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AmaWaterways names Janet Bava Chief Marketing Officer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 December 2018 08 December 2018

AmaWaterways river cruise company has announced the expansion of its senior leadership team, naming Janet Bava Chief Marketing Officer. Effective immediately, Bava will be responsible for the company’s strategic and tactical marketing areas with a special focus on working with travel partners to develop a more personalized approach to guest communication and lead generation.

“River cruising continues to be one of the fastest growing segments in cruising,” said Rudi Schreiner, President and Co-Owner of AmaWaterways. “Over the last several years, AmaWaterways has experienced tremendous growth, and we’re primed to welcome Janet to our team. Her focus on aligning all areas of our business will be key as we solidify our presence in evolving markets.”

A skilled professional with more than 15 years of customer-centric marketing experience, Bava has a proven track record of driving business results through innovative campaigns and developing a highly personalized approach to CRM. Prior to joining AmaWaterways, Bava held senior marketing positions with Silversea Cruises, NBCUniversal and Royal Caribbean. “I am very excited to join the growing AmaWaterways family,” said Bava. “Rudi Schreiner, Kristin Karst and Gary Murphy have built an award-winning company with a reputation for innovation and impeccable customer service – two things that I am very passionate about.”

This appointment comes at an exciting time for the company, which is experiencing outstanding growth and expansion across all markets leading up to a record-breaking three new ships being introduced in 2019. AmaWaterways’ revolutionary ship, AmaMagna, will be twice the width of traditional European river cruise ships, giving guests on board more luxurious space than ever before to enjoy their river cruise experience. Additionally, the line will introduce AmaMora, sister ship to AmaLea and AmaKristina, which will sail the Rhine river. AmaDouro, sister to AmaVida, will be a welcome addition to the Douro River as the region’s popularity continues to grow.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Janet to our growing team, known for extraordinary passion and service,” said Kristin Karst, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner of AmaWaterways. “There are so many new opportunities for her and the marketing team to explore that will enable us to introduce even more multi-generational families and active cruisers to our special brand of river cruising.”

Lindblad launches National Geographic Venture

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 December 2018 06 December 2018

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic officially launched the newest addition to their fleet, National Geographic Venture, at a dockside christening ceremony in San Francisco Bay on Friday, November 30, 2018. The occasion marked a major milestone for the line, as only the second new build in the company’s history. Following the ceremony, the ship embarked on a two-night VIP mini expedition that included travel agency partners, affinity/charter partners, media and other special guests.

Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions, presided over the christening ceremony, joined by Gary Knell, Chairman of National Geographic Partners, and the ship’s captain, Andrew Cook. During the ceremony, Lindblad gave a special thank you to the ship’s crew lined up aboard the National Geographic Venture’s bow, “all of you, and the countless others involved, should feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. You have all worked tirelessly to make this possible, and I thank you.”

“I am very, very, proud. It is a great expedition ship. It’s comfortable, nimble, and with massive amounts of glass, our guests will constantly be connected to the outside world. We are delighted with the way she came out.”

“For fifteen years Lindblad and National Geographic have worked together taking travelers around the world to some of the most amazing places. We could not be happier than we are seeing this beautiful new Venture head out to sea,” remarked Gary Knell.

Captain Cook expressed his excitement about the meticulous planning of the ship’s features. “What we have learned over time has provided us the best way to experience the environment. For me personally, this is as fine a ship as I could have asked for.”

Then Pamela Fingleton, 40-year Lindblad veteran and senior vice president, joined Sven on the bow for the traditional toast and breaking of the champagne bottle.

The 50-cabin coastal vessel is the second new build in the line’s history, and is sister ship to National Geographic Quest, launched in 2017. Built entirely in the US, her design is based on 50 years of expedition experience and is the perfect base for exploring. The lounge is a moving window on the world outside, the bow the perfect place for photography with a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor. The ship also features the B&H photo gear loaner program, where guests can try the latest lenses, camera bodies and binoculars aboard ship.

National Geographic Venture is now exploring the Pacific coast on two new and unique inaugural itineraries, giving guests a privileged perspective on the region – before she begins her seasons in Baja, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection reveals the name of first yacht

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 December 2018 06 December 2018

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has announced the name of the first of three yachts from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The first yacht will be named Azora, meaning “sky blue”, a word of Spanish origin derived from “azure” and the color “azul”.

“We are thrilled to officially reveal the name of the inaugural yacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection,” said Doug Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We wanted to select a name that embodies the wanderlust of a luxury journey at sea and inspires travelers to dream of their next destination. Azora, which evokes the beauty of the sky and ocean, does both. To the mind, the color blue also a suggests a distinct sense of peace and clarity, emotions we hope to stir in our guests during their journey with us.”

With blue as a signature color of The Ritz-Carlton brand and an inspiration-inducing color of travel, Azora was a fitting choice for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s inaugural yacht. The calmness of the sky and serenity of the ocean are also highly representative of the color, opening the mind to creativity, relaxation and new experiences.

The specially designed yacht, which is expected to set sail in February 2020, will measure 190- meters (624-feet), accommodate up to 298 guests and feature 149 suites, each with its own private terrace. The yacht will also feature two 102 square-meter (1098 square-feet) lavish Owner’s suites, each with its own private 55 square-meter (592 square-feet) terrace, modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and leading design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden. The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and unparalleled level of individualized guest service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection guests will enjoy an all-inclusive luxury experience including spacious accommodations, onboard activities and entertainment, beverages, multiple dining venues, onboard gratuities, WiFi and watersports from the yacht’s marina platform. Signature experiences available for an additional fee include a culinary experience at the yacht’s signature restaurant designed by Michelin-starred Chef Sven Elverfeld of The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, spa treatments, and immersive excursions offered through The Shore Collection. Voyage prices vary based upon the itinerary and season.

Celebrity Edge named by a historic godmother

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 December 2018 06 December 2018

After more than four years of limitless passion and hard work on the part of thousands of engineers, architects, artisans, designers and crew, Celebrity Cruises sets sail into a new era Tuesday. Celebrity Edge joined the fleet after a moving ceremony where the ship’s godmother, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, was joined by all on board to “bless this ship and all those who sail upon her.”

The naming event brought together more than 3,000 guests, employees, crew members and students to commemorate the debut of Celebrity’s first new ship in six years and first new ship series in more than a decade.

Yousafzai, who is now a college student at Oxford University, is the inspirational co-founder of Malala Fund, which advocates for a world where every girl can learn and lead by investing in local education activists, holding global leaders accountable and amplifying girls’ voices around the world.

She discussed those issues before the ship’s crew and guests in a one-on-one interview with Celebrity’s President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo. From girls’ education to the power of diversity, both share a profound passion and commitment to these important issues.

“We are honored that Malala agreed to be the godmother of this ship, a role that reflects centuries of maritime traditions,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Celebrity’s parent company. “We are especially proud because Malala’s example of relentless persistence and achievement is an inspiration to our crew, who have all worked so hard and made real sacrifices to build better lives for themselves and their families.”

Lutoff-Perlo added: “I am so very proud to have Malala Yousafzai as godmother of Celebrity Edge. Malala embodies our commitment to opening the world through education and gender equality. Seeing her aboard our ship sends a powerful message to our crew who represent over 70 diverse nationalities, and our guests who we sail all over the world.” She continued, “The ceremony today was both touching and symbolic of what Celebrity Cruises stands for. I am grateful to Malala, her family and Malala Fund for embracing today’s events and look forward to continuing our work together around the world.”

Celebrity is proud to partner with Malala Fund and support them in their mission to see the 130 million out of school girls around the world get the 12 years of free, safe, quality education they deserve.

"I'm fighting to ensure millions of girls stuck in situations of poverty or war that they didn't create can learn what they need to choose a future for themselves. But to continue making progress for girls' education, we need support from leaders in every sector. I am so grateful to Celebrity Cruises for their generous support and investment in the potential of girls everywhere,” said Malala Yousafzai, co-founder of Malala Fund.

At the naming event, hosted by noted designer Nate Berkus, emotions ran high when acclaimed recording artist Andra Day took to the stage for empowering renditions of her Grammy-nominated single “Rise Up” and Oscar-nominated single “Stand Up For Something.” Both anthems were chosen for their bold statements about the power of girls’ education and its role in shaping the future.

The brand chose to forego the traditional champagne bottle at the launch, and instead smashed a custom-made 18-liter bottle of Badoit French mineral water across the ship’s Parabolic Ultra Bow. And with that, the ship’s long-awaited inaugural season will get underway, ushering in the premium cruise line’s first new ship series in more than a decade – and sparking a revolution in the industry, with the ship’s cutting-edge design and first-at-sea offerings.

Celebrity Edge will begin her inaugural season sailing alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries before transporting guests to the stunning vistas of the Mediterranean with a range of seven- to 11-night sailings from iconic cities like Barcelona and Rome in 2019. Sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Celebrity Edge will make her first maiden voyage on December 9, 2018. Bookings are now open at www.celebritycruises.com/edge, or through a travel advisor. Building on Celebrity Edge‘s incredible momentum, she’ll be joined by Celebrity Apex in 2020, and two additional sister ships in 2021 and 2022.

Carnival Legend to offer diverse European deployment in 2020

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 December 2018 05 December 2018

Carnival Legend will operate Carnival Cruise Line's most diverse European season to date with 9- to 16-night voyages visiting 34 ports in 14 countries including breathtaking destinations in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, Croatia, Portugal, Greece, Greenland and Iceland in summer and fall 2020.

Available through the Carnival Adventures program, hundreds of shore excursions will be offered where guests can explore centuries-old historic sites and landmarks, savor delicious local cuisine and view spectacular scenery, including the majestic Norwegian fjords.

"We've put together an unmatched program of European cruises, featuring off-the-beaten path destinations as well as some of the most popular seaside port cities. There's no better way to Choose Fun in Europe!" said Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line.

Unique European Itineraries on Carnival Legend

In 2020, Carnival Legend will boast the company's most comprehensive European schedule ever, offering an unprecedented variety of destinations, cruise durations and embarkation ports. Highlights include:

– A 16-day Northern trans-Atlantic crossing from New York to London (Dover) June 3-19, featuring day-long visits to these spectacular destinations: Qaqortoq, Greenland; Reykjavik, Iceland; Lerwick, Shetland Islands; Belfast, Northern Ireland; and Cork (Cobh), Ireland.
– A nine-day Norwegian Fjords cruise round-trip from London June 19-28, visiting six scenic Norwegian ports: Bergen, Olden, Molde, Trondheim, Alesund, and Stavanger, with ample opportunities to view the majestic Norwegian fjords.
– A nine-day Western Europe cruise June 28 – July 7 from London to Barcelona, visiting Le Havre (Paris), France; La Coruña, Spain; Leixoes and Lisbon, Portugal; Gibraltar; and Malaga, Spain
– Nine- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises between Venice and Barcelona with stops at some of Europe's most beautiful and sought-after destinations, including Marseilles, France; Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Greece; Valletta, Malta; and Dubrovnik and Rijeka, Croatia.
– A 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Tampa Oct. 30 – Nov. 15, highlighted by visits to Malaga, Spain; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; Antigua; San Juan; and Amber Cove (Dominican Republic).

Carnival Legend Voyages from Tampa, New York

Before her summer in Europe, Carnival Legend will operate a 13-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal voyage from Tampa to New York May 3-16, 2020, with calls in Cozumel, Mexico and Limon, Costa Rica prior to a partial Panama Canal transit followed by visits to Cartagena, Colombia; Aruba; and Grand Turk.

Once in New York, Carnival Legend will operate two 9-night Caribbean sailings departing May 16 and 25, 2020 and featuring San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Grand Turk.

Carnival Legend will also offer a schedule of 6- and 7-night Caribbean sailings featuring calls at a variety of tropical islands, including Grand Cayman, Belize, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), as well as eight-day partial Panama Canal voyages, round-trip from Tampa in winter 2020-21.