Pimentel ran Seabourn from April 1992 and, when Carnival took over Cunard in 1998, he led both lines among other umbrella brands until leaving the company in 2001.
He recalls one of his “more interesting episodes” with what he describes as the “distinctly British” Cunard when he was “summoned” by the Queen to discuss plans for the delivery of Queen Mary 2.
“A lot of my British colleagues were nervous but I was more concerned about how you actually get into the palace – I mean, wheres the front door?” he chuckles. “As an American businessman, I couldnt really understand why, as Cunards owners, we couldnt do what we wanted, but my Brit colleagues said her majestys blessing would make things going forward easier. Plus, I could also ask her majesty to be the godmother, to which she agreed.”
It was during this period with Cunard the “Luxury Larry” title was bestowed by the UK travel trade, borne from Pimentels penchant for imparting tips to agents on how to sell to affluent clients. “I dont have that nickname in any other part of the world which is fun – it feels very British.”
After leaving Carnival, Pimentel partnered with Brynestad to launch SeaDream in 2002. Together, he recalls, they had “the worlds smallest cruise ship” so instead branded themselves as having “the worlds largest yacht”. It was establishing this product that informed Pimentels love of small-ship cruising.
After seven years running SeaDream, and approaching 60, you might imagine he was ready to soon sail off into the sunset, but Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd boss Richard Fain had other ideas.
Azamara was launched in 2007 after RCCL acquired two 30,277-ton Renaissance R-class ships (Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest). Pimentel was brought onboard two years later to head up the line.
From trademarking his “Destination Immersion” concept – staying longer in port, more overnights and night touring – to growing Azamara to a three-ship fleet with the arrival
of Pursuit last August, and now boasting the “industrys largest land offering”, Pimentel has been influential and, despite his decade-long tenure, feels like he is at the height of his powers.
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