in April

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 January 2024 19 January 2024

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) plans to return the Maud to service in April 2024. Following necessary repairs due to weather damage in late December, the purpose-built expedition ship will be ready to embark on journeys once more.

In mid-April, Maud will set sail for an expedition around the British Isles. Guests will explore diverse coastlines and remote islands, uncovering hidden gems and natural wonders with the support of HXs industry-leading Expedition Team. Maud will welcome beloved Scottish weather presenter Carol Kirkwood on its second British Isles journey, where she will engage guests with insightful talks and Q&A sessions while sailing from Douglas to Dover.

In July, Maud will venture into the Arctic, offering guests unparalleled expeditions to Greenland and Iceland, where it made history as the first cruise ship to connect to shore power in the latter. Handcrafted by HXs team of experts, the itineraries bring guests closer to the local communities and wilderness of the north. With its almost 130 years of Arctic experience, HX pioneered expedition cruising in the Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard in 1896.

Come October, the small ship will head south to Antarctica for a series of new, immersive expeditions combining the majestic Patagonian fjords with Antarctica. At the heart of the adventure is the 17-day Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica expedition. Additionally, Maud will embark on 23- and 24-day voyages that offer guests the chance to explore South America, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia in one remarkable adventure.

All Maud sailings from April are part of HXs current Wave Season offer, featuring an inclusive flights package, onboard credit, and an additional discount for members of the HX loyalty program. This campaign extends to HXs entire fleet, including all expeditions to Alaska, Galapagos, Northwest Passage, Antarctica, Greenland, and Iceland.

Committed to its guests, HX has curated a range of options for those originally booked on Maud from February 3 to March 16, 2024. Mirroring its Northern Lights Promise, guests can now choose to experience the same Northern Lights itinerary on Spitsbergen (subject to availability). Moreover, guests have the flexibility to rebook another voyage between January and April 2024. This includes select Norway sailings with sister brand, Hurtigruten, such as the North Cape Express, a Classic Roundtrip voyage from Bergen, and sailings from Hamburg on MS Otto, with the option to retain their original cabin category choice where available.

Guests affected by these changes also have the option to receive a future cruise voucher to book a new expedition at a later date or a full refund.

MSC Group to expand presence in Miami with new North American headquarters for Cruise Division

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

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the County’s official public-private economic development partnership, joins MSC Group in announcing the development of its new home in Downtown Miami. The MSC Group’s $100 million investment in Miami-Dade will bring approximately 250 South Florida-based team members from MSC Cargo, MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys under one roof in a new state-of-the-art facility within Block 55 at Sawyer’s Walk. MSC Cargo has been based in Miami-Dade for more than 25 years and now MSC Cruises is moving to establish the Cruise Division’s North American headquarters as part of the Group’s commitment to Miami.

The 130,000-square-foot office space will support the continued growth of MSC Cruises and the newly launched Explora Journeys in the North American market, allowing them to expand alongside MSC Cargo. Per the economic impact analysis run by Miami-Dade County, this latest development from the MSC Group will generate 668 direct and indirect jobs over the next three years. It will also provide $65.2M annually in recurring direct economic impact (Gross Regional Product), delivering measurable growth to the local community.

The Cruise Division is firmly establishing Miami as its new home and is building a new, next generation cruise terminal at PortMiami, set to become North America’s largest once it’s completed later this year. The new terminal will feature a four-story building capable of accommodating 36,000 passenger movements per day, and feature enough berthing space to serve three latest generation ships at once.

With its cruise and cargo operations, The Beacon Council identified MSC Group as a perfect fit for Miami-Dade and provided guidance together with Cushman & Wakefield in the Company’s search for a new North American Cruise Division headquarters, as well as new office space for MSC Cargo’s South Florida operations. Miami-Dade’s strong labor pool and attractive business environment played significant factors in MSC Group’s decision to invest in Downtown Miami.

“We are thrilled to invest in the future of MSC and Miami-Dade County by making this important move,” said Fabio Santucci, President and CEO of MSC USA. “Miami has been a pivotal part of our growth story in the U.S., and we are proud of our strong history of driving the local economy. The Beacon Council was a significant driver in helping us make our decision. They played an instrumental part in making us feel welcome to make this commitment to expanding in South Florida.”

“This is an exciting time of growth for the Cruise Division and we are happy to call Miami-Dade our new home as we continue to expand our reach throughout the Caribbean and North America,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises. “We look forward to bringing more jobs to the local economy and will work with Miami-Dade County to ensure we are a leader in making an important impact in the community.”

"This announcement underscores Miami's status as a world-class destination and premier access point for companies seeking to extend their influence throughout the continent and the Caribbean," said Rodrick T. Miller President and CEO of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council. "Miami-Dade provides an ideal backdrop for a distinguished brand like MSC Cruises, celebrated for its contemporary offerings and international flair. With our diverse and skilled workforce, coupled with a top-tier cruise port, Miami warmly embraces MSC Cruises. We are thrilled to support and champion their expansion in the region."

“Miami-Dade is thrilled to welcome MSC Group,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “We are up for the challenge in supporting their expansion. PortMiami is the number one Cruise Port in the world and an important economic engine for our community generating more than $40 billion annually. MSC Cruises, one of the world’s most innovative cruise lines with strong global influence will not only make an impact on our economy but seamlessly connect with our diverse residents and visitors.”

Windstar's first ever winter sailings in the Mediterranean exceed expectations, will continue year-round

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

After pivoting to a first-ever winter cruise season in the Mediterranean this year, Windstar Cruises’ has announced its intent to keep Star Legend sailing in the region for another winter season, providing our guests with the opportunity to explore Europe and the Mediterranean’s allure year-round. Positive feedback and an influx of bookings and demand have led the luxury small ship cruise line to enhance their winter Mediterranean deployment with new itineraries and opportunities to book longer voyages in 2024/2025.

Same time, the company has decided to postpone the start of its Middle East cruises for the 2025/2026 season.

“On our inaugural sailing in December, every single travel advisor and guest on board told me ‘this is genius’ as we enjoyed the sunny weather of Europe’s most walkable cities when few cruise lines sail Europe’s oceans,” explains Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer Janet Bava. “Our biggest learning from this winter’s season was we were limited by the possibilities and experiences we could offer with just the one itinerary - from Rome to Barcelona and the reverse and we have responded to that with a variety of new itineraries for our guests to enjoy the Mediterranean’s most storied destinations in the winter.”

Prompted by positive feedback from the inaugural sailings, including the desire for more overnight stays, Windstar will now offer five itineraries in the Mediterranean for the 2025 season, plus three special holiday and event sailings. The expansion also allows guests to combine back-to-back itineraries, providing a unique opportunity to experience different destinations while unpacking just once.

New itinerary highlights for 2024/2025

Winter Italy & the Dalmatian Coast will set sail on five dates in 24/25. The 8-day itinerary sails from Rome to Venice, with stops in Naples, Taormina (Sicily), an overnight in Dubrovnik (Croatia), a full day in Zadar (Croatia), and ends with an overnight in Venice. The route and timing, particularly the beginning of January, will take advantage of Italy’s strict rules surrounding retail sales (with just winter and summer sales allowed and items up to 70 percent off).

Europe Winter Riviera will have eight departure dates on a 7-day cruise. From Rome, guests will sail to Livorno (Italy) for an overnight stay, followed by a day in Genoa and then Nice, France before ending with an overnight in Barcelona.

Winter in Italy and the Adriatic, an 8-day cruise, will take place on just one sail date. Leaving from Athens, the yacht will sail through the tiny Corinth Canal to Itea (Delphi) before overnighting in Corfu. Then it’s off to Crotone (Italy) followed by an overnight in Taormina (Sicily) before a day in Naples, ending the journey in Rome.

Southern Spain Winter Escapes will be a 9-day roundtrip sailing from Barcelona offered on four departure dates. Starting with an overnight in Barcelona means plenty of time to explore the city center before sailing to Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga (for an overnight), Gibraltar (U.K.), Palma, and then returning to Barcelona. Guests will easily be able to hop on the high speed train to/from Madrid in order to extend their explorations inland either pre- or post-cruise.

Winter in Croatia & Greece departs March 26, 2025 for an 8-day sailing from Venice to Athens. An overnight in Venice lets guests explore the historic city from the ship’s convenient city dock location. Port calls include Koper, Slovenia; Zadar and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Delphi, Greece and a transit of the scenic, narrow Corinth Canal.

Special holiday and event sailings

A Christmas holiday cruise will sail from Rome to Barcelona, December 23-30, 2024. It includes an overnight in Livorno for the opportunity to attend Christmas Eve mass at the Duomo followed by stops in Genoa and Nice before ending in Barcelona with an overnight stay. Festive decorations, traditional dishes and activities bring the holiday spirit on board the ship.

A New Year’s cruise sails roundtrip from Barcelona, December 30, 2024-January 8, 2025. New Year’s Eve itself is an overnight in Palma, Mallorca – one of Europe’s ultimate party meccas for an epic celebration. Then it’s onto Cartagena, an overnight in Malaga, followed by stops in Gibraltar (U.K.), Valencia, and returning to Barcelona.

Additionally, Star Legend will return for a special appearance at the International Luxury Travel Market Cannes travel expo, which takes place in December 2024. The ship will sail from Rome to Barcelona, November 30-December 7, 2024. It includes stops in Livorno, Genoa, Cannes (overnight) and Barcelona (also an overnight). Ship visits will be available in Cannes for conference attendees.

MSC Cruises cancels three sailings in April to avoid transit through the Red Sea

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

MSC Cruises has canceled three repositioning ‘Grand Voyage’ sailings in April from South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Europe due to ongoing attacks on merchant vessels in the Red Sea.

The company canceled a 24-night cruise of MSC Splendida from Durban, South Africa to Genoa, Italy; a 21-night sailing of MSC Opera from Dubai, UAE to Genoa; and a 23-night voyage of MSC Virtuosa from Dubai to Southampton, UK.

The safety of passengers and crew is MSC Cruises’ number one priority. The company attempted to find suitable alternative itineraries, but ultimately found no viable options and regrettably had to cancel the voyages. The three ships will transfer directly to Europe without any passengers on board and avoid transiting through the Red Sea. Instead, they will sail around the west coast of Africa with no ports of call on their journeys to their respective European homeports for the summer 2024 season. None of the other ships in the company’s fleet are affected.

All passengers booked on the three repositioning cruises have been, or are in the process of being, contacted directly or through their travel agent and can transfer their booking to a future Grand Voyage of a similar duration for free. Alternatively, affected passengers can rebook to any other cruise in the company’s global network, with either a partial refund or additional payment for the difference in price of the original booking, or receive a full refund with no cancellation fee.

Photo: MSC Virtuosa is one of the affected ships