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PONANT appoints Belinda Hindmarsh to succeed Hervé Bellaïche as Group Deputy CEO Global Business

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 May 2023 31 May 2023

PONANT announced today the arrival of Belinda Hindmarsh as Group Deputy CEO Global Business. Belinda Hindmarsh succeeds Hervé Bellaïche, Group Deputy CEO Sales, Marketing and Communications, who has decided, after 10 years of collaboration and in agreement with PONANT’s CEO Hervé Gastinel, to leave the company to turn to new professional opportunities.

Belinda Hindmarsh's appointment will take effect from 1st June 2023. Belinda Hindmarsh, originally from New Zealand, will head up a large team with extended responsibilities. She will be responsible for strategy and product conception, as well as global business development, marketing and communications. A travel expert with over 20 years of experience in the industry, Belinda Hindmarsh has held senior positions at Aer Lingus, Expedia and most recently at CWT (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel) where she managed the business development of the hotel division and operations in China. She was previously Executive Vice President and member of the group’s Executive Committee responsible for business growth and development.

Belinda Hindmarsh said “It is an honour and privilege to join PONANT, market leaders in luxury expeditions and cruises across the globe with demonstrated commitment to investing in environmental and social protection. I am delighted to join Hervé Gastinel and the incredible team at PONANT at this pivotal moment in the company’s growth trajectory and am confident the team’s relentless focus on customer experience and innovation will continue to deliver unforgettable memories for our guests alongside unprecedented business growth.”

Since his arrival in February 2013, Hervé Bellaïche has played a key role in PONANT’s expansion. Over the last ten years, the company’s turnover has increased seven-fold, positioning PONANT as a reference in the luxury and expedition sector. Hervé Bellaïche contributed to successfully implementing a growth strategy enabling a brand redesign, a move upmarket and international growth particularly in the United States. He was behind the opening of new offices, several acquisitions and conclusions of major strategic partnerships. Hervé and his teams were also invaluable in the way they managed the health crisis, maintaining the trust and relationships with customers, travel agencies and key partners.

Hervé Gastinel, CEO of PONANT: “I would like to thank Hervé for his professionalism, commitment and the sales results he achieved. His personal qualities, kindness, proactive approach and involvement were essential in driving the company’s growth. We are delighted to welcome Belinda Hindmarsh and are convinced she will bring a great deal to our company through her knowledge of the world of travel and her vast international experience. I also want to thank Hervé who will be in charge of the handover and integration of Belinda during the month of June”.

Hervé Bellaïche: “These years with PONANT have been very exciting at a time of exceptional growth. I had the privilege of building an international, reliable and motivated team who has contributed so much to our success. I would like to thank Hervé Gastinel for his confidence in me and the quality of our collaboration since my arrival. I leave the company with a feeling of having accomplished my duty and wish Belinda and all the teams at PONANT every success in the future."

Sven-Olof Lindblad returns as CEO of Lindblad Expeditions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 May 2023 31 May 2023

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. today announced the departure of Chief Executive Officer Dolf Berle, effective June 30, 2023, who is pursuing a non-competitive opportunity in the Dallas area.

Upon his departure, Lindblad Expeditions' Founder and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors Sven-Olof Lindblad will return as Chief Executive Officer and will work closely with Berle to ensure a smooth transition.

Prior to his departure from the role, Lindblad served as Chief Executive Officer of Lindblad Expeditions since founding the Company in 1979. In 2021, he transitioned to become Co-Chair of the Company's Board of Directors, a role which Lindblad will continue serving in. As Chief Executive Officer and Co-Chair, Lindblad will be instrumental in advancing the Company's business strategy and growth opportunities in partnership with the Board and leadership team.

"Lindblad Expeditions was built out of a life-long passion for exploring the world and with the intent of travel becoming a force for good," said Lindblad. "Since founding the Company more than 40 years ago, the travel industry has changed, with the expedition travel sector experiencing unprecedented and dramatic growth. But one thing has remained the same: Lindblad Expeditions' commitment to providing life-changing, eye-opening authentic expedition travel experiences to our passionate and curious guests. I am thankful for the progress Dolf has ushered in and excited to be returning as Chief Executive Officer. I look forward to building upon our momentum and for what's next in Lindblad Expeditions' rich, decades-long pioneering heritage."

Since joining Lindblad Expeditions in 2021, Berle oversaw the successful return to service of the Company's expeditions cruises and adventure travel experience operations across the globe. Under his leadership, Lindblad Expeditions also welcomed three new ships to its fleet: the fully stabilized ice class vessel, National Geographic Resolution; the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II, which sails year-round in the Galápagos; and the three-mast modern sailing yacht Sea Cloud II, which the Company will charter beginning May 2024. During this time, the Company also successfully acquired Classic Journeys, a luxury cultural walking tour company that operates a portfolio of curated tours centered around cinematic walks led by expert local guides, further expanding its land-based expedition offerings.

"For nearly five decades, Lindblad Expeditions has been the recognized leader and pioneer of authentic expedition travel," said Berle, "and it was an honor to have been a part of that iconic legacy and the positive impact the Company has had on countless guests and communities. I am thankful to Sven, the Board of Directors, and, most importantly, our team members around the world who welcomed me into this family and trusted me to serve this Company in its new era of growth. Over the last two years, together we have strategically expanded our capacity, diversified our product portfolio, and transformed our marketing and sales strategies, matching unprecedented demand for expedition travel and positioning the Company to significantly ramp earnings and build long-term shareholder value in the years ahead."

Mark Ein, Co-Chair of the Company's Board of Directors, added: "Over the last two years, Lindblad Expeditions has emerged from unprecedented times, and I want to thank Dolf for his leadership. Now, with demand for expedition travel reaching unprecedented heights, we are set to further increase the number of annual guests that we serve and continue to broaden and deepen our offering of high-quality authentic experiences. As Sven returns as Chief Executive Officer, I am excited to work closely with him and the leadership team on a set of strategic growth initiatives to expand our earnings and value creation potential even further."

Viking to sail expedition voyages in the Arctic

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 May 2023 30 May 2023

Viking has announced three new summer season expedition voyages in the Arctic. Debuting in July 2025, the new itineraries, which range from 13 to 27 days, explore the polar north in Canada and Greenland, with two of the three voyages visiting the Canadian High Arctic.

The 13-day Into the Northwest Passage itinerary sails roundtrip from Nuuk, Greenland and features destinations including the pristine waters of the Ilulissat Icefjord and the eastern entrance of the famed Northwest Passage in Pond Inlet, Canada. Guests can also discover stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes during the 15-day Canada & Greenland Explorer itinerary, which sails between Toronto and Nuuk. Those interested in more in-depth exploration can choose a combination of the two itineraries, the new 27-day Canada & the Northwest Passage voyage.

“Our guests are curious travelers who are eager to explore new and different regions of the world, in Viking comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “From the time of Leif Eriksson and the original Vikings, Greenland and the Canadian High Arctic have fascinated intrepid explorers. Today, there is no better way to experience this pristine area of the world than from the comfort of our purpose-built expedition ships.”

2025 Arctic Voyages:

Viking’s new itineraries in the Arctic include:
– Into the Northwest Passage (13 days; Nuuk to Nuuk) – Discover the diverse landscapes and rugged shores of the world’s largest island. Immerse yourself in Inuit traditions as you explore towns dotted with colorful wooden houses. Head out kayaking on the fjord or partake in a Zodiac landing and witness stunning displays of nature, from towering peaks to blue-tinged glaciers. Join Viking on a fascinating voyage exploring the Canadian High Arctic to undiscovered territories beneath the skies of the midnight sun. Sailing dates are available from July through September 2025.
– Canada & Greenland Explorer (15 days; between Toronto, Ontario and Nuuk) – Explore Canada and Greenland’s rugged shores on an awe-inspiring journey through one of the most fascinating corners of the world. Sail amid floating icebergs as they drift in blue-tinged waters and witness the wonders of Mother Nature as you immerse yourself in dramatic landscapes. Learn about the Inuit traditions that still thrive in remote communities and experience the stark beauty of the Arctic beneath the skies of the midnight sun. Sailing dates are available in July and September 2025.
– Canada & the Northwest Passage (27 days; between Nuuk and Toronto, Ontario) – Witness the majesty of floating icebergs and rugged lands as you embark on a journey to the Canadian High Arctic and Greenland. View towering icebergs, expansive icefields and deep-blue fjords that are rich in marine life. Get a glimpse of life in Inuit communities and learn about traditions that have sustained for generations. Bask beneath the skies of the endless midnight sun as you join us on a voyage of discovery to far-flung lands. Sailing dates are available in July and September 2025.

Viking is also offering world cruises between the Great Lakes and “the end of the world.” The Viking Octantis will begin her epic journey from Milwaukee to Ushuaia on the 70-day Longitudinal World Cruise III in September 2023 – offering guests a variety of impressive travel milestones in a single journey from the heart of North America through engineering wonders like the Welland and Panama Canals, into the Chilean fjords and finally to Antarctica. Similarly, the Viking Polaris® will embark on the 71-day Longitudinal World Cruise II from Duluth to Ushuaia in September 2023; she will also sail the 62-day Longitudinal World Cruise IV from Milwaukee to Ushuaia in October 2024. Viking also offers a similar voyage in reverse, from Buenos Aires to Milwaukee, with the 65-day Longitudinal World Cruise I, which embarks in February 2024.

Leadership changes in Carnival UK

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 May 2023 30 May 2023

Carnival Corporation & plc has announced the appointment of Paul Ludlow as Carnival UK president in addition to his leadership role for P&O Cruises.

In his new consolidated position, Ludlow will assume all commercial and operational responsibility for Carnival UK which includes P&O Cruises and Cunard globally. New Cunard president Katie McAlister, who joins the company in August, will report to Ludlow.

As part of this leadership change, Sture Myrmell will be leaving the business after a long and illustrious career with the company.

Commenting on the changes, Carnival Corporation & plc president, CEO and chief climate officer Josh Weinstein said: "Paul is a 21-year veteran of the company with far-reaching experience across every commercial department and multiple brands in our portfolio of world-class cruise lines. That deep expertise, coupled with Paul's proven leadership and track record of outstanding results, make him the clear choice to support our entire UK organization and to drive our return to strong profitability."

Weinstein added: "I would also like to thank Sture for 30 years of dedicated service. From his start in our company as an officer aboard Cunard, to becoming President, P&O Cruises – Australia, to coming full circle and ultimately leading Carnival UK including the venerable Cunard brand, Sture's dedication and contributions to our company have been significant. We wish him well."

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: "There has never been a more auspicious time for our two brands. P&O Cruises continues to deliver outstanding success and is clearly at the forefront of contemporary, mainstream holidays.

"Aligned with global talent including Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger, as well as credible, authentic partnerships such as the recent BAFTA Television Awards sponsorship, the future of the brand could not be brighter.

"Next year will be a momentous one for Cunard with the arrival of our new ship and our fourth Queen, Queen Anne, which will once again shine the spotlight on this exceptional brand with its rich legacy. I am confident that the arrival of Katie McAlister to lead the Cunard team will build on the demand for Cunard voyages in the UK and across the world."

Ludlow's role is effective from June 1, 2023.

Carnival Pride begins Europe season from Barcelona after refit at Navantia

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 May 2023 28 May 2023

Carnival Pride is embarking today on her first sailing of the Europe summer season, sporting the signature Carnival red, white and blue hull design for the first time, after undergoing extensive enhancements that include bow-to-stern upgrades to enhance accessibility on the ship for guests with disabilities.

Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse visited the ship in Barcelona, before she set sail.

“I’m so proud of our team. They have done amazing work refreshing and enhancing Carnival Pride just in time for her Europe sailings,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We welcome everyone on Carnival ships, so we are happy we’ve completed the work to make the ship accessible to those with disabilities. I’m also delighted to see the addition of the Heroes Tribute bar since it has been popular with our guests and has resonated well with military service members and their families.”

The 2,680-guest Carnival Pride has been undergoing enhancements since April 28 and returned to service with several additional Carnival offerings and other improvements, including: a new Heroes Tribute Bar, Chef’s Table, Dreams Studio, and Carnival Adventures Shop. In addition, the ship’s steakhouse has been refreshed and re-named Fahrenheit 555, the casino expanded and the spa rebranded to the Cloud 9 Spa and Fitness Center.

The first guests sailing Carnival Pride from Barcelona are embarking on an incredible 12-day sailing, with ports of call including Lisbon, Portugal; Le Havre (Paris), France; and Zeebrugge (Brussels), Belgium.

Carnival Pride will sail a series of European cruises through Oct. 28, 2023, which include various itineraries with departures from Dover, UK; Barcelona, Spain; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. The ship concludes its European season with a 15-day transatlantic voyage back to the U.S. that departs Oct. 28, 2023, and ends Nov. 12, 2023 in Tampa, Fla. Next year, the European season will be expanded, with 17 cruises operated by Carnival Legend. The ship will sail of eight-, nine-, 10- and 12-day sailings in 2024.