Editorial: Exciting Times
Just as it looked like the industry was maturing and plateauing, it has burst out into new phase of activities and development. Existing markets seem to be recovering from their temporary economic declines, new markets are tapped, new ships are ordered, new executive are hired, second-hand tonnage is bought and traded, even a new brand…
Operations: Hydrodynamic and Optimal Speed Push
Since joining Royal Caribbean International in late 2013 as Senior Vice President of Marine Operations, Rear Admiral William D. Baumgartner (U.S. Coast Guard, retired) said: “The foundation of what I worry about is safe, reliable and efficient operations. “In terms of efficiencies a huge focus for us is fuel,” he said. “That is one of…
Operations: Approachable and Accessible
The first ship in his command, Captain Aseem Hashmi took over on the P&O Cruises Arcadia this past January after two decades of climbing the marine ladder at Cunard Line and then Carnival UK. “This is the only P&O vessel with podded propulsion, which gives it extreme maneuvering capabilities,” said Hashmi. “We can get into…
Pullmantur Finding New Markets
After carrying 450,000 passengers last year, 9 percent more than the previous year, Pullmantur Cruises President and CEO Jorges Vilches told Cruise Industry News the cruise line will consolidate its market positions this year, before taking delivery of the 2,354-passenger Majesty of the Seas from sister brand Royal Caribbean International next April (2016). Starting out…
Brands: Carnival Targeting New-To-Cruise
The goal is to attract more new-to-cruise customers, according to Jim Berra, chief marketing officer of Carnival Cruise Lines. “We are pushing hard, realizing that we are competing among other leisure travel options, not just within the cruise industry. So we are gearing our marketing and product to new-to-cruise and experienced cruisers at the same…
Mexico: Record Year
Mexican ports were on their way to a record year collectively at press time with total passenger numbers at 3.8 million, up 24 percent over the previous year by the end of the third quarter. While more than 75 percent of the cruise traffic is on the Gulf Coast, Mexican Riviera ports are also on…
North America: Florida Ports Lead the Way
The three premiere cruise ports in Florida lead the industry in building and planning for the future, working with the cruise lines and providing a seamless guest experience. Cruise Industry News caught up with PortMiami, Port Everglades and Port Tampa Bay. PortMiami The new port director at PortMiami, Juan Kuryla, is building toward a future…
Food+Beverage: Ever Expanding Operation
“I’ve done many restaurant and hotel openings. They all have challenges and stresses,” said Brian Abel, vice president of food and beverage operations at Royal Caribbean International. “We opened 32 restaurants and bars collectively at the same time on Quantum. I don’t think that has ever been done before.” Those 32 locations were basically all…
Quantum Technical Profile
Twenty percent more efficient per passenger than the Allure of the Seas, efficiencies on Quantum are driven by better hydrodynamics, engine and propulsion management, more efficient HVAC, LED lighting and advanced software. “Quite clearly the one big element is the propulsion and the elements related to it,” said Harri Kulovaara, executive vice president maritime, Royal…
Working at Sea: Recruitment and Retention
The industry is facing two challenges: recruitment and retention. On the recruitment side, said Richard Brearley, vice president of shipboard HR for Royal Caribbean Cruises: “We are changing the game from the traditional recruitment model. We are no longer just advertising job openings and putting people on the ships for training. Instead, we are going…