03 December 2008

Royal Caribbean ends 17 year GSA relationship but names Managing Director of new company owned office in Australia

In a media briefing yesterday in Sydney, alongside the Rhapsody of the Seas at SydneyÃ¢â¬â¢s Circular Quay cruise terminal, Royal Caribbean Cruises announced that tis 17 year GSA relationship with Richard CranmerÃ¢â¬â¢s Discover the World marketing was at an end and that Gavin Smith, would be taking over as the Managing Director of their new company owned office in Sydney.

Gavin will lead the Australia office and oversee all commercial and operational activities in Australia, for three of the company's cruise brands, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, in addition to supporting the growing demand for cruise itineraries in and around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, which includes the increasing number of Australians interested in cruising and the positioning of the Rhapsody of the Seas to Australia for six months of the year, carrying 40,000 passengers.

Gavin has over 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, most recently, having served as GM of retail travel groups, Jetset Travelworld and previously MD for P&O Cruises Australia and President for Carnival Australia, where he managed the organization through a period of significant growth.

He has also held various senior sales, marketing and communications positions in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France, with a combined total of 38 ships in service and six under construction.

A Report by The Mole