This Blog is for New to Cruise and the well Traveled , on this site we will publish information about Cruise and Holiday information, with some insider stories in the travel press.
Princess and Fincantieri Sign Contracts For Two Ships
Princess Cruises and Fincantieri announced today the signing of the final contracts for the construction of two next-generation LNG-fueled 175,000-ton cruise ships, which will be the largest ships ever built so far in Italy, with deliveries scheduled in Monfalcone in late 2023 and in spring 2025.
This announcement follows the initial signing of a memorandum of agreement between the two parties in July 2018.
The vessels will each accommodate approximately 4,300 guests and will be based on next-generation platform design, being the first Princess Cruises ships to be dual-fuel powered primarily by LNG, Princess said.
"Princess Cruises continues to grow globally -- adding new ships to our fleet built by our long-time trusted shipbuilding partner, Fincantieri, who brings decades of expertise to these next-generation cruise ships," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises President. "Even more exciting is that these two ships are being designed to include our MedallionClass platform, powered by OceanMedallion, the most advanced wearable device available within the global hospitality industry."
Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, commented on the announcement: "This result proves, once again, the trust we receive from the market, which allows us to look to the future with ambition. It honours our great work focused on innovation thanks to which we have been able to offer to the client a record-breaking proposal not only in terms of size. Besides, we firmly believe that a new class of Princess Cruises' ships, one of Carnival Group's top brands, can stem from this promising project. In fact, for Princess Cruises, we have received orders for 21 ships, another unprecedented result in this industry."
Viking Sky suffered engine failure and rescue helicopters are evacuating people
Viking Sun's position on AIS Ship @18:25 today
A cruise ship with 1,300 passengers on board has sent out a mayday call after suffering an engine failure in heavy winds near Norway.
The ship, named Viking Sky, was drifting towards land when it let out the distress signal.
Helicopters have been evacuating people from the vessel amid high waves and strong winds.
It was later able to restart one engine, was anchored just over a mile from land and is no longer adrift.
The ship battled heavy winds and high waves in Hustadvika, an area of the Norwegian coastline known to be dangerous
Up to 90 passengers have been hoisted up one by one from the deck of the vessel and airlifted to a village located just north of the town of Molde on Norway's west coast.
One woman messaged family to let them know she had to be stretchered off the ship after heavy waves battered the ship and left her 'submerged underwater'.
The passenger said: 'A wave smashed a door open right behind us and we were submerged under water.
'We thought that was it and my knee has been damaged.
'I've been stretchered off which was just as scary.'
One passenger messaged family to let them know she had to be stretchered off the ship after heavy waves battered the ship and left her 'submerged under water'
And rough seas have forced two rescue ships to turn back as even tugboats are not sure they will be able to reach the stricken cruise liner.
The stretch, named Hustadvika, is known as one of the most dangerous sections of the Norwegian coast with many shipwrecks in the region.
A spokesperson said: 'If we need to evacuate everyone, it will take a long time.'
The ship, built in 2017, belongs to Viking Ocean Cruises founded by Norwegian billionaire Torstein Hagen.
According to the company website, its passenger capacity is 930.
Several boats and four helicopters took part in the rescue and facilities to receive passengers have been set up on land.
But only 10 to 15 people can be taken per flight on emergency helicopters sent to airlift passengers to safety.
It is thought there are currently still more than 885 passengers on board.
The wind was blowing at a speed of 38 knots, police told Norwegian newspaper VG.
All search and rescue teams in the region are mobilising, including 60 volunteers from the Norwegian Red Cross, a spokesman said.
Viking's operational headquarters, located in Basel, Switzerland, did not respond when contacted by telephone.
The Carnival Mardi Gras Will Feature New Stateroom Design
PHOTO: Agents can now book 2020 trips on Carnival's Mardi Gras. (Photo courtesy Carnival Cruise Line)Cruise lovers who sail on Carnival Cruise Line’snewest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, set to debut in late summer 2020, will enjoy an array of architectural features and designs that will enhance many aspects of its balcony, ocean view and interior staterooms.
The staterooms were developed in partnership with DCA Design International, a leading product design firm based in Warwick, England, that works across consumer goods, travel and transportation, commercial, and science and technology sectors. The staterooms will reflect new and innovative design practices that are ergonomically friendly and maximize visual space, clean lines, surfaces and storage.
“We took a unique approach to our stateroom design with Mardi Gras, utilizing DCA’s design experts who are well known for innovative product design and partnered them with Miami-based interior architect Studio Dado,” said Ben Clement, Carnival’s senior vice president of new builds. “DCA employed a thoughtful guest-centric approach gleaned from observations of how our guests use their space in conjunction with their vast experience in product design to make the staterooms as comfortable and functional as possible.”
Distinguished by muted turquoise hues, the staterooms’ are enhanced by design touches that include:
—Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors on nearly all verandahs for easier balcony access;
—New sofas that “flip” into a bed and footstools that open up for storage;
—Clear glass doors on the in-room mini-refrigerators to see what’s inside;
—More 110V power outlets and USB connections both on the vanity and by the bed as well as more shelf space to accommodate electronic devices;
—Flexible bedside reading lamps that allow guests to read without disturbing others;
—A larger, customizable wardrobe with two pull-out bins, a sliding shoe rack, folding shelves and storage under the bed for luggage.
—Spacious bathrooms with glass shower doors, a first for the line, along with an in-shower shaving bar.
“We’ve taken the best practices in new interior design and hotel concepts and applied them to Mardi Gras to create guest-friendly staterooms designed to make guests feel at home,” said Dom Hargreaves, sector manager for DCA Design International. “It’s been an incredible opportunity to work with Carnival to enrich the stateroom experience by focusing on both design principles and small details, creating moments of delight for Mardi Gras guests.”
Mardi Gras will offer the widest variety of accommodations of any Carnival ship with more than 70 per cent of staterooms featuring an ocean view or balcony, along with 300 pairs of connecting staterooms, for large families or groups.
In addition to the newly redesigned staterooms with more balcony, ocean view and interior choices than ever before, Mardi Gras will offer favourites introduced on Carnival’s Vista-class including:
—The tropics-inspired Havana staterooms feature vibrant interiors and outdoor patio space. These staterooms have access to an exclusive open deck with sun loungers, Cuban-themed bar and a relaxation pool.
—Extra-roomy Family Harbor accommodations with their nautical decor are located near Camp Ocean, the children’s facility, and have access to the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive spot with breakfast and snacks throughout the day, plus board games, family movies, video games and more.
—Cloud 9 Spa staterooms feature exclusive, soothing decor, spa bathrobes and slippers as well as Elemis toiletries. These accommodations offer privileges to the ship’s spa.
Mardi Gras will also offer the most suites of any Carnival ship, a total of more than 180 of varying size and locations. Exciting details on the ship’s suites and amenities will be announced in mid-April, including the premium-level Carnival Excel Suites, which will include a set of exclusive features and offerings. The new accommodations are the perfect complement to Mardi Gras’ exciting activities and attractions, including BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea, and six distinct themed zones with popular dining, libation, entertainment and activity offerings.
Currently, under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe August 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round, seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in October 2020.
Norwegian Cruise Line Raising Automatic Gratuities
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Cruise Line will be raising automatic gratuities added to the cost of a passenger’s ticket starting on April 1.
According to CruiseCritic.com, the daily service charges for passengers in standard cabins and mini-suites will be $14.99 per person, per day, an increase from the previous fee of $14.50. Travellers sailing in The Haven or other suites will see prices jump from $17.50 to $17.99.
For passengers sailing on the Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, the cruise line’s all-inclusive ships, they will now have to pay $20.49 instead of $19.99 when staying in standard cabins and mini-suites. Prices for customers in suites rose from $22.99 to $23.49.
Thankfully for passengers who booked their voyages before April 1, Norwegian will still honour the previous rate as long as the gratuities are paid before the sail date. The price increases come one year after the cruise line last raised gratuity rates.
CruiseCritic.com also noted Norwegian's Hawaii-based Pride of America ship would continue charging passengers an additional General Exercise Tax of 4.275 per cent.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has joined SEA\LNG, the multi-sector industry coalition aiming to accelerate the widespread adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel, according to a press release.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the fourth port member to join the coalition, alongside Port of Rotterdam, Yokohama-Kawasaki International Port Corporation (YKIP), and most recently the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
Peter Keller, SEA\LNG chairman, commented: “We are pleased to welcome the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to our growing coalition and look forward to leveraging their expertise to realise our vision of developing LNG infrastructure in ports around the globe to enable quick, safe, and cost-effective bunkering.”
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is working closely with the regional gas supplier, Fortis BC, and with industry, academia and government to advance LNG bunkering in the Port of Vancouver.
Duncan Wilson, Vice President, Environment, Community and Government Affairs of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, commented: “As part of our vision to be the world’s most sustainable port, we engage in a number of emissions management initiatives that help support a healthy environment. This partnership with SEA\LNG represents an opportunity for us to be part of a multi-sector group that is reducing marine shipping emissions and improving air quality.”
SEA\LNG said it advocates for collaboration, demonstration, and communication on key areas such as regulation, emissions, infrastructure, and the economic case, to provide the confidence and demand required for an effective and efficient global LNG value chain by 2020 and beyond.
Passengers Injured as Norwegian Escape Hit by ‘100 Knot Wind Gust’ Off U.S. East Coast
Several passengers aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Escape were reported injured after a freak gust of wind reportedly caused the ship to list as much of 45 degrees, causing chairs, tables and pretty much anything unsecured to go flying.
A statement from Norwegian posted to its Twitter account said the incident took place just before midnight on Sunday, March 3, when Norwegian Escape encountered what the cruise line said was an “unexpected weather in the form of a sudden, extreme gust of wind, estimated at 100 knots,” or 115 mph, as the ship was underway off the U.S. east coast.
“Several injuries were reported and those guests and crew received immediate attention or are being treated by the ship’s medical staff. There was no damage to the ship; she remains fully operational and continues her scheduled itinerary,” Norwegian Cruise Line said.
The Norwegian Escape is currently on a voyage from Port Elizabeth, New Jersey to the Bahamas with a stop over in Port Canaveral, Florida.
Media reports say at least eight passengers were treated for injuries when the ship arrived in Port Canaveral on Tuesday.
“Neither the current itinerary, nor the next sailing are expected to be impacted,” the cruise line said.
Meteorologists had forecasted some weather but nothing near the 100 knots that was reported by the cruise line.
Delivered in 2015, the 164,600 gross ton Norwegian Escape is the former flagship of the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and the first of the company’s Breakaway Plus-class.
Cruise line promotions increase in number -- and complexity
Norwegian Cruise latest offering
One of the virtues of "123Go!," which was rolled out by Celebrity Cruises for Wave season six years ago, was its simplicity.
The promotion was as breezy as it sounded. Passengers could pick one of three free promotions when they booked a cruise. If they were going to Europe, they could pick two. That was it.
Whether it was the simplicity of the concept, or the value locked into the choices, or the idea of choice itself, the promotion struck a nerve. Agents cited it as the most successful offer of the Wave season in 2013, and Celebrity extended it until it became part of the line's standard offering.
Six years later, the promotions of the sort started by "123Go!" are ubiquitous. Nearly every sizeable line has its version.
It started when Celebrity decided to evolve "123Go!" into its 2015 successor campaign "Go Big, Go Better, Go Best." With this one there were four amenities, not three. And the number of amenities that could be chosen depended on the fare. And third and fourth passengers in the cabin could get a limited amount of internet minutes for free.
Today, there are a bewildering number of promotional packages for agents to keep track of, all with different terms, expiration dates, geographic applications, exceptions and combinability options.
"The promotions are very complex," observed veteran agency executive Dwain Wall. "Agents find the consumers are very confused."
Wall said some cruise lines have taken to spelling out the value of the various terms in their promotion as a result.
Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, has its "Take Six Free" offer, which dangles not three but six different amenities. More choice, more value, right? To be sure. But also more complexity.
In many of its ads, Norwegian puts price tags on the various options as a consumer service. An open bar is valued at $1,400. Free shore excursions: $200. A speciality dining package: $160 in savings; free Internet, $130.
The biggest and latest amenity to be added to the package is airfare, which Norwegian says is worth $600 to $1,900 in savings, depending. Depending on what? Well, you have to dig into the fine print to find out.
In many ways, an advisor's job is better with these promotions. Free add-ons make closing easier, more amenities broaden the appeal, and preserving or even boosting the fare helps increase commissions. Not to mention that the complexity helps reinforce the concept of an advisor as an indispensable consultant: Who better to comb through the various deals and amenities, walk the client through the options and find them the best combination?
But it should not be lost that in the process the promotions are no longer as simple as "123Go!."
Navigator of the Seas Arrives in Miami Following Huge Refit
Royal Caribbean International’s newly amplified Navigator of the Seas is in Miami following a $115 million refit aimed at the important short-cruise market.
Among the features are new waterslides, a new poolside area, new retail and restaurants and much more.
“We have really dialled up the adventure and Caribbean vibes in ways that will make Navigator of the Seas the ultimate getaway to take from Miami,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Independence and Mariner of the Seas, the first two modernized ships in our Royal Amplified program, have quickly become standout hits, and Navigator builds on this momentum with a combination of new, exciting features and signature Royal Caribbean offerings that will surprise and delight guests cruising with us for the first time and those who have vacationed with us before.”
The Navigator of the Seas is the third ship to be reimagined as part of the Royal Amplified modernization program, an investment of more than $1 billion in the cruise line’s fleet and part of the booming drydock market.
The effort spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience with the introduction of a wide range of new thrills and Royal Caribbean staples meant to appeal to every generation, the company said.
Beginning Friday, March 1, Navigator will sail five- and 9-night Caribbean itineraries through May 2019.
The ship will then set course for The Bahamas with three-night weekend and four-night weekday cruises, including visits to the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Beginning May 2019, each sailing onboard Navigator of the Seas will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay
