nyc latin cruise

• 4th of July

LATIN CRUISES

"Latin Vibes Saturday NYC Booze Sunset Cruise in NYC"

• ALL TICKETS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
• Show E-Tickets on your Phone or Printed.
• Customers can arrive by 6:00pm for check-in with yacht.
• Boarding approximately 6:30pm, Sailing approximately 7:00pm however the yacht is subject to sial earlier. The Yacht returns to the Marina at approximately 10:30pm.
• Please arrive early so you don't miss the Yacht. There are No Refunds if you miss the yacht!
• Email [email protected] your Full name & amount of tickets purchased for priority reservation seating.
• View Our Non-Refundable Ticket Policy

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• Tables, Bottle Service, & Hookah
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MAJESTIC PRINCESS

• Drinks and Bottle Service are Available for Purchase
• Breathtaking Views of the NYC Skyline
• 2 Floors of music with climate-controlled Main Floor & Upper Deck
• NYC's Hottest DJ's playing Reggaeton, Salsa, Merengue, Bachata & Latin Music

Docking from Pier 36, 299 South Street, New York, NY 10002 (intersection of South St & Montgomery St, off the FDR Drive) Boarding Check-In approximately 6:30pm || Returning approximately10:30pm E-Ticket Check-In for Boarding Passes begins 6:00pm • Boarding / Return Times are subject to change | No Refunds • Please arrive early so you don't miss the Yacht. • Cruises are Rain or 'Shine'- No Coat Check Directions to Yacht || Google Map to Yacht || Contact Info

BAR || BOTTLE SERVICE

VIP SPECIAL EVENT PACKAGES

Celebrate a Special Occasion with your friends on a Cruise! Email [email protected] your Full name & the Event Date you plan to attend for VIP Package Information.

Receive Updates on Events and Special Promotional Codes for Discounts:

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Latin Boat Party

Latin boat party nyc.

Do you love Latin music and culture? Our Latin dance cruise NYC rentals are an excellent opportunity for you to celebrate Latin culture. We offer an unforgettable night filled with fun and movement. Please put on your dancing shoes and climb aboard our Latin cruise to dance to Latin hits played by our live DJ. Our specially selected dance hits are sure to keep you on your feet for the entire journey.

Party Like There’s No Tomorrow

2020 will be a year you’ll remember for the rest of your life when you climb aboard our Latin cruise. Get onboard the best Latin party cruise NYC has to offer and experience Latin dance, music, and food in a way you’ve never experienced before.

Book our party boat rentals and enjoy:

• A full cash bar

A party isn’t a party without your favorite cocktails. Get your favorite cocktails freshly prepared by our skilled bartender. We’ll provide you with a wide variety of beverages with a Latin twist. Drink the flavors of Latina culture as you enjoy upbeat music and spectacular views. There’s no better way to wind down than with a delicious drink, great company, upbeat music, and a great atmosphere.

• Live DJ Entertainment

Our talented DJs will ensure you won’t want to leave the dance floor for the entire cruise. We’ll create that high-energy atmosphere that makes Latin dance parties renounced. Dance to the greatest hits of Merengue, Latin House, Salsa, Bachata, and much more while taking in the breathtaking views that make up the New York City skyline. Our boats offer both indoor and outdoor dance floors. Our climate-controlled decks ensure that you can get down to your favorite Latin music any time of the year.

• Delicious Latin Inspired Meals

Food is central to Latin culture. Climb aboard our yacht to enjoy a Latin inspired dinner. We offer a wide variety of options with our Latin party cruise NYC packages. From buffet dinners to plated meals, you’ll have various choices available to you. Enjoy freshly prepared authentic Latin meals while taking in the magnificent views and upbeat atmosphere.

• Spectacular views

Enjoy great views of New York City as you drink, eat, and dance. Our cruise will give you a front-row seat to view the Big Apple’s picturesque skyline. Get up close and personal with the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and other landmarks that have made the City famous. There’ll be many opportunities for those great photos with friends and family.

• Special live performances

Our party boat rentals come with the option of exclusive live performances. We’ll source the best of up and coming Latin talent to keep you entertained throughout the cruise. From live bands and solos to DJs, we source performers committed to their art. You can be sure of upbeat performances from our guests.

Book Now Get in touch with us now to make your reservation on our Latin cruise. Take advantage of our affordable Latin party cruise NYC packages to celebrate Latina culture in a way that you’ve never experienced before. Our packages are fully customizable. You can upgrade your package or get in touch with our team to make special requests for a more personalized experience. Our cruises are available throughout the year. Get in touch with us today to make your reservation.

Mts Productions

Cabana Yacht

Cabana yacht latin vibe sunset cruise.

NYC Yacht Party Cruise

Latin Vibes Sunset Yacht Party

Come and Celebrate your Life with MTS Productions, Have an unforgettable time at one of our events The Place To Be….

Cabana Yacht is the best place to enjoy the Sunset in Manhattan, NY. Latin Vibe Sunset Yacht Party – A night out with friends around the City Of New York. If You want a fun gathering with friends? Try something different like the Best NYC Party Cruise at Cabana Yacht, the best NYC Booze Cruise in New York City. Celebrate a birthday, bachelor’s, graduation or any important event to you and yours come aboard, it will be an amazing experience.

Dont Miss The Best Sunset Cruise in NYC

With two levels of music climate control for our guests to have the best time on the main floor and the outdoor upper deck. 21 and over event for ladies and guys.

Admission Price Starting: $20.00 per person

HOURS: Boarding 5:45 PM Departing 6:30 PM Return 10:00PM

Dress Code – Neat and Trendy a must.

Event 100% Compliant With Covid Regulations:

Strictly Limited Capacity – Masks Are Mandatory – Temperature Taken At The Door – Outdoor Areas Only – Hand Sanitizers & Intimate + Secluded Tables.

Train stations, Street Parking and Valet available near the pier.

Cabana Yacht Address: Skyport Marina 2430 FDR Drive Service Rd E, New York, NY 10016.

Join us on this ride Aboard The finest boat in NYC Cabana Yacht.

Cabana Yacht Party in NYC

Bottle service.

Bottle Choices of  Absolute, Ciroc Coconut, Ciroc, Grey Goose, Milagro Silver, Patron Silver, Remy 1738, Hennessy, Johnny Walker Black.

For Reservations Call or Text: 1-347-891-5328

  Cabana  Boat Party NYC , Sunset Cruise, Party Cruise NYC, Birthday Cruise Party, NYC Party Cruise, Ny Parties, NYC Art Boat Party, Queens Boat Ride, Latin Boat Party NYC, Boat Party NYC, NYC Boat Party, Sunset Boat Party, Boat Cruise NYC.

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LatinPartyCruise.com

No Refunds - All Sales Are Final **LatinPartyCruise lists nightlife cruises in New York City from outside event coordinators. We do not organize the events directly, nor do we own the vessels, hire their staff, or crew.

2024 latin cruise details:.

Join us on a Latin Cruise this season complete with a mix of the best of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton, y Latin House. #LatinPartyCruise

VIP Packages - Midnight Cruises:

Birthday Packages  •  Bachelorette Parties  •  College Graduation Packages

Celebrate a Special Occasion with your friends on a Latin Midnight Yacht Cruise! We offer Birthday Packages, Bachelorette Party Packages, & College Graduation Packages for the Latin Level of our Midnight Cruise Events. Visit our Special Occasion webpages for more info.

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Cinco de Mayo Latin Yacht Sombrero Cruise

Highlights 🎉 Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a yacht cruise around Manhattan 🍹 Be one of the first 100 people onboard and receive a sombrero 💃 Dance the night away to hit after hit in this epic party on the water

General Info 🕒 Time: 6:15 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. 👤 Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID

Description: Get ready for the ultimate Cinco De Mayo celebration! Join a yacht cruise around Manhattan. DJs, drinks, and stunning views await! The first 100 guests get sombreros - dance, mingle, and party the night away. Fully stocked bars, friendly staff, and amazing vibes - don't miss out on this epic water party. Get your tickets now for Cinco de Mayo Latin Yacht Sombrero Cruise in NYC!

Getting there

299 South St,, 10002

Select date and session

No booking fees

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Experience New York City

The best way to experience new york city in spring.

Are you planning a trip to New York City? If you’re looking for a destination that is chock full of activities and attractions, the Big Apple is where you should be. From its iconic sky scrapers to its local hangouts, there’s always something to do or see while in this busy big city. Whether you’re planning to visit for a weekend or you are a resident of New York City and are looking for something fun to look forward to in spring, you should include a cruise along New York City’s rivers in your to-do list for spring this year. The weather in spring is perfect for both day and evening boat rides. The weather is mild and comfortable. It is also a time when the city comes to life just like the trees and plants rising from a cold winter. Cruising along the tranquil Hudson and East Rivers is the perfect way to usher in the warmer months ahead. Boat rides along the Hudson and East River are the best way to see New York City in all her splendor. You’ll come up close and personal with many of the landmarks that are synonymous with New York City such as the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll also have the opportunity to get a true view of what New York City offers. Sailing along the Hudson and East River will give you panoramic views of the city’s breathtaking skyline. Get spectacular views of some of the greatest feats in architectural history such as the Empire State Building. A quiet boat ride may be exactly what you need after touring the city. Anyone that’s visited the Big Apple in spring knows that it can get very busy. You can take a break from the crowds with a boat ride.

Dance the Night Away Make 2020 a year to remember by taking a Latina cruise. Our Latin party cruise NYC rentals offer you a high-energy experience in the unique setting with the New York skyline as your background. With our party boat rentals, you can enjoy:

Live DJ entertainment We’ve teamed up with talented DJs to give you a high-energy Latin dance experience. Enjoy the best of Bachata, Salsa, Latin House, Merengue, and much more as you cruise alongside the breathtaking New York City skyline. We offer large indoor and outdoor dance floors for a varied experience. We’ll keep you on your feet throughout the cruise. A full cash bar Enjoy a wide variety of cocktails with a Latin twist from our full cash bar. Sip on creative cocktails as you enjoy great conversation, upbeat music, and breathtaking views. Wind down after a busy week or day with your favorite drinks. Latin Inspired Dinner Enjoy a Latin inspired dinner aboard our yacht. We provide buffet dinners with our Latin party cruise NYC rentals. The food provided will depend on the package requested. Enjoy delicious food and dance the night. Amazing views Our party boat rentals are about much more than music, drinks, and food. Our cruise offers you breathtaking views of New York City. We’ll ensure you get to see famous landmarks that the Big Apple has in store. Get an up-close view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy the spectacular views of the city at night. You can rest assured there’ll be many picture-worthy moments. Special guest performances Enjoy live performances by up and coming Latin talent. You heard it first on our Latin cruise. Dance and dine while enjoying upbeat performances by our exceptional guest performers.

Available Throughout the Year Are you planning a party for a special occasion? Whether it’s Cinco De Mayo, Mother’s Day, a special holiday, or a work-related event, you can make it even more special with our Latin party cruise NYC rentals. Our rentals will turn your event from just another party to the party of the year.

Contact us to make reservations for your party. We’ll host your company, family, or friends. We offer unique spaces with our fleet of yachts. Book a yacht now for your upcoming event and make our party one that no one will ever forget.

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Live updates, we almost missed our wedding celebration due to flight delays — so we partied on the plane.

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She’s the  flyest  bride by far. 

Erika Hammond didn’t let her flight’s delayed departure from the runway stop her from turning the airplane’s aisle into a bridal fashion runway. 

“You gotta just roll with the punches sometimes,” chimed the blushing bride-to-be, 33, as she got glammed up for her pre-wedding celebration at 35,000 feet in the air. 

Fast-trending footage of the stratospheric fête has scored nearly 1 million views on TikTok. 

But Hammond, a former WWE Diva and the founder of KNOCKOUT at Equinox, tells The Post that what turned out to be a sky-high spectacular almost caused an emotional crash and burn.  

“It was definitely stressful nearly missing our wedding welcome party,” said the NYC newlywed. She tied the knot with tech billionaire and founder of Bilt Rewards Ankur Jain, 34, in the foregrounds of Egypt’s Great Sphinx of Giza on April 26. 

But just ahead of their four-day “I Do” extravaganza, the Big Apple lovebirds were en route from a South African safari to their pyramid-studded wedding destination when a plane snafu nearly derailed the festivities. 

Hammond and Jain had chartered an EgyptAir plane to transport themselves and a few of their 130 guests to Cairo, where they’d arranged to kick off their nuptials with a soirée at the opulent Prince Mohamed Ali Palace at 8:00 p.m. April 24. 

However, after encountering a few fueling issues and permit problems, the twosome was told their flight wouldn’t be touching down until 2:30 a.m. the next day.

But thanks to some fast-thinking friends, they stylishly toasted their love on cloud nine — literally. 

“We were able to make lemonade out of lemons,” said Hammond, “and ended up having the best time on the plane getting ready together.”

While in midair, she and posh pals, including Fox5 news anchor Bianca Peters and Peleton instructor Aditi Shah, ditched their travel togs for chic garb, dolled up with makeup and transformed the aircraft into a wedding couture catwalk.  

“[Peters] got on the plane’s PA system and hyped everyone up to get ready,” Hammond said. “We had music playing, wine flowing and a runway show down the aisle after everyone was ready.”

“The crew was cheering us all in too,” she gushed. “It was one of our Top 5 wedding memories for sure!”

Wide-eyed social media watchers were stunned by the couple’s mile-high bash, too. 

“Getting ready in the plane with all your guests is not only iconic but something none of you will ever forget. You guys crushed this!,” applauded an impressed fan. 

“This is like a movie! I’m obsessed,” confessed another. 

“Doing hair and makeup on the plane with your guests is a vibe and it actually looks like part of the plan,” wrote an equally wowed commenter. 

Hammond and Jain aren’t the only jet-setting sweethearts to toast to forever in the friendly skies. 

A Texas bride-to-be donned a gown of toilet paper for her makeshift ceremony on a Southwest Airlines flight to Oakland, California in March 2023. 

High school honeys Vidhi Popley and Hridesh Sainani joined in holy matrimony on a Boeing 747 in November. Theirs became the first airplane wedding in the United Arab Emirates.

And although her airplane party was totally unplanned, Hammond tells The Post she wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

“When we all finally arrived at the Mohamed Ali Palace at 2:30 a.m. to meet our other guests we all had the best night,” bragged the brunette. She and Jain ate, drank and danced with A-list invitees, such as “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, Lance Bass and “Million Dollar Listing New York” alum Ryan Serhant, until 5:30 a.m. 

“It was perfect,” said Hammond. “We’ll be forever grateful to our close friends and family for showing up for us.”

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Chanel Takes Marseille—The Best Behind-the-Scenes Photos From the Cruise 2025 Show

Photography by Acielle / Style Du Monde

It may have been windy and rainy on the rooftop of Le Corbusier’s La Cité Radieuse, the iconic site of Chanel’s cruise 2025 show, but as always, the show must go on. As preparations in France are already underway for this year’s summer Olympics, Chanel headed to the South of France where the city of Marseilles will soon play host to a few events including sailing and soccer. The lineup included beachy swimwear, logo-fied scuba dresses, and light-as-air knits. Backstage, Acielle Tanbetova captured all the fun. Scroll through for the best behind-the-scenes moments from the Chanel cruise show here.

More From Forbes

New cruise company explora journeys is a potent luxury contender.

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The Explora I cruise ship, built in 2023 for just 922 passengers, sails past downtown Manhattan.

The arrival of enormous ships, like the 7,000 passenger/3000 crew member Icon of the Seas, is an effective way to promote the cruise industry. But cruise companies are also launching smaller vessels designed to give passengers more individual attention, like the new EXPLORA I from Explora Journeys.

The EXPLORA I, launched in 2023, is a sleek 63,000-ton ship designed for just 922 passengers, each housed in an oceanfront suite. Another important number is 1.32 to 1. This represents the crew to passenger ratio, showing the line’s commitment to passenger service.

Ship staterooms start with the Ocean Terrace suites, at 377 square feet. They feature amenities such as a king bed, a chaise lounge day bed, and big glass doors that make it true ocean front view. Bathrooms include European walk-in showers, heated marble floors, and Dyson hair dryers. The ship also has some 67 penthouses from 462 to 763 square feet, and the Ocean Residences, from 750 square feet up to 1600 square feet.

The EXPLORA I has 12 bars and lounges, and 64 cabanas on deck for guests, with multiple indoor and outdoor whirlpools. The spa has a dry sauna, a steam room, Himalayan salt treatments and more, for “the gift of ocean wellness,” which also includes workouts with free weights, 30-minute yoga classes, Pilates, and rowing machines.

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Explora Journeys, said to be the only major cruise line that’s privately owned, is part of the MSC Group. The Italian owners made their private yacht a model for the type of service they planned to deliver. EXPLORA Iis the first of a planned six ships, with EXPLORA II set to arrive in August 2024.

Along with many travel agents, a key market for Explora Journeys, I was invited on an introductory cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. Destinations enroute included San Francisco, Astoria, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia.

Michelin-star awarded Chef Claude Le Tohic, and staff at Anthology Restaurant on Explorer I.

Focusing on luxury, Explora’s rates are all-inclusive, including gratuities, alcohol and its powerful Wi-Fi service. A handful of amenities, such as Anthology Restaurant, which features a rotating cast of Michelin-star chefs , have an additional price.

For the cruises themselves, the prices we found range from a ten-night journey from Barcelona to Barcelona for $3,835 (via Gibraltar, Seville, Madera, etc.) to a 44-night extravaganza “connecting continents” from Vancouver to Barcelona via the US West Coast, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and the Mediterranean for $18,450.

The Explora experience began at the Port of Los Angeles, a warehouse-sized building reminiscent of a bus terminal. However, Explora Journeys made check-in fast and almost fun, with friendly representatives using data tablets to check us in at small tableclothed tables, rather than at the clerk’s counter.

The commitment to meeting passenger needs shows up everywhere, such as in the availability of 24-hour room service. The restaurants were uniformly excellent, and the fast elevators quickly whisked you from deck to deck. Yet after a couple of days, I really enjoyed taking breakfast in my cabin, eggs, waffles, pancakes, and vats of coffee.

EXPLORA I was full of such experiences. I watched a chanteuse descending the staircase into the grand Lounge Bar singing jazz standards. Later, I smoked a Winston Churchill Petit in the fragrant cigar lounge at midnight.

The grand Lobby Bar on Explora Journeys new cruise ship Explora I.

Explora Journeys is based in Geneva, so when I laid a couple of hundred-dollar bills on the blackjack table I was politely told to use my room card or change money at the cashier’s booth—euros only.

The friendly casino kept drawing me back. Of course, I ended up losing all my cash, but made $200 last the entire six -day cruise. The dealers seemed much more concerned if I was having a good time than those in Las Vegas.

The service was excellent, with barmen opening “closed” bars to pour drinks. Even when the crew didn’t fully understand a request, they gave it their all. In one lounge, I asked for a martini with blue cheese olives, aka ‘Maytag olives.” The server apparently rustled about the ship and returned with a small plate containing 4 ounces of blue cheese. I did not have the heart to tell him and instead, ate the evidence.

The ship has a well-equipped gym, but I also ran the marked jogging track on Deck 12 in my gray sweats in the wind, feeling like I was in CHARIOTS OF FIRE. I practiced hitting a pickleball over the net on the sports court and shot some 3-pointers.

Later, I sat in one of the EXPLORA I’s warm whirlpools directly overlooking the sea. The ship is said to have more water on board than any other.

The ship was so relaxing, in fact, that many passengers chose to stay on board during port days, taking advantage of massages and other services. Understood, as with cruising, the journey is really the destination.

A view of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Marin Headlands in Sausalito, California, ... [+] United States on January 27, 2023. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

But they missed out on Explora Journeys well-organized excursions. In San Francisco, I took a coach tour into Marin County over the Golden Gate Bridge. The intrepid bus driver drove us safely over a zig-zagging road full of bicyclists to Muir Woods.

The guide told us about the history of the redwoods, how 95% of the old giants were cut down, and how they were saved at national parks like Muir Woods. Once we got there, he left us alone with our thoughts, to walk the easy trail and admire the trees.

The intrepid bus driver found a parking spot at the Marin Headlands overlooking San Francisco Bay for selfies of the Golden Gate Bridge. Memorably, we had sailed under the bridge on EXPLORA I’s journey into the city.

I particularly enjoyed the day we spent in Astoria, Oregon, a port city on the Columbia River where it flows into the Pacific. Founded in 1811, Astoria is a destination I might never have encountered if it were not for the cruise. Astoria got its name from wealthy New York entrepreneur John Jacob Astor, who monopolized the booming fur trade.

Our excursion brought us majestic views of the river dividing Oregon and Washington. We investigated the less-than-luxurious dwellings at the Lewis and Clark Fort where that expedition lived. At the Maritime Museum, we learned about the treacherous currents of the Columbia and the salmon cannery industry that once dominated the town.

Lunch at the Mediterranean Yacht Club with its fish, humus and other Mediterranean food was a treat. I enjoyed a great ribeye in Marble, the amazing steak restaurant on board. The fresh pizza on board was also great. Late at night, I thanked the servers who stayed open just for me, pouring a shot of Macallan before bed.

An Ocean Terrace Suite on the cruise ship Explora I. The entry-level suite is 374 square feet and ... [+] includes a terrace with a chaise lounge and a bathroom with heated floors.

The EXPLORA I makes a strong effort to keep the passengers entertained, with Broadway hits in the Journey Lounge, and individual performers in others. (I loved “Better Shape Up” from GREASE performed with just a guitar accompaniment). There are three Steinway pianos in different lounges. Explora also has alternate entertainment like silent discos, a tough trivia game, a cooking experience and “luminaries” on board to talk about various topics.

Cruise expert Chris Gray Faust, Executive Editor at Cruise Critic , says, “Explora Journeys is an entry into the luxury cruise world. Backed by the private shipping company MSC, the line has the money and ambition to fine tune its product to attract those guests who might normally choose a high-end resort or hotel, as opposed to a cruise.”

Before launching Explora Journeys, the founders interviewed 20,000 luxury travelers and 250 travel advisors. Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer, said the idea was to “build a ship that’s like a private yacht. An intimate ship, with many, many spaces.”

What resulted, said Austin, is something “that doesn’t feel like a cruise ship, it feels like a luxury boutique hotel.” In terms of onboard shopping, “We have Piaget, Cartier, Panerai and the only Rolex watch store at sea.”

According to Austin, just 4% of luxury travelers cruise. But “after 8 months of operating, we are seeing cruisers on second and third cruise.” He added, “There is no more stunning view than when you sail into a port, as opposed to catching a taxi from the airport. Ultimately, having 6 ships will allow us to discover the world together. We call it the Ocean State of Mind.”

The new cruise ship EXPLORA in the Mediterranean.

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Cruise operator Viking prices IPO within range to raise $1.54 billion

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Reporting by Echo Wang in San Francisco and Mrinmay Dey in Bengaluru; Editing by Anirban Sen, Lisa Shumaker and Sherry Jacob-Phillips

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Echo Wang is a correspondent at Reuters covering U.S. equity capital markets, and the intersection of Chinese business in the U.S, breaking news from U.S. crackdown on TikTok and Grindr, to restrictions Chinese companies face in listing in New York. She was the Reuters' Reporter of the Year in 2020.

A BP-Eni joint venture and Rhino Resources Namibia have signed an agreement for a 42.5% interest in a block in the country's offshore Orange Basin, the companies said on Friday.

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TSX rise as US payroll data up hopes of early rate cut

Canada's main stock index ended higher on Friday, led by gains in technology and healthcare during a broad-based rally as slowing U.S. jobs growth in April raised hopes of early interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

The South African rand was stronger on Friday after U.S. nonfarm payrolls grew less than expected in April, boosting hopes that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates soon.

Paul Weiss Drafts Head of Latin America Practice Group Ossa Daza

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Maria-Leticia Ossa Daza has joined Paul Weiss as head of the firm’s new Latin America practice group, resident in the New York office, the firm said Friday .

Ossa Daza will serve as a partner in the mergers and acquisitions practice in the corporate department, according to Paul Weiss.

She has represented Latin America-based companies in a variety of cross-border and domestic transactions, as well as companies across the financial services, technology, infrastructure, and consumer goods sectors on their investments in Latin America, said the firm.

This story was produced by Bloomberg Law Automation.

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Norwegian cruise mogul’s success secrets: Focus on the wealthy and absolutely no kids allowed

Torstein Hagen founded his cruise line with a few simple principles in mind. Among them: focus on the wealthy and intellectually curious; no nickel-and-diming; and no kids.

Almost three decades on, his Viking Holdings Ltd. is among the world’s biggest luxury cruise operators, and Hagen’s fortune will surpass $5 billion as the company completes its initial public offering in New York.

Viking  raised  $1.54 billion from the oversubscribed share sale, showing that investors are willing to pour money into a sector that was decimated by the Covid pandemic and now is rebounding.

The shares  priced near the top  of the marketed range, according to a  regulatory filing , valuing the company at around $10.4 billion. Hagen controls roughly half of the shares, making him the second-richest person in the industry after Carnival Corp. Chairman Micky Arison, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

The listing also marks the pinnacle of an endeavor that, in Hagen’s  words , began with “two guys with two mobile phones and four river ships” seeking to woo customers who sought “more than just a vacation.” As the 81-year-old chief executive officer has often told journalists: Viking cruises are for the thinking person, not the drinking person.

Viking representatives didn’t respond to requests for comment on Bloomberg’s calculation of Hagen’s fortune.

Physics Degree

Born near Oslo, Hagen earned a degree in physics from the Norwegian Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard University. After a stint in management consulting, he entered the cruise industry in the 1970s. Around two decades later, following multiple failed attempts to help buy or otherwise take control over cruise lines with different investor groups, Hagen led the purchase of the four river ships and formed Viking.

The company initially focused on cruises along rivers up and down Europe before expanding into ocean travel and special expeditions to places like Antarctica and the US Great Lakes. Based in Bermuda, Viking today operates 92 vessels and employs more than 10,000 people. 

Its target customers: affluent English speakers aged 55 or older, with time and money to explore the world. Last year, 90% of its clients came from North America, according to the company’s registration statement. In the US, the 55-plus cohort holds around three-quarters of the country’s household wealth, Federal Reserve  data  show. 

In recent years, Viking has sold stakes to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and alternative-asset manager TPG Inc. Both offloaded more shares in the offering than initially anticipated, according to a  filing .

Read More: TPG, CPPIB Are Said to Weigh Offering More Shares in Viking IPO

Hagen didn’t sell stock. His daughter, Karine, who has been working for Viking since it was founded and is now executive vice president, will control a small stake of less than 1%.

Viking said proceeds from the offering will be used to “increase our capitalization and financial flexibility” given its “substantial indebtedness.” It had $5.4 billion of debt at the end of 2023.

In a letter to shareholders included in the registration statement, Hagen noted the company sees big growth potential among consumers in China and elsewhere around Asia. That would go beyond “China Outbound,” the cruise offering in Europe with full crews of Mandarin speakers that Viking launched in 2016. The firm is also exploring safaris and land tours.

“We view Viking as the premier provider of travel experiences for thinking people,” the billionaire wrote in the letter. “We do not try to be all things to all people.”

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