Editorial: The Beat Goes On
As we are starting on a new year, the industry’s attention is focused across a broad range of priorities, from raising ticket prices to reducing operating costs. In this issue, we are taking a closer look at ship operations. On the marine side, the lines are concentrating on fuel savings and safety, as well as…
Royal Caribbean International: Quality + Energy
Royal Caribbean International is unique in the cruise industry and possibly in the whole world, according to Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, who explained: “We have a unique combination of quality and energy, and we are able to bring that combination to all parts of the globe and produce ‘wows.’ “We do it through our…
MLC Expectations
Compliance with the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006 (MLC 2006), coming into force in August, will be a shared responsibility among cruise lines and recruiters, according to Johan Oyen, director of cruise operations for the Norwegian Seamen’s Union (NSU) and head of the Cruise Ship Task Force for the International Transportation Federation (ITF). Oyen said…
Hotel Ops: Norwegian: Two More Ships
Norwegian Cruise Line will essentially deliver two new ships in 2013, with the Breakaway entering service in May, and the Getaway launching in January 2014, with a busy November and December forecast for the cruise line. Meanwhile, Norwegian has been testing its iConcierge smartphone app on the Epic. “It allows guests to use their cell…
Marine Ops: Celebrity: Empowering the Ships
Greg Purdy became vice president of operations at Celebrity Cruises last year, upgrading his vice president of marine operations title, and adding the hotel side of the brand. “The nice thing about this organization is it came with a team that runs it,” said Purdy, adding that 80 percent of his time is spent on…
Florida: Its Ports Dominate the Market
Florida ports are expecting a record year, while continuing multi-million dollar projects to upgrade and enhance terminals, piers and related infrastructure to keep up. Driving the continued growth are new ships and some ship shuffles between the competitive ports. Also supporting growth is Florida’s attraction as a tourist destination, as well as the state’s own…
Mexico: Two Coasts; Different Products
Mexico’s cruise traffic on the Pacific side is for the most part in a downward spiral, and the Caribbean side was also down in 2012 from 2011. Mexican Riviera cruise traffic dropped 41 percent, and the Caribbean side fell 26 percent, according to port sources familiar with the situation. Ensenada may be the only port…
Refurbishment Briefs
When 2012 came to a close, some 22 cruise ships had been worked on at Grand Bahama Shipyard over the course of the calendar year. Highlights during the fall season included the addition of the “Captains Cabins” on the Carnival Conquest and Glory – above the bridge. These projects were managed by the yard, which…