The Merry Month Of May Sees Five New Ships Inaugurated
May was a busy month for ship christenings. In the space of a week, five festive inaugurals were held to welcome the newbuilds—four in Europe and the fifth in Miami.
The cruise ships named according to date were:
Emerald Princess Is Christened In Greece
On May 13—Mother’s Day—Princess Cruises officially christened its newest ship, the Emerald Princess. In celebration of Mother's Day, Princess united some of television's most famous mothers and daughters to serve as the christeners and chose Greece, the birthplace of Mother's Day, as the site for the naming festivities.
The ship's godmothers are Florence Henderson, best known as Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch, and her TV daughter, Susan Olsen, a.k.a. Cindy Brady, as well as Marion Ross, the beloved Marion Cunningham from the international hit, Happy Days, and her TV daughter, Erin Moran, a.k.a. Joanie Cunningham. The christeners were joined by Gavin MacLeod, former captain in the Love Boat TV series and Princess spokesperson, who emceed the naming ceremony, as well as Princess Cruises and Greek officials. Traditional Greek dancers performed as part of the festivities. "What better way to celebrate Mother's Day and the launch of our beautiful new ship than to have this pair of iconic television mothers and daughters as christeners," said Alan Buckelew, president of Princess Cruises. "We're thrilled to have them as godmothers. It's also quite fitting to be hosting the naming ceremony in Athens, the birthplace of Mother's Day."
The 113,000-ton Emerald Princess, a sister ship to the Crown Princess, is currently sailing to the most sought-after ports in the Mediterranean and Greek Isles, featuring the region's most popular and historic destinations. The ship will continue cruising in Europe throughout the summer before repositioning to Ft. Lauderdale for Caribbean sailings in the fall.
The new vessel includes many of the enthusiastically received design elements and amenities that debuted last year on sister ship Crown Princess, including a dramatic piazza-style atrium, a multitude of casual dining venues and an adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary.
‘MS Delphin Voyager’ Christened At The Hamburg Cruise Center
MS Delphin Voyager
On May 18, the MS Delphin Voyager was christened at the Hamburg Cruise Center., belonging to two different cruise operators. The new flag ship of Delphin Kreuzfahrten and Hansakreuzfahrten, with a length of 174 meters, a width of 24 meters and a passenger capacity of 650, is a modern four-star cruise vessel. The ship’s godmother was Katrin Hackmann, daughter of the Hamburg shipowner Heinz-Herbert Hey. A festive fireworks display concluded the ceremony. The ship will operate cruises to the Baltic beginning May 31.
RCI’s ‘Liberty of the Seas’ Is Christened in Miami
Liberty of the Seas
With a dramatic smash of the champagne bottle against its brand new hull, Royal Caribbean International’s 21st cruise ship, Liberty of the Seas, was officially named by travel agent godmother Donnalea Madeley on May 18 at the Port of Miami. Performing the prestigious role often reserved for dignitaries and celebrities, Donnalea Madeley is the first travel agent to be the godmother of a Royal Caribbean ship. Ms. Madeley, of Ontario-based Marlin Travel, was selected from among nearly 2,500 nominations of exemplary women travel agents who have demonstrated dedication to philanthropy and service in their communities.
Holding the dual-title of world’s largest cruise ship along with sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty is the first Royal Caribbean ship to showcase the line’s enhanced onboard programming in the wellness, family and teen, and weddings arenas, implemented to give all guests more onboard options and activities
Liberty features cruise industry innovations such as the FlowRider® surf simulator, the Powerbox boxing ring, the H2O Zone water park and the Royal Promenade entertainment boulevard, as well as the new programming, which includes Explorer Weddings, for couples looking to tie the knot in extreme style; the Vitality wellness program, promoting a healthier vacation with new, well-balanced fitness, spa, shore excursions and culinary choices; and new family programming, for children and teens.
At 160,000 gross registered tons, and a capacity of 3,634 guests (double-occupancy), Liberty of the Seas was built by Aker Yards, Finland, over the course of two years. She will operate Caribbean cruises, departing on Saturdays, with her sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, departing on Sundays. The two sister ships will alternate between seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Both itineraries include a call at Royal Caribbean’s private destination Labadee, Haiti. Liberty’s Western Caribbean itinerary calls in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, allowing for a third day at sea to take advantage of all the ship has to offer.
The two Freedom-class ships will be joined by a third, Independence of the Seas, when she debuts in Europe in May 2008. She will sail from the United Kingdom during her premier season and will be the largest ship home-ported in Europe.
‘Costa Serena’ Debut Sets New Benchmark For Luxury Cruises
Costa Serena
Three popular French celebrities lit up inaugural festivities for the Costa Serena during her inauguration in the French port city of Marseille on May 19. Participating in the new Costa flagship’s inaugural ceremony was actress Marion Cotillard, who has been named the ship’s godmother; Gérard Holtz, one of France’s most highly-regarded television journalists, who served as the master of ceremonies; and Pascal Barbot, the renowned French Michelin-starred chef who created the inaugural dinner menu along with Chef Ettore Bocchia. The evening’s festivities ended with an inaugural show, entitled “Mediterranean Serenade,” with a spectacular display of lights and colors that “interact” with five of the city’s most important monuments, including the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, the Lighthouse Cove and Residence, the Sainte Marie Majeure Cathedral, the Entrecasteaux Castle and the Fort Saint-Jean, making the Costa Serena the city’s sixth “monument.”
Like her sister ship, the Costa Concordia, the 114,000-ton Costa Serena will be the largest vessel flying the Italian flag. The ship is 290 meters in length with 1,500 cabins and a total guest capacity of 3,780. She also features all of the main innovations offered on her sister ship, including the Samsara Spa, one of the largest spas at sea; two swimming pools with a retractable magrodome; and an authentic Grand Prix race car driving simulator.
Costa Serena is the largest Costa cruise ship and the largest European cruise liner in terms of capacity: 114,000 gross tonnage, 290 meters in length and accommodation for up to 3,780 guests in 1500 cabins.
Costa Serena was built at the Italy-based Fincantieri shipyardand cost an estimated 450 million euros ($590 million est. She features a 2154-square meter Samsara Spa, one of the largest wellness centers ever built on a cruise ship. The 99 Samsara Suites have direct access to the Spa. There are also four swimming pools, two of which are astern and midship fitted with a sliding glass roof.
The Costa Serena interiors were designed by American architect Joe Farcus. Greek and Roman mythology is the ship's central theme -- complemented by 5990 art works, including 440 originals contributed by 34 international artists including Omar Galliani, Aldo Spoldi and Nicola Salvatore. Installed in the Pantheon Atrium in a stunning visual scene, "L'Olimpo Spettacoloso" (Spectacular Olympus) is a monumental artwork that encompasses 16 "Sculpture Costumes" created by Alberto Nodolini and inspired by Roman Mythology.
Costa Crociere has launched a micro website about Costa Serena at www.costaserena.net.
Costa Serena sailed its maiden cruise from Venice on May 26 with an eight-day itinerary to Turkey and Greece. From June through November, the ship will depart from Venice every Sunday on seven-night cruises calling in Bari, Italy; Olympia, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. In winter 2007-2008, Serena will offer 10- and 11-night cruises in the Canary Islands.
‘MSC Orchestra’ Makes Her Entrance Into The MSC Cruises’ Fleet
MSC Orchestra
Italian film icon Sophia Loren officially welcomed her fourth “godchild,” MSC Orchestra, to the MSC Cruises’ fleet at gala festivities held May 20 in Civitavecchia, Italy. The festivities had a decidedly musical theme with a concert conducted by noted film score composer Ennio Morricone.
Like the other ships in the MSC Cruises’ fleet, MSC Orchestra epitomizes the line’s Beautiful. Passionate. Italian. style. Like sister-ship MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra is 92,400 tons, 964 feet long, with five restaurants (including an upscale Italian restaurant and the only restaurant at sea dedicated solely to Chinese cuisine), 11 bars, a casino, a 12,400-square-foot-spacious spa and fitness area, 1,240-seat theater and capable of carrying 2,550 guests.
MSC Orchestra will sail seven-night Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip from Venice beginning June 2.
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Note: Two more ships will be christened in 2007—NCL’s Norwegian Gem in late fall and American Lines’ American Star on June 15 in Bangor, Maine. And as of May 31, 2007, 42 newbuilds are slated for delivery within the next five years.
‘Ocean Village Two’ Gets Launched In Southampton
Ocean Village 2 arriving in Southampton
Ocean Village Two, the latest cruise ship from casual cruise company Ocean Village Holidays, became the UK’s first ship to boast two Godmothers when sisters Jodie and Jemma Kidd smashed the bottle 24 April, 2007) in Southampton. Supermodel Jodie and celebrity make-up artist Jemma made a dramatic entrance on stage after a hi-energy deck show to officially name the ship “Ocean Village Two” and set off a storm of flutterfetti and synchronized waterjets. The sisters join a very select band of Godmothers including members of the Royal family and Dames of the realm.
While similar in layout to the cruise line’s first ship Ocean Village, Ocean Village Two has three times as many balconied cabins. Like her sister-ship, Ocean Village Two has unusually spacious accommodation, four restaurants, two pools, more bars than there are days of the week and a series of entertainment venues. She also features and outstanding 14,000 square foot spa and fitness complex—the largest afloat for a ship of its size - complete with state of the art gym, ocean-view treatment rooms, luxurious sauna and steam zone and a heavenly meditation room, known as the womb room.
After the naming, Ocean Village Two embarked on her maiden voyage from Southampton the next day, sailing to Gibraltar, Cartagena (Spain) and Barcelona before arriving in Palma, Majorca. For the rest of the summer 2007 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. 14 night Stay and Cruise options, combining week’s hotel stay in Palma with a second week’s cruise, are available from £699.
The original Ocean Village ship will sail in the Eastern Mediterranean for the first time this summer with the ship based in Crete and offering 7 night and 14 night Greek island-hopping cruises which also visit Croatia and Turkey, plus Stay and Cruise options.
Some facts about Ocean Village Holidays and its ships
-- Ocean Village operated her first cruise in May 2003
-- The original ship, Ocean Village, has 1,578 berths in 789 cabins including 64 with private balcony
-- The new ship, Ocean Village Two, has 708 berths in 854 cabins including 198 with private balcony
-- Facilities on the new ship include four restaurants; two pools; two Jacuzzis, eight bars, a theatre, casino, Karma Spa and Fitness Complex including gym, hair & beauty salon, sauna and steam complex and eleven treatment rooms; four shops, Europe’s only Sonic the Hedgehog SEGA Village; children’s center, night nursery and teen zone.
-- Over 80 Action Ashore activities are available with Ocean Village Two including white water rafting, abseiling, zipwiring, Harley Davidson tours, swimming with dolphins, whale watching and much more
-- Celebrity TV chef James Martin has a restaurant, the only restaurants he runs, on each ship. Named The Bistro, the restaurant serves an à la carte menu of British dishes with a Mediterranean twist.
-- Each seven night cruise calls at six destinations each week
-- Ocean Village Two offers two alternating one week fly-cruises, which can be combined to make a two week cruise holiday, in the Mediterranean in the summer (based on Palma Majorca), and in the Caribbean in the winter (based on Barbados). Stay and cruise options feature a one week hotel stay in Majorca or Barbados followed by a second week on board .
Prices start from £549 on Ocean Village Two for a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise and £849 for a 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise. Fares on Ocean Village lead in from £629 for one week Eastern Mediterranean cruises and from £1049 for 14-night Eastern Caribbean cruise
Ocean Village is a division of Carnival UK which includes P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Cunard.
‘AIDAdiva’ Christened in Hamburg April 20
AIDAdiva gets a rousing salute
On April 20, Aida Cruises’ newest ship—AIDAdiva—was christened amid a fiery display in Hamburg. The ship was christened by Maria Galleski who won a special casting that was held in the city.
The 69,200 gross ton vessel was built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg and is the first ship out of a series of four the Papenburg shipyard is building for AIDA Cruises.
AIDAdiva’s first cruise was to Palma de Mallorca where she will be based for regular seasonal cruises. The cruises are marketed for the German trade. Website: www.aida.de
HAL's ms Eurodam to Feature New Inspired Guest Room Decor
Staterooms and suites on the new ms Eurodam will feature an inspired and a distinctly different decor when the 2,044-guest luxury liner —Holland America Line's first Signature-class ship—debuts in June 2008.
The staterooms and suites will offer a calming, more mono-chromatic design, accented with bursts of color, will replace the floral schemes used in the past. The elegantly simple design is enhanced with rich wood tones and the use of burnished nickel fixtures. Passenger corridors leading to the guest staterooms also will be decorated in the same contemporary theme. "Holland America Line chose NB Design Group of Seattle to create this stylish new decor," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. "We sought a design firm capable of providing a fresh look while retaining a tailored, Euro-classic aesthetic. NB Design Group has succeeded wonderfully by introducing different woods and textures and fresh color combinations."
Nancy Burfiend, principal designer and founder of NB Design Group, added the intent was to transform each stateroom and suite into a calming oasis where guests could relax and rejuvenate. "There is so much taking place aboard a cruise ship -- diverse activities, exciting dining, theater shows, and more -- that we wanted the guest rooms to reflect a soothing environment," said Burfiend. "For example, the deluxe verandah suites will feature rich walnut furniture, charcoal gray seating, crisp white draperies and a patterned gray tip sheared carpet -- accented with powder blue and citrus orange in strategic areas to add dimension and interest.
"Inside staterooms will have blond, maple-toned furniture to create a lighter environment, with the recessed area behind the beds painted sky-blue and covered by sheer curtains with a burn-out, wave pattern that allows hints of blue to show -- in effect, creating the sense of a window," Burfiend added.
The new decor will be in all staterooms on the 11-passenger deck Eurodam. For the first time on any Holland America ship, staterooms will be added to the top decks. Deck 11 just off the Crow's Nest will feature 10 verandah staterooms and, just below on Deck 10, 28 staterooms with verandahs and four, forward-facing "panorama" rooms will be located.
With one more deck than Holland America's 10-deck Vista-class ships, the Signature-class Eurodam will feature three alternative dining venues, including a new pan-Asian restaurant on Deck 10. The Explorations Cafe -- powered by The New York Times -- will be located on Deck 11 on the starboard side of the Crow's Nest.
Staterooms will feature all the Signature of Excellence premium amenities: plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel televisions, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets.
Eurodam is scheduled to debut in June 2008 with European inaugural events and then cruise the Baltic region through the summer. The ship will then offer its first trans-Atlantic cruise and sail Canada/New England in the fall, followed by Caribbean itineraries the remainder of 2008.
Royal Princess Debuts with Inaugural Voyage from Barcelona
Royal Princess, the newest ship to join the Princess fleet, welcomed its first passengers this mont as she set sail on its maiden voyage from Barcelona, Spain under the command of the line's senior master, the recently appointed Commodore Michael Fatchen.
The intimate 710-passenger vessel, which takes the name of a much-beloved former Princess ship, debuts with a series of unique Elite Mediterranean cruises that feature a variety of new itineraries and unique ports. Royal Princess' first "Mediterranean Interlude" voyage features calls in Marseille, Florence/Pisa, Elba, Palermo, and Mallorca.
Upcoming voyages include a number of interesting new "explorer" destinations, including four ports appearing for the first time in Princess routes: Ravenna, Italy; Split Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; and Canakkale (for Troy), Turkey - all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Royal Princess itineraries will also take travelers to such intriguing places as the Crimean coast, Egypt and the Holy Land.
A sister ship to the line's popular Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess, the 30,200-ton Royal Princess offers passengers a boutique version of Princess' acclaimed onboard options including a variety of dining and entertainment choices and a large number of cabins with private balconies.
Royal Princess guests will enjoy the line's new culinary enhancements set to debut on the ship, including the innovative Chef's Table exclusive dinner experience, all new dining room menus, enhanced buffet service, and a number of special treats such as an afternoon "cookies and milk break" featuring fresh-from-the-oven soft-baked cookies, and in-cabin delivery of Princess' renowned homemade pizza.
Passengers will find the ship offers many of Princess' signature dining options, including the favorite Sabatini's trattoria and Sterling Steakhouse. Other hallmark Princess features added to the vessel include the Lotus Spa, Grand Casino and 24-hour room service, including Ultimate Balcony dining. Suite passengers will enjoy fully renovated accommodations featuring fresh décor and new furnishings. The ship was also readied for her new passengers with new production staging in the show lounge, new carpet and upholstery, and the line's new premium mattresses and bedding.
Royal Caribbean Takes Delivery of ‘Liberty of the Seas’
Continuing on the successful track of creating revolutionary onboard offerings and innovative products, Royal Caribbean International took delivery of its newest Freedom-class ship, Liberty of the Seas, from Aker Yards during an April ceremony in Turku, Finland. Making her US debut on May 3, 2007, the ship will be the first in Royal Caribbean's fleet to showcase new and distinctive wellness, family and wedding programming, which will be rolled out fleet-wide. Liberty shares the title of world's largest cruise ship with sister ship, Freedom of the Seas, which launched in May 2006.
From tots to teens to brides and wellness seekers, Royal Caribbean has kept all guests in mind when developing its original and enhanced programming.
For health and wellness enthusiasts, Royal Caribbean presents a completely revamped Vitality wellness program, promoting well-balanced healthy vacations through a variety of diverse fitness, spa, shore excursion and culinary offerings, including Tai Chi, acupuncture, wellness seminars and even a soothing signature scent.
Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway, New York City's famed children's theater group, introduces kids and teens to the theatrical arts by folding folktales, music, dance and cultural elements into the mix. Sure to be a hit among teen cruisers are the Scratch DJ 101 classes, where teens hone their turntable skills in sessions hosted by professionals from New York City's Scratch DJ Academy.
Royal Caribbean launches the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program, the industry's first loyalty program designed for cruiser under the age of 18. Members will enjoy frequent cruiser rewards such as the Youth Ultimate Value Booklet, which includes puzzles, games, and special onboard offers to Ben & Jerry's, Challenger's Arcade, and Y-spa, the line's teen spa treatment menu.
The Build & Grow with Lowe's program and Chefs on Deck by Fisher-Price bring budding young builders and tomorrow's culinary super-stars together with their families to play, learn and grow while at sea.
Brides and grooms now have more distinctive settings in which to say "I do" with Explorer Weddings, an extreme extension of the line's existing Royal Romance wedding and vow renewal program, allowing thrill-seekers the option of tying the knot on an Alaskan glacier, in a hot-air balloon or on Liberty's FlowRider surf simulator, to name a few.
At 160,000 GRT with a capacity of 3,634 guests double-occupancy, Liberty of the Seas has emerged from Aker Yards in Finland with the popular, industry- first amenities seen on Freedom of the Seas, including the FlowRider, the H2O Zone water park, a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite.
Liberty's 445 foot-long Royal Promenade will keep guests busy at one of the many restaurants, shops and lounges. From an Italian-style pizzeria, Sorrento's, to A Clean Shave men's barbershop and the Hoof & Claw pub—cruisers have a wide variety of venues to visit and experience while onboard.
The On Air Club, the ship's karaoke venue, and the Art Deco-style Platinum Theatre (1,350 guests), home to dazzling new Broadway-style shows Ever After and Somewhere in Time, provide endless hours of entertainment.
In addition to the popular FlowRider, Royal Caribbean's active onboard amenities include an interactive sculpture garden, located in the H2O Zone water park. Both offer many ways to stay cool in the Caribbean sun. Cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 feet above the ocean, located in Liberty's serene solarium, are an adults-only oasis flanked by a pool, hammocks and colorful art sculptures. For an indoor chill, the ice-skating rink, Centre Ice at Studio B, is open for lessons and free skating during the day and presents the spectacular original ice show Encore on Ice at night.
At 1,215 square feet, Liberty's Presidential Suite sleeps 14 people and features an 810-square foot outdoor living area with a Jacuzzi and private wet bar. The 588 square-foot Royal Family Suites include two bathrooms, a living area, and best of all, a 234 square-foot balcony to catch a breath a fresh air and enjoy a private meal. In addition, each stateroom onboard Liberty comes equipped with flat-paneled televisions and the line's plush bedding enhancements, an indulgence for all guests.
Royal Caribbean's new Freedom-class ships will be joined by a third, Independence of the Seas, in 2008.
Liberty will depart on Saturdays and Freedom on Sundays from Miami and will alternate between 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Both itineraries include a call at Royal Caribbean's private destination Labadee, Haiti. Liberty's Western Caribbean itinerary calls in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; and Montego Bay, Jamaica. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, allowing for a third day at sea to take advantage of all the ship has
New Ship Welcomes First Passengers and Departs on First Greek Isles Cruise
The Emerald Princess at Civitavecchia
The new Emerald Princess welcomed its first passengers on board last week as it set sail on its maiden voyage from Rome's seaport, the town of Civitavecchia. The 113,000-ton ship's first cruise is a 12-day Greek Isles voyage to Venice that will take passengers to some of the most scenic spots in the Mediterranean and Aegean, including Naples/Capri, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Mykonos, Athens (Piraeus), Katakolon (for Olympia), Corfu and Dubrovnik. Thereafter the ship will offer a series of Greek Isles and Grand Mediterranean cruises before crossing the Atlantic to Ft. Lauderdale in October.
The new vessel includes many of the enthusiastically received design elements and amenities that debuted last year on sister ship Crown Princess, including a dramatic piazza-style atrium, a multitude of casual dining venues and an adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary.
A number of new culinary enhancements will also debut on the ship, including a special Chef's Table dinner for epicurean aficionados, all new dining room menus, enhanced buffet service, and a number of special touches such as an afternoon "cookies and milk break" featuring fresh-from-the-oven soft-baked cookies, and in-cabin delivery of Princess' renowned homemade pizza.
Emerald Princess will offer the many other innovations that define the Princess experience, including the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside movie screen, multiple entertainment options, Personal Choice Dining featuring traditional or Anytime seating, a variety of alternative restaurants, a relaxing Asian-style Lotus Spa with fitness center, an extensive children and teen's center, a wedding chapel and nearly 900 staterooms with private balconies -- perfect for enjoying the scenic European views.
‘AIDAdiva’ To Be Christened in Hamburg April 20
On April 16 Meyer Werft delivered the 69,200-gt cruise ship AIDAdiva to AIDA Cruises in the German port of Emden. The AIDAdiva is the first ship out of a series of four the Papenburg shipyard is building for AIDA Cruises.
On this ship specialized designs for German passengers, comfortable interiors are combined with state-of-the-art technical outfitting. Along with its new design, 65 percent of the ship’s cabins are on the outside, with most of them having balconies.
On April 20, the ship will be christened in Hamburg by Maria Galleski who won a special casting that was held in the city. The naming ceremony will be highlighted by a spectacular light and fireworks show. .
AIDAdiva’s first cruise will be to Palma de Mallorca, starting from Hamburg on 30 April 2007, where she will be based for regular seasonal cruises. Website: www.
MSC Cruises Takes A Giant Step Forward
Rendering of MSC Fantasia
MSC Cruises marked a significant point at the Aker Yards in Saint-Nazaire, France, in the construction of MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata where following maritime tradition, two gold coins—one from the shipowner and the other from the shipyard—were welded in the keel of the Serenata during the steel cutting ceremony held last week.
The post-panamax mega ships MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata will be delivered to the MSC Cruises fleet in the autumn of 2008 and spring of 2009, respectively.
While attending the ceremonies MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago commented how delighted he was to be present for the ceremony, “which sees the start of our company’s new builds of post-panamax prototypes.”
MSC Fantasia represents an innovative product for the European cruise industry with the birth of a new concept—La Dolce Vita. These two ships will be offering a unique experience including a three-dimensional cinema, the 16,146 square foot spa, plus an interactive sports bar and Tex Mex restaurant, which will be open 24 hours, seven days a week.
The ‘La Dolce Vita’ concept on both vessels includes 100 premium cabins, which will offer a dedicated butler service, its own reception area, a pool and solarium, plus private access for those wanting to visit the health center and spa.
These two ships will measure 131.2 feet more than those in the MSC Musica class and carry an additional 900 passengers. The length of these ships is six times that of the Tower of Pisa and is 32.8 feet longer than the Tour Eiffel. The length is equivalent to that of a 32-story building.
Some facts and figures for MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata:
Tonnage: 133,000 GRT
Length: 1,092 feet
Width: 124 feet
Speed: 23 knots
3,971 passengers
1,313 crew members
Staterooms: 1,637 cabins (1, 260 with a balcony); 90 suites
17 decks
25 elevators
3 outdoor swimming pools and one indoor pool with a retracting roof
1 health center. including a spa
1 panoramic disco
‘Carnival Freedom’ Christened In Venice March 4
On March 4, Carnival’s newest fun ship, Carnival Freedom was christened by godmother Kathy Ireland in Venice. The next day, she sailed on her inaugural nine-day voyage. During the spring and summer, the ship will sail a program of 12-day Grand Mediterranean and Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises round-trip from Rome (Civitavecchia). The new 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom is the 22nd vessel in the Fun Ship fleet.
One of the most technically advanced cruise ships at sea, Carnival Freedom features Carnival’s Seaside Theater, a poolside 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies, concerts and other programming, along with 100 percent bow-to-stern Internet wireless access and cellular phone service.
Also featured are 22 lounges and bars with dramatic interiors inspired by prominent design themes of the past decades and centuries, as well as a 13,300-square-foot health club, one eighth-mile jogging track, and extensive facilities for children and teens, part of Carnival’s popular “Camp Carnival” and “Club O2” programs, respectively.
Sixty percent of its 1,487 staterooms offer either an ocean view or balcony—perfect for scenic European cruising. All staterooms feature the Carnival Comfort Bed sleep system with plush mattresses, luxurious duvets and high quality linens and pillows.
Carnival’s Micro Site Offers First Look At Interiors of Newest ‘Fun Ship’
The 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom is showcased in a special Web site that offers a first look at the new 110,000-ton SuperLiner, including exclusive video footage of the ship’s official naming in Venice by godmother Kathy Ireland. Located at www.carnival.com\freedom, the site offers a comprehensive overview of numerous themed lounges, bars, restaurants and public areas featured aboard the 2,974-passenger vessel, whose stunning interiors are inspired by the prominent design styles of the past decades and centuries. Created by Carnival’s in-house Internet management team, the new custom-designed “micro-site” also features images of the ship’s 13,300-square-foot Spa Carnival health and fitness center, expansive facilities for children and teens, and “Carnival’s Seaside Theatre,” a poolside 270-square-foot LED screen displaying movies,
concerts and other programming. “With its dramatic décor and wide range of dining, activity and entertainment options and high-tech amenities, Carnival Freedom is the ultimate ‘floating resort’ and this new Web site offers consumers an exclusive look at the many exciting facilities and features of our newest ‘Fun Ship,’” said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
In addition, there is a “blog” written by Freedom Senior Cruise Director John Heald who offers his own unique insight of the ship’s inaugural season. Heald’s blog can be viewed at www.carnival.com/freedom and offers a lighthearted, behind-the-scenes account of life aboard a cruise ship and interesting happenings ashore, all delivered with his trademark off-beat humor and self-deprecating manner.
Following its inaugural European season, Carnival Freedom will sail on a 14-day transatlantic voyage from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Miami, positioning the vessel for a schedule of seven-day Caribbean sailings from that port. Carnival Freedom will return to Europe for another series of 12-day voyages in May 2008 then reposition to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for six- and eight-day Caribbean departures.
‘Costa Serena’ Undergoes Sea Trials
The Costa Serena, the newest flagship to be unveiled by Costa, is preparing for her official debut. On Friday, March 9,2007, the liner left Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa to cross the Tyrrhenian Sea and sail to Fincantieri’s Palermo shipyard for cleaning and coating of the hull. During the return voyage to Sestri Ponente, the vessel will perform her official technical trials; specifically a series of running tests on the ship’s systems, machinery and engines. The Costa Serena will sail at a maximum speed (in excess of 23 knots, or 40 km/h), equivalent to an output of 42 megawatts, generated by the two main electric engines. She will sail at top speed for 8 hours non-stop during the endurance test. A crash stop will also be carried out; this maneuver involves the total shutdown of propulsion with full ahead movement to see the distance required to bring the vessel to a total halt in the event of an emergency. During the UMS trial, the Costa Serena will sail for 6 hours non-stop using only her automatic control systems for power generation and propulsion. Lastly, the blackout test will be conducted whereby all the ship’s control equipment is shut down and reactivated automatically.
After her sea trials the Costa Serena will stay in Sestri Ponente to complete her outfitting until delivery, which is scheduled for May 15, 2007. The new flagship will make her first official public appearance on May 19 with inaugural events in Marseille, France and will depart from Venice on her maiden cruise on May 26, with a seven-night itinerary to Turkey and Greece. Every Sunday from June through November 2007, the Costa Serena will depart from the port of the “city of canals” on 7-night cruises calling in Bari (Italy), Olympia (Greece), Izmir and Istanbul (Turkey), and Dubrovnik (Croatia). In winter 2007/2008 she will offer 10- and 11-night cruise vacations to the Canary Islands.
Like her sister ship, the Costa Concordia, the Costa Serena will be the largest vessel flying the Italian flag. The ship is 112,000 gross tons, 290 meters in length, and features 1500 cabins with a total guest capacity of 3,780. She will also feature all of the main innovations offered by her sister ship, the Costa Concordia. These include the Samsara Spa, one of the largest wellness centers ever built on a cruise ship, two swimming pools with a sliding glass roof, and an authentic Grand Prix race car driving simulator, the most accurate representation of Formula One racing. In addition, renowned Italian culinary innovator, Ettore Bocchia, will create menus for the ship’s specialty restaurant, “Club Bacco.” The interiors of the Costa Serena are designed by the ingenious American architect Joe Farcus, with a central theme of Greek and Roman mythology. This design includes the leitmotiv running through the ship’s many works of art.
In addition to the Costa Serena, Costa has commissioned three more ships from Fincantieri. The Costa fleet is currently 11 strong with a total capacity of approximately 20,500 lower berths in dual occupancy cabins. The Sestri Ponente yard will build a third sister ship to the Costa Concordia and Costa Serena, due for delivery in summer 2009. Meanwhile, two 92,700 gross tonnage ships will be built in Marghera, one due to enter service in spring 2009 and the other in March 2010.
These four new orders amount to a total investment of almost 2 billion euros by Costa Crociere, as part of a fleet expansion and upgrading program worth almost 4.5 billion euros which was launched by the Italian company in 2000. By 2010, when the last of the new buildings is delivered, the Costa Crociere fleet will be 15 strong and have total capacity of over 30,800 passengers (in dual occupancy cabins).
Oceania Cruises To Build Two New Ships
Oceania Cruises has entered into a memorandum of agreement with Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard that calls for the construction of two 1,260-guest, 65,000-ton ships to be delivered in the fall of 2010 and summer of 2011. The agreement includes an option for a third vessel to be delivered in 2012. The contract price for each vessel is $500 million dollars.
Designed by the world renowned architectural firm of Yran & Storbratten, the new Oceania-Class vessels will usher in new generation of luxurious, mid size cruise ships. Under the direction of Executive Architect, Gunnar Aaserud, the new Oceania-Class represents an evolution of the line’s extremely popular Regatta-Class ships. This new class of mid size cruise vessels will retain all of the warmth, popular design elements and signature amenities of the Regatta-Class while affording guests an additional level of comfort, convenience and many new luxury amenities. Designed to cruise to all corners of the globe, the new ships will boast a cruising speed 20 percent faster than the Regatta-Class. In addition to their greater speed, the Oceania-Class will have a greater range that enables them to undertake the itineraries to virtually any destination worldwide.
The new Oceania-Class vessels will set a new standard in culinary excellence, featuring six open-seating gourmet restaurants which boast the capacity to seat 150% of the ship’s guests in a single seating. The magnificent Grand Dining Room will be an opulent space crowned with a magnificent frescoed domed ceiling. The four specialty restaurants will feature the line’s signature Polo Grill and Toscana along with two new specialty dining venues, an elegant French bistro and a Pan-Asian restaurant.
Signature public spaces will include the Martinis, Horizons, The Patio, and a Grand Staircase that sweeps up both sides of the lobby. Public areas and accommodations will include rich wood paneling and granite accents, opulent furnishings and a museum quality art collection that will include many rare nautical antiques.
The design specifications for the Oceania-Class call for the vessels to be 825 feet long, 105 feet wide, a draft of 23 feet, and accommodate 1,260 guests on 9 guest decks. The ships will feature 630 staterooms and suites that are on average, 50 percent larger than the Regatta-Class; 96 percent of all guest accommodations will feature sweeping ocean views and 93 percent will boast oversized, private teak verandas. The ships will be powered by diesel-electric engines and operate with twin screw propellers, with a service speed of 20 knots. They will be equipped with two bow thrusters to enhance maneuverability, and will also be “green ships” employing the most advanced environmental systems and technology.
RCI’s ‘Liberty Of The Seas’ Is Catalyst For New Fleetwide Programming
Exterior work being done at Aker shipyard
The unveiling of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Liberty of the Seas, in April 2007 will also signal the launch of new and enhanced onboard offerings for the health-conscious, newlyweds and families. The new Vitality wellness program, Explorer Weddings, Adventure Ocean family programming and the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Loyalty Program will offer more diverse options for guests on a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.
The stellar new ship – sharing the title of the world’s largest cruise ship with her hugely successful sister-ship, Freedom of the Seas – will feature the cruise line’s industry innovations such as the FlowRider surf simulator, full-size boxing ring, H2O Zone water park and 11-route rock-climbing wall.
Liberty of the Seas will be differentiated by her design and décor showcasing spectacular artwork commissioned by the cruise line in co-ordination with International Corporate Art. The Centrum and Royal Promenade feature dramatic artwork by Miguel Chevalier, renowned French artist and pioneer of interactive digital art. Through the use of color, video and light projection, guests will experience art that is vibrant, ever-changing and immersive. Chevalier’s creations are a part of a distinctive theme, entitled “Illusion or Reality”, that enlivens all of the public spaces aboard Liberty. In addition, guests will experience the Renaissance-themed dining room, the night club inspired by Norwegian mythology and the star-studded Casino Royale depicting Hollywood classic films.
For health and wellness enthusiasts, the cruise line’s new Vitality program promotes a more invigorating and rejuvenating vacation through a balanced regimen of food, fitness, spa and shore excursion offerings. Tai Chi, acupuncture, wellness seminars and even a soothing signature scent will help guests get or stay on track for healthier lifestyles while aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise vacation.
The betrothed and devoted spouses can reinforce their commitment in extraordinary ceremonies with Explorer Weddings, an alternative and adventurous extension of the line’s existing Royal Romance wedding and vow renewal program. Guests can tie the knot on an Alaskan glacier or in a hot-air balloon, while surfing on Liberty’s FlowRider or SCUBA diving on the ocean bed, to name a few.
Enhancements to the Adventure Ocean program will give Royal Caribbean’s younger cruisers a more enriching and immersive cruise experience. Adventure Theater by Camp Broadway, New York City’s famed children’s theater group, introduces kids and teens to the world of theater arts by weaving folktales, music, dance and cultural elements. Teens can also hone their turntable skills in Scratch DJ classes hosted by the Scratch DJ Academy. Meanwhile, tots can take the first steps to becoming tomorrow’s culinary superstars in Fisher-Price’s Chefs on Deck, or families can come together to share in the fun and construct their own ship in Build & Grow with Lowe’s. Finally, Royal Caribbean launches the Crown & Anchor Society Youth Program, the line’s first youth loyalty program complete with frequent cruiser rewards. More details on Liberty of the Seas and the new programs will be revealed in the upcoming weeks on www.LibertyoftheSeasOnDemand.com.
The ship’s other amenities include:
-- The FlowRider surfing simulator and the interactive sculpture garden located in the H2O Zone water park offer many ways to stay cool in the Caribbean sun
-- Cantilevered whirlpools, suspended 112 feet above the ocean in the serene solarium, an adults-only oasis with a pool flanked by hammocks
-- The onboard ice-skating rink, Studio B, open for lessons and free skating during the day and presenting the spectacular original ice show ‘Encore on Ice’ at night
-- At 1,215 square feet, the Presidential Suite sleeps 14 people and features an 810-square foot outdoor living area with a Jacuzzi and private bar
-- A regulation-size boxing ring in the world’s largest fitness center at sea
-- The Royal Promenade entertainment boulevard (longer than a football field) – the ship’s undisputable hub for dining, shopping, bars and lounges
-- Flat-paneled televisions and the line’s plush bedding program in every stateroom
-- A serious Sports Deck with a 9-hole miniature golf course, a golf simulator, basketball/volleyball court and ping-pong tables
-- The revolutionizing rock-climbing wall that first appeared on Voyager of the Seas in 1999, spanning 43-feet-tall by 44-feet-wide with 11 separate climbing routes
Liberty of the Seas and sister-ship, Freedom of the Seas, will alternate between 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, with Liberty departing on Saturdays (from May 19) and Freedom on Sundays from Miami. Both itineraries include stops at Royal Caribbean’s private destination Labadee, Haiti, before returning to Miami. Liberty’s Western Caribbean itinerary calls in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Montego Bay, Jamaica; while the Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, allowing for a third day at sea to take advantage of all the ship has to offer.
The two Freedom-class ships will be joined by a third, Independence of the Seas, when she debuts in Europe in May 2008.
‘Norwegian Gem's Main Superstructure Complete
On March 5, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship’s main superstructure was completed as block numbers 62 and 63, weighing 600 tons, were lowered onto the ship's aft at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, where the Norwegian Gem is currently under construction. Once this section is welded to the ship's hull, the final outfitting work in the accommodations area will begin.
On Thursday, March 8, the ship was moved backwards in the dock so that the final block at the ship's nose and funnel could be installed. With these final blocks in place, Norwegian Gem, NCL's fourth Jewel-class ship, now has her complete form.
Built specifically for Freestyle Cruising, Norwegian Gem is designed to provide guests
Rendering of Norwegian Gem
the most customizable experience at sea. She features multiple restaurants, vibrant public rooms, versatile, family-friendly accommodations; and NCL's popular style of accommodations, Courtyard Villas, which along with the ship's two Garden Villas make up the biggest, most luxurious, most innovative suite complexes at sea. Additionally, Norwegian Gem will feature the industry's second on board bowling alley -another NCL industry first, which debuted in late 2006 on her sister ship, Norwegian Pearl.
Norwegian Gem is currently scheduled for delivery in October following which she will sail five new Mediterranean itineraries. After a series of inaugural events on the east coast, Norwegian Gem will be home ported year-round in New York featuring a seven-day Bahamas & Florida itinerary in December 2007, February, March and April 2008. In January and February 2008, she will sail a series of 10- and 11-day Exotic Southern Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from New York.
Princess Cruises Newest Ships To Debut In April
The 113,000-ton Emerald Princess, a sister ship to the line's Crown Princess, will be the company's first vessel to make its debut from Rome's seaport, the town of Civitavecchia. Emerald Princess' first cruise, a 12-day Greek Isles itinerary, is scheduled to set sail on April 11 on a voyage to Venice that will take passengers to some of the most scenic spots in the Mediterranean and Aegean. Thereafter the ship will offer a series of Greek Isles and Grand Mediterranean cruises before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale for Caribbean sailings in the fall.
Emerald Princess will include the many design innovations introduced aboard Crown Princess including a dramatic new piazza-style atrium, new casual dining venues, and a brand new adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary.
Princess will expand its fleet with an intimately-sized sister vessel to the line's popular Tahitian Princess and Pacific Princess. The 710-passenger Royal Princess takes the name of a much-beloved former Princess ship, and joins the fleet on April 19 with a series of unique Mediterranean itineraries including four brand new ports that are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The 30,000-ton ship originally entered service in 2001 as a Renaissance vessel and is currently cruising as Swan Hellenic's Minerva II. After a drydock to transform the ship into a "princess," Royal Princess will join its sisters to give passengers a cruising environment with all the hallmarks of choice for which Princess is known -- including a variety of dining and entertainment options and a large number of cabins with private balconies - all offered in intimate surroundings
2007: Ten New Ships Debut
P&O Cruises Newbuild Ventura’s Hull Gets Fitted
P&O Cruises Ventura is the largest ship being built exclusively for the UK
market. The 116,000 gross-ton vessel, which will have a passenger capacity of 3,100, will make her debut in the UK in April 2008. Currently under construction at the Fincantieri/Trieste shipyard, the photos below show her hull’s aft section being lifted into place earlier this month and the fit completed several hours later.
January 2007
Cunard’s Newest Ship Floats Out For First Time at Italian Shipyard
Special ceremonies at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard near Venice were held January 15 to mark the float out of Cunard's newest ocean liner Queen Victoria. During the float out, the valves were opened and the dry-dock flooded for the ship to meet the sea for the first time marking the initial introduction of the new Cunard Queen to the water. This significant occasion marks the beginning of the final construction stages for the $522 million sister ship to the lines flagship Queen Mary 2 and grande dame of the seas Queen Elizabeth 2.
The first ceremony involvd the welding of significant coins beneath the mast of Queen Victoria for good luck. Two coins have been chosen—Euro (symbolizing the fact that the ship is being built in Italy) and a gold Queen Victoria sovereign with St George slaying the dragon on the reverse side.
After the coin ceremony, a further ceremony took place on the dockside where the ship was blessed, and a bottle of Italian prosecco smashed against the hull. The valves of the dry dock were then opened for the ship to meet water for the first time.
The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria will not only be a classic ocean liner, offering the very best of Cunard's heritage and traditions, along with all modern day luxuries, but will also feature some exciting innovations. These will include the first traditional West End-style private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre; the first floating Cunardia museum display, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia and the first two-story, 'spiral staircased' library at sea. The ship will also feature the line's celebrated luxury Grills accommodation and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with exclusive deck terraces and an al fresco dining option.
From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at what differentiates a Cunard liner from a standard cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers. There will also be a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof. And, of course, the ship has been constructed with impressive sea keeping qualities that will enable her to travel easily and efficiently through the world's oceans.
As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it will mark the first time that three Cunard Queens (she joins the world's largest liner Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous and best-loved liner QE2) have been in service together in the company's 167-year history.
Queen Victoria will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday December 11, 2007. This ten-night Christmas Markets Voyage will leave from the company's home port, Southampton, and will call at Amsterdam, Copenhagen (overnight call), Oslo, Hamburg and Bruges, enjoying the pre-Christmas decorations and traditional gift markets. After spending her first Christmas in the Canaries, Queen Victoria will embark on her 106-night Maiden World Cruise which will call at 37 cities in 23 countries. Every call, with the exception of Lisbon, will be a maiden call for Cunard's new Queen. Queen Victoria will circumnavigate the globe in a westbound direction and, after calling at New York, will transit the Panama Canal before making maiden calls at some of the world's most famous cities including Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Dubai, Athens and Barcelona. Queen Victoria will also transit the other of the great canals, the Suez, before returning to her homeport of Southampton on April 22. Early Booking Fares for the complete voyage range from $20,304 per person, based on double occupancy, to $203,404 per person, based on double occupancy.
Windstar Cruises’ ‘Wind Surf’ Emerges For Five-Week Renovation
Emerging from a five-week work period, Windstar Cruises’ motor sailing yacht Wind Surf sailed from Barbados on December 16 with all Degrees of Difference enhancements completed on board. The multi-million dollar investment added more luxury amenities on board and updated public spaces and staterooms. Two new luxury suites were added on the Bridge deck bringing the ship’s capacity to 312 guests. Work was also completed on technical operations of the ship.
The Yacht Club replaces the library and provides comfortable seating for relaxing and socializing. An espresso bar offers gourmet coffee drinks and eight computers with Internet access are available; personal laptops may also connect to wireless Internet. A large flatscreen television anchors a seating area for group gatherings to watch special events such as the Oscars or the Super Bowl. A library of books, CDs and DVDs are available for checkout.
Two new luxury suites on the Wind Surf’s bridge deck are approximately 500 square feet each and include a living and dining area, separate bedroom with walk-in closet, and a marble bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower. Guests in the Bridge Suites will enjoy extra service amenities such as unpacking service, invitation to dine with Captain, laundry and pressing, evening appetizers, high tea service upon request, complimentary bottled water in the suite, chilled champagne upon arrival, and additional L’Occitane bath amenities.
All suite and stateroom bathrooms were 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. Egyptian cotton towels and bath amenities by L’Occitane have recently been added.
Also in the stateroom, desks have been resurfaced with granite and full length mirrors added. In suites, a second flat panel television and DVD player was added. Wireless internet is already available throughout the ship along with Bose SoundDock speakers in all staterooms, Apple iPod Nanos pre-loaded with music for complimentary check-out and laptops for rent.
In other areas of the ship, new weights and televisions were added to the gym. A pedicure chair and a couples massage room enhance the full-service WindSpa. New audio visual equipment was installed for meetings. The Veranda, where breakfast and lunch are served, has expanded its covered outdoor seating with new awnings. Balinese sun beds will soon be added to the Star deck and cooling mist sprays will be located near both pools.
The Bistro has been renamed Degrees and serves a Splichal-inspired steak house menu four nights a week and offers rotating menus from Northern Italy, France and Indonesia other nights. There is still no charge, but reservations are required.
Degrees of Difference updates will follow on the Wind Spirit in spring 2007 and the Wind Star in fall 2007. The Wind Surf, fresh from its Degrees of Difference updates for the 2007 Caribbean season, sails alternating northbound and southbound itineraries roundtrip from Bridgetown, Barbados.
A Look At NCL’s Newest Ship—‘Norwegian Pearl’
Norweigan Cruise Line’s newest ship—Norwegian Pearl—was christened in Miami December 16 by Godmother Rosie O’Donnell and is now beginning her seasonal Caribbean cruises.
What’s new about her? Well, unlike her sister Norwegian Jewel, the new 93,530-ton Freestyle Cruising vessel boasts an industry first—a four-lane ten-pin bowling alley. She also sports two more firsts for NCL—a rock-climbing wall and two top-of-the-ship Deluxe Owner's Suites. “The first on-board bowling alley, coupled with the rest of the ship's irresistible amenities, make Norwegian Pearl one of the most exciting ships at sea,” NCL Corporation's President and CEO Colin Veitch said. “Since initiating the first Caribbean cruise 40 years ago, NCL has blazed a trail of innovation in the cruise industry. Today, we continue that tradition by introducing our latest treasure, Norwegian Pearl.”
Norwegian Pearl accommodates 2,394 guests and includes a world of innovative features and amenities, including ten restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, two swimming pools and a casino, among others. The ship is the seventh vessel purpose-built for NCL's signature Freestyle Cruising—an approach to cruising unlike any other offered in the industry. Freestyle Cruising leaves regimented schedules behind, and is characterized by having no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, relaxed disembarkation, up to ten different restaurants and even more lounges, bars, theatres and other entertainment and activity options.
Norwegian Pearl features the industry's first bowling alley . . . well at least in the past 20 years. According to one ship historian, the former Norway ex-France sported two lanes on the ship. The four lane, ten-pin bowling alley is part of an all new, all-day entertainment, sports bar and nightclub complex called Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club. The cost is $5 per person, including shoe rental, for a minimum of two and a
Bliss Ultra Lounge
maximum of six bowlers per lane. Large screens airing music videos hang over the pins, and a bar serves snacks like chicken wings. According to Andrew Stuart, executive VP of NCL, the facility is quite popular with bowlers, who were seen playing into the wee hours of the night on the recent preview cruise. The bowling is integrated into a South Beach-style nightclub where patrons can also recline on large beds, hang out at the bar, dance or play video games called the Bliss Ultra Lounge that also doubles as a night club/disco in the evening with the ship’s own DJ.
Norwegian Pearl also features a rock climbing wall, another first for NCL. Constructed at the back of the ship's funnel on Deck 14, the wall stands at an impressive 30 feet in height and 19 feet in width and has been designed with five different climbing routes, each with varying degrees of difficulty. The wall's reddish-brown sandstone color is reminiscent of the Ayer's Rock in Australia.
Like her sister, Norwegian Pearl features ten restaurants including guest favorites such as Cagney's Steak House, Blue Lagoon and NCL's signature restaurant, Le Bistro.
The main dining room is the Summer Palace. Located on deck 6; the dining space was inspired by the grandeur of the palaces of St. Petersburg and the era of Russian Tsars. White and gold ceilings, green marbled pillars and 24 carat gold-coated chandeliers adorn
Summer Palace
this detailed dining room that accommodates 558 persons.
With free style dining as the focus, guests can choose to eat at Indigo on Deck 6—a contemporary restaurant with its minimalist décor such as found in a boutique hotel. The restaurant, which accommodates 304 diners, is decorated is combinations of blues and shots of orange as an accent against a glass wall of illuminated pop art.
Other choices include the Lotus Garden on Deck 7 which serves a variety of Asian food in a décor simulating a modern Asian restaurant but retaining the traditional designs of the Far East.
Teppanyaki restaurant
Within the dining complex, there is also a sushi bar and and a 32-guest Teppanyaki area where Asian food is prepared by your own “chef.”
Other choices include Mambo's Latin/Tapas Restaurant on Deck 8 that serves contemporary and bright, featuring hot and spicy Latin and tapas selections and La Cucina Italian Restaurant on Deck 12 that offers casual Italian eatery reflecting a 
La Cucina
village trattoria or traditional farmhouse kitchen.
The Garden Cafe nearby serves up variety of buffet dishes including prepared-to-cook omelets, waffles fruit, soups, ethnic specialties and pasta. The 390-guest restaurant includes a special "kids only" area with smaller tables and chairs. Out on deck, The Great Outdoors offers alfresco dinning.
First introduced on the Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl features NCL's innovative Freestyle Dining information system. This allows guests to view all restaurants on board and make reservations for the entire cruise or just a specific night and restaurant. Plasma screens placed in high-traffic areas around the ship and outside each restaurant illustrate the status of each restaurant. Indicator bars reflect when each restaurant is "full," "moderately busy" or "empty." If a restaurant is full at a specific time, the screens also indicate to guests an estimated wait time in that restaurant and what table sizes are available. If a restaurant is full and guests would like to wait for an opening, they are quoted a wait time and issued a pager that works all over the ship. This gives guests an opportunity to sit down in one of the 13 bars and lounges on board, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, and listen to one of the ship's many entertainers until their table is ready. Guests can relax at one of Norwegian Pearl's
Bar Central rendering
bars and lounges, including the Bar Central area, NCL's popular new entertainment concept first introduced on Norwegian Jewel. Bar Central features a martini bar, a champagne and wine bar, a beer and whiskey bar and a cigar bar all connected but touting distinct personalities:
Other familiar watering holes include the Shakers Martini and Cocktail Bar that features a large walled screen behind the bar depicting James Bond inspired graphic silhouettes of funky images from 60's and 70's; accommodates 48. Magnum's Champagne and Wine Bar is decorated with French art deco inspired by Paris in the 1920's. And the contemporary Maltings Beer and Whiskey Bar that is themed around famous whiskeys of the world
The staterooms: Norwegian Pearl offers an extensive choice of cabins including some of the most luxurious accommodations afloat. Guests have the opportunity to cruise in style in one of the impressive Garden Villas, each spanning approximately 4,400 square feet. These extravagant Garden Villas offer a spacious living room, dining room and three separate bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Garden Villa guests also enjoy their own private sun beds, hot tub and steam room in their private garden, plus butler and concierge service.
A new category of stateroom accommodations to NCL with the introduction of Norwegian Jewel and also featured on Pride of Hawaii and Norwegian Pearl is the Courtyard Villa suite complex. Each villa shares a private courtyard, complete with swim-against-the-current lap pool, hot tub, male and female steam rooms and a small
Garden Villa living room
fitness area. These 10 villas also share a private sundeck with sun beds and hammocks. Positioned high atop the vessel, the villas tout sweeping views of the ocean and an impressive assortment of amenities typically found at five-star land-based resorts. High above everything else are two Deluxe Owner's Suites—the Black Pearl and the Golden Pearl—each measuring over 535 sq. ft. with commanding views of the ship and the surrounding ocean and scenery. These suites offer a master bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and dining/living area, together with an ample balcony accessible through the master bedroom.
NCL's latest amenities in standard staterooms include rich cherry wood finishing, hair dryers, safes, mini-bars, tea and coffee makers. There is a larger bathroom unit than found on many other ships, containing separate WC, shower and washstand compartments separated by sliding doors in the outside, balcony and suite staterooms.
Oceanview Stateroom With Balcony
For families of all sizes, Norwegian Pearl offers a large number of cabins (including suites and mini-suites) that can interconnect to create a two, three, four or five bedroom area.
Fitness areas: Norwegian Pearl offers the latest in relaxation and fitness at the contemporary and tranquil South Pacific Spa and Beauty Salon. The full-service spa features 20 treatment rooms, three of which are specifically designed for couples. It also includes a Thalassotherapy Pool, a new NCL luxury exhibited for the first time on an NCL ship. It combines the restorative properties of saltwater and heat with invigorating jet massage technology to create the ultimate relaxation experience. Hawaii-based Mandara Spa, operates the facility, pampering guests with an exotic menu of spa and beauty treatments combining the best of East and West. Body Waves Fitness Center boasts state-of-the-art cardiovascular workout equipment—each with its own flat-screen TV—and an aerobic and yoga area with a sprung wooden floor, steam and sauna rooms and a whirlpool and hydrotherapy pool.
Trade Routes Boutiques, located on Deck 7 offers a wide selection of brand name watches, jewelry, accessories and souvenirs. The Sports Deck contains a basketball,
Sports court
volleyball and paddle tennis court with stadium seating, two life-sized chess pieces and board, two golf driving nets, deck games, jogging track and shuffleboard.
At the Pearl Club Casino on Deck 6, guests can try their luck at games like Blackjack, Roulette, 3-Card Poker, and Texas Hold ‘em.
Pearl Club Casino
Besides the more than 200 slot machines in the casino, less traditional games including Pai-Gow Poker, Pai-Gow Tiles and even a Mini Baccarat table are available upon request.
Norwegian Pearl also offers a new, advanced Internet Cafe and a Photo Gallery with kiosks to print photos from digital cameras as well as the latest laptops, which guests can rent to use around the ship. Guests can also take advantage of NCL's signature WiFi capabilities available in all suites and throughout public areas of the ship.
This family-centric ship features the Aqua Kids Club decorated with a cute and friendly tropical sea creature theme, complete with a cinema, nursery and sleep/rest area;
Aqua Kids Club
computer area and arts and crafts area. The ship also features the graffiti New York-inspired Metro Center Teen's Club.
Itineraries: Beginning in January, 2007, Norwegian Pearl will sail a five- and nine-day Western and Southern Caribbean schedule. Ports of call on the five-day Western Caribbean itinerary include stops in Cozumel, Mexico and Belize City, Belize. The nine-day Southern Caribbean route includes calls in Roseau, Dominica; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John's, Antigua; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
The ship will then spend summer 2007 in Seattle, Washington, where she will sail a seven-day Alaska Inside Passage itinerary with calls in Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska; Glacier Bay; and Victoria, British Columbia. In fall 2007 through spring 2008, Norwegian Pearl returns to Miami and resumes her alternating five- and nine-day Western.
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‘Crystal Symphony’ Emerges From Crystal Cruises' Largest-Ever Dry Dock
Following a $23 million dry dock, Crystal Symphony has emerged with a dazzling new nightclub, a complete redesign of its main entertainment deck and a decidedly sophisticated and contemporary style. Crystal Symphony's comprehensive refurbishment, its largest ever, has transformed all staterooms and bathrooms, completely reconstructed a social lounge and casino, refashioned boutiques, shops and its famed Bistro café, as well as dozens of behind the scenes improvements.
Underscoring the company's commitment to quality, this major construction project follows a multi-million dollar renovation two years ago that debuted a brand-new Feng Shui-inspired spa, a new Vintage Room, an expanded Computer University@Sea, redesign of specialty restaurants, and complete refurbishment of all penthouse accommodations. Within the last two years Crystal Cruises has invested in excess of $35 million dollars in new construction projects on Crystal Symphony, expanding the stylish choices in dining, recreation and relaxation.
Major projects on Crystal Symphony included:
Completely redesigned staterooms with the look of a chic boutique hotel, the staterooms are elegant sanctuaries of refined style. Notable appointments such as new Murano glass bedside lamps, Rubelli fabrics and handsome leather headboard adorn a reconfigured space with state-of-the-art features including special LED reading lights and new 20" LCD flat screen televisions. Bathrooms are newly reconstructed with a contemporary style showcasing oval glass sinks atop granite countertops.
As the hub of social activity, shopping, entertainment and casually elegant dining, Tiffany Deck (deck six) was completely transformed from stem to stern with new color schemes, new construction and new contemporary lighting that will create different moods as day moves into night. Centrally located in the middle of Tiffany Deck, existing walls were removed and a dramatic round bar takes center stage in this stylishly open environment offering panoramic sea views.
From its polished aluminum Phillipe Stark bar stools to the glass Bizzaza mosaics, Crystal Symphony's modern new nightclub, aptly named Luxe, is a sophisticated spot for drinks, dancing and conversation. Located adjacent to the new Crystal Casino, a dazzling new lighting system flashes electric color off shimmering finishes and stunning shades of black, silver and white.
The sophisticated boutiques and shops aboard Crystal Symphony were completely transformed with dramatic white marble, black accents, clean stone finishes and stunning chandeliers. Facets features a new private space for guests to consider high-end jewelry purchases, and Apropos offers the line's popular logo items and resort wear.
A comfortable European atmosphere is recreated in this long-favorite venue, enhanced with new decorative tiles, new wall finishings and fresh upholstery all done in a warm palette of russets and earth tones.
Expanded just two years ago to accommodate the increased demand for its growing portfolio of courses, Crystal's revolutionary Computer University@Sea has been outfitted with all new equipment and features wireless access as well.
Crystal selected prestigious design firms to lead the reconstruction including SMC Design and Clixby Associates, regarded for its modern luxe design. Each has a proven history of high-end projects, including previous work on Crystal ships. Crystal Symphony was in dry dock at the BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair in Norfolk, Virginia from November 1-10, 2006.
HAL’s NewBuild ‘MS Eurodam’ Hosts New Innovations
Holland America Line will name its new 2,044-passenger Signature-class ship, ms Eurodam that is scheduled to be delivered in summer 2008. The new Eurodam marks Holland America Line's next class of vessels and the largest ever constructed for the premium line. With an estimated all-in cost of $450 million, the new 86,000-ton Panamax Eurodam will be built at Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard.
When launched in 2008, the Eurodam will further the evolution of Holland America Line's sophisticated mid-sized ships to further define and expand the Holland America Line premium brand.
With 11 passenger decks, new innovations include a topside 144-seat Pan-Asian restaurant and 50-seat lounge surrounded by panoramic views overlooking the ocean expanse and the Lido pool. Other additions are an Explorer's Lounge Bar, a new specialty restaurant adjacent to the Lido offering the finest in Italian food, elegant luxury jewelry boutiques, new atrium bar area, enhanced and reconfigured show lounge with theater-style seating, and a new photographic and imaging center.
With an additional deck, the Eurodam will have 63 new staterooms more than the latest Vista-class ship. Forty-seven will be verandah cabins and ten will be a new style of stateroom with ceiling-to-floor and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. In total, the Eurodam will carry 1,022 double occupancy staterooms, with 86 percent outside staterooms of which 67 percent feature verandahs.
Staterooms will continue to provide all the Signature of Excellence premium amenities: plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream beds, deluxe waffle/terry cloth robes, Egyptian cotton towels, flat panel TVs, DVD players, make-up mirrors with halo lighting, massage shower heads, professional grade hair dryers, fresh flowers and complimentary fruit baskets.
The Eurodam will continue several Holland America Line features, including outside-view, glass elevators at midship; the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar; the innovative Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine Magazine, where culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and intimate classes in state-of-the-art onboard show kitchens; an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon with thermal suites and hydro-pool, the largest gymnasium ever built for Holland America Line; and a youth facility that includes the teens-only Loft.
On the technical side, the Eurodam will feature the latest state-of-the- art navigation and safety systems including dynamic positioning abilities to hold the ship in a precise position. The vessel will be powered by six diesel generators and propelled by the latest Azipod propulsion technology.
The line has an option for a second Signature Class vessel which would be delivered in spring 2010.
NCL Unveils ‘Norwegian Gem’s Hull Artwork & Signature Glassware Collection
NCL Corporation unveiled the colorful hull artwork for its fourth Jewel-class ship, Norwegian Gem, scheduled for delivery in October 2007.
Norwegian Gem's artwork sparkles along both sides of the hull featuring an eye-catching array of colorful gems tumbling from the bow to almost the middle of the ship. To create the look and feel of forward motion, the gems at the front are clustered together and start to disperse toward the end of the graphic. The gem colors run through a spectrum of ruby, amber, gold, emerald, sapphire, indigo and violet in a variety of different sizes. "Our distinctive hull art makes our ships instantly recognizable, conveying their distinctive personality and the fun and freedom found onboard," said Colin Veitch, NCL Corporation's president and CEO. "Our guests love the hull art, so we are giving them the opportunity to take home a piece of the artwork with our new signature souvenir glasses."
The signature glasses are available onboard all NCL and NCL America ships and can be purchased individually or in sets. For example, a martini glass starts at $4.95 for the glass only and $39.95 for a set of eight.
As one of NCL's Jewel-class ships, Norwegian Gem is designed to provide guests the most customizable experience at sea. She features multiple restaurants, vibrant public rooms, versatile, family-friendly accommodations; and NCL's popular style of accommodations, Courtyard Villas, which along with each ship's two Garden Villas make up the biggest, most luxurious, most innovative suite complexes at sea. Additionally, Norwegian Gem will feature the industry's second onboard bowling alley, another NCL industry first, which will debut on her sister ship, Norwegian Pearl in December.
Meyer Werft Shipyard Floats Out AIDAdiva
AIDAdiva, the first of four new ships on contract for AIDA Cruises, was floated out of Meyer Werft’s building dock in Papenburg in late September.
AIDAdiva in the building dock
The 68,500gt ship is scheduled for delivery in April. The 2,050 passenger ship is the first of four that will be built within four years. The four new and innovative 68,500-gt ships will have a length overall of 252 meters and will be 32.2 meters wide.
The new club ships will present the third generation of ships built and operated according to the AIDA concept. The ships will feature plenty of interior design novelties such as the Theatrium. The well-known brand design of the outer appearance of the AIDA ships will be maintained.
Meyer Cuts First Steel Plate For Celebrity Cruises’ New Vessel
On October 11, Meyer Werft launched the production of the first steel plate for the new cruise ship for Celebrity Cruises at its Papenburg shipyard. The first ship of this class will be delivered to Celebrity Cruises, an affiliated company of Royal Caribbean International, in the autumn of 2008.
This new energy-saving type of ship for Celebrity has a length overall of 315 meters and is 36.8 meters wide. A total of three ships will be built, each offering space for accommodating 2,850 passengers in 1,425 cabins. All standard cabins will be more spacious than they are on average. More than 90 percent are outside cabins, of which 90 percent will have balconies. The ships will be equipped with diesel engines and pod propulsion systems; the overall engine output will be 63,000 kWh (approx 86,000 hp).
Dry Dock Brings More Magic to the ‘Disney Wonder’
One of the most magical ships afloat is getting an extra dose of pixie dust. Following two weeks in dry dock this month, the Disney Wonder will offer more options for adults, children and families, and further enhance the personalized vacation experience Disney Cruise Line is known for providing its guests.
The changes will be hard to miss, especially on the pool decks: whimsical additions are planned for the Mickey Pool, major entertainment offerings will be unveiled at the Goofy Pool, and a splash of upscale elegance is being added to the adult-only Quiet Cove pool.
Jumbo LED screen at the Goofy Pool
Other modifications will be made to the onboard conference rooms, the Vista Spa and Salon and youth activity spaces.
After dry dock, there will be something new on the ship for children of all ages -- including the youngest set of cruisers—toddlers. An extension to the Mickey Pool on Deck 9 is designed specifically for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers. Reminiscent of Mickey's sorcerer hat, the 385-square-foot toddler water-play pool features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains and splash zones.
At Oceaneer Lab (ages 8-12), a new computer simulator allows children to see what it's like to steer the Disney Wonder in and out of various ports of call. The simulator is built into a replica of the ship's bridge, complete with giant video screens that provide a panoramic view of the ports -- similar to the view from the actual ship's bridge.
Oceaneer Club (ages 3-7) will expand on its Neverland theme and revamp the Captain's Closet dress-up area, creating more space for hands-on, interactive activities for the children along with additional PlayStation and computer stations for individual play.
New Family Fun
Disney Wonder guests will enjoy poolside movies on a brand-new, state-of-the-art jumbo LED screen affixed to the forward funnel on deck 9. At the Goofy Pool (family pool area), families can gather and watch classic Disney animated or live-action movies on the giant 24-by-14-foot screen. Other programming will also be available -- such as popular TV shows and major sporting and broadcast events —and the 336-square-foot screen will greatly enhance outdoor entertainment and deck parties in and around the Goofy Pool area.
New Adult Activities
At the Vista Spa and Salon, guests will find three specifically designed spa villas -- complete with an indoor spa treatment suite connected to a private outdoor verandah with personal hot tub, open-air shower and luxurious chaise lounge. With incredible ocean vistas and warm tropical breezes, the new treatment suites provide guests with a romantic getaway into a tranquil oasis without ever leaving the ship.
As part of the Vista Spa expansion, the fitness center will double in size, providing space for more exercise equipment, an area for spinning classes and private salons for Pilates instruction and one-on-one beauty and fitness consultations. The Vista Spa and Salon is an area reserved exclusively for adults aboard the Disney Wonder. The expansion adds an additional 1,700 square feet to the fitness center, bringing the total size of the Vista Spa to 10,700 square feet.
Adjacent to the Vista Spa, the Quiet Cove adult pool is undergoing a makeover with waterfalls cascading from the two hot tubs, and teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions lining the pool. Guests visiting the Quiet Cove pool will find a peaceful respite that looks and feels like an outdoor extension of the Vista Spa.
New for Business Travelers
The Peter Pan, Fantasia and Steamboat Willie conference rooms on deck 2 are being transformed to rival any meeting space on land. A combination of warm wood tones mixed with Disney nostalgia, each conference room will contain state-of-the-art business presentation tools, complete with LED flat-screen TVs. The meeting space will also host a business center, individual computer stations and a refreshment bar. In addition, business travelers will find more Wi-Fi Internet stations inside the popular adult coffee bar, Cove Café, located on Deck 9.
MSC Cruises Floats Out Its Newest Ship—MSC Orchestra
MSC Orchestra Floated Out at Aker Shipyard in St. Nazaire, France
A triple event was celebrated in St Nazaire this month at the Aker Yards by MSC Cruises on September 9. First there was floating out ceremony of MSC Orchestra. .Then, later the same day the first steel of MSC Fantasia was cut.
First steel cut for MSC Fantasia
Industry and press invitees attending the ceremony also viewed the first panel that has been laid for the construction of MSC Poesia, due to debut in 2008. (MSC Cruises currently has three ships under construction at Aker Yards: MSC Orchestra for delivery in spring 2007, and MSC Poesia and MSC Fantasia, both slated to enter service in 2008.) “This is a unique event as the shipyard celebrates three events for the same company on the same day, with the construction of MSC Poesia also starting. The innovative technology and engineering, the spacious public areas and the large number of staterooms with balconies will make MSC Orchestra and the future ships ordered by MSC Cruises a model to suit the requirements of the worldwide cruise market, commented Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises,at the ceremony. “It also reconfirms the uniqueness of the MSC Cruises product with our Italian-ness distinguished by the refined and classic materials used. We are very pleased with the efforts up to now by the shipyard and the future goals we have to face.”
MSC Orchestra is the second ship in the ‘Musica’ class - 90,000 gross registered tons, 961 feet long and 108 feet wide. She is the sister ship to MSC Musica and MSC Poesia and is an innovative and elegant ship. Her beauty is more than structural and can be admired in the onboard services and attention to detail.
MSC Serenata and MSC Fantasia will be the largest ships commissioned by a European ship owner to date. They each will be 133,500 gross registered tons, 1093 feet long, 125 feet wide and have a passenger capacity of 3,900 and 1,313 staff members. With these additions, the MSC Cruises fleet will grow to 12 ships by 2009, and the line expects to host more than 1 million guests annually by 2010.
MSC Cruises’ investments in new ships started in 2003 with MSC Lirica. The 4 billion euros program will continue until 2009, when MSC Serenata joins the fleet.
A New’ Crystal Symphony’ To Emerge Following Her Dry Dock This Fall
Ultra-luxury cruise specialist Crystal Cruises is spending $23 million to enhance the award-winning Crystal Symphony in what will be the cruise line's largest-ever dry dock. In just two weeks, from October 31 through November 12, 2006, nearly 1,300 people will work around the clock on more than 150 separate projects to create what will essentially be a new ship, especially to those familiar with it.
Emerging with a decidedly sophisticated and contemporary style, Crystal Symphony's comprehensive undertaking will transform all staterooms, a continuation of the ship's last dry dock in 2004 when all penthouses were refurbished; much of Tiffany Deck, the ship's main entertainment area, including a completely reconstructed social lounge, new casino and new nightclub; complete redesign of all boutiques, shops and café; as well as dozens of behind the scenes improvements.
Underscoring the company's commitment to quality, this major construction project follows an earlier multi-million dollar renovation two years ago that debuted a brand-new Feng Shui-inspired spa, a new Vintage Room - today one of the ship's most popular features, an expanded Computer University@Sea, redesign of specialty restaurants, and complete refurbishment of all penthouse accommodations. "As a leader in luxury travel, Crystal has an obligation to provide our discerning clientele with an experience that continues to deliver upon their expectations and at the same time exceed our own exacting standards," says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal's senior vice president of hotel operations. "Within the last two to three years, we will have invested in excess of $35 million dollars in new construction projects that will ultimately transform the look of Crystal Symphony with incredibly sophisticated and modern architectural features.
Royal Caribbean International Floats Out ‘Liberty of the Seas’
In less than a year, Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas, the cruise ship holding the title "world's largest," will have to share her designation with her new younger sister. With her hull now complete, Liberty of the Seas, under construction at Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, reached an important maritime milestone this month when she was floated out (moved from dry dock to wet dock) for the final months of finishing work leading up to her May 2007 debut.
At official ceremonies on August 4 held at the shipyard, Royal Caribbean executives, Harri Kulovaara, executive vice president, Maritime; Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Sales; and Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, and Yrjo Julin, president for Aker Yards Cruise and Ferries, assisted by an exclusive group of Royal Caribbean's travel partners, turned the valve releasing 87 million gallons of water into the wet dock area.
Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will hold the dual title of the largest cruise ships at sea, weighing in at 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy. Among new programs and onboard embellishments yet to be announced, amenities on Liberty will include the popular innovations already found on Freedom including the FlowRider(R) surf simulator; the wet and wild H20 Zone aqua park; cantilevered whirlpools, suspended 112 feet above the ocean; an ice-skating rink; a boxing ring; and the 1,215-square-foot Presidential Family Suite, which sleeps up to 14. "We are pleased to announce that Captain Hernan Zini will command the newest addition to Royal Caribbean's fleet, Liberty of the Seas," stated Kulovaara. "Most recently serving as captain of Grandeur of the Seas, Captain Zini brings with him a passion for nautical adventures and appreciation for modern ship engineering and innovation."
The two ships in Royal Caribbean's new Freedom class, to be joined by a third in 2008, will alternate between 7-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries, Liberty departing on Saturdays and Freedom on Sundays from Miami. Both itineraries will bring guests to the Royal Caribbean's private destination, Labadee, Haiti, before returning to Miami. In addition, Liberty's Western Caribbean itinerary calls in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Montego Bay, Jamaica; while the Eastern Caribbean itinerary calls in San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten, allowing for a third day at sea to take advantage of all the ship has to offer.
Sister Ship of New ‘Costa Concordia’ Launched for First Time
Ceremonies were held recently at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyards in Genoa, Italy for the technical launch of the Costa Serena, Costa’s future flagship, scheduled for delivery in Spring 2007. The festivities, which were attended by senior management from Costa and Fincantieri, come less than a month after the inaugural of the Costa Serena’s sister ship, the Costa Concordia. “It’s very exciting for us to be back here in Genoa, confirming our growth and partnership with Fincantieri,” said Costa Crociere S.p.A. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pier Luigi Foschi. “Less than a month after the Costa Concordia’s entry into service, the launch of the Costa Serena is a further step forward in the development of our company as we aim to expand in Europe and worldwide, offering more and more innovative ships that set Costa apart from other tour operators.”
Once moored at the dock, the Costa Serena will undergo the final stages of outfitting, due for completion shortly before her entry into service in May 2007. The ship will depart from Venice on her maiden cruise May 26, 2007. From June to November 2007, she will set sail every Sunday from Venice on seven-night cruises with stopovers in Bari, Katakolon (Greece), Izmir and Istanbul (Turkey), and Dubrovnik (Croatia).
When completed, the Costa Serena will be 112,000 tons and 951 feet long with a double occupancy capacity of 3,000. She will boast the same main innovations of her sister ship, the Costa Concordia, including the Samsara Spa—the largest spa at sea, a Grand Prix driving simulator and the largest enclosable pool deck on a ship.
In addition to the Costa Serena, Costa Crociere has commissioned three other new builds from Fincantieri. A third sister ship to the Costa Concordia and Costa Serena, which is still unnamed, will be delivered in Spring 2009. Another new order has been placed for a 92,700 ton vessel, also due to enter service in Spring 2009, with an option for a sister ship to enter service in Fall 2010. These new ships, including the Costa Serena, amount to a nearly 2 billion Euro investment for Costa and are part of a nearly 4.5 billion Euro investment made by the company since 2000 for its fleet expansion and upgrade program. By 2010, if the latest new build option is exercised, the Costa Crociere fleet will total 15, with a total guest capacity of over 30,700.
The ships of Costa range in size from 30,000 tons to 112,000 tons, and provide an ambience that is distinctly Italian – from the progressive architecture and stylish design to the unforgettable cuisine and gracious hospitality. The number one cruise company in Europe and South America, Costa offers cruises that span the globe on itineraries of three nights and longer throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America and Transatlantic, Far East and Dubai.
For reservations or more information, contact a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com. Costa Cruises is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc.
P&O Begins Construction On Its Largest Ship Ever
A ceremony to mark the keel-laying for P&O Cruises’ Ventura was held this month at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The Ventura, the largest ship ever built for P&O Cruises and for the British cruise market, will enter service in April 2008.
The keel-laying involved the placement in the dry dock of one section of the ship's hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 650 tons and is ready-fitted with piping and other internal structure.
The new 116,000 ton cruise ship will be the largest ever built specifically for Britain and will carry 3,100 passengers and 1,200 officers and crew. P&O Cruises managing director, David Dingle, said: "Her scale will allow us to make this the most varied and exciting cruising experience of any British ship." Its spa, Oasis, will the largest and best equipped in any British ship while families will benefit from play and adventure areas and dedicated pools, he added. Dingle also revealed details of the ship's atrium, with its four imposing pillars, clad in black granite and two panoramic lifts.
Ventura's 3,100 passengers will enjoy 14 public decks, eight restaurants, six boutiques, five pools and three show lounges, including the largest theatre on a British ship. There will also be nearly 900 private balconies.
Rudder For ‘MSC Orchestra’ Installed At Aker France Shipyard
The Aker France shipyard in St. Nazaire has placed the rudder in position for MSC Orchestra. This is a ‘flap’-designed rudder, model number HIN R4400, produced by Rolls Royce. It is 17.9 feet high, 14.4 feet long and has a surface area of 237.8 square feet, representing an important phase in the construction of this new ship.
On September 9, MSC Orchestra will be moved from the Aker France shipyard to Penhoet quay, where the interior fit out will take place.
MSC Orchestra will be completed in April 2007 and christened on May 29, 2007 in Venice. She will have 80 percent external staterooms, of which 65 percent have a balcony. There will also be an emphasis on public spaces such as the spa/fitness area.
MSC Orchestra represents another step in MSC Cruises’ ongoing expansion program, as will the construction of both MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata, due to join the fleet in 2008 and 2009. MSC Cruises will then reach a passenger capacity of 1,100,000.
New ‘Costa Concordia’ Features Largest Spa At Sea
With a symbolic name that connotes concord
and peace, the Costa Concordia—the largest ship built for an
Italian company—entered service this month .and is currently
sailing in the Mediterranean in her first season. Ordered in
January 2004 and valued at 450 million euros, the Costa Concordia
was constructed at Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa)
Italy. Weighing 112,000 tons with a double occupancy of 3,000,
she is the largest cruise ship in Costa’s growing fleet and
the largest ship ever built for an Italian company.
The ship’s Samsara Spa makes history as the
largest spa at sea, extending over two decks and featuring panoramic
views of the ocean. The 20,500 square-foot haven of relaxation
and rejuvenation will offer travelers the ultimate wellness
experience at sea, including a full menu of treatments based
on Ayurvedic principles, a state-of-the-art fitness center,
exclusive spa accommodations and a specialty restaurant. Elements
of the spa’s invigorating treatments and stunning design are
inspired by the meaning of “Samsara,” which is associated with
the path to spiritual enlightenment, bliss and balancing of
life energies. Guests who reserve one of the exclusive 55 cabins
and 12 suites situated in the center of the spa have special
privileges including flat screen televisions, Elemis bath amenities,
and complimentary access to the signature Ristorante Samsara,
featuring cuisine from renowned chef and founder of Italian
molecular cuisine, Ettore Bocchia.
New features on the Costa Concordia include
the “Ponte Francia” pool deck—spanning two floors and including
two swimming pools with retractable glass roofs. It is the largest
enclosable pool area on any cruise ship. An expansive cinema
screen on the deck allows guests to watch movies day and night
(it also features a multilingual audio system). . A new feature
on the flagship vessel includes a Grand Prix driving simulator
where race car aficionados can drive like the pros on a course
identical to the cars in which real champions train. Guests
will even have the option of recording their performance.
The interiors and furnishings were designed
by architect Joseph Farcus, whose innovative ideas have already
been applied to four other Costa ships. He designed the various
public areas drawing inspiration from European architectural
styles up to the 1900s including Irish gothic, Belgian Art
Deco, Austrian baroque and Italian post-modern, among others.
The public areas onboard are named after some of Europe’s most
beautiful cities such as Paris, Dublin, London, Prague, Vienna,
Lisbon, Stockholm, Helsinki, Barcelona, Milan, Rome, Athens
and Budapest. The Costa Concordia will offer a total of 1,500
cabins, including almost half fitted with verandas.
Guests aboard the new Costa flagship will
also have access to the following facilities:
• A Grand Prix Driving Simulator
• 13 bars, including one cognac
and one cigar bar
• Five restaurants, including the
specialty “Costa Concordia” restaurant, available only by reservation
and featuring à la carte selections only
• Three pools, two with retractable
magrodomes
• Five Jacuzzis
• One theater spanning three decks
• Outdoor jogging track
• Casino and nightclub
• Internet Café and Library
• Shopping Area
• Giant Video Screen on Central
Pool Deck
• Squok Club (Children’s Club,
with its own Splash pool for kids)
• Mondovirtuale (Computer game
area for teenagers)
For reservations or more information, contact
a travel agent, call (800) GO-COSTA or visit www.costacruises.com
.
Emerald Princess Floats For First Time
Princess Cruises' next new ship, Emerald
Princess, reached a significant construction milestone today
when the vessel was "floated out" of her building
dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
The two-day float-out process involves slowly
letting water into the building dock to set the vessel afloat
for the first time. The ship is then moved to the outfitting
dock where final construction and interior outfitting will take
place. Emerald Princess, a sister ship to Crown Princess, which
made her debut this month, will enter service in April 2007
with a series of European itineraries.
Celebrity Cruises Celebrates Its 'New'
Century
Celebrity Cruises “new” Century is
now operating cruises following a $55-million makeover that
took five weeks. Designed to incorporate a variety of Celebrity's
most popular Millennium-class attributes, the revitalization
of Century is the line's most extensive refurbishment to-date,
and the largest cruise ship modification completed by Fincantieri's
Palermo, Italy, shipyard.
A total of 314 new verandas have been added
to the ship—a first, for an existing cruise ship—along with
14 new suites, 10 new staterooms ranging from inside to veranda
categories, an expanded number of ConciergeClass category staterooms,
a new specialty restaurant, an expanded AquaSpa, and a series
of features and amenities that typify the line's acclaimed Millennium-class
fleet. "This initiative is nothing short of miraculous,
technically and otherwise - particularly the veranda program,"
said Celebrity's President Dan Hanrahan. "Think of what
it takes to thoroughly renovate a home, then consider what it
took to do what we did onboard a 70,000-ton ship?in just five
weeks. It's extraordinary."
Among Century's multiple new attributes is
a specialty restaurant, quite literally, featuring a heart of
glass. The new Murano specialty restaurant in the center of
the ship sparkles with magnificent chandeliers handcrafted of
Murano glass, named for the island of Murano near Venice, Italy;
where glass-blowing has been a fine art and tradition since
the 13th century.
Celebrity's longtime culinary and wine consultant,
renowned Master Chef Michel Roux, designed the menu for Murano,
with the cuisine and service following the celebrated style
of Celebrity's Millennium-class specialty restaurants, which
presented the industry's first tableside cooking, carving and
flambé.
Century's dramatic, two-level Grand Restaurant
has been entirely refurbished and now there is a 76-seat Sushi
Bar—Celebrity's first designed specifically to reflect the popular
regional cuisine—with a casual Asian atmosphere, and a collection
of thematic artifacts and artwork. Surrounded by glass walls
offering magnificent ocean views, Century's Ocean Grill offers
an alternative dining area with an upscale ambience, where guests
can select cuisine ranging from steaks, chops, salads, antipastos
and desserts from a fixed menu. A Celebrity favorite across
the fleet, Cova Café, the seagoing version of the stylish coffeehouse
in the fashion district of Milan, Italy, serves fresh pastries
and cookies to complement its coffees, teas, and other beverages
every day, while at night, the space transforms to a romantic,
lamp-lit wine bar, with live music.
Celebrity's award-winning AquaSpa onboard
Century now welcomes guests within a new reception area featuring
a 42-inch LCD TV highlighting spa services; ten new sea-view
treatment rooms; new locker rooms with lounge
seating; a new beauty salon with enhanced manicure and pedicure
bars; a dedicated teeth-whitening station; a new Persian Garden
with Turkish steam room; three tropical showers; both infrared
and Finnish saunas; Celebrity's first barber shop, complete
with a 42-inch LCD TV, and a new, 54-set Spa Café serving light,
healthy cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Adjacent to
the AquaSpa, Celebrity's Acupuncture at Sea - the only such
program in the industry - offers guests acupuncture treatments,
therapies and enrichment lectures by licensed doctors of Oriental
Medicine. The fitness center within the AquaSpa area features
new equipment throughout, including treadmills and cardio machines
with personal LCD TVs, and a variety of strength-training equipment.
A new program, High Seas Computing offers
computer training courses ranging from basic program use to
website creation to digital photography, within a newly dedicated
space.
An art gallery joins a new array of trendy
boutiques in "The Boulevard," allowing art aficionados
the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind works, and avid shoppers
to purchase designer beauty products and fashions, leather goods,
premium gifts, rare gems, and designer accessories, including
watches and sunglasses.
Century boasts the first "ice bar"
concept at sea within its Martini Bar, featuring a liquid wall
that freezes to form a sparkling crystalline appearance, and
a bar counter that freezes into ice-cold stone, while a solid
block of ice will creatively display bottles of liquor behind
the bar, creating a very "cool" way to serve Celebrity's
famed menu of more than 30 versions of martinis. All other clubs
and lounges onboard have been entirely refurbished, including
the Crystal Lounge, Michael's Club jazz/piano bar, Rendezvous
Lounge, and Hemispheres observation lounge and disco.
Teen travelers also have a lounge all their
own - Century's new "X-Treme" teen lounge and video
arcade. The dedicated space includes a dance floor, video arcade,
juice bar, jukebox, and karaoke, along with computers offering
Internet access.
Century promises sweet dreams, as the first
ship in the Celebrity fleet to present Celebrity's new bedding
program, which will be introduced onboard Galaxy and
Millennium later this year, and across the balance of
the fleet in 2007. The program features new premium mattresses,
100 percent Egyptian cotton linens, duvets, Euro pillows, colorful
bed throws and pillow shams.
Every ocean-view and inside stateroom onboard
Century is now equipped with new flat-screen TVs, wireless Internet
access, new carpet, textiles, windows, lighting fixtures, and
Century Suite
art. The bathrooms have new vanities and
enhanced lighting, stylish surface-mounted sink basins and fixtures,
curved-rod shower curtains, and renewed architectural surfaces.
Each suite is equipped with new phones, 26-inch
LCD TVs, DVD players, wireless Internet access, new accessories,
and new veranda furniture.
Celebrity's "new" Century sets
sail today on a 9-night "Best of Europe" cruise, followed
by a series of 12-night Baltic and 10- and 11-night Mediterranean
sailings, a 13-night "Best of Europe" voyage, and
a seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise.
Century also will be one of the first Celebrity
ships to offer short cruises from the cruise capital of the
world, the Port of Miami, beginning in November 2006. The ship
will present four- and five-night roundtrip Caribbean cruises
through April 2007, offering travelers with more limited vacation
time the opportunity to experience what the award-winning Celebrity
brand has to offer. "When Century returns to the Caribbean
this fall, Celebrity will have the best short-cruise product
in the industry," said Hanrahan.
Website: www.celebrity.com.
May 30, 2006
World’s Largest Cruise Ship—‘Freedom of
the Seas’—Makes Her Debut
With her energetic FlowRider® surf park,
cantilevered whirlpools and colorful H20 Zone silhouetted against
the backdrop of The Statue of Liberty, Freedom of the Seas,
the most anticipated cruise ship to take to the seas in years,
made her spectacular US premier this month. With all of her
never-before-seen features, Freedom lives up to the standard
Royal Caribbean created with years of envelope-pushing amenities.
Not surprisingly, it takes a big leap and a large ship to follow
the wake created by the launch of her sister ships - when measured
from the waterline to the top of the funnel, Freedom of the
Seas towers 208 feet tall, approximately the same height as
two Statues of Liberty, placed head to toe. A few highlights
on this mega-ship include:
-- The first FlowRider® surfing simulator
at sea, found on the same deck as the multi-hued interactive
sculpture garden found in the H20 Zone water park.
-- The first cantilevered whirlpools at sea,
suspended 112 feet above the ocean in the adults-only solarium,
which also features a pool flanked by hammocks.
-- Studio B the onboard skating rink open
for skating lessons and free skating during the day while used
to stage the original ice show Freedom-Ice.com by night.
-- The first boxing ring on a cruise ship
in the Freedom Fitness Center, the largest-ever cruise ship
gym.
-- The Royal Promenade entertainment boulevard,
longer than a football field and the hub for dining, shopping,
bars and lounges and the midnight parade.
-- A Sports Deck offering guests the chance
to test their skill at a 9-hole miniature golf course, a golf
simulator, basketball, paddleball or volleyball and an enhanced
revolutionizing rock-climbing wall that first appeared on Voyager
of the Seas in 1999.
At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy,
Freedom of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world.
The first in Royal Caribbean's new Freedom class, she sails
seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami calling
in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay,
Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean's private destination, Labadee,
Haiti.
(Note: Look for a preview of Freedom of the
Seas in June on ShipsandCruises.com.)
NCL America’s ‘The Pride Of Hawaii’ Makes
Her Debut
NCL America again made U.S. maritime history
on May 20 by christening Pride of Hawaii, the largest,
most luxurious and most expensive U.S.-flagged cruise ship in
history. The historic presentation of this new US-flagged, US-crewed
passenger ship continues NCL America's dynamic revival of the
U.S.-flagged cruise industry that had seemingly been extinguished
in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
At the official christening ceremony at the
Port of Los Angeles, Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT LIM and
NCL Corporation's President and CEO Colin Veitch were joined
by the Honorable Daniel K. Inouye, senior United States Senator
from Hawaii, who sponsored and named the vessel at the pierside
event. The Senator was joined by six female crewmembers from
Pride of Hawaii, all hailing from Hawaii, who christened
the ship with the traditional bottle of champagne. The Pride
of Hawaii crewmembers participating in the ceremony were Jana
Anguay, a singer; Shastein Colon and Monica Pratt, both room
stewards; Shari An Pontin, a senior officer utility; Janhavi
Cleveland, a massage therapist; and Heather Holmes, a dancer.
Pride of Hawaii is the third in a series
of U.S.-flag cruise ships sailing under the NCL America brand
and built for the Hawaii market in furtherance of the "Hawaii
Cruise Ship Initiative," legislation sponsored by Senator
Inouye and passed by the United States Congress in February
2003.
At just over 93,500 gross registered tons,
carrying more than 2,400 passengers, and costing over half a
billion dollars, Pride of Hawaii is by far the largest and most
expensive U.S. flagged passenger ship ever built. It employs
a crew of over 1000, bringing the total seagoing workforce of
NCL's U.S. flagged fleet to approximately 4000, making NCL America
the largest private employer of American seafarers in the world.
Pride of Hawai'i features ten restaurants
including NCL passenger favorites such as Cagney's Steak House,
Blue Lagoon and NCL's signature restaurant, Le Bistro as well
as the Asian-themed Jasmine. In addition, she offers Grand Pacific—a
grand restaurant inspired by the first-class designs from the
Matson Liner ships that sailed from San Francisco to Honolulu;
Alizar, a contemporary restaurant featuring colorful, modern
artwork inspired by Mark Rothko inspired by abstract art of
the late 20th Century and special, colorful lighting effects
which create an exclusive ambiance; Paniolo. a Spanish-influenced
restaurant featuring a Hawaii cowboy-theme and bright colors
featuring tapas and Tex-Mex cuisine; and Aloha Nui Café and
Lanai—an indoor/outdoor buffet-styled eatery with an Hawaiian
theme that features "food action stations" including
prepared-to-order omelets, waffles, fruit, soups, ethnic specialties,
and pasta; offers extensive and varied selections.
Passengers can relax at one of Pride of Hawaii’s
12 bars including the Bar Central area, NCL's popular new entertainment
concept first introduced on Norwegian Jewel. Bar Central features
a martini bar, a champagne and wine bar, and a beer and whiskey
bar all connected but touting three distinct personalities:
The ship features a new style of accommodations—ten
Courtyard Villas—which along with the ship's two Garden Villas
make up the largest, grandest, most luxurious, most innovative
suite complex in Hawaii. The suite complex boasts a private
courtyard and sundeck and both Courtyard and Garden Villa guests
have a concierge lounge available to them.
Pride of Hawaii’s features the Corona Cigar
Club and the Medusa Cabaret Lounge and Nightclub featuring an
underwater, tropical coral reef theme.
As on all NCL America' s Hawaii based ships,
Pride of Hawaii features an NCL Golf Pro Shop and the NCL Golf
Hawaii Program offering golfers an opportunity to indulge their
golf fantasies on some of the world's most fabulous courses.
Guests will be able to rent equipment, book tee times on all
four islands and consequently, can play up to eight rounds of
golf on one week-long Pride of Hawaii itinerary.
Besides three swimming pools on the Lido
deck, the Sports Deck contains a basketball, volleyball and
tennis court, while the Body Waves Fitness Center offers cardiovascular
workout equipment, each with its own flat-screen TV, aerobic
and yoga area with a sprung wooden floor, steam and sauna rooms
and a whirlpool and hydrotherapy pool.
On board there is a new, advanced Internet
Café and Photo Gallery with kiosks to print photos from digital
cameras as well as the latest laptops, which guests can rent
to use around the ship. Passengers will be able to take advantage
of NCL' s signature WiFi capabilities. This family-centric ship
will also feature the Keiki (Kids) Club as well as the surf-themed
Wipe Out Teen' s Club.
Pride of Hawaii will sail seven-day, inter-island
itineraries out of Honolulu year round beginning June 5, offering
100 hours in port. Ports of call include Hilo, Hawaii; an overnight
in Kahului, Maui; Kona, Hawaii; and an overnight Nawiliwili,
Kauai.
Keel Laying For ‘Queen Victoria’ Takes
Place In Italy
Section of ship’s hull at the Fincantieri
drydock
A ceremony marking the Keel Laying for Cunard
Line's Queen Victoria was held this month at the Marghera
shipyard of Fincantieri near Venice, Italy. The second largest
Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria will enter service on December
11, 2007 and become the third in Cunard's fleet of Queens when
she joins Queen Mary 2, the largest liner in the world, and
QE2, the most famous ship in the world.
The keel laying involved the placement in
the dry dock of one section of the ship's hull. This section
is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 325 tons and
is fitted with 50 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other
equipment. The ceremony follows an intensive period of design
and development. 80 sections will be used in the construction
of Queen Victoria and she will take to the water for the first
time at her float out in January 2007 before her delivery to
Cunard in December 2007.
Queen Victoria will not only be a classic
ocean liner, offering the very best of Cunard's heritage and
traditions along with all modern luxury facilities, but she
will also feature some exciting innovations. These will include
the first private boxes at sea, in the Royal Court Theatre;
a Cunardia museum, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia;
the first two-story library at sea, with its 6,000 books and
splendid spiral staircase; and a grand, British colonial-style
conservatory, complete with central fountain, greenery and a
retractable glass roof.
With the addition of this new 90,000-ton
vessel, the Cunard liner legacy will be upheld, as Queen Victoria
will offer all the classic characteristics that have become
associated with the company's unique heritage. From the outside,
her distinctive black and red livery and strengthened hull will
hint at the experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from
a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the
ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant
and classically-styled public rooms, many on a grand scale,
luxuriously endowed with rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics,
chandeliers, and cool marbles.
The public spaces will be the setting for
a host of diversions that also define Cunard's liner heritage,
as guests enjoy stylish entertainment and informative talks
that suggest a more civilized era of travel. The ship will also
feature the line's celebrated luxury Grills accommodation and
dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with exclusive deck
terraces and an al fresco dining option.
Queen Victoria will depart on her Maiden
Voyage on Tuesday December 11, 2007— a voyage that was full
within days of being announced.
The world's newest ocean liner will depart
New York on January 13, 2008 on her 105-day Pathway to the Explorers
maiden world cruise which will call at 36 cities in 23 countries.
Every call, with the exception of Lisbon, will be a maiden call
for Cunard's new Queen. Queen Victoria will circumnavigate the
globe in a westbound direction and, after calling at New York,
will transit the Panama Canal before making maiden calls at
some of the world's most famous cities including Los Angeles,
Auckland, Sydney, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai,
Dubai, Athens and Barcelona.
New ‘Carnival Freedom’s Decor
Travels Through The Centuries
When the 110,000-ton Carnival Freedom
debuts in Europe in March 2007 it will feature an interior design
theme that takes guests on a journey through the centuries by
decade. From ancient Babylonia to the heyday of disco, from
the 19th-century Victorian era to the contemporary style of
the 1990s, the public rooms of Carnival Freedom celebrate a
cornucopia of many periods in time.
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri
shipyard in Italy, the 2,974-passenger Carnival Freedom is scheduled
to enter service with a series of 12-day Mediterranean cruises—including
the line’s first-ever visit to the Greek Isles and Turkey—beginning
March 14, 2007. “I thought it would be interesting to go back
in time to find inspiration for the various public rooms,” said
Joe Farcus, Carnival’s ship architect. “As always, I tried to
use the function of the room to suggest how the room will reflect
the central design idea.”
When guests step into Freedom’s Millennium
atrium, they will be transported into the near-future decade
of the 2010s represented by cylindrical forms painted in iridescent
lacquers that take on red or gold tones—depending on the angle—and
cutouts of wood veneer that have been dyed to look like tiger
skin, lined with polished copper. Curved railings are done in
blue glass, and the theme is carried on to the elevator lobbies
where stainless steel elevator doors are decorated with applied
copper designs.
Glass and copper chandeliers hang from the
ceiling amid columns and beams accented with special iridescent
glass tiles. Smaller versions of the chandeliers are used as
wall lights with color-changing internal lighting.
The Victoriana show lounge is named after
Britain’s Queen Victoria, whose name also is associated with
the fashion style that peaked in the 1880s. The room’s design
evokes theaters in London’s West End with ornate moldings, fancy
marble and gold leaf. The walls adjacent to the stage feature
scattered giant curlicues with twinkling lights, and arches
between the windows contain pre-Raphaelite paintings from the
era. The eye-catching centerpiece of the theater is a mural-decorated
dome with a crystal chandelier.
The 1990s were all about style, and that
is reflected in the forward and aft restaurants—the Chic and
Posh Dining Rooms, respectively. The walls feature a combination
of striking polished marbles and a special wood veneer laminated
in a fashionable python skin pattern. Marble and antique gold
grillwork with fruit, vines and leaves is mounted between the
banquettes. The mood of the restaurants can be changed dramatically
through innovative lighting strips containing small color-changing
light bulbs that meander around the rooms and create a sparkling
effect.
Named after Louis XIV, the Sun King Supper
Club represents the glory days of the 18th century. A statue
of Louis as the Sun King—a nickname given to him from a role
he played on stage—greets diners as they enter the restaurant
and an impressive period chandelier hangs in the skylight dome
with smaller versions suspended throughout the room. Other design
features of the era include elaborate tapestries, antique mirrors
on the walls and a large mural depicting the court of the King
in trompe l’oeil.
The Player’s Sport Bar shines with chrome,
sports medallions and memorabilia highlighting the 1950s, often
referred to as the “golden era of sports.” The bar features
a canopy done in lacquer and adorned with photographs of famous
sports teams from the mid-20th century. Giant plasma screen
televisions throughout the bar ensure that no one misses a big
play.
Club 02, the ship’s teen club, pays tribute
to the new millennium with a distinctly contemporary design.
Plasma screens throughout the room serve as kinetic art, with
continuously changing posters, paintings and landscapes. In
the adjacent game room, LED digital clocks are positioned along
the walls and ceiling with the year constantly changing to highlight
the first decade of the 21st century.
The Studio 70 dance club will focus on the
1970s when disco was in its prime. An updated version of the
famed Studio 54 disco in New York, Studio 70 will have giant
‘70s on the walls done in a colored stainless steel with interior
color-changing, pulsating lights, while sofas are done in giant
seven and zero shapes with upholstered seats and glass backs.
The room’s black interior comes to life with spinning mirror
balls hanging from the ceiling, completing the distinct retro
atmosphere.
Guests choosing to enjoy a glass of wine
on the promenade will step back in time to the 1890s at Bar
Nouveau. Designed in art nouveau style with a stained-glass
backlit dome and inlaid marble walls and floor, the wine bar
features small tiles curved out into coves along the ceiling
made of sandblasted mirror for an unusual effect.
Representing the earliest epoch featured
in the ship’s design—1000 BC—the Babylon Casino recalls the
Babylonian palace of its most famous king, Hammurabi, and takes
its theme from the famed Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylon.
A reproduction of the legendary Ishtar Gate is done in blue-glaze
brick with applied mythological animals and decorations of flowers
and geometric designs, while brick columns with Babylonian winged
figures are found throughout the casino. The fabled Hanging
Gardens are depicted on polished stainless steel with painted
flowers.
Merging the ship’s name with the theme of
the interior décor, the poolside Freedom Restaurant incorporates
the modern design style of the 1980s. Various replications of
the Statue of Liberty are incorporated into the restaurant décor,
and copper sunbursts echoing Lady Liberty’s headpiece can be
found in the tabletops and on the walls.
Among other decades represented in Carnival
Freedom’s public rooms are the 1940s in the Habana Cigar Bar,
with barstools and tabletops resembling cigars; the 1770s in
the Monticello Library evocative of the American colonial style;
the 1910s in Scott’s piano bar, named after ragtime piano master
Scott Joplin; the 1930s in Swingtime jazz club, hearkening back
to jazz’s early days; and the 900s in the Dynasty Room, an homage
to ancient China.
Carnival Freedom is scheduled to debut in
March 2007, operating 12-day Grand Mediterranean and 12-day
Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises from Rome (Civitavecchia),
through October.
The 12-day Mediterranean & Greek Isles
cruises depart March 14 and 26, April 7 and 19, June 18, Aug.
5, and Sept. 22, and feature Naples, Italy; Rhodes, Greece;
Izmir (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon,
Greece; and Livorno, Italy, as well as an overnight call in
Rome (Civitavecchia).
The 12-day “Grand Mediterranean” cruises
depart May 1, 13 and 25, June 6 and 30, July 12 and 24, Aug.
17 and 28, Sept. 10, Oct. 4 and 16 and visit Naples, Italy;
Dubrovnik, Croatia; Venice, Italy (two-day call); Messina, Sicily;
Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.
For additional information and reservations,
call 1-800-327-9501 (individual) or 1-800-327-5782 (groups)
or visit the line's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com.
April, 2006
American Cruise Lines Launches
American Star
The American Star, the newest cruise ship
for American Cruise Lines, was launched this month at Chesapeake
Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD. The American Star will begin
her Inaugural Season with a seven- night Maiden Voyage on the
Chesapeake Bay, departing from Baltimore, MD. She will then
make her way north for an Inaugural Summer along the Maine Coast
and Harbors from June 16 thru October 7. Departing from New
York, the American Star will sail fall foliage cruises on the
picturesque Hudson River, one of ten American Heritage Rivers.
The American Star will be the fourth American Cruise Lines vessel
to cruise the magnificent East Coast.
The 100-passenger American Star is 215 feet
long, and will have a similar modern design to the American
Spirit. The new modern luxury ship will feature more oversized
staterooms with private verandahs, and all staterooms will have
the large opening picture windows, a trademark of American Cruise
Lines. Every room is fitted with flat-screen satellite TV and
DVD players, individual climate control, Internet access and
many other
modern conveniences and amenities expected
by the discerning traveler. The ship’s layout will include an
elevator to all four decks, four lounges of various sizes, a
spacious observation deck, a well-stocked library and a dining
room with surrounding windows providing spectacular landscapes
and coastal scenery as you dine.
American Cruise Lines currently operates
three new small modern luxury cruise ships built in 2000, 2002,
and 2005 and now, the newly launched American Star to be completed
in 2007. For more information on American Cruise Lines, call
800-814-6880, or visit us at www.americancruiselines.com .
More Details On Freedom of the Seas—The
World’s Largest Cruise Ship
The world's largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean
International's famed Freedom of the Seas, was delivered at
a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, on April 29. The cruise line
that revolutionized the industry with rock-climbing walls, ice-skating
rinks and the Royal Promenade entertainment boulevard is poised
to unveil a range of new industry-first attractions. The first
in the Freedom-class of ships, Freedom of the Seas debuts engineering
marvels such as a shipboard surf park and cantilevered whirlpools
suspended 112 feet above the ocean, in addition to unexpected
amenities like a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family
suite.
One of the world's recent modern marvels,
the 160,000 GRT Freedom of the Seas weighs more than 80,000
cars or 32,000 adult elephants and would trump New York's famed
Chrysler building (1,046 feet) and Paris' Eiffel Tower (986
feet) if it stood upright on its bow. Boasting a width of 185
feet, the ship is actually wider than the White House is long
(168 feet), and when measured from the waterline to the top
of the funnel, Freedom of the Seas towers 208 feet tall, approximately
the same height as two of the Statue of Liberty, placed head
to toe.
Located at the heart of the ship, the Royal
Promenade is a 445-foot-long shopping, dining and entertainment
boulevard that spans the length of an entire football field.
The Promenade also hosts nightly street parades, put on by select
staff, commencing from a revolutionary new descending bridge
amidst a fanfare of music, lasers and lights. Guests can begin
their culture quest at one of the varied and diverse experiences
found in the Royal Promenade, including a new 3,600-volume Book
Nook for relaxed reading and an Italian- style pizzeria, Sorrento's,
for an afternoon with a group of friends. At Freedom-first A
Clean Shave, male guests can rekindle the nostalgia of their
favorite neighborhood barbershop, indulging in traditional shaving,
scalp and shoulder massages, haircut and shoe-shining services.
Outside the Royal Promenade, courageous crooners,
theater buffs and gutsy gamblers will delight in Freedom's engaging
entertainment offerings, from Broadway and ice-skating shows
to blackjack and karaoke. Guests can find their 15 seconds of
fame at the On Air Club, Freedom's karaoke venue, equipped with
state-of-the-art theatrical lighting, video cameras, flat screen
TVs and even a "green screen" for aspiring music stars
to record their own music video. For professional entertainment,
the Art Deco-style Arcadia Theatre (1,350 guests) features three
shows: Marquee, a medley of performances, the musical Now You
See It! magic show, and Once Upon a Time, a narrative piece
combining the Brothers Grimm's fairytales.
Finally, Freedom of the Seas introduces two
new sipping spots on the high seas, including Squeeze, a refreshing
juice bar near the H2O Zone for health- conscious cruisers,
and the Wipe Out! bar, a free-standing shack near the FlowRider(R)
surf park which offers draft beer, wine and icy fruit drinks
in a casual and fun environment.
At 160,000 GRT and holding 3,634 guests double-occupancy,
Freedom of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world
when she debuts in May 2006. The first in Royal Caribbean's
new Freedom class, she will be the most forward-looking and
innovative ship the company has built to date. Freedom of the
Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from
Miami calling in Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman;
Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Royal Caribbean's private destination,
Labadee, Hispaniola. There is a website for the Freedom of the
Seas— www.freedomoftheseas.com —for more
information.
