Royal Caribbean Group CEO Steps Down
The end of an era officially came at midnight on Monday, January 3. That’s when longtime Royal Caribbean Group CEO Richard Fain officially stepped down.
The company had announced Fain’s plans to exit back in November, saying that he would be succeeded by Jason Liberty, who until this week was serving as Royal Caribbean Group’s CFO.
Fain assumed the top spot in 1988, at which point he oversaw the company’s five ships and 2,700 employees. He handed over a company that now employs 85,000 people around the world and sails 60 ships across five brands.
STORY: Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain Steps Down After 33 Years
Norwegian Cancels Two Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line has canceled two sailings, one of which was already in progress.
Guests on board Norwegian Pearl, which was two days into a scheduled 11-night sailing, were informed Tuesday that the ship would be returning to Miami because several crew members tested positive for COVID-19.
Meanwhile, today’s Norwegian Getaway sailing was canceled due to what a letter to guests called “COVID-related circumstances.” No further details were provided.
Passengers on both canceled cruises will be given full refunds as well as several other “make-goods.”
STORY: Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Two Sailings, Ends One Voyage Mid-Trip
John Heald Addresses VIFP Loyalty Perks
Carnival’s brand ambassador John Heald spoke out on Facebook on Tuesday about VIFP embarkation.
“I want to mention straightaway that priority boarding isn’t coming back anytime soon, but it is coming back,” Heald said. He continued by saying that he has a meeting with the higher ups to talk about other VIFP changes.
A bit of good news Heald shared is that loyalty pins have returned, effective immediately. The new pins are a partnership with Miami-based Brazilian artist Romero Britto, and will be given out to guests that have diamond or platinum status.
Carnival Cruise Line currently has 19 ships sailing from North America.
![Sun Princess Christened in Barcelona by Hannah Waddingham, Princess Cruises [PHOTOS]](https://cruiseradio.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sun-Princess-Christening-6-300x169.jpg)
