Tag Archives: sail

NCLH Reveals Development Plans for Great Stirrup Cay

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) has announced plans to build new amenities and enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay.

The company said in a press release that the enhancements include a new welcome center and pool area with a swim-up bar, family splash pad and poolside cabanas. An island-wide tram system will also be added. These will debut along with a multi-ship pier later this year.

During the company’s christening ceremony for the Norwegian Aqua in Miami, David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “We are unveiling that Great Stirrup Cay is getting even greater with more to do! Later this year, we will launch new experiences for our guests to enjoy on this already incredible private island.”

These, according to the company, include a relaxation area with hammocks and other Tiki-inspired amenities and experiences.

The company said in a press release that several onboard premium concepts featured on Norwegian Cruise Line ships will also come to the island, including the adults-only Vibe Beach Club and Horizon Park, a recreation and lawn games area.

“These newly announced enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay will further improve the guest experience on the island, which is already one of our top-rated destinations worldwide,” said Sommer.

“Along with completing a new multi-ship pier later this year, we’re improving both access and amenities on the island. As we anticipate annual guest visits to exceed one million by 2026, we are actively evaluating additional investments in the island to support that growth and expand the amenities our guests can enjoy,” added Sommer.

“Great Stirrup Cay has long been a guest favorite. These new additions will take the private island experience to the next level by offering our guests even more and the continued freedom and flexibility to design their best vacation,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“We look forward to adding more exciting and guest-centric experience on Great Stirrup Cay in the future,” added Herrera.

A Look at Carnival’s New Year-Round Cruises Out of Norfolk

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The Carnival Sunshine is launching a year-round deployment out of Norfolk in February, following a drydock in Europe.

Cruise Industry News takes a closer look at the new cruise schedule, which includes itineraries to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Debut Voyage
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Length: 5 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Freeport and Bimini (Bahamas)

The Carnival Sunshine is set to debut the new deployment in Norfolk on Feb. 11, 2025, after completing a drydock in France.

For its first sailing from the port, the ship offers a five-night cruise to the Bahamas. In addition to two days at sea, the itinerary includes visits to Freeport and Bimini before returning to Virginia.

Eastern Caribbean
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: Six sailings between May and July 2025
Length: 8 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos); Amber Cove (Dominican Republic); and San Juan (Puerto Rico)

The new schedule for the Carnival Sunshine includes various sailings to the Caribbean, including this eight-night itinerary to Turks and Caicos, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

With six departures scheduled for 2025, the cruise will sail to the Eastern Caribbean and visit Grand Turk, Amber Cove, and San Juan.

Bahamas
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: 9 departures between March and December 2025
Length: 6 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Bimini, Nassau and Freeport (Bahamas)

The new deployment also features sailings to the Bahamas, visiting six destinations in the island country.

One of the itineraries is a six-night cruise with nine departures scheduled for 2025, featuring visits to Bimini, Nassau and Freeport.

Bermuda
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: Seven sailings between July and October 2025
Length: 6 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Two days in King’s Wharf (Bermuda)

For the summer, the Carnival Sunshine adds cruises to Bermuda to its schedule. Seven sailings to the island nation are scheduled for 2025, departing between July and October.

In addition to three days cruising in the North Atlantic, the itineraries feature an overnight visit to King’s Wharf.

Celebration Key
Ship: Carnival Sunshine
Date: Three sailings between September and December 2025
Length: 6 nights
Homeport: Norfolk (United States)
Itinerary: Bimini, Nassau and Celebration Key (Bahamas)

Starting in September, Carnival will offer cruises to its new private destination on Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key, departing from Norfolk.

As part of one of its itineraries to the new port, the Carnival Sunshine sails for six nights and also visits Nassau and Bimini. Three departures are scheduled for 2025.

Royal Caribbean To Sell Azamara Brand To Sycamore Partners

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Azamara Quest.

Royal Caribbean Group today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Azamara brand to Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in consumer, retail and distribution investments, in an all-cash carve-out transaction for $201 million, subject to certain adjustments and closing conditions.

Sycamore Partners will acquire the entire Azamara brand, including its three-ship fleet and associated intellectual property. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021. Royal Caribbean Group noted the transaction allows it to focus on expanding its Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea brands.

“Our strategy has evolved into placing more of our resources behind three global brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea, and working to grow them as we emerge from this unprecedented period,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean Group. “Even so, Azamara remains a strong brand with its own tremendous potential for growth, and Sycamore’s track record demonstrates that they will be good stewards of what the Azamara team has built over the past 13 years.”

“We are pleased that Royal Caribbean Group has entrusted Sycamore to support Azamara in its next phase of growth,” said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. “We are excited to partner with the Azamara team and build on their many years of success serving the brand’s loyal customers. We believe Azamara will remain a top choice for discerning travellers as the cruising industry recovers over time.”

Azamara’s value proposition and operations will remain consistent under the new arrangement, and Royal Caribbean Group will work in close collaboration on a seamless transition for Azamara employees, customers and other stakeholders. In conjunction with the transaction, Azamara Chief Operating Officer Carol Cabezas has been appointed President of the brand.

The transaction will result in a one-time, non-cash impairment charge of approximately $170 million. The sale of Azamara is not expected to have a material impact on the Royal Caribbean Group’s future financial results. Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as financial advisor to Royal Caribbean Group and  Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP provided legal counsel. Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided legal advice to Sycamore Partners.