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Silversea leads return to ultra-luxury expeditions to Antarctica

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 20 November 2021 20 November 2021

Silversea's Silver Explorer has launched the return of ultra-luxury expedition cruising to Antarctica, setting sail from her new departure port of Puerto Williams, Chile, on November 10. Silver Cloud subsequently joined her fleetmate in Antarctica, sailing from Punta Arenas, Chile, on November 14.

"We are proud and excited to be at the forefront of the comeback of ultra-luxury expedition cruising in Antarctica," says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's President and CEO. "Accompanied by our seasoned team of expedition experts, our guests will not only be in awe of the authentic beauty and unique wildlife of the White Continent, but they will also enjoy the signature distinctions that have made Silversea the leader in luxury expedition cruising."

“We are making history. By embarking on a private, direct flight from Santiago to Puerto Williams, we are unlocking a flight path that has not been operated for more than 30 years - and never in such luxury - to deliver comfort and convenience to our guests,” says Conrad Combrink, Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Turnaround Operations and Destination Management, Silversea Cruises. “I am thrilled to launch our 2021-22 Antarctica season from the Chilean port of Puerto Williams – the southernmost town in the world – which is a first for Silversea. For their unwavering commitment to resuming expeditions to this unique part of the world, I would like to extend my gratitude to the respective authorities in Chile; the Mayor of Punta Arenas, Claudio Radonich; the Mayor of Puerto Williams, Patricio Fernández Alarcón; the Governor of Antarctica Chilena province, Nelson Cárcamo Barrera;Nicolas Pivcevic and the team at DAP Antarctic Airways; and my colleagues at Silversea Cruises.”

Partnership with DAP Antarctic Airways

For the first time, Silversea’s guests are discovering Antarctica from Puerto Williams aboard Silver Explorer. DAP Antarctic Airways is providing Silversea’s guests with private, round-trip flights between Santiago and Puerto Williams. DAP Antarctic Airways is also the carrier selected to provide the flight component of Antarctica Bridge®, Silversea’s new fly-cruise program that provides the fastest, most direct route to Antarctica.

Offering a diverse range of itinerary options, Silver Explorer and Silver Cloud will unlock the White Continent for guests through March 2022. Several itineraries focus on the stunning pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, while others include visits to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, where opportunities abound to witness bustling penguin colonies and other amazing wildlife. Silversea will inaugurate its Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise option on December 11, 2021, enabling guests to skip the Drake Passage and fly in comfort straight to Antarctica to start their cruise. Another season highlight, a special Deep South Expedition voyage will spend 20 days tracing a path beyond the Antarctic Circle, attempting to reach a latitude of 69 degrees south, beginning January 27, 2022.

Silver Wind leaves drydock

Silversea’s third ice-class ship, Silver Wind, has now left the drydock at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdańsk, Poland. Expanding the range of voyage options for Silversea's expeditions, Silver Wind will debut as an expedition ship in May 2022 in the Mediterranean, before heading to Northern Europe and the Arctic for the summer season.

Enchanted Princess makes inaugural sailing

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 15 November 2021 15 November 2021

Princess Cruises offered a first look at the cruise line's newest MedallionClass ship – Enchanted Princess, the newest ship to join the global fleet. The ship is currently sailing its first 10-night cruise from Port Everglades.

A special naming ceremony celebration will be broadcast on Monday, December 13, on Princess.com, Princess Cruises' Facebook page and YouTube channels with more details to follow.

The 145,000 gross ton, 3,660-guest ship represents an evolution of the design platform consistent across her sister ships – Royal Princess (2013), Regal Princess (2014), Majestic Princess (2017) and Sky Princess (2019) – offering an elevation of spectacular style and elegance that is distinguished by Princess.

"Introducing our newest ship – Enchanted Princess – is a significant milestone for Princess and we look forward to the first guests experiencing all this gorgeous ship has to offer," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises President. "Enchanted Princess is our seventh ship to enter service since the global pause, signifying our successful path forward, with many loyal and new guests ready to sail with us and our teammates ready to deliver meaningful and memorable vacations at an incredible value."

Enchanted Princess delivers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising featuring the world-class dining and entertainment Princess is renowned for, all elevated with the Princess MedallionClass Experience. As with all ships in the Princess fleet, it begins with the Medallion, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best WiFi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows.

Notable features and entertainment offerings found onboard Enchanted Princess include:

– Sky Suites – First introduced on Sky Princess (2019), the new luxury Sky Suites offer inclusive amenities, attentive service and a dedicated Suite Experience Manager, luxurious accommodations for up to five guests and a 1,000 square-foot balcony featuring 270-degree views from the cruise line's largest balcony at sea.
– 25 Bars & Restaurants – With the most al fresco dining options of any Princess ship, Enchanted Princess features Bistro Sur La Mer by Three Michelin Star Chef Emmanuel Renaut, Sabatini's Italian Trattoria with its own Pasta Room, Crown Grill Steakhouse and Bar, Crooners, Chef's Table Lumiere, Gigi's Pizzeria, The Salty Dog Gastropub, Gelato, three beautifully appointed Main Dining Rooms and more.
– Aquatic Relaxation - In addition to multiple hot tubs, Enchanted boasts two deep-tank pools, adjacent to the top-deck bar. At the ship's aft end, the infinity-style Wakeview pool and bar offer spectacular views of the horizon, while the Retreat Pool offers a quiet oasis.
– Fan Favorite Original Production Shows – First debuted onboard Sky Princess to rave reviews, Enchanted Princess showcases Rock Opera, featuring incredible costumes inspired by glamorous avant garde fashion with a musical soundtrack spanning classic rock, opera and musical theater. In addition, 5-SKIES with its technologically enhanced production features a virtual gaming world, spectacular digital effects and acrobatics, intricate sets and contemporary music for one of the cruise line's most visually advanced shows ever.
– Take Five – First debuted on Sky Princess, Take Five showcases vintage footage, iconic imagery and intimate conversations that transport you to the heart of the jazz era. Guests can enjoy nightly live jazz while sipping cocktail favorites from Master Mixologist Rob Floyd and specialty gin cocktails crafted exclusively for Take Five.

Enchanted Princess also offers signature Princess venues and amenities including the Piazza, Lotus Spa, The Sanctuary, Movies Under the Stars, Princess Live! Café, Good Spirits at Sea Bar, Vegas-Style Casino, The Shops of Princess, Camp Discovery Youth & Teen Center and Discovery at SEA programs.

Richard Fain to retire, CFO Liberty to follow as Royal Caribbean Group CEO

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 09 November 2021 09 November 2021

Richard Fain, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Caribbean Group for the past 33 years, has decided to step down as CEO on January 3, 2022, the company said in a statement.

“Chief Financial Officer Jason Liberty will succeed him as CEO and join the Board of Directors. Fain will remain as Chair of the Board of Directors,” Royal Caribbean Group said.

“The third-longest serving CEO among current S&P 500 leaders, Fain's storied career is defined by the innovations he championed involving every aspect of cruising – from revolutionary ship design to major sustainability efforts to the technologies and ground-breaking features that enriched the onboard experience for millions of guests,” the company said.

Liberty joined the Royal Caribbean Group in 2005 and served in several financial, strategic and operational roles before becoming CFO in 2013. His operational duties have expanded over the years and gone well beyond the responsibilities normally associated with a CFO. Liberty is also responsible for Silversea Cruises, the Group's joint ventures with TUI Cruises and Hapag Lloyd Cruises, as well as the Royal Caribbean Group's strategy, technology, supply chain, port operations and legal functions.

The company also announced that Naftali Holtz will become CFO when Liberty assumes the CEO role. Holtz is currently senior vice president of finance for the Royal Caribbean Group, responsible for corporate, capital and revenue planning and analysis, deployment planning, risk management and treasury.

MedCruise elects Figen Ayan as President

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 06 November 2021 06 November 2021

The 59th MedCruise General Assembly that was held in Barcelona, Spain, elected Ms Figen Ayan, Chief Port Officer Galataport Istanbul as the new President of the Association representing ports and stakeholders related to the cruise business in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas.

Born in Paris, Figen Ayan is a French and Turkish citizen. Ayan studied at and obtained her diploma in, “Lettres Modernes” from La Sorbonne – Paris IV in 1994.

Since February 2014 Figen Ayan has served as the Chief Port Officer at Galataport Istanbul. She has been a Ministry of Culture and Tourism professional tourist guide, licensed in the French and English languages, since 1997. From 2011, she has been acting as the Board Member of the international MedCruise Association, representing 140 cruise ports from 21 countries in the Mediterranean and adjoining seas. She started her professional life in the cruise industry in 1994 at ITS (International Travel Services) company and continued her tourism career in 1999 with Tura Tourism as its Aegean Region Manager. Subsequently, she acted as the Marketing and Communications Manager of Global Investment Holdings until 2005. For a period of 6 months, Ayan worked at Arkas-MSC as Port Management Manager for Turkey. She started back at Global Investment Holdings’ subsidiary company Global Ports Holding in 2006 as the Marketing Director of Kusadasi, Bodrum and Antalya cruise ports. She actively contributed to the Business Development department of the company to acquire and insert the cruise ports of Barcelona-Spain and Lisbon-Portugal to their portfolio.

For the past 15 years, Figen Ayan has been attaching importance to personal development and alternative therapies; she participated in international breath trainings, family constellation and various meditative therapies. She is currently an advanced trainee for Somatic Experiencing, which is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders.

She succeeds in the Presidency Aris Batsoulis, Head of Technical Services & Development Director – PFSO of Corfu Port Authority, who will continue serving the Association as Honorary President – thanked by the new President for his contribution to the MedCruise success throughout the past years.

"I love the cruise industry, for its resilience, its creativity, its openness and many more reasons capsulled in my over 27-years career. Hence it is a true honour and privilege to represent 140 boutique and marquee cruise ports from 21 countries in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas as the President of MedCruise Association for the 2021-2024 mandate," said Figen Ayan following her election.

Figen Ayan continued stated "It is even more valuable to have 12 Board of Directors represented by Ms. Francesca Antonelli, Mr. Lorenzo Vera, Mr. Aris Batsoulis, Ms. Silvia Coppolino, Ms. Cristina De Gregori, Mr. Aziz Gungor, Ms. Valeria Mangiarotti, Mr. Doru Mihai, Mr. Jamil Ouazzani, Ms. Theodora Riga, Ms. Anne-Marie Spinosi and Ms. Elisa Zamora who dedicated their knowledge and professionalism for the growth of the cruise industry but also MedCruise over the years.

We will be all together the ambassadors of our ports, our industry and countries for a harmonious atmosphere along with our port and associate members.

I, with the Board of Directors of MedCruise are here to be the bridge between the cruise lines and the cruise ports or destinations. While, we as the members of MedCruise, are far more than the faces, agencies or promoters of destinations…

We are the ones who can resolve diplomatic matters in the most delicate way for the good of our ports and destinations.
We are the ones, who can reach and go above the environmental goals dictated by the governments for the good of our planet and future generations.

We are the ones who create safe and good environments for the cruise passengers, crew and also our own local passengers/source markets. Let me rectify, we don’t accept good services, we question and always do whatever is necessary to be a better version of ourselves for the growth of the industry and, the success of all the cruise lines!

As MedCruise members, we are a strong and beautiful mosaic of cultures, civilisations, who shape in a subtle, deep and humble manner the cruise industry.

As the new President of MedCruise Association, I am thrilled and cannot wait to work hand in hand, heart by heart with the board of directors, the port and associate members.

Let’s create an epic story together!
Our diversity, our strength!"

Along with its President, MedCruise elected its Board of Directors (BoD) members to serve for the period 2021-20214. The members of the new Board of Directors are: Francesca Antonelli, elected as Senior Vice President (Valencia, Spain), Lorenzo Vera, elected as Vice President (Motril-Granada, Spain), Aris Batsoulis, (Corfu, Greece), Silvia Coppolino (Taranto, Italy), Cristina De Gregori (Genoa-Savona. Italy), Aziz Gungor (Kusadasi-Bodrum, Turkey), Valeria Mangiarotti (Sardinian Ports, Italy), Doru Mihai (Constantza, Romania), Jamil Ouazzani (Tangier, Morocco), Theodora Riga (Thessaloniki, Greece), Anne-Marie Spinosi (Bastia-North Corsica Ports, France), Elisa Zamora (Tenerife Ports, Spain).

Aimilia Papachristou is reappointed as the Secretary General of the Association.

Photo from L-R: Aziz Gungor, Aris Batsoulis, Doru Mihai, Silvia Coppolino, Cristina de Gregori, Valeria Mangiarotti, Anne-Marie Spinosi, Figen Ayan, Fransesca Antonelli, Lorenzo Vera, Jamil Ouazzani