MSC Cruises Contracts For Fourth MSC Musica-Class Ship
MSC Orchestra
MSC Cruises has announced that the Company is exercising its option to build a fourth Musica class Panamax ship, MSC Magnifica, thereby increasing the Company’s fleet to 12 ships within the next three years. Aker Yards has signed a contract with MSC Cruises to build the fourth MSC Musica Class Cruise ship. The MSC Magnifica will be built at Aker Yards, Saint-Nazaire and delivered in 2010. The value of the contract is approximately EUR 410 million and is subject to financing.
Like her three predecessors (MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia, this 89,600 GT cruise ship is 294 meters long and just over 32 meters wide, and complies with the Panama Canal Standard. MSC Magnifica will carry 2,500 passengers and have more than 242,000 square feet of public area; 85 percent of the staterooms will be outside accommodations and 65 percent of the total number of staterooms will have balconies. “This announcement demonstrates the Company commitment to be a dominant force in the international cruise market. says Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises. He also added that “in only three years MSC Cruises has successfully designed three prototype vessels together with Aker Yards. This is quite unique in the industry, proving the professionalism of our young MSC Cruises team.”
Aker Yards is presently completing the construction of MSC Orchestra, which will be delivered in May. The order book also includes the third sister ship, MSC Poesia (delivery: 2008) and two 1,650 cabins cruise ships - MSC Fantasia (delivery: 2008) and MSC Serenata (delivery: 2009). By 2009, MSC Cruises' fleet will include ten modern cruise ships, all built by Aker Yards.
‘Ocean Village Two’ Becomes First UK Ship To Be Named By Two Godmothers -
Breaking the cruising mould is second nature to Ocean Village and the naming of their secondx ship, Ocean Village Two, is no exception. Ocean Village Two is set to become the UK’s first ship to boast two Godmothers when sisters Jodie and Jemma Kidd smash the bottle on Tuesday April 24, 2007 in Southampton. Supermodel Jodie and celebrity makeup artist Jemma are set to join a very select band of Godmothers which mainly includes members of the Royal family and Dames of the realm. Says Peter Shanks, Managing Director, Ocean Village, ‘We feel Jodie and Jemma make the perfect ship-mates for Ocean Village Two with their zest for life and the fact that they’re both into the high adrenaline, fun activities which Ocean Village is famous for. . . we feel the sisters’ interests are well aligned with the sort of holidays we offer. Jodie and Jemma both seem to make the most of life and have a great sense of fun and playfulness - which is what Ocean Village is all about.’
Instead of the usual black tie and tiara festivities that normally accompany a ship naming, Ocean Village Two’s celebrations will see a specially invited crowd of celebrity friends enjoying an evening of full-on entertainment including stand up comedy and the premiere of a brand new dance show as well as performances from 1980s disco divas Jaki Graham and Angie Brown. The festivities will culminate in a dramatic ceremony on April 24 which will see Jodie and Jemma officially name Ocean Village’s sister ship as Ocean Village Two.
Ocean Village Two is not a new ship. She sailed for Aida Cruises as the AIDABlu until this April when parent company Carnival Corp & PLC will transfer the vessel to Ocean Village. Before that, she sailed for Princess Cruises as the Crown Princess since 1990 when she entered service. She received a full refit in 2004 before her transfer to AIDA Cruises. She is a sister ship of the Regal Princess operated by Princess Cruises, another Carnival unit.
Ocean Village Two will embark on its maiden voyage from Southampton April 25, sailing to Gibraltar, Cartagena (Spain) and Barcelona before arriving in Palma, Majorca. For the rest of the summer season Ocean Village Two will be based in Palma offering seven-night and 14 night Western Mediterranean itineraries from as little as £549, calling at Tunis, Naples, Florence, Corsica, Monte Carlo, Genoa, St Raphael, Rome and Barcelona.
‘Costa Serena’ Successfully Performs Sea Trials
Costa’s newest flagship, the Costa Serena, arrived this week at Fincantieri's shipyard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa) at the end of her sea trials. The running tests on the ship's systems, machinery and engines, which were performed during the first open sea navigation of the ship, were completed successfully.
The delivery of the ship is scheduled for May 15, 2007 and will make her first official public appearance on May 19 with inaugural events in Marseille, France. The new cruise liner will depart from Venice on her maiden cruise on May 26, with a seven-night itinerary to Turkey and Greece.
Like her sister ship, the Costa Concordia, the 112,000-ton Costa Serena will be the largest vessel flying the Italian flag. The ship is 290 meters in length with 1500 cabins and a total guest capacity of 3,780. She will also feature all the main innovations offered on her sister ship, such as the Samsara Spa, one of the largest spas at sea, two swimming pools with a sliding glass roof, an authentic Grand Prix race car driving simulator, the most accurate representation of Formula One racing ever, and menus created by the Italian culinary innovator Ettore Bocchia at Club Bacco, the ship’s specialty restaurant. The interiors of the Costa Serena are designed by the ingenious American architect Joe Farcus, with a central theme of Greek and Roman mythology.
In addition to the Costa Serena, Costa has commissioned three more ships from Fincantieri for a total investment of 2 billion euros.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Expands Partnership With Jean-Michel Cousteau
Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced the expansion of its exclusive partnership with famed ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society through the launch of the "Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Circle of Interest" for young guests. For the first time, this acclaimed educational program will be offered on summer Alaskan cruises aboard Regent's 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner. Beginning with the Mariner's June 6 sailing, Jean-Michel Cousteau's team of naturalists will introduce young guests and their families to the abundant wildlife, natural wonder and mystical beauty of Alaska through exciting shore excursions, physical activities, arts and crafts, games and interactive presentations. "Having visited Alaska with my own children last year aboard Seven Seas Mariner, I can attest to the sense of wonder that this magnificent destination provides for young guests as they observe whales, eagles, bears and glaciers," said Sophie Vlessing, Regent vice president, guest strategy and marketing. "We recognize the importance of educating the next generation not only to appreciate the wonders of nature but also to contribute to the preservation of the environment around them - and have fun while learning!"
Cousteau, the son of legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, and an acclaimed oceanographer, educator and environmentalist, has been a long-time partner of Regent Seven Seas, offering an Ambassadors of the Environment program for young guests on Regent's Tahiti cruises and himself leading enrichment programs for adults aboard Regent cruises in Tahiti and South America. As part of the new Circle of Interest, young guests will learn about life in the ocean and on land, including glacial geology and a variety of native animals, fish, birds and plants. Special emphasis will be placed on sustainable living, focusing on how the native Alaskan Tlingit tribe peacefully co-existed with nature, how the Seven Seas Mariner operates in an environmentally responsible manner, and how young guests can continue to be ambassadors of the environment when they return home.
The Ambassadors of the Environment Circle of Interest is geared for children ages 9-17. The cost per guest is $110, which includes all shipboard activities and one shore excursion in either Ketchikan or Campbell River, depending on the itinerary.
Intimate Chef's Table to Debut on Emerald Princess
Carnival To Transform Open Decks Of Its Eight Fantasy-Class Ships
Expansive children’s water parks, a new design style and features for the pool areas, and the creation of the Serenity adults only deck area will be part of a dramatic transformation of the open decks of Carnival Cruise Lines’ eight Fantasy-class ships.
The new features are just part of Carnival’s $250 million “Evolutions of Fun” program, the cruise industry’s most ambitious ship refurbishment and product enhancement initiative, which focuses on the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels. These “extreme makeovers” are part of an overall initiative to upgrade all of the unique guest-pleasing features and design style of the Fantasy-class vessels in addition to providing guests with new and exciting shipboard amenities. “The Fantasy-class vessels are the most successful series of cruise ships ever introduced, as well as the industry leader in three- to five-day vacations, carrying nearly 1.6 million guests annually,” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. Evolutions of Fun represents a multi-million-dollar investment designed to build upon these vessels’ tremendous appeal with vacationers by incorporating a host of new and exciting facilities and features,” he added.
The expanded outdoor recreation areas will initially be incorporated onto the 2,052-passenger Inspiration and Imagination during upcoming month-long dry docks this fall and added to other Fantasy-class ships in 2008 and 2009 during scheduled drydock periods.
The updated pool and deck areas on the Inspiration and Imagination are just one component of extensive ship-wide refurbishments to these vessels that initially began in 2005 and include renovations to virtually every guest area. Among the new features are fully remodeled staterooms and suites including new bathrooms, flat-screen televisions in staterooms and select public areas, atrium lobby bars, updated sound and lighting systems in various lounges and clubs, coffee bars, nine-hole miniature golf courses, new art and photo galleries, New York-style delis in the Lido restaurants, and purpose-built conference facilities.
With Carnival expected to carry a record 575,000 kids this year, particular emphasis is being placed on family friendly amenities, with new and expanded play areas, part of the line’s top-rated “Camp Carnival” program, and new facilities for the “Club O2” teen program. Custom-designed spaces geared toward 12- to 14-year olds are also planned and more than 50 interconnecting staterooms are being added to several Fantasy-class ships – perfect for large families or family gatherings.
The Evolutions of Fun initiative is also responding to the changing needs of health-conscious consumers with a complete overhaul of 12,000-square-foot spa facilities. The spa makeovers include new private treatment rooms, state-of-the art exercise equipment and a host of cosmetic enhancements. The addition of new sound and lighting systems in the main show lounges takes Carnival’s legendary revues to another level, with several new dazzling productions that make maximum use of video projections, pyrotechnics, lasers and elaborate sets and costumes.
Many aspects of the Evolutions of Fun enhancements have already been completed on the Fantasy, Ecstasy and Fascination and partially executed on the Sensation, Elation and Paradise. By 2009, the entire Fantasy-class fleet will be completed including the fabulous new transformation of open deck areas.
New Facilities Boost Northern China As A Cruise Destination
Infrastructure enhancements under way in anticipation of the coming Olympics will improve shoreside facilities for cruise passengers to northern China who seek to explore the country's renowned attractions. With the 29th Summer Olympics scheduled for 2008, Beijing, is working around the clock to complete major projects including a new airport terminal, a high-speed train, two new expressways and numerous sports facilities, according to Kong LingJin, associate vice president of China International Travel Service.
Kong announced the formation of Cruise North China, a new marketing alliance composed of Beijing, its seaport of Tianjin, and the two ports of Qingdao and Dalian at the recent Seatrade Shipping Convention in Miami. "The proximity of these three ports to many of the important tourist sites of northern China makes them especially attractive cruise destinations," Kong said. "We think of them as our own 'Golden Triangle.'"
He noted that Tianjin is the gateway to a wide selection of Beijing area shore excursions and extended land tours. The classic Beijing experience for cruise passengers includes Tiananmen Square in the heart of the city, he said. Major sites bordering the square include the Forbidden City, Great Hall of the People, History Museum of the Revolution and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace also are major Beijing sightseeing venues. Outside the city are the Ming Tombs, as well as sections of the Great Wall. Kong said that in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics, a massive renovation of visitor attractions is under way.
Qingdao's unexpected combination of Chinese and German architecture and its beaches and rocky headlands are a special lure for camera buffs. "Summer visitors are discovering the mild climate and numerous beaches of Dalian as an unexpected China experience," said Kong.
Mammoth Japanese Residential Vessel On The Drawing Boards
Hajime Tanaka CEO of Japan Contents Network Inc is busy these days in his Tokyo office planning what will break all records for size a 20-deck residential vessel—a floating city that will ply the waters of the world.
Called the Princess Kaguya Project, the proposed new residential vessel is a floating city that will have three independent hotels on board, each with an entrance hall facing the main street, and its own check-in counter.
Getting on board to visit "the city" is different from merely checking in at a hotel. The current plan is to have an operation agreement with an existing hotel group for each of the three different class hotels, each with 1200 rooms, where residential units could be rented back to the hotel when the owner does not use the unit. Each hotel will have five restaurants each as well as another 20 dining venues for their guests plus an additional 20 eateries for the visitors coming on board that would offer a variety of international cuisine…just as one would find in a land-based city.
Current plans also call for
--A 300-meter-long shopping mall—equivalent to the size of a multistory department store where items sold would be tax free while the ship is at sea.
-- A convention hall of 6,000 square meters to hold trade shows or conferences.
-- A concert hall for orchestral performances and
-- A Cruising Amusement Park for recreational and entertainment activities.
The ship will become a part of an extension of the port city where the ship docks. All facilities including hotels, shopping malls, sports arena and various events at the multi-purpose hall on board will become a part of the extended “city,” available to the passengers and locals alike. The cultural exchange which will take place at each port of call all over the world, will help to build an international network of people and ideas, says Tanaka, which is the core concept of Tanaka’s Princess Kaguya project. Sort of a floating United Nations, it would seem, with the intent to foster international cooperation and good will.
The size of the ship—370,000 gross tons, 500 meters in length, 55 meters wide—will have 20 decks, deemed an “adequate level as defined by the requirement to have the functions of a city.” The vessel will have a 22 knot cruising speed. According to information posted on the Princess Kaguya website, the business and financial aspects of the project are being analyzed in cooperation with the project's financial advisor, a prominent European corporate finance house highly experienced in the shipping and leisure industries. Stay tuned. Website: http://www.princesskaguya.com.
Intimate Chef's Table to Debut on ‘Emerald Princess’
When Emerald Princess sets sail for the first time this spring, she'll offer "foodies" a unique treat: a rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship's galley by the executive chef for pre-dinner cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a specially prepared multi-course tasting dinner in the dining room. While many passengers are able to enjoy a tour of the ship's galley during the quiet off-hours, the new Chef's Table offering will give a select group of gourmands the opportunity to visit the galley at its most busy time - during dinner - and treated to a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation. After the Maitre d' personally escorts the passengers to the galley and introduces them to the executive chef, the group will enjoy French champagne with appetizers. The chef will preview the details of the menu he created for them that evening, and the group will be welcomed to their special table in the dining room.
The multi-course menu will be specially created at the chef's choice, and will not be offered anywhere else on the ship. The fare might include anything from a focus on regional cuisine to a showcase of indigenous ingredients from a recent port. Each course will be accompanied by a detailed explanation of special features, preparation methods, and tasting suggestions. Red and white wine, selected by the Maitre d' to complement the meal, is included in the evening. "Our chefs are continuously asked by passengers how they manage to create such an impressive culinary experience for thousands of passengers each voyage," said Rai Caluori, Princess' executive vice president of fleet operations. "This will give a select group of guests an incredible close-up view of how our dishes are created and served, as well as introduce them to our talented executive chefs. They're sure to come away with a memorable experience, and perhaps some cooking secrets as well!"
Additionally, each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized autographed copy of Princess' best-selling cookbook, Courses, A Culinary Journey, which has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and is now available on amazon.com. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef.
The Chef's Table experience can be reserved by up to ten passengers on select nights during the sailing, at a cost of $75 per person. After its debut on Emerald Princess, Chef's Table will be gradually introduced on all Princess ships fleet wide.
Silversea Launches New Spa Concept
Silversea Cruises is launching a new spa concept throughout its four-ship fleet, starting with Silver Shadow. The new spa brand, known as The Spa at Silversea, will replace the line's existing Mandara Spas and feature new treatments and ceremonies designed to offer a more personalized and holistic spa experience that focuses on the guest's individual needs and lifestyle.
Recently unveiled aboard Silver Shadow's World Cruise, The Spa displays a stylish and welcoming ambience with a refurbished décor of new artwork and contemporary furnishings set in an elegant color palette of pure white and silver with subtle hints of color dispersed throughout the facility. The new spa concept will be implemented aboard Silver Wind in July, and will be expanded to the line's other two ships, Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper, in the following months. "This is a further step in the evolution of our comprehensive Wellness Program, which we introduced across our fleet last year," said Erling Frydenberg, Silversea's chief operations officer. "Being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle away from home is becoming increasingly important to today's affluent traveler and we want to ensure our guests have access to a spa, beauty and fitness center that caters to their personal needs with an exclusive selection of innovative treatments and state-of-the-art spa technology."
In conjunction with the new spa concept, Silver Shadow now offers a cutting-edge body age assessment technology that tests body fat, cardiovascular health, strength and flexibility to see how the guest's body age compares with his or her actual chronological age. Based on the results, The Spa's personal trainers can design an accurate lifestyle program for the guest and recommend an onboard fitness regimen complemented by delicious gourmet dining options developed specifically for the Wellness Program.
The new spa is operated by Steiner Leisure Limited, a leading provider of spa services.
Royal Caribbean Announces Loyalty Program Designed For Young Cruisers
In another industry-leading move, Royal Caribbean International will introduce the first loyalty program specifically designed for cruisers below the age of 18. Launching on Liberty of the Seas’ maiden voyage on May 19, 2007, the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program will offer membership benefits for younger guests every time they sail with the cruise line. Additionally, the launch of Liberty also will introduce new and exciting enhancements in Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean children and teen programming. “Our dedication to provide the most enriching cruise vacation experience for families has earned Royal Caribbean many accolades year after year,” said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International. “With the increase of multi-generational travel, it has become even more important to provide intriguing programs that cater to young cruisers as well as to adults. The new Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program and Adventure Ocean enhancements will give our younger guests many opportunities to enjoy new experiences and earn rewards at the same time.”
Teens and children will be able to enjoy tailored benefits through Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program, as well as earn cruise credits with the cruise line. (Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway
Royal Caribbean’s ‘Empress Of The Seas’ To Join Pullmantur Fleet
Royal Caribbean International today announced plans to transfer Empress of the Seas to Pullmantur, the Madrid-based cruise and tour operator that parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. purchased in November 2006. “Empress of the Seas is a wonderful ship that has served our brand well,” said Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International. “This transfer will help to increase Pullmantur’s capacity and meet demand for its distinctive style of cruise holidays in the European market.”
The last voyage of Empress as part of the Royal Caribbean International fleet will be March 7, 2008. Guests booked on all sailings after this date will be contacted by Royal Caribbean International representatives to transfer existing reservations to similar accommodations onboard other Royal Caribbean ships. Royal Caribbean International has established a toll-free number for travel agents and guests with questions regarding the re-accommodated sailings. The toll-free number is (888) 281-9344.
Empress of the Seas joined the Royal Caribbean fleet in June 1990 and was built by Chantiers de L’Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France. She was refurbished in May 2004. The 48,563 gross-registered-ton ship has a double-occupancy guest capacity of 2,020.
Int’l Cruise Victims Association Members Testify At Congressional Hearing
Congress has scheduled a hearing on March 27, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. on "Crimes Against Americans on Cruise Ships." The hearing will be conducted by the Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation, and will be held at the 2167 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington D.C. Congress has invited a number of members of the ICV to testify regarding their experiences, as well as experts on crimes on cruise ships. These include Kendall Carver and Laurie Dishman.
The ICV will be discussing proposals to reduce shipboard crime, increase the conviction rate of criminals on cruise ships, and protect the victims from poor treatment by the cruise industry following the crimes. In addition to the ICV member, Congress invited a number of experts on cruise ship crimes to address the committee. Additional speakers will include representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigations ("FBI"), the United States Coast Guard, and executives from Royal Caribbean Cruises and Holland America Lines. For more information about the International Crime Victims Association, please visit www.internationalcruisevictims.org or email info@internationalcruisevictims.org.
New QM2/AMNH Partnership Brings New Space Shows At Sea
Guests accustomed to extraordinary voyages aboard the world's most famous ocean liner won't believe where their next adventure will take them. Cunard's Queen Mary 2, in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History's Hayden Planetarium, introduces two breathtaking new space shows in the 150-seat Illuminations, the only planetarium at sea. Using real science and cutting edge technology, these virtual tours of space are widely considered the most immersive experiences anywhere. Illuminations presents a total of four space shows per day, including the Hayden Planetarium's ground-breaking new productions, Cosmic Collisions and Passport to the Universe and The Search For Life: Are We Alone?
Outside of the entrance to Illuminations, newly installed plasma screens present the American Museum of Natural History's pioneering AstroBulletins. Showcasing the latest developments in the ever-changing field of astrophysics, these high-resolution large-screen presentations tap the latest images from NASA satellites and other observatories. AstroBulletin presentations, ranging from breaking news and date visualizations to in-depth feature stories, explore a wide range of topics, including space weather, the possibility of life on Mars and the cosmic microwave background.
NCL America Changes Pier Site For Departures In Honolulu
As of March 17, 2007, Pride of Aloha, Pride of America, Pride of Hawaii and Wednesday sailings of Norwegian Wind will be departing from the Pier 2 Cruise Terminal at the Honolulu Harbor. The pier is located at the end of Channel Street at 521 Ala Moana Blvd, and is adjacent to the Foreign Trade Zone #9.
Saturday sailings of Norwegian Wind will now depart from Pier 10/11 Aloha Tower Market Place.
Holland America Offers 101 Spring Seminars for Travel Sellers In North America
Premium cruise leader Holland America Line will host 101 business-building seminars for travel sellers in cities across the United States and Canada this spring. The 90-minute seminars will focus on increasing business with Holland America Line’s diverse itineraries, booking groups for bigger profits, and an overview of sales tools available to agents, including POLAR Online. “As part of the Holland America Line Academy agent training program, these seminars provide key concepts and front-line selling tools useful to our agent partners,” said Tracey Kelly, vice president of sales for Holland America Line. “Agents will walk away from the seminar with concrete ideas to help them increase their business in this competitive marketplace along with the knowledge of what tools we have available to help them succeed.”
Seminars run from April 3 through June 6, 2007. Seminar topics include: Increase Your Business and Revenue; Book Groups for Bigger Profit; and Access Sales Tools That Make a Difference to Your Bottom Line.
Seminar reservations are for travel sellers only and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending must provide the attendee’s name, name of travel agency, IATA/CLIA number, business phone number and seminar city, date and location. Some locations are limited to two attendees per agency IATA.
Travel sellers may RSVP online at www.springseminars.com or by phone at (800) 355-3019.
New Rules For Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling To Be In Place By 2013
At the recent Seatrade Shipping Convention in Miami, the International Marine Organization announced that it is currently drawing up a Convention on Safe and Environmentally Sound Ship Recycling,according to Germanischer Lloyd environmental engineer Henning Gramann, member of the IMO Working Group on Ship Recycling. Once implemented, it will be mandatory for all ships (over 500 gross tons) to carry a continuously updated Inventory of Hazardous Materials incorporated in the vessel, for eventual use at demolition. This list will cover not only materials used at newbuilding stage but also any materials introduced during repairs and conversions.
Cruise line owners will be asked to compile retroactive lists of materials aboard their vessels may require the services of HazMat specialists to ‘review documents, analyse samples and prepare the inventory,’ Gramman said, as well as classification societies to certify the lists. The new rulings which will replace non-mandatory IMO Guidelines, will start in 2008 or 2009 and be fully active by 2013.
Hapag-Lloyd Aims For the North American Travel Market
German cruise line Hapag-Lloyd has appointed a dedicated public relations executive and announced a marketing partnership, all to broaden its presence in the North American cruise market. The cruise line, whose flagship is the ultra-luxurious MS Europa, also said it will launch a new advertising campaign and offer more bilingual cruises in 2007. "As more and more Americans are drawn to the allure of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the company will continue to expand its schedule of bilingual (German/English) sailings to accommodate a wider American market," said Hapag-Lloyd's managing director, Sebastian Ahrens.
Louis Cruise Lines Joins the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance
The Mediterranean cruise company Louis Cruise Lines has joined the Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA),, joining 11 other cruise lines that are members of the alliance, The 12 lines have banded together to educate travel agents on the value of concentrating on the sale of specialty cruise products. The alliance provides educational programs, seminar content and trade show exposure for its members and this industry segment. In addition, its website, www.nichecruise.com , has been redesigned to allow consumers in the United States and Canada to locate certified Niche Cruise Specialist travel agents by zip code, postal code or city.
Louis Cruise Lines ( www.louiscruises.com ) offers cruises from three to ten days on 13 mid-sized cruise ships that are celebrated for their classic style and intimate atmosphere. It is considered the premier cruise line in the Mediterranean and the Greek Islands, offering imaginative itineraries, quality service and 70 years of traditions. The vessels sail from Piraeus and Lavrion, Greece on Greek Island, Turkey and Black Sea cruises; from Genoa, Civitavecchia and Naples, Italy and Marseilles, France on itineraries in the Western Mediterranean; and short-term cruises from Cyprus to Israel and Egypt. In addition, six of the line’s 13 vessels are under longer-term charter catering to specialized market needs. Passengers on the Greek Island cruises are also offered the option of embarkation in Mykonos and disembarkation in Santorini. “We are not one of the large cruise lines,” Nicholas Filippidis, director of product development for North America for Louis, explained. “We cater to a specific market. Our itineraries are focused on destinations, and we operate smaller vessels. We cater to a more sophisticated clientele and the product needs more explaining and we feel NCMA is the best vehicle to tell out story.”
The NCMA office is based in Bellevue, Washington, outside of Seattle. Other NCMA members include: American Cruise Lines, Discovery World Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruises, Galapagos Explorer II (Canodros), Imperial River Cruises, Majestic America Line, Norwegian Coastal Voyage, Orion Expedition Cruises, Peter Deilmann Cruises, RiverBarge Excursion Lines and Star Clippers. The alliance’s web site is www.nichecruise.com.
New Appointments Announced For European Cruise Council
The European Cruise Council (ECC) has formally appointed a new chair and vice chair for the next two years. David Dingle, managing director of Carnival UK becomes chair and the vice chair role will be held by Susan Hooper, senior vice president and managing director Royal Caribbean Line in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
The new appointments follow three successful years chaired by Pier Luigi Foschi chairman and chief executive officer of Costa Crociere SpA. The ECC vice chair role has been held by Patrick Ryan, managing director of Island Cruises since the formation of the group in 2004.
More than thirty companies and organizations are now represented within ECC, which has just has published a major economic impact study and held an inaugural conference in Brussels.
The ECC, was set up to promote and defend the interests of the cruise sector with EU institutions. The organization combines the political lobbying strengths of the European Community Ship owners’ Association (ECSA) with the promotional and training expertise of the UK industry body, the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA).
Members and organizations represented within the ECC include: Arcalaia Shipping Company, Aida Cruises, Carnival Cruise UK, Carnival Cruise Lines, Classic International Cruise, Costa Crociere, Cunard Line, European Community Ship Owners’ Association (ECSA), France Ferries Croisieres, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Hansa Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Island Cruises, International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), Monarch Classic Cruises, Louis Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Phoenix Reisen, Pullmantur Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Passenger Shipping Association, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International/Celebrity Cruises, Saga Shipping, Silversea Cruises, Thomson Cruises, Transocean Tours.
Substantial Increase In Europeans Taking Cruises Led By Germany & Italy
Cruise holidays are continuing to race ahead in popularity in Europe, with 3.4 million Europeans taking a cruise last year—a substantial 300,000 (9 percent) increase on the 3.1 million who traveled in 2005. The rapid growth is expected to continue according to the latest figures released by the European Cruise Council (ECC) this week at the cruise industry’s annual Seatrade conference in Miami. David Dingle, the newly appointed chairman of the ECC and managing director of Carnival UK said: “Just ten years ago only one million Europeans took a cruise holiday. Now there are 3.4 million Europeans enjoying cruises and we’re confident this will top 4 million by 2010 and 5 million by 2015, as cruise lines throughout the world continue to invest in new ships. “
The new figures reveal that cruising is most popular with holidaymakers from Britain (1.2 million), Germany (705,000) and Italy (517,000). But there is also strong growth from other countries. The number of Scandinavian and Benelux cruise passengers both increased by more than 20,000 last year and Spanish passengers by 12,000.
European cruise passengers primarily visit the Mediterranean and Atlantic Islands (69 %) followed by Northern Europe (17%) and Caribbean and other parts of the world (24%).
European visitors to Northern Europe leapt from 500,000 to 595,000 last year, a 19% increase, as more ships operated itineraries in the region.
Cruise lines such as Costa, MSC Cruises, NCL Freestyle Cruising and Royal Caribbean International have increased capacity across Europe, and Spain is emerging as a strong potential market to watch. Royal Caribbean purchased cruise specialist Pullmantour and Carnival is investing in Iberojet in Spain.
The announcement of 2006 growth supports projections made in the European Cruise Contribution report recently launched in Brussels which is the first economic impact study showing the economic value and scale of the cruise industry to Europe. The report was commissioned by the ECC together with Euroyards, MedCruise and Cruise Europe and showed that cruise companies, shipbuilding yards, cruise passengers, ports and suppliers accounted for €8.3 billion of direct expenditure in Europe in 2005 and 180,000 jobs. By 2010 the report projects that direct expenditure from the cruise industry will increase by 50% to €12.7 billion and jobs will increase by more than 50,000 to top a quarter of a million jobs by 2010.”
The ECC was set up to promote and defend the interests of the cruise sector with EU institutions. The organization combines the political lobbying strengths of the European Community Ship Owners’ Association (ECSA) with the promotional and training expertise of the UK industry body, the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA).
Members and organizations represented within the ECC include: Arcalaia Shipping Company, Aida Cruises, Carnival Cruise UK, Carnival Cruise Lines, Classic International Cruise, Costa Crociere, Cunard Line, European Community Ship Owners’ Association (ECSA), France Ferries Croisieres, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Hansa Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, Island Cruises, International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), Monarch Classic Cruises, Louis Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Phoenix Reisen, Pullmantur Cruises, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Passenger Shipping Association, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International/Celebrity Cruises, Saga Shipping, Silversea Cruises, Thomson Cruises, Transocean Tours.
Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines To Base ‘Balmoral’ In US For 2008/09 Winter Season
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced plans to base its latest acquisition Balmoral in the United States for the winter season during 2008/2009. The ship will sail from its British base port of Dover in October 2008 on a transatlantic voyage via Canada ending in New York. This will be followed by a 12-night ‘fall foliage’ itinerary to Boston, eastern Canada, and returning to New York via Portland, Nantucket, and Newport. Balmoral then proceeds to her winter home of Miami taking in Bermuda, Port Canaveral and Nassau en route.
Balmoral’s Caribbean program will consist of eleven cruises of 12, 14 and 16-nights’ duration comprised of two standard 14-night east and west routes, with adjustments to allow for convenient air travel over the Christmas period. The range of ports goes from Guatemala and Cozumel in the west to Barbados in the east; and from the Bahamas in the north to Isla Margarita in the south of the region.
Balmoral’s smaller size – only 34,242 tons and 987 passengers – means that she is able to visit ports that larger ships miss out completely, or have to anchor a long distance out. For instance the little island of Bequia is only a few minutes tender ride from Balmoral. In both Road Town in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and Santo Thomas de Castilla in Guatemala Balmoral’s neat size allows her to tie-up at the dock, thus avoiding a tender ride completely. “The expansion of our fleet to five ships is very exciting for us and allows us to offer even more variety to our year-round program,” said Nigel Lingard, Fred. Olsen’s Marketing Director. “The early enthusiasm shown by the North American market for our already announced Miami itineraries on Balmoral has encouraged us to return for the whole of the winter 2008/09 season.”
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines also operates the Black Watch, Braemar, Black Prince and Boudicca vessels.
NCMA To Offer Training Program For Niche Cruise Specialists In Seattle May 31
The Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance will present its niche cruise specialist training program at the Washington Athletic Club,1325 6th Avenue in Seattle on Thursday, May 31, 2007. There is no charge for the training program, and it will be preceded by a complimentary buffet lunch at 11:30 am. The training program will conclude at 3:30 pm.
Agents who wish to sign up for the NCMA seminar should go to the NCMA website, www.nichecruise.com.
The Niche Cruise Specialist training program provides detailed presentations on how to capitalize on the growing niche cruise product market and the huge commission potential it represents. Attendees will receive the new NCMA Sales Manual and upon completion will receive a certificate as a Niche Cruise Specialist, $700 in bonus commission certificates, will be listed on NCMA's web site as specialists and be signed up to receive NCMA's monthly e-newsletter and special offers.
The training program is being held adjacent to the 2007 Cruise-A-Thon conference which will feature many training and ship inspection opportunities. Agents who are interested in getting more information on this program should visit www.ttshows.com.
The NCMA office is in Bellevue, Washington, a suburb of Seattle. The alliance can be reached by telephone at 425.867.0399, fax at 425.867.0589 or e-mail at NicheCruise@msn.com. The alliance’s web site is www.NicheCruise.com.
Metropolitan Touring Acquires New Expedition Yacht
Metropolitan Touring, Ecuador’s pioneer of reliable and high-quality tourism, has acquired a 63-meter (207-foot) expedition yacht—La Pinta— with capacity for 40 guests, for its Galapagos Islands operation. La Pinta is scheduled to start operations in March 2008.
Cunard Academy Commodores Earn Graduation Voyages on QM2
Cunard announced the recent graduation of the first Cunard Academy Commodores, the first group to reach the program's elite status by completing the required 25 (total) courses in the popular online training tool for travel agents. The first 250 Commodore's will receive a complimentary Graduation Voyage aboard the liner's flagship Queen Mary 2 on either a signature six-day Transatlantic Crossing or a tropical Caribbean voyage. Cunard has begun contacting the Commodores to congratulate them of their achievement and to begin making arrangements for their Graduation Voyage.
Since Cunard expects to graduate many more Commodores in the coming weeks, all new Commodores will receive an invitation to be officially honored onboard Queen Mary 2 on April 10 during a luncheon hosted by newly appointed Cunard Fleet Commodore Bernard Warner and Cunard President Carol Marlow. This special celebration will be the first of many exclusive Cunard Academy Commodore events hosted throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The Commodore Graduation Voyage will offer the opportunity to experience first-hand the iconic Cunard travel experience and serve as the completion of their Cunard Academy education by meeting the onboard Cruise Sales Specialist, completing a questionnaire and taking a ship tour.
Commodores receive entree into the Platinum tier of the Cunard World Club with such benefits as Priority Check-In at select ports and exclusive invitations to onboard cocktail parties.
Additional graduation rewards for these and future Commodores include recognition in the form of a diploma, a Cunard Academy Commodore pin and invitations to exclusive shoreside Academy Commodore events. Besides enjoying elite status within the Academy, Commodore agencies also enjoy the exclusive advantage of receiving placement in Cunard's new online travel agent locator, specifically launched as a Commodore graduation benefit. In fact, the Travel Professional Locator, a very valuable resource for receiving referrals from potential clients, will only feature Commodore-level agencies. Additionally, owners of Commodore agencies receive Platinum World Club benefits aboard Cunard ocean liners.
To achieve Commodore status, agents complete a series of four phases of the curriculum "a combination of required and elective classes" enabling them to reach the ranks of First Officer, Staff Captain, Captain and ultimately, the highest level of Commodore. Course offerings include a History of Cunard, the Transatlantic Crossing, The Grills Experience, Selling Luxury Travel and Direct Marketing.
To enroll in Cunard Academy, register online at www.onesourcecruises.com. The Academy Help Desk telephone number is 800.544.9032.
*Each year Cunard will award 250 voyages on either a Queen Mary 2 Caribbean or Transatlantic itinerary. Complete details about the program and earning a Graduation Voyage are available online at onesourcecruises.com.
Wind Spirit Receives Latest Degrees of Difference Enhancements
Windstar Cruises’ second of three ships, the 148-guest motor sailing yacht Wind Spirit, will undergo the latest phase of Degrees of Difference upgrades during a five-week work period that began March 17, 2007. Guest upgrades include remodeled bathrooms in all staterooms, an expanded beauty salon and a refurbished lounge.
All stateroom bathrooms will be remodeled for a more contemporary look with new fixtures, open glass shelves, new cabinets, granite countertops, porcelain sinks, and a magnifying mirror. Refinished teak floors retain the popular nautical style. In staterooms, full length mirrors and slippers will be added, and cell phone service will be available at sea.
In the Lounge, the bar will be relocated to a central and visible location near the back of the room. The Lounge will be refreshed with reupholstered furniture, new carpet, ceiling, lighting, and wall coverings.
The Salon will move from deck one to deck three by the Lounge providing a more serene spa experience with space for relaxation. Expanding into the area vacated by the bar, salon space doubles with a new waiting area, two separate massage rooms, an area for facials and hair/nail treatments, and pedicure chair. The number of massage appointments available for guests will double and new spa treatments will be added including La Therapie Hydralift Facial, Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed Massage, and Ionithermie Cellulite Reduction Program. The expanded spa menu turns the former salon into a complete spa facility.
The two-week wetdock begins on March 17 when the ship sails from St. Thomas (without guests) on its transatlantic crossing to Portugal. It will then spend three weeks in Lisnave Mitrena shipyard in Portugal. The ship will welcome guests back on its April 21 cruise from Lisbon to Barcelona.
The four-masted Wind Spirit will sail the Greek Isles from May to September along with a few Mediterranean itineraries in early spring and late fall.
The 312-guest Wind Surf sailed with all Degrees of Difference upgrades completed on December 16, 2006. The 148-guest msy Wind Star is scheduled to begin its work period in October 2007.
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