News

Top management change at Crystal Cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 04 October 2013 04 October 2013

Crystal Cruises announced today that Gregg Michel has resigned as president, effective October 15, and cruise industry veteran Edie Bornstein will join the Los Angeles-based ultra-luxury line as its new president and chief operating officer on October 16.

Bornstein brings to Crystal more than 30 years of experience in the global cruise, travel and technology industries. She was senior vice president of marketing and sales at Azamara Club Cruises, the upscale division of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL), where she worked from 2009 until recently. It was under her leadership that she and her team re-launched the young brand as Azamara Club Cruises. Previously, she was vice president of business development and strategic partnerships for Carnival Cruise Lines, and has also served as a senior officer at Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Lines, where she developed strategic plans and led partnerships with several respected luxury brands. Prior to her in-house positions with the cruise lines, Bornstein was vice president of cruise and specialty sales, marketing and customer support for Amadeus Global Distribution System. At Amadeus, she was instrumental in the implementation of automation solutions for the cruise industry and numerous other projects.

Michel joined Crystal Cruises as senior vice president, finance and administration in 1988 and was promoted to president and chief operating officer in 2001. A past chairman of CLIA (the Cruise Lines International Association), Michel has helped develop safety and security policies for the industry during his role as part of CLIA’s Executive Committee.

“NYK (Nippon Yusen Kaisha), Crystal Cruises’ parent company, and the Crystal family greatly appreciate the efforts and accomplishments of Gregg Michel during his presidency, his service on our Board of Directors, and his contributions as a founding member of the management team,” said Nobuyoshi Kuzuya, chairman and chief executive officer of Crystal Cruises. “During his tenure, Crystal Cruises has maintained an enviable reputation in the luxury market, offering an unparalleled cruise experience. Besides his contributions to our own company, he has been a great champion of environmental efforts that have supported the cruise industry.

“Edie Bornstein is joining Crystal at a very positive time when we are growing our revenue, increasing the global agencies with whom we are working, and introducing so many new guests to Crystal Cruises. As we look to the future, we are very pleased that Edie is bringing her vast branding experience, technology expertise and passion to Crystal Cruises.”

“Like so many in this industry, I’ve admired Crystal from afar,” said Bornstein. “I always thought the line was ahead of the luxury curve with so many innovative programs and product features. I’m so proud to begin a new story with Crystal Cruises and join this team at sea and on land, who should feel so proud of this incredible brand. I look forward to building on this stellar reputation, growing our travel agent partnerships, and leading Crystal into the future.”

Bornstein and her fiancé Tom Rodriguez will reside in Los Angeles.

Port Everglades approved for $16.5 million in state funds for cruise and cargo berth expansion

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 04 October 2013 04 October 2013

The Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Council approved $16.5 million in allocations to Port Everglades to lengthen a cruise berth and to extend the port’s Southport Turning Notch to allow for more cargo berths. These allocations, which were approved under two different state funding sources, will become part of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) 2014/15 Work Program that comes before the Florida Legislature for approval this next legislative session.

"Both projects will create construction jobs in the short term and support permanent jobs once completed," said Port Everglades Chief Executive & Port Director Steven Cernak. "Florida’s investment in seaports and other infrastructure demonstrates a commitment to making our state a global leader in international trade."

FSTED allocated $1.85 million to lengthen Slip 2, which includes Berth 4 and is used for cruise ships, by 250 feet westward to accommodate today’s larger cruise ships. Once completed in September 2016, Slip 2 will be 1,150 feet long and 42 feet deep. The Broward County Commission awarded planning and design to Bermello Ajamil & Partner, Inc. on October 1, 2013.

In addition to the Slip 2 lengthening, the corresponding Cruise Terminal 4 is being updated as part of an estimated $13.4 million renovation project. This will be the first building Port Everglades will apply for LEED certification. Groundbreaking for the Cruise Terminal 4 renovation is slated for May 2014, with completion expected before the following cruise season in fall of 2014.

FSTED allocated $14.7 million under the new Strategic Port Investment Initiative within FDOT for Port Everglades’ Southport Turning Notch Extension. This project will lengthen the existing deepwater turn-around area for cargo ships from 900 feet to 2,400 feet, which will allow for up to five new cargo berths.

Viking Cruises to operate in the Mediterranean also on winter 2015-16

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 02 October 2013 02 October 2013

Viking Cruises (www.vikingcruises.com) yesterday announced the full slate of 2015 Mediterranean itineraries for the new Viking Star, as well as select 2016 sailings. The move will keep Viking Star in the Mediterranean, offering additional sailings to some of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities, from Rome to Barcelona. Responding to the overwhelming demand for Viking Star’s maiden voyages in the Mediterranean offered earlier for the spring and summer of 2015, the new winter cruises will allow guests to explore the vibrant cultures and sites along the Mediterranean in the quiet season, in keeping with Viking’s promise to provide guests with a unique cruise experience. Due to the popularity of the nearly-sold out 2015 maiden voyages, select 2016 itineraries for Viking Star are now also available for booking.

"We are pleased to announce additional cruises in the Mediterranean that will allow guests to experience some of the most beautiful cities in Europe during the quiet season the way the locals do," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. "Our Mediterranean ocean itineraries have sold at an unprecedented rate; consumers are responding enthusiastically to this attractive region and the carefully-designed itineraries that offer our guests the opportunity to explore this historically fascinating region by letting them get closer to the historical sites, people and traditions in ways they have never experienced before."

New Mediterranean itineraries

The overwhelming popularity of Viking Star’s maiden voyages resulted in the addition of the winter 2015 Mediterranean itineraries. By highlighting more unique locations, such as Malta, Sicily, Sardinia, and Algiers – and crafting experiences that take advantage of the post-tourist season – the new itineraries showcase the Mediterranean in a way that many travelers have never witnessed. By sailing in the winter months, Viking Star’s guests will see an entirely different Europe – quieter and more contemplative, all while soaking up the splendor of the region during this special time of year.

– Romantic Mediterranean (8 days; Barcelona – Rome) – While sailing along some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, this itinerary offers a perfect mix of glamour, rustic pleasures and memorable landscapes with visits to Toulon, Corsica and Monte Carlo, France; the Tuscan region of Italy; plus overnights in Barcelona and Rome. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $1,999 per person with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

– Mediterranean Getaway (8 days; Rome – Barcelona) – Explore historically significant sites and vibrant cities of the southern Mediterranean with destinations that include Rome, Naples (and Pompeii), Sicily and Sardinia in Italy; Tunis, Tunisia (and Carthage); and Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Barcelona in Spain. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $1,999 per person with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

– Mediterranean Explorer (15 days; Barcelona – Barcelona) – Combining the Romantic Mediterranean and Mediterranean Getaway, this itinerary features fabled ancient cities, medieval wonders and iconic sites that include Toulon, Monte Carlo and Corsica in France; Tuscany, Naples (and Pompeii), Sicily and Sardinia in Italy; Tunis, Tunisia (and Carthage); Palma de Mallorca and Valencia in Spain; plus overnights in Barcelona and Rome. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,849 per person with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

– Grand Mediterranean Tour (15 days; Barcelona – Barcelona) – Sun-kissed shores and new places to discover await on this voyage that begins with an overnight in Barcelona and includes an overnight in Rome. Stops include Monte Carlo, Toulon and Corsica in France; Tuscany and Sardinia in Italy; Tunis, Tunisia and Valencia, Spain; plus off-the-beaten path visits to Valletta, Malta and Algiers, Algeria. Introductory 2-for-1 pricing starts at $3,849 per person with discounted airfares from $595 per person.

Viking’s Ocean Cruises

In May 2013, Viking Cruises announced the launch of its ocean cruise product line, which will begin sailing in May 2015 with the brand-new Viking Star embarking her maiden voyages in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and then she will also sail in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. The launch affirmed Viking Cruises’ continued commitment to providing unique cruising journeys for the experienced traveler. Viking’s ocean cruises offer a small-ship experience via an intimate, custom-designed vessel that allows travelers to get closer than ever to their destinations. As well, the line offers itineraries highlighting history, art and culture while giving maximized time in port, privileged-access excursions and onboard experiences that truly immerse guests in the local culture. Since announcing itineraries for the 2015 Viking Star maiden voyages, cabins have sold at a rapid rate, due to overwhelming interest in Viking’s small-ship, destination-focused ocean cruises.