Tag Archives: Pullmantur Cruises

Royal Caribbean sells stake in Spanish and French cruise brands

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Royal Caribbean Cruises is selling part of its interest in its Spanish and French cruise operations for an undisclosed sum.

Madrid-based private equity firm Springwater is taking a 51% stake in Pullmantur and Croisières de France, leaving the US cruise giant with a 49% holding through a new joint venture.

Royal Caribbean will retain full ownership of the ships and aircraft currently operated by the two brands, which will be leased into the joint venture.

Chairman and chief executive, Richard Fain, said: “Pullmantur and CDF have a long history of offering authentic, localised cruise vacations to their home markets.

“We look forward to the new focus that this joint venture with Springwater will bring to these companies as they seek to grow.”

He added: “Given the signs of recovery we have seen in the Spanish economy, as well as increased interest in cruising from tourists in France, we think this is the right time to bring together the extensive experience of our deeply valued employees at Pullmantur and CDF with the local travel and tourism expertise of the Springwater team.

“Springwater’s local management presence in Madrid, coupled with RCL’s long-standing history in cruise operations, will provide the foundation for improved returns in the future.”

Empress of the Seas return postponed for another month

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oyal Caribbean International has canceled seven additional cruises scheduled on Empress of the Seas to do more work on the ship in drydock.

Previously, Royal had canceled six short cruises from Miami on the Empress, which is migrating back to Royal after sailing for sister brand Pullmantur.

Departure dates on the newly canceled cruises are April 25 and 30, and May 5, 9, 14, 19 and 23.

In a statement, Royal said that as work progressed in drydock, it discovered the need for more significant infrastructure and physical improvements across galleys and provisioning areas.

“We decided that instead of simply repairing the five galleys, we would completely rebuild them, starting from scratch with entirely new infrastructure and all new equipment at a cost of $10 million,” the statement said.

Royal is providing refunds plus 50% future cruise credits to those booked on the April 25 and 30 cruises, and refunds plus 100% credits for anyone on the original six canceled sailings who was rebooked on a newly canceled sailing.

Guests can also rebook on several other Royal ship at favorable terms.

Goldstein named RCCL president

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By Tom Stieghorst
_Adam GoldsteinAdam Goldstein has been named president of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), the parent company of Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.

Goldstein has been president of RCCL’s largest brand, Royal Caribbean International, for the past 12 years.

In addition to president of RCCL, he will hold the title of chief operating officer.

The company said it will begin a search to find a successor to Goldstein as president of Royal Caribbean International.

In his new role, Goldstein will lead the company’s cross-functional teams, RCCL Chairman and CEO Richard Fain said.

“Adam has played a key role in growing Royal Caribbean International, step by step, into a global leader. In the course of doing so, he has become an impressive leader in his own right,” Fain said.

Goldstein joined the company in 1988, and served in a number of positions before taking the helm of Royal Caribbean International, including senior vice president of total guest satisfaction, senior vice president of marketing and corporate secretary.

A graduate of Princeton University who also holds a law degree from Harvard University, Goldstein is an accomplished table tennis player and has competed in middle-distance running events in the National Senior Games Association track and field championships.

RCCL doesn’t currently have a president or a chief operating officer.

In addition to its three North American brands, RCCL owns Spain’s Pullmantur, French line Croisieres de France, and a 50% interest in TUI Cruises of Germany.