Carnival moves Seabourn headquarters to Seattle

Carnival Corporation is relocating the headquarters of its Seabourn brand to Seattle, the home of Carnival’s Holland America Line brand. Though the two cruise operations will maintain independent brand management teams at their joint headquarters in Seattle, they will share other resources, including a unified field sales force. Carnival expects the changes will yield annual savings of $20 million to $25 million starting in 2012.

The transition from Miami to Seattle will take place over the next few months. Pamela Conover will continue as Seabourn’s president during the transition period but has chosen not to move to Seattle at this time. After the move, she will continue to serve as special advisor and brand ambassador for Seabourn.

“Pam has played a valuable role in a number of Carnival ventures over her 16-year career here, including serving as president of Cunard and most recently Seabourn,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation . “She has been instrumental in Seabourn’s recent growth with the launch of two new ships and recognition through numerous awards for best luxury cruise line.”

Richard Meadows, who has held a number of executive positions at several Carnival brands during his 25-years with the company, will assume Seabourn’s presidency once the move to Seattle is complete. Meadows previously served as Seabourn’s senior vice president of sales & marketing where he played a significant role in developing the ultra-luxury brand. He will continue in his role as executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Rick is uniquely qualified to oversee Seabourn’s further progress in its new headquarters,” Mr. Arison added.

Seabourn provides ultra-luxury cruises on smaller, more intimate ships. Its fleet currently includes Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit, Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn. The Seabourn Quest will enter service in June of 2011, following its delivery from Italian shipbuilder T. Mariotti.

January 9, 2011