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Carnival Corporation & plc names Helen Deeble to board of directors, announces quarterly dividend

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 July 2016 22 July 2016

Carnival Corporation & plc on July 14 announced that on July 13, 2016, Helen Deeble, CEO of P&O Ferries Division Holdings Ltd., has been appointed to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. The announcement was made following the quarterly meeting of Carnival Corporation’s board of directors held in Amsterdam.

Deeble, a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in retail, shipping, logistics and leisure travel, will serve in a non-executive capacity on Carnival Corporation’s 10-member board of directors. She will also serve on the board-level Health, Environmental, Safety and Security Committee.

"We are very pleased to welcome Helen as an exceptional addition to our board of directors,” said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc’s chairman. “Helen brings extensive experience from her leadership roles across several industries, including decades of work in the maritime and travel sectors, and valuable time spent in consumer retail. We look forward to working with her closely and gaining insights from her unique perspective as we continue growing demand for our 10 global cruise line brands and delighting our guests with great vacations at an exceptional value.”

Since 2006, Deeble has been CEO of P&O Ferries Division Holdings Ltd., a pan-European shipping and logistics business, following stints as the company’s chief operating officer and chief financial officer starting in 1998. Prior to that, Deeble was chief financial officer for Stena Line UK Ltd., a Swedish-owned ferry operator, and held several financial roles with the retailer Sears plc in the UK. Deeble has served as a non-executive director for the Port of London Authority and The Standard Club since 2014.

There is no other information required to be disclosed pursuant to LR9.6.13R in respect of Deeble.

Following board meeting, Carnival Corporation also announced that it has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share. The company’s board of directors approved a record date for the quarterly dividend of August 24, 2016, and a payment date of September 16, 2016.

Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ADSs will receive the dividend payable in U.S. dollars. The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in U.S. dollars or sterling. In the absence of instructions or elections to the contrary, holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares will automatically receive the dividend in sterling.

Dividends payable in sterling will be converted from U.S. dollars at the exchange rate quoted by the Bank of England in London at 12 noon on September 1, 2016. Holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares wishing to receive their dividend in U.S. dollars or participate in the Carnival plc Dividend Reinvestment Plan must elect to do so by August 24, 2016.

Seven Seas Explorer officially christened in Monte Carlo

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 July 2016 16 July 2016

Godmother of Seven Seas Explorer, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, cut a red velvet ribbon which sent a Primat bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne smashing against the ship’s hull to officially christen the newest member of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet. The gala christening ceremony took place on July 13 in Monte Carlo, one of the world’s most glamorous cities, and included a special private concert by world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco delivered the traditional maritime blessing before the bottle of champagne broke against the ship’s hull, officially christening the vessel. The jubilation of the bottle breaking moment was followed by a spectacular 40-minute private performance from musical maestro Andrea Bocelli, capping an incredible evening for a ship that sets new benchmarks for luxury.

“This is truly a special moment, not only for the Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand, but for the entire Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings family,” shared Frank Del Rio, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president and chief executive officer. “Tonight we celebrate the realization of our vision. Seven Seas Explorer is not only the world’s most luxurious ship - she sets a new benchmark for luxury vacations and lays the foundation from which Regent Seven Seas Cruises will continue to build. We have already begun a massive $125 million refurbishment effort to ensure every ship in our fleet matches the luxury standard found on Explorer, and will introduce a sister-ship in 2020.”

During his christening remarks, Del Rio reflected upon the humanitarian efforts undertaken by Her Serene Highness as part of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to save lives by teaching children and adults basic water safety techniques.

“It is an honor to be the Godmother of this magnificent ship, Seven Seas Explorer. I am also thrilled by the discussions taking place between my Foundation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings to implement my Water Safety program on all their ships. Developing awareness of the risks attached to aquatic environments is, for me, a cause of most importance,” stated Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene.

Seven Seas Explorer delivers an unrivaled luxury cruise experience. The ship features extravagantly designed theaters and lounges, an unparalleled collection of opulent and spacious suites, five lavish gourmet restaurants and an unprecedented level of personalized service. At 55,254 gross-registered tons and carrying only 750 guests, the all-suite, all-balcony ship boasts one of the highest space ratios and lowest crew to guest ratios in the cruise industry, not to mention the largest private verandas in the cruise industry and a new category of luxury suite, the nearly 4,500-square foot Regent Suite. The luxury liner’s maiden voyage will take place July 20, 2016, and will spend its inaugural season in Europe before heading to Miami for a series of Caribbean voyages.

“Seven Seas Explorer is the most luxurious ship ever built, and we are truly grateful and privileged to have Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco serve as the ship’s godmother,” added Jason Montague, president and COO, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Our guests have waited patiently for over a decade for a new Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship, and once they sail Seven Seas Explorer I’m confident they will agree it was well worth the wait."

Seabourn's John Delaney moves to Windstar Cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 July 2016 08 July 2016

John Delaney is new president of Windstar Cruises. The seasoned cruise veteran will chart a course for the boutique, small ship cruise line that prides itself on a casual yet elegant approach to smaller harbors, in-port overnights and personalized experiences around the world. His first day in office will be on July 19.

Delaney, formerly SVP of Global Marketing and Sales for Seabourn Cruise Line (a Carnival Corporation), also has significant tenure with The Walt Disney Company and Holland America Line.

“We are very pleased to welcome John on- board. Cruise vacationers and our guests have every reason to expect a new era of exciting, wonderful and memorable vacation experiences on our yachts and in the ports Windstar visits,” said Andrew N. Todd, chief executive officer of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, parent company of Windstar Cruises. “Windstar just welcomed back the renovated Star Pride, and since taking ownership of Windstar in 2011, we have invested more than $40 million into our three sailing yachts and three motorized all-suite yachts, so this is an ideal time for John to join the company and contribute to its success.”

From 2011 through June of this year, John was the senior vice president of global marketing and sales for Seabourn Cruise Line. Prior to that he also held a number of positions at Holland America, including vice president of revenue marketing, director of special projects at corporate audit services and manager of management advisory services.

Before working for Carnival Corporation, he spent six years at The Walt Disney Company starting as a financial analyst in food operations at The Disneyland Resort and working his way up and through various departments including senior business planner for theme park operations revenue and manager of marketing finance. After a brief stint with Gateway Business, he returned to The Walt Disney Company at Disneyland Resort culminating as director, financial planning and analysis.

John earned his BS in Business Administration and Accounting from California State University in Long Beach, California, and resides in Seattle.

P&O Cruises unveils new features on Pacific Explorer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 July 2016 08 July 2016

P&O Cruises will take holidaymakers on a voyage of discovery on its latest ship, Pacific Explorer, which will debut next year with exciting new features including two spectacular waterslides, a chilled barefoot bowls green and an elegant supper club for evening entertainment.

With Pacific Explorer’s inaugural cruise from Sydney now less than one year away, P&O has unveiled details of the ship’s multi-million dollar refurbishment.

Maintaining the cruise line’s reputation for innovation, Pacific Explorer will be packed with surprises, including P&O’s first ever waterpark at sea, as well as its most extensive range of dining options, delivered in a stylish, contemporary setting.

The fun starts on the top decks with two breathtaking waterslide experiences – the first offering LED lights and sound effects and the second featuring heart-racing twists and turns.

Guests of all ages will be able to enjoy the waterpark, with a shaded area for kids featuring a dumping bucket and oversized water toys.

Meanwhile, the popular P&O Edge Adventure Park will feature activities including a flying fox, while those seeking a more relaxed pace will be able to head to the back deck for a cruisey game of barefoot bowls.

Continuing P&O’s food revolution, Pacific Explorer will offer some tantalising new dining concepts, including The Black Circus, a supper club venue offering delicious food served with a side of cabaret-style entertainment.

Guests will also be able to enjoy a slice of Italy, with a new pizza restaurant offering gourmet pizzas and share platters, while the cruise line’s popular international food market place, The Pantry, will be extended to include a ninth outlet, Nic and Toni’s, serving Mediterranean cuisine. Also on offer will be a poolside Lobster & Burger bar, serving delicious lobster and seafood rolls as well as premium beef and pulled pork burgers.

The new dining options are in addition to the cruise line’s popular Waterfront restaurant, which will feature on Pacific Explorer along with two other restaurants which debuted on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden last year: Angelo’s, serving contemporary Italian cuisine, and the sultry Asian dining venue, Dragon Lady.

Another P&O favourite, Salt grill by Luke Mangan will also be onboard, enjoying a sparkling location overlooking the main pool area, while a range of new bars, including a stylish hidden bar, will provide the perfect location for relaxing pre and post dinner drinks.

Announcing details of the refurbishment, P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell said Pacific Explorer’s décor would reflect modern Australia, combining elegance with relaxed comfort to create the striking contemporary look which has become a trademark of the P&O fleet.

Myrmell said the P&O team had a lot of fun designing Pacific Explorer.

“We’ve taken the winning features of our existing ships, then added a whole new layer of excitement with some big wow moments like the waterslides as well as new concepts like the bowling green and a stunning hidden bar, which we think will put a smile on our guests’ faces,” Myrmell said.

“It really will be a ship that offers something for everyone.”

Presently sailing as Dawn Princess with sister line Princess Cruises, the 77,000-tonne Pacific Explorer will be refitted in May and June next year, sailing on her first cruise from Sydney on June 22. She will join P&O ships Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel as well as P&O’s latest additions, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which debuted last year.

Norwegian introduces euro pricing in Republic of Ireland

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 July 2016 06 July 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line, the contemporary maret unit in the Norwegian Cruise Kline Holding group, said it had launched euro pricing for the Republic of Ireland.

The move to euro pricing is another step forward in Norwegian’s “Growing Europe” strategy to develop and enhance Europe’s robust position as a source market for the company globally. It also reinforces Norwegian’s Partners First approach towards its distribution partners, which focuses on ensuring that the company is easy to do business with and fostering the strong relationships with the travel trade.

“The availability of pricing in euro for the Irish market is accompanied by a robust roll-out plan that – in line with the four core pillars of the Partners First philosophy – focuses on education of the travel partners and many Irish partners are already taking part in training sessions through webinars or face-to-face workshops,” the company said in a statement.

Christian Boell, Managing Director EMEA, Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “We are proud to be providing our valued partners with Euro pricing. We take business with our Irish partners very seriously and have listened to direct feedback to enhance our business model. Partners First is all about continuously strengthening our relationship with the travel trade and ensuring that we are easy to do business with. I believe that offering our fantastic itineraries in Euro pricing is a big step forward for our business in the Republic of Ireland.”