Virgin Voyages raises its capital, McAlpin to retire

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 September 2023 07 September 2023

Virgin Voyages has closed on a $550 million capital raise to accelerate its growth plans. The funding round was led by funds managed by the Private Equity Group of Ares Management (Ares), a leading global alternative investment manager, and also includes additional capital from existing investors including Virgin Group and Bain Capital. The new funding raise will enable Virgin Voyages to strengthen its financial position while supporting the brand’s rapid expansion into international markets, with a relentless focus on creating an outstanding and innovative customer experience.

As Virgin Voyages looks ahead to its next phase of growth, founding Chief Executive Officer, Tom McAlpin, is retiring as CEO and transitioning to the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. He will continue to support the brand and team at an executive and industry level. Nirmal Saverimuttu, who currently serves as President and Chief Experience Officer, has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer.

“It is hard to express just how proud I am of all that the Virgin Voyages Crew has created and the strong endorsement we are receiving from Ares. We have won numerous industry awards and received many five-star reviews because of our passion for this brand,” said McAlpin. “While I will miss the day-to-day, I believe it is the right time to step aside as CEO. Nirmal is a great friend and experienced leader who lives and breathes the Virgin Voyages culture. I know he will help take this amazing brand and Crew to new heights, and I look forward to continuing to support the leadership team as Chairman.”

Virgin Voyages officially launched in August 2021 and currently operates three ships, servicing the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and by the end of the year, Australia and New Zealand. The brand is already making waves, including being named No. 1 in the mega-ship category in the 2023 Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards and a recent clean-sweep of the five cruise categories in the 2023 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice awards.

“With this new investment alongside our partners at Virgin Group and Bain Capital, we believe the Company is on strong footing to capitalize on its differentiated product and value proposition in the growing cruise industry,” said Aaron Rosen, Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager of Special Opportunities in the Ares Private Equity Group. “We believe that Virgin Voyages continues to be at the forefront of industry growth, and we look forward to working with Tom, Nirmal and the entire management team on this next chapter,” added Jordan Smith, Partner in the Ares Private Equity Group.

“The success of this capital raise shows how much Virgin Voyages has achieved and how much further it can go. We are very proud of the experience that Virgin Voyages has created and continues to deliver every day across its fleet,” said Josh Bayliss, CEO of the Virgin Group. “At Virgin, we have always aimed to create extraordinary experiences and challenge the status quo while putting purpose at the core of everything we do. With Tom at the helm, Virgin Voyages has established itself as a company that can do that consistently. We are so grateful for his and the team’s leadership in creating a truly brilliant business and look forward to this next phase of the Company’s growth.”

Saverimuttu was a founding leader of Virgin Voyages and joined the business as Chief Commercial Officer in 2014 from the Virgin Group after successfully closing the first investment round. In early 2021, he took on the expanded role of President and Chief Experience Officer.

“I want to send our deepest thanks on behalf of all our Crew and the Board to Tom for his leadership and passion for the business. We are so grateful for all he has done and are thrilled to continue to partner with him as our Chairman,” said Saverimuttu. “Virgin Voyages is a beloved brand because of our Crew’s dedication and passion for delivering epic experiences for our guests. I am looking forward to working with the Ares team and our existing investors to deliver on our growth and expansion plans as we look ahead to our very bright future.”

Just two months after delivery of Explora I, Fincantieri and Explora Journeys reach another milestones

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 September 2023 06 September 2023

Just two months after the delivery of Explora I, which took place in Monfalcone on July 20, the construction of the fleet of Explora Journeys, the MSC Group's new luxury cruise brand destined to revolutionise the standards of high-end travel and exclusive cruising, continues with a double milestone.

In fact, this morning in Genoa, at Fincantieri's historic Sestri Ponente shipyard, a double ceremony was held: the float out of Explora II and the steel cutting of Explora III. The two ships represent the second and third vessels out of a total of as many as four ordered by the MSC Group from Fincantieri. The total investment for the four ships is about 2.3 billion euros and is capable of generating a spillover effect on the Italian economy of more than 10 billion euros along with an extremely high employment impact, as the construction of each individual ship requires more than 7 million man-hours of work and the average employment of 2,500 people for more than two years.

The ceremony was attended by leading Ligurian and Genoese authorities, including Liguria Region President Giovanni Toti, Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci, Genoa Prefect Renato Franceschelli and Questore Orazio D'Anna. Present on behalf of the shipowner were Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, and Leonardo Massa, Managing Director for Italy of the new cruise brand. Doing the honors for Fincantieri were the CEO and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero, and the General Manager of the Merchant Ships Division, Luigi Matarazzo.

Liguria Region President Giovanni Toti said: “Msc and Fincantieri are a fundamental piece of our past and even more so of our future. Combining the ability to build ships with those who take them around the world is a unique opportunity for Genoa and Liguria to grow and continue to strengthen its leadership in shipbuilding and on the sea. Today's day celebrates a Made in Italy success, a boast for the territory: we must equip ourselves to continue to ensure the infrastructure not only to build, but also to welcome ships to the ports of Liguria, and of course the many tourists who increasingly want to visit our Liguria, as shown by the record number of passengers that is being recorded again this year in the ports of Liguria.”

Mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci said: “Once again, the Genoa shipyard confirms itself as a world-class excellence. The launch of Explora II and the steel cutting of Explora III represent a great step forward for the cruise industry, which in this 2023 has recorded record numbers. The construction of ships of this magnitude is also great news from an employment perspective for Genoa. We are proud that Msc has once again believed in Fincantieri and our city to build these vessels that will further raise the quality standard of cruising worldwide.”

Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, said: “Today's double ceremony represents an important step forward in building and strengthening our brand, which is redefining the standards of luxury ocean travel thanks to the unparalleled experience that Explora Journeys’ ships are able to offer our guests. These ships, that are also at the forefront from an environmental point of view, are among the best ambassadors of Made in Italy in the world and bear witness to both Italy's high manufacturing and shipbuilding capacity, and to the MSC Group's commitment to a country in which we continue to believe and invest very significant resources”.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri, commented: “Today's double ceremony fully expresses Fincantieri's great productive commitment to the realization for the MSC Group of the Explora class, a project that guarantees the highest quality standards and was conceived from the beginning to accelerate the path toward the zero-emission ship”.

After being launched into the water today with the technical launch, Explora II will be completed in the coming months and delivered in the summer of the next year, spending her first seasons in the Mediterranean discovering the most striking locations in the Mare Nostrum, including some enchanting Italian destinations such as Portofino, the Argentario, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Syracuse, Trapani, Lipari, Cagliari, Alghero and the Costa Smeralda. Explora I, which is successfully concluding its inaugural season in Europe and during the winter season will sail between the Caribbean and the East and West Coasts of the United States, will also return to the Mediterranean in the summer of 2024 to take its guests to discover destinations such as Puglia, Sicily and Venice.

Explora III, whose construction began today with traditional steel cutting ceremony, will enter service in the summer of 2026 and will be the first ship in the Explora fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG)-one of the world's cleanest marine fuels available on a large scale-which is destined to play a crucial role in the decarbonisation path of shipping globally. Indeed, LNG is capable of substantially reducing sulfur oxide (99 percent) and nitrogen oxide (85 percent) emissions, and also plays a decisive role in climate change mitigation because it can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent and pave the way for the use of sustainable non-fossil fuels such as bio and synthetic forms of LNG.

In January 2024, construction will begin on Explora IV, also powered by LNG, which will be completed in early 2027.

All of the Explora Journeys vessels will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, including selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power plug-in connectivity, underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life, and a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimise engine use to further reduce emissions.

Oceania Cruises unveils inaugural season sailings for Allura

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 September 2023 06 September 2023

Oceania Cruises has revealed the inaugural season sailings for Allura, its newest ship, due to join the fleet in summer 2025. The 26 Inaugural Season sailings span more than 92 destinations on various 7- to 34-day voyages and will open for sale on September 13, 2023. The opulent newbuild will boast standard staterooms measuring at an astounding 291 square feet, larger than many entry-level suites on some ultra-luxury cruise lines.

As the line’s second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship, she follows her sister, Vista, which launched to great global acclaim this past May in a glittering christening ceremony and sold-out debut season. On a journey to the ultimate Oceania Cruises experience, Allura’s monumental Inaugural Season is bound to excite any traveler’s desires and can be viewed online beginning September 6, 2023, at www.OceaniaCruises.com.

Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, commented: “Excitement is already building in advance of Allura’s debut. This beautiful new addition to our family embodies the dynamic and dazzling future of Oceania Cruises. Allura heralds the ultimate evolution of our onboard experience, and her Inaugural Season is designed to entice curious world travelers, to allow them to reconnect with well-loved favorite destinations and discover new ones for the first time.”

Calling at gems in the Eastern Mediterranean, the new vessel will sail her maiden voyage on a 7-day journey from Athens to Istanbul, departing on June 8, 2025. True to her name, Allura will journey to some of the most intriguing and inspiring destinations in her opening European season with calls at iconic cities and lesser-known gems such as Cádiz, Cagliari, Messina, Palma de Mallorca, Palermo and Cinque Terre and will feature overnight stays in Istanbul, Monte Carlo, Quebec City, Montreal and New York. From her summer season in the Mediterranean, Allura will sail to Canada and New England for an extended season in North America before her premiere winter season in the Caribbean. Thoughtfully curated for seasoned global travelers, a sample of Allura’s inaugural voyages may be found below:

– Maiden Voyage – Athens to Istanbul, June 8, 2025, 7 days: Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Santorini, Greece; Heraklion (Crete), Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Canakkale (Troy), Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey

– Flourishing Rivieras – Rome to Athens, July 29, 2025, 17 days: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy; Portofino, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Saint-Tropez, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Sorrento/Capri, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Antalya, Turkey; Bodrum, Turkey; Patmos, Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece

– Explorer’s Grand Crossing – Rome to New York, August 27, 2025, 34 days: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Salerno, Italy; Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Valletta, Malta; Ibiza, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Provence (Marseille), France; Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Provence (Marseille), France; Barcelona (Tarragona), Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; Málaga, Spain; Gibraltar, UK; Tangier, Morocco; Seville (Cádiz), Spain; Portimão, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal; Horta (Azores), Portugal; St. John's, Newfoundland; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York

– Maples & Manors – New York to Montreal, October 18, 2025, 11 days: New York, New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Saguenay, Quebec; Quebec City, Quebec; Montreal, Quebec

– Holiday Havens – Miami to Miami, December 21, 2025, 14 days: Miami, Florida; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Kralendijk, Bonaire; St. George's, Grenada; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; St. John's, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Miami, Florida

On top of exquisite destination itineraries, Allura is no exception when it comes to serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Guests will marvel at specialty dining venues, including new signature restaurants Ember and Aquamar Kitchen, at no extra cost; and enjoy innovative and surprising cocktails served by master mixologists at the Founders Bar. On Allura, guests are called to experience the essence of greater luxury.

Celestyal Journey starts its maiden voyage

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 06 September 2023 06 September 2023

This weekend, the new addition of the Celestyal fleet, Celestyal Journey, set sail on its maiden voyage across the Aegean, sailing under the expert hands of veteran Captain Angelos Vassilakos.

Departing from Piraeus, Athens on Saturday, September 2, Celestyal Journey's first guests are enjoying its inaugural 7-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary, continuing the company's philosophy of providing true guest immersion. in the culture of the destination, visiting Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini, Mykonos and Milos.

Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal, commented: "On September 2, we successfully kicked off a new avenue for our Celestyal product offering as we celebrate the departure of our newest ship, the Celestyal Journey. This is a very exciting time for us. us at Celestyal, as we continue our investment in the fleet, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in the company's vision to offer a new premium experience."

To celebrate the Journey's maiden voyage and showcase the substantial increase in premium balconies on board, Celestyal is extending its special Complimentary Suite promotion on all Journey bookings* made through October 31, for travel throughout the remainder of the year. This includes her award-winning 7-night Three Continents itinerary beginning on the new ship on October 21 and special 11-, 18-, and 19-night sailings in December (December 16 for 11- and 19-night sailings, and on December 9 for the departure of 18 nights, respectively).