Royal Princess Features: SeaView Bar

The SeaWalk aboard Princess Cruises' new Royal Princess seems to be getting a lot of attention, but we think it's sister feature, the SeaView Bar, on the other side of the ship is a lot more interesting - and useful.

The SeaView Bar aboard the new Royal Princess

The SeaView Bar, on the starboard side of the ship's pool deck, is shaped just like the SeaWalk, and you can still walk out 28 feet beyond the side of the ship and look down through the glass deck to the sea 128 feet below, but instead of the open hole in the middle, the SeaView Bar fills up hole.

Sit on the "outside" of the bar and you can look down through the windows to the sea below or out through the "picture windows" to the expansive horizon. Sit on the "inside" and you have a great view of the top deck, the giant Movies Under the Stars screen (30% larger and more brilliant than on other Princess ships) and the Dancing Fountains show.

But twice a day - at midday and sunset - the SeaView Bar is itself the site of an eye-popping show - Princess' flair bartenders' show where you will see the experts do their fanciest (but impractical) bartending.

Photo copyright Cruise News Daily, all rights reserved.

Paul Chong Joins Carnival Asia as VP Business Development

SINGAPORE (June 20, 2013) – Paul Chong is joining Carnival Asia as its new vice president, business development to assist in implementing the company’s growth strategies within the rapidly expanding Asia region. The position reports to Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Carnival Asia.

Chong will be primarily responsible for Carnival Asia’s strategic priorities in government relations, port infrastructure and destination development, and port operations and guest services. This includes developing strategic partnerships, identifying investments and acquisitions in key markets or destinations, and expanding the reach of Carnival’s brands in Asia. He’ll also work to further develop cruise industry associations in the region.

Chong joins Carnival Asia after nearly 13 years with the Singapore-listed luxury hotel and resort group Banyan Tree Holdings Limited where he was responsible for the group’s global business development efforts and also served as the group’s general counsel. As the head of business development for the Banyan Tree group, Chong was instrumental in expanding the “Banyan Tree” and “Angsana” brands into key markets, including the Americas, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Europe and China.

“As we build our presence in Asia, we welcome Paul as a member of the initial team at Carnival Asia that will support Carnival Corporation & plc’s brand efforts to expand our presence and business in this most promising region for the cruise industry,” said Pier Foschi. “Paul has a remarkable track record of achievements and excellent people skills. We are very pleased to have him join us,” Foschi added.

Chong began his tenure at Banyan Tree Group as legal manager and took on increasingly important roles and functions. He was director of 58 companies within the group and the joint company secretary of the listed parent by the time of his departure. This was in addition to his principal role as vice president business development and general counsel. Trained as a lawyer and called to the Singapore bar, Chong previously practiced in leading law firms including Messrs Allen & Gledhill and Messrs Rajah & Tann.

Source: Carnival Corp

Cruise News Daily Headlines for June 19, 2013

* The “Dam” Caribbean
Holland America will continue to build their presence in the Caribbean this winter with eight ships and a very diverse group of itineraries all centered on making these cruises easy to take.

Holland America will have eight ships in the Caribbean this winter with 109 sailings. Aboard, they will all have Holland America’s unique, premium ambiance.


* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about Silversea's 2015 world cruise ... and an unexpected Alaskan adventure.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for June 18, 2013

* Construction Begins on Viking Star
Fincantieri cut the first steel today for Viking Ocean’s Viking Star, Viking’s first oceangoing small cruise ship.


* Carnival Extends in Tampa
The Port of Tampa reports that Carnival Corp has signed an agreement with the port to homeport ships there through 2015 with options for two one-year extensions. The agreement covers both the Carnival and Holland America brands.


* Carnival Sues BAE
Carnival has sued BAE Systems, where Carnival Triumph was being repaired in Mobile, over the incident where the ship broke free of its moorings during high winds on April 3. The suit is seeking more than $12 million in damages.


The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Holland America Hosts Luncheon for Seafair aboard ms Westerdam in Seattle

Seattle, Wash., June 18, 2013 — Holland America Line hosted a sponsor luncheon for Seafair, one of the company’s community partners, aboard ms Westerdam Saturday, June 15, 2013, at the Port of Seattle.

Following remarks by Seafair President and CEO Beth Knox, guests enjoyed a special luncheon in the main dining room. The event concluded with a presentation in the ship’s Vista Lounge by hydroplane racer and renowned sportsman Chip Hanauer, followed by a ship tour.

“Seafair is a wonderful tradition that reminds us of all the great things that Seattle is about,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest programs. “Our city thrives because of organizations like Seafair Foundation and the positive affect it has in our community.”

“Having Holland America Line as a partner is an honor, especially given the role the company plays in our great city,” said Knox. "Holland America Line represents the epitome of excellence and we are grateful for this beautiful luncheon.”

The Seafair Foundation celebrates and rewards cultural diversity, education and community engagement in Greater Seattle. It was established to create and build opportunities for Seafair's Scholarship Program for Women, Ambassador Program, Holiday Cruise, Youth Education Program and the Seafair Sanctioned Community Events. As an extension of the Seafair Festival — Seattle’s annual summer festival, a month-long, region-wide event — the foundation has given Seafair an additional avenue to direct resources toward making a greater impact on the community. For more information, visit www.seafair.com.

Each year, Holland America Line hosts more than 25 shipboard charity luncheons for nearly 5,000 guests in its homeport cities. In addition, Holland America Line and its corporate foundation’s charitable-giving programs provide cash sponsorships, in-kind donations, free- and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, donations of usable shipboard items around the world, employee volunteerism and other philanthropic activities.


Source: Holland America Line