* Another Failure
It’s happened again. Another ship from a top luxury line has failed its semiannual US health inspection.
In this case it was Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator, and it turned in a score of only 79 (passing is 86) on the surprise inspection performed June 16.
* Slow and Steady
Celebrity Millennium is still slowly making its way from Alaska to the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport for repairs to its propulsion system which had two breakdowns during its Alaska season.
The ship is scheduled to enter the dry dock on September 6.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 29, 2013
* RCI Increases Capacity at Tampa with Second Ship
Royal Caribbean International said today that in the fall of 2014 they will homeport a second ship at Tampa.
Vision of the Seas will join Brilliance of the Seas for the winter 2014-2015 season. Vision will operate a 7-day itinerary while Brilliance will continue its 4- and 5-night programs.
* Proof in Numbers
For several years we’ve been reporting that the people of Grand Cayman have gotten it. They need a pier for cruise ships. There have been countless delays in building one, mostly of their own making. Then a couple of years ago, they started to panic as they realized the situation is getting urgent. Cruise ships are passing them by, because large ships just don’t want to tender at the port.
Now their own Ministry of Tourism is providing proof of why it has become so urgent. The ministry released July’s figures for passenger arrivals on cruise ships. They are dismal.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Royal Caribbean International said today that in the fall of 2014 they will homeport a second ship at Tampa.
Vision of the Seas will join Brilliance of the Seas for the winter 2014-2015 season. Vision will operate a 7-day itinerary while Brilliance will continue its 4- and 5-night programs.
* Proof in Numbers
For several years we’ve been reporting that the people of Grand Cayman have gotten it. They need a pier for cruise ships. There have been countless delays in building one, mostly of their own making. Then a couple of years ago, they started to panic as they realized the situation is getting urgent. Cruise ships are passing them by, because large ships just don’t want to tender at the port.
Now their own Ministry of Tourism is providing proof of why it has become so urgent. The ministry released July’s figures for passenger arrivals on cruise ships. They are dismal.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Adm. Taylor Becomes SVP of Fleet Ops at HAL & Seabourn
Holland America Line and Seabourn name Rear Admiral Keith Taylor senior vice president of fleet operations
Seattle, Wash., Aug. 29, 2013 — U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Keith Taylor, retired, has been named senior vice president, fleet operations, for both Holland America Line and Seabourn. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, Taylor will take over the fleet management responsibilities of Dan Grausz, executive vice president of fleet operations, who is leaving the company at the end of the year to pursue new opportunities. Taylor will report to Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America Line.
In this role, Taylor will assume Grausz’s operational duties and focus his attention on nautical, technical, safety and environmental management systems and newbuilds for Holland America Line and Seabourn. Taylor will start with the company Sept. 3 and transition with Grausz through the end of the year.
“We are pleased to welcome a person of Keith’s caliber to the Holland America Line and Seabourn executive team,” said Kruse. “In addition to his proven executive leadership and diverse management skills, Keith brings a well-rounded and outstanding academic and maritime background.”
Prior to his recent retirement from the Coast Guard, Taylor served as commander of the 13th Coast Guard District, headquartered in Seattle. Prior to that, he served as assistant commandant for resources and chief financial officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, responsible for more than $10 billion in annual financial management and resource activities. He was promoted to flag officer rank in March 2008.
In more than 30 years with the Coast Guard, Taylor served in wide array of command, operational, engineering and staff assignments. An aviator and aircraft maintenance officer, he was assigned to numerous air stations and was commanding officer of Air Station Miami from 2003 to 2006. He worked at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., from 1996 to 2000 where, among other responsibilities, he conducted program review and budget development for all Coast Guard law enforcement, intelligence and international-affairs activities. He also served as deputy chief of staff of the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2008, directing service-wide coordination, strategic planning, policy development, financial actions and general management.
Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Science in Industrial Administration from the Krannert School at Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he was a Sloan Fellow.
Following the transition, Marine Hotel Operations previously reporting to Grausz will report directly to Kruse.
Source: Holland America Line
 |
| Keith Taylor |
In this role, Taylor will assume Grausz’s operational duties and focus his attention on nautical, technical, safety and environmental management systems and newbuilds for Holland America Line and Seabourn. Taylor will start with the company Sept. 3 and transition with Grausz through the end of the year.
“We are pleased to welcome a person of Keith’s caliber to the Holland America Line and Seabourn executive team,” said Kruse. “In addition to his proven executive leadership and diverse management skills, Keith brings a well-rounded and outstanding academic and maritime background.”
Prior to his recent retirement from the Coast Guard, Taylor served as commander of the 13th Coast Guard District, headquartered in Seattle. Prior to that, he served as assistant commandant for resources and chief financial officer of the U.S. Coast Guard, responsible for more than $10 billion in annual financial management and resource activities. He was promoted to flag officer rank in March 2008.
In more than 30 years with the Coast Guard, Taylor served in wide array of command, operational, engineering and staff assignments. An aviator and aircraft maintenance officer, he was assigned to numerous air stations and was commanding officer of Air Station Miami from 2003 to 2006. He worked at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., from 1996 to 2000 where, among other responsibilities, he conducted program review and budget development for all Coast Guard law enforcement, intelligence and international-affairs activities. He also served as deputy chief of staff of the Coast Guard from 2006 to 2008, directing service-wide coordination, strategic planning, policy development, financial actions and general management.
Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, a Master of Science in Industrial Administration from the Krannert School at Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he was a Sloan Fellow.
Following the transition, Marine Hotel Operations previously reporting to Grausz will report directly to Kruse.
Source: Holland America Line
Hawkins' Responsibilities Expanded at Princess Cruises
Stuart Hawkins Appointed Senior Vice President,
Health, Environment, Safety, and Security Compliance for Princess Cruises
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 29, 2013) – Stuart Hawkins has been appointed senior vice president of Health, Environment, Safety, and Security (HESS) Compliance for Princess Cruises.
Previously vice president of newbuilds, Hawkins will add to his current role by assuming responsibility for the administration and maintenance of the company’s safety management system and fleet regulations. In this new role, he will oversee shipboard and shoreside compliance with operating and safety procedures, corporate standards, and regulatory requirements.
“We’re so pleased that Stuart is taking on this important new role,” said Alan Buckelew, Princess Cruises president and CEO. “He’ll be working closely with our fleet operations team to make sure that all of our ships are meeting the highest standards to provide a safe and secure environment for our passengers.”
In conjunction with the company’s deck, technical, hotel, and medical departments, Hawkins will review compliance issues, follow up on audit findings, and ensure implementation of new procedures.
A naval architect and chartered engineer, Hawkins has in recent years managed the design, construction, and delivery of Royal Princess and Ruby Princess as well as Cunard vessels Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. He moved to his most recent role based in Southampton, UK in 2006, having joined the company in 2000 as site manager in the shipyard during the construction of Golden Princess. He has coordinated the efforts to build seven Princess ships and will continue to oversee the delivery of Regal Princess in 2014.
Hawkins will be based in the company’s Santa Clarita, California headquarters.
Source: Princess Cruises
Health, Environment, Safety, and Security Compliance for Princess Cruises
 | ||
| Stuart Hawkins |
Previously vice president of newbuilds, Hawkins will add to his current role by assuming responsibility for the administration and maintenance of the company’s safety management system and fleet regulations. In this new role, he will oversee shipboard and shoreside compliance with operating and safety procedures, corporate standards, and regulatory requirements.
“We’re so pleased that Stuart is taking on this important new role,” said Alan Buckelew, Princess Cruises president and CEO. “He’ll be working closely with our fleet operations team to make sure that all of our ships are meeting the highest standards to provide a safe and secure environment for our passengers.”
In conjunction with the company’s deck, technical, hotel, and medical departments, Hawkins will review compliance issues, follow up on audit findings, and ensure implementation of new procedures.
A naval architect and chartered engineer, Hawkins has in recent years managed the design, construction, and delivery of Royal Princess and Ruby Princess as well as Cunard vessels Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. He moved to his most recent role based in Southampton, UK in 2006, having joined the company in 2000 as site manager in the shipyard during the construction of Golden Princess. He has coordinated the efforts to build seven Princess ships and will continue to oversee the delivery of Regal Princess in 2014.
Hawkins will be based in the company’s Santa Clarita, California headquarters.
Source: Princess Cruises
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 28, 2013
* B to B
In the cruise industry the term “B to B” often means “back to back,” which refers to booking two cruises one right after the other to form one longer cruise. But in the case of this story, to Royal Caribbean International, “B to B” means “Back to Brazil” - for the eighth year.
Many readers know that half of RCI’s passengers are now from outside North America, but many people don’t realize that many of them sail on ships which are scheduled just for them and not even promoted in North America.
* Crew Member Sentenced for Child Pornography
In June we reported on the case of a crew member from Holland America’s Veendam who was arrested aboard the ship for possessing child pornography when the ship arrived in Canada, and today he was sentenced in accordance with Canada’s rather strict guidelines.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
In the cruise industry the term “B to B” often means “back to back,” which refers to booking two cruises one right after the other to form one longer cruise. But in the case of this story, to Royal Caribbean International, “B to B” means “Back to Brazil” - for the eighth year.
Many readers know that half of RCI’s passengers are now from outside North America, but many people don’t realize that many of them sail on ships which are scheduled just for them and not even promoted in North America.
* Crew Member Sentenced for Child Pornography
In June we reported on the case of a crew member from Holland America’s Veendam who was arrested aboard the ship for possessing child pornography when the ship arrived in Canada, and today he was sentenced in accordance with Canada’s rather strict guidelines.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 27, 2013
* The Last Piece of the Puzzle
Four groups of fortunate passengers know they are going to sail to Antarctica aboard Seabourn Quest this fall, but until today, there has been one piece of the puzzle missing.
Seabourn promised them outstanding sightseeing ashore in spectacular locales on the White Continent, but today, they found out just where - and Seabourn hasn’t disappointed them.
* An Unusual Combination for the Single Traveler
It’s not often the solo traveler gets a break, and to make traveling affordable, they often end up traveling with someone to split the cost of the stateroom. So even though we don’t normally cover promotional rates, we like to highlight it when someone does give the single traveler an exceptional price break.
Star Clippers is doing that on seven sailings this fall (November and December) where they are waiving the single supplement. Not only that, but those rates are combinable with several promotions the line is running. The special rate for singles paired with unusual experience of sailing on a tall ship makes for quite an unusual combination.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Four groups of fortunate passengers know they are going to sail to Antarctica aboard Seabourn Quest this fall, but until today, there has been one piece of the puzzle missing.
Seabourn promised them outstanding sightseeing ashore in spectacular locales on the White Continent, but today, they found out just where - and Seabourn hasn’t disappointed them.
* An Unusual Combination for the Single Traveler
It’s not often the solo traveler gets a break, and to make traveling affordable, they often end up traveling with someone to split the cost of the stateroom. So even though we don’t normally cover promotional rates, we like to highlight it when someone does give the single traveler an exceptional price break.
Star Clippers is doing that on seven sailings this fall (November and December) where they are waiving the single supplement. Not only that, but those rates are combinable with several promotions the line is running. The special rate for singles paired with unusual experience of sailing on a tall ship makes for quite an unusual combination.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Monday, August 26, 2013
Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 26, 2013
* This Comes up Every Couple of Years
Key West has realized that its cruise industry is disappearing, and the local tourism industry is about to make another run at trying save it - and getting someone else to pay for it.
* New Man at the Top
MSC Cruises will have a new CEO on September 3. The line has hired Gianni Onorato to fill that position. He was most recently president of Carnival’s Costa brand. He left that position in June. More
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Key West has realized that its cruise industry is disappearing, and the local tourism industry is about to make another run at trying save it - and getting someone else to pay for it.
* New Man at the Top
MSC Cruises will have a new CEO on September 3. The line has hired Gianni Onorato to fill that position. He was most recently president of Carnival’s Costa brand. He left that position in June. More
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Onorato to Become CEO of MSC Cruises
Gianni Onorato appointed new CEO of MSC Cruises
Pierfrancesco Vago becomes Executive Chairman
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 26, 2013) - MSC Cruises today announced that Gianni Onorato will become the new Chief Executive Officer of the company, effective September 2nd,2013.
With almost 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Onorato has a thorough understanding of the cruise business and extensive experience in senior executive leadership, serving as President of Costa Crociere for more than nine years. (Biography follows)
He graduated from the Istituto Orientale of Naples with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures in 1983, and specialized in business administration at SDA Bocconi in Milan and INSEAD in Fontainebleau.
“I am thrilled to have been appointed to this exciting role and I am also particularly excited to move to Geneva, where MSC Cruises’ headquarters is based,” said Onorato. “I will do everything I can to add value to the company and help MSC Cruises maximize its industry-leading position. I look forward to starting work with the management team in this significant moment of the company’s growth.”
Pierfrancesco Vago will continue to lead the privately held cruise company in the role of Executive Chairman, while scaling up the scope of his duties. From his new position he will also oversee all other companies of the MSC group that have strategic relevance to the tourism sector.
“Our company has gone through a period of rapid expansion, with ten new ships built in just under ten years, three new prototype classes of ship created and 45 offices opened around the globe,” said Vago. “I am confident that the appointment of Gianni will consolidate our management structure, building on its existing strengths and boosting the company’s development plans even further.”
Vago has been leading MSC Cruises since 2003, when a 6 billion euro investment plan was put into place, transforming the company from ‘the new kids on the block’ to the world’s third largest cruise operator.
Onorato will be based in Geneva at the MSC Cruises headquarters. He will report to the MSC Board of Directors and to its Executive Chairman.
About MSC Cruises
Onboard MSC’s twelve vessels, guests enjoy the Mediterranean way of life. From the hospitality to the dining, guests are enveloped in the Mediterranean manner of enjoying life to its fullest. Onboard guests are encouraged to slow down and enjoy everything their MSC vacation has to offer. Being a family owned company, the line offer free sailing for kids 11 and younger when sailing with two full fare paying guests in the same stateroom. Children 12 to 17 sail at a reduced rate. MSC Divina will begin sailing year-round from PortMiami, beginning November 20th, 2013.
MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships: MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Opera, MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the French Antilles, South America, South and West Africa and The United Arab Emirates. Starting November, MSC Divina will begin sailing the Caribbean year-round from PortMiami. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
Source: MSC Cruises
Biography for Gianni Onorato
CEO, MSC Cruises
Gianni Onorato is Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises. He oversees the company’s growth from its Geneva-based headquarters and reports to the MSC Board of Directors and to its Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago.
Today, MSC Cruises is the market leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South Africa and Brazil, employing 15,500 staff with offices in 45 countries.
With almost 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Onorato has a thorough understanding of the cruise business and extensive experience in senior executive leadership, serving most recently as President of Costa Crociere from April 2004 to June 2013.
He began his career in the industry in 1986, working on board as Food and Beverage Manager before moving shore side to take on the role of Cruise Product Director of Costa Crociere, in Genoa. From 1997 until 2004, he then served as Vice President Cruise Operations for the same company, managing all aspects of on board operations.
Italian born, Onorato graduated from the Istituto Orientale of Naples with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures in 1983, and specialized at SDA Bocconi in Milan, Italy, and INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
Onorato has also held a number of executive roles in tourism and cruise associations. He served as Vice President of ASTOI, the Italian tourism association and was a member of the European Cruise Council, now CLIA Europe, the leading cruise industry association in Europe.
Source: MSC Cruises
Pierfrancesco Vago becomes Executive Chairman
 | |
| Gianno Onorato |
With almost 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Onorato has a thorough understanding of the cruise business and extensive experience in senior executive leadership, serving as President of Costa Crociere for more than nine years. (Biography follows)
He graduated from the Istituto Orientale of Naples with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures in 1983, and specialized in business administration at SDA Bocconi in Milan and INSEAD in Fontainebleau.
“I am thrilled to have been appointed to this exciting role and I am also particularly excited to move to Geneva, where MSC Cruises’ headquarters is based,” said Onorato. “I will do everything I can to add value to the company and help MSC Cruises maximize its industry-leading position. I look forward to starting work with the management team in this significant moment of the company’s growth.”
Pierfrancesco Vago will continue to lead the privately held cruise company in the role of Executive Chairman, while scaling up the scope of his duties. From his new position he will also oversee all other companies of the MSC group that have strategic relevance to the tourism sector.
“Our company has gone through a period of rapid expansion, with ten new ships built in just under ten years, three new prototype classes of ship created and 45 offices opened around the globe,” said Vago. “I am confident that the appointment of Gianni will consolidate our management structure, building on its existing strengths and boosting the company’s development plans even further.”
Vago has been leading MSC Cruises since 2003, when a 6 billion euro investment plan was put into place, transforming the company from ‘the new kids on the block’ to the world’s third largest cruise operator.
Onorato will be based in Geneva at the MSC Cruises headquarters. He will report to the MSC Board of Directors and to its Executive Chairman.
About MSC Cruises
Onboard MSC’s twelve vessels, guests enjoy the Mediterranean way of life. From the hospitality to the dining, guests are enveloped in the Mediterranean manner of enjoying life to its fullest. Onboard guests are encouraged to slow down and enjoy everything their MSC vacation has to offer. Being a family owned company, the line offer free sailing for kids 11 and younger when sailing with two full fare paying guests in the same stateroom. Children 12 to 17 sail at a reduced rate. MSC Divina will begin sailing year-round from PortMiami, beginning November 20th, 2013.
MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships: MSC Armonia, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra, MSC Opera, MSC Poesia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Splendida. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in the Caribbean, Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the French Antilles, South America, South and West Africa and The United Arab Emirates. Starting November, MSC Divina will begin sailing the Caribbean year-round from PortMiami. For more information, visit www.msccruisesusa.com.
Source: MSC Cruises
Biography for Gianni Onorato
CEO, MSC Cruises
Gianni Onorato is Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises. He oversees the company’s growth from its Geneva-based headquarters and reports to the MSC Board of Directors and to its Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago.
Today, MSC Cruises is the market leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South Africa and Brazil, employing 15,500 staff with offices in 45 countries.
With almost 30 years’ experience in the cruise industry, Onorato has a thorough understanding of the cruise business and extensive experience in senior executive leadership, serving most recently as President of Costa Crociere from April 2004 to June 2013.
He began his career in the industry in 1986, working on board as Food and Beverage Manager before moving shore side to take on the role of Cruise Product Director of Costa Crociere, in Genoa. From 1997 until 2004, he then served as Vice President Cruise Operations for the same company, managing all aspects of on board operations.
Italian born, Onorato graduated from the Istituto Orientale of Naples with a degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures in 1983, and specialized at SDA Bocconi in Milan, Italy, and INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
Onorato has also held a number of executive roles in tourism and cruise associations. He served as Vice President of ASTOI, the Italian tourism association and was a member of the European Cruise Council, now CLIA Europe, the leading cruise industry association in Europe.
Source: MSC Cruises