Dave Weedinar is the CEO of the new Titanic Cruise Line. Our conversation unfolded.
I don't get many one-on-one interviews with cruise line CEOs.
Dave Weedinar: I've read some of your stuff, so I can understand why.
I need to start with the name of your new cruise line. Is "Titanic" a positive image for the cruise industry?
Richard, I think I get where you're going. I will tell you that our marketing team had a few minutes to think about it. We're going for name recognition, and I think we have it.
I was wondering why your corporate headquarters are in Vermont. The majority of the cruise lines are based in Florida or California.
It would explain why I never run into cruise people in downtown Burlington.
Your three ships are registered in Mogadishu, according to the fact sheet you sent me. Is that the country of Somalia?
Richard, that's right. There are other cruise ships that are registered in strange places. The reason we went with the Mogadishu registry was because pirates from the Horn of Africa will never try to highjack one of our ships. They would have to negotiate with themselves to free the passengers if they did.
Your deployment plans for the ships are unique.
Three nights in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and three nights in Nassau are included on the seven-night itinerary.
I can see where an itinerary like that will save you money. Will it sell?
Market research says it will. The other cruise lines move their ships too much. People want to play with the locals.
What about your other ships?
We will be doing an itinerary called Appreciative Europe. We are only going to be sailing to European countries that appreciate what the US has done for them.
The Pinta will be visiting ports in Europe.
We've found one town in Ireland. Unfortunately, it's inland. The closest port is 170 miles away. Richard, come back to me on that one.
I will. What about the Santa Maria?
She is our flagship. She is called "Big Fatty." The Virgin Islands are where she will be based.
What do you want us to know about her facilities? I hear that you have different approaches to entertainment.
Richard, I hope this isn't going to turn into another interview with you. I think our approach is normal. Rock climbing walls, parks, indoor skating rinks, WaveRunners, waterfalls, will never work on the other lines. Is Royal Caribbean still in business?
Their newest ships are very successful, as are they.
I didn't know that. Travel Weekly will be read more carefully by me. No one has what we have on the Santa Maria. The ocean's largest food container. There are little glass windows with food. Guests use token to get food. The higher your cabin category, the more you get. It is going to be a big game.
All of your food will be self service.
Misquote. I didn't say that. Those looking for fine dining will be able to go to an onboard Applebee's.
I would like to thank you for the interview. I wish you success and return to Florida, because I see it's snowing outside.
Richard, thanks for your kind words. Don't walk on the ice in the parking lot. We are always watching the ice at Titanic.
