On the cruise industry leadership front, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo will transition from her role as president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises to vice chair, external affairs, for Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity’s parent company, effective May 1. In her new role, Lutoff-Perlo will continue to report to Jason Liberty, president and CEO. In turn, Laura Hodges Bethge, currently the group’s executive vice president, shared services operations, will become the new president of Celebrity Cruises.
This month marks the 150th anniversary of Holland America Line’s inaugural voyage and first transatlantic journey from Rotterdam, Netherlands to New York. Did you know that one in 10 immigrants from Europe to the "New World" sailed on a Holland America ship back in the day? So, this past week, the line introduced a new resource to help consumers discover records of any relatives who may have sailed on a Holland America vessel between 1900 and 1969.
Travel Agent is sailing across the Atlantic Ocean this week on the line's flagship, the 2,668-passenger Rotterdam; it will arrive in the Netherlands for the anniversary celebratory event on April 18, 2023. Stay tuned for a look at our stateroom, No. 7056, new activity options and how 150th anniversary elements are integrated into the current voyage and will be as well for upcoming "Heritage Voyages."
More Cruise News
Cruise lines continue to expand their footprint across the globe and to partner with destinations to both benefit local communities and serve cruise guests. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) just announced that St. Maarten has renewed and increased its strategic development agreement with FCCA for 2023. The new agreement makes St. Maarten a “Presidential Partner,” the Association’s exclusive, capped program limited to three destination partners and focused on their specific goals.
MSC Cruises has revealed details about its newest ship, MSC Euribia, launching this June. Look for 10 unique dining venues including five specialty restaurants and five main dining spots, plus 21 bars and lounges
Marking the 746-passenger Seven Seas Explorer’s inaugural summer season in Alaska this year, Regent Seven Seas Cruises will introduce a new collection of culinary experiences as part of its “Epicurean Perfection” program. According to sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, three “Epicurean Explorer Tours” and three new Culinary Arts Kitchen classes will be themed around Pacific Northwest cuisine. Seven Seas Explorer's guests will also go ashore for such activities as visiting a sustainable oyster and kelp farm, taking a catamaran ride through a fjord to a sustainable wild Alaska salmon hatchery and sampling local cuisine and beverages.
Also on the food-and-beverage front, Princess Cruises will host a winemaker dinner with Caymus Vineyards.
Atlas Ocean Voyages unveiled more than 500 shore excursions in European destinations, while Celestyal Cruises' Celestyal Journey will debut in September after a $21 million update.