Royal change of chief
A new head will take to the helm of Royal Caribbean’s local operations, following the revelation that Adam Armstrong will step down in Aug.
Armstrong will leave his role of associate vice president and managing director for Australia and New Zealand to “pursue other interests” and will be replaced by Susan Bonner, currently based in Miami as Celebrity Cruises’ vice president of revenue management and onboard revenue.
Armstrong has been with the company since it opened its local office in Sydney in 2009 and was praised by RCL Cruises senior vice president international Gavin Smith, who said Armstrong’s contribution to the company had been tremendous.
Scenic acquires Mayflower
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has furthered its plans to grow its presence in the North American market with the acquisition of United States operator Mayflower Tours.
The sale sees Scenic add to its portfolio tours to 52 different countries including Europe, Australia, Cuba, Mexico, Tanzania, Belize, Panama and China that could be linked with the operator’s cruise offerings.
As part of the purchase, Mayflower will have greater access to the river and ocean itineraries offered by Scenic and sister brand Emerald Waterways.
Mayflower will continue to operate as a separate entity, called Mayflower Cruises & Tours.
Cruise Centre moves into home-based
Boutique cruise agency, The Cruise Centre, is marking a move into the home-based space.
The agency was acquired by The Goldman Group last year, which is planning to expand the Brisbane-based brand into Sydney and Melbourne.
“Offering flexible work conditions enables The Cruise Centre to tap into cruise experts regardless of where they are based,” explained Anthony Goldman, joint managing director of Goldman Group.
The company said cruise specialists would “work on their own terms but have the backing of the Goldman Group’s industry expertise, connections and buying power, without the need for a bricks-and-mortar shopfront”.
