This Week in Cruise: Norwegian Finalizes Prestige Deal; Richard Meadows to Lead Cunard Line – North America

Last week, Norwegian Cruise Line completed its acquisition of cruise company Prestige Cruises International. Prestige is the parent company of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and the deal was first announced in September.

The total amount of the deal, including cash and stock, was $3.025 billion, including the assumption of debt. The new Norwegian operates a combined 21 ships with 40,000 lower births serving more than 430 global destinations.

“With this acquisition, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings operates a portfolio of brands that span all market segments in the cruise industry, from contemporary to upper-premium to luxury,” the company said.

Cunard Line appointed Richard Meadows to president of Cunard Line – North America, assuming operating responsibility for the Cunard brand throughout the North American continent starting December 1. Meadows will report to David Noyes, CEO of Cunard Line. 

Meadows will retain his role as president of Seabourn, leading all business and global operations for the ultra-luxury cruise line. He has held positions at a number of Carnival Corporation & plc brands over his 29-year career with the group and has held the position of president of Seabourn since 2011. During that time, he also served as EVP of marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line, where he had global revenue responsibility.

Another appointment comes as Financial and Insurance Conference Planners (FICP) elected Kevin Regan, director of corporate and incentive sales at Silversea Cruises, chairman of the Hospitality Partner Advisory Council (HPAC) at this year’s FICP Annual Conference in Hawaii.

In his new role, Regan will oversee the organization’s constituent suppliers, who partner with and provide guidance to FICP and its board of directors on hospitality-related matters.