Tag Archives: Royal Caribbean Corp.

Silverseas Acquires Crystel Endeavour for $275 Million

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Silversea Cruises has received court approval for the purchase of the ultra-luxury cruise ship Crystal Endeavor. 

Originally delivered to Crystal Cruises in 2021, the ship will be renamed Silver Endeavour when it officially joins the Royal Caribbean Group subsidiary later this month.

The purchase price for the vessel was $275 million and was fully financed through a 15-year unsecured term loan, guaranteed by the German export credit agency, Euler Hermes, with no amortization payments in the first two years.

The fifth expedition ship in Silversea’s fleet of 11, the vessel is scheduled to begin service in winter 2022/2023, spending its inaugural season in Antarctica starting November 2022.

“With Endeavour, we are seeking to grow our world-class fleet to meet the exceptional demand for ultra-luxury expedition cruising, while also enhancing our profitability profile and affirming Silversea’s position as the industry’s leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line,” said Jason Liberty, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group. 

Built to PC6 polar class specifications, the ship can operate all of Silversea’s current expedition itineraries and is designed to take travellers to remote destinations, including both polar regions.

As part of the ongoing RCL Cares program, Royal Caribbean Group will protect the deposits of guests who were originally booked on Crystal Endeavor and make a new booking on one of its brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises. 

To the extent the Crystal Endeavor guests do not receive their deposits back from Crystal or other sources, the Royal Caribbean Group will refund any amount paid on their new booking up to the number of their lost deposits from Crystal.

Royal Caribbean Group updates mobile app to offer more Covid-secure features

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Royal Caribbean provides official update on new smart phone app | Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean Group has improved its mobile app to feature the on-board safety drill to avoid passengers having to meet in large groups at muster stations on its cruise ships.

The Muster 2.0 safety drill can now be completed in passengers’ own time in their cabins via the cruise line’s mobile app instead of going to a muster station with other passengers at a set time.

The app, first introduced in 2017, is available on many Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara ships.

Initially designed for passengers to make the most of their holiday, the mobile app is now being developed further to meet health and safety practices required as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It aims to help minimise common touchpoints and ensure physical distancing for passengers.

The app already has other features such as offering staggered arrival times for passengers to help avoid overcrowding at boarding and manage the car parks, drop-off areas and terminals to allow for social distancing.

Since 2018, customers have been able to check-in using the app, scan their passport information and upload a ‘selfie’ security photographs to speed up the boarding process and minimise time at check-in and security.

The app can also be used to unlock staterooms with a smartphone by downloading a digital key. In addition, customers can use their smartphone to control the TV, lighting, window shades and temperature in their cabins via the app.

Other features of the app include an onboard account where charges and credits can be viewed in real-time as well as details of onboard activities, entertainment, dining and shore excursions. These can all be booked through the app.

 

Royal Caribbean Group appoints a chief medical officer

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Royal Caribbean Group Names First Global Health Officer, Will Be ...

Royal Caribbean Group has named Dr Calvin Johnson as its global head of public health and chief medical officer.

In the newly-created role, he will lead the cruise giant’s global health and wellness policy across its brands Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea.

Johnson will manage the group’s public health and clinical practice, and determine its strategic plans and operations of its global healthcare organisation as well as collaborate with the Healthy Sail Panel which also involves representatives of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Group, said: “Calvin’s extensive experience in public health and clinical care will help us raise the bar on protecting the health of our guests, crew and the communities we serve.”

Dr Johnson was most recently principal at Altre Strategic Solutions Group and has previously served as chief medical officer for of correctional health care provider Corizon Health and for Temple University Health System.

He was also secretary of health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 2003-2008 and was medical director for the New York City Department of Health from 1998-1999.

Johnson has previously led response efforts during active infectious disease outbreaks and was responsible for ensuring all aspects of patient care while overseeing a clinical operation with 1,300 caregivers and more than 300,000 individuals.

He said: “Royal Caribbean Group is committed to going beyond requirements. I am excited to join the industry leader, who is clearly establishing the way forward in managing public health initiatives and protecting health and safety.

Johnson added: “The Healthy Sail Panel is doing critical work to help us develop enhanced standards, and achieve readiness for the return to service, and I am looking forward to being involved in that work.”

Royal Caribbean Group senior vice president for safety, security, environment, medical and public health, Jennifer Love, added: “Calvin will add critical expertise in our mission to elevate the quality of care. His appointment is a testament to our commitment to transforming healthcare for those we serve.”