Top Headlines

MSC Meraviglia makes its New York debut – check out the stunning pictures

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 07 October 2019 07 October 2019

MSC Meraviglia — MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia-class smart ship — made its inaugural visit to New York today, arriving at Manhattan Pier in New York City. With a double occupancy capacity of 4,488 and gross tonnage of 171,598, MSC Meraviglia is MSC Cruises’ largest ship sailing from the U.S and sets the record for the largest ship to ever port in Manhattan. As she continues sailings along the east coast, MSC Meraviglia will also be the largest ship ever to call Boston, Mass., as well as Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine.

“We are so thrilled to welcome MSC Meraviglia, a truly beautiful ship, to the U.S. as she marks another major milestone for MSC Cruises in the North American market,” said Ken Muskat, EVP & Chief Operating Officer of MSC Cruises (USA). “Due to significant demand, for the first time in MSC Cruises history we now have four distinct ships sailing in the region as MSC Meraviglia joins MSC Seaside, MSC Armonia and MSC Divina. With each ship offering its own unique design and guest experience inspired by our European heritage, we look forward to providing travelers with even more choice and variety to best fit their vacation needs.”

Launched in June 2017, MSC Meraviglia was MSC Cruises first next-generation innovative ship to feature MSC for Me, a multi-channel digital program designed to help guests get the most out of their vacation. By simply using an app, interactive displays and in-stateroom TV, guests are able to effortlessly book services, find information, plan activities, stay connected with friends and family and easily navigate around the ship.

MSC Meraviglia North American itineraries and experiences ashore

Designed to sail in all seasons and climates, the glamorous MSC Meraviglia will begin her North American journey with three sailing from NYC, including two itineraries to New England and Canada and one repositioning to her new homeport in Miami. On her first Caribbean sailing, departing from NYC on October 28, MSC Meraviglia will be the first ship to call on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ new breathtaking private island destination in the Bahamas opening November 9, 2019.

With endless sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters and over two miles of pristine beachfront across eight white sandy beaches, Ocean Cay is the ideal getaway for guests to escape their busy daily lives and discover nature’s pure, untouched beauty. Exclusively for MSC Cruises’ guests, MSC Meraviglia will dock at Ocean Cay from early morning until late evening, giving guests plenty of time to soak up the spirit of The Bahamas and enjoy the day as they wish. Island experiences span a range of activities including shore excursions designed to discover the marine life close up, such as snorkelling, stand up paddle boarding, and kayaking; luxurious spa treatments; shopping areas with authentic Bahamian arts and crafts by local artisans; and one of a kind night events such as traditional Junkanoo parades, lighthouse light shows, and beachside stargazing.

With MSC Meraviglia’s arrival in North America, she will also now feature MSC Cruises’ partnership with home and lifestyle expert Martha Stewart, which launched earlier in 2019 on all Caribbean sailings. The exclusive Martha Stewart and MSC Cruises partnership includes celebration surprise gift packages, onboard special holiday dinner menus and recipes, and specially curated shore excursions featuring some of Martha’s favorite activities and allowing guests to learn the local culture of the destination they are visitng.

From November 10, 2019 through April 5, 2020, MSC Meraviglia will sail two different 7-night western Caribbean itineraries visiting ports in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize, Honduras and The Bahamas.

Following her inaugural season in Miami, MSC Meraviglia will then return to Northern Europe for summer 2020 (April – October). Upon returning to the U.S. in October 2020, MSC Meraviglia will once again do three 10-night sailings from New York to Canada & New England before then homeporting back in Miami for 7-night Caribbean sailings.

Harry Sommer to succeed Andy Stuart as Norwegian Cruise Line President and CEO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 03 October 2019 03 October 2019

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. today announced organizational changes at the Norwegian Cruise Line brand. These changes include the planned departure of Andy Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, following the launch of Norwegian Encore and the appointment of Harry Sommer, current President, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, as Stuart’s successor. Stuart will step down from his role on December 31, 2019 and remain with the Company as Senior Advisor through March 31, 2020 to ensure a smooth transition.

Stuart joined Norwegian in 1988 and held several key executive positions during his tenure of more than three decades, including: President and Chief Operating Officer; Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services; Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer and Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Passenger Services. Stuart was instrumental in many of the line’s key achievements including the introduction of its revolutionary Freestyle Cruising offering where, in an industry first, guests were freed from traditional set dining times in a single venue and given the freedom and flexibility to dine at whatever time they chose in a variety of dining venues.

“I could only have dreamed about my journey at Norwegian when I joined the company in 1988 and am extremely fortunate to have witnessed firsthand the incredible evolution of this pioneering brand,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “I am honored to have played a role in the leadership position Norwegian now holds in this incredible industry and continue to be proud of the commitment, dedication and passion of our team for delivering a best-in-class vacation experience. I have worked closely with Harry and am confident he is the right person to take the helm and continue the journey for Norwegian Cruise Line.”

“Andy has accomplished everything possible in the cruise industry, including leading its most storied and innovative brand. He will leave on a high note after delivering the brand’s latest ship, Norwegian Encore, the last ship in the most successful ship class in the Company’s history,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We are extremely grateful for his leadership and contributions to Norwegian Cruise Line, our company and the cruise industry.”

Del Rio continued, “Over the last several years, Norwegian’s management and Board of Directors have worked closely on a comprehensive succession plan that leveraged the considerable bench strength across the organization. The Board and I are confident that Harry is the right person to succeed Andy as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Norwegian Cruise Line brand and look forward to him leveraging his breadth of knowledge and extensive experience in the industry and our Company to take the brand to new heights.”

“Andy and I have worked closely together over the last several years and I am humbled and honored to follow in his footsteps and lead this renowned brand,” said Harry Sommer, President, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “I look forward to working with all of our incredible partners worldwide, building off the strong position the brand holds today and charting the strategy for the next phase of Norwegian’s journey.”

Sommer currently serves as President, International for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. where he is responsible for all sales, marketing, public relations and office operations for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in all markets outside of the United States and Canada. He previously served as Executive Vice President, International Business Development and Executive Vice President and Chief Integration Officer for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and held various executive positions for Prestige Cruise Holdings including Chief Marketing Officer; Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Information Officer and Chief Accounting Officer. Sommer holds a MBA from Pace University and a BBA from Baruch College.

Norwegian Encore departs Meyer Werft and arrives to Eemshaven

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 01 October 2019 01 October 2019

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, successfully completed another major construction milestone, when she departed the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and sailed down the Ems River towards the North Sea.

On Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, Norwegian Encore began her conveyance to Eemshaven, Netherlands, with initial crew members on board already preparing to welcome her first guests this November. At nearly 1,100 feet long, with a gross tonnage of almost 170,000 and a guest capacity of 3,998, the ship will be delivered to the cruise line on Oct. 30, 2019. She will be christened by Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson in Miami on Nov. 21, 2019 and will commence seven-day voyages to the Caribbean on Nov. 24, 2019.

“Today we celebrate a huge milestone for our history-making ship,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Now is when the anticipation truly begins to build. Our partners at Meyer Werft have collaborated with us to bring the industry-leading experiences from the successful Breakaway Plus class ships to Norwegian Encore, making her truly the best in class.”

Taking the brand’s exclusive, stand-out attractions to the next level, Norwegian Encore will feature the world’s longest race track at sea at 1,100 feet with four high-speed curves extending up to 13 feet over the side of the ship; the largest outdoor laser tag arena at nearly 10,000 square feet with the addition of augmented reality elements; and new immersive escape room and interactive theatre experiences in the 10,000-square-foot Galaxy Pavilion.

In addition to featuring many of the highly rated restaurants and lounges that have made the Breakaway Plus class one of the most innovative and successful in the company’s history, Norwegian Encore will debut a new elevated Italian dining experience, Onda by Scarpetta, in collaboration with LDV Hospitality. The Tony Award®-winning musical, “Kinky Boots” will headline the world-class entertainment on board, with returning guest favorites “The Choir of Man,” “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical” and the rocking Beatles cover band of The Cavern Club.

As part of a recent partnership with JUST Goods, Inc., Norwegian Encore will be the first ship in the Company to be plastic bottle free when she debuts. By Jan. 1, 2020 Norwegian Cruise Line will be the first major cruise line to eliminate plastic bottles across its entire fleet, a significant effort towards providing guests with more sustainable options at sea.

Launching this fall, Norwegian Encore will offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami beginning Nov. 24, 2019; Bermuda, and Canada and New England itineraries from New York City beginning Apr. 22, 2020; and voyages to the Western Caribbean from Miami beginning Dec. 12, 2020. In the spring of 2021, she will make her West Coast debut and sail to Alaska from Seattle.

New luxury adventure company rebrands and announces executive management

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 27 September 2019 27 September 2019

Mystic Invest Holding’s Chairman Mário Ferreira announced today that the company’s U.S.-based subsidiary cruise line is changing its name to Atlas Ocean Voyages and establishing its headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mystic Invest Holding is a leading international travel and hospitality company, which owns and operates the world’s third largest river cruise fleet, as well as hotels, attractions, helicopter tours, consumer space travel, and now, ocean cruise ships. The cruise line was previously Mystic Cruises USA.

“Atlas Ocean Voyages will bring inspired travelers on authentic and luxurious adventures around the world,” said Ferreira. “We adjusted our brand name to better reflect the distinctive and luxurious global experiences that North American guests will enjoy. And to bring our unique adventure-cruising vision to life, we’ve assembled a highly skilled team of experienced industry professionals to lead our operations in Fort Lauderdale. I am confident that travelers will delight in exploring the world in the new immersive and active way that only Atlas Ocean Voyages can deliver.”

Ferreira has appointed Alberto Aliberti as President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. He will lead the new company’s U.S. expansion. Alberto led strategic development and commercial operations at Mystic Invest and its subsidiary river-cruise company DouroAzul for nearly 15 years. He had also been a part of the shoreside management teams at Seabourn and Cunard. Prior, Alberto served aboard cruise ships for various lines, and started 27 years ago as a receptionist aboard Sun Lines’ Stella Solaris. Alberto is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.

“It’s an honor to lead Mystic Invest’s latest venture and we are excited to open Atlas Ocean Voyages new office in Fort Lauderdale,” said Alberto. “We have an amazing team of industry professionals who will apply their breadth and depth of experience to bring new adventure travel options to U.S. travelers. We continue to build our Sales and Reservations teams and look forward to open bookings for World Navigator later this year.”

Lisa Auguste is the Vice President of Operations and responsible for establishing the adventure cruise line’s Fort Lauderdale headquarters and ensuring its ongoing office and call center operations. Lisa’s entire professional career has been in the cruise industry. She knows many areas of the industry and worked in nearly every corporate role, most recently as Vice President of Oceania and Regent Seven Seas’ International division. Her immense experience is pivotal as the cruise line continues to establish itself.

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships is Brandon Townsley. Brandon’s tenured career in the cruise industry includes sales and revenue positions at Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages. He fully appreciates the indispensable service that the travel advisor community provides to both suppliers and travelers and will lead the cruise line’s Sales strategy to build loyal and mutually rewarding relationships with travel trade partners and industry leaders.

“Brandon is a commercial leader who understands the invaluable role that travel advisors play,” added Alberto. “He will leverage his extensive industry experience and unwavering advocacy to excite and educate travel advisors about our new travel product and help them create unforgettable Atlas Ocean Voyages adventures for their clients.”

Additionally, Marie Fernandez-Abou is named Vice President of Marketing, and brings her extensive experience in branding, design and promotions to advancing the adventure cruise line and inspiring travelers. She previously served as Managing Partner at Miami-based Imagery Creative for 15 years and has been a recipient of the Hispanic Woman of Distinction and numerous outstanding business woman awards. Marie also brings extensive experience in leading strategic marketing initiatives for Seabourn Cruise Line and other travel and tourism clients. She currently also serves as Executive Director of the non-profit Pack of Dogs Volunteer Task Force and is a former Chapter President of the American Advertising Federation.

Atlas Ocean Voyages is innovating the industry by focusing on authentic, active and adventurous experiences in some of the world’s most captivating destinations, such as Antarctica, Baltic, Mediterranean, and Central and South America. The line’s luxurious and intimate small ships will bring inspired travelers on exciting itineraries for invigorating, at-sea and shoreside adventures, while employing the latest sustainability technology to help preserve the waters they ply for future generations to enjoy. Atlas Ocean Voyages’ World Navigator is currently under construction at WestSea Viana shipyard in Portugal and scheduled to launch in mid-2021.

American Queen Steamboat Company and Victory Cruise Lines appoints new President

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 27 September 2019 27 September 2019

American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a leader in U.S. river cruising, has appointed Ares M. Michaelides as President of AQSC and Victory Cruise Lines. In this role, Michaelides will lead the strategic growth plans of the AQSC fleet (American Queen, American Empress, American Duchess and the highly anticipated American Countess) and the Victory fleet (Victory I and Victory II and the Ocean Victory scheduled to debut in 2021).

Michaelides will lead each brand’s business strategy to continue to develop and innovate AQSC/Victory’s unique product offering – AQSC is a leader in US river cruises and Victory a leader in Great Lakes cruising - and elevate the vacation experience for its guests. Michaelides has 25 years of experience in the maritime and cruising industry and will build upon past success at various entities to optimize AQSC/Victory’s strategy and brand offering.

“American Queen Steamboat Company’s legacy is rooted in our ability to offer time-honored traditions on our river cruises from dining, to Broadway-caliber entertainment and top-tier shore excursions,” shares John Waggoner, Founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “As we continue to progress, we’re confident that Ares will tap into his long history and success in the industry to help continue the growth of the company.”

Prior to his role with AQSC, Michaelides most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Ship Supply International, a leading global supplier of goods and services to the maritime industry. Prior to that, over the course of 10 years, he held executive positions (Interim CEO, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer) with Starboard Cruise Services, the world’s largest cruise retailer. Previously, Michaelides spent over a decade in executive positions with the world’s largest cruise companies including Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Celebrity Cruises Inc. and MSC Cruises USA.

“I’ve been very fortunate that my cruise experience has allowed me to have a hand in managing all aspects of the business, from understanding the economics of the cruise sector to retail innovation and execution to managing logistics for the world’s largest cruise lines,” said Michaelides. “I am honored to be a part of the American Queen Steamboat Company/Victory Cruise Lines team and look forward to leading a strategic vision that elevates the company to the next level and continues its success.”

Michaelides holds a Master of Science and Master of Arts degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drew University and a Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Born and raised in New York, Michaelides now resides in Louisville, KY.