Hong Kong Bans All Cruises for Next 2 Weeks

Hong Kong has announced the introduction of new COVID-19 restrictions, which include bans on incoming flights from eight countries, weekend indoor dining, banning of all cruises and more.

The two big cruise lines that operate in Hong Kong have already reacted to the new regulations by cancelling their cruises.

Royal Caribbean Hong Kong has issued an update through their social media channels that said the Jan. 6, Jan. 9, Jan. 12, Jan. 14 and Jan. 17 cruises on the Spectrum of the Seas have all been cancelled due to the authorities’ update.

“We fully expect to welcome back our guests onboard Spectrum’s Jan. 21 cruise,” the cruise line said.

Guests affected by the cancellations are invited to either transfer to a later sailing or apply for a full refund.

Dream Cruises said it’s cancelling all itineraries between Jan. 9 and Jan. 19 due to the government directive.

Affected guests are invited to either transfer, receive a future cruise credit with additional onboard credit or cancel receiving a full monetary refund.

“This cancellation is due to the government’s directive and not as a result of any COVID-19 related incidents on board the ship,” the cruise line said.

Premium Cruise Brands Accelerate Global Restart

A big Thank You to https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news for this Article.

With more cruise vessels sailing again, premium cruise brands are quickly resuming operations around the world.

Here are the latest plans from eight key brands:

Celebrity Cruises
First sailing: In service since June 5, 2021
Ships: Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Silhouette, Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Summit, Celebrity Xpedition, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Xploration
Regions: Caribbean, Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Galapagos and Alaska

As part of its phased restart plan, Celebrity Cruises currently has eight vessels back in service. After first resuming guest operations in the Caribbean and in the Mediterranean, the Royal Caribbean-owned brand welcomed the passengers back in the United Kingdom and in the Galapagos.

In June, Celebrity also pioneered the restart in the United States, with the Celebrity Edge becoming the first vessel to sail from the country with paying passengers in 15 months. Now, three Celebrity ships are sailing from U.S. ports, including the Celebrity Millennium, which relaunched service for the brand in Alaska.

A ninth vessel is set to welcome the guests back in September, as the Celebrity Xploration resumes its regular schedule of Galapagos expeditions.

Holland America Line
First sailing: In service since July 24, 2021

Ships: Nieuw Amsterdam, Eurodam, Zuiderdam, Koningsdam, Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam 
Regions: Alaska, Mediterranean, Mexico, Caribbean, Hawaii, Panama Canal and California

Holland America Line relaunched service in July, with a series of Seattle-based Alaska sailings. Now, the brand is expanding its restart to Europe, as the Eurodam sails a program of Mediterranean cruises from Greece.

The Carnival-owned brand also plans to welcome the guests back in the Caribbean, the West Coast and other destinations. Starting in September, six ships are set to sail from Port Everglades and San Diego, including the new Rotterdam.

The recently delivered newbuild is set to enter service in October, offering a transatlantic crossing before starting its inaugural season in the Caribbean.

Princess Cruises
First sailing: In service since July 25, 2021
Ships: Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Enchanted Princess, Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess
Regions: Alaska, United Kingdom, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and California 

Princess Cruises returned to guest operations in the United States, as the Majestic Princess kicked off a shortened Alaska season in July. Based in Seattle, the vessel remains in the region through late September, before repositioning to Los Angeles for a series of West Coast cruises.

The premium cruise line also resumed service in Europe, with two vessels offering a series of “Seacations” around the British Islands through the end of summer.

This fall, Princess is also welcoming the passengers back in San Francisco and Port Everglades. Between September and November, eight Princess vessels will once again offer cruises to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and the California Coast.

Oceania Cruises
First sailing: August 29, 2021
Ships: Marina, Riviera, Insignia and Sirena
Regions: Northern Europe, Mediterranean, Caribbean and World Cruise

Oceania Cruises plans to resume service in August, with the Marina welcoming the guests back for a Northern Europe season. The 1,250-guest vessel will resume her originally published voyage schedule, starting in Copenhagen.

A second ship, the Riviera, will restart operations in October, sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages, prior to a winter season in the Caribbean.

Phased restart dates for the balance of the fleet are in the plans, with two additional ships resuming service between December 2021 and January 2022.

Cunard Line
First sailing: August 13, 2021
Ships: Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2
Regions: United Kingdom, Transatlantic Crossings, Western Europe, Atlantic Islands and Caribbean

Before resuming international operations, Cunard is restarting service in the United Kingdom. Starting on August 13, the Queen Elizabeth offered a series of domestic scenic cruises around the British Islands, sailing from Southampton.

Following its local program, the vessel is offering new UK-based itineraries to Western Europe and the Atlantic Islands.

The Queen Mary 2, meanwhile, resumes service in November, offering transatlantic crossings before sailing new short breaks in Western Europe. Later in the year, the vessel is also sailing in the Caribbean with three new cruises.

Dream Cruises
First sailing: In service since July 26, 2020
Ships: Genting Dream, World Dream and Explorer Dream
Regions: Asia – Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong

Asia-based Dream Cruises is currently offering “Super Seacations” from two different homeports. In line with local government protocols, the World Dream is sailing short cruises to nowhere from Singapore, while the Genting Dream offers a similar product from Hong Kong.

The first vessel to resume service for the brand, the Explorer Dream had started to offer Taiwan island-hopping itineraries in July 2020. According to Dream's website, after a service suspension, the sailings are now set to resume on August 18, 2021.

Azamara
First sailing: August 28, 2021

Ship: Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey
Region: Mediterranean and Caribbean

Currently being prepared for its restart, the Azamara Quest will be the first vessel back in action for Azamara.

Now an independent brand, Azamara will relaunch operations on August 28, with a series of sailings in the Eastern Mediterranean.

After cancelling and replacing many sailings due to ongoing complexities of cruise operations in several regions of the world, the company is also planning a revised 2021-2022 season.

The new program has the Azamara Journey resuming service on October 13, with a series of Europe sailings that will be extended through the winter. The Azamara Questwill offer an expanded season in the Caribbean after the initial sailings in the Mediterranean.  

The Azamara Pursuit and the new Azamara Onward will resume cruising in 2022.  

Saga Cruises
First sailing: In service since June 27, 2021
Ship: Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure
Region: Europe - United Kingdom, Northern Europe and Mediterranean

After welcoming its passengers back on the Spirit of Discovery in June, Saga Cruises is currently offering domestic cruising in the United Kingdom with its two-ship fleet.

Now, the British brand plans to step up its restart with international cruises. Set to return later this month, the multi-country itineraries include sailings to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and more from Dover, England.

Dream Cruises Reports Tremendous Response to Hong Kong Sailings

Dream Cruises’ recently announced restart of cruises on board the Genting Dream in Hong Kong has been met with an enthusiastic response from the public, the cruise line said in a press release.

After just one week of sales since bookings officially opened on May 27, Genting Dream’s first two high seas “Super Summer Seacation” cruises departing on July 30 and Aug. 1 are close to 90 per cent while Friday night departures throughout August are at nearly 50 per cent capacity.

“We are truly grateful for the tremendous response we have received from the people of Hong Kong and we are delighted to be able to offer them a ‘Super Summer Seacation’ experience to help satisfy their craving to travel again. The interest in Genting Dream has even extended to inquiries from corporate groups, charity organizations and wedding parties who are looking at chartering the ship later in the year,” said Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines. “Also contributing to the success of our cruises has been the backing we have received from our travel and business partners who have been a great support to Dream Cruises throughout the years.”

“Wing On Travel is excited to work with Dream Cruises to promote the restart of cruises on board the Genting Dream and have already received calls and inquiries, showing a positive response from the market,” said Lanny Leung, director & CEO of Wing On Travel. “The Genting Dream’s fantastic array of activities and facilities including live shows and music performances, Rope Course, Rock Climbing Wall and Waterslide Park will provide fun for the whole family!”

“Since the announcement of Dream Cruises’ operations, our corporate and business clients have been very interested in booking MICE itineraries onboard the Genting Dream. As well, our loyal long-haul and overseas cruise passengers who have been yearning to cruise again now have a product that will fulfil their desire to vacation on the open seas,” said Alex Lee, general manager at Miramar Travel. “Our hope is that this will help stimulate the hard-hit tourism economy and bring much-needed bookings back to travel agents who have been affected by COVID-19.”

Set to begin sailing from July 30, the Genting Dream will embark on two and three-night “Super Summer Seacations” on the high seas in time for the summer holidays in Hong Kong. The “Super Summer Seacations” will comprise of a two-night “Super Weekend Seacation”, departing Fridays, a two-night “Super Weekday Seacation” departing Wednesdays, and a three-night “Super Summer Seacation” departing Sundays.

Early bird promotional rates start at only HK1188 per person based on twin occupancy in a balcony stateroom for a two-night “Super Weekday Seacation” departing on Wednesdays. This rate will be available until mid-June.

Fincantieri Starts Drydock Work on Chinese-Built Cruise Ship

Making a key milestone in the construction of the first megaship built in China, Fincantieri held the coin ceremony for its newbuild ship at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co. Ltd (SWS), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The ship is under construction for CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Limited, a joint venture between Carnival Corporation and CSSC.

Fincantieri also reported the hull erection of the ship is starting. 

The coin ceremony took place at the presence, among others, of the Consul General of Italy in Shanghai Michele Cecchi and the Deputy Mayor of Shanghai Wu Qing. The event was also attended by Lei Fanpei Chairman of CSSC, Fabrizio Ferri CEO of Fincantieri China, and Tian Yulong and Gao Dongsheng, respectively Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

The new ship, which will be delivered in 2023, will accommodate about 4,250 passengers, in addition to 1,400 crew members. She will be the first cruise ship built in China for the Chinese market.

The joint venture set up by Fincantieri and CSSC Cruise Technology Development Co. Ltd (CCTD) grants a technology license of the ship model platform and provides a series of technical services to SWS, including project management activities, supply chain management and sales of fundamental systems and components, according to a press release.

During the China International Import Export (CIIE) 2020, Marine Interiors, subsidiary of Fincantieri and major international player in the design and construction of public and catering areas, as well as glass walls, also signed a contract with SWS for the supply of approx. 2,800 cabins for the ship. 

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, stated: “The production is moving forward as planned. This is an excellent sign for the cruise industry in China and it confirms the strong commitment of Fincantieri, CSSC and the Carnival group in this very difficult moment we are living in. The different teams have worked remotely for months with great ability and flexibility, and today's milestone not only confirms our Group's management leadership, but it also demonstrates the determination of the entire sector in tackling the crisis.

Dream Cruises Resumes Service in Singapore

Dream Cruises has restarted its service in Singapore on Nov. 6, according to the cruise line.

The World Dream has set sail on her two- and three-night Super Seacation itinerary targeted at the Singaporean market.

The ship, which can carry 3,400 passengers, is operating at a reduced capacity of 50 per cent.

According to Dream Cruises, around 1,400 people are on the first resumed voyage.

“It is a great honour for us to continue our long and fruitful partnership with Singapore, which began in 1993, almost 30 years ago,” said Michael Goh, president, Dream Cruises. “We could not have done this alone, and I would like to acknowledge the great support we have received from the Singaporean authorities – and especially the Singapore Tourism Board for their trust and confidence in us.”

Among the experiences available onboard the World Dream’s Super Seacation sailing are theatre shows, virtual reality games, waterslides, and a zip-line suspended 18-decks above the ocean. Every voyage will end with an at-sea laser show, according to the press release.

“The resumption of cruise operations will also see Genting Cruise Lines reinforcing its commitment to reviving sea-faring opportunities in Singapore and cultivating local cruise talents through new employment prospects and educational partnerships that will provide more jobs for Singaporeans, during this difficult pandemic period,” stated the company.

It added that Genting Cruise Lines has completely reexamined its health, hygiene, and operating protocols over the past two months to “ensure the safest environment for everyone on board.”

Singapore’s Cruises to Nowhere to Set Sail in November

Quantum of the Seas would be the only Royal Caribbean ship with passengers.

FILE PHOTO: Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. Photo courtesy Kallis Video Production

By Kyunghee Park (Bloomberg) –Two cruise ships will start sailing from Singapore from next month into the open seas and back as the city-state aims to give residents some outlet for their wanderlust amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream and Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas will begin round-trip journeys from November and December respectively, the Singapore Tourism Board said in a statement Thursday.

Stringent protocols for cruise operators and passengers to permit the pilot voyages have been established under a CruiseSafe certification program. They include Covid-19 testing of crew and passengers, increased sanitization, fresh air circulating measures, and onboard steps to discourage close contact and intermingling. The boats will sail at a reduced capacity of 50% and the journeys are only open to residents of Singapore.

“This cruise pilot is a valuable opportunity for cruise operators to reinvent the entire cruise experience in order to regain the confidence of passengers,” said Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Keith Tan. “Singapore remains committed to supporting and growing cruise tourism in the region.”

The cruise-ship industry globally shut down in March after a series of Covid-19 outbreaks at sea, including one at cruise giant Carnival Corp.’s Diamond Princess off Yokohama, Japan, in February. Even healthy passengers have suffered, as many ports turned ships away for fear of seeding new shore-side outbreaks. Tens of thousands of crew members were trapped on vessels for months.

Singapore is looking at ways to boost its tourism industry, which has been hit hard as the pandemic decimated travel. The outbreak has led to record losses at the nation’s flag carrier Singapore Airlines Ltd. and destroyed traffic at Changi Airport. The government warned earlier this week that Singapore can’t afford to wait a year or two for a vaccine to become widely available.

A bar inside the main lobby of the Genting Dream cruise ship berthed at the Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore in 2018.

Genting is offering two- and three-night packages starting Nov. 6. In July, the cruise operator restarted services in Taiwan. Royal Caribbean will operate three- and four-night packages from Dec. 1.

Passengers will need to get tested and submit travel and health declarations before they board. During the trip, they’ll have to wear masks at all times and keep a safe distance of one meter. Tracing tokens or apps will be mandatory outside of cabins.

Crew members that are flying into the city-state will be required to take a test on arrival and another at the end of a 14-day quarantine.

The tourism board said that Singapore is one of the first countries to develop and implement a mandatory audit and certification program for cruise lines. Prior to sailing, all cruise lines out of Singapore must obtain the CruiseSafe certification, which requires assessment by a third-party certification firm.

Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean are in the process of attaining the certification, the board said, adding that Singapore will decide on the next steps for the cruise industry after carefully monitoring the voyages.

To woo customers, Royal Caribbean is offering various flexible terms and conditions, including Covid-19 related onboard medical cost cover of up to S$25,000 ($18,400) per person.

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. 

Royal Caribbean latest to warn of coronavirus profit impact

Royal Caribbean latest to warn of coronavirus profit impact

The wonder of the Seas due for China deployment 2020

Royal Caribbean Cruises has joined larger rival Carnival Corporation in warning of the potential “material” financial impact of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The world’s second-largest cruise company has now cancelled a total of 18 sailings in south-east Asia and also modified several itineraries as a result of travel restrictions in place and “related circumstances.”

The number of cancelled cruises has risen from the eight out of China reported by the company last week.

RCC also reported “softer bookings” across the broader business, not just Asia.

It is in regular communications with global health authorities after China and other countries moved “aggressively” to contain the spread of the virus.

Like other cruise firms, the owner of brands such as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea and Azamara, has implemented measures to protect passengers and crew.

These include denying boarding to those that have travelled from, to or through mainland China or Hong Kong in the past 15 days and performing mandatory specialised health screenings on at-risk passengers and crew.

The company “is assessing the developments constantly and will update these measures as needed”.

RCC added: “Taken together, these measures have an estimated impact on the company’s financial performance for 2020 of approximately $0.65 per share.

“While not currently planned, if the company was to cancel all of its remaining sailings in Asia through the end of April, it would impact 2020 financial performance by an additional $0.55 per share.

“There are still too many variables and uncertainties to make a reasonable forecast for 2020.

“While the early impact due to concerns about the coronavirus is mainly related to Asia, recent bookings for our broader business have also been softer.

“If the travel restrictions and concerns over the outbreak continue for an extended period of time, they could materially impact the company’s overall financial performance.”

Chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said: “It is important that every organisation acts responsibly, and we have already taken aggressive steps to minimise risk through boarding restrictions and itinerary changes.

“Our shipboard and shoreside teams have been working tirelessly through these circumstances and I want to thank them for all of their extraordinary efforts. We appreciate our responsibility to our guests and to each other, and our focus on public health is unwavering.”

Carnival Corporation, owner of quarantined ship Diamond Princess in Japan after an outbreak of coronavirus on board, was the first to warn of a “material impact” on its financial results.

More than 40 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Diamond Princess

More than 40 new coronavirus cases confirmed on Diamond Princess

An additional 41 people, including one from the UK onboard Diamond Princess, quarantined in Japan, have tested positive for coronavirus.

The number was confirmed to Princess Cruises on Thursday by the Japanese Ministry of Health.

This takes the total number of infected people on board up to 61.

The ship, carrying 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew, has been placed under quarantine in Yokohama for 14 days with two cruises cancelled.

The new cases on the Diamond Princess bring Japan’s number of confirmed with coronavirus up to 86, the second-highest figure after China.

A second cruise ship – World Dream, with 3,600 passengers and crew – is quarantined in Hong Kong with three cases on board.

The vessel, operated by Asian line Dream Cruises, is being held at Kai Tak terminal.

Latest figures show that 636 people have been killed by the virus with 31,161 infected in mainland China.

The centre of coronavirus is in the city of Wuhan, and most cases have been in the city and the surrounding province of Hubei.

It has spread overseas with confirmed infections in at least 25 nations, including three in the UK.

A Princess Cruises spokesperson said: “Princess Cruises can confirm a further 41 people have tested positive for coronavirus. They are from Argentina (one); Australia (five); Canada (five), Japan (21); United Kingdom (one) and United States (eight).

“The Japanese Ministry of Health has confirmed this is the last batch to be tested and the quarantine end date will be February 19, unless there are any other unforeseen developments.

“The Japanese government is providing our ship and team members with extra support.

“During the remainder of the time on board, guests will continue to be provided complimentary internet and telephone services.

“We have added additional live TV channels and a large selection of in-room movies available in multiple languages. Staff are delivering games, puzzles and trivia to guest staterooms.”

Genting Hong Kong Sells Stake in Dream Cruises

Genting Hong Kong announced that it has reached a deal to sell a 35 per cent stake in Dream Cruises to Canada’s TPG Darting, which is owned by TPG Capital Asia and Growth Funds.

The company said the deal would strengthen its balance sheet as well as its ability to continue to expand its fleet in the cruise industry. 

According to the 2019 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, Dream Cruises has 8,800 berths in service with a market capacity of 528,000 guests.

“The Disposal would also reduce the Group’s financial burden in meeting future funding requirements in relation to Dream Cruises’ business,” the company said. “It is intended that the sale proceeds for the Disposal will be used as general working capital and capital expenditure for the Group in relation to the construction of (the Global-class ships) and/or to fund new investments of the Group should suitable opportunities arise.”

According to a Genting statement, the transaction was valued at $488,645,875. Genting also noted that Dream has a current three-ship fleet, the Genting Dream, World Dream and Explorer Dream. In addition, is a contract to build a Global-class ship at MV Werften.

“It also expects to enter into the Global II Shipbuilding Contract in relation to the construction of Global II with MV Werften,” the company said, in a prepared statement.

The agreement also noted options third and fourth Global-class ships.

Genting Hong Kong takes control of three further European shipyards

Genting Hong Kong takes control of three

 further European shipyards

Genting Hong Kong has announced the acquisition of Nordic Yards’ three shipyards in Wismar, Warnemunde and Stralsund, Germany for the consideration of €230.6 million.

The purchase of the three shipyards, along with Lloyd Werft last year, enables Genting Hong Kong to realize its global cruise ships fleet strategy over the next decade for its three brands - Crystal Cruises, Dream Cruises, and Star Cruises.

“The rapid growth of the world cruise industry, especially in China, has led to cruise ship order book reaching an all-time high,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman, Genting Hong Kong.

“In order to ensure that the Company can build the required number of cruise ships in the next decade for our global fleet expansion, it is strategic that we acquired shipyards that can build our cruise ships in a timely basis and in a more cost effective manner.”

The newly acquired yards together with the previously purchased Lloyd Werft will be managed as the Lloyd Werft Group, optimizing the strengths of each of the yards for design and construction of cruise ships and megayachts.

Ownership of the shipyards will free the company from both the delivery timing and pricing uncertainties associated with the cruise ship order book cycle, which is at a historic high and allow management to focus on the strategic planning, design and deployment of its planned cruise ships among its three brands.

The three newly acquired shipyards are unique with covered dry-docks and building halls, resulting in high labour productivity and completion quality as cruise ships can be constructed regardless of weather conditions.

The Wismar shipyard’s dry-dock measures 340m long and 67m wide and the Warnemunde shipyard’s drydock measures 320m long and 54m wide and are capable of building cruise ships larger than the largest cruise ships currently afloat.

The Stralsund shipyard has a ship lift to launch cruise ships and megayachts up to 270m long.

These shipyards, with further investment, will have a steel fabrication capacity of about 150,000 tons a year, sufficient to build a number of cruise ships and a megayacht yearly.

“With all the yards situated in Germany, a country with a long tradition of efficiency in building high quality and innovative cruise ships and megayachts, the Lloyd Werft Group, with approximately 1,700 experienced management and workers, is well placed to succeed as one of the best cruise and megayacht shipbuilding companies in the world.

“Germany is also where the largest cluster of marine equipment suppliers are located and has excellent Government maritime coordination policies,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.

“The investment in the Lloyd Werft Group will have good returns from the 10 year planned order book, fits perfectly with the Company’s global cruise strategy and is in the long term interest of the company.”