Costa Victoria sold for scrap

Costa Cruises confirmed that the Costa Victoria has left its fleet, with ownership transferred to a subsidiary of the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard. The ship awaits demolition.

Earlier this month, Costa parent company Carnival Corp. said plans were in place to remove six ships within 90 days, with more to come. Carnival Corp. accelerated plans already in place because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Last week, the 23-year-old Costa Victoria arrived in Piombino, Italy, where San Giorgio has a subsidiary yard, according to the city’s mayor. In a Facebook post, the mayor said that the 1,928-passenger ship was being prepared for demolition. 

Carnival Corp. had said in an earlier release that San Giorgio is the only Italian company listed in the Register of Environmental Ship Reclamation & Recycling Facilities and able to carry out green ship recycling projects. 

San Giorgio is the shipyard that carried out the recycling and demolition of the Costa Concordia after the ship ran aground and partly sank in January 2012.

Saga To Get New Ship in October

Spirit of Adventure inside the Meyer Weft Hanger.

Saga has announced it will take delivery of the new 1,000-guest Spirit of Adventure this October, pushed back from July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Group has been working with industry bodies and the Government to establish operational practices that would enable a return of operations in both Tour and Cruise businesses as the current restrictions are lifted," Saga said, in a statement.  "The Group's new mid-sized ships are ideally placed to offer 'safe sailing' and all these measures will be in place by the end of August."

The new ships inaugural cruise will now depart from the UK for the Mediterranean in early November. 

Genting Cruise Lines Announces Comprehensive Onboard Health Protocols

Genting Dream Cruise.

Genting Cruise Lines has announced a new comprehensive onboard health plan for its Star Cruises and Dream Cruises brands.

“At Genting Cruise Lines, the safety and health of our guests and crew are of paramount importance to us," said Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines. “As a responsible cruise company, it is our duty to adopt a pro-active approach to meet and also strive to exceed the growing expectations and concerns of the public. As such, we have carefully reviewed our prevention and response plan with the COVID-19 pandemic in mind to devise and provide enhanced and comprehensive measures across our fleet.

"We have taken the positive opportunity during this hiatus period to also implement comprehensive crew training to reinforce effective cleaning procedures, health and hygiene protocols and efficient guest interaction, which we will adopt as the new safety norm for our fleet and we hope for the industry too.

“The public will be pleased to know for instance, that all of Genting Cruise Lines’ ships allow for 100 per cent external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to each passenger cabin as well as onboard public areas ensuring a constant and healthy flow of fresh air throughout the vessels. Besides that, isolated wards are available in the Medical Centre and cabins can be converted into quarantine rooms if required.”

Genting Cruise Lines will also further collaborate with the China Cruise & Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA) to contribute to the publishing of a white paper for the cruise industry’s prevention and response plan against COVID-19, providing a comprehensive and unified standard for the cruise industry to ensure the safety and well-being of all cruising guests and crew, the company said.

 A further vote of confidence was also provided by the Asia Cruise Terminal Association (ACTA). In endorsing the measures, Chairman of  the ACTA, Singapore Cruise Centre said: “ACTA and all its members endorse Genting Cruise Lines’ initiative and pledge to support these procedures throughout its member ports located across the region including in China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.

Preventative Measures:

I. Embarkation and Disembarkation

• Mandatory temperature screening and pre-boarding health declarations for all guests.
• Infrared fever screening system at the ship gangway.
• The higher frequency with increased levels of sanitization and disinfection at the ship gangway and passenger walkways.
• Stringent checks for all embarking individuals including crew travel documents; guests aged 70 years and above to provide a doctor’s certificate of fitness for travel.
• Online check-in for guests to receive designated arrival time at the cruise terminal to minimize crowd congestion.
• Additional waiting areas for cruise boarding & disembarkation (with staggered times).
• Compliance with all local port and health authorities’ regulations.

II. Guest accommodations

• The higher frequency with increased levels of sanitization and disinfection in guest cabins with hospital-grade disinfectants, including:
  • Twice daily wipe-down of guest cabins.
  • Fogging of vacant guest cabins.
  • Twice daily wipe-down and fogging of guest cabin alleys.
• Clean and disinfect guest bathrooms with heavy-duty alkaline bathroom cleaner and disinfectant.
• Timely removal of food items from cabins to prevent spoilage and cultivation of microorganisms and bacteria.
• Timely housekeeping cabin turnover; bed sheets and linens professionally cleaned and disinfected at high temperatures
• Injection of diluted cleaning solution into drains to avoid clogged pipes and to prevent bacterial growth.
• In case of sickness, thorough cleaning and disinfection with hospital grade disinfectant or steam sterilization.

III. Common Public Areas

• All public areas onboard will undergo a two-tier sanitization process with a thorough cleansing, fogging and wiping using a hospital-grade disinfectant. Onboard venues and cleaning. .Frequency:
  • Elevators: Every 2 hours
  • Public areas and facilities: 2 – 10 times daily
  • Spa and amenities: Min 2 times daily
  • Other Public Areas: To adjust disinfection frequency accordingly
• Common public areas sanitized from 1-4 times daily and frequent touchpoints (handrails, lift buttons, table-tops, door handles etc.) sterilized every hour or less.
• Frequent usage of heavy-duty neutral PH floor-cleaning agent to disinfect all floor areas of the ship.
• Sanitizer dispensers are available at various public areas and crew members stationed at key onboard venues to provide hand sanitation.

IV. Food Hygiene Practices & Standards

• F&B restaurants/bar areas, including galleys, will be cleaned and sanitized 3 times daily, during and after service.
• Guests are encouraged to wash hands before entry and use sanitizer dispensers available at F&B outlet entrances/exits.
• Guest seating will ensure ample spacing; disposable cutlery will be provided, upon request.
• Self-service at F&B buffet restaurants will be suspended. All food & beverages will be served to guests by crew members wearing face masks & disposable gloves.
• Culinary use of wild animals and related products are strictly prohibited.
• Stringent procurement guidelines will be enforced and product sourcing from highly affected regions will be strictly prohibited.

V. Entertainment and Recreational Activities

• Theatres will be sanitized before and after each show; 3D glasses disinfected before and after guest usage (if applicable).
• Cleaning and disinfection of all toys, games and Kids’ Club facilities twice daily and/or after every use.
• All duty-free shops and entertainment venues will be disinfected twice daily before and after service.
• All recreational equipment will be disinfected every 2 hours before guest usage.
• Guests capacity will be limited to half the venue capacity to provide ample space between guests.
• Sanitizer dispensers will be readily available at various venues including entertainment venue entrances/exits.
• Tour coaches will be limited to half capacity & sanitized frequently; training for tour operators based on guidance from the WHO.
• Spa & Gym facilities will be sanitized prior to and after usage by guests.

VI. Fresh Air Ventilation Systems

• 100% external fresh air is filtered and supplied to cabins and onboard public areas.
• Air filters and cooling coils thoroughly checked, cleaned and replaced to ensure healthy air quality.

VII. Medical Centre

• Isolated wards available in the Medical Centre
• Contaminated items and medical waste will be properly sealed and disposed of according to health and safety guidelines.
• Used face masks and protective equipment disposed at designated central collection points.
• Medical equipment and waste bins cleaned, disinfected and washed twice daily with hospital-grade disinfectant.

VIII. Crew Members Practices & Standards

• Twice daily temperature checks.
• All Frontline crew are required to wear face masks.
• Housekeeping and F&B crew required to wear disposable gloves.
• The designated crew may also wear protective garments and eye protection if required.
• All crew to use anti-bacterial hand soap for at least 20 sec to sanitize hands.
• Medical Centre Isolation Area staff related to suspected cases are required to:
  • wear adequate personal protection (face mask, eye protection, disposable gloves & disposal outer garment.
  • follow proper handwashing practices before and after work duty.
  • update personal health information daily.
• Provide Training Workshops and pertinent information on health and safety preventive measures.
• Reduction of crew movement. 

Explorer Dream to Resume Cruising in Taiwan

Explorer Dream to Resume Cruising in Taiwan

Explorer Dream's stunning painted Hull.

Genting Cruise Lines has announced the restart of cruise operations for Dream Cruises with Explorer Dream operating two and three-night “Taiwan Island-Hopping” itineraries that will start on July 26, departing from Keelung and calling at Penghu, Matzu and Kinmen islands.

“After months of detailed planning with the authorities to ensure the safety and health of guests and crew, we appreciate the approval of Explorer Dream resuming cruise operations in Taiwan. Dream Cruises will be the first cruise line in the world to begin sailing after the global cruise industry was shut down due to the pandemic,” said Tan Sri KT Lim, Chairman and CEO of Genting Hong Kong.

“Our new standard operating procedures to ensure passenger safety draws on our first-hand experience from the charter of two of our ships in Singapore to house foreign workers and cooperating with DNV GL, the world’s largest classification society, for Explorer Dream to receive the world’s first “Certification in Infection Prevention for the Marine industry (CIP-M)."

Genting has 25 years of history with the island as both a destination and as a homeport and because of Taiwan’s popularity among travellers.

Taiwan’s low numbers of COVID-19 cases compared to global figures has also been lauded by experts as one of the most effective response scenarios in the world, Genting said, in a press release. 

Genting Dream

Dream Cruises will offer special island-hopping cruises calling into the popular ports and islands of Peng Hu, Matsu Island and Kinmen where Taiwanese guests will again be able to enjoy short getaways.

“We thank Taiwan for its initiatives to re-start their economy and the tourism industry and the trust they have placed in Dream Cruises. As well, we appreciate the support of the travel industry in the restart of our cruise operations. This is truly a remarkable achievement which was made possible by the Taiwan authorities’ swift and effective handling of the COVID-19 crisis and their foresight in resuming the tourism industry to benefit all the ports, the economy and the lifestyle of the people of Taiwan,” said Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Line.

Genting Cruise Lines has also introduced the “Certification in Infection Prevention (CIP) for the Marine industry (CIP-M).

The Explorer Dream will be the first cruise ship in the world to receive the CIP-M certification, which will further verify the procedures and systems in place for the proper prevention, control, and mitigation of infection.

In accordance with Taiwan’s regulations prior to resuming sailing, the Explorer Dream has undergone a thorough deep cleaning and observation of strict quarantine procedures for her crew. The majority of the crew will be from other Genting Cruise Lines ships who have been quarantined for the last three months and all will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on land after the ship arrives in Keelung on June 30.

Upon negative test results, an additional seven-day isolation period onboard the Explorer Dream will provide a total of 21 days of exhaustive preventive procedures before operations begin on July 26.

To safeguard the well-being of guests, stringent health screening processes and guidelines prior to embarkation, disembarkation and social distancing measures onboard, as well as thorough sanitization and disinfection and enhanced hygiene practices for guest cabins and crew member quarters, public areas and recreational facilities, along with safe food and beverage handling procedures will be in place.

New hybrid superyacht design revealed

New hybrid superyacht design revealed

A new design of superyacht will see a combination of hybrid propulsion and solar panels for minimal environmental impact and high-energy efficiency.

The concept is built around a 60-metre long catamaran with capacity for up to 36 passengers.

The level of sustainability will enable the new generation vessel to access to harbours that would otherwise be closed to large motor yachts, according to the developer, smart technologies firm Wärtsilä and yacht designer Stefano Pastrovich.

The new generation “cost optimised” vessels will serve the charter and luxury hotel sectors.

Wärtsilä Italia senior sales manager Giammario Meloni said: “Efficiency and environmental performance are key pillars of Wärtsilä’s Smart Marine approach, which emphasises the need to collaborate with world-class partners.

“This project encompasses all these ambitions, and we look forward to co-developing with Stefano Pastrovich a totally integrated solution that combines energy efficiency, sustainability and onboard comfort.”

Pastrovich added: “Wärtsilä is the ideal partner for this project since we share a vision to be the very best at what we do. Bringing together our architectural and marine technology know-how will create a mega-yacht design on the leading edge of innovation.

“I’m convinced boutique cruise ships of this calibre could spark a turning point in the charter market, attracting a new customer base of millennials and cruise veterans.”

Coin ceremony held for MSC Cruises’ first LNG-powered ship

Coin ceremony held for MSC Cruises’ first LNG-powered ship

The traditional coin ceremony has taken place for MSC Cruises’ first liquified natural gas-powered ship, MSC World Europa.

The ceremony, which is a historical sign of blessing at the start of a ship-building process, took place at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire on Monday.

The 200,000-plus gross ton MSC World Europa is scheduled to enter service in 2022 and will be “one of most technologically- and environmentally-advanced LNG-powered cruise vessels in its class”, the line said.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “MSC World Europa is further proof of our commitment to environmental stewardship as she is set to reduce carbon emissions even further than many other existing cruise ships powered by LNG, which is currently the most environmentally-friendly fuel for commercial maritime operations.

“With this vessel, we also reconfirm our belief in investing in advanced environmental technology to meet our long-term goal of zero emissions from operations.”

Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “We are proud to start the building of a ship which will set the standards for the cruise of the future. This is a major milestone in the history of our 20-year cooperation with MSC Cruises, which has already resulted in some of the most innovative cruise ships ever built.”

MSC World Europa will feature a new 50-kilowatt demonstrator system that incorporates solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology and uses LNG to produce electricity and heat onboard, the first time an LNG-powered fuel cell has been used on a cruise ship.

The line says the system will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by about 30% compared with a conventional LNG engine, with no emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides or fine particles.

MSC World Europa will also feature a new generation wastewater treatment system and other “cutting-edge environmental technology”.

MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Virtuosa is currently under construction in Saint-Nazaire and is due for delivery in 2020. The company also has firm orders with Chantiers de l’Atlantique for two additional LNG-powered ships, once each for the MSC World and Meraviglia classes of ships.

Carnival Corporation Downgraded to Junk Status

A person stretches at a park overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Carnival Panorama cruise ship as authorities encourage social distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Long Beach, California Sunday, March 29, 2020. REUTERS/Patrick T. Fallon

Rating agency Standard & Poor’s on Tuesday downgraded bonds of Carnival Corp to junk status, forecasting continued weak demand for the cruise industry hammered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Standard & Poor’s cut its rating on the world’s biggest cruise operator’s secured bonds to ‘BB+’ from ‘BBB-‘, and its unsecured bonds to ‘BB-‘ from ‘BBB-‘. Both are now regarded as non-investment grade or junk bonds.

Carnival’s overall issuer credit rating was also lowered to ‘BB-‘ from ‘BBB-‘. Last month, Moody’s Investors Service also cut the company’s rating to junk status.

Earlier in June, Carnival reported a record $4.4 billion in preliminary quarterly losses after its business was crippled by the health crisis, forcing it to take major write-downs on the disposal of some docked ships.

The company, which in recent weeks fully drew down a $3 billion credit line and issued $6.6 billion in bonds and equity, has also been looking for further waivers on debt repayments due next year, without which it could breach some loan conditions.

“We forecast that the company’s credit measures will remain very weak through 2021 and anticipate that its adjusted leverage may potentially exceed 10x in 2021 following a significant deterioration in its performance in 2020,” S&P said in a statement.

S&P has a “BB” issuer credit rating, also a junk status, on Carnival rival Royal Caribbean Corp. (Reporting by Uday Sampath in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2020.

Celebrity Cruises launches Virtual Pride at Sea

Celebrity Cruises launches Virtual Pride at Sea

Celebrity Cruises is rolling out new online tools and initiatives for trade partners to celebrate Pride.

The cruise line’s Virtual Pride at Sea includes enhancements to its agent hub Celebrity Central, including more LGBTQ+ brand and marketing resources such as flyers, images and video assets.

A range of LGBTQ+ friendly itinerary recommendations for 2021 has been prepared in a social media-ready format.

A dedicated diversity and inclusion training course is also available on Celebrity Passport to refresh agents on the diversity of Celebrity’s guests and crew.

The virtual events have been launched in the week that would’ve seen Celebrity Cruises host its fourth annual Pride at Sea party across its entire fleet, with the flagship party onboard new vessel Celebrity Apex.

A video capturing throwback moments from previous celebrations on land and at sea, including on Celebrity Edge last year, has also been produced.

Royal Caribbean brands extend cruise suspensions

Royal Caribbean brands extend cruise suspensions

Three Royal Caribbean Group brands have confirmed an extension to their suspension of cruises until September 15.

The company’s Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara lines have pushed back their restart to the proposed date announced by Cruise Lines International Association last week.

The announcement excludes sailings from China, which are suspended to the end of July, and sailings to Bermuda, which are suspended through to October 31.

It also does not include the company’s luxury line Silversea, which announced its latest return plans last month.

A statement by the RCL Group said: “Given ongoing global public health circumstances, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has decided to extend the suspension of most sailings through September 15, 2020, excluding sailings from China, suspended through the end of July, and sailings to Bermuda, suspended through October 31, 2020.

“We are working with our guests and travel partners to address this disruption to their holidays and are genuinely sorry for their inconvenience.”

Celebrity Cruises

✔

@CelebrityCruise

 In alignment with the Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) announcement, we've extended the suspension of all global sailings departing on-or-before 9/15/20. We know how important vacation is, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience https://bit.ly/3fRH1TK 

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Virgin Voyages unveils Scarlet Lady health plan

Virgin Voyages unveils Scarlet Lady health plan

New cruise line Virgin Voyages has unveiled its health plan for debut ship Scarlet Lady.

The launch of the ship has been pushed back to October amid the coronavirus crisis, and it will now debut with a reduced capacity to allow for social distancing as well as “virus-neutralizing air filters”, virtual queues, thermal monitoring cameras and regular virus testing for its crew.

The Voyage Well plan was created by the Voyage Well Expert Advisory Group, a partnership of advisors, scientists, doctors and clinicians from the likes of AtmosAir Solutions, EcoLab, Dr Heymann with Vikand, Global Public Health Services and was compiled in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in line with World Health Organisation guidelines.

“The health and wellbeing of our Sailors is our number one priority, so we rolled up our sleeves with leading experts to further innovate and create an even healthier way to travel and still have an incredible vacation,” said Virgin Voyages chief executive Tom McAlpin. “We appreciate some people will be apprehensive about travelling, so we are committed to being led by science and creating ways to give people the confidence to explore the world while feeling safer, more relaxed and free to enjoy themselves.”

A system has been designed to pump fresh air through the ship’s public spaces and cabins to “effectively remove recirculated air”, which Virgin Voyages says will produce “100% fresh air” through a “bow to stern air purification system”.

“Delivering effective health and safety measures is going to be essential for ensuring consumer trust in the cruise industry,” says Steve Levine, president and chief executive of AtmosAir Solutions. “We’re proud to partner with Virgin Voyages and believe our bi-polar ionization technology will be crucial to creating a safe, clean and sanitized indoor environment throughout the entirety of the Scarlet Lady.”

Other health plans developed by Virgin Voyages include:

Rapid Covid-19 testing for all ‘Sailors’ [passengers] and crew prior to embarking
A post-voyage app-based notification process through which passengers and crew can report on becoming unwell within 14 days of leaving the ship
Pre-boarding health checks and screenings for crew and ‘Sailors’
Thermal camera technology to monitor our crew and ‘Sailors’’ temperatures
Implementing best practices around sanitation, physical distancing, limited occupancy, and health checks on board
Managing ship occupancy to allow physical distancing in public spaces
Using digital technology to limit contact; The Band (for contactless payment), Service Chat (for assistance digitally) and Virtual Queues (for getting in lines for onboard experiences without getting in physical lines)
The line has also introduced a ‘fair and flexible’ booking policy, which includes moving the final payment dates to 60 days, from 120 days, before sailing, and allows guests to cancel up to 48 hours before in return for a 100% Future Voyage Credit for sailings through December 16, 2020.

Marella Cruises extends sailing cancellations

Marella Cruises extends sailing cancellations

Marella Cruises is extending the cancellation of all cruises until at least August 27.

The Tui brand blamed ongoing travel restrictions following the COVID 19 pandemic.

The line also confirmed that Marella Discovery will no longer sail the summer season with all itineraries from Palma cancelled until October 31.

A ‘90s v 00s Electric Sunsets’ themed cruise by Marella Explorer 2 from Newcastle on September 5 will also no longer go ahead.

Passengers affected by the extended cancellations will receive a refund credit and up to 10% incentive of the total value of their booking, or they can request a cash refund via an online form on the Tui website.

“All customers should have their refund credit and booking incentive within four weeks of receiving their cancellation email,” the company said.

The line is also extending its free amends policy so customers sailing in September and October on Marella Explorer or Marella Explorer 2 can amend their cruise free of charge before July 31.

This means they do not have to pay until closer to their new departure date.

Ship affected Homeport Dates affected
Explorer 2 Ex UK / Port of Tyne 31 Jul-27 Aug 2020
Explorer 2 Ex UK / Port of Tyne 05-Sep 2020
Explorer Corfu 31 Jul-27 Aug 2020
Discovery Palma 31 Jul-31 Oct 2020

Carnival is selling 6 cruise ships after a $4.4 billion loss, a sign of the industry's bleak future in the coronavirus pandemic

The Coral Princess, part of Carnival Cruises' Princess Cruise line. 

Princess Cruises

• Carnival Cruises, which includes brands such as P&O, Princess Cruises and Cunard, is to sell 6 ships amid a downturn caused by the coronavirus crisis.
• The industry has been hammered by COVID-19 after multiple outbreaks occurred at sea, and ports around the world closed to cruise ships. 
• Carnival said it lost $4.4 billion in the past three months and doesn't know when it can resume normal operations.

Carnival is planning to sell 6 of its cruise ships after reporting a loss of $4.4 billion in the second quarter of 2020, as the coronavirus crisis continues to hammer the cruise industry.

The company, which includes major cruise lines such as Cunard, P&O and Princess Cruises, reported on Thursday that it was "accelerating" planned sales of the ships.

It reported a massive drop its revenues in the three-month period to May 31, taking in $700 million, a fraction of its $4.8 billion revenues for the same period in 2019, The Guardian reported. 

The company said it was "unable to definitively predict" when cruises will back to normal, making it impossible to make an earnings forecast. 

All its cruises were suspended in mid-March after onboard outbreaks were reported. Across the industry, by March 25 there had been coronavirus outbreaks on 36 cruise ships worldwide, as Business Insider reported. 

Although Carnival has offered customers the chance to pause their bookings for a future date, half of them requested a cash refund, the company said.

Meanwhile, administration and keeping ships afloat still cost the company $250 million a month.

An estimated 21,000 ship staff are still stuck on board 49 ships which cannot dock due to governmental restrictions, the company said. 

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings extends suspension

The Norwegian Joy in Vancouver last year. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has extended its suspension of cruising for nearly all voyages embarking between Aug. 1 and Sept. 30 for all three cruise brands (Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises).

However, Alaska cruises departing from Seattle in September will sail.

NCLH is also cancelling Canada/New England cruises and Pacific Coast cruises in October due to port restrictions in Canada. The Pacific Coast sailings were scheduled to depart from Vancouver.

Carnival Cruise Line: applying learnings from its largest-ever refurbishment

Carnival Triumph’s transformation into Carnival Sunrise includes a suspended ropes course as part of its sports square (credit: Andy Newman)Carnival Triumph’s transformation into Carnival Sunrise includes a suspended ropes course as part of its sports square (credit: Andy Newman)

Carnival Cruise Line vice president revitalisation and hotel refurbishment Lisa McCabe opens up on the transformation of Carnival Sunrise and how this will be incorporated into Carnival Victory’s revitalisation 

In 2019 Carnival Cruise Line carried out the largest refurbishment in its history – and it is using those learnings as it plans a major retrofit for Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Cruise Line vice president revitalisation and hotel refurbishment Lisa McCabe explains “At US$200M, the transformation of Carnival Triumph into Carnival Sunrise was the largest single-ship refurbishment in our company’s history, involving a 38-day drydock in Cadiz, Spain with 7,000 ship employees and contractors working 24/7 to make Carnival Sunrise a reality.

“Given the complexity of the refit, the process was streamlined and efficient. The end result is simply amazing – new dining and beverage outlets, exciting top-deck attractions including a massive water park and a suspended ropes course, updated staterooms and suites, enhanced guest flow and a more contemporary feel overall.”

The company is now gearing up for another major transformation – that of Carnival Victory’s transformation into Carnival Radiance.



Carnival Sunrise includes exciting new top-deck attractions, including a massive water park (credit: Andy Newman)

Enter Carnival Radiance

Ms McCabe says “We learned so much from the Carnival Sunrise drydock and have incorporated these learnings as we began the planning for Carnival Victory’s transformation into Carnival Radiance. Not only in the work itself but in all aspects of the refit, from staffing, working with suppliers and vendors and the logistical challenges that come with a project of this magnitude. Our designers have also changed the layout for Carnival Radiance – relocating the Guy Fieri BBQ to enhance visibility and ultimately drive more traffic.”

Carnival Radiance will also feature the first Big Chicken restaurant by its Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. “Incorporating a brand new restaurant concept into a renovated ship has its share of challenges – from sourcing materials to equipment and logos – but we worked closely with our internal design teams as well as Shaq’s personnel to create a dining venue we’re sure our guests will enjoy,” says Ms McCabe.

Elaborating on Carnival Cruise Line’s refurbishment strategy, she says “All 27 of our ships undergo a refit every few years and between 2020 and 2021, 13 ships – roughly half our fleet – will undergo a drydock with the work being done varying by ship. Interestingly, because of a lack of drydock space here in North America, we’re refurbishing more ships in Europe which can create even more logistical and staffing challenges given that it’s not as close as our other facilities and we have to sail across the Atlantic just to get there and back. Our marketing and itinerary planning teams are hard at work creating attractive new transatlantic crossings for our guest.”

She expands that every ship in the fleet will undergo at least one major refurbishment during its lifetime and “our focus is making sure we are able to schedule these drydocks and closely manage not only the schedule but also staffing, logistics, design and provisioning to ensure we deliver a quality refit on time and on a budget”.

These refits are part of a US$2Bn ship enhancement project that is introducing new features and standardising offerings across the fleet.

Popular amenities

Ms McCabe says “With many of these refurbishments, we are adding spaces that have proven very popular with our guests – the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub, the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar, expansive water parks and the transformation of the three-deck main theatre into the multi-purpose Liquid Lounge across two decks which allows for a more intimate space with enhanced sightlines while at the same time providing an opportunity to add staterooms in the previous space.”

She points out that the upcoming refurbishment of Carnival Miracle will mark the installation of the 27th Guy’s Burger Joint by longtime partner and Food Network star Guy Fieri so the venues are now available fleetwide.

Asked about the current challenges when it comes to refurbishing the interiors of the cruise ships, Ms McCabe says “Refurbishing ship interiors is an extremely involved and complex process that begins several years before the refit actually takes place. It is imperative that we come up with creative solutions that offer the guest new experiences while also satisfying the needs of our operational teams on board. Real estate is very valuable, and it is important to make spaces multifunctional. In addition to securing quality vendors and subcontractors to refurbish the space the way it was designed, the overall look and feel have to be eye-catching, functional and timeless as it will likely be on the ship for many years.”


Sustainability is also a priority when it comes to interior refits. Ms McCabe says “Being a leader in environmental stewardship is a top priority for Carnival Cruise Line and this, of course, extends to our ship refurbishment programme. We take sustainability into account in everything we do – from the materials, we source to the vendors we use and how they work is carried out each day. We are constantly evaluating our procedures and processes to make sure we are operating in a way that reflects our commitment to being an environmental leader.”

Snapshot CV: Lisa McCabe (Carnival Cruise Line)

Lisa McCabe joined Carnival Corp in 2009 and moved to Carnival Cruise Line to build the refurbishment department in 2012.

She leads a team of project managers responsible for most of the cruise line’s large-scale drydock projects throughout the fleet that includes adding new branded food and beverage venues, stateroom renovations and additions, water parks and upgrades to crew spaces. During her time at Carnival Cruise Line, Ms McCabe has been responsible for over 500 refurbishment projects in shipyards throughout the US, the Bahamas, and Singapore.

Ms McCabe studied interior design at Florida International University and has focused her career on refurbishing ships.

First river cruise with Covid-19 regulations completes sailing

First river cruise with Covid-19 regulations completes sailing

nickoVision cruising down the Danube

Scylla has completed the first river cruise to take place with new Covid-19 safety regulations.

The Swiss line’s nickoVISION ship has docked in Dusseldorf, Germany, after a 13-day sailing along the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers.

The ship set sail on June 1 with regular temperature checks carried out on passengers and crew, and a one-way system in corridors to maintain social distancing.

“Both guests and crew mastered these challenges with flying colours,” said chief executive Arno Reitsma. “Our first post-lockdown river cruise went without a hitch. All passengers were very satisfied with the cruise experience, they felt completely safe with the new measures and said they had a really pleasant time with us.”

Scylla, which has a fleet of 35 river ships carrying between 88 and 220 passengers, will now continue with its European river cruise programme this summer.

Reitsma added: “After a very successful start, the river cruise season can now be continued. This means that guests will once again be able to enjoy a variety of river cruises on Europe’s most popular waterways, even though travel itself is now slightly different.

“We are not yet able to operate on all the European rivers we used to, but we will be gradually adding new routes and expanding our offer.”

United secures $9.5bn in a double financial deal

United secures $9.5bn in a double financial deal

United Airlines has secured $9.5 billion in funding by mortgaging its MileagePlus loyalty programme and securing a $4.5 billion US government-backed loan.

US carrier United announced the twin deals today saying they would extend the company’s liquidity to $17 billion by September.

The $5-billion deal to mortgage United’s MileagePlus programme was secured with investment banks Goldman Sachs, Barclays and Morgan Stanley which will provide a term loan facility – meaning a loan with a specified repayment schedule.

United gave few details other than that the deal should close by the end of July.

The carrier has also secured $4.5 billion in US federal funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act loans programme.

In a statement, United said: “The company believes it has sufficient slots, gates and routes collateral available to meet the collateral coverage that may be required for the full $4.5 billion available under the loan programme.

“This $9.5 billion of additional liquidity will provide even more flexibility as the airline navigates the most disruptive financial crisis in the history of aviation.”

United reported it had “spent the past several months aggressively and proactively cutting costs”.

This had reduced its average daily ‘cash burn’ to $40 million in the three months to June and would further reduce it to $30 million in the quarter to the end of September.

The cost-cutting measures have included executive pay cuts, a wage and recruitment freeze and unpaid leave.

Larger cruise ships on local deployments expected to be first to return

Larger cruise ships with local deployments will be the first to come back on sale following Covid-19, the former boss of Azamara has predicted.

Larry Pimentel, who stepped aside from his role as president and chief executive in April as the line made plans to survive the pandemic, said he expected older, smaller ships with international deployments to “sit on the sidelines simply because of the air travel” as travel resumes.

Speaking on a Travel Weekly webcast, he said: “Think about taking a 10, 12 or 15-hour flight in coach and the denseness that you’d find on these carriers. I’m not going to do that at the moment.

Click on the image to watch the Chat.


“We’re going to find big ships with local deployments are the first to come back,” Pimentel said. “You’re probably going to find short rotations out of the States and you’ll probably get three or four-day rotations going to private islands. Why? Private islands can secure the safety and health in all areas without a bunch of nonsensical politics layered in it, which makes things even more complex and, frankly, angers a lot of people.”

Pimentel said small luxury vessels sailing to less crowded destinations may also come back sooner, but said: “We still have an issue with social distancing in an industry that was all about the connection on the ships, so herein lies a paradoxical sort of scenario.”

Pimentel predicted many ships would not come back into the sector at as line battle with cash flow issues.

“Cruise lines need the cash right now,” he said, noting that the only income lines are bringing in is onboard revenue as cabins on 2021 sailings will be filled up with people who deferred from this year and used their future cruise credits to rebook. “So the cruise industry is going to have a terrible 2020, and a terrible economic 2021.”

Pimentel said: “The ships that come back are likely to fill up as there won’t be as many ships operating. Let’s face it, there will be some ships that will sit in the sidelines that won’t come back to the industry. The whole industry closed down in about three weeks. There is no way in hell we’re coming back in three weeks or even three months.”

He also predicted that “new cruise ship orders will slow so significantly that it will almost seem like they are stopping altogether, compared to we’ve seen over the last couple of years”.

“I fully expect a lot of options not to be secured,” he said. “This [recovery from the pandemic] is not months, this is a multi-year process.”

He pointed out that there are 19 new ocean ships on order this year, adding: “That’s a lot of vessels and right now, who needs more capacity? Nobody. But in the future, demand will be there. I’ve learned this about the consumer – once they feel even a little bit comfortable, and the value seems there, they will book.”

Costa Readying Two Ships to Start Mediterranean Cruising

Costa Crociere may be readying two ships to start cruising in the Mediterranean as soon as August, according to crew aboard the line's ships who attended a recent town hall-style meeting.

The ships that would be put into operation will reportedly be the newest vessels in the Italian brand's fleet, the 2014-built Diadema, and the 2019-built Smeralda. 

In a letter sent to the crew, Costa said it has been working with various institutions to restart operations with a limited number of vessels, as soon as August. However, any restart would be linked to a certain number of conditions, according to the company.

The new challenge is for Costa to crew its ships, with Costa noting that many countries are restricting the movement of the crew, presenting challenges in getting crew to the ships.

Thus, Costa is asking that crew near the end of their contracts consider extending their contracts aboard.

"We official inform all crew members under a valid contract that they will be requested to fulfil their contract commitment, continuing the regular schedule of operation," a company letter read.

Norway Opens Expansive Offshore Areas to Wind Development

The Norwegian government has announced the opening of more than 860,000 acres of the Norwegian Continental Shelf to offshore wind development.

The areas, known as “Utsira Nord” and “Sørlige Nordsjø II”, are located in Norwegian waters in the northern North Sea. Combined, the two areas allow for the development of 4,500 MW of wind power.

“Offshore wind power offers great opportunities for Norwegian businesses,” said Tina Bru, Minister for Petroleum and Energy. “In the immediate future the market will be in other countries, but if the costs for offshore wind power continues to fall it could also become competitive in Norway. It is now time to prepare for future development by allocating space for offshore renewables.”
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A proposal to open areas and a draft regulation were open for public comment in 2019.

The Utsira Nord is located to the west of Haugesund and is ideally suited for floating wind power. The area is also large, encompassing 1,010 square kilometres close to shore.

The Sørlige Nordsjø II borders the Danish sector in the North Sea and could be best suited for “direct export” of electricity. The area spans 2,591 square kilometres in mostly shallow water that would allow traditional wind turbines.

The Norwegian government has set an opening date of 1 January 2021.

CMV Suspends Cruises Through August 25

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced the further the suspension of all worldwide cruises from July 1 to August 25, 2020, citing the continued global pandemic outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus, government advisories still in force and the lockdown of many countries and ports around the world.

There were no reported cases of Covid-19 coronavirus on any of CMV’s small to medium-sized ships, according to the company.

CMV continue at present to employ shipboard officers and crew members throughout this suspension period and they are looking forward to welcoming back on board all their passengers just as soon as this pandemic is over, the company said, in a press release. 

All affected adult fare-paying passengers are being offered an attractive future cruise credit of 125% of the amount paid for the cruising holiday valid until March 31 2021.

For families booked on one of the affected summer holidays three multi-generation sailings a 50% discount will be applied to the 2021 or 2022 teenage and children fares (under 16 years) for booking transfers and to help facilitate affected passengers wishing to transfer their bookings, the 2021 Buy One Get One Free early booking offer has been extended to July 31. 

CEO Christian Verhounig said: “Due to the continued global pandemic, we are still unable to perform our scheduled itineraries and to deliver the travel experience normally enjoyed by our valued passengers. We have therefore taken the decision to temporarily further suspend all cruises until 25th August 2020, when we very much hope to be able to resume service. We are extremely proud to see that 70% of our passengers affected by the cancellation of their cruise have either re-booked and transferred onto a future 2021 cruises or require more time with the peace of mind of a refund credit note. Many passengers are also waiting until the release of our 2022 cruise program later this year. This is a great sign and we know that passengers are looking forward to travelling with us in the near future.”

Enchantment of the Seas Arrives in Trinidad to Disembark Crew Following Quarantine

Royal Caribbean International's Enchantment of the Seas is on the scene in Trinidad's Port of Spain where 307 Trinidad and Tobago nationals are onboard the vessel and hoping to go home. 

The ship arrived on Friday, and following an agreement between Royal Caribbean Cruises and Trinidad government officials, the ship will stay for a 14-day quarantine period.

If the crew show no symptoms they will be allowed to disembark and travel home.

To set a baseline, local doctors and nurses were onhand on Friday dressed in full PPE gear to test all crew aboard the ship that is planning to disembark. Those individuals will now spend 14 days in quarantine on board the ship.

The ship is expected to stay at anchor off Trinidad for a 12-day period, before returning to a pier for another round of testing.