June 2013

Royal Caribbean International today announced the appointment of Carol Schuster to Senior Vice President of Marketing. Ms. Schuster joins the global cruise line with a proven track record and extensive background in building global brands, as well as new market entry, and will oversee all aspects of marketing for Royal Caribbean including brand strategy and positioning; consumer and trade advertising; digital and social media; and one-to-one and loyalty marketing.

            “We are thrilled to welcome Carol Schuster to Royal Caribbean’s leadership team and look forward to her building on the success that the brand has already achieved,” said Lisa Bauer, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Carol’s extensive global marketing experience will play an integral role in our continued growth into established and emerging cruise vacation markets around the world.”

            Most recently, Ms. Schuster ran a global marketing and brand consultancy and spearheaded the launch of U.S. women’s luxury apparel company, Lafayette 148 New York, in China. Prior to that, she held the position of worldwide managing director, Global Brand Management at the advertising agency, Ogilvy and Mather. She also held senior executive level positions at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles in New York. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1991, she was one of the first business and marketing leaders to enter Central and Eastern Europe to start-up the global network for the advertising agency.

            Ms. Schuster graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in German language and literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She received her MBA in Global Marketing/Advertising and Chinese from Thunderbird School of Global Management. Ms. Schuster has won numerous awards and recognitions for her contribution to the advertising and marketing industry and was named one of “25 Women to Watch” by Advertising Age.  She has lived in North America, Europe and Asia and speaks English, Chinese, German and French.

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The flavorful top-quality cuts are only available at sea on Norwegian, in Cagney's and Le Bistro restaurants

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Save Up to $900 on 2013 and Up to $1,000 on 2014 if Booked by June 28

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Holland America Line hosted a fundraiser luncheon aboard ms Oosterdam at the Port of Seattle for the Seattle Symphony, one of the line’s community partners, Sunday, June 9, 2013. Following remarks from Linda Stevens, co-president of the Seattle Symphony Volunteers, a violinist of the Seattle Symphony gave a musical performance in the ship’s main show lounge for luncheon attendees.

“At Holland America Line, we appreciate the importance of supporting the arts because entertainment is such an enriching part of our cruise experience,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president of sales, marketing and guest programs. “The Seattle Symphony is one of the finest in the world and we are honored to be a community partner.”

“Many thanks go out to Holland America Line for hosting this beautiful luncheon in such an elegant setting,” said Stevens. “We are proud to partner with a company that puts so much emphasis on giving back to the communities where they live and work.”

The Seattle Symphony is under the artistic leadership of Music Director Ludovic Morlot, one of the leading conductors of his generation. With a dedicated subscriber base of more than 28,000 patrons, the orchestra performs or presents over 200 performances annually to an audience of more than 315,000 people. The Symphony’s educational programs, alongside its nationally recognized community engagement programs, bring classical music to nearly 100,000 people of all ages each year, including students at approximately 200 schools in the Pacific Northwest. For more information visit www.seattlesymphony.org.

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.

For more information about Holland America Line, contact a travel professional.

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“Genesis Project”. Destined to become the 24th ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet

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Explore northern Europe and the Med in fun new ways with MSC Cruises’ unique excursions

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Carnival Sunshine – which recently underwent a groundbreaking $155 million renovation that added a host of new features and facilities – arrived  in Barcelona, Spain, following its inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice, Italy.

The unprecedented transformation added all of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 dining, bar and entertainment features, along with a host of unique and exciting innovations and an additional 182 staterooms.

This voyage from Barcelona represents Carnival Sunshine’s first-ever departure from the Spanish port and continues the ship’s summer schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages that will run through October.

Here’s a look at some of the many innovations added to the 3,006-passenger vessel during its comprehensive makeover:

Delicious Dining Choices

• Ji Ji Asian Kitchen, a stunning new full-service restaurant featuring an extensive menu of delicacies from the Far East, all enjoyed amidst striking Asian-inspired interior

• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries

• Cucina del Capitano, offering Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home

• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas

• JavaBlue Café, offering lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favorites

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From Ancient Gladiators to Modern Treasure Hunters, Varied Niche Voyages Offer Savings of Up To $2,500 if Booked by June 28

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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.

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"Cruise with Heart" Expected to Raise $1 Million to Help Build Healthier Lives

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Doremi Dance - the children entertainment song on MSC Cruise ships, will be the official opening theme of all kids' activities on board of the cruise. Doremi Dance is performed by the Italian choir PICCOLO CORO "MARIELE VENTRE" DELL'ANTONIANO DI BOLOGNA DIRETTO DA SABRINA SIMONI and the friendly participation of Matteo Mancini.

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This fall, immerse yourself in the joys of an autumn wine cruise in Europe.

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Military Rates on cruises

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With less than six months to go until the arrival of the dazzling MSC Divina in Miami, when she will become the first MSC ship to sail year-round from North America, MSC Cruises is announcing a series of exciting new features sure to delight US and international travellers alike. 

Eataly Partnership

In line with the company’s unique Mediterranean way of life, MSC Cruises recently joined forces with Eataly, a popular Turin-based chain founded on the principles of the slow food philosophy.

Following the successful launch and rave reviews of the first two Eataly restaurants at sea on board sister-ship MSC Preziosa, MSC Cruises is now extending the partnership and launching two new Eataly restaurants and a marketplace on board MSC Divina.

In the area that previously hosted the Tex Mex specialty restaurant, MSC Divina will now feature two unique dining venues; upscale Ristorante Italia and spectacular regional steakhouse, Manzo, fashioned after the famed restaurant in Eataly’s Manhattan location.

A boutique Eataly marketplace will also be available for guests to purchase authentic Italian products,  including olive oils, dried pastas, artisanal sweets and aged balsamics.

Aqua Cycling by Hydrorider

Spinning enthusiasts can now rejoice as MSC Divina becomes the industry's first ship to offer Aqua Cycling by Hydrorider.  Reported as this summer's latest fitness craze across US media,  Aqua Cycling will allow MSC Divina travellers to take spinning to new heights while cruising the Caribbean.

Hydrorider, whose products are made in Italy, provides aquatic bikes made of marine industry stainless steel that can be placed in pools for classes and training.  For a minimal fee, guests can participate in classes led by fitness professionals trained in the benefits of cycling under water, while enjoying energetic music and healthy challenges.

New Entertainment Experiences

On board MSC Divina, travellers will enjoy incredible new entertainment options created to provide a wider variety of daytime and evening activities.  Theatre goers will delight in production shows featuring a cast of 30 dancers, singers, musicians and visual acts as well as headline entertainment specially tailored to the itinerary and/or guest nationality.  As guests cruise the Eastern and Western Caribbean, island bands will be featured on board with local cultural shows offered pier-side on certain days.  Dance lovers will be able to take the stage in a big way and “Dance with the Stars” as they are paired up with one of MSC’s professional dancers.

For guests looking to truly relish in MSC’s Mediterranean heritage, “Italian Days” dedicated to the music, dance, cuisine and folklore of the region, featuring Italian themed dinners, theatre shows, music, language lessons, dance lessons and the art of pizza making will be presented.

Finally, for younger guests, MSC Divina will offer new activities for teens including Teen’s White Party, MSC Flashmob and Hey Mr. DJ Hip-Hop while mini and junior club guests will enjoy activities such as Kids Bingo, Fairytale Time and live talent shows.

Top 18 and MSC Yacht Club:  MSC Exclusives Arriving to North America for the First-Time

For the first-time in the Caribbean, MSC travellers can now enjoy a new adult-only oasis boasting premium deck space and stunning sea views.  Available for a nominal daily fee on Fantasia-class ships beginning summer 2013, Top 18 features dedicated spa services, a bar menu and a comfortable lounge setting, the perfect exclusive venue to relax and unwind surrounded by incredible ocean views.  Top 18 guests are greeted by an attendant with a refreshing chilled towel and escorted to their own personal lounge bed or relaxation pod.  Misters and complimentary fruit skewers will be provided while guests can take advantage of specially tailored on-deck spa treatments without leaving the comfort of Top 18’s personal lounge beds.  These include exclusive reflexology and facial treatments, as well as various head, neck and shoulder massages.

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Luxury Line Taps Craft Trend from an International Perspective

Extremely limited, uniquely produced, and perfectly aged stouts, ales, blondes, and other artisanal beers are debuting aboard Crystal Cruises’ 2013 European cruises, with a new Connoisseur beer menu.  Launching with up to a dozen of the finest craft brews from renowned beer production countries like Belgium, Austria, Germany, Holland, and the U.K., the menu will change as Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity traverse to other regions of the globe, with the ultimate collector’s brew, Samuel Adams Utopias, expected by the end of the year.  Each beer will be presented in a special glass that enhances the beverage’s unique flavors, as is done with wines and spirits.

Initial and planned beeroisseur offerings include:

• Samuel Adams Utopias (USA):  With only 3,000 bottles produced annually, each crafted to mimic copper brew kettles, this is the ultimate cult beer – and one of the strongest in history.  Mixing caramel and Vienna malts with several types of yeast, including a variety found in champagne, the final result is like a sophisticated, sipping port – with a price tag of $300+ per bottle.

• Thornbridge Bracia (England):  Made with seven malts, five hops, and chestnut honey from the Alpine foothills of Northeast Italy, this dark ale pours jet black and tastes of chocolate, coffee, liquorice, and hazelnuts all in one.

• Ola Dubh 12 (Scotland): Gaelic for “black oil,” this rather exotic brew is aged in oak casks formerly used to mature Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky.  As a stylistic nod to classic Imperial Ports and Stouts of the nineteenth century, the aroma hints of smoky Worcestershire sauce, leather, and grilled steak.

• Samichlaus (Austria):  One of the rarest and strongest beers in the world (14% alcohol), Samichlaus (Swiss-German for “Santa Claus”) lager is brewed only once a year, right before Christmas.  It spends 10 months aging before bottling and can be aged for several years, resulting in a sweet chocolatey, port-like flavor ideal for dessert pairing.

• Rochefort Trappistes 10 (Belgium): Considered the gold standard of taste among connoisseurs, Trappist beers are produced by only eight European monasteries.  Rochefort’s Abbaye St-Remy has been using water from a monastery well to produce this strong brew since 1595.

 

Travelers who enjoy tastings and learning about the craft can look to beer pairing menus at intimate Vintage Room Dinners and a new microbrew-themed cruise sailing from New York to Miami for 14 days, starting November 5, 2014.

“We have spent months trying to source some of these bottles,” says Toni Neumeister, Crystal’s vice president of food and beverage.  “Knowing our guests’ refined palette, we went beyond basic microbrews to award-winning beers coveted by true connoisseurs.”

Crystal has offered an incredible selection of complimentary fine wines, champagnes, beers, and premium spirits in all lounges and restaurants since segueing to an all-inclusive food and beverage program in 2012.  When that switch was made, the ultra-luxe line introduced Connoisseur menus, for true aficionados looking for extra-special tastes.  Connoisseur Beer menu prices start from $8 per bottle.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation.  Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity’s extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include the ultra-luxury line’s coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); all-inclusive chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio’s specialty restaurants.

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Princess Cruises has appointed Gordon Ho as senior vice president of marketing. In this newly-created position he will lead the company’s global marketing, public relations and digital activities.

Ho brings extensive marketing experience to his new role with Princess, in areas including worldwide creative development, brand management, partnership marketing, digital marketing, CRM and public relations.

“We’re delighted to welcome Gordon to Princess and look forward to his contributions supporting our expansion into new international markets as well as strengthening the Princess brand in our established markets including North America, UK and Australia,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ executive vice president. He reports directly to Swartz.

Ho previously spent 18 years at the Walt Disney Company where he last served as executive vice president of worldwide marketing for its $4 billion Disney Studios Home Entertainment division. In that position he created a highly successful global marketing team in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Most recently he served as chief marketing officer of 24/7 Card and as co-founder and president of MyMovieDeals.com.

He earned his B.S. degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University and an M.B.A. with concentrations in marketing and finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

In related news, David deMerlier, previously vice president of marketing, has been appointed to the new role of vice president of international marketing for the line. Reporting to Ho, deMerlier now oversees Princess’ marketing efforts throughout Asia, and in the UK and Australia.

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