The Crystalized Blog

Regent names 3 execs to new positions

Regent Seven Seas Cruises gave a new role to vp Michael Pawlus and promoted two other long-time executives. Pawlus, who served as vp product planning and revenue management, is now vp itinerary and product planning. Alex Sharpe was named vp destination and revenue management. And Andre Nordseth was promoted to vp cruise hotel operations. Pawlus will now oversee itinerary development and long-range vessel positioning, reporting to Ken Watson, evp marketing and sales. Sharpe, the former director of product management, will now oversee the destination management team, strategic pricing, revenue management, and air contracting and negotiating. He will also oversee the development of strategic and tactical promotions for itineraries while continuing to supervise consumer sales and on-board sales. He reports to Watson. Formerly senior director, hotel operations, Nordseth in his new position will oversee on-board operations, product quality control, shore excursions and land programs. He reports to Christian Sauleau, evp operations.

HAL uncorks commemorative wine series

With the release of two specially crafted wines by Wente Vineyards, Holland America Line continues its commemorative wine series with labels adorned with classic images of HAL poster art. The just-released 2004 California cabernet sauvignon and the 2005 California chardonnay were handcrafted by Wente Vineyards, working closely with Holland America’s cellar masters. The family-owned winery is located in California’s Livermore Valley, not far from San Francisco Bay. The commemorative wine is part of HAL’s Sommelier Package, a new offering that includes a standard wine tasting, a premium wine tasting, dinner at the Pinnacle Grill, wine navigator’s choice of five bottles and a wine-related gift set.

Ratcliffe to retire: Dingle and Buckelew promoted

Peter Ratcliffe, ceo of P&O Princess Cruises International, will retire next March. Effective immediately, David Dingle has been promoted to ceo of Carnival UK with responsibility for the company’s British brands - P&O Cruises, Ocean Village and Cunard Line. He also has been appointed chairman of the Carnival plc Management Committee with responsibility for P&O Cruises Australia. Alan Buckelew has been promoted to president and ceo of Princess Cruises, also effective immediately.

‘It has always been a goal of mine to retire at age 60 and in this case, the effective date (March 6, 2008) is actually my 60th birthday,’ said Ratcliffe. ‘I’ve had a tremendously rewarding career in this industry and know that I leave the future of my cherished brands in the most capable hands of David and Alan,’ he added.

‘Peter has only been a part of our organization since the merger of our companies in the spring of 2003 but I can’t say enough about all he has done to contribute to our post-merger success,’ said Micky Arison, chairman and ceo of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Arison said that not only was Ratcliffe ‘instrumental in getting the deal done in the first place, but once that was complete, he was key to the successful integration of the two companies, as well.’

Ratcliffe joined The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) in 1973 and, after rising through the ranks of the British company, became chief financial officer of Princess Cruises in 1986 and then chief operating officer in 1989. He was named president in 1993. In early 2000, Ratcliffe was appointed head of P&O’s cruise division and led the de-merger from P&O later that year to create an independent public company, P&O Princess Cruises plc. He was named chief executive officer of that new company and then, in April 2003, following completion of its merger with Carnival Corporation, he was appointed to his present position and also as an executive director and board member of Carnival Corporation & plc.

The promotions of Dingle and Buckelew are effective today, although Ratcliffe will stay on to assist and advise through the March 2008 transition period.

Dingle previously was managing director of Carnival UK, a position he assumed following the merger of Carnival Corporation and P&O Princess Cruises in 2003 whilst Buckelew has served as president of Princess Cruises since February 2004. Prior to that, he was executive vice president of corporate services.