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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises To
Bid Farewell To The MS Columbus In May 2012
Hapag-Lloyd
Cruises will be taking its premium
ship MS Colunbus out of the fleet one year earlier than planned, in May 2012, by mutual
agreement with Conti, the Munich based group of companies and owner of the
ship. All cruises offered up to May 2012 will be taking place on the
Columbus as scheduled.
The ship is to be replaced in Spring 2012 by her successor
the Columbus 2, under a two-year charter with Oceania Cruises. The Columbus
crew will transition over to the renamed vessel.
The successor ship, Oceania Cruises’ Insignia, 2 will be
welcomed to the fleet in spring 2012 and offers a passenger capacity of 698
people. “The Columbus 2 is a modern ship. She provides more diversity and
comfort at a very good price/performance ratio,
represents for us an economically attractive expansion of
our capacity in the
premium segment,“ said Sebastian Ahrens, Managing Director
of Hapag-Lloyd
Cruises.
The Columbus will be offering her world tour 2011/2012 as
planned. At the end of
that voyage on May 7, 2012 in Nice, France, the ship will
depart the Hapag-Lloyd
Cruises fleet. Only two published cruises following the
world tour will be
cancelled. Hapag-Lloyd
Cruises will be offering special deals for re-booking
onto the Columbus 2 for any customers who have already
booked these two cruises.
58 New Staterooms To
Be Added To Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Cruise Line will add 58 new staterooms and suites
to the Norwegian Dawn while she is in
drydock in May. The 28 new suites include two categories of family suites that
can sleep up to six, according to NCL executives during a February 23
conference call with travel agents and press.
There will be 14 Family Suites (category SJ) measuring 408
to 452 square feet, while 10 Family Suites with Balcony (category SD) will
measure 409 to 495 square feet. The family suites will be located on a high
deck, near the pool, and feature a larger bathroom and more storage space. In
addition four Deluxe Owner’s Suites (category SA) will be added right below the
bridge, measuring 667 to 732 square feet. Thirty inside staterooms measuring
142 to 174 square feet will also be added.
With the new accommodations the current location of the
Spinnaker Lounge and cinema, will be moved to a different spot on the ship.
Though the dry-dock project is in May, finishing work on the
new accommodations will continue until September 16.
New Ship On The Order
Book For Royal Caribbean Cruises
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. has signed a letter of intent
with German shipyard Meyer Werft to build the first of a new generation of
Royal Caribbean International cruise ships. Developed under the code-name
"Project Sunshine," the new vessel design incorporates new and
exciting features that take advantage of the best of Royal Caribbean's
experience and imagination. The
project is a result of over a year of dedicated research and development.
The order calls for one ship to be delivered in the Fall of
2014 with an option for a second ship for Spring 2015. The 158,000 Gross Registered Tons (GRT)
new build will carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy. The estimated all-in cost per berth is
about €170,000. This all-in cost
includes the yard's base contract price plus everything needed to design,
operate and build the vessel, from architect fees to supervision costs and all
loose inventories from computers to art and bed linens.
"Royal Caribbean has worked hard to earn a reputation
of offering the most innovative ships in the cruise industry and this next
generation will not disappoint," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of
Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. "While we continue our policy of keeping our newest ideas and
features under wraps during the early stages of construction, I can say that I
am very excited about the passion and imagination that our teams have devoted
to the project. Project Sunshine
builds on the best ideas of our existing ships and adds exciting new activities
and entertainment concepts. It will
offer features for everyone: from grand, spectacular spaces to small intimate
settings; from active, invigorating activities to the serenity of more personal
space; and from a plethora of dining alternatives to a cornucopia of
opportunities for families. I am
also excited about the energy efficiency and environmental technologies which
have been incorporated."
The letter of intent is subject to customary conditions
being satisfactorily met.
It’s Official! SS
United States Purchased From NCL/Genting Hong Kong
In a long-anticipated milestone in the effort to save and
redevelop the legendary ocean liner SS United States, the SS United States
Conservancy announced at a February 1, 2011 press conference that it will
purchase the nation's historic "ship of state" from its owners
Norwegian Cruise Line/Genting HK. "We are one big step closer to ensuring
that this great symbol of American innovation is permanently preserved,"
said Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy's board president, whose grandfather, William
Francis Gibbs, designed the legendary liner. "Now that we have secured title, we
will accelerate our efforts to redevelop the nation's flagship as a
multi-purpose waterfront destination with dynamic hotel, retail, educational
and museum offerings. To succeed,
we will tap into the same "can-do" spirit and ingenuity that the ship
has embodied since her first splash in 1952."
To date, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami have expressed an
interest in the vessel.
Click Ships of the Past to
read more about the SS United States.
Royal Caribbean,
Azamara Cancel Egypt Calls from April to July
Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises have
canceled port calls to Egypt through July. Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the
Seas, which departs Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, on April 18 will no
longer call on Alexandria on April 24. Instead, the ship will now call on
Istanbul, Turkey, on April 24 and stay overnight until 7 p.m. April 25. A
similar change is in place for the Mariner’s June 4 and June 28 departures.
The Mariner of the Seas’ May 11 cruise from Civitavecchia
cancelled its May 18 Alexandria call and instead will spend May 16 at sea, stay
overnight in Istanbul from 7 a.m. May 17 until 7 p.m. May 18 and call on
Kusadasi, Turkey, on May 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Brilliance of the Seas, which departs Dubai on April 21 will
sail a modified itinerary. The revised itinerary will Abu Dhabi and Fujairah,
United Arab Emirates; Muscat, Oman; passage of the Suez Canal; Civitavecchia
and Livorno, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and nine days at sea.
Azamara modified several cruises on the Azamara Quest. Its
April 24 cruise from Dubai will no longer call on Alexandria on May 4 but
instead will now spend May 4 at sea and call at Santorini, Greece, on May 5.
The Quest’s May 6 voyage from Athens cancelled May 12
overnight in Alexandria. Instead, the ship will overnight in Rhodes, Greece,
from 1 p.m. May 10 until midnight May 11, spend May 12 at sea, and call on
Paphos, Cyprus, on May 13 from 7 a.m. to midnight.
The cruise departing Haifa, Israel, on May 16 will no longer
overnight in Alexandria May 19-20. Instead, the ship will now call on Paphos,
Cyprus, on May 19 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and overnight in Rhodes from 1 p.m.
May 20 until 5 p.m. May 21. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com or www.azamaraclubcruises.com.
Celebrity To Offer
Champagne High Tea & Kosher Meals
Celebrity has announced its latest culinary introductions:
an authentic, world-class high tea experience called “Champagne High Tea,” and
industry-first premium kosher meals.
“Our Champagne High Tea is designed in the tradition of the
most highly regarded afternoon tea experiences in the world,” said Celebrity’s
Vice President of Culinary Operations Jacques Van Staden.
Celebrity’s Champagne High Tea takes place once on every
seven-night sailing, and at least twice on an eight-night or longer cruise.
Held in Celebrity’s specialty restaurants, amidst live music performed by a
string quartet, the event’s selections include premium Forte’ teas; Lavazza
coffees, including espressos, lattes and cappuccino; savory sandwiches and
desserts – including pastries, scones, truffles and pate de fruit –
using Wedgewood china and Riedel Crystal. There’s a cover charge of $25 per
person that includes one class of champagne.
For guests interested in kosher meals, Celebrity has
introduced another industry first: premium kosher meals, offered as an option
amidst the brand’s vast array of other dining selections, for a fee. Kosher
wines and champagne also are available. All food selections are Glatt Kosher
certified and made from scratch in kosher kitchens under the strict supervision
of the O.U. and USDA.
Crystal Serenity To
Undergo Major Redesign in May
This spring, Crystal will be spending some $25 million to
keep its largest ship, Crystal Serenity,
on the cutting edge of luxury style.
More than 400 expert technicians flown from around the
world, working round the clock for just 14 days, are scheduled for the massive
redesign of her 531 Deluxe Staterooms, Penthouses and Penthouses Suites; retail
centers; expansive outdoor pool deck and other design projects during a May 8
to 22 dry dock at Hamburg's Blohm + Voss shipyard.
All of Crystal Serenity's Deluxe Outside Staterooms,
Penthouses, and Penthouse Suites will sport new, floor-to-ceiling tufted
headboards, bedside cabinets, wallpaper, sofas, curtains, pillows, and custom
carpets in contemporary lines and classic stone, silk, velvet, leather, and
crisp linen textures. New modern lighting features and electronic "do not
disturb" and doorbell system will allow guests greater personalization of
their home-away-from-home.
Serenity's retail shops will receive a similar,
sophisticated metamorphosis. The Facets fine jewelry store will mirror a jewelry
box, with mother-of-pearl feature wall, beveled chrome vitrines, and a new,
private sales area. The Apropos boutique will become three-shops-in-one, with a
flagship Christian Dior cosmetic/skincare area showcased amongst rich Zebrano
wood and herringbone rosewood, arresting black-plum-magenta carpeting, and
tufted leather seating.
New Chic Pool Deck
Inspired by Crystal Symphony's recent transformation, the
Seahorse Pool teak deck will be refashioned with circular pod beds, plush sofa
groups, and lounge chairs in a kaleidoscope of lime green, azure, and mango.
New Lighting and Furniture
The corridors throughout the ship will be transformed with
new, custom carpeting, inspiring artwork, and mood lighting. Dramatic new
lighting will also be installed in the Crystal Dining Room, as will new
furniture on all stateroom verandahs.
Following the dry dock, Crystal Serenity will embark on a
series of Baltic, North Cape and British Isles cruises before heading to the
Mediterranean for late summer and fall cruise series, where guests cannot only
enjoy the resort's new look but exceptional value with verandah savings and a
new fall fare sale.
Celebrity Cruises To
Enhance Guest Experiences For Celebrity Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises has today announced details of new developments
due to be made this year to the Southampton-based Celebrity Eclipse in order to
further enhance guest experience, including the introduction of a Champagne
Royal Tea Experience, a full range of British beers (from Boddingtons to
Guinness) and interactive iPad restaurant menus.
Celebrity Eclipse, the only ship in the Celebrity fleet to
be fully based out of the UK for the summer, has also confirmed beverage
charges on board will be inclusive of service charge; a first for any ship
within Celebrity Cruises’ fleet.
Beer offerings on board will also be extended to include a
full range of British brands, including Fuller’s London Pride, Old Speckled
Hen, Boddingtons, Guinness, Murphy’s Stout and Newcastle Brown Ale.
Celebrity
Eclipse will also be able to boast newly introduced Champagne High Royal
Experience where guests will be able to experience a truly world class white
glove tea service, with Tea Forte loose teas served in custom made Wedgwood
Bone China with elegant savories and pastry accompaniments set to calming music
delivered courtesy of a string quartet. The Champagne Royal Tea Experience will
be available for just $25USD per person.
Additional new
service benefits for 2011 include coffee available with tea in staterooms,
national British newspapers available via iPads and increased guest entertainer
line-ups and guest speakers during each sailing.
The innovative
use of iPads as part of the guest experience will be developed further with the
introduction of interactive iPad menus in Qsine with video player options,
touch-screen wine lists available to explore, interactive dinner menus and even
an application which allows the guest to build their own cocktail.
The enhancements were confirmed as part of a broader
commitment to further developing the guest experience across the entire
Celebrity Cruises fleet announced this month by Celebrity Cruises’ President
& CEO Dan Hanrahan speaking in London.
Celebrity Summit To
Sail Into 2012 With Solstice-Class Enhancements
Celebrity Cruises has announced that Celebrity Summit is set to become the third ship in Celebrity
Cruises’ Millennium Class fleet to complete a significant “Solsticizing,” in
January 2012. “Solsticizing” is the term the line coined for its initiative to
complement its Milllennium Class ships’ style and design with some of the most
popular venues on the widely heralded Solstice Class ships.
Among the new additions to Celebrity Summit in 2012 will be
the coveted AquaClass, Celebrity Cruises’ soothing, spa-inspired
veranda-category accommodations, paired with the Mediterranean-themed specialty
restaurant, “Blu,” offered exclusively for AquaClass guests.
Another Celebrity exclusive – “Qsine,” the novel
restaurant introduced on Celebrity
Eclipse last year, and set to debut on Celebrity
Infinity following the ship’s revitalization in December 2011 – will
be presented on Celebrity Summit, too. Qsine, the first at sea to present a
menu and wine list on an iPadTM, features playful, delectable options including
a vertical selection of savory tapas and mezze served individually in
custom-made frames, a trio of chilled soups delivered shot-style, and spring
rolls served in springs. All are described in detail on the iPad-housed menu
and wine list, which offers a full scan of wine labels, an interactive cocktail
menu, and the ability for guests to enter tasting notes and e-mail their
favorite wine selections.
Restyled staterooms, with new carpeting, flat-screen TVs,
upholstery and bedding and the addition of new oceanview and inside staterooms
are also on the agenda.
As previously announced, sister ship Celebrity Infinity will emerge from a scheduled dry-dock period in December with all the Solstice-inspired
enhancements planned for Celebrity Summit.
Adventure Canada Takes
Major Stake In Cruise North Expeditions
Cruise North Expeditions, a subsidiary of the Inuit-owned
Makivik Corporation, has announced its new partnership with Adventure Canada
that will continue to offer polar cruises with the cultural content and Inuit
staffing that has become a trademark of Cruise North Expeditions.
In 2011, Cruise North Expeditions departures will be merged
with Adventure Canada’s Clipper
Adventurer schedule, including dedicated CNE programming. The Clipper
Adventurer, a sister ship of Lyubov
Orlova has benefited from extensive renovation and offers an ideal blend of
safety, comfort and functionality that makes it a leader in the field. Cruise
North passengers will enjoy enhanced comfort and programming through the new
joint venture.
Beginning in 2012, Adventure Canada and Cruise North
Expeditions will each continue their traditional offerings of dedicated
sailings with Inuit staff, itineraries and programs specially designed to bring
benefit and opportunity to the people who call the Arctic home.
Cruise North Expeditions was founded in 2005 by the Makivik
Corporation of Quebec, a highly successful investment corporation born of the
first modern-day Aboriginal land claim settlement agreement in Canada (the
JBNQA of 1975). Makivik also owns the well-respected First Air and Air Inuit. Website: http://www.cruisenorthexpeditions.com
Adventure Canada is an award-winning tour operator based in
Mississauga, Ontario that has been providing comfortable and educational
voyages to the Arctic, and the world, since 1988.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Reports Record Booking Week In February
Carnival Cruise Lines set a one-week reservations record
booking 165,308 guests between Feb. 7-13, 2011, eclipsing the previous one-week
reservations record set nearly four years ago. Bookings were at
unprecedented levels across the line’s fleet, which
operates three- to 16-day voyages from a wide range of
convenient North American
homeports as well as European cruises.
Carnival President and CEO Gerry Cahill noted that while the
economy is
improving, consumers are still seeking value – one of
several factors spurring
the record reservations activity. He cited strong travel agent support and
targeted marketing and sales initiatives such as the
company’s national “Didja
Ever” TV and social media campaign, and a “72-Hour Sale”
offering complimentary
upgrades. “This activity reaffirms that even in today’s
economic climate, consumers still want to have fun and view their vacations as
an important part of their lives,” said Cahill.
Disney Lays Keel for
New Fantasy at German Shipyard
Disney Cruise Line on February 11 celebrated the keel-laying
of the Disney Fantasy at the Meyer
Werft shipyard. Disney Fantasy is the sister ship to the Disney Dream, which
entered service on Jan. 26. The keel-laying ceremony is a milestone in the
shipbuilding process when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered
into the building dock and a coin is placed under the keel for good fortune.
Placing the coin was Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line, who was
assisted by Minnie Mouse.
The Disney Fantasy will offer many of the innovations that
the Disney Dream features, including AquaDuck, a water coaster. At the same
time, the Disney Fantasy will feature a few new design elements and guest
experiences. The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean
cruises from Port Canaveral with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31,
2012..
Crystal Publishes
Industry’s First Spanish-language Atlas
Crystal’s new, 211-page, full Spanish-language Atlas
outlining its entire 2011 cruise line-up, is now available. More than 400
million Spanish-speaking people around the world can fully access itineraries,
pricing, and complete information about the world’s most luxurious cruise
line’s offerings for this year. “With a growing marketplace of 23 countries in
the world for whom Spanish is the primary language, we’re making it easier for
native speakers to understand all of the nuances of a Crystal adventure,” says
Director of International Sales Karen Mann. “Crystal prides itself on being the
ultimate service-oriented cruise line on the planet. The new Atlas demonstrates the continued
commitment and support that Crystal has to Spanish-speaking countries and
millions of Spanish-speaking travelers worldwide.”
MSC Cruises Announces
Partnership with AC Milan Soccer Club
MSC Cruises, recently announced a major three-year partnership
agreement with AC Milan Soccer Club, one of the world’s most successful soccer
teams. The agreement, which renews and upgrades an existing long-term
arrangement between the
organizations, is designed to mutually promote and develop
awareness and exposure for both brands domestically and internationally.
Among the extensive schedule of events and initiatives
included in the sponsorship
announcement is a unique cruise aboard the flagship MSC Splendida, which will be entirely
dedicated to AC Milan supporters. The inaugural “Crociera Rossonera” named
after the colors of the team, takes place from June 5- to 13, 2011 and will
host a number of AC Milan players as well as feature tournaments, special
training workshops for young fans, and offer a range of memorable entertainment
activities.
Princess Cruises
Ships to Broadcast Historic Royal Wedding In April
The highly anticipated Royal Wedding of Prince William and
Kate Middleton will be televised live on Princess ships on April 29. Passengers will be able to follow along
with full coverage of the pomp and majesty of the historic wedding through BBC
World’s broadcast of the event.
Not only can passengers follow along as the future princess
walks down the aisle, but they’ll enjoy viewing parties on board as they watch
the most extensive coverage of this royal event. BBC is the official wedding broadcaster
and has exclusive access inside Westminster Abbey during the ceremony.
The onboard viewing parties will add a celebratory flair to
the event with British-style refreshments and special royal-themed
cocktails. Passengers can also test
their knowledge with royal wedding trivia competitions and participate in a
William and Kate look-alike contest. “As this is the first British royal
wedding in years we know there will be wide interest among our passengers,”
said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We at Princess also feel a connection
with Prince William because his mother, Princess Diana, christened our original
Royal Princess back in 1984.”
Royal Wedding broadcasts are planned for all ships in the
Princess fleet, subject to satellite availability. In some time zones the broadcast may be
delayed for viewing at a convenient hour.
Royal Caribbean Kicks
Off New Ad Campaign With Cold Weather Photo Contest
To the winter weary, Royal Caribbean International is
lending a forum to vent to…Facebook. As part of a new ad campaign that
juxtaposes the doldrums of February (dressing in layers; drafty windows;
slippery sidewalks) to the pleasures of a Royal Caribbean cruise (wearing a wet
suit; enjoying a warm breeze in one’s stateroom; hanging ten on the Flowrider,
surf simulator), the global cruise line launched an online contest this week,
whereby consumers are invited to submit their coldest, most grueling winter
weather photos for the chance to leave it all behind and win a Royal Caribbean
cruise to the balmy Caribbean.
Through March
10, consumers can visit Royal Caribbean’s official Facebook page, www.facebook.com/royalcaribbean , and submit a photo that best depicts their worst winter experiences. There will be four entry periods: Feb.
11-17; Feb. 18-24; Feb. 25-March 3; and March 4-10. After each entry period, the top 25 most
illustrative entries will be selected by a panel of judges and offered to the
Facebook community to vote on. Entrants whose photos have been advanced to the top 25 are encouraged to
rally their social networks, as the photos that garner the most “likes” over a
one-week voting period will win a 7-night Caribbean cruise for two. One winning photo will be chosen for
each entry/voting period. To
enter, or for official rules, please visit www.facebook.com/royalcaribbean.
Possible New Ship Order
For Regent Seven Seas?
There’s talk that Regent Seven Seas Cruises may place an
order for a new ship in the near future. Frank del Rio, chairman of Prestige
Cruise Holdings (Regent's parent company) said Prestige has been discussing a
newbuild for Regent but would not place the order until "the time is
right."
Del Rio made his comments during a preview sailing earlier
this month on Oceania Cruises' new ship, the Marina. Oceania Cruises is also owned by Prestige Cruise Holdings.
Regent’s last new ship, the Seven Seas Voyager, was delivered in 2003. "Once we know we
can fill the ships we have, we will order more," he said. "We’ve
begun thinking about Regent’s expansion."
Del Rio said that Prestige is in a very strong financial
position to order more ships.
Orion II Refurbishment
Scheduled For April 2011
ALMACO has been awarded a contract by Orion Expedition
Cruises to perform an upgrade of public spaces, passenger suites and outdoor
areas on their new vessel, the Orion II.
Orion II is a sister ship to Noble Caledonia’s Island Sky which ALMACO completed a
refurbishment project on in 2010. Orion Expedition Cruises selected ALMACO due
to their experience with this size and type of vessel.
Built as a yacht-like expedition cruise ship by Cantieri
Navale Ferrari of Italy in 1991, after a number of years as a private yacht the
vessel underwent an extensive technical refit. The planned refurbishment, to be
done during a scheduled dry dock during April 2011 will bring her into the
Orion style, and she will thereafter be renamed Orion II.
The works will include a combination of refurbishment and
upgrading of soft-furnishings across the vessel, including all fifty passenger
suites and bathrooms, the lobby, main lounge, dining room, library, and public
bathrooms.
Two Queens Rendezvous
In Long Beach Harbor On March 3
On March 3, maritime history will be made, once again in
Long Beach Harbor, when Queen Victoria and Queen Mary meet for the first time
during a Cunard Royal Rendezvous. At approximately 6:00pm, Queen Victoria will sail into Long Beach Harbor
to meet Queen Mary, and the two ships will exchange whistle salutes amidst a
sparkling fireworks display. Spectators can view the two ships together for approximately 30 minutes
before Queen Victoria continues on her Panama Canal Adventure to Ft.
Lauderdale.
This rendezvous marks only the second time in Cunard’s
venerable history that a modern Queen has visited her docked sister ship; the
very first-ever rendezvous was in February 2006 when, on the occasion of her
maiden call to Los Angles, flagship Queen
Mary 2 met her namesake, garnering international attention. This historic
event also signals the celebration of a significant milestone: the upcoming 75th anniversary of Queen
Mary’s maiden voyage from Southampton, England (27 May 1936).
The best viewing location is on the Promenade deck of the
docked Queen Mary, at the aft (back) of the ship.
Queen Mary will offer free admission for guests to board the
ship to experience her attractions, including:
Tours, including Behind-the-Scenes, WWII, Haunted
Encounters, Twilight Historical and the Ghosts & Legends show, among others
(All tours sold separately.)
Experience vast views of the Harbor from the Observation
Bar, the ship’s original first class cocktail lounge, and enjoy live
entertainment until 7:00 p.m.
Earlier that day, Queen Victoria makes the last of four
visits to the Port of Los Angeles as part of her debut Americas Season, which
continues through late March and features several transits through the Panama
Canal, two roundtrip voyages to Hawaii, and one Getaway voyage to Mexico. Queen Victoria returns to the West Coast
again in early 2012.
Louis Cruise Ships To
Switch To Maltese Registry?
According to recent press reports, Louis Cruises is
considering switching from the Greek flag to a Maltese one for its ships. The
line, reportedly made the decision following a public standoff concerning
pension fund contributions, which threatens to cost the jobs of 350 crew.
Reportedly it has filed an application for Maltese registry for Louis Cristal
and the. A third ship the Louis Emerald may also switch. A fourth ship, the Louis
Majesty already flies the Maltese flag. From a financial perspective the
switch to the Maltese flag is calculated to offer savings of about €300,000 per
month for each ship.
HAL Promotions
Announced
As part of its corporate reorganization following the
relocation of Seabourn to Seattle, Holland America Line has announced two
promotions:
--Paul Grigsby to senior director of revenue planning. An
11-year veteran of Holland America Line, Grigsby joined the company in 2000 as
senior pricing manager and was promoted to director in 2004. His prior
experience includes market research analyst at Totem Ocean Trailer Express.
--Cyril Tatar to Director, Seabourn Technical Operations. As
part of his new responsibilities, Tatar will oversee the completion of
construction on the Seabourn Quest,
scheduled for delivery in May. He
reports to Dan Grausz, executive vice president, fleet operations for Holland
America Line and Seabourn.
New Website
Launched For Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services
Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, an
experienced global business offering first class ground handling and port
agency services to the Ocean and river cruise industry, has launched a new website, www.intercruises.com. For cruise lines the website includes
business, services and contact information, enabling greater overall
accessibility to the Intercruises team and details regarding their operations.
Cruise lines can obtain detailed information about
Intercruises? regional operations, with www.intercruises.com featuring interactive maps, including
individual ports, for every country in which they operate. A breakdown of each
service area, including Turnaround, Shore Excursions, Port Agency and Hotels,
identifies the advantages of implementing an integrated port agency and ground
handling operation.
A careers section provides interested candidates with accurate
contact details, segmented by location and job function. And there is a
dedicated section for press that will feature upated news releases and images.
Costa to Use Grand
Voyager from Iberocruceros for Winter 2011/2012
Costa Crociere will build up in the Red Sea in 2012, with
three ships deployed, according to a statement from the line. The Costa Allegra will be joined by Iberocruceros’ Grand Voyager from December 2011
through March 2012, and then the Costa
Marina will sail in the region from March through November 2012.
The Grand Voyager will get the trademark Costa “C” on
its funnel, which will be painted
yellow and will “have Costa personnel on board and will offer the same
distinctive Italian-style service excellence found on other Costa cruises.”
The Grand Voyager will return to the IberoCruceros fleet in
March 2012. Ibercruceros is managed by Costa and is a subsidiary of Carnival
Corp.
CVC Confirms Charter
of Ocean Dream for 2011/2012
Brazilian tour operator CVC has announced it will charter
Pullmantur’s Ocean Dream next winter,
2011/2012, from November through March. The Ocean Dream is currently sailing
week-long Caribbean/South America voyages, embarking passengers in Cartagena,
Colon and La Guaira and has published itineraries through the end of December
2011, which may change.
Founded in 1972, CVC is headquartered in Santo André,
Brazil. It is the largest tour operator in Latin America with 900 employees
selling travel packages to more than 2 million passengers a year. This month,
The Carlyle Group announced it had purchased a major stake in the company.
According to a Washington Post article, the US-based private equity giant paid $250 million for a 63.6
percent stake in CVC Brasil Operadora e Agência de Viagens, according to a
source familiar with the transaction who was not authorized to speak about the
finances of the deal. CVC's chairman, Guilherme Paulus, will retain a
significant minority equity stake in the company.
Hebridean Island
Cruises Opens North American Office
Hebridean Island Cruises, serving the ultra-luxury small
ship cruising market, has launched its North American presence with offices in
Fort Lauderdale, Florida and a new North American website (www.hebrideancruises.com ).
Carrying only 50 guests with a passenger to crew ratio of
close to one-to-one, Hebridean Island Cruises’ Hebridean Princess (2,100 gross
tons) offers an exclusive number of guests the highest standards of luxury
cruise ship accommodations together with a level of service from an almost
forgotten era.
Major Renovations
Scheduled For Grand Princess This Spring
The most significant transformation ever of a Princess
Cruises ship will occur this spring aboard Grand
Princess. During a 24-day
makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line’s Grand Class vessels,
will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess’ trademark
features introduced since the ship’s 1998 debut including the signature Piazza
atrium. Several new features will
be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called Leaves; and
Alfredo’s, a full-service pizzeria.
A brand new nightclub called One5, inspired by its deck
location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic
Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile. Skywalkers will be removed from its 18th
deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15. This change will significantly improve
the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.
“This is the largest makeover we’ve ever undertaken for any of our ships,” said
Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “When Grand Princess was
launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we’re adding some of
the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships.”
The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to
May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas.
NCL Reports Earnings
For 4th Quarter 2010 And Full Year
Norwegian Cruise Line reported results for the three and
twelve months ended December 31, 2010. Norwegian continued demonstrating
improved financial performance in 2010 with strong increases in EBITDA, Net
Yield and Net Revenue. EBITDA improved 23,6% to $400,4 million, setting a
Company record. “I am extremely pleased with our results in 2010, especially
after successfully navigating through the challenging economic environment of
late 2008 and 2009,” said Kevin Sheehan, president and chief executive officer.
“Improved ticket pricing and onboard spending, along with the benefits of our
strategic initiatives, combined to drive Norwegian’s record results in 2010,
setting up the year as the most successful in the Company’s history. Not only
did we set an EBITDA record for a full year, it was also the fourth consecutive
year of double-digit EBITDA growth.”
Company milestones for the year included the successful
introduction of the Company’s largest and most innovative vessel to date, Norwegian Epic, to enthusiastic reviews
from the travel media and the cruising public. Norwegian Epic has since settled
into her seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and
will reposition to Europe for an extended summer season. The Company announced
in the fourth quarter that it would expand its purpose-built Freestyle Cruising
fleet by contracting for two 4.000-berth ships for delivery in spring 2013 and
2014. Said Sheehan, “Every team member at Norwegian has worked diligently over
the last three years to generate consistently improving results and put the
Company on firm financial footing. We now move ahead with the next chapter of
Norwegian’s story of growth and innovation. These two new ships will take the
best aspects of our current fleet along with new elements to create the
innovative vacations that our guests have come to expect from Norwegian.”
Full Year Results
EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010
increased 23,6% to $400,4 million from $324,1 million in 2009 (Adjusted EBITDA
was $404,7 million in 2010 compared to $332,5 million in 2009). Net Revenue
increased to $1,5 billion from $1,3 billion as a result of a 7,7% increase in
Net Yield coupled with a 4,0% increase in Capacity Days. The improvement in Net
Yield came as a result of both improved ticket pricing and onboard and other
revenue per Capacity Day. The growth in Capacity Days was the result of the
addition of Norwegian Epic to the fleet in June 2010 and was partially offset
by the departure of Norwegian Majesty from the fleet in October 2009. Occupancy
percentage in 2010, which included the planned phase-in period for Norwegian
Epic, was 108,7% versus 109,4% in the prior year.
Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day increased 4,2% primarily
due to a 28,3% increase in the average cost of fuel to $490 per metric ton in
2010 from $382 per metric ton in 2009. Excluding fuel expense, Net Cruise Cost
per Capacity Day was essentially flat versus prior year.
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, increased to
$173,8 million for the year compared to $115,4 million in 2009 due to an
increase in borrowings related to the addition of Norwegian Epic and higher
average interest rates. Other income (expense) was $(34,0) million in 2010
versus income of $10,4 million in 2009 primarily due to a non-recurring charge
of $33,1 million related to foreign exchange contracts associated with the
financing of Norwegian Epic in 2010 compared to gains from fuel derivatives in
2009.
Net income for the year, including the impact of the
aforementioned loss on foreign exchange contracts was $22,6 million on revenue
of $2,0 billion versus net income of $67,2 million on revenue of $1,9 billion
in 2009.
Fourth Quarter Results
EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased 69,7% to
$63,4 million from $37,4 million in 2009 (Adjusted EBITDA was $64,3 million in
2010 and $41,6 million in 2009). Net Revenue increased 23,7% to $355,7 million
from $287,6 million in 2009 driven by a 7,0% improvement in Net Yield and a
15,6% increase in Capacity Days. The improvement in Net Yield was a result of
improved ticket pricing as well as improved onboard and other revenue per
Capacity Day. Capacity Days increased due to the addition of Norwegian Epic to
the fleet. Occupancy percentage for the quarter was 104,6% versus 106,0% in
2009.
Net Cruise Cost per Capacity Day in the quarter increased
1,0% over prior year. An increase in Other Cruise Operating Expense per
Capacity Day, together with an increase in the average cost of fuel to $486 per
metric ton from $467 per metric ton in 2009 were offset by lower general and
administrative, payroll, and food expense per Capacity Day.
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, increased to
$54,7 million for the quarter compared to $37,5 million in 2009 due to an
increase in borrowings related to the addition of Norwegian Epic and higher
average interest rates. Taking into account the higher interest expense, net
loss for the fourth quarter of 2010 was flat to prior year at $39,3 million
compared to $39,0 million in 2009.
NCL Opens New Marina
And Dining Facility At Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has completed the
first phase of enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay, the line's 250-acre private
island in the Bahamas. On Thursday, February 3, the company opened the new
marina and dining facility on the island, representing a significant milestone
in the more than $20 million enhancement project currently underway. Norwegian Sky's 2,000 guests were the
first to experience the opening of the marina basin with four docks for the
island's tenders and the new 8,500 square foot dining facility, complete with
two bars and four picnic pavilions.
"Both the new marina and the dining facility greatly
enhance the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay which is our second busiest
port of call this year," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's
president and CEO. "By moving the tenders' arrival to the marina and away
from the beach, we have now opened up a great expanse of beachfront for our
guests to enjoy and relax. We've also built a new large dining facility that is
similar to the action station restaurants we have on board our Freestyle
Cruising ships."
The marina is approximately 12 feet deep at low water and is
home to the island's four tenders. It took more than eight months to excavate
the basin and the entrance channel. The dining facility includes a central
pizza making station, two grills, hot and cold food stations, as well as fresh
fruits and breads. There are two full bars on either side of the facility for
added convenience. The four pavilions, each more than 1800 square feet, offer
picnic tables with a total seating capacity for more than 500 guests.
Enhancements to
Great Stirrup Cay have been underway since January of 2010 and will continue
through the end of this year. Several new island activities have been added
since the project began including more than 16 wave runners, kayak rentals and
an eco-adventure boat tour around the island. The second phase of enhancements
includes an arrival/departure pavilion, additional bar facilities; several
comfort stations; a band stand; cruise program activity area; private
beachfront cabanas; a kid's play area; straw market; and beach volleyball
courts. The beachfront will continue to be expanded on the island's west end.
Norwegian has
owned the island since 1977 when it became the first cruise line to offer an
uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian
Sky and Norwegian Pearl regularly
call on Great Stirrup Cay throughout the year.