Royal Caribbean Group announced on Wednesday it has hired a new government relations expert to join the company.

Donna Hrinak will be the new Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, and will be responsible for leading the Group's government relations, communications and public relations functions. 

In a press release, Royal Caribbean Group stated she, "brings a stellar curriculum vitae in global regulatory policy, multicultural negotiations, coalition leadership and international business transformation to augment the Group's industry leading government affairs team."

In her new role, Ms. Hrinak will provide informed counsel and facilitate productive communication among a broad array of stakeholders, including port authorities, coastal community leadership, government representatives, environmental advocates, scientific and marine leaders and more.

Ms. Hrinak joins Royal Caribbean after working at The Boeing Company as the former Corporate Vice President, The Boeing Company and President, Boeing Canada, Latin America & Caribbean.

"As a global company touching every continent," said Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean Group chairman and CEO, "we are used to making our way in a complicated world. But these last few months have reminded us, more than ever, just how challenging that world is. Donna will provide her decades of experience in navigating the complexities of regulatory and cultural ecosystems to enable us to continue to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with countries and organizations everywhere we operate."

Hrinak has designed and led strategies to confront an increasingly complicated global regulatory environment and guided executives in evaluating the business, political and economic risks involved in global operations. She has worked closely and collaboratively with a broad range of international coalitions and agencies, including the World Health Organization.

Hrinak began working with Royal Caribbean Group on August 24.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced on Friday that it has priced its concurrent private offerings of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 9.125% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2023, and $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.250% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023.

The Senior Notes will mature on June 15, 2023. The Senior Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by a newly formed, direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company that will own all the equity interests in the Company's subsidiaries that own seven of the Company's vessels. 

The Convertible Notes will mature on June 15, 2023, unless earlier converted, redeemed pursuant to a tax redemption or repurchased. The initial conversion rate per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes is 13.8672 shares of common stock of the Company, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $72.11 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. The initial conversion price represents a conversion premium of approximately 25.00% to the last reported sale price of $57.69 per share of the Company's common stock on The New York Stock Exchange on June 4, 2020.

The Convertible Notes will be convertible at the holder's option in certain circumstances. Upon conversion, the Company may satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, at its election, as applicable, cash, shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock. The Convertible Notes will not be guaranteed by any of the Company's subsidiaries.

In connection with the offering of the Convertible Notes, the Company granted certain of the initial purchasers of the Convertible Notes a 13-day option to purchase up to an additional $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes. The Notes are expected to be issued on or around June 9, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions. The closing of each of the Senior Notes offering and the Convertible Notes offering is not contingent upon the closing of the other offering.

The Company expects to use the combined net proceeds from the offerings of the Notes for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of indebtedness.

Royal Caribbean announced its 2019 Travel Partners of the Year Awards of North America and Puerto Rico. 

The list includes 18 travel advisors, which represent the biggest sellers of the year for Royal Caribbean.

The winners recognized include 2018’s Chairman’s Award recipient, Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative, securing the high honor once again; Dream Vacations, a Cruise One Company, with the President’s Award; Travel Leaders Network as Marketing Partner of the Year, and first-time honorees including: International Voyager for Northeast Partner of the Year and 3D Cruise Partners, Charter Partner of the Year.            

• Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative
• President's Award for Overall Achievement: Dream Vacations – a Cruise One Company
• Southeast Partner of the Year: WMPH
• Northeast Partner of the Year: International Voyager*
• Central Partner of the Year: KHM Travel Group
• West Partner of the Year: Automobile Club of Southern California
• Canada Partner of the Year: Flight Center Travel Group*
• Home-based Partner of the Year: Travel Planners International
• Online Partner of the Year: Vacations To Go
• Consortia Partner of the Year: Ensemble Travel Group
• Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: Buy the Sea
• Host Agency Partner of the Year: Nexion Travel Group
• Marketing Partner of the Year: Travel Leaders Network
• Top Overall Producer– Puerto Rico: A & A Tours Network
• Top Independent Producer– Puerto Rico: Travel Planners Inc/Expedia Centro de Cruceros
• Automation Partner of the Year: The Cruise Web
• New-to-Cruise Partner of the Year: Expedia Group
• Charter Partner of the Year: 3D Cruise Partners*

“The Travel Partner of the Year Awards are by far my favorite way to start every year by recognizing the strength in our partnerships and the incredible work and accomplishments we have achieved together,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “Our 2019 winners have shown they have great skill, in-depth knowledge and passion for Royal Caribbean – characteristics that make for the most effective ‘value interpreters’ for any client. As we embark on 2020 with the November launch of our new ship Odyssey of the Seas in sight, we’re excited to reach new heights the entire travel advisor community. Thank you for your support, and congratulations to our winners.”

When Royal Caribbean spent $165 million in upgrades to Oasis of the Seas, along with new water slides, restaurants and activities, the ship debuted a much enhanced and upgraded retail offer.

In coordination with Starboard Cruise Services, eight retail areas on three decks were refurbished and expanded across more than 7,000sq ft. These cover key categories including fine watches & jewellery, fashion jewellery, beauty & fragrance, a destination shop, branded merchandise, apparel and leather, plus a dedicated John Hardy location.

Among the retail highlights is What Goes Around Comes Around, featuring curated luxury brands from around the world, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci.

The destination-inspired Island Market aims to bring “the spirit of the Caribbean” to life. Encouraging discovery, the space’s vibrant props and colourful cards tell the stories of the talents behind brands such as Debbie Katz with coastal-inspired beachwear; Tagua, a colourful modern jewellery line; and Marcela Cofre, known for crafting colourful glass designs and jewellery.

In fine watches, the Swiss timepieces offer includes Hublot, TAG Heuer, Breitling and Longines, among others.

The first dedicated John Hardy shop in the Royal Caribbean fleet features the jeweller’s handcrafted collections inspired by Balinese jewellery-making traditions. Adding an experiential twist, John Hardy’s Sail to Bali is a hands-on workshop where guests learn the eight-step Balinese jewellery-making traditions that John Hardy employs.

Royal Caribbean announced today announced Chris Perry will serve as its new Vice President of Operations - Private Destinations. 

Perry will oversee hospitality and managerial operations, as well as provide input on the design and best practices for the cruise line’s private destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. He joins the Hotel Operations team, led by Mark Tamis, Senior Vice President, Royal Caribbean International.

“I’m thrilled to join Royal Caribbean and create great vacations at our game-changing private destinations where friends and families have both ‘thrill’ and ‘chill’ experiences to create memories they will relish long after they’re home,” said Chris Perry, Vice President, Royal Caribbean International. “I can’t wait to show my family, especially the kids, the immersive, innovative features Royal Caribbean brings to the vacation experience on land and at sea.”

 Perry joins Royal Caribbean from Icon Global Partners Limited, where he served as CEO for the amusement operational consulting and management firm, focused on developing and managing amusement facilities in emerging economies. Prior to joining Icon Global Partners Limited, he spent time with Club Med, WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. and 17 years at Dubai-based Jumeirah Group’s Wild Wadi Waterpark – with 11 years at the helm. Under Perry’s leadership, Wild Wadi was the first waterpark to achieve International Standards Organization (ISO) certification and Green Globe certification, among numerous quality, training and safety awards within the amusement industry.

As a theme park ambassador, Perry has maintained a multifaceted presence in the dynamic industry, often speaking at global trade shows and holding leadership positions across various organizations, such as: director of the Ellis & Associates International Aquatic Safety School; member of the board of directors of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) and global chairman of its Waterpark Committee; and founding member of the Middle East & North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC).

While living in Dubai, Perry hosted Travel Channel’s amusement series “Epic Attractions,” where he provided viewers with an all-access, backstage pass to the world’s most epic attractions.

Perry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University and an MBA from London Business School.

Perry is moving from Bangkok, Thailand and will be based in Miami with his wife and two children."

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today its commitment to the United Nations Global LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business, a set of five codes of conduct created in order to protect lesbian, gay, bi, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people from discrimination across business sectors.

"Doing the right thing is one of our most important values, and that includes creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all our guests and all our coworkers," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "These UN Standards are a meaningful way for us to support equality and inclusiveness, and we are proud to join this global effort."

Said Fabrice Houdart, United Nations Human Rights Officer and co-author of the Standards: "We are delighted to see Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd join 238 of the early supporters of the Global LGBTI Standards of Conduct for Business. RCL is recognized as a leader, and this is an area where leadership matters. Their participation also illustrates the increasing commitment of companies in the travel and tourism industry to contribute to tackle discrimination against LGBTI people."

RCL is well aware of the power of diversity and inclusion: the company's 75,000 talented employees represent 122 countries, and deliver memorable vacation experiences to 6,000,000 guests visiting 1,000 ports around the world.

Royal Caribbean has also been recognized by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2019 World's Most Ethical Companies. Royal Caribbean was also most recently recognized as one of America's Best Employers for Diversity in 2019 by Forbes. 

Royal Caribbean announced today its 17 top-performing travel advisors for the 2018 Travel Partners of the Year Awards of North America and Puerto Rico. 

The winners for the coveted awards include 2017’s Chairman’s Award recipient, Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative, securing the coveted spot once again; Expedia Group, chosen for the President’s Award, and first-time honorees throughout North America: Cruises & Tours Unlimited (Southeast Partner of the Year), Magical Vacation Planner (Central Partner of the Year), MEI Travel (West Partner of the Year) and The Travel Agent Next Door (Canada Partner of the Year).

“Each year it is an honor to recognize our partners who have consistently shined with their skills, tremendous knowledge and passion for Royal Caribbean,” said Vicki Freed, senior vice president, Sales, Trade Support and Service, Royal Caribbean International. “As we gear up for another memorable year with the May 2019 opening of our new Perfect Day at CocoCay private island in The Bahamas, it is exciting to see a mix of new and familiar faces in our lineup of winners. This not only shows the strength among our longtime advisors but also the great growth we continue to see in the industry overall. We thank the travel advisor community for their support, and many congratulations to our 2018 winners.”

The 2018 Royal Caribbean Travel Partners of the Year: (*First-time winner)

Chairman's Award for Overall Achievement: Cruise Planners – an American Express Travel Representative

President's Award for Overall Achievement: Expedia Group

New to Cruise Partner of the Year: World Travel Holdings

Southeast Partner of the Year: Cruises & Tours Unlimited*

Northeast Partner of the Year: Crown Cruise Vacations

Central Partner of the Year: Magical Vacation Planner*

West Partner of the Year: MEI Travel*

Canada Partner of the Year: The Travel Agent Next Door*

Home-Based Partner of the Year: CruiseOne/Dream Vacations and Cruises Inc.

Online Partner of the Year: WMPH

Consortia Partner of the Year: Ensemble Travel Group

Corporate Incentive Partner of the Year: Buy the Sea

Host Agency Partner of the Year: Nexion Travel Group

Marketing Partner of the Year: ICE Enterprise

Top Overall Producer – Puerto Rico: A & A Tours Network

Top Independent Producer – Puerto Rico: Travel Planners Inc/Expedia CentrodeCruceros

Automation Partner of the Year: Vacations To Go

Royal Caribbean made its return to the Port of New Orleans when recently when Vision of the Seas homeported at the Julia Street Cruise Terminal for its inaugural cruise Dec. 15, 2018.

“Royal Caribbean is a valued cruise line partner that we are excited to welcome back to the Crescent City,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port of New Orleans President and CEO. “Our commitment to top-notch service combined with the vibrant sights and sounds of the Big Easy will add another dimension to the dynamic Royal Caribbean cruise experience.”

The 2,514-passenger ship will sail seasonal, seven-night itineraries from Port NOLA to culture-rich destinations across the Bahamas, Caribbean and Yucatan Peninsula through March 2019.

A group of breast cancer survivors from the US, UK and Singapore led by US-based non-profit organization Send Me On Vacation, was invited by Royal Caribbean International’s Asia Pacific office to sail on a three-night cruise from Singapore to Penang over the weekend, on its ship Voyager of the Seas. As part of the group’s activities onboard, they were dressed up in mermaid costumes for a special photoshoot by the poolside, as they enjoyed their holiday at sea.

This is the second time for Send Me On Vacation recipients on sail with Royal Caribbean in Asia. The organization’s mission is to provide much-needed vacations to breast cancer survivors who need to rejuvenate and heal their minds, bodies and spirits. It empowers survivors to reconnect with themselves on a rejuvenating vacation.

Ms Cathy Backus, founder of Send Me On Vacation who sailed with the group said, “Our recipients transform into mermaids to reconnect to their inner beauty, strength and grace. The photo therapy or photoshoot that we conduct visually shows each women that they are beautiful inside and out. Experiencing a vacation after fighting breast cancer ignites the spirit and restores joy and happiness back into life after the fight.” 

“Royal Caribbean has a complimentary synergy to Send Me On Vacation in the way it fosters diversity, human kindness and inspires people to look beyond the now and ask themselves what if this vacation can take me to places I never thought I could see in my dreams, and what if I could heal because love and happiness have been restored into in my life again,” she added. 

Royal Caribbean has partnered with an industry leader in the field of biometrics to provide frictionless arrivals for guests in the boarding procedure.

Tascent, Inc. announced it has been selected by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. to deliver an end-to-end biometric solution utilizing face recognition to streamline the check-in and boarding process for its travelers. To take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s new face recognition-enabled Expedited Arrivals process, passengers can register from the comfort of their own home and then breeze through check-in and boarding upon arrival at the terminal.

The goal of this technology is a streamlined, efficient process and personal welcome for travelers.

Tascent has been working with Royal Caribbean's Excalibur team, and has already implemented the first phase of its work, which was first utilized by the new Celebrity Edge in Terminal 25 of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Integrated with Tascent Enterprise Suite and Royal Caribbean's passenger systems, this enables seamless, “on-the-move” recognition of registered passengers as they arrive for their cruise. In combination, this capability will result in a streamlined, efficient process and personal welcome for travelers.