Gianni Onorato Leaves Costa Cruises after 27 years

Gianni Onorato was instrumental in the growth of Costa and will be sorely missed by the Italian Cruise Line that are currently experiencing a period of significant change.

Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Crociere S.p.A., has recently announced he is leaving the Company fore a new career direction.

Michael Thamm will be taking over Gianni Onorato’s functions.

Gianni Onorato joined Costa Cruises back in 1986 as an employee of the hotel activity sector before becoming Cruise Product Director. Later appointed to the position of Vice President Cruise Operations, he has held the position of President since 2004.

The Chief Executive Officer of Costa Crociere S.p.A., Michael Thamm, commented: "I regret Gianni’s decision. He has played an important role in the development and growth of Costa Crociere."

In an official statement, Gianni Onorato said "I have spent 27 years full of great challenges that I have enjoyed with passion and dedication. Over the years I feel like I have given a lot but also received a great deal both on a personal and a professional level. My deepest thanks to shareholders, Pier Luigi Foschi, Michael Thamm, my closest staff and all Costa employees for being such unforgettable companions on this journey."

Rumors around the Shipping community suggest that Mr Onorato will be moving to MSC, however these claims have not been substantiated.

The World - luxury cruise ship arrives in Mahé

It’s an idea worth working a lifetime for: purchasing your very own mobile apartment on a huge luxury cruise ship, and spending your days wandering from port to port throughout the world.

For around 120 residents of 19 different nationalities on board ‘The World’, this idea is their reality, and for the next few days, these elite passengers will be exploring the very best that paradise has to offer after their ship docked at the port of Victoria at 9 am yesterday on the main Seychelles island of Mahé.

The World was launched in 2002 and it is the largest privately owned residential yacht with 165 residences on board.

The World’s residents are an "exclusive group", demanding the very best in dining, accommodation, activities and tours.

According to a press release issued last week by the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture, 7⁰ South had been working closely with the management of The World over the past four months to coordinate the residents’ visit to the archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean.

They spent the day on Mahé, some chose different excursions, such as shopping at Eden Plaza, eating out in restaurants, going to the beach at Beau Vallon, and tours of Victoria including the Botanical Gardens. Some also chose golf, fishing excursions, visit in the marine park or private tours across the island.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

MSC Divina Cruise Ship-An Oasis of Extravagant Luxury

Christened by famous and all time fabulous actress Sophia Loren, MSC Divina is an oasis of extravagant luxury.

The Fiat watercraft is where style and innovation go hand in hand as it is the first to offer the fitness craze of aqua cycling at sea. Moreover, it is a premium of luxury experience offering spa, lounge, personal butler and a range of selected wines and spirits, all available any time of day.

The colossal has been described as the finest and most innovative vessel appealing to wider audiences .

MSC Divina features 1751 staterooms, a casino, 7 restaurants, 18 bars and lounges, 5 swimming pools, bowling, theatre, gym, spa, internet cafe, conference centre and areas for kids and teens.

Top 5 of the Latest Cruise Ship Jobs

Here below are the Top 5 of the Latest Cruise Ship Jobs posted on our sister website 

Cruise Ship Recruitment

1. Cruise Sales Agents

2. Princess Yachts - Fit out Carpenters - Plymouth

3. Onboard Media - Customer Service Representative - Miami/Fort Lauderdale Area

4. Executive Chef / Executive Sous Chef

5. Globus Family of Brands Australasia - Area Sales Manager (NSW West) - Sydney

Video of the Week: Dancing Behind People, not so Normal!

Another video that will make quite an impression to our readers! 

There are some things that pretty much everyone expects to experience on a cruise trip such as relaxing time by the pool, working out, hitting the amazing buffets, getting entertained by the Cruise Programmes etc.

However, you can't predict everything. Some things inevitably happen and that's the best part of life.
"Life happens when you are busy doing something else", right?

This phrase describes better what this guy did on cruise. Check the video below!

We invite all comments and opinions from our readers!

Cruise ships take refuge in Halifax

A sailboat is dwarfed by cruise
ships on the Halifax waterfront
 earlier this month. (PETER PARSONS / Staff)

Hurricane Sandy causes detour for 3,000 passengers

Three cruise ships are making unscheduled calls in Halifax this week due to hurricane Sandy.

A total of about 3,000 people aboard Navitrans’s The World, NCL’s Norwegian Dawn and Oceania’s

Regatta are extending the city’s cruise ship season for a few days.

“The ships were generally avoiding the East Coast of the U.S.," said Michele Peveril, who speaks for the Halifax Port Authority.

The World arrived Sunday and is slated to leave today. Norwegi­an Dawn came in Monday and is scheduled to leave today. Regatta also arrived Monday is expected to stay a few nights.

“It’s unusual to have a ship in for two overnights," Peveril said. “But because we have multiple berths and space to take up to five cruise ships a day, it gives us that added flexibility to basically support the cruise lines and the customers when they’re looking for a safe harbour for a day or two."

Earlier this fall, Halifax lost the chance to host about 2,300 pas­sengers whose ships were diver­ted away from Halifax on Sept. 13 and 17 due to hurricane Leslie.

Continue story by By CHRIS LAMBIE Business Editor. Chris Lambie is The Chronicle Herald's business editor. His writing has earned a National Newspaper Award,at:  thechronicleherald.ca/business