Royal head resigns
ROYAL Caribbean Cruises’ Head of Sales for Australia and New Zealand, Peter McCormack, announced his retirement last month after 46 years in the industry.
McCormack had been with the company for 10 years, since the opening of Royal Caribbean’s Sydney office in 2009 and had been a big part of the team according to the business.
“[McCormack’s] commitment to the growth and success of the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara brands has helped set the company up for success as they go forward,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement. “He has forged fantastic relationships with both trade partners and colleagues alike which will have a lasting impact.”
The cruise line had not yet announced a replacement for the local sales role.
Amundsen sets sail
Expedition cruise line, Hurtigruten, launched its highly anticipated polar vessel, MS Roald Amundsen in July, with the world’s first battery-powered hybrid expedition ship making its maiden voyage along the Norwegian coast.
“[The ship] sets a new standard not only for cruising, but for the entire shipping industry to follow,” said Hurtigruten Chief Executive Officer Daniel Skjeldam.
“The interest and support from the industry and travellers alike is overwhelming.”
The new environmentally sustainable vessel combines spacious cabins, three restaurants and public areas with a dual viewing deck.
RSSC agent hub
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) has unveiled a new travel agent portal called RegenTrade Hub, a website designed to equip travel agents with up-to-date-date information via a series of online videos and quizzes.
The site offers travel agents access to toolkits, customisable content, images, plus a new training library, and forms part of the cruise line’s commitment to exploring new options for education.
“Within minutes, our trade partners can update or refresh on their knowledge of our incredible offering by completing educational training modules,” said Lisa Pile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises Vice President of Sales, Australia and New Zealand.
