How Staff Wendy Williams Sailed to the Top of Anthem of the Seas.

6 Questions with Anthem’s Staff Captain

How Wendy Williams Sailed to the Top of Anthem of the Seas.

Jerry King 

International Press IFO

US Press Corp.

www.wlrci.com

2015-07-13T11:43:30+00:00July 13, 2015byJohn Mannelly901

Wendy Williams is used to taking the road less traveled. Not only is she one of the women rising through the officer ranks at Royal Caribbean, but she successfully pulled off a career transition after a start in nursing. She has charted her own course, following her heart and her passions to the sea and into the mostly male maritime industry. Williams is Staff Captain of Anthem of the Seas, which means she is just one step away from being captain of the whole ship. We asked her how she navigated her way up in this male-dominated field; what a day at sea is like for a Staff Captain; and for that matter, what is a Staff Captain?

Here’s her perspective from the bridge:

1. What is the role of a Staff Captain?

A lot goes into running a smooth operation on a ship that is 168,666 tons and carries 4,905 guests, so the captain of the ship is supported by a team. There’s the Chief Engineer, the Hotel Director and Staff Captain, that’s me. I’m responsible for overall ship maintenance, security onboard and I look after the navigation officers on the bridge.

2. How did you come to be a mariner?

My family is involved in the marine business in various ways, and I grew up on the west coast of Canada and now live in Vancouver so the exposure was natural. I actually trained to be a nurse first though. Then I got a second degree in marine biology and went to sea to study fish for the Department of Fisheries. We would be out for six or seven months, and I just fell in love with learning about the charts and stars, and navigating from the bridge; sometimes they would let me steer and I thought – this is what I really want to do. I got my Master Mariner’s license and started working on commercial fishing vessels before coming to Royal Caribbean. In 2002, I applied and when I got the call to join Voyager of the Seas I left the very next day and have been with the company ever since.

3. Do you get to drive?

Yes, sometimes I bring the ship into port or take the ship out, sometimes Captain Andersen does. We have positioning systems on this ship that will take us to within 10cm of our planned spot at the pier, but this “parking” is still done by hand. When I am not the one maneuvering the ship, you will find me in the center doing speed control, communicating with the pilots who are experts on the local harbors we enter, and coordinating operations with the mooring deck to get the ship safely tied up and the gangway set.

4. Why be a mariner?

Being a mariner is almost a calling like the priesthood; not everybody wants to be out here, but we sail these amazing ships, going to amazing places and carrying this precious cargo – people out to have a great vacation. It’s a big responsibility, but look at the office we have here. I wouldn’t trade this for anything else.

5. What is it like to command a massive ship?

It’s exciting, the most exciting thing I’ve done in my life. I will stand on shore and look at how absolutely immense this beautiful ship is, and I know I am this tiny figure up on the bridge controlling this whole mass, it’s humbling and I’m so happy and proud.

6. What is your next goal?

I would like to be a captain with Royal Caribbean and have my own ship.

With skills, smarts and experience like Wendy Williams has, we have little doubt she’ll reach that goal. Royal Caribbean was the first major cruise line to have a female captain, back in 2007, and has continued to place women behind the helms of our ships. We’ll be rooting for Wendy to add her name to the list someday!

Meet the Captain of Anthem of the Seas

8 Questions for the Man at the Helm of the 168,666 -Ton Ship

52015-06-18T17:36:08+00:00June 18, 2015byJohn Mannelly1004

Claus Andersen has always been a man on the move. Originally from Norway, the 17-year Royal Caribbean veteran now calls South Africa home — that is, of course, when he is not at the helm of a ship. But what does a cruise ship captain really do? And what’s it like to be the top dog — or Master — of a ship like Anthem of the Seas?

Captain Andersen took a few minutes from his busy schedule to tell us all about his job, his favorite activities onboard and some of his most memorable moments at sea.

1. What’s it like to be Anthem’s very first captain?

To be taking our newest ship out into the world is exciting. Anthem is the most technologically advanced ship I’ve ever seen, and not just for the crew, but also for guests. To be the first captain to guide this modern ship through the Mediterranean is absolutely fantastic. I can’t help but imagine the Greek and Roman captains who once sailed these waters. We’re going to have a wonderful summer celebrating “firsts” for the ship and our guests.

2. Do you actually “drive” the ship?

Yes. While we have incredible technology that can navigate the ship to any point in the world, or park us within centimeters of our dock coordinates, I still drive the ship. Coming into port or leaving port is still done the old-fashioned way: using the wheel and joysticks, we maneuver the ship by hand.

3. What is the biggest misconception about your job?

Many people believe I spend all my time at the wheel on the bridge, but my duties take me all over the ship and, of course, I must sleep. Coming into and out of ports, or in heavy traffic or bad weather, I will be on the bridge, but the Captain is responsible for everything on the ship and that takes a team including a core of first class navigational officers.

4. What’s a day onboard Anthem like for you?

I oversee the entire operation of 1,500 crew members and 4,950 guests, so no two days are exactly the same. My job is kind of like a general manager who is also a ship captain; it’s a unique job with lots of challenges, but it makes you feel so proud. It takes a strong team to keep everything running smoothly: the Staff Captain, who is in charge of security, safety, outside maintenance of the ship, and helping me run the bridge operation; the Chief Engineer, who oversees all the technical aspects of the ship; and the Hotel Director, who runs this floating hotel.

5. As a captain, you get to see a lot of unique moments onboard. Do any stick out in particular?

I would have to say the day we had a guest return from the clothing-optional Orient Beach in St. Maarten wearing only a towel. He was the last man back to ship so he had an audience of 3,500+ guests cheering him on. His clothing had been nabbed while he was swimming and he had to make his way back to ship with no clothes and no money; it was impressive that he convinced a taxi driver to take him for free!

6. What’s your favorite thing to do on Anthem?

The North Star! I was probably one of the first people to try it. The North Star is a huge crane with a gondola hanging on it that can lift you nearly 300 feet over the ocean’s surface. It is absolutely magnificent and a little bit thrilling. Also, I don’t want to worry anyone, but I do enjoy the bumper cars in the SeaPlex.

Royal Caribbean introduces its newest and most technologically advanced cruise ship Anthem of the Seas.
Pool Deck at sunset

7. What’s your favorite itinerary to sail?

The Alaska runs are very hard to beat. It is truly dramatic to sail past massive glaciers and into places like Skagway that are so much a part of legendary adventure. If you don’t have it on your bucket list, you should.

8. Any tips for aspiring captains?

It’s a long journey from finishing your education to becoming a captain — 15 or 20 years — so you must truly be following your passion to work your way through the ranks.

Want to learn more about how things work behind the scenes on a Royal Caribbean ship? Read these interviews with a chef,an actor and an ice skater.

Santos Mercedes Enriquez of Celebrity Cruises has been crowned Diageo Global Travel’s best bartender.

Celebrity Cruises’ Enriquez Crowned Best Bartender

Santos Mercedes Enriquez of Celebrity Cruises has been crowned Diageo Global Travel’s best bartender.

Judged by a panel of industry experts including Enrique de Colsa, Master Distiller for Tequila Don Julio; Spike Marchant, World Class Global Brand Ambassador; Erik Lorincz, World Class Bartender of the Year 2010; and Julio Cabrera, Managing Partner of The Regent Cocktail Club Miami, Santos triumphed with his “creative flair and matchless mixology”.

Santos, 38, from Peru, saw off competition from over 5,500 cruise line bartenders from three of the world’s leading cruise lines: Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, in the biggest year in Global Travel yet for WORLD CLASS competition.

He and fellow competitors were put through their paces on different aspects of their craft, showmanship, creativity and bartending knowledge. Santos wowed the judges with his signature serve: ‘Violetta Falernum’.

Celebrity Cruises: Santos’ signature serve: The ‘Violetta Falernum’

Ingredients
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz rich sugar syrup
½ oz egg white
1 ½ oz TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ Gin
½ oz velvet falernum
1 bar spoon of crème de Yvette
A dash of Peychaud’s bitter

Recipe
Put all the ingredients into a shaker and give it a dry shake first to emulsify the cocktail, then add the ice and shake it again, double strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Garnish
3 drops of Angostura bitters on top of the drink

(Photo courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)

RCCL President Richard Fain,The Art Critic

Great Interview with Michael Bayley About China and Lady Q

Update For Allure Of The Seas

Canadians Aboard Anthem Of The Seas

All Credits Go To:

Phil Reimer, Ports And Bows

Published: April 24, 2015, 11:00 pm

Updated: 1 week ago

ABOARD ANTHEM OF THE SEAS —  Earlier this week my blog, I wrote about how surprised I was to be the only Canadian journalist here on Royal Caribbean’s newest ship. In an even bigger surprise, in addition to the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America, there is print and electronic media representation from Mexico. Yes, Mexico!

During a media session, an executive pointed out that Mexicans are the biggest spenders on Royal Caribbean ships.

As the residents of Anthem of the Seas’ summer home (Southampton) might say: “Blimey.”

While North America is miles ahead of other nations when it comes to the number of cruisers — most of whom head to the Caribbean and Alaska — the rest of the world is catching up. And the new ships are heading there to meet them, which explains the widespread media representation here.

The middle classes of many of these countries are cruising now and they’re going all over the world to satisfy their wanderlusts.

So is Royal Caribbean.

Anthem of the Seas is No. 2 in the highly touted, futuristic Quantum Class. In a column last year, I suggested Quantum of the Seas would be the star of the class of 2014 ships and its successful winter home-porting in New York confirms that.

England is Anthem’s first home for a summer of cruising the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands. A

One example of Anthem’s artwork

Transatlantic cruise will make this 166,000-ton, 4,000-passenger ship, the most advanced to make New York its permanent home.

Meanwhile, after wintering in the Big Apple, Quantum is off to Shanghai to become the newest ship home-porting in China.

Ovation of the Seas, No. 3 in the Quantum Class, won’t even stop for a cup of coffee in North America. Next spring, she’ll sail from the Meyer Werft Shipyard straight to China for the summer, then move on — as just announced — to become the newest ship in Australia.

As for Anthem, there are some differences from her one-year-old sister.

The artwork is much better than Quantum’s. The ship seems to have a better flow from bow to stern. The new and much-heralded Dynamic Diningproblem — four dining rooms instead of a main one — is solved because veteran cruisers like having the same waiters. On Anthem (call it Dynamic 2.0), they can rotate dining rooms with the same crew, a comfort thing. Anthem has rapid-fire, reasonably priced Internet, a first for the industry.

 Like Quantum, it also has North Star, the Plexiglas ball that takes passengers 300 metres above the sea,

SeaPlex and its roller skating and dodge cars, rooms full of Internet games and RipCord, a skydiving simulator. Chef Jamie Oliver has his second at-sea restaurant, which on Quantum was far and away the most popular specialty dining site with main courses of $15 to $20.

Finally, and most importantly, if you’ve waited in line to board, you know it can be a pain. Now you can do the paperwork online from home and board, curbside to pool deck, in just 10 minutes — another industry first. At every turn, Anthem of the Seas is a favourite both with baby boomers, who have embraced technology and multi-generational families.

In North America, she’ll be sailing from New York to Bermuda, the Caribbean and through the northeastern United States to the Maritimes.

You’ll find all kinds of pictures and news about Anthem posted here earlier this week.

Credits:http://o.canada.com/category/travel

Interview with Captain Tore

Allure Of The Seas: Captain Tore

Credits Bob And Nancy Dunn

You step onto the "biggest cruise ship in the world" and — to use Royal Caribbeanvernacular, you are WOW-ed. That's what the majority of around 6,000 people experience every week, when the Allure of the Seas sail out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale if they're seeing the big ship for the first time.

How about the captain? How did he feel the first time he boarded Allure of the Seas?

Tore Grimstad is one of two captains of the Allure. For him, that day was August 4, 2013.

"My God," he remembers with the broad smile that is his trademark. "I came fromFreedom of the Seas. Really? This was like an apartment building. It's amazing whatthey've done. It's mind blowing."

And being on the bridge to sail it?

"Something about this ship made me feel included right away," he says. "It's been really great. I enjoy every day. To be able to navigate narrow ports in shallow waters is fascinating and challenging, and gives me a feeling of pleasure. But the highlight of the job is the crew. I really mean that. I don't want to become some kind of celebrity because I'm not. It's the team."

In the case of the Allure (and Oasis of the Seas), the team is 2,160 strong.

"I focus a lot on the crew, keeping them happy and treating them with respect," he adds. "If the crew is happy, everyone is happy."

Captain Tore (they go by "Captain" and their first names) is an interesting study because, in part, that's what cruise ship captains are. Most of them come from Scandinavia (he's a Norwegian) or Italy, many from a family steeped in the ways of the sea.

Tore Grimstad is a 7th-generation man of the sea and home was, and still is, the islands on the south-west coast of Norway. He comes from the islands of Gurskoy/Hareid-Landet — try finding that on your map — where he grew up reading and hearing "juicy stories from the seven seas." It wasn't a given that he would be a seaman, but it was natural.

"It just happened," he says.

Like so many, being a fisherman came first, followed by a compulsory stint in the service, in his case the Royal Navy. That was followed by working on a cargo tanker, spending some time ashore to find out it wasn't for him, and sending out 40 applications that could lead to a return to the sea.

"They all said no," he recalls.

So he pounded the pavement and, fortunately, walked into an office in Bergen to find an agent from Royal Caribbean. Once Grimstad laid out his experience and his desire, the agent said:

"Yes, can you be in New York in six days? We need a second officer on the Song of America."

Six days turned out to be eight. With his navy background, Tore was a stickler for instructions, so when his papers told him to take a bus from JFK to a hotel in Times Square, that's what he did. It was, needless to say, his first time in New York and here's what followed:

"I never understood that you could have a hotel in the middle of a building, and I was walking around. that block many times until I realized the Marriott was actually on the 28th floor."

That was 1994 and the beginning of an on-again, off-again relationship with Royal Caribbean. In those days, ships were registered in Norway, and bridge officers were hired and paid in Norway. When the cruise line flagged out its last Norwegian ship, he was automatically unemployed.

Grimstad worked a variety of sea-related jobs, including captain of a Norwegian-Russian-American ship stationed near the equator with the capability of launching rockets ("I was a captain, not a rocket scientist"), plus a relief position with the small European cruise line Fred.Olsen.

For the next two years, he left the door open for a return to Royal Caribbean, as a staff captain. He walked through it a couple of times, filling in as captain of Explorer of the Seas and then Freedom.

One of his best friends, fellow Norwegian Johnny Faevelen, was a Royal Caribbean captain and when Grimstad was close to moving to another cruise line offering more money, Faevelen convinced him to join his team on Serenade of the Seas. Last summer, when Tore arrived to be captain of the Allure, "Captain Johnny" was waiting for him.

"He said: '"So glad to see you…so glad the company chose you'…and he gave me a hug," Captain Tore adds. "There's nobody like him."

Today, Captain Johnny and Captain Tore share more than a friendship. They share the "biggest cruise ship in the world", switching chairs every 10 weeks.

Tomorrow: The home life of Captain Tore

Ports Of Auckland May Not Build Wharf Big Enough To Handle Ovation Of The Seas

(8 p.m. EDT) -- Two weeks after announcing the deployment of the brand new Ovation of the Seas to Australia for five itineraries to New Zealand, Royal Caribbean has been faced with its first major obstacle -- Ports of Auckland has changed its plans to build a wharf big enough.

Auckland Council, which owns the port company, announced on Thursday that only one of two planned expansions would proceed at Bledisloe Wharf, rendering it unable to accommodate the 348-metre, 4,180-passenger Ovation of the Seas.

According to Cruise New Zealand, this compromise not only threatens the first season of its biggest-ever visiting ship, it also jeopardises the country's fast-growing cruise industry and national economy.

“Ports of Auckland has advised the port will not be able to take the new generation of larger ships such as the Ovation of the Seas, without the full extension it had originally planned,” said Cruise New Zealand chairman Kevin O'Sullivan. “If the ship is unable to call at Auckland, it is unlikely to come to New Zealand at all.”

But this worst-case scenario has not yet been confirmed by the ship's operator.

Gavin Smith, regional vice president, Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean Cruises, told Cruise Critic that the company would attempt to seek a solution to the issue.

“We are disappointed to learn about Ports of Auckland's concern regarding berthing for Ovation of the Seas,” Smith said.

“Auckland is an important destination for our guests who visit from around the world. We will continue to work closely with Ports of Auckland to determine a working solution for Ovation of the Seas to visit.”

Smith said the company “remains in discussions with ports around New Zealand” regarding the proposed itineraries for Ovation of the Seas.

The shock agreement between Ports of Auckland and Auckland Council follows a four-week “stand-off”, after councillors reacted to news that the extensions would reach almost 100 metres into the harbour, local media reported. Community group, Stop Stealing Our Harbour, is planning a protest march in the city on Sunday.

Auckland's full wharf extension plans will be the subject of a forthcoming, year-long Port Future Study into the impacts and effects of the extensions.

“This will determine the extent of any further port extensions,” said O'Sullivan. “We will continue discussions in Auckland to see if a resolution can be found.”

--By Louise Goldsbury, Australia Editor

A Barbie Party Cruise Hosted By Royal Caribbean?

You're Invited to Barbie's Party Cruise, Hosted by Royal Caribbean

Family Friendly Trend.

The number of family cruisers grew almost 200 percent in the last 5 years.

Because of this shift, cruise lines are striving to offer more family friendly activities and amenities onboard for parents and their youngest passengers.

With this in mind, over the past 3 years we have seen the introduction of immersive youth ‘experiences’ onboard major cruise lines, such as the DreamWorks Experience with Royal Caribbean, and the Nickelodeon Experience with Norwegian Cruise Line.

Well, Royal Caribbean decided that in addition to their DreamWorks experience they would like to team up with Mattel and offer another branded and iconic host of activities. Pink activities. Fashion Activities. Girly Activities.

With the world’s most popular doll, to the world’s most innovative cruise line – this partnership brings you the all-new Barbie™ Premium Experience, the ultimate indulgence for Barbie enthusiasts.

Barbie goes from cruise ship, to MEGA cruise ship.

 

Not one for the ordinary, Barbie invites girls to see what happens with she becomes part of their cruise vacation. Girls age four to 11 enrolled in the cruise lines’ Adventure Ocean youth program can be a part of the complimentary aspects of the experience: Barbie Movie Night, Barbie Story Time and other complimentary themed activities, plus Barbie movies on their stateroom televisions.

Girls interested in convincing their parents to book the Barbie™ Premium Experience will be added to Barbie’s exclusive guest list and activities, highlights include:

• A Barbie stateroom, adorned in the doll’s signature style and featuring keepsakes such as a Barbie doll and fashions, blanket and pillowcase, tote bag, toothbrush and toiletries bag. From the moment they step into their staterooms, girls will be drawn into Barbie’s distinct world of style – and of course, pink!
• Tiaras & Teacups party, an invitation-only affair, featuring a whimsical palate of pink pastries and pink lemonade served on dainty dishes all while having fun learning tips on table etiquette.
• Mermaid dance class where girls can shimmy and shake while learning the latest dance moves from the hit movie Barbie™ in a Mermaid Tale 2.
• Fashion Designer workshop where girls can channel their inner fashion designer with Barbie inspiration boards and sketch materials. Girls also will have the chance to sketch and create their very own Barbie doll fashions.
• Fashion Show where girls can dress up to walk a pink carpet to the admiration and applause of their family and friends. Girls also will have the chance to perform their amazing dance routine as well as display their Barbie fashion creation.

 The cost of the Barbie Premium Experience is $349.00. Contact your travel agent or cruise guide to book.

GROUNDBREAKING ENTERTAINMENT HEADLINES ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, will wow audiences with a show-stopping lineup of entertainment offerings that push the envelope far beyond imagination. From stage shows to multidimensional entertainment that seamlessly fuses technology with highly trained live performers, stunning visuals and special effects, Anthem of the Seasdelivers an array of productions and performances that will leave audiences spellbound.

Seating 1,300 guests, the Royal Theater is home to Royal Caribbean’s two main shows:

• We Will Rock You – the smash hit musical featuring the greatest hits of legendary British rock group, Queen.  Written by British comedian Ben Elton, the hilarious award-winning, record-breaking phenomenon is built around 24 of Queen’s greatest hits and tells the story of a group of Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought, fashion and live music in a distant future where everyone dresses, thinks and does the same.  Musical instruments and composers are forbidden, and rock music is all but unknown. 
• The Gift – an original Royal Caribbean production created exclusively for Anthem, The Gift is a musical journey of fantasy and illusion that begins one stormy night with the arrival of a “Magical Gift”.  A beautiful production that is sure to delight, inspire and touch the hearts of all who come to see it.

Two70, which is named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views provided by vast, floor-to-ceiling glass walls that span almost three decks high at the stern of the ship, is a multi-level great room that seamlessly fuses entertainment and technology to create a transformative journey for guests from morning to night. With the integration of Vistarama and Roboscreens, highly trained live performers, music and special effects, Two70 provides an endless landscape for Royal Caribbean to create stunningly visual, first-of-their-kind shows that can only be seen on Anthem of the Seas.  Main shows include:

• Spectra’s Cabaret – an original Royal Caribbean production created by Moment Factory, exclusively for Two70 onAnthem of the Seas, features the Maestro and his Agents of Rhythm as they invite you to an electric multi-dimensional cabaret where you will be transported into invisible realms. Each night, the portal opens for a limited period of time and the audience immerses themselves in a multi-media show brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors and dazzling movement. Spectra’s Cabaret blends live performance and experiential cinema along with music from popular culture. It creates a world seen through the lens of music and technology, all the while exploring the deepest recesses of the heart. 

Meet Some Of Quatum Of The Seas Crew Members