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Meet Micca – Caribbean Princess Cruise Director

A Fun Interview with Caribbean Princess Cruise Director

Hi Cruisers, In this video I sit down with Micca the awesome Cruise Director on the Caribbean Princess. We are aboard the Caribbean Princess for a 10 night cruise to the Panama Canal, and Micca was kind enough to sit with us for a quick chat about himself, and the Caribbean Princess renovations. The Caribbean Princess has recently been refurbished, and we thought Micca was the perfect person to give us the inside scoop about what cruisers should expect from the upgrades. Micca, whose first name is actually Michael, is a super nice guy that embodies the fun spirit of the Caribbean Princess. If you find yourself on the Caribbean Princess, take the time to say hello.

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Caribbean Princess® Cruise Ship

Savor carefree moments at sea with enticing cuisine, engaging entertainment and venues to match every mood.

• Inaugural Cruise: April 3, 2004
• Christener: Jill Whelan (“Vicki” from The Love Boat)
• Guest Cabins: 1,556
• Number of Decks: 19
• Tonnage: 112,894
• Length: 952 feet
• Height: 193 feet

Exciting adventures await aboard Caribbean Princess following her multi-million-dollar array of luxurious enhancements. From staterooms that offer a more restful sleep, to endless tempting new dining options, the newly reimagined Reef Splash Zone for kids and families plus other upgrades, you’ll find Caribbean Princess herself has come back new.

Your Vacation – Effortless. Personalized.

Make your vacation truly yours on a Princess MedallionClass® cruise that features next-level technology, now on all ships. Enjoy fast, reliable Wi-Fi, TrulyTouchless™ experiences, food and drinks delivered wherever you are and so much more.

Learn more about Princess MedallionClass | Learn more about MedallionNet® Internet  

Accommodations

From the moment you step aboard, we want you to feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, amenities, and furnishings represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship and stateroom.

Truly Luxurious Accommodations at Sea

Mini-suite with exclusive vip touches, add an element of luxury to your stay, front row seat for beautiful scenery, a room with a view, our most affordable option, perfect for large groups, for guests with limited mobility, included dining.

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. 1

Dine My Way℠

Dine when, how and where you like.

The Salty Dog Grill

World Fresh Marketplace

Slice Pizzeria

International Café

Sip and snack around the clock.

Coffee & Cones

Specialty dining.

Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. 1

Timeless Steakhouse Traditions

Wines from around the world, a private breakfast with a view, exclusive glimpse into the princess kitchen.

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. 1

Discovery at SEA Programs

Discover even more with discovery™.

Vegas Style Casino

For novices, casual players, or high rollers.

Take a Stroll into the European-style Piazza

The Shops of Princess

Tax and duty-free shopping.

Art Gallery & Auctions

Art lovers rejoice—enjoy exquisite art aboard.

Photo Gallery

Take home a unique photo keepsake.

Freshwater Pools & Hot Tubs

Soak in a world of relaxation.

Sports Court

Get in the game with a variety of activities.

Princess Links

Practice your putt and play like a champion.

MedallionNet® Wi-Fi

The best wi-fi at sea.

Afternoon Tea

Celebration of tasty teas and divine desserts, entertainment.

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all. 1

Movies Under the Stars®

A reel treat day or night.

Original Musical Productions

Great venues large and small.

Music & Dancing

Dazzling entertainment every day and night.

Featured Guest Entertainers

At night, the stars shine bright on our stages.

Princess Theater

Broadway-style productions at sea.

Skywalkers Nightclub

Reach for the sky and dance.

Club Fusion

One of our most popular nightspots.

Good Spirits At Sea

Good spirits, good stories, joyful rejuvenation.

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.

Experience the Ultimate Night of Sleep at Sea

Relax in a tranquil retreat just for adults, go ahead, be pampered – you deserve it, a host of ways to get an energizing workout, kids, teens & family.

From family-friendly stateroom options to enriching youth and family programs, quality time is time well spent. Onboard activities spark curiosity and fuel creativity while excursions ashore engage and inspire!

Splash into The Reef

Explore the treehouse, step into the lodge, hang out in the beach house, quality time together.

1 Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary in detail or configuration.

• House Band Bass
• Featured Solo Guitar Vocalist
• Band Leader
• Production Show Dancer
• Production Show Vocalist
• Audio Technician
• Lighting Technician
• Senior Production Manager
• Cruise Staff

Cruise Director

Entertainment director.

• Live Character Actress
• Resident DJ
• MAGIC TO DO
• Princess Theater
• Wheelhouse Bar
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Once the lines let loose and the ship sets sail there's a group of talented folks engaging with our guests to keep the energy up to the wee hours of the morning. That group is our cruise staff made up of Assistant Cruise Directors (ACDs) and our entry level position, Junior Assistant Cruise Directors (JACDs). If the Cruise Director is the leader then this group is the pack. They might split to host a variety of activities during the day or come together to throw a killer party at night. Either way, where they go, so goes the action.

While most of our activities are taught through the many contracts you may experience with Princess, there are a few that Princess may provide special training to help you gain that extra bit of knowledge and experience. Zumba is a cornerstone of our experience and Princess proudly provides training for you, free of charge, either on board or in your hometown. In addition, we foot the bill for your membership for the months that you're on board. Ever gaze at the wonderment and beauty of the night sky? Princess proudly offers Stargazing at Sea, a popular event that is run by some of our trained and qualified cruise staff. How does one receive this training? You guessed it, provided by classroom and practical training on board our ships from a real life astronomer. And that's just skimming the surface!

ACDs are officers on board the vessel, reporting to the Cruise Director. As such, they receive their own cabin accommodations, competitive wage within our industry and great team member health benefits.

Oh…and then there's the part about seeing the world and having a ton of fun while you're doing it!

Much like the Captain at the wheel guiding our vessels from port to port, the Cruise Director drives the pulse of our entertainment onboard. More than simply informing the ship about events, the Cruise Director experiences the entertainment alongside our guests. They're hosting shows, activities & events inside and outside, morning and night. Each morning they host, and often creatively control, The Wake Show, our shipwide morning TV show. At night you'll see them doing the "Issac" at our Love Boat Disco Deck Party. They also guide the chair-spinning excitement of 'The Voice of the Ocean', ask the hilarious questions in our 'Marriage Match' game show and much, much more.

Cruise Directors at Princess truly are the face and the voice of our entertainment experience. They spend little time in the office checking emails or filling out reports. Rather, they are on the floor with our guests as they make their way through the cruise adventure. Reporting to the onboard Entertainment Director, our Cruise Directors have a small group of direct reports known as the Cruise Staff. Together they not only deliver the entertainment program but also dedicate time each voyage to create new activities to be implemented in a way that keeps our offerings fresh.

With all this in mind a Princess Cruise Director must be bursting with charisma and charm, seasoned with theatrical talent and experienced in the art of stage delivery. In addition they must possess a magnetic sense of humor both "off the cuff" and "on-script."

The Cruise Director is a senior officer position on the ship with a great wage, officer accommodations and a "4 months on, 2 months off" work schedule.

Yes…it's possibly the greatest job on earth!

The Entertainment Director is ultimately responsible for the entire entertainment offering onboard. As the entertainment programmer they work with managers to schedule shows, activities, parties & performances in a manner that benefits both guest enjoyment and revenue. Under the guidance of shore side management they work to ensure brand pillars are delivered with the utmost attention to detail. As an executive officer they work with the Captain and others to ensure entertainment is delivered safely according to the many governing bodies that protect vacations at sea. All of this through a strategic and analytical lens using data from various sources to guide the product.

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Caribbean Princess Completes 20 Years of Service

• March 11, 2024

The Caribbean Princess is marking a milestone anniversary in 2024. After debuting in April 2004, the cruise ship is completing 20 years of service next month.

Part of Princess Cruises’ Grand Class series, the 3,100-guest vessel was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

With a modified layout, the Caribbean Princess is slightly larger than its predecessors and features an additional cabin deck.

Unlike its sister ships, the vessel was custom-built to sail in the Caribbean and other tropical destinations.

As such, it originally features a series of tweaks, including a larger amount of open deck spaces, an additional outside pool deck and a new alfresco restaurant.

For its maiden season, the Caribbean Princess kicked off a year-round program in the Caribbean, offering week-long cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale.

Before embarking on its maiden cruise, the ship as christened by “Love Boat” actress Jill Whelan, on a ceremony that took place in Port Everglades on April 2, 2004.

During its 20-year sailing career, the ship sailed mostly in the Caribbean, while also offering programs in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Canada & New England.

Between 2024 and 2026, the Caribbean Princess is scheduled to offer summer programs in the British Isles and Alaska, in addition to winter seasons in the Caribbean.

In December, the ship is set to mark Princess’ debut in Port Canaveral, kicking off a series six- to 14-night to Eastern and Western Caribbean.

In addition to the Caribbean Princess, Princess Cruises’ Grand Class also includes the 1998-built Grand Princess, the 2001-built Golden Princess, and the 2002-built Star Princess.

The later two were transferred to P&O Cruises Australia in 2021 and currently sail as the Pacific Adventure and the Pacific Encounter.

Between 2006 and 2010, five additional ships were built using a similar design: the Ruby Princess, the Emerald Princess, the Crown Princess, the Ventura, and the Azura. The final two sail for P&O Cruises in the United Kingdom.

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Princess Senior Ship Staff, inc Cruise Directors & Entertainment Directors

By CCHelp , January 13, 2020 in Princess Cruises

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2 hours ago, Jeter02 said: Loved him! Extremely visible funny guy very relaxed and laid back and loads of fun.

Good to hear, thanks!

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Share on other sites.

startedwithamouse

On 7/3/2022 at 4:30 PM, 1emerald1 said: For those who have sailed with Marcus, what's the consensus?

He's a total blast and super fun!  Lots of energy!

Is Richard Joseph still a cruise director on Princess?

Mary loves to travel

Anyone have the current Senior Officers on Sky?    I heard the Captain was just changed out.   

Updated board from Caribbean Princess with Captain Steve Holland joining the ship on July 2nd.

If you see any wrong information, please post corrections.  Or, just copy and paste the table in a new post and make the corrections there.  

Here is a new table/chart that includes two other key personnel that are often of interest and now included in this thread.  (Keep the board photos coming, though.  Normally on Deck 7 near mid-ship). 

(You don't have to keep the #1 ratings I put on for fun when copying the table forward).  😉

BigTimeCruiser

15 hours ago, Steelers36 said: Here is a new table/chart that includes two other key personnel that are often of interest and now included in this thread.  (Keep the board photos coming, though.  Normally on Deck 7 near mid-ship).    SHIP  CAPTAIN CRUISE DIRECTOR  ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR  DIR, RESTAURANT OP's Caribbean Princess      Steve Holland Kristoff Greyling Martyn Moss (on leave?) George ? Coral Princess    Kevin Tugwell     Crown Princess  Tony Ruggero Jody Miles  Kelvin Joy Mariusz Caermemnazowicz (sp?) Diamond Princess    Not In Service Not In Service Not In Service Discovery Princess    Marcus Prince Juanta Frenchie Desbuquois   Emerald Princess    Fernando Cunha     Enchanted Princess  Mario Ciruzzi Matt Barnard Marissa Wurms Silvio Zampieri Grand Princess    Corinne Steel     Island Princess    Andi Sanders     Majestic Princess  Michele Tuvo (#1) Aaron Mac Ben Powney Francisco Patricio Regal Princess  Andrea Spinardi Dan France  Neil Rose Nicola Furlan (#1) Royal Princess    Natalie Costa Ron Goodman   Ruby Princess      Tim Donovan   Sapphire Princess    Not In Service Not In Service Not In Service Sky Princess  Marco Fortezze Paul Chandler-Burns  Matt Thompson Francesco Clorfito   (You don't have to keep the #1 ratings I put on for fun when copying the table forward).  😉  

The Director of Restaurant Operations on the Caribbean Princess is George Drugan.

Does anybody no where duval went from the discovery princess

45 minutes ago, tkiemo said: Does anybody no where duval went from the discovery princess

I'm pretty sure he's on vacation right now

Adventures ahead

I skipped to the end of this thread. : )

Wonder if Matt Barnard will still be on the Enchanted Princess in August?

Who is more visible these days, the Cruise Director or the Entertainment Director?

32 minutes ago, Adventures ahead said: I skipped to the end of this thread. : ) Wonder if Matt Barnard will still be on the Enchanted Princess in August? Who is more visible these days, the Cruise Director or the Entertainment Director?

You hardly ever see an entertainment director around they're not as easy to spot Cruise directors are in front of the house so those are the ones who are definitely visible all the time.

Could someone please tell me how to see the complete table/chart?  Here’s a screenshot of what I see on my iPad.

1 hour ago, kb4683 said: Could someone please tell me how to see the complete table/chart?  Here’s a screenshot of what I see on my iPad.     Thank you.

IDK Apple stuff much - don't own it.  I don't understand why you wouldn't have scrolling left/right and up/down if something doesn't fit the screen.

On 7/10/2022 at 2:38 PM, BigTimeCruiser said: The Director of Restaurant Operations on the Caribbean Princess is George Drugan.

YOU can update the table.  Anyone can as long as they follow the established guidelines.

On 7/9/2022 at 11:33 PM, Steelers36 said: Updated CB DRO last name.    SHIP  CAPTAIN CRUISE DIRECTOR  ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR  DIR, RESTAURANT OP's Caribbean Princess      Steve Holland Kristoff Greyling Martyn Moss (on leave?) George Drugan Coral Princess    Kevin Tugwell     Crown Princess  Tony Ruggero Jody Miles  Kelvin Joy Mariusz Caermemnazowicz (sp?) Diamond Princess    Not In Service Not In Service Not In Service Discovery Princess    Marcus Prince Juanta Frenchie Desbuquois   Emerald Princess    Fernando Cunha     Enchanted Princess  Mario Ciruzzi Matt Barnard Marissa Wurms Silvio Zampieri Grand Princess    Corinne Steel     Island Princess    Andi Sanders     Majestic Princess  Michele Tuvo (#1) Aaron Mac Ben Powney Francisco Patricio Regal Princess  Andrea Spinardi Dan France  Neil Rose Nicola Furlan (#1) Royal Princess    Natalie Costa Ron Goodman   Ruby Princess      Tim Donovan   Sapphire Princess    Not In Service Not In Service Not In Service Sky Princess  Marco Fortezze Paul Chandler-Burns  Matt Thompson Francesco Clorfito   (You don't have to keep the #1 ratings I put on for fun when copying the table forward).  😉  

Ok, I see what you’re talking about when I use my iPhone to view.   Try turning your iPad sideways then you will hopefully see the whole width chart.    

1 hour ago, Steelers36 said: IDK Apple stuff much - don't own it.  I don't understand why you wouldn't have scrolling left/right and up/down if something doesn't fit the screen.  

It doesn’t scroll left/right or up/down.  Sorry.

31 minutes ago, Mary loves to travel said: Ok, I see what you’re talking about when I use my iPhone to view.   Try turning your iPad sideways then you will hopefully see the whole width chart.      

The screenshot was in landscape.    

Thanks guys for the answers.  Will look on desktop tomorrow.

AGE CRUISER

Ruby Princess CD is  Michael (Mikka) Reitano-  He who incessantly pushes bingo, spa services, and art auctions over the intercom.

10 hours ago, AGE CRUISER said: SHIP  CAPTAIN CRUISE DIRECTOR  ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR  DIR, RESTAURANT OP's Caribbean Princess      Steve Holland Kristoff Greyling Martyn Moss (on leave?) George ? Coral Princess    Kevin Tugwell     Crown Princess  Tony Ruggero Jody Miles  Kelvin Joy Mariusz Caermemnazowicz (sp?) Diamond Princess    Not In Service Not In Service Not In Service Discovery Princess    Marcus Prince Juanta Frenchie Desbuquois   Emerald Princess    Fernando Cunha     Enchanted Princess  Mario Ciruzzi Matt Barnard Marissa Wurms Silvio Zampieri Grand Princess    Corinne Steel     Island Princess    Andi Sanders    Daniele Rosafio (until Sept 11) Majestic Princess  Michele Tuvo (#1) Aaron Mac Ben Powney Francisco Patricio Regal Princess  Andrea Spinardi Dan France  Neil Rose Nicola Furlan (#1) Royal Princess    Natalie Costa Ron Goodman   Ruby Princess      Tim Donovan   Sapphire Princess    Not In Service Not In Service Not In Service Sky Princess  Marco Fortezze Paul Chandler-Burns  Matt Thompson Francesco Clorfito

You didn't copy the latest version.  Sorry, I don't have time to fix it.

46 minutes ago, Jeter02 said:   SHIP  CAPTAIN CRUISE DIRECTOR  ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTOR  DIR, RESTAURANT OP's Caribbean Princess      Steve Holland Kristoff Greyling Martyn Moss (on leave?) George ? Coral Princess    Kevin Tugwell     Crown Princess  Tony Ruggero Jody Miles  Kelvin Joy Mariusz Caermemnazowicz (sp?) Diamond Princess    Not In Service Not In Service Not In Service Discovery Princess    Marcus Prince Juanta Frenchie Desbuquois   Emerald Princess    Fernando Cunha     Enchanted Princess  Mario Ciruzzi Matt Barnard Marissa Wurms Silvio Zampieri Grand Princess    Corinne Steel     Island Princess    Andi Sanders     Majestic Princess  Michele Tuvo (#1) Armando Merin Ben Powney Francisco   Patricio Regal Princess  Andrea Spinardi Dan France  Neil Rose Nicola Furlan (#1) Royal Princess    Natalie Costa Ron Goodman   Ruby Princess    Mikka Reitano Tim Donovan   Sapphire Princess    Not In Service Not In Service Not In Service Sky Princess  Marco Fortezze Paul Chandler-Burns  Matt Thompson Francesco Clorfito  

Please add George Drugan back to the DORO position on the Caribbean Princess.

Hi guys thanks for the information. Does anyone know how long Paul Chandler-Burns will be on the sky for? Or if there’s a way to find out. I’m on the ship in February so hoping he’s still there!

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Norovirus outbreaks linked to 2 cruise ships with over 150 infected

A total of 161 passengers have reported falling ill during voyages on princess cruises' sapphire princess and royal caribbean international's radiance of the seas.

FOX Business Flash top headlines for April 29

Check out what's clicking on FoxBusiness.com

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating two seemingly separate outbreaks of Norovirus linked to U.S. cruise ships.

Cases have been linked to Princess Cruises' Sapphire Princess and Royal Caribbean International's Radiance of the Seas.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) is tracking the "very contagious" outbreaks following reports of passengers in distress .

CARNIVAL FREEDOM PASSENGER ONBOARD DURING FIRE RECOUNTS 'DANGEROUS, TERRIFYING' EXPERIENCE

The Radiance of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, is pictured docked at a port in Seward, Alaska. (iStock)

Approximately 67 out of 1,993 passengers on the Radiance of the Seas reported falling ill during its voyage from Tampa to Los Angeles between Apr. 8 and 22. An additional two crew members also reported illness . 

The predominant symptoms reported from those affected by the Norovirus were diarrhea and vomiting.

WORRIED THE CRUISE SHIP WILL LEAVE WITHOUT YOU? KEEP THESE THINGS IN MIND

A view of the sign at the Center for Disease Control headquarters is seen in Atlanta, Georgia. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images / Getty Images)

Approximately 94 of 2,532 passengers on the Sapphire Princess reported similar symptoms during its voyage from Los Angeles into the South Pacific that began Apr. 5 and is scheduled to conclude on May 7.

An additional 20 members of the 1,066 crew reported symptoms as well.

Fox Business reached out to both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International for comment on the situation but did not receive a response.

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This photo shows the Sapphire Princess cruise ship, operated by Princess Cruises, docked at the Marina Cruise center in Singapore. (ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

"Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone can get infected and sick with Norovirus," the CDC states on its website. "Norovirus is sometimes called the 'stomach flu' or 'stomach bug.' However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu, which is caused by influenza virus."

One of the biggest health risks posed by Norovirus infection is dehydration — the CDC recommends those infected drink plenty of liquids to aid recovering.

The CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program requires cruise lines to report and document cases of illness on their ships in order to facilitate coordinated responses in case of emergency.

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Princess Cruises appoints senior leadership team for Enchanted Princess

Princess Cruises has announced the senior leadership team for the 3,660-guest Enchanted Princess, which is currently under construction. The team includes three crew members from the UK. 

Construction of the ship is taking place in the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy and will be completed next year. Enchanted Princess will then be officially named in Southampton on June 30, 2020, the first Princess ship to be named in the UK since Royal Princess by HRH, the Duchess of Cambridge, in 2013.

The leadership team brings with it a combined total of 160 years service with Princess Cruises and comprises the following: 

Captain Nick Nash (UK)  – Hailing from Penzance, Cornwall, Captain Nick Nash joined Princess Cruises in 1989 and has since been at the helm of more than half of the ships in the line’s fleet, including the 3,560-guest Royal Princess which he currently commands. He was promoted to Staff Captain in 1997 and Captain in 2002 and served as Fleet Captain in 2014 and 2015.  He was appointed President of The Nautical Institute in 2018, pledging to help in its efforts to improve standards of ship handling, as well as navigation bridge resource management. He has been awarded the United Kingdom’s Merchant Navy Medal for meritorious service. 

Captain Gennaro Arma  – Born in Sorrento, Italy, Captain Gennaro Arma began his career with Princess Cruises in 1998 as a Cadet and quickly moved up the ranks achieving his first command as Captain of Sea Princess in 2015, navigating the ship on two world cruises. He took the helm of Diamond Princess in 2018, where he currently serves as Captain. During his time at Princess Cruises he has been part of new build teams for the 2,670-guest Diamond Princess and 3,560-guest Regal Princess.  Chief Engineer Officer Ignazio Cappelluti  – Chief Engineer Officer Ignazio Cappelluti began his career at Princess Cruises in 2003 as an Engine Cadet. He was first appointed acting Chief Engineer Officer onboard 3,560-guest Majestic Princess in 2018 and officially became Chief Engineer Officer in 2019. He has served aboard many Princess Cruises ships including 2,600-guest Grand Princess and Golden Princess, 3,560-guest Royal Princess, 2,670-guest Sapphire Princess and 2,000-guest Coral Princess. 

Chief Engineer Officer Massimiliano Imperiale  –   Chief Engineer Officer Massimiliano Imperiale started his time with Princess Cruises in 1999 as an Engine Cadet. He was first appointed acting Chief Engineer Officer onboard 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess in 2013 and was confirmed as Chief Engineer Officer in 2017. During his time with Princess Cruises he has served on many of the line’s vessels including 3,080-guest Ruby Princess, 2,670-guest Sapphire Princess, 2,000-guest Coral Princess and 2,200-guest Island Princess. 

Staff Captain Richard Dalton (UK)  – Born and raised on the Isle of Bute, Staff Captain Richard Dalton’s love of the sea started at just eight years old, sailing on his father’s yacht. By the age of 18 he had already gained his Yachtmaster license. He began his career at Princess Cruises as a deck Cadet in 2001 and having progressed through the ranks was named Staff Captain in 2017. 

Staff Captain Raffaele Di Martino  – Raffaele Di Martino started his career with Princess Cruises in 2004, serving as Third Officer onboard Dawn Princess. He was promoted to Staff Captain in 2017, serving most recently on the 3,140-guest Caribbean Princess and 3,560-guest Regal Princess. He graduated from the Nautical School of Nino Bixio in Sorrento, Italy and began his career at sea began in the Italian Navy and later onboard cargo vessels, ferries and tug boats. 

Hotel General Manager Richard Harry (UK)  – Born in Farnborough, Hampshire and now residing with his wife in Bristol, Richard Harry joined Princes Cruises in 1988 as a Front Desk Receptionist aboard the original Royal Princess, before rising through the ranks to his current position as Hotel General Manager. He will soon serve on the inaugural team of Sky Princess when the vessel departs the shipyard and debuts in October 2019. This will be the sixth time he has been a part of a new build team. 

Hotel General Manager Dirk Brand  –   Dirk Brand began his career at sea in 1998 as a Senior Assistant Food and Beverage Director during the inaugural season of 2,600-guest Grand Princess. He has overseen all hotel functions for a variety of Princess Cruises ships, including most recently both the 3,560-guest Majestic Princess and Regal Princess. He was born in Berlin, Germany and grew up in Munich. Brand was previously filmed overseeing the hotel operation aboard Regal Princess for ITV’s ‘The Cruise’. 

Captain Nash will bring Enchanted Princess into service from the shipyard, alongside Chief Engineer Officer Ignazio Cappelluti, Hotel General Manager Dirk Brand and Staff Captain Raffaele Di Martino.   

Captain Arma will latterly serve together with Chief Engineer Officer Massimiliano Imperiale, Hotel General Manager Richard Harry and Staff Captain Richard Dalton. 

Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises’ president, said: “All of us at Princess Cruises congratulate Captain Nash and Captain Arma on their well-earned appointments as Captains of our new Enchanted Princess. It is an honour and a testament to their dedicated years of service. 

“As we continue to grow our fleet with five new ships arriving by 2025, there are many opportunities for our crew to grow professionally. We believe we have the best crew at sea, who continually offer our guests a safe cruising experience and world-class service.” 

The next ship to join the Princess Cruises fleet will be Sky Princess in October this year. Enchanted Princess will then be followed by the launch of the sixth Royal-Class ship for Princess Cruises in 2021. The line also has two new Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered ships on order to be delivered in late 2023 and spring 2025, bringing its new ship order to five in six years. 

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• Norovirus outbreaks affect ~200 passengers on Princess Cruises...

Norovirus outbreaks affect ~200 passengers on Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean ships

Nearly 200 individuals fell ill due to norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises and RCI-Royal Caribbean International ships.

According to the CDC/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) agency, 94 out of 2532 guests on Sapphire Princess reported illness, along with 20 crew members, during the April 5th cruise. The roundtrip left from Los Angeles CA , visits destinations in Hawaii and the South Pacific islands, and will return to LA on May 7th.

Similarly, on Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas , 67 of the 1993 guests, along with 2 crew members, reported illness during a voyage that concluded on April 22nd. The 2-week itinerary started from Tampa Florida and ended in LA, making stops in countries like Colombia and Panama.

The main symptoms experienced by the affected in both outbreaks were diarrhea and vomiting.

Following these incidents, Princess, Royal Caribbean, and the ships’ crews implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols. They also isolated individuals who fell ill, among other precautionary measures, in line with recommendations from the CDC.

Norovirus: Nearly 200 sick in outbreaks on Princess, Royal Caribbean ships, CDC says

FILE - Tourists crowd upper decks and stateroom balconies as the Anthem of the Seas owned by Royal Caribbean International on Aug. 9, 2023, in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Horacio Villalobos#Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)

Nearly 200 passengers on U.S. cruise ships suffered from diarrhea and vomiting in norovirus outbreaks in April, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC reported that 94 of the 2,532 (3.71%) passengers on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess ship reported getting sick during its current voyage. The 32-day, roundtrip cruise began on April 5 and ends on May 7, according to the cruise tracking and information site CruiseMapper . 

Another 20 of the 1,066 crew members on board also reported getting sick, the CDC said.

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On Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas ship, 67 of the 1,993 (3.36%) total passengers on board became ill during a voyage that began on April 8 and ended on April 22, according to the agency. Two crew members aboard also got sick. 

In both of the norovirus outbreaks, the main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting, the CDC said.

Princess Cruises told FOX Television Stations that "at the first sign" of an increase in passengers reporting gastrointestinal illnesses, "we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitization procedures to interrupt the person-to-person spread of this virus."

"Our sanitization program, includes disinfection measures, isolation of ill passengers and communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard," the company told FOX Television Stations.

Royal Caribbean International did not immediately return a request for comment, but the CDC said in its notice that the company also took several steps in response to the outbreak – including isolating the sick passengers and crew members and "increased cleaning and disinfection procedures." 

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Cruise ships expose passengers to high volumes of people and new environments, which can "create the risk for illness from contaminated food, or water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact," the CDC says. 

The agency recommends that anyone feeling sick should report their illness. If it happens before the voyage, travelers can ask their cruise line about any possible alternative cruising options. 

Those on board should wash their hands often to prevent illness, as well as get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. 

This story was reported from Cincinnati.

Nearly 200 people sick in norovirus outbreaks on Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises ships

Nearly 200 people got sick in norovirus outbreaks on Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International ships.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 94 of the 2,532 guests on Sapphire Princess reported being ill during its April 5 cruise, along with 20 crew members. The round-trip cruise, which left from Los Angeles with stops in Hawaii and the South Pacific, will end on May 7, according to CruiseMapper .

On Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, 67 of its 1,993 guests reported being ill in addition to two crew members during a cruise that ended April 22, according to the CDC . The two-week voyage sailed from Tampa, Florida to Los Angeles with stops in countries like Colombia and Panama, according to CruiseMapper .

In both outbreaks, the guests and crew members’ main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

Princess, Royal Caribbean and the ships’ crews implemented heightened cleaning and disinfection measures and isolated those who were sick, among other steps, the health agency said.

"Onboard the most current sailing of Sapphire Princess, there have been a small number of cases of mild gastrointestinal illness among passengers, the cause likely is the common but contagious virus called Norovirus," a Princess spokesperson told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. "At the first sign of an increase in the numbers of passengers reporting to the medical center with gastrointestinal illness, we immediately initiated additional enhanced sanitization procedures to interrupt the person-to-person spread of this virus. Our sanitization program, developed in coordination with the CDC, includes disinfection measures, isolation of ill passengers and communication to passengers about steps they can take to stay well while onboard."

Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The CDC has logged six outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on cruise ships that met its threshold for public notification since the beginning of the year. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in five, while one was unknown.

The illness is often associated with cruise ships but outbreaks occur in communities on land as well, according to Dr. Sarah E. Hochman, a hospital epidemiologist and the section chief of infectious diseases at NYU Langone Health’s Tisch Hospital.

“There's not something special or unique about cruise ships,” she said. “It's really any type of congregate setting, but it's also happening out in the community on a much smaller scale among households and household contacts. It just doesn't come to the attention of public health as much as it does for larger congregate settings.”

Hochman said the virus is “incredibly infectious” and congregate settings tend to have many shared surfaces, such as handrails in cruise ship stairwells or elevators. “And so, if you just have one person who's shedding the virus and touches the surface and then someone else touches it and then touches their mouth, that's how it can spread in those types of settings.”

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Alcohol-based hand sanitizer isn't as effective against norovirus, and Hochman emphasized that washing hands with soap and water “will do a lot to prevent the spread.”

The news comes after more than two dozen Silversea Cruises guests got sick in a gastrointestinal illness outbreak on the luxury line’s Silver Nova ship during a sailing that began in late March.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].