Seabourn and Holland America Line presidents to exit

Emergency exit sign on a cruise ship - safety on sea

Carnival Corporation is set to bid farewell to two of its brands’ most senior executives, as the cruise giant continues to navigate its way through the coronavirus storm.

After 35 dedicated years with Carnival, Richard Meadows will be retiring from Seabourn at the end of May.

Meadows is currently president of Seabourn, a position he has held since 2011, when the company moved its headquarters to Seattle from Miami.

“I’ve had so many amazing opportunities throughout my career, passionately leading a number of global cruise brands as well as working with so many talented team members, travel advisors and other stakeholders around the world,” Meadows said in a statement.

“It has been a true honour to help craft those lifetime memories and special moments for our guests, through the profound power of travel, which brings people and cultures together. I look forward to the day when we can once again welcome our guests back on board.”

The announcement of Meadows’ impending departure comes as the ultra-luxury brand recently announced it was extending its pause in global cruise operations until mid-October through to late November, depending on the ship.

Furthermore, Holland America Line president Orlando Ashford has joined Meadows in announcing he will be leaving Carnival at the end of May.

Ashford, who heads the premium cruise line, has been at the company for nearly five-and-a-half years.

Richard Meadows and Orlando Ashford

“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the evolution of the Holland America Line brand for more than five years,” Ashford said in a statement.

“I can’t say enough about the talent and teamwork both shoreside and on board the ships that has driven our many successes over the years.

“Today, a global pandemic has impacted our industry in ways that are completely unprecedented. However, I believe it is human nature to travel and explore new places and cultures and meet new people.

“I have no doubt that Holland America Line will thrive again soon, and its guests will be ready when cruise operations resume. I look forward to being one of the first to sail.”

Holland America Line recently decided to extend its pause of global cruise operations and cancel all Alaska, Europe and Canada/New England cruises for 2020.

It’s unclear if and when the soon-to-be vacated roles at Seabourn and Holland America Line will be filled.

Travel Weekly has contacted Carnival for comment.


Featured image: iStock/mikolajn

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