Carnival’s Newest Fun Ship Named in Dover On July 12

Multi-talented classical musician, singer and presenter Myleene Klass had a spectacular bottle-breaking “assist” from Royal Navy divers when she performed her first-ever Ship’s Godmother duties today by officially naming the 113,000 ton Carnival Splendor - the biggest passenger ship to sail from the Dover, England cruise port.
Ultra-fit Petty Officer Christian Rumming, 39, assisted by a Royal Navy dive team led by Lt. Ian Richardson, 34, was underwater near the bow of the Carnival Splendor when he heard a unique radio signal from Myleene Klass, playing live, Rod Stewart’s I am Sailing on the ship’s top Lido deck. PO Rumming let out some compressed air from his diving tanks and then personally climbed, in wet suit, safety harness and flippers, a 60-foot black marlin ascent rope to reach the Carnival Splendor’s name on the top of her bow. 
Instead of the usual bottle of French champagne, Rumming undertook Myleene’s command and smashed against the hull a bottle of the 1994 vintage Nyetimber English sparkling wine, chosen by Carnival to emphasize their selection of Britain to launch their largest and latest fun ship.
Carnival Splendor offers a comprehensive selection of restaurants, show-stopping entertainment, four swimming pools, a 5,500 sq ft children’s play area and Carnival’s largest ever floating spa featuring a thalassotherapy pool, thermal suite and 17 treatment rooms.
Exclusive video of the naming ceremony can be seen at www.carnival.com/splendor. 
                        
Lars Olsson Chosen As New Chairman Of Passenger Shipping Agency
The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) has announced that Lars Olsson, of Stena Line, will succeed Cunard Line’s president Carol Marlow as its new chairman. The announcement was made at the Association’s Annual General Meeting held in London earlier this month.
Olsson will lead the PSA, which is responsible for the promotion of travel by sea and has 37 cruise and 17 ferry members, for a two year term. Olsson was previously the PSA’s Ferry Section Chairman, a position that will be taken up by Simon Johnson of P&O Ferries. The Cruise Section chair is Peter Shanks from Carnival UK.

New Fire Regulations For Ship Balconies Now Into Effect
International Convention at Sea amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) to strengthen the fire protection arrangements in relation to cabin balconies on passenger vessels went into effect on July 1, 2008. The amendments were developed in response to the fire aboard the cruise ship Star Princess, while on passage between Grand Cayman and Montego Bay, Jamaica, in March 2006. The fire began on an external balcony and spread over several decks.
The amendments are aimed at ensuring that existing regulations 4.4 (Primary deck coverings), 5.3.1.2 (Ceilings and linings), 5.3.2 (Use of combustible materials) and 6 (Smoke generation potential and toxicity) are also applied to cabin balconies on new passenger ships.
For existing passenger ships, relevant provisions require that furniture on cabin balconies be of restricted fire risk unless fixed water spraying systems, fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems are fitted and that partitions separating balconies be constructed of non combustible materials, similar to the provisions for new passenger ships.
The SOLAS amendments will apply to ships for which the building contract is placed on or after July 1, 2008; or, in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid on or after 1 January 2009, or the delivery of which is on or after July 1, 2012.

NCL Announces Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the formation of the Partnership 2.0 Advisory Board, a group comprising 16 select travel agents from across the country who represent a cross-section of NCL’s travel partners.   Launched as part of its major travel partner initiative, Partnership 2.0, the board will meet periodically, providing feedback to NCL regarding new travel partner programs and advancements, along with suggestions for improving existing policies, communications and product delivery. “This advisory board plays a critical role in guiding NCL along the right path to future success, not only with our travel partners, but also with our guests,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. “The group serves as a sounding board where new ideas are formulated, tested and measured before they’re implemented.”
The Partnership 2.0 Advisory  Board is comprised of the following members: John Keen, CruiseDeals.com; Brad Anderson, America’s Vacation Center; Tom Coiro, Direct Line Cruises; Tom Baker, Cruisecenter.com; Emerson Hankammer, Vacations To Go; David Crooks, World Travel Holdings; Koreen McNutt, Expedia; John Lovell, Vacations.com; Makis Xenatos, Liberty Travel; Vicky Garcia, Cruise Planners; Dwain Wall, CruiseOne  and Cruises Inc; Anthony Hamawy, Cruise Ticket Center; Don Walker, WPMH Vacations; Marc Jacobs, The Cruise Line Ltd; Michael Drever, CruiseShip Centers; and Paul Bruzzese, Virtuoso.

Cruise West Ship Goes Aground In Alaska’s  Glacier Bay
Earlier this month Cruise West’s vessel, Spirit of Glacier Bay, touched bottom in Glacier Bay in the vicinity of Grand Pacific Glacier.  There was no compromise to the hull and no injuries to any of the 24 passengers or 27 crewmembers, nor any threat to marine life or the environment. Those onboard the ship safely transferred as a precautionary measure to the Glacier Bay National Park Service vessel, Fairweather II Express, where they continued onto Bartlett Cove and then onto Juneau where arrangements were made for their return to home.
As compensation, Cruise West is refunding guests 100 percent of their cruise fare; 50 percent cash and 50 percent future cruise credit. 
The Spirit of Glacier Bay refloated with the tide and sailed to Bartlett Cove under its own power, escorted by the 110-foot United States Coast Guard Cutter Liberty. Cruise West and United States Coast Guard Sector Juneau personnel are reviewing the ship and will make a decision as to the status of its next itinerary very shortly. “The safety of our guests is always our number one concern,” says Cruise West in a statement issued shortly after of the incident. “As such, we are currently in the process of working with the Coast Guard on a thorough Safety Management System Review. This entails a focused effort on the part of Cruise West, the Coast Guard, and an objective third party to gain any insights on how we can best continue to provide the safest product for our guests. We will continue to cooperate with the Coast Guard and seek their input as we work to provide the best possible cruise experience now and into the future.”
The ship formerly operated as the Spirit of Nantucket and Nantucket Clipper was built in 1984. She underwent minor refurbishing and was renamed and repositioned to Alaska this year, where twice a week the vessel runs cruises of Glacier Bay National Park, a 3.3-million acre marine park known for its spectacular glaciers and marine mammals.

First World Cruise Ever For ‘Sun Princess’ Out of Sydney
Princess Cruises’ superliner Sun Princess sailed away on the first world cruise ever to depart from Australia this month. The 77,000-ton Sun Princess departed from Sydney’s Circular Quay carrying about 1900 passengers on its 75-night Grand Pacific World Cruise, which will visit 29 ports in 17 countries. More than 80 per cent of passengers are from Australia and New Zealand and more than 75 per cent are taking the entire world cruise, reflecting growing interest among Australian passengers in longer voyages. “For decades, Australians have had to fly halfway around the world to join the start of a world cruise, said Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia. “It really marks a coming of age for the Australian cruise industry.”
Sun Princess will make maiden calls to 12 ports including Moorea in Tahiti, Christmas Island, Petropavlovsk in Russia, Osaka and Nagasaki in Japan and Shanghai and Hong Kong in China.

MSC Cruises Is Honored By Aluminum Recycling Consortium
MSC Cruises has been honored by an Italian consortium for its recycling efforts. Each year CiAl (Consorzio Nazionale per il Recupero e il Riciclo di Imballaggi in Alluminio) recognizes Italian City Councils that distinguish themselves by recycling and promoting environmental issues as they collect recycled material.
This year, in addition to honoring three City Councils, the consortium also recognized the MSC Cruises fleet, in its role as a “floating council’ with thousands of inhabitants that glides on the sea, safeguarding the environment within a controlled framework of development.
MSC Cruises entered into an agreement with CiAl in the spring of 2007 for a collection of the boxes storing large quantities of aluminium that had been collected between May to December 2007. The company collected more than 22,000 pounds of aluminium, which was subsequently picked up in the port of Genoa.

Carnival Corporation & Plc Declares Dividend
Carnival Corporation & plc has announced that it has declared a dividend of $0.40 per share. The boards approved a record date for the quarterly dividend of August 22, 2008, and a payment date of September 12, 2008.
Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock and Carnival plc ADSs will receive the dividend payable in U.S. dollars.  The dividend for Carnival plc ordinary shares will be payable in U.S. dollars or sterling.  In the absence of instructions or elections to the contrary, holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares will automatically receive the dividend in sterling. 
Dividends payable in sterling will be converted from U.S. dollars at the exchange rate quoted by the Bank of England in London at 12 noon on September 2, 2008.  Holders of Carnival plc ordinary shares wishing to receive their dividend in U.S. dollars or participate in the Carnival plc Dividend Reinvestment Plan must elect to do so by August 22, 2008.     
 
Cunard Presents National Symphony Orchestra 2008-2009 Red Series
Cunard Line is proud to announce a new partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), an artistic affiliate of Washington, D.C.’s famed Kennedy Center.  A highlight of the new alliance is the organization’s upcoming debut aboard Queen Mary 2 as featured guests of the acclaimed Cunard Insights program.  Six Kennedy Center Chamber Players and Nigel Boon, NSO director of artistic planning, will present programs (including three performances and three lectures) on the ship’s September 8, 2009 Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing.  In addition, Cunard is the presenting sponsor of the NSO’s 2008 - 2009 Red Series, a seven-performance classical series spanning from October 2008 to May 2009 featuring the finest artistic programming and guest artists from around the world.

Royal Caribbean To Hold Conference Call On Second Quarter Earnings
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has scheduled a conference call with analysts for 10 a.m. Eastern time, Tuesday, July 22, 2008, to discuss the company’s second quarter financial results.  The call can be listened to by all interested parties at the company’s investor relations web site, www.rclinvestor.com.  To listen to the call, please dial (877) 663-9606 in the US and Canada.  International phone calls should be made to (706) 758-4628.

Christian Sauleau Rejoins Silversea Cruises As Exec VP Fleet Operations
Christian Sauleau has rejoined Silversea Cruises as executive vice president of fleet operations, overseeing marine, technical, hotel, crewing, entertainment and land programs.  He reports to the company's CEO, Amerigo Perasso.  Sauleau was the line's senior vice president of operations in the mid-1990s, and was instrumental in developing the award-winning company's exceptional reputation for personalized service and hospitality.  He will be based in the Fort Lauderdale office.
Most recently, Sauleau was the executive vice president of operations at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, where he played an integral role in the expansion of their fleet, overseeing construction of new vessels.    His career also includes several years at Royal Viking Line in both shipboard and shoreside capacities.  As vice president of hotel operations at Royal Viking Line, he supervised purchasing, entertainment, shore programs and meet-and-greet services.

 

Fred.Olsen’s ‘Braemar’ Lengthening Completed
The two-month-long major refit and lengthening of Fred. Olsen’s cruise ship, Braemar was completed and she will resume her cruises out of Southampton UK.
 Braemar arrived at the Blohm + Voss Repair GmbH shipyard in Hamburg in Mayfor work to begin on inserting a new mid section into the vessel. The 31.2 meter section has increased the total passenger capacity from 727 to 968 with additional accommodations and balconies added in the refit.
The greatest addition to passenger facilities can be seen on Marquee Deck (Deck 8).  Braemar now boasts a brand new Observatory Lounge, with magnificent viewing facilities, in common with her sister ships Balmoral, Boudicca and Black Watch.  There is also a new dining facility, the Grampian Restaurant, and a completely transformed pool area, with two swimming pools, a dedicated children’s pool and pool bar to enhance life on deck.
Another new enhancement is the Morning Light Pub next to the Neptune Lounge on Lounge Deck (Deck 5)—Morning Light was the name of the largest fully rigged vessel owned by the Olsen family in the 19th century. Marketing director Nigel Lingard said: “By lengthening and enhancing Braemar we have created space to carry more passengers on one of our most popular ships, but have retained that ‘small ship’ friendly feeling. I am confident that our regular customers will be delighted with the improvements we have made and we also look forward to welcoming many new faces aboard Braemar in the coming months.“
Braemar originally sailed as the Crown Dynasty ,Norwegian Majesty, Crown Majesty, Cunard Dynasty and Crown Dynasty. Fred. Olsen acquired the ship in 2001 and renamed her Braemar.

Holland America Line Names ms Eurodam in Rotterdam on Tuesday, July 1
In a ceremony rich with pomp, circumstance and Dutch heritage, Holland America Line named ms Eurodam in its founding city of Rotterdam on July 1. Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands officially named the ship in front of the historic European

Queen Beatrix rings the ship bell to
signal the release of the champagne bottle
to be broken against the side of the ship.
headquarters of Holland America Line at Wilhelminakade, Rotterdam's cruise terminal.
"We are exceptionally honored to have Her Majesty Queen Beatrix as the godmother of this beautiful ship," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer, Holland America Line. "With tens of thousands of people coming out to see our newest ship, which will proudly fly the Dutch flag, it is really quite an emotional homecoming for all of us at Holland America Line."
The 2,104-guest ship, built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard is the 14th ship in the premium line's distinguished fleet and the first in its Signature-class series. Following its inaugural Europe season, the ship will sail its first trans-Atlantic cruise, followed by a series of Canada/New England sailings in the fall before deploying on Caribbean itineraries for the remainder of 2008. Watch for Shipsandcruises’ review of Eurodam in September.

Orient Lines Reborn Under New Ownership
Orient Lines, the destination cruise specialist founded by British cruise and tour entrepreneur Gerry Herrod in 1992, has now been acquired by another cruise industry visionary, Wayne Heller. Heller’s Origin Cruise Group LLC purchased the award-winning brand from Star Cruises Limited.
Heller is the founder of Orlando-based cruise retailer Cruises Only, which became the largest seller of cruises in North America. His great love for cruising fueled his desire to preserve Orient Lines and its unique destination-oriented worldwide itineraries.
Much like the former company’s beloved Marco Polo, the “new” Orient Lines plans to acquire vessels that are rich in history and character and that can carry 600 to 800 passengers in great comfort and safety to all seven continents. Moreover, the line’s hallmark cruise-tour product, which seamlessly incorporates pre- and/or post-cruise hotel stays and orientation sightseeing tours, distinguished guest lecturers and local cultural highlights, where possible, will be preserved. In the coming weeks we will announce our new flagship, followed by inaugural cruise itineraries and the senior management team,” said Heller. “As for details of the onboard product, consumers and travel agents can expect the same friendly and gracious service that has endeared legions of intrepid travelers to Orient Lines over the past 15 years.”
The cruise line will be interviewing candidates during July with plans to open its reservation center in August. Applications are currently being accepted for sales, reservations, passenger services and accounting departments. Additionally, Orient Lines is seeking sales managers for the following six territories: Northern California, Southern California, Texas, Midwest, NY/NJ and Southeast. Regional sales managers must have at least five years experience working a multi-state territory and selling worldwide destination travel products. Interested applicants should send a brief cover note and resume to Orient Lines HR Dept., P.O. Box 470275, Celebration, FL 34747; fax 407-566-0826 or HR@origincruisegroup.com .

Colin Veitch Resigns From Star Cruises’ Board Of Directors
Effective June 17, 2008. Colin Veitch resigned as an executive Director of the
ar Cruises Company. Veitch says he had no disagreement with the Board but that he wanted to concentrate more fully on his role as president and chief executive officer of NCL, a subsidiary of Star Crusies. Veitch received the sum of $10 million as part of a five-year, noncompetition agreement not to engage in businesses or employment that would compete against the business of Star Cruises.

 

NCL’s Norwegian Dawn In Dramatic Sea Rescue Of Sailing Ship

Norwegian Dawn, while sailing off the coast of Massachusetts and New York on Monday, June 30, 2008 on its way to Bermuda, answered two separate distress calls within twelve hours, rescuing two injured sailors from different boats in rough seas.
The first rescue, 210 miles off the coast of Cape Cod, Mass., involved the sailboat Patriot on its way back from Bermuda where it competed in a race.  One of Patriot's crew members was suffering from shock-like symptoms and needed to be evacuated immediately. Contacted by the United States Coast Guard since it was the closest ship to the sailboat, approximately 52 miles away, the ship quickly diverted course and made radio contact with Patriot. The Coast Guard had already deployed an aircraft to provide additional support for the rescue operation.
Norwegian Dawn Captain Trygve Vorren skillfully maneuvered the 965-foot cruise ship along side the 40-foot sailboat and ordered a small rescue boat lowered.  Despite winds up to 35 knots and waves up to fifteen feet, a three-person rescue team from Norwegian Dawn was able to embark the ill sailor without difficulty.  He was treated for dehydration by the ship’s doctor.
Within twelve hours of rescuing the first sailor, Captain Vorren was notified of another, potentially more serious, injury on the sailboat Misty approximately 260 miles south of Montauk, NY.  A male crew member aboard the Misty sustained a head injury and was loosing consciousness.  Once again, Norwegian Dawn was the closest ship, approximately 32 nautical miles away.  With winds gusting up to 33 knots and 20-foot swells, Norwegian Dawn located the vessel, lowered a rescue boat with the same three crew members manning it and took the injured sailor onto the ship where he received immediate medical attention, including five stitches to the forehead.
A video of Patriot in rough seas available from the US Coast Guard at
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=317911

Destination Specialists Can Win Two Free Cruises For Two In Hawaii
To help introduce its new luxury adventure Hawaii product to agents who specialize in travel to the islands, American Safari Cruises will award two free inter-island cruises for two for the 2009 inaugural season aboard the company's new 145-foot, 36-guest flagship mega-yacht, the Safari Explorer. Eight-day, seven-night inter-island cruises between the Big Island and Maui begin Dec. 19 and run through early May 2009. "We have a new way to see the Hawaiian islands," says Tim Jacox, vice president of sales and marketing. "And our product is so different that even travelers who think they've already 'done' Hawaii, will find this a totally new experience. That's why Hawaii specialists will benefit from knowing about us."            
The itineraries follow the routes less traveled, spending the night at anchor, meeting and learning from the locals, snorkeling and diving, and searching for wildlife. The captain and many of the crew hail from Hawaii and have extensive knowledge of the islands.
The drawing for the two cruises, valued at $10,390 each for two couples (not including airfare), is open to accredited Hawaii destination specialists who participate in one of two 90-minute Web-based presentations on the new Hawaii product. Seminars are scheduled for July 17 at 11 am on July 22 at 1 pm. Participants from both sessions will be entered into the drawing on July 23 and the winning agents will be notified that day. They will receive confirmation of their mariner stateroom 90 days prior to departure.
To register for the seminars, agents should visit www.amsafari.com,; go to the Travel Agent section and follow the normal reservation process, then specify one of the two presentations that are available only to Hawaii destination specialists. Information: 888/862-8881.

NCL’s Norwegian Sky Returns To Miami For Short Cruises
NCL’s Norwegian Sky returns to Miami and will begin sailing three and four-day Bahamas cruises on Monday, July 14, 2008.  The ship recently underwent a two-month wet dock in Freeport, Bahamas and now features a casino and NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 enhancements, the company’s fleet-wide initiative to further improve the guest experience across all guest touch points from food and beverage to staterooms. “NCL pioneered the first Bahamas cruise from Miami more than 41 years ago and last had a ship in the three and four-day cruise market from Miami in 2003. By reintroducing Norwegian Sky and positioning the ship in Miami sailing short cruises to the Bahamas, we are returning to our roots,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO. 

June 26, 2008

New Rand Study Finds Increase In Piracy At Sea

More news at:
Cruise Itineraries News & offers
Expedition/Eco Itineraries & News
River News
New Ships
Cruise Ports
CLIA

 

‘MS Eurodam Officially Delivered To Holland America Line
Holland America Line and its parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, officially accepted delivery of its newest ship, ms Eurodam, in a formal handover ceremony near Venice, Italy, on June 16.  The 2,104-guest ship, built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, is the 14th ship in the premium line’s distinguished fleet and the first in its Signature-class series.  
The Eurodam will arrive in Southampton, England, on June 27 to begin a series of introductory events for past guests, travel sellers, media and local officials.  She then sails to her homeport, Rotterdam, arriving June 29 for three days of festivities including a naming ceremony with Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands officially dedicating the ship on July 1.

Royal Caribbean & NCL Reveal Latest Innovations On Their Futuristic Megaships
Steeped in a philosophy that innovation and imagination contribute to a remarkable cruise vacation, Royal Caribbean once again raised the bar with the announcement of the latest amenities on its first Genesis Class ship, Oasis of the Seas at a press gathering in New York this month. 
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) also revealed to a media gathering in Las Vegas its vision for the future of nighttime experiences at sea designed specifically for its two next generation of Freestyle Cruising ships, yet unnamed but for now known as the F3 Project, set to debut in 2010.  From Riviera chic and Ibiza style to Miami trendy and Vegas flair, the nightclubs on NCL’s new F3 ships will create never-before-seen experiences at sea and feature multiple uses for day or night, along with exclusive, adult-only venues. Click New Ships for the details.

Gambling To Be Allowed On Cruise Ships While Docked At Bermuda Ports
The Bermuda government announced this month that cruise ships will be allowed to open late-night casinos in port after the Bermuda Cabinet approved a plan aimed at fighting off increasing competition from rival cruise destinations. Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown announced the decision in the House of Assembly as one of a number of alterations to cruise ship legislations. According to the Bermuda paper The Royal Gazette, the Premier said ships would now be allowed to open bars and signature shops and "provide full entertainment inclusive of the opening of casinos after 10 p.m. while in port".
He also added that cruise lines would in return be required to contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to on-Island activities such as the Bermuda Music Festival and Harbour Nights.
Opinion over gambling has long divided the Island, and the recent decision most likely exacerbate opposition to gambling on board the ships—a move that could possibly open the way to gambling being allowed on the island in local venues.
As well as allowing casinos on cruise ships, the Bermuda Cabinet has also approved a proposal to waive the $14 ship cabin tax for Hamilton and St. George's for three years from 2009.
Dr. Brown is reported as saying that the Norwegian Cruise Line has committed to pay $150,000 a year to the Bermuda Music Festival and provide entertainers for Harbour Nights in Hamilton, produce an on-Island dining brochure distributed to all its cruise guests, and donate a total of $275,000 to the Bermuda Heritage Museum and St. George's Foundation. Negotiations are underway with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
But dissenters point out that the decision raises legal issues since Bermuda outlaws gaming houses. “It also raises the question of double-standards since the Government moved aggressively a few years ago to shut down the use of gaming machines around the Island," said an opposition leader.

Hurtigruten Pulls Ship From Antarctica
The Nordnorge is being redeployed from Antarctica to service the Norway coast this season. The move was made to supplement the Hurtigruten fleet of 11 ships that service the Norway Coast on the Coastal Voyage itineraries. The company is selling one of the coastal vessels but as this time, no decision has been made as to which ship will leave the fleet. All passengers affected by this schedule change are offered a switch to the expedition ship Fram or a refund. 

Cunard Line Partners with The Royal Astronomical Society
Cunard has announced a new partnership with The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) onboard its trio of famed luxury ocean liners, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and QE2. Poised to become a highlight of Cunard Insights, the Line's award-winning enrichment program, the RAS partnership begins this summer with RAS Fellows joining 15 voyages on such popular itineraries as Queen Mary 2's transatlantic Crossings and Caribbean voyages, and Queen Victoria's Mediterranean sailings. RAS will offer custom night sky displays of constellations and star navigation instruction, and highlight astronomical points of interest using the SkyScan software in the only planetarium at sea onboard Queen Mary 2. Nighttime Star Parties on deck, informal discussion groups and formal lectures with leading astronomers, will also be distinguishing features of this first-at-sea program.

Spa Chef Jacky Oberti To Host Wellness Culinary Program For Silversea Guests
Silversea Cruises, through its partnership with Monte Carlo's Societe des Bains de Mer, has lined up renowned spa chef Jacky Oberti to host a wellness culinary program aboard Silver Whisper's July 5, Athens-to-Venice cruise.
Chef Oberti presides over the kitchens of L'Hirondelle, the gourmet restaurant at Les Thermes Marins, the celebrated spa and fitness center that serves the well-heeled guests of both the Hotel Hermitage and the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo.  At L'Hirondelle, Oberti, a trained nutritionist and native of southern France, uses only the freshest local ingredients to serve up a healthy, low-calorie cuisine with a delicious Mediterranean flair.
Oberti will present his unique gastronomic style and cooking methods in the ship's demonstration culinary theater.  Custom-designed by Viking Range Corporation, the theater is equipped with state-of-the-art induction stove, sophisticated convection-microwave oven and Viking professional-caliber cookware, cutlery and countertop appliances -- plus a large rear projection screen so guests can easily view different cooking techniques and utensils.  

US Maritime Administration Sells Two Cruise Ships       
The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration has sold two small cruise vessels, the Cape May Light and the Cape Cod Light, to Voyager Owner, LLC, and Discover Owner, LLC, respectively.  The new owners are Delaware limited liability companies located in Florida. The Maritime Administration took possession of the two ships after their original owners, subsidiaries of American Classic Voyages, defaulted on loans that the Maritime Administration had guaranteed.
The ships will be registered in the United States, and the new owners plan to sail them under US registry.

NCL University First To Offer Up To 15 CLIA Credits Online
Continuing its commitment to Partnership 2.0, NCL Corporation (NCL) announced that it has launched NCL University (NCL U), the first-of-its-kind online travel partner networking and education community, where travel partners can earn Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) credits, become certified in NCL’s Freestyle Cruising, get the latest information on NCL cruises, share selling tips and compare success stories via online classes, videos and blogs.  Travel partners can access NCL U by logging on to www.ncluniversity.com. “With the youngest fleet in the industry delivering the enhancements of NCL’s Freestyle 2.0; with the business efficiency of Partnership 2.0 kicking in; and with the sleek, futuristic innovations of the F3 ships on the horizon; travel partners will discover that a brand new NCL is here,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO, who also serves as the chancellor for NCL U.  “It is more important than ever for NCL to provide a valuable resource to our travel partners 24/7 and NCL U allows them to stay connected, learn more about us and also interact with each other.”
NCL U is the only online travel partner education site offered by a cruise line that allows partners to earn up to15 CLIA credits toward ACC and MCC certification by completing the course, as well as earn Freestyle Certification.  The program was developed in coordination with Dr. Marc Mancini, the person behind many of the industry's biggest training programs.
In addition to education opportunities, NCL U also offers travel partners an online community where they can post their profiles, read a blog written by NCL executives and pose questions to experts.  As travel partners experience the site, they can also earn points and participate in contests to win prizes and giveaways such as free cruises, Nintendo Wii games and more. 

Resident Artist And Photographer Program Debuts Aboard Silversea Expeditions
Silversea Expeditionss kicked off its new Resident Artist and Photographer Program aboard Prince Albert II's June 12 inaugural sailing from London to Tromso, featuring Sharon K. Schafer as its first artist in residence. 
Camille Seaman has been selected as the resident photographer for the following series of expeditions, starting from Tromso on June 30 and concluding in New York on August 25.  Seaman is an award-winning photographer best known for her evocative polar images. Her work has been exhibited and published in magazines internationally.  She often teaches workshops on photography and self-publishing. "We're launching this program to further enhance the expedition experience for our guests," said Conrad Combrink, Silversea's director of expeditions. "We're thrilled to be able to welcome such high-caliber talent as Ms. Schafer and Ms. Seaman to our expedition team for these voyages."
As a host of the Resident Artist and Photographer Program, Seaman will lead art and photography workshops and lectures aboard Prince Albert II and accompany guests ashore to share their unique perspectives.  On field explorations, they will offer expert guidance and share tips on photographic strategies for capturing the beauty and essence of the natural world.  Using a camera and hydrophone, they will record the fascinating underwater environment and share these images with guests during special evening presentations.
The photographers will also photograph and videotape each expedition.  Guests will receive a complimentary collection of these photos on a CD.  A special DVD will be available for sale containing a digital slide show, interactive map and video footage of the voyage.  All of the proceeds from the sale of the DVDs will be contributed to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to support their work in environmental conservation.

P&O And Aker Yards Sign Letter of Intent To Build Largest Channel Ferries
Aker Yards and P&O Ferries have signed a letter of intent for building two large car-passenger ferries. The total contract price for both vessels would be approximately 360 million euros. The vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2010 and 2011 respectively
Becoming the largest ferry in the English Channel means a 49,000 gross-ton vessel with the length of 210 meters, could carry 1,500 passengers and have 2,700 lane meters of vehicle space.
P&O Ferries is a new customer to Aker Yards, but they are operating four vessels built by the company, so they have already solid experience of our products.
 Aker Yards, Cruise & Ferries, consisting of three yards in Finland and two in France, has today a total of 13 passenger vessels in the order book, six of which are ferries.
As one of the world's two largest cruise ship builders and the leading ferry builder, the

NCL Offers Flexible Freestyle Cruise Rewards Program
In line with Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Freestyle Cruise Rewards program offers freedom and flexibility for both guests and travel partners, making it unique and unmatched within the cruise industry.
While sailing on an NCL ship, guests can book a future NCL cruise with a one time $250 refundable deposit that holds the entire stateroom and instantly earn a $100 on-board credit to use on their current cruise. Freestyle Cruise Rewards allows guests the opportunity to secure a stateroom on a future cruise and sail whenever and wherever they want without having to choose a specific ship, sailing date or stateroom category and without having to provide guest names.
Freestyle Cruise Rewards are transferable and available in four world currencies – the British pound, the Euro, and the Canadian and US dollar.  By purchasing a Freestyle Cruise Reward, guests have 12 months to book the cruise and 30 months to sail.
For travel partners, Cruise Rewards make booking easier and more efficient.  Travel partners are notified when one of their clients books a Freestyle Cruise Reward on board. When the guest is ready to finalize their plans, they can have their travel professional confirm the reservation.  Travel partners will receive full commission on the reservation.

New York’s Circle Line Introduces Cocktail Cruises
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises has introduced "New Yorkers for New York" happy-hour cruises that will also raise money for a local charity. This weekly trip is designed for locals, with a hometown cause and two bars serving summer cocktails. The cruises will board at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 18 through Aug. 27 and sail from 6 to 8 p.m. The $27 ticket price includes one complimentary cocktail or other beverage, and a $5 donation to Food Bank For New York City. The Food Bank for New York City procures and distributes food through more than 1,000 emergency and community food programs, assisting the approximately 1.3 million New Yorkers who access emergency food. Later this year, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises will introduce its first-ever new vessel to its 63-year-old fleet. Circle is planning a christening ceremony on Sept. 17. For more information, call 212-563-3200 or visit www.CircleLine42.com.

Last US Liberty Ship May Go To Greece
US Maritime Administrator Sean T. Connaughton signed a Memorandum of Understanding with representatives of the Government of Greece this month to pursue an agreement to transfer the Liberty ship Arthur M. Huddell to the Greek government for use as a museum. The World War II-era Huddell is the last Liberty ship in the Maritime Administration's fleet. It is currently moored in the James River Reserve Fleet site at Fort Eustis, Virginia. "It is great to be able to save a bit of history from both our nations," said Connaughton. "This ship is a symbol of the friendship as well as mutual maritime interests linking Greece and the United States."
American shipyards built 2,751 Liberty ships during World War II, in the largest shipbuilding effort in history. Liberty ships crewed by merchant mariners carried troops and military cargo all over the world. The building and sailing of the Liberty ships, and their successors, the Victory Ships, were overseen by the U.S. Maritime Commission and the War Shipping Agency, both predecessor agencies of today's Maritime Administration. After World War II, Greek shipowners purchased many Liberty ships to build up their fleet. The Greek merchant fleet is now considered the largest in the world.
Two other Liberty ships formerly in the Maritime Administration's National Defense Reserve Fleet, the John W. Brown and the Jeremiah O'Brien, are currently operating as museum ships. While other redesigned and repurposed Liberty ships remain in service, none remain in service in the form they had in World War II. Nonetheless, their use was once so common that the term "Liberty-size cargo," meaning 10,000 tons, may still be heard in the shipping business. 

P&O Cruises To Partner With Sit Down Comedy Club
P&O Cruises/Australia aims to have its passengers rolling in the aisles – with laughter – thanks to an exclusive partnership with the Sit Down Comedy Club, which will bring some of Australia’s most talented comedians onboard to join its entertainment line-up in 2008. The move represents the first time the cruise line has partnered with an outside comedy company to bring the intimate experience of true comedy club-style entertainment onboard.
P&O Cruises launched the late night comedy program on Pacific Dawn this month, transforming The Dome nightclub into an intimate comedy club-style venue to allow passengers to interact with well-known funny man Mark McConville.
Held on select cruises on Pacific Dawn throughout 2008, the comedy club nights will also launch on Pacific Sun in September.
As an added bonus, once they return to dry land passengers will receive free entry to any Sit Down Comedy Club in Queensland and northern New South Wales and the Laugh Garage in Parramatta on presentation of their P&O Cruises Australia cruise card.

Deilmann Cruises & Great Rail Journeys Expand Joint Efforts On River Trips
Peter Deilmann Cruises and Great Rail Journeys are expanding co-operation with a 2009 brochure that includes rail travel to connect with European river trips. The program combines first-class rail travel with cruises starting in Lyon, Paris, Prague, Potsdam, Amsterdam and Basel. More than 25 departure dates between April and October are featured with fares starting at £1,375. Julian Appleyard, product development manager at Great Rail Journeys, pointed out that cruising through rail trips are becoming popular. The partnership with Peter Deilmann Cruises will ensure that Great Rail Journeys are able to further develop this growing area of our business, he added. 

UK Celebrity Myleene Klass Chosen As Godmother For ‘Carnival Splendor’
British celebrity Myleene Klass, a chart-topping musician, singer and television personality, is to be godmother of the new Carnival Splendor and officially name the newest Fun Ship of the world’s largest cruise line in Dover, England on July 10, 2008. At 113,300 tons and carrying up to 4,914 passengers, the Carnival Splendor will be the largest passenger ship ever to sail from the Kent port chosen for this summer’s UK inaugural voyage departures.
The naming ceremony will also mark another first with Carnival emphasizing its choice of Britain to launch the Carnival Splendor by dispensing with, for the first time ever, the traditional champagne and using the highly acclaimed Nyetimber English Sparkling wine to smash against the hull.
Myleene Klass is a classically trained musician and singer who has achieved enormous success on both the pop and classical charts in the U.K.  She is also a tremendously popular TV presenter who has hosted numerous high profile British TV shows and currently hosts “The Screening Room” on CNN International, as well as the British radio program Classic FM Breakfast Show. 

NCL Announces Latest Enhancement To Partnership 2.0
NCL Corporation (NCL) announced that it has put into place an electronic co-op marketing reimbursement plan, “e co-op,” which further expands Partnership 2.0, the company’s major travel partner initiative that was announced in December.
Partnership 2.0 involves major changes to the way NCL does business to strengthen its relationships with travel partners, at all levels. The initiative has been driven by quantitative and qualitative feedback from travel partners and has been enabled by Apollo’s billion dollar investment in NCL and Star Cruises continued commitment and vision.
The “e co-op” plan now automates marketing reimbursement contracts, back-up and check processing, in turn creating a trackable, efficient and paperless process.  This plan allows co-op reimbursements to be paid five weeks earlier than in the past.  This time can be cut shorter if the travel partner opts to receive funds electronically (begins mid-summer).  “This innovation revolutionizes the old co-op model, allowing our valued travel partners to receive their co-op payments in a timelier manner,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO.  “This key upgrade to our Partnership 2.0 initiative shows how committed we are to the ongoing enhancement of our travel partner’s experience with NCL.”
Partnership 2.0 enhancements completed and implemented to date include:
-- Resolution Desk: comprised of a cross-functional team with diverse backgrounds who are fully empowered to resolve travel partner issues or concerns.
-- Group Commissions: NCL is processing group commissions five weeks earlier with processing commencing seven days prior to sailing.
-- Reservation Agent Knowledge:  All NCL reservation agents have received additional training on policies, pricing, promotions and products.
--Improved Credit Card Policies:

Hebridean International Cruises joins ACE
Hebridean International Cruises has joined the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE). As part of the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), ACE is dedicated to providing expert cruise training and support for travel agents.  Membership will allow Hebridean International Cruises to further enhance its promotion, highlighting their exclusive features and distinguishing attributes, to ACE’s database of 7000 agents through their education, training and marketing programs.
Setting the benchmark for luxury cruising since 1989 Hebridean International Cruises features some of the finest journeys around the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Africa, Indian Ocean and Western Islands of Scotland on one of two small, five star luxury cruise ships – Hebridean Spirit and Hebridean Princess. Guests enjoy the highest standards of luxury cruise ship accommodation on a truly all-inclusive basis, together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era. 
In-line with their recently launched Private View positioning, Hebridean International Cruises have introduced flights onboard their private charter from the new private Inflite Terminal at Stansted – a service no other cruise company currently offers. 

NCL To Offer Nintendo’s Wii Fit™ On Its Ships
Norwegian Cruise Line continues its successful partnership with Nintendo of America Inc. by getting physical at sea with the highly anticipated a revolutionary new fitness game on Wii™ designed to make fitness fun. Wii Fit will be available fleet-wide on NCL’s 12 Freestyle Cruising ships for play in the atrium on two-story high video screens, on most ships, as well as other areas on board.  Instruction will be led by NCL crew, trained by Nintendo, who will also facilitate contests and tournaments to encourage active participation.
Wii Fit utilizes the Wii Balance Board™, a new accessory that connects wirelessly to the Wii console, which serves as the centerpiece for more than 40 fun activities across four fitness categories: Yoga, Aerobics, Strength Training and Balance Games. Helpful virtual trainers coach users through the different activities and make suggestions for improvement.

Gray Line of Seattle Adds Second Open Top Coach City Tour Route
Gray Line, based in Seattle—a key cruise hub on the Pacific Coast— is adding a second open top coach. Gray Line’s Double Decker fleet now consists of two open top and two closed top Double Deckers that circulate on the popular hop-on, hop-off city tour. “Demand for the Double Decker tour is strong because it’s a convenient way to tour the city on your own schedule,” said Josh Krohn, Gray Line of Seattle’s tour manager. “People enjoy sitting outside on the open deck in all weather. It provides a great perspective of the city.”
Visitors can tour the city at their own pace by hopping on and off the coach at their choice of locations.  The Double Decker coaches circulate among seven central locations in Seattle: the downtown shopping district (Sheraton Hotel), Warwick Hotel in Belltown, Seattle Center/Experience Music Project (EMP)/Space Needle, Bell Street Pier/ Odyssey, Seattle Waterfront/ Argosy Cruises/Tillicum Village, Pioneer Square and Pike Place Market.
Tickets for the city tour can be purchased on the bus, online at www.graylineofseattle.com  or Gray Line’s sales locations around the city, including the new tour desk in the lobby of the Space Needle.  Tickets are $19 for an adult and $9.50 for children. Advance reservations are not required. Tours run between 9:00am and 6:00pm every day. A ticket is good for two consecutive days giving visitors time to explore all the sights at a leisurely pace.  The entire narrated loop takes one hour. For a route map of the Double Decker tour, visit http://www.graylineseattle.com/pdf/DD_map_web.pdf .
Gray Line of Seattle is operated by Holland America Line.

Carnival Corporation & Plc Reports Second Quarter 2008 Earnings
Carnival Corporation & plc reported net income of $390 million, or $0¬.49 diluted EPS, on revenues of $3.4 billion for its second quarter ended May 31, 2008. Net income for the second quarter of 2007 was $390 million, or $0.48 diluted EPS, on revenues of $2.9 billion.
Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman and CEO Micky Arison said that second quarter results were better than the guidance provided in March 2008 due primarily to stronger than expected revenue yields and lower than expected cruise costs.             “Our North American and European brands continue to perform well in the current difficult economic environment and we were pleased with our second quarter results. We enjoyed strong revenue growth supported by solid cost controls, however higher fuel prices cost the company $158 million, or $0.19 per share, during the quarter,” Arison said.
Key metrics for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year were as follows:
-- Net revenue yield (revenue per available lower berth day) for Q2 2008 increased 7.3 percent (3.7 percent on a constant dollar basis). Gross revenue yields increased 7.6 percent.
-- Excluding fuel, net cruise cost per available lower berth day (“ALBD”) for Q2 2008 decreased 1.1 percent on a constant dollar basis primarily due to lower selling and administrative costs.
-- Including fuel, net cruise costs per ALBD increased 10.8 percent (7.2 percent on a constant dollar basis). Gross cruise costs per ALBD increased 10.3 percent.
-- Fuel price increased 59 percent to $530 per metric ton for Q2 2008 from $333 per metric ton, and was in line with the company’s March 2008 guidance of $528 per metric ton.
During the second quarter, the company successfully introduced AIDA Cruises’ 2,050-passenger AIDAbella in Germany and P&O Cruises’ 3,076-passenger Ventura in the UK, as part of its planned strategy of expansion in the European marketplace.
Occupancy levels for advance bookings for the next twelve months are in line with the prior year, with ticket prices for these bookings at higher levels. “Despite the current difficult economic environment, our booking trends continue to be solid. Consumers continue to plan leisure travel but appear more cost conscious placing greater emphasis on finding more economical options. A cruise vacation is an attractive alternative for those seeking the most value for their vacation dollar,” said Arison. “However, the impact of skyrocketing fuel prices on our operating results has overshadowed the revenue yield improvement we have experienced.” 
Primarily as a result of changes in currency exchange rates, the company now forecasts a 4.5 to 5.5 percent improvement in net revenue yields for the full year 2008 compared to 2007, versus March 2008 guidance of an increase of 5.5 to 6.5 percent.
The company continues to expect net cruise costs excluding fuel for the full year 2008 to be down slightly on a constant dollar basis, although it expects a modest increase in cruise costs for the remainder of the year compared to the previous guidance. However, based on current spot prices for fuel, forecasted fuel costs have increased $224 million, or $0.27 per share, since the previous March guidance. For the full year 2008 fuel expense is now forecast to increase by $752 million compared to 2007, which reduces full year 2008 earnings by $0.92 per share. Taking all the above factors into consideration, the company now forecasts full year 2008 earnings per share to be in the range of $2.70 to $2.80 compared to its previous guidance of $3.00 to $3.20.
For the third quarter of 2008, net revenue yields are expected to increase approximately 4.0 percent (approximately 1.0 percent on a constant dollar basis). Net cruise costs excluding fuel for the third quarter 2008 are expected to be up modestly on a constant dollar basis. Based on current spot prices for fuel, third quarter 2008 fuel expense is expected to increase by $241 million compared to 2007, which reduces earnings by $0.30 per share. As a result, the company expects earnings for the third quarter of 2008 to be in the range of $1.56 to $1.58 per share, down from $1.67 per share in 2007.

Cruise Lines Continue To Increase Fuel Surcharges
With no immediate end in sight for escalating fuel charges, several cruise lines have increased the fuel surcharges charged passengers. The latest include
Voyages of Discovery—For all summer and fall 2008 and winter 2008/09 cruises, a $15 per person surcharge will apply to all new booking effective no. The surcharge is capped at 28 nights. This is the second increase in two months for the cruise line.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced that, due to the rising cost of fuel, it has become necessary to increase the current fuel surcharge on all new bookings for cruises departing up to and including 16th April 2009 made on or after 10th June 2008.   Bookings confirmed prior to that date will not be affected. The supplement will be £5.00 per person per night for the first two occupants of a cabin, and £2.00 per person per night for the 3rd and 4th occupants of the cabin. The supplement will be capped at a maximum of £90.00 per person per cruise.
Crystal Cruises has hiked its fuel surcharge by $5, to $12 per passenger, per day, starting with all new bookings made on or after June 23.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced a new fuel supplement on cruises from summer onwards featured in its new 2009/2010 first edition brochure. This charge will be £4.00 per person per night for the first two passengers in a cabin, up to a maximum charge of £80 per cruise; and £2.00 per person per night for third and fourth passengers in the cabin up to a maximum charge of £40 per person per cruise. The supplement will apply to all new bookings on cruises featured in the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Worldwide 2009/2010 first edition brochure (with the exception of cruises also featured in the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Worldwide 2008/2009 3rd edition brochure, which will maintain the £5.00 per person per night supplement). This charge will be effective from July 1 and will apply to all new bookings. Potential customers are therefore urged to confirm their bookings before July 1 in order to avoid this increased charge.    

Onboard Airline Check-in Service Adds Convenience To a Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line is offering guests a hassle-free vacation experience by providing extra services, such as Disney's Magical Express, that help eliminate some of the stresses of family travel. Now guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line find that their vacation experience has been made even easier with the introduction of Onboard Airline Check-In. This service will allow qualified guests to check-in for their post-cruise flights while on board the Disney Magic or Disney Wonder, eliminating the need to do so at Orlando International Airport.
Guests participating in Onboard Airline Check-In enjoy the ease and convenience of not having to collect their luggage upon debarkation--checked luggage is transported directly from the ship to the guest's flight. While on their cruise, guests' boarding passes are delivered to their staterooms the day prior to disembarkation. Upon the ship's return to Port Canaveral, participating guests can proceed directly to Customs and then to Orlando International Airport where they bypass check-in and continue straight to airport security and on to their assigned departure gate.
In order to take advantage of this service, guests need to meet certain requirements and be booked on a domestic flight on one of seven participating air carriers: AirTran Airways, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, or United Airlines/Ted. Eligible guests are able to enroll for Onboard Airline Check-in by completing pre-registration information received at Orlando International Airport or one of the Disney Cruise Line Hospitality Desks at the Walt Disney World Resort and turning it in during check-in at Port Canaveral.

Seabourn Names Master Of Newbuild ‘Seabourn Odyssey’
The Yachts of Seabourn’s has announced the the Master of its Seabourn Odyssey, which will debut in 2009, will be Captain Karlo Buer.  Captain Buer will be assigned to duty at the Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy in early 2009, where he will supervise his senior officers as they familiarize themselves with the state-of-the-art vessel during its completion. On delivery, he will assume command of the yacht, steering Odyssey through its launch and into its maiden season. “We are delighted to place Seabourn's newest vessel in the hands of such a talented and experienced master, and anticipate smooth yachting for the Odyssey under Captain Buer's command," said Pamela Conover, president and CEO of Seabourn.
A native of Oslo, Norway, Buer first went to sea on freighters in 1970 at the age of 16, on a whim. He has worked for various cruise lines over the years including Royal Viking Line and Exploration Cruise Line.
Buer joined Seabourn in 1989 as the supervising captain on the construction of the fleet's second yacht, Seabourn Spirit. When the vessel launched, he took a shoreside job in Seabourn's Oslo office for a year or so, and then returned to sea as captain of the Spirit beginning in the summer of 1991. He has subsequently captained Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Legend.

Seatrade To Hold All-Asia Conference & Exhibition In Shanghai This October
The Port of Shanghai will host the Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention in October at its International Cruise Terminal. The three-day event will be held October 23 to 25, 2008. The theme will be the emergence of Asia as the next major growth area for cruises, not only by providing new destinations for passengers in the West, but also by becoming a source of cruisers.
With a population of almost 4 billion, Asia stretches from Turkey in the west to Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsular in the east and beyond, spanning 11 time zones from one end to the other. Fold in Asia Pacific as well, and in area, it is almost double the size of all the leading cruise theaters together.
Asia has traditionally been a seasonal cruise market running from September to April, with operators looking to base their ships elsewhere during the European winter. Exotic Asian ports are also a popular draw on world voyages which are currently experiencing a renaissance. Deployment of dedicated vessels in the region is driving growth and sustainability.
The Seatrade All Asia Cruise Convention will examine the needs of the cruise ships operating in the region, from supply to ship repair and discussing Asia’s future potential in cruise ship building and conversion. Accompanying the conference will be an  exhibition for the trade (October 23-24) and the general public (October 25). Ports, destinations, tourist boards, cruise ship suppliers and shipbuilders will be showcasing their latest offerings in the brand new, state of the art Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. Website: http://www.seatrade-global.com/Asia_Cruise_convention/index.html

Costa Beats Last Year’s Historic “One Million” Booking Mark By Five Weeks  Costa says that it has beat last year’s historic record of booking one million guests five weeks earlier in 2008 than in 2007. The record was reached on June 10, 2008, exactly 37 days earlier than in 2007 when Costa booked its millionth guest of the year on July 17. The achievement was a first for the company, which had never carried as many guests in a 12-month period over its 60 year history and is a record for the European cruise industry as a whole.
Costa expects to end 2008 with a 6 percent increase of total guests compared to the 1,100,000 who took a Costa cruise in 2007. This rise is in line with the extra capacity offered this year (and generated by the year-long availability of the flagship Costa Serena, which entered service in May 2007). The company’s next objective is to reach 1.5 million total guests in 2010, which amounts to growth in excess of 35 percent in just three years. This prestigious new goal is supported by a major fleet-expansion program, comprising five new ships due for delivery by 2012, all built in Italy by Fincantieri and entailing a total investment worth 2.4 billion euros.  The addition of these new ships will lead to a 50 percent increase in the capacity of the fleet, which will be 17-strong by 2012 with berths for 46,400 guests. This expansion is also mirrored by the exclusive new itineraries introduced by Costa, the first operator in the world to market cruises in the Far East with departures from China, in the UAE from Dubai and in the Indian Ocean with departures from Mauritius.

Daniel Thiriet Appointed To Seachefs
Daniel Thiriet, long term Managing Director of Scylla Tours AG in Basel/Switzerland, moves to Seachefs at the end of 2008, where he will manage the Swiss branch. He succeeds Axel Bergmann, who is relocating to Hamburg to take over the position from Wolf-Rüdiger Kratzmeir as Business Manager. Kratzmeir, who will retire in March 2009, will act as advisor to the company.
Daniel Thiriet, who managed Scylla Tours AG in Basel, Switzerland for 14 years, is a successful expert in the business of river cruises. He is one of the founders of IG River Cruise, an association of leading European river cruise shipping companies.
Seachefs, founded in 1999, specializes in complete Hotel and Ship Management solutions for cruise ships, river-going vessels, as well as ferries, and is one of the leading suppliers in this segment with offices in Cyprus, Switzerland, Holland and Germany. Website: www.seachefs.com

Scrapblog Partners With Carnival Cruise Lines For Digital Vacation Memories Scrapblog, Inc., the first web-based service for creating and sharing multimedia scrapbooks, has announced a partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines to provide its guests with a unique and easy way to share memories from their “Fun Ship” cruises. Carnival is the only cruise line to offer this on-line feature to its guests.
 Scrapblog is the latest addition to the line’s popular social networking site, www.CarnivalConnections.com, and offers cruisers an entirely new way to interact and connect though shared vacation experiences. Cruisers can add digital pictures, videos and audio to a customizable Carnival theme to create a personalized, one-of-a-kind multimedia scrapbook of their “Fun Ship” vacation. 
Five different “Fun Ship”-themed scrapblogs are available, each patterned after the line’s most popular destinations: the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, Alaska and Europe. Scrapblogs can be shared with fellow cruisers through the Scrapblog Gallery on CarnivalConnections.com or through direct publishing on popular blogging and social networking platforms including Facebook, Blogger, Typepad, Wordpress, Flickr and MySpace.
To view the Scrapblog Gallery on CarnivalConnections.com please visit:
http://www.carnivalconnections.com/scrapblog . Launched in January 2006, CarnivalConnections.com is the cruise industry’s first social networking site and houses a variety of interactive message boards, videos and features, as well as the widely popular blog of Senior Cruise Director John Heald which has generated more than 2.5 million hits since debuting last March.

CLIA Launches New Travel-Agent Membership; Enhances Member Benefits
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today introduced an all-new travel agent level of membership for 2008 and has enhanced its agency membership structure for its 16,000 travel agencies across North America. Registration will open on Monday, October 22. Evolving agency business models is driving a need to support all cruise sellers, including traditional storefronts, home-based businesses and host agency relationships.
Enhancements to agency member benefits include training videos converted to a DVD format, interactive CD-ROM tools, more bonus commission coupons and expedited membership kit delivery.
With the growing number of home-based and hosted agents, CLIA has developed a dynamic program to directly reach frontline agents with selling tools and opportunities. This desire to connect with a broad base of cruise sellers, combined with the input from CLIA Travel Agency Advisory Board and cruise line membership, encouraged CLIA to create a travel agent level of membership to complement the existing agency membership category. Not only will this new membership level provide agents of CLIA member travel agencies with access to CLIA’s extensive education and training programs, industry information, marketing resources and communications between CLIA and the agent, but it provides the agency itself with a competitive advantage by creating the opportunity for the agency’s cruise sellers to further enhance their selling skills and knowledge base. “Our new agent level of membership is a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said CEO and president Terry Dale.  “Agents get the tools to become even more effective cruise sellers, their agency benefits from having skilled CLIA agent members on staff, the cruise lines will see increased sales and the consumer will benefit from the professionalism and knowledge that a CLIA-member agent brings to the workplace each and every day.”
To qualify for the agent membership, the agent must be part of an active CLIA member agency. The individual agent will receive an individual and local listing on CLIA’s online travel agent locator and the listing will also reference the agent’s CLIA agency affiliation, an additional benefit for the agency itself. CLIA agent members receive a 2008 membership kit with tailored information and resources. CLIA’s travel agent membership annual dues are $99 and include such benefits as individual agent listing in the “Cruise Expert Locator” at CLIA’s website www.cruising.org. 
CLIA also enhanced its core travel agency membership. The primary elements of CLIA membership – such as industry recognition, training, certification, communications on industry issues and developments – will remain and new features have been added. Agency membership rates are $319 and additional benefits for 2008 include an all-new Cruise Manual CD-ROM of interactive ship and line information in addition to the standard printed Cruise Manual as well as updates of all CLIA training videos transferred to new DVD format. More benefit information CLIA’s membership program, visit www.cruising.org  or call 754-224-2200.

Carnival Launches New ‘Endless Summer Celebration’ Sale
Carnival Cruise Lines will launch a new sales promotion – “Endless Summer Celebration” – offering different weekly specials on “Fun Ship” cruises booked during the month of July. The new “Endless Summer Celebration” offers sales promotions on a wide range of three- to 12-day “Fun Ship” cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico and Europe in 2008-09, with a different promotion featured each week.
 Upcoming offers for the “Endless Summer Celebration” sales event include shipboard credits; stateroom upgrades; special rates for third and fourth guests in a stateroom; holiday offers and regional savings; and discounts on a variety of fall, winter and spring departures.
The promotion is capacity controlled and not combinable with any other discount offer. Applies to new individual bookings only. Certain other restrictions apply. A special Web site, www.bookccl.com/endlesssummer, has been created where travel agents can request a collateral kit, download ad slicks, e-flyers and more.

June 9, 2008

 

Silversea's New Expedition Ship Is Dedicated In Monaco

In the heart of Monte Carlo's harbor this month, the expedition ship Prince Albert II officially joined the Silversea fleet during a naming ceremony in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.  As in the time-honored tradition, the dedication included a blessing of the ship by H.E. Monsignor Fabrice Gallo, Prelate of the Pope of Rome. "This is a very exciting and proud day for Silversea," said Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Silversea. "We are extremely honored that His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, has personally dedicated the ship that will bear his name.  May her many journeys of discovery always honor His Serene Highness through a commitment to responsible travel."
Fresh from a multimillion dollar renovation, the Prince Albert II  boasts the largest average size accommodations of any expedition ship.  An unmatched selection of 20 premium suites has been created especially for the discriminating traveler with 350 to 675 square feet of luxurious living space, double private French balconies or large private verandas, and additional elite amenities including butler service.  All 66 ocean-view accommodations are tastefully appointed and have private marble bathrooms with bathtubs.

Queen Elizabeth II Bids Farewell To Her Namesake Ship ‘QE2’

The Queen Conversing with Ship Officers
In recognition of Cunard's longest-serving ocean liner leaving the fleet in November, 2008  The Queen made her farewell visit to Queen Elizabeth 2 in Southampton June 2.  
The Queen began by touring the vessel and meeting many crew members, some of whom have served on board since QE2 entered service in 1969 and others who went with the ship when she was requisitioned as a troop carrier in the Falklands Conflict. Later she attended a reception and lunch on board with 300 guests, including former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher. Both the newest and longest-serving female crewmembers played a role in the visit. While on the bridge, The Queen gave a signal to Cadet Jennifer Haynes, who joined QE2 in April 2008, to sound QE2's whistle to salute Cunard's current flagship Queen Mary 2, which was also in port today and was named by The Queen in January 2004. Queen Mary 2 responded by sounding her whistle in salute of Her Majesty's visit. After disembarking, Her Majesty was presented with 55 red roses by QE2's Executive Housekeeper Roz Price Evans who is the longest-serving female member of crew; the gesture marked 55 years to the day since The Queen's Coronation.
The Queen also met nine QE2 Captains including Captain Peter Jackson who became Master of QE2 in 1973 and who took the ship to the Falklands in 1982.
QE2, the most famous ship in the world, and for 35 years the flagship of the Cunard fleet, was launched by The Queen at Clydebank on September 20, 1967 - forty years ago last year. Since then the ship has traveled over 5.6 million nautical miles, more than any other ship; has carried over 2.5 million guests; has completed 25 World Cruises; and has crossed the Atlantic 803 times. She leaves Cunard service in November 2008 prior to starting a new life in Dubai as a first class hotel and entertainment destination.

Green Award Recognizes NCL's Environmental Standards And Practices
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that Norwegian Pearl recently received the Port of San Francisco's Cruise Ship Environmental Award.  In 2007, Norwegian Sun was honored with the same award.
 The Port's program recognizes annually those cruise ships whose on-board environmental systems help decrease air and water pollution. The three categories evaluated are air emission reduction, wastewater treatment and recycling and disposal programs for solid waste. "It's an honor for Norwegian Pearl to be recognized by the Port of San Francisco for the environmental standards and practices we have in place to protect the waters on which we sail and earn our livelihood,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO.  “We have shown our commitment to maintaining the highest level of environmental protection standards by using low-sulfur fuels, reducing air emissions, efficiently and effectively treating our wastewater and recycling and disposing properly of solid waste while in port.”
 The Cruise Ship Environmental Award was created by the Port of San Francisco's Cruise Terminal Environmental Advisory Committee (CTEAC).  Established in 2003, CTEAC advises the Port Commission on cruise ship-related water and air quality issues.  Committee members include regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, organized labor, community groups and maritime industry representatives.

CLIA Announces Schedule For Its Traveling Trainingfest Cities In 2008
In 2008, CLIA’s traveling two-day seminar and trade show program, TrainingFest, will visit eleven cities. They include Houston, July 10-11; Philadelphia, July 17-18; Las Vegas, July 24-25 (New for 2008); Cleveland, July 31-August 1 (New for 2008); Atlanta, August 7-8; Los Angeles, August 14-15; Toronto, August 21-22; Seattle, September 4-5 (New for 2008); Baltimore, September 11-12; Edmonton, September 18-19 (New for 2008); and Chicago, September 25-26.

Enjoy A Smooth Jazz Cruise This Winter In The Caribbean
Targeting those with a passion for music and travel, Jamieson, the former North American head of BMG Music and RCA Records, is debuting Smooth Music Cruise 2009 (http://www.smoothmusiccruise.com ) as his first in a series of combined music and travel events under the banner of Haven Entertainment.  Passengers will be treated to what amounts to a six-day backstage pass to all day and night events while sailing on Celebrity Cruises’ 1,778 passenger Celebrity Century (http://www.celebritycruises.com) which will sail from Miami on a seven day cruise January 31 to February 5, 2009 with port calls at Key West, Coco Cay (Celebrity’s private islet) and the Bahamas.
Passengers will not only attend the jam fests but be able to converse with the entertainers during the cruise, who include Heather Hedley, Boney James, Larry Carlton, Marion Meadows, Steve Cole, Mindi Abiar, Greg Adams and Acoustic Alchem. The music fest will be hosted by Larry Brown and Nick Colionne.
Rates start at $999 a person, double occupancy. To reserve, call 877-529-9729 or 00-1-617-587-6200 outside North America or visit http://www.smoothmusiccruise.com.

Regent To Offer New Customized Private-Jet & Luggage Services 
Regent Seven Seas Cruises will offer new private-jet and luggage transportation services, providing guests with customized options to avoid the restrictive schedules, tangled routings and baggage delays associated with travel aboard the largest international airlines. Regent Seven Seas recently reached an agreement with Private Jet Services (PJS) to provide guests with private-jet transportation to and from its vessels. PJS airliners can accommodate 20 to 106 guests in VIP-configured cabins with lounges, staterooms and stand-up bars. A dedicated onboard concierge accompanies every flight. PJS guests save time by departing from smaller airports closer to home and avoid time-consuming travel to meet connecting flights.
Regent is also upgrading its luggage delivery service by contracting with Luggage Free, a custom luggage-shipping and -delivery service, to provide the cruise line’s guests with door-to-door luggage shipping, avoiding the inconvenience of carrying, checking and claiming luggage – and even going through customs.
Using the service, guests make reservations online. Within 24 hours after their order is placed nationwide (six hours in New York City), Luggage Free sends a representative to the guest’s home, wraps each bag in protective covering, and transfers them to the nearest airport. The bags are placed in Luggage Free’s forward freight system, and then delivered to the guest’s destination via its airborne infrastructure. After the bags land, Luggage Free picks them up at the airport, clearing international shipments through customs. Finally, Luggage Free transfers the bags to their ultimate destination address. The process is reversed for the return trip.

Cruise Lines Readjust Fuel Supplement
In the wake of drastically rising fuel costs cruise lines are again readjusting the fuel supplement charged passengers. The cruise lines are:
Carnival Corporation brands Carnival Cruse Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn will increase their current fuel supplement from $7 to $9 (USD) per person per day. The fuel supplement on third,
fourth and fifth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day.
The new fuel supplements will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008.
The fuel supplements will not exceed $126 (USD) per person per voyage for the first and
second guests and $56 (USD) per person per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth guests
in a stateroom.
For bookings made from April, 21, 2008 to June 11, 2008, the fuel supplement of $7
(USD) per person per day for the first and second guests; and $2 (USD) per person per
day for third, fourth, and fifth guests will apply.
Norwegian Cruise Line will again increase its current fuel supplement. The new fuel supplement will be $11 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $5 per person per day for any additional guests in the same stateroom, based on the guidelines below.
-- The increased fuel supplement applies only to new individual reservations made on or after June 20, 2008.
-- The increased fuel supplement applies to any group reservation booked on or after June 20, 2008.  The increased fuel supplement will also apply to group space held prior to June 20, 2008 without specific names and full confirming deposit by June 19, 2008.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced that, due to the rising cost of fuel, it has become necessary to increase the current fuel surcharge on all new bookings for cruises departing up to the end of March 2009 made on or after 10th June 2008.  Bookings confirmed prior to that date will not be affected.
The supplement will be £5.00 per person per night for the first two occupants of a cabin, and £2.00 per person per night for the 3rd and 4th occupants of the cabin. The supplement will be capped at a maximum of £70.00 per person per cruise.

Holland America Line and Microsoft Introduce Onboard Digital Workshops
Guests on Holland America Line ships will be able to “show and tell” their vacation memories when the companies launch Holland America Line Digital Workshop powered by Microsoft Windows on the ms Amsterdam and the ms Oosterdam, followed by the ms Westerdam in June and the line’s new Signature-class, 2,104-passenger ship, the ms Eurodam, in July, expanding fleet wide within 18 months. Free workshops led by Microsoft-trained “techsperts” will show even the most novice camera or computer user how to take better vacation photos, make movies, edit pictures and create scrapbooks using a variety of Microsoft Windows and Windows Live services. Guests will learn how to share all their digital memories through email, blogging and social networking – so friends and family can see where they’ve been cruising even before they return home.
The program, which is complimentary and has its own dedicated space on each ship, kicks off with a 50-minute session. Called “Just Shoot Me,” the session provides tips and tricks on how to take the best pictures, and introduces passengers to onboard editing and movie-making resources available on the cruise, including Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker.
The “Just Shoot Me” session will be followed by jargon-free interactive sessions, also 50 minutes in length, designed for smaller groups to try out the technologies themselves in a hands-on environment.
The digital workshop showcases state of the art technology provided and maintained by Microsoft – including Windows Vista-certified computers, servers, printers, scanners and a wireless network.   The workshops will also feature flat screen TVs for easy viewing of videos and “techspert” demonstrations. Guests can choose to attend all or just some of the workshops, each which will be offered at various times and days throughout each cruise.  Multiple workshops will be held every day.  In addition, one-on-one coaching, called “Techspert Time”, will also be available for over 20 hours each week.

Holland America Line Announces New Company Promotions