Larry Stepping Down!

[CA Oceanfront]

11 minutes ago, MakingUpForLostTime said:

Funny you mention RCL and not Azamara. I paid Azamara not RCL. I paid Azamara for a premium experience and am stuck with RCL in the end. If her loyalty is to RCL then that explains everything. Is there anyone left at Azamara?

Please allow me to clarify. RCL is the ticker symbol representing the parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., encompassing all of their brands, including Azamara.

[marinaro44]

1 hour ago, MakingUpForLostTime said:

Wait...... They laid off The Loyalty Ambassador for Azamara as well.

BTW: Sandra was doing a fantastic job at Azamara and I am very sad that at a time like this Azamara let her go.  Therefore..... I can assume they don't care.

Where did you see this?  If true, confirms the message sent by the new upgrade scheme that all but ignores loyalty level.

[MakingUpForLostTime]

1 minute ago, marinaro44 said:

Where did you see this?  If true, confirms the message sent by the new upgrade scheme that all but ignores loyalty level.

I was told by Sandra herself that she was laid off.

[laurieb]

7 hours ago, CA Oceanfront said:

Interesting that it represented almost half of his entire holding. Sold near the top of the market, no less. Nice move, Larry! At first glance, either he knew something that the public did not, or he had been positioning his exit strategy for a few months.

I would think that he did it because he was planning his retirement; this timing seems hard but maybe this was going to be his retirement time all along.

[marinaro44]

46 minutes ago, MakingUpForLostTime said:

I was told by Sandra herself that she was laid off.

Really sorry to hear this.  Speaks volumes about priorities..

[BBMacLaird]

7 hours ago, CA Oceanfront said:

I think it’s time to give Bonnie a break here. She is employed by RCL so that’s where her loyalty should be directed. RCL had no obligation to create a paid position to be represented on this forum, but they did. It was a marketing move that they deemed worthwhile and, for the most part, it has provided an opportunity for forum participants to have a line of communication with the company. You’re not going to please all of the people all of the time, but at least she’s been a dignified presence on this board for the past few years.

Thank you CAOceanfront for your kind words. 

Just to clarify, I was hired by Azamara and not RCL. I’ve not even met anyone from RCL but then I work remotely. It was Larry and Signe who hired me one day during a 2014 ship visit in San Francisco. I was escorted by Phillip, the Hotel Director, to the luncheon in Aqualina that afternoon. Between the three of them I was totally charmed. Of course you know, most of you do, that I worked previously with both Larry and Signe so it was an easy decision. I shall continue to do my best for all of you, and relay your concerns to senior management, which BTW, is NOT new. The COO position was created two years ago with much foresight, and everyone else has been in their role for many years. I have never seen a cruise line with less turnover. Azamara is in good hands.

[CA Oceanfront]

11 minutes ago, marinaro44 said:

Really sorry to hear this.  Speaks volumes about priorities..

If true, it does seem a bit short-sighted and hypocritical, especially considering  the recent rebranding of the “loyalty” program.

[marinaro44]

6 minutes ago, CA Oceanfront said:

If true, it does seem a bit short-sighted and hypocritical, especially considering  the recent rebranding of the “loyalty” program.

One would think in this period of possibly existential uncertainty there would be emphasis on coddling and cultivating and embracing top level loyalty club members, as they (we?) would be the people Azamara would most want to get back in the fold whenever this awful situation ends.  Instead, they gut the department.😪

Edited April 17, 2020 by marinaro44

[uktog]

7 hours ago, CA Oceanfront said:

If true, it does seem a bit short-sighted and hypocritical, especially considering  the recent rebranding of the “loyalty” program.

Could not agree more. Where on earth do I get queries answered now because their call centre staff are absolutely useless.  I need clarification on an email Sandra sent me last week and now my three cruises are cancelled it is extremely important as it will determine the next step I take.  
I think laying off a link person to guests, as others say much needed for the future if there is to be a future, just shows how low Azamara is sinking and you can tell what life in the new regime will be like.  

[cruisingaussies]

15 hours ago, CA Oceanfront said:

I think it’s time to give Bonnie a break here. ……... You’re not going to please all of the people all of the time, but at least she’s been a dignified presence on this board for the past few years.

I totally agree.  Bonnie does a great job on this board and we're very lucky to have her.  We had the pleasure of cruising with her last year and can assure you she is absolutely charming.  It isn't an easy job as mostly she has to deal with disgruntled, and sometimes downright rude, guests but she always handles every post with the utmost courtesy.  Be glad we have her!

[Andy]

Hi Everyone,

 

Hope my dear Cruise Critic friends are doing as well as possible, during this horrible Pandemic.

 

I wanted to also share how sad I am, to learn of Larry's resignation. I've had the pleasure of meeting Larry, and I was always impressed by everything about him - especially how passionate he is, about all things Azamara and the Cruise industry. To describe Larry as "Brilliant" & "Visionary" isn't nearly enough. Azamara, and the entire industry was lucky to have his leadership.

 

While Larry's departure is a massive loss for Azamara, I believe they have an excellent management team, both shoreside and onboard their beautiful ships. While I'm sure we can all agree the current state of the Cruise industry is difficult at best, I'm rooting for Azamara and the rest of the Cruise industry to return to what we all love... just as soon as possible.

 

One last item - Please give Bonnie a break. With everything going on in the industry, and with life in general, we're ALL under a great deal of pressure. Bonnie does a wonderful job, and you are lucky to have her. IMO, the industry needs voices like Bonnie more than ever, and most brands are virtually silent ! Can't understand that. If it were my call ? I'd want to be reaching out to past Guests and prospective cruisers, more than ever. Getting this industry sailing again, and prospering, is going to be a daunting task. Each & every Guest must be treated like Gold.

 

Larry - In case you are reading this... Thank You for everything you've accomplished for Azamara over the last 11 years. I wish you much continued success. Godspeed in your future Journeys, Quests, and Pursuits.

 

Wishing My Cruise Critic Friends, Bonnie, and the entire Azamara team, good health and safety during this very difficult time. May God bless us all. Please stay in touch. I miss you all very much.

[Grandma Cruising]

Hi Andy, thanks for your input, it’s very timely. I never met Larry Pimental, but he certainly seems to have inspired those in and involved with the industry. I also thoroughly endorse everything you say about Bonnie. We are very lucky to have her and I for one value her input enormously.

Nice to hear from you - do keep on posting in this forum, I’m sure many here miss your input. Stay safe.

[nordski]

16 minutes ago, Andy said:

Hi Everyone,

 

Hope my dear Cruise Critic friends are doing as well as possible, during this horrible Pandemic.

 

I wanted to also share how sad I am, to learn of Larry's resignation. I've had the pleasure of meeting Larry, and I was always impressed by everything about him - especially how passionate he is, about all things Azamara and the Cruise industry. To describe Larry as "Brilliant" & "Visionary" isn't nearly enough. Azamara, and the entire industry was lucky to have his leadership.

 

While Larry's departure is a massive loss for Azamara, I believe they have an excellent management team, both shoreside and onboard their beautiful ships. While I'm sure we can all agree the current state of the Cruise industry is difficult at best, I'm rooting for Azamara and the rest of the Cruise industry to return to what we all love... just as soon as possible.

 

One last item - Please give Bonnie a break. With everything going on in the industry, and with life in general, we're ALL under a great deal of pressure. Bonnie does a wonderful job, and you are lucky to have her. IMO, the industry needs voices like Bonnie more than ever, and most brands are virtually silent ! Can't understand that. If it were my call ? I'd want to be reaching out to past Guests and prospective cruisers, more than ever. Getting this industry sailing again, and prospering, is going to be a daunting task. Each & every Guest must be treated like Gold.

 

Larry - In case you are reading this... Thank You for everything you've accomplished for Azamara over the last 11 years. I wish you much continued success. Godspeed in your future Journeys, Quests, and Pursuits.

 

Wishing My Cruise Critic Friends, Bonnie, and the entire Azamara team, good health and safety during this very difficult time. May God bless us all. Please stay in touch. I miss you all very much.

Amidst all the negative news it is wonderful to hear again from you, Andy.

 

Just the other day, I was wondering how you were doing.

 

Speaking about passion, like Host GMC, I have never questioned your commitment to the cruising community.

 

We are lucky to have had Larry, the Hosts on the this forum, the staff of Azamara, and posters on this forum who immeasurably augmented our cruising experience.

It’s been a remarkable time for us and you were part of it.

[JsMom2]

It really saddens me that Larry's selfless act, is being analyzed, as if there is some hidden ulterior motive.  He stepped down to save jobs...period!  Yes the shoreside staff was reduced by 26% overall within RCL.  However, Azamara only lost 4 total positions companywide.  Because of Larry!  

 

He took the hit, so the company could survive!  

 

And lets stop the nonsense about him selling stock in February.  It was at a record high, so it seems like anyone would consider selling at that point.   Accusing him of insider trading is disgusting!

[marinaro44]

14 minutes ago, JsMom2 said:

However, Azamara only lost 4 total positions companywide.  

Don't know what the source of this information might be, but to make the loyalty program ambassador one of only four layoffs is a real head-shaker.

[MakingUpForLostTime]

54 minutes ago, JsMom2 said:

It really saddens me that Larry's selfless act, is being analyzed, as if there is some hidden ulterior motive.  He stepped down to save jobs...period!  Yes the shoreside staff was reduced by 26% overall within RCL.  However, Azamara only lost 4 total positions companywide.  Because of Larry!  

 

He took the hit, so the company could survive!  

 

And lets stop the nonsense about him selling stock in February.  It was at a record high, so it seems like anyone would consider selling at that point.   Accusing him of insider trading is disgusting!

You said "He stepped down to save jobs...period! "

 

How do you know this?

[Ithikan]

17 hours ago, BBMacLaird said:

Thank you CAOceanfront for your kind words. 

Just to clarify, I was hired by Azamara and not RCL. I’ve not even met anyone from RCL but then I work remotely. It was Larry and Signe who hired me one day during a 2014 ship visit in San Francisco. I was escorted by Phillip, the Hotel Director, to the luncheon in Aqualina that afternoon. Between the three of them I was totally charmed. Of course you know, most of you do, that I worked previously with both Larry and Signe so it was an easy decision. I shall continue to do my best for all of you, and relay your concerns to senior management, which BTW, is NOT new. The COO position was created two years ago with much foresight, and everyone else has been in their role for many years. I have never seen a cruise line with less turnover. Azamara is in good hands.

Thanks for sharing this, Bonnie.  You've slipped a "behind the scenes" memory into this discussion and it brought a smile.  I've appreciated your work even before my own 'bicycle excursion imbroglio,' and that particular situation you handled decisively and with grace.  If you say Azamara continues now in good hands, I am inclined to believe.  Thank you, stay safe.

 

Teri

[BBMacLaird]

10 hours ago, uktog said:

Could not agree more. Where on earth do I get queries answered now because their call centre staff are absolutely useless.  I need clarification on an email Sandra sent me last week and now my three cruises are cancelled it is extremely important as it will determine the next step I take.  

 

Due to the circumstances of the pandemic, earlier this week Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. made the difficult decision to lay-off or furlough approximately 26 percent of their employees in the US.

I’d like to confirm that Azamara’s Loyalty Ambassador was not laid off; she was put on a leave of absence until Azamara resumes operations.

Azamara will continue to provide the help and support needed for their loyalty members, please continue to send any questions or concerns to loyalty@azamara.com. Given the circumstances, we appreciate your patience and support.

[marinaro44]

5 minutes ago, BBMacLaird said:

Send your inquiries to LoyaltyAmbassador@Azamara.com.

On the website it gives Loyalty@Azamara.com as the email address.  I just wrote there after cancelling six excursions that should have been credited back to my credit card but received emails confirming only three.

 

Which address is correct?

[BBMacLaird]

Just now, marinaro44 said:

On the website it gives Loyalty@Azamara.com as the email address.  I just wrote there after cancelling six excursions that should have been credited back to my credit card but received emails confirming only three.

 

Which address is correct?

The Loyalty@Azamara.com is the better email to use.

[MakingUpForLostTime]

28 minutes ago, BBMacLaird said:

The Loyalty@Azamara.com is the better email to use.

BTW: The loyalty team had been exceptional. I give so much thanks to Sandra for helping me to "push on the rope" of RCL. Sad that these front line employees who are doing so much for us have been axed. 

[JsMom2]

2 hours ago, MakingUpForLostTime said:

You said "He stepped down to save jobs...period! "

 

How do you know this?

It is well documented. 

[MakingUpForLostTime]

20 minutes ago, JsMom2 said:

It is well documented. 

Yes, I googled his "name" and "save jobs" and indeed he fell on his own sword for his former employees. Very honourable.

[need2cruisesoon]

11 years at the helm and Larry never saw a new ship build to put a stamp on his legacy....what a shame.

Edited April 17, 2020 by need2cruisesoon

[Andy]

24 minutes ago, need2cruisesoon said:

11 years at the helm and Larry never saw a new ship build to put a stamp on his legacy....what a shame.

 

The same thought crossed my mind today. I always hoped he would be the Master of Ceremonies at the naming ceremony, watching his dream come to reality. Sad.