Cruise ship management: ‘thriving’

V.Ships Leisure's recent contracts include Azamara Cruise

In 2022, Anglo-Eastern Univan Group acquired Cruise Management International (CMI) and CMI Leisure Management (CMIL) from shareholders, including SunStone Maritime Group.

CMIL president and chief executive Dietmar Wertanzl tell PST he is excited about the opportunities the acquisition is bringing. “We are now part of a much larger, stronger company and will have a significantly broader scope. Anglo-Eastern is one of the world’s leading ship managers and we are excited to have such a strong parent with more horsepower.” 

The takeover of CMI and CMIL allows Anglo-Eastern to enter the cruise industry, a new sector for the company. Mr Wertanzl says, “Anglo-Eastern primarily manages non-passenger vessels, but our two businesses share the same values and synergies we can each build upon, plus our hotel sector is a nice extension of its brand.”

Anglo-Eastern is the world’s largest provider of independent ship management services, with full management of more than 650 vessels, more than 1,800 shore-based staff, and 30,000 active seafarers.

Its acquisition by Anglo-Eastern is already proving beneficial for CMIL, which is creating a new digital platform for hiring crew and managing their experiences. CMIL is working with its new parent on the app. “They already have a template, and we are working to tie into that,” says Mr Wertanzl.

CMI and CMIL will continue to operate from Miami.

CMIL has 12 ships in operation this year and will provide the hotel management of Albatross Expeditions’ Ocean Albatross next year.

The ship management company is still seeing challenges after the pandemic. “We are still facing global issues. The logistical challenges have not gone away, though we hope they will, with fewer headwinds and more tailwinds. By Q3 and Q4 this year, it should improve. People are excited to travel again, and we are pleased to have 12 ships in operation to help them do just that and enjoy memorable experiences,” says Mr Wertanzl.

A big focus for CMIL is sustainability and accordingly it has launched its Green Initiative Programme 3.0. This takes the principles of recycling, reducing and reusing.

Mr Wertanzl says, “Sustainable practices are very important to us and take precedence at Anglo-Eastern, which is committed to shaping a better maritime future through carbon-neutral shore operations and decarbonising its managed fleet. Our programme dovetails nicely with this and is constantly evolving through the adoption of new best practices. Currently, we are looking at everything from chemicals to plastics and how to do better.” 

P&O Cruises has dropped its Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements

P&O Britannia in the Caribbean, photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

In a statement posted on its website, the line confirmed it is no longer mandatory for guests to show proof of full vaccination or a pre-departure test. 

 

However, cruise J301 – Arcadia’s World Cruise, Classic Southern Hemisphere Journeys or Exotic fly-cruises – will still require Covid measures. 

 

While vaccination is no longer required for the majority of the line’s cruises, it still "highly recommends" all guests are up-to-date with Covid vaccinations and boosters when eligible and where available.

 

"If you’re displaying any symptoms of Covid-19 or feel unwell in the days leading up to your holiday, we highly recommend that you take a Covid-19 test before you travel and only travel to the ship if this is negative," P&O Cruises said.

 

"If you’re symptomatic on the day of embarkation, we ask that you declare this to terminal or check-in staff."

Explora Announces Winter 2024-25 Program for Explora I

Explora Announces Winter 2024-25 Program for Explora I

Explora Journeys today announced its itineraries for the autumn and winter 2024-25 season of Explora I, according to a press release.

Featuring 23 journeys and two grand journeys between September 2024 and April 2025, the itineraries will encompass 73 different destinations in 24 countries, the company said in a statement.

Eight of them will be a first for Explora Journeys, including Macapá, Alter-do-Chaõ and Manaus in the Amazon, and the Devil’s Island in French Guiana.

Sacha Rougier, Head of Itinerary Planning and Destination Experiences, at Explora Journeys, said: “Guests will have the chance to delve into an exhilarating celebration of diversity: From private tours of MoMA in New York City to thrilling boat expeditions up the Amazon; discovering new shades of blue on a hidden Caribbean island or being fully immersed in the biggest show on earth with our exclusive Explora Journeys carnival experience in Rio, where they’ll be granted insider access to join the vibrant performers.”

The voyages start in the far north of North America’s East Coast, then sail to the Caribbean and South America before crossing the Atlantic to Europe.

Highlights include an 8-night Journey to Trailing Whales and Falling Leaves, sailing from New York City on Oct. 8 2024 for Boston, Portland and Halifax, the mystical Whale Corridors and the Gulf of St Lawrence, and finishing in Quebec City.

The ship will offer journeys up the Amazon River and into the Brazilian rainforest, complete with torchlit kayak tours and forest trails to hidden tribal villages.  In Manaus, guests will witness the confluence of where the Rio Negro joins the Rio Solimoes and in Santarem where the Amazon meets the waters of the Tapajos.

Journey into Wild and Wonderful Amazonia will depart Bridgetown, Barbados, on November 22 2024, and sail to French Guiana’s Devil’s Island before heading to Macapá, Alter-do-Chaõ and Manaus in Brazil.

A Journey to the Meeting Waters on the Almighty Amazon will set off on November 29 2024 and travel up the Amazon to Macapá and Bequia before returning to Bridgetown.

A Journey of Tantalising Transatlantic Adventures sails on April 3 2025 from Bridgetown on a 14-night transatlantic crossing. Guests can enjoy leisurely days at sea before exploring Cape Verde, the 10-island Creole-Portuguese archipelago.  EXPLORA I will stop to take in the natural attractions of the Canary Islands, followed by Madeira, before arriving in Lisbon, Portugal on April 18, 2025.

The ship’s grand journeys, A Grand Journey to Amazonia & Tropical Isles (28 nights) and A Grand Transatlantic Odyssey in the Atlantic (32 nights), give guests the opportunity to visit the Caribbean, the Amazon and the vastness of the ocean beyond.

 

Celestyal Acquires Former Ryndam

Celestyal Acquires Former Ryndam

Celestyal has acquired the former Ryndam. The 1993-built vessel is currently laid up in Greece.

The ship most recently operated for P&O Australia and will now become the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey and will undergo an extensive, €20 million (approximately $21 million), refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul before entering service.

“While the global events of the past few years have placed our growth plans on pause, the positive industry outlook along with strong bookings for the coming season, provides Celestyal with the opportunity to recommence the process of renewing our fleet with new vessels,” said Chris Theophilides, CEO. “In addition to her expansive open decks, numerous bar and dining options as well as spacious public areas and staterooms, the Celestyal Journey provides our guests with a significant increase in premium and balcony staterooms, which continue to be in high demand on all of our voyages. We look forward to welcoming her to the Celestyal fleet!’’

The Celestyal Journey will undergo its capital expenditure program in the wider Piraeus ship repair zone area.

Details regarding the onboard experience and itineraries will be forthcoming.

Chinese Tourism Starting to Climb Back?

Chinese Tourism Starting to Climb Back?

Chinese tourism is starting to climb back, according to COTRI (China Outbound Tourism Research Institute).

COTRI said in a prepared statement that the speed of the recovery process is impressive with reports from many cities indicating that it takes only about a week to get a new passport and that travel restrictions are also falling by the wayside quickly.

The clash between South Korea and China over discriminatory treatment seems to be over. South Koreans can now get visas for China again and the South Korean government has ended special treatment for the Chinese, COTRI said.

European Union countries have reportedly also agreed to phase out COVID-19 restrictions on travellers from China and will also stop random testing of travellers from China by the middle of March.

Chinese companies have also started investing in outbound tourism infrastructure again with the Shanghai retailer Yuyuan Tourist Mart announcing plans to invest about US$120 million in a Japanese ski resort project on Hokkaido.

Airlines are bringing back a multitude of routes to and from China and ticket prices are in most cases back to pre-pandemic levels, according to COTRI.

Business, studies and family reunions are major reasons for the first outbound travellers, the research institute said, but the first leisure tourists have already been sighted not only in the neighbouring countries but also in Sydney, Paris and Milan.

It was less than two months ago that Chinese citizens could again apply for passports and just two weeks ago that Chinese tour operators were officially allowed to sell outbound trips for what is called “group travel” to 20 destinations, even though most customers are said just to buy air tickets and hotel reservations.

Contributing to the interest in travel, COTRI said, are all the marriages that have been put on hold during COVID, expecting to result in a wave of honeymoon trips.

The year 2022 ended with a total number of outbound trips below nine million, about 5 per cent of the 2019 level. Five million of these trips went no further than Macau. Hong Kong welcomed 375,000 mainlanders, five times the number of 2021, but still less than 1 per cent of the 2019 arrivals.

Assuming no further disruptions or an attack on Taiwan, COTRI said, Chinese travellers could make the steep climb back to the top of all international tourism source markets during the current year.

COTRI is a research organization for the China outbound tourism market-based in Hamburg, Germany.

Cruise Saudi Welcomes Nearly 9,000 Tourists on Saudi Founding Day

Cruise Saudi Welcomes Nearly 9,000 Tourists on Saudi Founding Day

On Saudi Founding Day 2023, Cruise Saudi, a 100 per cent Public Investment Fund-owned company established to develop the cruising sector, achieved a remarkable record for the first time in welcoming nearly 9,000 tourists visiting key Saudi destinations by three cruise ships calls in two ports, according to a press release.

The day marked the arrival of the MSC Splendida with over 3,000 passengers and the Residences at Sea’s The World with over 80 residents and guests in Jeddah Islamic Port.

At the same time, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam welcomed the MSC World Europa with over 5,600 passengers.

In Jeddah, with the collaboration of all relevant Authorities and local Partners, the tourists were welcomed at the passengers’ terminal with the Founding Day traditional activities, including cultural gifts, Saudi coffee, dates, and folklore dances.

The tourists, who represent different nationalities – the top 5 being English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Russian, witnessed and engaged in the vibrant Saudi Founding Day festivities in their different excursions in both Jeddah and the Eastern Province through Dammam Port.

In Jeddah, the well-designed excursions included a flight to visit AlUla, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, an enjoyable walk at Jeddah’s Waterfront (Corniche), as well as a journey back in time through centuries of culture and traditions by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jeddah Historical District (Al Balad), filled with vibrant artwork, exotic scents, traditional markets (souks) and the authentic Hijazi architecture that is unique to the region. Muslim passengers and crew were presented with a unique experience, as Cruise Saudi facilitated their visit to Makkah and performed Umrah.

From Dammam, the excursions included Saudi’s third UNESCO World Heritage site accessible via cruising, Al Asha Oasis, exploring the Qara Mountain, Princess School, and AlQaisariyah Souq. Other excursions provided an escape to the sandy beach on the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf or a city drive with a visit to Dammam’s distinctive Love Market.

Cruise Saudi’s ongoing cruising season, from November 2022 until May 2023, is set to welcome over 75 scheduled calls.

Norwegian Announces 2023 Meet the Winemakers Series

Norwegian Announces 2023 Meet the Winemakers Series

Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new Meet the Winemaker series. This program features winemakers and culinary experts sharing their expertise with a group of guests onboard the cruise line’s ships, according to a press release.

“We Meet the Winemaker series is back and better than ever,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Every year we aim to elevate this exclusive experience and I believe we’ve done just that as we enter the program’s seventh year with an impressive guest lineup. These unique sailings offer a rare opportunity to get one-on-one exposure to esteemed winemakers and their collection of wines, all while visiting multiple destinations and enjoying an unforgettable vacation aboard our innovative fleet.”

The Meet the Winemaker series gives wine enthusiasts and foodies a chance to engage with winemakers and other connoisseurs through seminars and activities. The program includes wine tastings, wine-paired dinners, interactive culinary demonstrations and meet-and-greets onboard the ships. Guests can also buy wines that are only available by visiting the wineries.

This year’s series includes special guest Emma Walker, who is a Master Blender at Johnnie Walker and leads the Johnnie Walker Whisky Specialist team based in Menstrie, Scotland. She will join guests onboard the Norwegian Prima on September 17, 2023, sailing in Northern Europe for the company’s first-ever Johnnie Walker cruise.

Additionally, Chef Ashley Breneman, executive chef at Certified Angus Beef, will join returning winemaker Antonio Hidalgo onboard the Norwegian Encore on July 9, 2023, sailing to Alaska.

Miguel Torres, a pioneer of planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Spain, will make his debut onboard the Norwegian Encores during its April 9, 2023, Eastern Caribbean voyage.

Hosts include celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate and “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient Gérard Bertrand, among other famous names.

2023 Meet the Winemaker series lineup includes the following:

• April 2, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Mexican Riviera with celebrity chef and TV personality Aaron Sanchez
• April 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Eastern Caribbean with winemaker Miguel Torres
• April 22, 202 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with winemaker Salvatore Ferragamo of The Il Borro estate in Tuscany, Italy, producing world-class wines
• June 10, 2023 – The Norwegian Bliss, Alaska with Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Wine Dinner Hosted by Special Guest: Diane Flamand
• July 9, 2023 – The Norwegian Encore, Alaska with Antonio Hidalgo of the Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana, and Chef Ashley Breneman 
• Sept. 17, 2023 – The Norwegian Prima, Northern Europe with Master Blender, Emma Walker of  Johnnie Walker
• Oct. 22, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Michael Mondavi of the Michael Mondavi Family Estate
• Oct. 28, 2023 – The Norwegian Joy, Western Caribbean with Gérard Bertrand, “The Drinks Business” Master Winemaker of the Year 2023 recipient
• Oct. 29, 2023 – The Norwegian Escape, Bermuda with Randy Ullom from the Kendall-Jackson family

 

 

MSC to Provide Earthquake Relief in Turkey and Syria

MSC to Provide Earthquake Relief in Turkey and Syria

MSC Virtuosa arriving into Southampton photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

The MSC Group and the MSC Foundation have organized an urgent response to support the population in the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

The company is closely coordinating with the Turkish authorities, the Italian Foreign Ministry and the Vatican while one of its ferries, departed from the Port of Naples on February 16 heading towards the port of Iskenderun (Alexandretta).

“We feel a strong sense of obligation to act promptly in order to support the people most in need by all means. We are part of a global organization that can set in motion a large-scale operation by involving foundations and associations that we collaborate with all around the world,” said Daniela Picco, executive director of the MSC Foundation.

“As soon as the terrible earthquake in Türkiye and Syria struck, we immediately took action to collect funds, supplies and food, which we can deliver on our ships within a short period of time. This is where the valuable collaboration with the Francesca Rava Foundation comes in, and we thank you for immediately joining this initiative.

“The departure of MSC Aurelia from the port of Naples is an initial example of what we are doing, while we keep on working to provide associations and governments with what we can, so that by sea and by land some comfort can reach those who are presently living in dire situations and, in the future, for the rebuilding of cities and the environment. It is not the first time that the MSC Foundation and the MSC Group have been on the front lines of emergency relief operations: in 2022, we provided extraordinary funding worth millions of euros to offer aid to refugees from Ukraine and led eight emergency relief initiatives in nine countries, strengthening our global emergency capabilities,” added Picco.

The MSC Aurelia was loaded with basic necessities and first aid items that the MSC Group and the MSC Foundation have collected, together with the Rava Foundation. 

The cargo onboard included 60 pallets of medical supplies, food, hygiene items, warm clothing and blankets, as well as toys and crayons for children. Additionally,  50 boxes of thermal shirts are being carried on behalf of the Vatican.

When it arrived, the MSC Aurelia served as emergency accommodation, providing those impacted by the earthquake with over 1,000 beds as well as a restaurant and cinema and video-game entertainment for children.

The MSC Foundation is also collaborating with the UN Refugee Agency to ship an additional 100 containers carrying first aid supplies including blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags, kitchen sets, jerry cans and lamps from Jordan via Haifa, the headquarters of the UN Refugee Agency’s warehouses. The items will reach Gaziantep and other cities that were hit the hardest by the earthquake.

P&O Announces Performer and Hosts for Arvia Naming Ceremony

P&O Announces Performer and Hosts for Arvia Naming Ceremony

P&O Cruises has announced a lineup of performers at the beach-side naming ceremony of the cruise line’s newest ship, the Arvia, in Barbados later this month.

Olly Murs will lead the lineup of performers singing his hits at Heywood’s Beach on Thursday, March 16, 2023.

“For our guests watching Arvia’s naming ceremony from home and from Barbados this is a real treat,” said P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow.

“Olly, Sara and Trevor really do make a star-studded lineup which showcases the contemporary entertainment for which P&O Cruises is known.”

The event will be hosted by two of the UK’s most popular broadcasters and DJs, Sara Cox and Trevor Nelson. Nelson will take the stage at Arvia’s Skydome and introduce the famous bottle smash moment with the ship’s yet-to-be-revealed godmother while Cox will host the guests on one of Barbados’ beaches.

Nelson and Cox will be sailing aboard the Arvia’s during its March 11 itinerary and will host a late-night DJ set onboard. 

“It is not often that in the depths of UK winter, you can be transported to a spectacular white sand, palm-fringed beach in the Caribbean and watch a live performance from one of Britain’s best-loved stars. It really will be a moment to remember,” added Ludlow.

 

MSC Cruises to Launch MSC Euribia In Copenhagen

MSC Cruises to Launch MSC Euribia In Copenhagen

MSC Cruises announced that the naming ceremony for its newest ship, the MSC Euribia, will take place on June 8, 2023, in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The MSC Euribia will be the company’s second ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the world’s cleanest fuels available at the moment. The new flagship will also feature the ‘Baltic Standard’, an advanced wastewater treatment system and a range of environmental technologies designed to help enable zero emissions from the ship in port where onshore power is available.

The cruise line selected the port of Copenhagen as the launch location due to its rich maritime heritage as well as the fact that Denmark is committed to sustainability.

The new ship will also feature painted art on its exterior which reflects the company’s commitment to preserving the marine environment. The art is the work of German graphic artist, Alex Flaemig, and highlights the importance of protecting the complex ecosystem of the seas.

The MSC Euribia will embark on its inaugural season in Northern Europe on June 10 with seven-night cruises from Kiel, Germany and Copenhagen to the Norwegian Fjords including Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flam.

 The ship is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia who used the winds, weather and constellations to navigate the seas.

The MSC Euribia will feature a Mediterranean-style promenade with a LED Dome, a number of shops, speciality restaurants and entertainment venues. Additionally, it includes 10 elegant dining venues and 21 bars and lounges.

 

Costa and AIDA Eye Methanol With New Agreement

Costa and AIDA Eye Methanol With New Agreement

Costa Group and the leading methanol producer, Proman, have signed an MOU to drive further the implementation of methanol as a marine fuel for the cruise industry, according to a press release.

The partnership aims to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonization of the existing fleet for Costa and AIDA by enhancing the supply of sustainable methanol, paving the way for the retrofitting of existing vessels to operate on clean fuel, as well as investment in further methanol-fueled new builds.

“The technology to retrofit a vessel to accept methanol as a fuel is available today. Our methanol products can facilitate the transition to low-carbon intensity fuels. Methanol-powered vessels have a proven track record of reducing and eliminating major greenhouse gas emissions, delivering immediate air quality improvements around major ports and shipping lanes. We are excited to bring our expertise along the full methanol value chain to help deliver on Costa Group’s bold ambitions,” said Tim Cornelius, Proman’s Managing Director of Corporate Development.

“We are reducing the carbon footprint of our fleet while at the port and at sea, investing in advanced environmental technologies and partnering with companies such as Proman who share a passion for the sustainable energy transition. By enabling cruise ships to use methanol as a propulsion fuel, Costa follows the ambition to take the next big step towards GHG-neutral operations of our fleet by 2050,” added Dr Christoph Schladoer, VP of Decarbonization Costa Group.

Royal Caribbean Cuts Steel for Second Icon Ship

Royal Caribbean Cuts Steel for Second Icon Ship

Royal Caribbean International has marked the initial milestone – the first cut of steel – for the second ship in the Icon Class.

In celebration of the next in the lineup, a steel-cutting ceremony was held at Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.

The soon-to-be-named ship will set sail in 2025, following the debut of Icon of the Seas in January 2024, according to a press release.

The Royal Caribbean and Meyer Turku teams dedicated to building the second Icon Class ship were in attendance at the traditional ceremony.

The major milestone represents the official start of production, beginning a series of key moments in the design and construction that spans months and involves thousands of innovators across design, naval engineering, architecture and more.

Diamond Princess Set for Japan Reposition

Diamond Princess Set for Japan Reposition

After resuming service on the West Coast in November, the Diamond Princess is setting sail to Japan on Sunday.

Scheduled for a complete program in the Asian country, the Princess Cruises’ vessel is departing on a repositioning voyage to Yokohama – a port near Tokyo.

The 25-night Pacific Crossing itinerary sails from the West Coast and includes visits to ports in Hawaii, the Pacific and Asia.

Starting on March 15, the Diamond Princess is set to offer a series of five- to 19-day cruises to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

In addition to Yokohama, the program also includes departures from Kobe and features a total of 38 destinations in three countries, as well as 43 unique itineraries and 57 departures.

Ports of call include Sakata, Naha, Nagasaki, Otaru, Hakodate, Nagasaki, Ishigaki, Cheju, Busan, Keelung and more.

Upon completing its program in Japan, the Diamond Princess is set to reposition to Southeast Asia for a winter season visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia and others.

Built-in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagasaki, the Diamond Princess originally entered service in March 2004.

According to Princess, the 113,000-ton vessel was designed to cruise to Japanese ports and offers the Princess MedallionClass experience, which allows guests to personalize their cruises with a “touchless and effortless” service.

Extensively refurbished over the years, the Diamond Princess underwent a major renovation in 2019. At the time, the 2,600-guest ship received new features, such as Japanese bidets in suites and public restrooms.

The ship’s Movies Under The Stars screen was also updated, receiving new surround sound digital audio, while the main pool deck LED lighting received enhancements for a more vibrant and colourful entertainment experience.

Further general refurbishments include upgraded digital audio systems for the Princess Theater, Explorers Lounge and Club Fusion, as well as new furnishings in the Horizon Court buffet area, and more.

Carnival Elation Resumes Service After Drydock

Carnival Elation Resumes Service After Drydock

The Carnival Elation is welcoming guests back today following a routine drydock at the Grand Bahama Shipyard.

After two weeks out of service, the 1998-built cruise ship is departing on a short cruise to the Bahamas.

Sailing from Jacksonville, the five-night itinerary features visits to Nassau and Princess Cays, as well as two full days at sea.

Now one of the oldest ships in the Carnival Cruise Line fleet, the Elation underwent routine maintenance during the shipyard visit.

Work carried out in the period included class inspections, technical overhauls and upgrades, as well as hotel upkeep and minor updates to public areas and cabins.

The vessel also became the latest to receive the Carnival’s new hull livery, which includes a stately navy-blue hull along with vibrant red and white accents running the entire length of the entire ship. First introduced by the Mardi Gras, the new colours are being added to the entire fleet.

In 2020, during its previous drydock, the Elation received several new venues, such as Bonsai Sushi Express, JavaBlue Café and Alchemy Bar.

A few years before, in 2017, the 70,367-ton vessel had also seen the addition of other signature venues and experiences of Carnival Cruise Line, including the company’s WaterWorks aquapark and new dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and BlueIguana Tequila Bar.

The Elation also received new cabins during both refits, with 38 extra cabins added in 2017 and 30 more added in 2020. Private balconies were also added to a total of 98 existing staterooms during the first refurbishment.

Sailing year-round from its homeport in Jacksonville, the 2,040-guest vessel offers a series of four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas.

In addition to Nassau and Freeport, the itineraries feature visits to Bimini and Princess Cays – a private island destination owned by Princess Cruises.

Along with the Carnival Paradise, the Elation is one of the original eight Fantasy-Class ships that remains in service.

Celebrity Millennium Arrives in Puerto Rico for Homeporting Program

Celebrity Millennium Arrives in Puerto Rico for Homeporting Program

The Celebrity Millennium is starting a homeporting program in Puerto Rico today. Sailing roundtrip from San Juan, the Celebrity Cruises vessel is now set to offer a series of departures to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

Three different week-long itineraries in the region are part of the program, which extends through mid-April.

Departing today, the first one includes visits to five different islands: Tortola, St. Maarten, Roseau, Barbados and Grenada.

Focusing on popular destinations on the Southern Caribbean, a second itinerary includes visits to St. Kitts, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, as well as two days at sea.

Before returning to North America in late April, the Millennium also offers a third itinerary week-long in the region. Sailing roundtrip from San Juan too, the cruise features visits to St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Johns, Barbados and St. Lucia.

The local season ends with a repositioning voyage to Fort Lauderdale. Soon after, in May, the 91,000-ton vessel departs Port Everglades on a 15-night Panama Canal cruise to join the Celebrity Eclipse and the Celebrity Solstice in Alaska for a summer program.

First in a series of four ships known as the Millennium Class, the Celebrity Millennium originally entered service in 2000.

Now offering most of Celebrity’s signature experiences and spaces, the 1,950-guest vessel underwent an extensive renovation in 2019, as part of the Celebrity Revolution program.

In addition to a new livery, the Millennium received several new features during the refit, including the Retreat suite enclave, the Qsine specialty restaurant, a new thermal suite and more.

All of the ship’s staterooms and suites were also update with new designs and furniture to offer what Celebrity calls “modern luxury.”

Other areas that went through redesigned during the refurbishment include the Oceanview Café, the Passport Bar, The Library and more.

Costa Magica Sold to Seajets

Costa Magica Sold to Seajets

The Costa Magica has been sold to Seajets, a Greek ferry operator, according to Greek media reports and multiple industry sources.

The ship represents another Carnival Corporation vessel leaving the Costa fleet as the world’s largest cruise operator continues to shed less economical capacity.

Of note, it is the newest and biggest vessel to exit a Carnival-owned brand, with the Magica having the capacity for 2,720 guests at double occupancy and having been built in 2004 at a cost of $400 million. It was one of three ships Carnival said would leave the fleet in December. The AIDAaura will also be retired, and a yet-to-be-named Costa ship will follow.

The Marios Iliopoulos-led Seajets has purchased multiple secondhand cruise ships since the start of the pandemic. A handful of ships have since been scrapped, while the former Maasdam was sold to French start-up CFC and will soon enter service.

The Magica will soon join a number of other ships in a layup in Greece under the control of Seajets, including the former Veendam, Pacific Area, P&O Oceania and Majesty of the Seas.

While the former Maasdam was sold to CFC, Seajets has also retired some ships for scrap value including the Columbus and Magellan, two ships that it bought at auction following the demise of Cruise & Maritime Voyages

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Completes Biofuel Trial

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Completes Biofuel Trial

PRIO, a producer of biofuels in Portugal, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in collaboration with World Fuel Services (WFS) have successfully completed the first trials with sustainable biofuels produced in Portugal, according to a press release.

Following the launch of ECO Bunkers B15 and taking the first step towards the decarbonization of maritime transport in the Iberian Peninsula, PRIO has announced a blend of Biofuels with 30 per cent renewable base material.

This milestone was achieved in collaboration with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and the Florida-based energy and services company World Fuel Services.

The new fuel, ECO Bunkers B30, contains a blend of 30 per cent of advanced biofuel from waste raw materials and it is produced at PRIO’s biodiesel plant in Aveiro. This enables the company to scale up production as demand increases and to adjust the percentage of Biodiesel blends (up to a 100 per cent renewable product).

Luis Nunes, a member of PRIO’s Executive Board said: “Advanced biofuels, produced from residual raw materials, i.e., the result of circular economy, are the solution of the present and that allows us to immediately meet the growing needs of our clients. They are “drop-in” solutions, meaning that they did not require any modifications to the engine or tank of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ cruise ships and, in this way, allowed an immediate impact without any need for additional investment in these ships.

“We are at a crucial moment in the world’s response to climate and biodiversity emergencies, so PRIO believes we can already accelerate the energy transition if we increase the contribution of advanced biofuels in the maritime sector,” he added.

PRIO has established itself as the ideal partner for maritime companies on the road toward decarbonization of the sector.

With the help of World Fuel Services, two Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings ships were fueled with a total of 400 tons of B30 supplied by PRIO last year.

The Norwegian Star received 200 tons of ECO Bunkers B30 in Lisbon in November.

The following week, the Norwegian Epic, received another 200 tons of ECO Bunkers B30. This has enabled the cruise company to avoid approximately 440 tons of CO2 emissions.

 

Royal Caribbean Newbuild Outlook: ‘Market Underpenetrated’

Royal Caribbean Newbuild Outlook: ‘Market Underpenetrated’

Royal Caribbean Group and its portfolio of cruise brands will launch 11 new ships between 2023 and 2026, culminating in the third Icon Class ship in 2026 being delivered from Meyer Turku to Royal Caribbean International, and a newbuild for TUI Cruises from Fincantieri, according to the cruise ship orderbook.

In the near term, Jason Liberty, president and CEO, said that the business would grow capacity by 10 per cent in 2024, 5 per cent in 2025 and 6 per cent in 2026.

“I think the first thing to point out is, that’s not just one brand in one market, in one destination,” he said. “So this reflects our three wholly owned brands and how they’re going to grow in their different segments and also for these ships to be in other parts of the world.

“If you look at the orderbook, as you get into ’27 and ’28, it’s lighter orderbook. We believe that at Royal Caribbean that the addressable market is underpenetrated, especially in all the different markets in which we operate. We work very hard to create global brands that attract guests from all over the world and build revenue management systems to effectively harvest that quality demand. And we think that apparatus more than supports our expected supply growth over the coming years.”