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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection christens its superyacht Ilma

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 December 2024 14 December 2024

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated the christening of its latest luxury superyacht, Ilma, on December 11 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Honoring maritime traditions, the ceremony featured a ceremonial blessing and the iconic breaking of a Champagne bottle, symbolizing good fortune and safe travels for all guests and employees on board.

Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Ernesto Fara, President and CFO, joined Ilma’s Captain Magnus Bengtsson and General Manager Sasha Tyas, along Father Sandford Sears – affectionately known as “Father Sandy” – from Seafarers' House at Port Everglades. Together, they celebrated an esteemed group of female leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, both shipboard and shoreside, who collectively fulfilled the role of Ilma’s godmothers. Each team member represents a unique story of leadership and inspiration, uniting to embody the spirit of discovery and elegance that defines Ilma.

The celebration was held abord Ilma at Port Everglades, which was attended by employees from the company’s Fort Lauderdale office, local officials, and distinguished guests. Attendees enjoyed light bites, signature cocktails inspired by the yacht’s culinary offerings, and a live performance. The godmothers then took the stage to officially christen Ilma with the traditional Champagne bottle break, offering their heartfelt wishes for the yacht’s journeys ahead.

“The christening of Ilma marks a significant moment in our journey, as we officially welcome this extraordinary yacht into our fleet. Ilma represents growth and the exciting future of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said Murren. “We are incredibly grateful to all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this beautiful yacht to life – from our dedicated team members to our global partners. This ceremony offers a glimpse of the exceptional design, innovative dining, legendary service, and unforgettable experiences that await those who step aboard Ilma.”

Joining Evrima, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s inaugural yacht, Ilma made its debut in the Mediterranean in September 2024, sailing from Monte Carlo to Rome. Named after the Maltese word for “water,” Ilma measures 790 feet (241 meters) and accommodates up to 448 guests across its 224 spacious suites, each featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces with sweeping sea views. With one of the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-employee ratios at sea, Ilma sets new standards for the ultra-luxury yachting experience with exceptional dining, innovative design, outstanding amenities, and personalized service.

Ilma offers seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces, connecting guests to the sea and breathtaking destinations. Guests can enjoy five world-class dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, seven bars, and a signature wine vault. Highlights include dining concepts by Michelin-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina, an extensive Marina and Marina Terrace bringing guests to the water’s edge, a dynamic open-air pool and entertainment deck, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, featuring treatments from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi.

For the 2024-2025 winter season, Ilma joins Evrima in the Caribbean, offering scenic voyages to the region’s most captivating islands. In summer 2025, Ilma will explore Northern Europe, marking the company’s first itineraries in the North and Baltic Seas, calling on dynamic cities like Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and Bordeaux. Guests will also enjoy voyages to beloved yachting havens, including the Greek Isles, the Balearic Islands, the French Riviera, and the Italian Riviera.

James Rodriguez to continue as Atlas Ocean Voyages President and CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 December 2024 14 December 2024

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced that James A. Rodriguez (photographed left with Mário Ferreira) will continue as President and CEO, spearheading the brand's growth and success in the competitive expedition cruise market. As the yacht expedition brand of Mystic Invest Holding, Atlas Ocean Voyages continues redefining luxury expedition cruising under Rodriguez’s visionary leadership.

“Over the past years, we have built a talented and passionate team that has positioned Atlas Ocean Voyages as a leader in the fast-growing expedition cruise market,” said Rodriguez. “Leading this exceptional group of professionals has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career, and I look forward to driving our continued success together. I am deeply grateful to Mystic Invest Holding Chairman Mário Ferreira and our investors for their commitment to growing Atlas and for entrusting me with the leadership of this innovative brand.”

Atlas Ocean Voyages has quickly emerged as a formidable player in the polar expedition market, bolstered by strategic marketing partnerships and targeted sales initiatives. The brand has expanded its reach beyond polar expeditions into year-round expeditions, introducing Epicurean Expeditions and Cultural Expeditions, which are highly acclaimed by travelers seeking diverse, immersive experiences.

“The expedition cruise market has experienced explosive growth over the past two years and Atlas Ocean Voyages is well-positioned for 2025, with 70% of inventory already sold,” said Mystic Invest Holding Chairman Mário Ferreira. “James Rodriguez has been instrumental in the success of Atlas Ocean Voyages and is the proven leader to guide its future.”

During Rodriguez’s tenure, Atlas Ocean Voyages has deepened its relationships with travel advisors and consumers, further solidifying its reputation for delivering unique, intimate expedition experiences. The brand strengthened its international presence with a strategic focus on markets in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings appoints Leahy as CEO, Goldberg as CFO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 December 2024 10 December 2024

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, today announced two key executive appointments: Natalya Leahy (photographed below) will join as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Jan. 1, 2025, and Rick Goldberg has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Dec. 31, 2024.

"As Lindblad Expeditions moves into its 46th year, I am delighted and confident that the leadership of Natalya Leahy as CEO and Rick Goldberg as CFO will represent an energized, talented and experienced partnership, leading the Company into our next phase of growth in the experiential travel space both at sea and on land," said Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and current CEO of Lindblad Expeditions and a member of the Board. "I look very much forward to, along with my fellow Board members, supporting Natalya and Rick to maintain and strengthen our position as the leaders in this rapidly growing sector of the travel industry and creating meaningful value for all of our stakeholders."

Leahy most recently served as President of Seabourn, where she was responsible for all aspects of the luxury cruise line’s business and operations, leading a global team of more than 4,000 shoreside and seagoing employees. Prior to taking on the role of President, Leahy spent several years serving in various leadership positions at Holland America Group, including Chief Operations Officer (COO) and CFO, respectively. Throughout her career, Leahy served in various leadership roles for global organizations, such as The Procter & Gamble Company, United Nations, and The Coca-Cola Company.

Goldberg currently serves as CFO of Founders Table Restaurant Group, where he has led all aspects of the high-growth, fast-casual restaurant company’s finance, real estate and development, franchising, and customer insights, since 2021. Previously, Mr. Goldberg also held various leadership positions, including CFO, at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., one of the largest providers of assisted tax preparation services in the United States.

"We are excited to welcome two exceptional leaders whose experience, drive, skill sets, and values perfectly align with our vision and mission,” said Mark D. Ein, current Chairman of the Board. “Natalya’s extensive background in senior leadership across global travel and iconic brand-focused companies, combined with Rick’s broad experience as a senior finance leader, will bring invaluable perspectives to our team. Their proven success and dedication to excellence will be instrumental in driving operational and financial performance, achieving our ambitious growth objectives, and delivering lasting value to our stakeholders.”

“I’m excited and humbled by the opportunity to lead such a purpose-driven organization like Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneer of modern expedition cruising and the undisputed expert in adventure travel,” said Leahy. “Nearly 50 years ago, Lindblad Expeditions created the expedition travel category, serving as a beacon of authentic, immersive, and responsible exploration. I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of travel, and Lindblad Expeditions is uniquely creating life-changing experiences for sophisticated travelers eager to explore the Earth’s most extraordinary places in extreme comfort. I’m honored to join the talented team here and build on Sven’s legacy as we embrace the exciting opportunities ahead.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Lindblad Expeditions as the new CFO and to be a part of such a revered Company with a deep heritage,” said Goldberg. “With a strong financial foundation and impressive growth trajectory ahead, I look forward to delivering long-term value for our shareholders while creating exceptional guest experiences together with Lindblad Expeditions’ talented leadership team.”

Leahy succeeds Lindblad Expeditions’ Founder, Lindblad, who will become Founder and Co-Chair of the Board. Ein will become Board Co-Chair as well as Lead Independent Director. Rick Goldberg succeeds L. Dyson Dryden, who has served as interim CFO since June 2024, and continues his long-standing position as a Board Director.

Ikenobo Ikebana officially names Mitsui Ocean Fuji in traditional maritime ceremony

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 December 2024 08 December 2024

In a traditional maritime ceremony at the Tokyo Bay port, Ikenobo ikebana Headmaster Designate Senko Ikenobo officially welcomed the newest Mitsui Ocean Cruises ship, by naming her Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

The commemorative event took place onboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji in the Ocean Stage theater and Senko Ikenobo, alongside CEO and President Tsunemichi Mukai and Captain Kim Karlsson, warmly wished the ship “fair winds and following seas” for a prosperous journey sailing to unique and beautiful destinations in Japan and beyond. To culminate the celebration, she released a bottle of sake that shattered against the ship, wishing good fortune to all guests and crew sailing onboard.

Senko Ikenobo is the first woman appointed as Headmaster Designate of the Ikenobo School, recognized as the oldest and most influential school of ikebana, the time-honored Japanese art of flower arranging. The Ikenobo tradition of ikebana emphasizes a philosophy of creating harmony between humans and nature and cultivating mindfulness. On this day, the stage was decorated with an ikebana created by Senshu Ikenobo, the head of the Ikenobo Youth Club (and the son of Senko Ikenobo). The ikebana expresses the beauty of nature, as well as the promise of deepening the connection and trust between Mitsui Ocean Cruises and the people living in the communities Mitsui Ocean Fuji will visit. The ikebana added to the beauty of Japan of Mitsui Ocean Fuji's memorable ceremony, which offers “FUNATABI – Beautiful Encounters with Japan.”

Fleetmate, Nippon Maru, was also in port to greet Mitsui Ocean Fuji, and guests onboard both ships waved flags, as the ships festively exchanged three horn salutes, symbolizing the “Mitsui” (three bars) motif in the cruise line’s brand mark.

Takeshi Hashimoto, Representative Director, President, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and several other stakeholders were also joined to naming ceremony to celebrate the debut of Mitsui Ocean Fuji.

Mukai, CEO and President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, remarked: “Senko Ikenobo is highly admired for her dedication and passion for meticulous ikebana artistry in Japan, making her the perfect choice to name Mitsui Ocean Fuji. With her well wishes for a prosperous life and happy and sustainable future, guests will enjoy beautiful encounters with Japan and an authentically and carefully crafted cruise experience blending our distinct Japanese culture with inspiring and unique ways to value time and space.”

On sale now, Mitsui Ocean Fuji is sailing a series of Debut Cruises (December 2024-January 2025), including a special New Year’s sailing; Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); and a 66-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025).

The 32,477-ton Mitsui Ocean Fuji offers spacious guest venues, traditional omotenashi service, delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call.

Cunard unveils makeover for Queen Elizabeth ahead of Miami-Caribbean and Alaska seasons in 2025

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 December 2024 07 December 2024

Cunard has announced an era-defining refurbishment of Queen Elizabeth, paving the way for its inaugural Caribbean program sailing from Miami and its debut Alaska season from Seattle in 2025.

The 2,000-guest ship will undergo a significant refit from February 25 to March 13, 2025, in Seatrium’s Admiralty Yard in Singapore, preparing her for a new Alaska season from Seattle in June and a debut voyage from Miami to the Caribbean on October 16. The Caribbean season will begin with a 12-night roundtrip sailing from Miami, offering guests the chance to visit Bridgetown’s UNESCO- listed Garrison and bustling markets of Castries, St Lucia.

For the first time in Cunard’s history, one of their iconic fleet will spend the full season in Miami, and Queen Elizabeth will offer a dedicated program of roundtrip Caribbean voyages with itineraries ranging from 9 to 28 nights. Guests will enjoy idyllic escapes to iconic destinations, including Montego Bay in Jamaica, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and St John’s in Antigua.

Queen Elizabeth’s transformation will feature refreshed signature interiors and exteriors designed to capture both tranquility and vibrancy. Signature spaces such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion will be thoughtfully revitalized, connecting guests to the ocean while providing the perfect space to relax or enjoy al fresco dining.

As part of Queen Elizabeth’s transformation, the Grills experience – a hallmark of Cunard’s luxury offering – will be elevated to new heights. Guests staying in the exclusive Grills suites will enjoy enhanced interiors and exteriors, featuring sumptuous furnishings, sophisticated detailing, and thoughtful design to deliver the ultimate in comfort and style.

The Grills dining experience will also be enhanced by a special menu crafted exclusively for Grills guests by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. Launching on Queen Elizabeth following her refit, this three-course Gala Evening menu – which currently features across the Cunard fleet – will include expertly curated dishes designed to celebrate the finest culinary experiences at sea.

Michel Roux said: “Crafting exclusive new menus for Cunard’s Grills guests is an extraordinary privilege. This project allows me to blend my passion for fine dining with the timeless elegance and sophistication that define the Cunard Grills experience. Each dish is carefully created to celebrate the finest ingredients, ensuring every meal is as special as the voyage itself. I’m incredibly fond of my partnership with Cunard, and I’m really excited to continue this luxury collaboration in 2025.”

Another standout feature of the refurbishment is the introduction of The Pavilion Wellness Café, which debuted earlier this year on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne. This wellness-focused venue will serve breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining, with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.

Guests can also enjoy the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea program, first seen on Queen Anne. This innovative program offers three-day packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery, providing a rejuvenating journey at sea.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “As Queen Elizabeth prepares for her highly anticipated debut seasons in the Caribbean from Miami and Alaska from Seattle, this transformation marks an exciting new chapter for Cunard. Inspired by the beauty of these extraordinary destinations, the ship’s revitalization will seamlessly blend timeless elegance with modern comforts, creating an unparalleled guest experience.

“We are especially excited to introduce the exclusive Gala Evening menu, crafted by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. This remarkable addition will elevate the Grills dining experience to even greater heights, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it.”