PROMENADE DECK OBITUARY
Charles A. Robertson 1947 - 2020
Charles A. Robertson founded two cruise brands, owned a thriving shipyard and championed small-ship cruising and the US flag. He built small to provide a very personal level of service, asserting:. ‘One of the things people want and are willing to pay for is smallness.’
Robertson led Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines and Pearl Seas Cruises and owned Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland.
Next year American Cruise Lines will have 14 vessels. Add to that Pearl Seas Cruises’ Pearl Mist, for 15. Destinations span the Mississippi River, New England, Canada, the Great Lakes, the Pacific Northwest including the Columbia and snake Rivers and Alaska, the mid-Atlantic, US Southeast and the Panama Canal.
Robertson also worked hard for cruise ship access to Cuba and was very proud that Pearl Mist became one of the first to visit.
His small vessels are having a big impact on river and coastal towns and cities.
and the National Transportation Safety Board and was involved in drafting maritime legislation.
‘He was a giant to me,’ says Amy Powers, founder of MaineCruisePro, an industry consultancy. ‘We all thought the world of him in Maine.’
Robertson was known for his passion and hands-on approach. His style was working diligently in the background, not seeking the limelight.
He was a captain, airplane pilot, a champion sailor, chairman emeritus of Operation Sail and a trustee of the New York Yacht Club, where he was a force behind two America’s Cup syndicates.
Active in Cruise Lines International Association, he advocated for the rapidly expanding small-ship sector and provided valued insights into legislative issues. He served as an expert witness on maritime issues before congressional committees
P&O Cruises has selected Gary Barlow producer, musician, songwriter and member of British pop group Take That, as its new brand ambassador.
Barlow’s debut role will be as musical director of music bar The 710 Club on Iona. He will also perform at Iona’s naming celebration which kicks off IonaFest, a floating festival on a seven night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton on July 4, 2020.
Capt. Iain Dunderdale (right) was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) for services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Invergordon and for tourism in the Scottish Highlands. The 73 year- old Glasgow-born man moved to the Highlands in 1981 and worked for Port of Cromarty Firth promoting the lure of Loch Ness among other attractions to the cruise industry for more than 25 years.
He received the Seatrade Outstanding Achievement Award in 2015 for his advocacy in promoting Scotland’s growing cruise business.
seatrade-cruise.com
‘He was not afraid to compete with the major cruise lines and he provided unrivaled guest satisfaction on small ships that he built at his own yard,’ says Michael Crye, former CLIA evp and past president, International Council of Cruise Lines. ‘I am sure that he trained his sons well. He has left an excellent legacy for them. He will be missed by many.’
Robertson’s sons, in fact, were his proudest accomplishment. All three followed him into the business. The eldest, Charles B. Robertson (right), was appointed new ceo of American Cruise Lines.
Middle son Clark is involved in finance at the company and the youngest, Carter, is a director of sales and particularly active in the shipyard.
‘Our goal is to continue driving ahead with his vision,’ Charles said. ‘We want to keep building ships as fast as we can and increase innovation with each one.’
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ managing director Peter Deer and marketing and sales director Jackie Martin are behind the UK-based cruise line’s new brand strategy focusing on Small ships for a big world. The pair are pictured at London’s OXO Tower for a trade and media launch of its 2021-2022 itineraries, showcasing 224 destinations in 73 countries.
Seatrade Cruise Review 49
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