By Jerry Limone

Carnival Corp. said Howard Frank will step down as vice chairman and COO to assume the role of special adviser to the chairman and CEO.

Frank will continue as chairman of CLIA.

Frank has been Micky Arison’s right-hand man for the past 25 years. Arison stepped down as Carnival Corp.’s CEO earlier this year, and was replaced by Arnold Donald. Arison remains chairman of the company.

“For the last 25 years, Howard and I have worked side by side, and I could not have asked for a better business partner. I am looking forward to his continued contributions in his new role,” Arison said in a statement.

The change will be effective on Dec. 1, as will several other management changes at Carnival Corp.

Alan Buckelew, the current president and CEO of Princess Cruises (a Carnival Corp. brand), will be Carnival Corp.’s new COO.

Buckelew will have oversight of a maritime and port operations around the world and group collaborative functions, including information technology; group strategy and global operations; ship retrofits; newbuilds; research and development; risk advisory; and quality assurance. He also will oversee Carnival Asia.

With Buckelew leaving Princess, Holland America Line CEO Stein Kruse will oversee Princess as CEO of the newly formed Holland America Group. The move adds Princess Cruises and Alaska land operations to Kruse’s current responsibilities of Holland America Line and Seabourn.

Also, Jan Swartz has been promoted to president of Princess Cruises. Swartz is currently Princess’ executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service.

Swartz will be in charge of Princess’ worldwide operations. She will report to Kruse.

Buckelew and Kruse will report to Donald.