With the announcement on March 20 that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Del Rio would be retiring effective June 30, three of the four major cruise companies traditionally participating in the Seatrade State of the Industry keynote are now headed by a “new guard.” Richard Fain retired as Royal […]
Royal Caribbean
RCCL to increase cruise pax to the USVI
Royal Caribbean officials and representatives of the Virgin Islands Port Authority announced a major increase in cruise visits for the Virgin Islands during Seatrade. Royal Caribbean Group VP Destination Development and Deployment Joshua Carroll, said that RCG will be sending up to 70% more passengers to Crown Bay in St. Thomas and will triple the […]
Alaska officials and cruise industry leaders mark return of first cruise to Ketchikan
On July 9, Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas became the first large cruise ship to return to Alaska following the suspension of cruise operations due to the pandemic. The event marked the return of cruise tourism to Alaska nearly two years since cruise ships last operated in the state. Prior to the pandemic, cruise passengers represented […]
Bermuda opens its first cruise home port as part of its strategic tourism recovery
Yet another island near the U.S. is grabbing its place in the cruising roster with Bermuda announcing that it would host Royal Caribbean International’s Vision of the Seas from June through August at its first ever home port. Sailing with vaccinated crew, the cruises – at this time – will be available to adult guests […]
Royal Caribbean Group to sell its Azamara brand to Sycamore Partners
Royal Caribbean Group on Tuesday announced that it has signed an agreement to sell Azamara, its small luxury brand of cruise ships, to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, for $201 million. Sycamore Partners will acquire the entire Azamara brand, including its three-ship fleet and associated intellectual property. The transaction is expected to close in […]
Starboard Cruise Services “redefines” cruise shopping on RCL’s new Spectrum of the Seas
Starboard Cruise Services has unveiled almost 8,000 square feet of retail space showcasing global luxury brands and experiential moments onboard Royal Caribbean International’s China-based Spectrum of the Seas, featuring concepts that it says will “redefine”cruise shopping. Among the highlights, Starboard has introduced The Boutique, a shopping area limited to guests staying in the ship’s Golden Suites, where guests book […]
Royal Caribbean JV buying Grand Lucayan Resort in the Bahamas
The government of the Bahamas signed a letter of intent on March 22 with Royal Caribbean International and the ITM Group for the purchase of the Grand Lucayan resort and redevelopment of the Freeport Harbour. The Freeport development will involve the construction of new ship berths at the port which could potentially double capacity. The […]
Starboard Cruise Services invites guests to “Shop Royally” on Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship
Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship which made her North American debut for Caribbean sailings out of RCL’s new PortMiami Cruise Terminal on November 17, features game-changing duty free shops designed by Starboard Cruise Services. Symphony of the Seas says it is redefining cruise travel with revolutionary new adventures for […]
Royal Caribbean signs agreement to build world-class cruise terminal in Miami
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) has signed an agreement with Miami-Dade County to construct and operate a dramatic new cruise terminal at PortMiami. The new terminal, on land leased from the County, will serve as homeport to Royal Caribbean International ships, including a 5,400-passenger Oasis-class ship, the world’s largest cruise ships. The agreement will come […]
Tiffany & Co. introduces first boutique at sea aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas
Tiffany & Co. has opened its first free-standing boutique at sea onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas. The gala opening of the new onboard concept took place on Nov. 21, with Luciano Rodembusch, vice president of Tiffany & Co. Latin America; Mark Tamis, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International; and […]
RCCL names two new CEOs
Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean Cruises named two senior company executives to chart the future course of the company’s two largest brands. Michael Bayley, the CEO of Celebrity Cruises since July 2012, becomes the CEO of Royal Caribbean International, replacing Adam Goldstein. Bayley also served as executive vice president of operations at Royal Caribbean International. […]
