High-level executive appointments topped cruise industry news this past week. Most notably, John Lovell, president, Travel Leaders Network — a division of Internova Travel Group — will leave his post at month’s end. In a letter to members shared with Travel Agent Central, Lovell said that he’ll join Virgin Voyages in an “exciting new leadership role.” Virgin confirmed that Lovell will become a board member and senior advisor during a time when the line is accelerating its growth with a fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, starting service in September 2025.
In addition, John Diorio, most recently Virgin’s vice president, North America sales, has become the new vice president and managing director of North America for Celestyal Cruises, while Swan Hellenic recruited industry veteran Carlos Garzon as its new vice president of global sales. Garzon reports to Patrizia Iantorno, the line’s chief commercial officer.
And on the river cruise front, a new sailing region officially debuted this past week. AmaWaterways’ new AmaMagdalena was christened in Colombia and has begun sailing along that country’s Magdalena River. It’s the first time a major river cruise line has operated there. Plus, Riviera Travel has unveiled enticing summer European river cruise offers.
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Ultra-luxury Seabourn has unveiled a new elevated culinary program, according to our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor. Look for menus inspired by global flavors, expanded chef-led shore excursions and redesigned onboard dining concepts. And in another culinary update, Oceania Cruises has introduced Nikkei cuisine to its onboard specialty restaurant, Red Ginger.
Iconic singer Diana Ross has been named “godmother” for Royal Caribbean International‘s new Star of the Seas. She’ll christen that Icon-class vessel at Port Canaveral, FL, in August. On another front, boutique luxury Ponant Explorations announced a new “Exploration in the Heart of Baja California” itinerary focused on eco-adventure. Between January and March 2017, four roundtrip voyages will set sail from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, one in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys.
Carnival Cruise Line plans to introduce a new points-based loyalty program, “Carnival Rewards,” in June 2026. Instead of focusing solely on the number of nights that guests sail (as the current loyalty program does), a new, dual-earning structure is being introduced. While cruise line officials touted the benefits for loyal past guests and the line alike, many past guests aren’t convinced, according to Cruise Hive.
In fact, more than 1,000 longtime Carnival customers have signed a petition demanding Carnival Cruise Line reverse its recent decision to overhaul its VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) loyalty program, according to an email we received from Change.org. The prime reason given for the petition is that these customers don’t want their lifetime loyalty status replaced with a new approach that requires ongoing spending to retain perks.
And starting this November, MSC Cruises’ guests who board the MSC Seascape in Galveston, Texas, will have the opportunity to experience that ship’s Robotron Ride, a cutting-edge, robotic arm thrill experience. While suspended nearly 175 feet above the sea, riders will flip, spin and soar with views of the ocean and horizon beyond, and the experience will be customized as it’s synced to their favorite music.
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