Coast Guard on Alert for Toxic Ship
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency are on alert for the possible arrival of the contaminated cruise liner, SS Independence, which is reportedly heading to Guam after being refused entry in Hawaii, The Variety reported. SS Independence, which is believed to be loaded with toxic polychlorinated biphenyls or PCB and lung-damaging asbestos, is being pulled by the tug ship Pacific Hickory, on the way to India, where the 57-year-old cruises liner will be scrapped. With the disabled vessel in tow, Pacific Hickory reportedly attempted to stop in Hawaii to refuel but both ships were turned away by Hawaii EPA and the Coast Guard because of the health risk posed by PCB and asbestos contamination.
AMCV Files for Voluntary Petition, Reorganization Under Chapter 11
American Classic Voyages Inc., the largest U.S.-flag cruise company, announced on October 19 that it has filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Code in Wilmington, Del. The company has ceased operations for its Hawaii vessels, the ms Patriot and the ss Independence, following the completion of their last cruises. cease operation at the completion of each vessel's cruise following the announcement. The Delta Queen steamboat, the company's National Historic Landmark flagship, will continue to operate its scheduled future voyages. In addition, AMCV said it intends to work with Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S.
From Madison Avenue To The Heat Of Miami
Since beginning his cruise industry career as Royal Caribbean's first ever marketing director — Roderick K. (Rod) McLeod has been an instrumental force in the cruise industry. He now heads up what is arguably the world’s most watched cruise ship newbuild program. Having a discussion with Rod McLeod is like talking to an old friend that you haven't been in touch with for awhile. Even though you may have not spoken for months — or even years — you always manage to find enough to talk about. That was the case when McLeod recently spoke with MR/EN regarding his current endeavors as president and COO of AMCV, as well as his past experiences — both professionally and personally.
First Family of Design
The Tillberg name is synonymous with luxurious cruise ship design, often serving as the masterminds in the creation of images and themes that will capture the essence of the each vessel's itinerary and passenger base. MR/EN spoke with two generations of the Tillbergs — founder Robert — and son Tomas — to discuss their philosophies, ideas and creations for a business that is expediently working to meet the cruise industry's newbuild boom. From the time he was a young man attending college in Sweden, Tomas Tillberg longed for the day that he could join his father, Robert Tillberg, at work designing and dreaming up new ideas for the cruise ship industry.
America's Cruise Line Faces Delivery Delays, Job Cuts
As part of a comprehensive cost reduction program, American Classic Voyages (AMCV) announced in June that it would eliminate 70 full-time positions form its shore-based staff of 470 full-time personnel. The cuts are also attributed to the fact that the company, which previously held offices in Chicago, Ill. and New Orleans, La., decided to combine its subsidiaries under one main location in Sunrise, Fla. "Although this was a difficult decision, we need to be leaner and more efficient to ensure continued success, AMCV CEO Phil Calian said. Calian was quick to point out that aggressive sales and marketing efforts have driven demand for AMCV's Hawaii cruises of more than 2…
America's Super Liner to Set Sail Once Again?
As a child, I often noticed a framed postcard that hung in the living room of my parents' home in Long Island. It was a simple silver rimmed frame with blue matting that showed back and front of the postcard — the front depicting a large ship with red, white and blue smokestacks — the back holding an autograph of former President Dwight Eisenhower (see photo below). For years, I passed this by as if it were of no significance. However, I would have never thought that one day I'd be writing about this framed postcard. The "large ship" to which I am referring is the United States Lines flagship, the S.S. United States, which my mother, Evelyn (Sullivan) Ciardiello, traveled on from New York to Europe in 1963 — 11 years after the vessel held its maiden voyage on July 3, 1952.
