Carnival Corporation & pls announced a restructuring of Cunard Line’s North American organization, including the closing of Cunard’s US office in south Florida.
US operations will be relocated to Santa Clarita, Calif., according to Carnival.
The move was made to position the company for continued growth while streamlining operations and maximizing efficiencies, said Carnival officials.
Cunard will be relocated to California by 10 December. California is already home to Princess Cruises.
“Cunard has one of the most time honored names in cruising, and with the introduction of Queen Mary 2 and the upcoming delivery of Queen Victoria, the brand is poised for growth,” said Peter Ratcliffe, CEO of Carnival Corporations P&O Princess division, which includes Cunard.
He said the move provides Cuanrd a chance to utilize resources of its sister company while retaining its own unique identity.
The move is expected to reduce overhead costs by $20 million a year.
The Cunard field sales force will remain intact, and will continue to represent the Seaboard Cruise Line in addition to Cunard.
Report by David Wilkening
