April 16, 2020 - So far, the market leader Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line had decided to take drastic measures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now Royal Caribbean is also forced to respond to the crisis with mass layoffs. In the US, 26 percent of permanent workforce jobs are lost.
Royal Caribbean, the world's second largest cruise company, is laying off or taking vacation 26 percent of its 5.000 US employees. Many crew members' employment contracts had previously been terminated. The pandemic makes this measure necessary, it said in an email. It is painful to have to part with so many good and talented employees.
Royal Caribbean - Voyager of the Seas
At the same time Azamara Club Cruises, Royal Caribbean Group's Premium Plus brand, shaken by the resignation of its CEO and President Larry Pimentel. According to speculation, the resignation is related to deliberations on the Azamara course in the crisis. Larry Pimentel worked for the company for eleven years. The guiding principle of society, “Destination Immersion”, is ascribed to him. The term refers to longer berthing times in the ports and more overnight stays. Both serve to "immerse" in foreign cultures and to better understand the destinations visited.
Azamara Pursuit in the port of Barcelona
An email sent to Azamara customers today announced Larry Pimentel's withdrawal. The letter is signed by the Chief Operating Officer Carol Cabezas. The letter ends with the statement: "I am privileged to be at the helm to help lead the brand". After all, in stormy times, someone has to take control.
