News

Valletta Cruise Port celebrates 20th anniversary

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 31 December 2022 31 December 2022

Valletta Cruise Port, a subsidiary of Global Ports Holding recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding plc and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port plc said: “I am so proud to have been part of this company since inception and to have led it over the past eight years. It has been an eventful journey with plenty of milestones along the way. The early days allowed us to return a formerly neglected historical site to its majestic state, such as Grand Master Pinto himself intended back in 1752. There is a success story to tell also on the cruise operations side with year-on-year growth, with the large majority of cruise companies now being regular callers to our islands. We have gradually increased our passenger movements from 260,000 to over 900,000 in 2019, and we are now strategically placed as one of the top Mediterranean ports-of-call, and a flourishing homeport. Valletta Cruise Port has carved a name for itself in the industry, and this is thanks to the support and commitment of all stakeholders. Special thanks go to the Directors, Shareholders: Global Ports Holding, AX Group and Excelsior Hotel Floriana, management and staff – past and present, and all our industry partners and stakeholders who are all part of this success.”

As part of the celebrations Valletta Cruise Port held a party within the historic Magazino Hall with various stakeholders in attendance.

During the event, 19 staff members who have provided 10, 15 and 20 years of service to the company received a gift in appreciation of their loyalty and commitment.

Guests were treated to a photography exhibition by Davide Degano, showcasing photos of the Valletta Cruise Project, in what was formerly the engine room of the first Power House in Malta, opened exclusively for the evening. The photos are a prelude to an upcoming publication that will showcase Valletta Cruise Port’s milestones and achievements through photography and anecdotes

Attendees also received a numbered and individually signed print of a commissioned painting of the Valletta Waterfront by local artist Jacqueline Agius. As a key Maltese destination, the award-winning Valletta Waterfront destination remains true to Valletta Cruise Port’s original mission statement, that of “being a prime leisure and entertainment destination by portraying an image of excellence throughout every aspect of the project”.

Arvia arrives first time in Southampton

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 19 December 2022 19 December 2022

P&O Cruises new ship, Arvia, arrived into its home port of Southampton for the first time yesterday ahead of her maiden voyage on Friday.

At 185,000 tonnes, 345m in length with 16 guest decks and setting new ground for guest experience, Arvia is P&O Cruises second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the marine industry's most advanced fuel technology.

Arvia is an innovative and future-focused ship and the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment to offer varied and contemporary holidays.

The ship boasts a unique SkyDome with a retractable glass roof and 16 guest decks, and will feature the first Altitude Skywalk high ropes experience, the tropical-themed Altitude Minigolf, the Altitude Splash Valley aquazone, an outdoor Sports Arena, swim-up bar and infinity pool. It will also offer guests several new dining options such as Green & Co feat. Mizuhana, Ocean Studios cinema, extensive shopping, and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.

Barbara Muckermann to succeed Roberto Martinoli as Silversea Cruises President and CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 December 2022 15 December 2022

Silversea Cruises President and CEO Roberto Martinoli has elevated the brand into the industry’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line. On January 1, 2023, Martinoli will assume the role of senior advisor to Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty. Barbara Muckermann, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will become Silversea’s next president and CEO, and will join Royal Caribbean Group’s Executive Committee.

“Roberto has built Silversea Cruises into the category leader that it is today, 11 ships strong with more on the way,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “He is one of the most innovative and knowledgeable leaders in the maritime industry. As senior advisor, Roberto will continue to provide strategic guidance that further cements Royal Caribbean Group’s status as a leader in the travel and hospitality industry. Barbara is the ideal executive to succeed Roberto. Her global perspective and team-first leadership style are a recipe for success for both the Silversea Cruises brand and Royal Caribbean Group.”

Under Martinoli’s leadership since 2016, Silversea’s fleet has grown to include 11 ships. In summer 2023, it will welcome Silver Nova, the first hybrid luxury cruise ship utilizing fuel cells and emitting zero harmful emissions while in port, an industry first. In 2024, Silversea welcomes Silver Ray, the second ship in the Nova Class. Martinoli also led the acquisition in 2022 of Silver Endeavour to help enable the company to access both polar regions. The ultra-luxury cruise line now sails to over 900 destinations across all seven continents each year, more than any other cruise line.

Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, with an emphasis on creating truly exclusive high-end vacations. She first joined Silversea Cruises in 2001, and held several roles at other luxury and cruise brands from 2005 to 2016 before returning. In her current post as Silversea’s Chief Commercial Officer, she oversees all aspects of sales, marketing, revenue management and guest relations, as well as strategic communications and brand and product strategy. Muckermann is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, and holds a joint MBA from London Business School and Columbia University.

“This is an exciting moment for Silversea as we continue to add new ships and return to the Asia market,” Muckermann said. “I am thrilled to build on our achievements under Roberto and focus on growth in the years ahead.”

Muckermann becomes the second woman to lead one of Royal Caribbean Group’s three wholly-owned brands, and joins Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. She will oversee all of Silversea’s employees and crew, and will report to Jason Liberty.