More News

Atlas Ocean Voyages announces three executive appointments

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 October 2020 15 October 2020

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced the appointment of three managing executives for the luxury adventure cruise brand. Christine Borrack has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer; Carlos Garzon is named Senior Vice President of Business Development; and Andrew Moris has been appointed Vice President of Guest Services. The three executive appointments are announced as Atlas Ocean Voyages continues to grow and prepare for the launch of World Navigator in July 2021.

“Christine, Carlos and Andrew’s appointments significantly strengthen Atlas’ management team,” said President Alberto Aliberti. “Christine has been pivotal in creating our financial framework and Carlos and Andrew bring their extensive industry experience to lead Atlas’ operations as we continue to expand through these unprecedented times. The three new appointees each have critical roles in managing our company as demand for our distinctive luxe-adventure expeditions continues to increase.”

Christine Borrack is promoted to Chief Financial Officer after having served as Atlas’ Director of Finance for more than a year. She has been instrumental in building the financial management framework of Atlas, as well as liaising with parent-company Mystic Invest and global investors. Christine has more than 15 years of experience in accounting, finance and operational management, and has played key roles in multiple company divestments and acquisitions with Cain Brothers, Ernst & Young and KPMH in her previous position as controller at Ambrosia Treatment Centers.

Carlos joins Atlas with nearly 20 years’ experience in Cruise and Travel Sales and Revenue Management, having worked for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. In his role, Carlos will lead the company’s revenue strategy and coordinate the strategic direction of Atlas’ commercial efforts. Carlos holds an MBA from Florida International University and is graduate of the United States Naval Academy.

Andrew Moris comes to Atlas with more than 25 years of experience in Contact Center management and is responsible for creating and leading the company’s newly expanded and reorganized Reservations department. He previously worked for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Alorica (PRC, LLC) and Sun International. Andrew will continue to elevate the Reservations Department; expand air/sea services; as well as foster and train the company’s talented team members to rise in the company.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a small ship, luxury adventure cruise brand designed for seasoned and fun-seeking travelers to immerse in active and awe-inspiring experiences in less-trodden, bucket-list destinations. Guests will enjoy one of the industry’s most-inclusive experiences with Atlas’ signature All Inclusive All the Way. With All Inclusive All the Way, guests can be more carefree and enjoy features such as included emergency medical evacuation insurance for all guests; complimentary round-trip air travel; complimentary prepaid gratuities; premium wine and spirits and international craft beers; coffees and smoothies; Wi-Fi; L’Occitane bath amenities; complimentary shore excursions in select ports; Michelin-inspired dining; binoculars onboard; coffee, tea and personalized bar service in every room; butler service in suites; and engaging and knowledgeable service from every staff and crew member.

For her inaugural season, World Navigator will embark on seven- to 24-night itineraries in The Holy Land, Black and Mediterranean Seas, followed by nine- to 13-night itineraries in the Caribbean, South America and on Antarctic expeditions for winter 2021/22. Atlas’ newly constructed, safe, clean and green, small expedition ships foster a refined and convivial ambience and can accommodate up to 196 guests. World Navigator construction is on schedule and launches in July 2021, followed by World Traveller and World Seeker in 2022 and World Adventurer and World Discoverer in 2023. The ships are Polar Category-C and Ice Class-1B certified and will have all of the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures incorporated into their design.

Royal Caribbean prices convertible note and equity offerings

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 October 2020 14 October 2020

Royal Caribbean Group, the world’s second largest cruise shipping company, has priced its convertible note and equity offerings.

The company said it has priced its private offering of $500 million aggregate principal amount Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 at 2.875%.

“The Company expects to use a portion of the net proceeds from the offering to repay its 2.650% Senior Notes due 2020, with the remainder to be used for general corporate purposes,” Royal Caribbean said.

It has also priced an underwritten public offering of 8,333,333 shares of common stock at $60.00 per share. Both the stock and note offerings, which were unveiled yesterday, will close on 16 October, the company said.

Royal Caribbean Group offers shares and notes for total of up to $1.07 billion

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 October 2020 13 October 2020

Royal Caribbean Group, the world’s second largest cruise shipping company, said it has commenced an offering of equity and convertible notes for a maximum value of $1.07 billion, the company said in a statement.

The equity offering comprises an underwritten public offering of $500 million of shares of common stock and the company intends to grant the underwriters an option to purchase up to $75 million of additional shares.

The company also has commenced a private offering to eligible purchasers of $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior convertible notes due 2023. The amount could be increased up to $575 million aggregate principal amount if the initial purchasers exercise in full their option to purchase additional convertible notes , the company said.

Mystic Invest buys Vasco da Gama

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 October 2020 13 October 2020

Mystic Invest Holding, the Portuguese company that has foothold in river and expedition cruising and the construction of these vessels, has bought the 1993 built Vasco da Gama at an auction in the UK, Tradewindsnews.com reports on its website.

The ship, which had started life as Statendam of Holland America Line, was the first of five ships formerly operated by Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), a UK based destination focused cruise operator, which went out of business in the aftermath of the Covid 19 pandemic.

The report said that Mystic Invest would look at the British and German cruise markets to employ the 55,451 gross ton vessel. It is by far the largest vessel the company owns. CMV was also active in both markets and Vasco da Gama sailed from German ports during the summer.

Mystic Investment last year sold a 40% stake in its cruise unit to Certares, a New York based hospitality focused investor, for €250 million. The unit includes Mystic Cruises expedition cruises operator and two river cruise companies, Nicko Tours that has presence on 12 rivers and which is based in Germany, plus Douro Azul that operates on Portuguese waterways. In the U.S. Mystic owns Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Mystic Invest owns in full the WestSEA shipyard in Portugal, where it is building its expedition ships.

The remaining four ships that CMV chartered from the same Greek principal would be auctioned later, one at a time.

New venture promotes ex Pacific Dawn as floating business community

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 October 2020 13 October 2020

A new venture is promoting the former Pacific Dawn of P&O Cruises Australia as a floating business community, the company in question says on its website.

To be called Satoshi, the ship will offer 777 cabin condos plus fitness and medical facilities. “We are passionate crypto entrepreneurs and we wanted to create a place for blockchain (and non-blockchain) enthusiasts to live and work in crypto friendly environment. All onboard businesses will accept bitcoin, US dollar sand other forms of payment,” Ocean Builders, the company behind the venture, says.

The first 100 cabins would go for auction on 5 November, it said.

The ship had been sold to a Greek company that was to long term time charter it to Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) in the UK, but the sale fell through following the collapse of CMV in the summer.