Carnival Horizon Christened in New York

The Carnival Horizon was named by godmother Queen Latifah in a ceremony in New York on Wednesday evening that also showcased the talented young artists from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital whose artwork adorns the Dreamscape, a stunning three-deck-high LED sculpture in the ship’s atrium.

“Carnival Horizon’s naming ceremony was one of our best yet, with Queen Latifah carrying out her duties as godmother then battling it out with Super Bowl champion Jake Elliott of my hometown Philadelphia Eagles in an entertaining Lip Sync Battle,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We were also delighted to showcase the wonderfully talented children from St. Jude whose artwork on the Dreamscape will be forever associated with this spectacular ship."

Added Latifah, “My time aboard Carnival Horizon was nothing short of incredible. In addition to having the honour of serving as the ship’s godmother, meeting the amazing kids from St. Jude and their families and squaring off against Jake in an all-out Lip Sync Battle is certainly something I will always cherish.”

Following the ceremony, Latifah squared off against Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion Jake Elliott in Lip Sync Battle: Horizon modelled after the hit Paramount Network TV series and rolling out across the Carnival fleet.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital received a $100,000 donation from Carnival representing monies raised from various fundraisers, both onboard and ashore. The funds continue the line’s ongoing support of St. Jude with more than $16 million raised in the fight against childhood cancer since the partnership began in 2010.

“This is an absolute thrill for our patients and their families to have their artwork featured as a permanent display on this magnificent ship,” said Richard Shadyac Jr., president and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. “The ongoing support of Carnival team members and their customers around the globe for our lifesaving mission plays a critical role in advancing research and treatment for pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases.”

New P&O UK Ship Named Iona

P&O Cruises today revealed Iona will be the name of its LNG-powered 5,200-passenger newbuild.

The ship will debut in Southampton in spring 2020, making it the biggest vessel to sail out of the UK at 183,900 tons.

The name came from a contest as P&O asked its guests and fans to submit names, receiving over 30,000 entries.

"We can trace our history and roots back to Scotland," said Paul Ludlow, senior vice president. 

"We couldn't think of a more fitting name for our new ship than after an island that is one of the UK's most beautiful places: Iona."

The name combines the company's historic links with Scotland with the celebration of "our island nation’s connection to the sea."

Ludlow called the name selection process challenging 

"The ship is the next stage of the future of P&O Cruises," he added.

P&O Cuts Steel for 2020 Newbuild

P&O Cuts Steel for 2020 Newbuild

P&O Cruises marked a  milestone recently as it cut the first piece of steel for its newest ship being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg.

The steel cutting ceremony was attended by P&O Cruises senior vice president, Paul Ludlow; Carnival UK president Josh Weinstein and managing director of Meyer Werft, Tim Meyer.

The company said it will announce the name of the ship later this week. 

The 183,900-ton ship is being built at a cost of $950 million and has the capacity for 5,200 guests.

Josh Weinstein said: “This is the first time in 20 years that P&O Cruises has had a ship built by Meyer Werft and I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to get us to the first stage in the life of this ground-breaking vessel. Meyer Werft has an enviable track record of producing genuinely innovative ships which also deliver tremendous levels of operational efficiency and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership over the next couple of years to this ship’s completion in 2020 and beyond.”

Paul Ludlow added: “This is a very exciting and momentous day. Our new ship will be the largest ship ever operated by the brand and the largest ever to be dedicated exclusively to the UK cruise industry. It will also be the first ship in our market to be powered by LNG, the most environmentally-friendly power source yet for large-scale cruise ships. With UK passengers numbers set to top two million for the first time this year, we are confident in cruising’s future and believe that there will be an exceptionally positive UK response to this ship and the innovations it will bring. We also expect this ship to persuade many UK consumers to take that all important first cruise.”

Port of Civitavecchia opens new Terminal Amerigo Vespucci

Port of Civitavecchia opens new Terminal Amerigo Vespucci

The new Terminal Amerigo Vespucci is the first purpose-built, permanent cruise terminal in Civitavecchia (Image: Roma Cruise Terminal)

Port operator Roma Cruise Terminal (RCT) opened the first purpose-built permanent cruise terminal at Italy’s port of Civitavecchia on 18 May 2018.

Designed by Studio Vicini Architetti, the new €20 million (US$23 million) Terminal Amerigo Vespucci covers an area of 12,500 square metres, making it one of the largest in Europe. It was built during an 18-month project that started in November 2016 and involved almost 60 local companies.

Terminal Amerigo Vespucci will be able to handle large cruise ships and around 5,000-6,000 passengers. The ground floor of the terminal boasts an atrium and a 4,200 square metre luggage hall, while the first floor features a VIP area, a bar, a waiting area and 60 check-in desks. There is also space to increase the number of check-in points to 120 to accommodate any future growth in cruise traffic. In addition, there are offices for port staff and a small museum that will showcase historical artefacts from the local Lazio region.

Passengers will embark or disembark cruise ships from two passenger boarding bridges designed by ADELTE.

RCT is jointly owned by Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Marella Cruises christens new Marella Explorer in Palma

Marella Cruises christens new Marella Explorer in Palma

Marella Explorer is the largest ship in Marella Cruises' fleet (Image: Marella Cruises)

Marella Cruises has officially welcomed Marella Explorer to its fleet during a christening ceremony at the Port of Palma in Majorca, Spain on 17 May.

Formerly sailing as Mein Schiff 1 for Marella Cruises’ sister brand TUI Cruises, Marella Explorer was named by two godmothers – Susan Stewart, the line’s hotel operations manager, and Mandy Galloway, a travel agent at one of TUI Group’s retail stores in Edinburgh, Scotland. They were joined on stage by Marella Explorer’s master Captain Peter Harris and 10 crew members, who each represented a different part of the ship and held a beam of light that released the champagne bottle to christen the ship.

“I will remember this special moment forever,” said Galloway.

During the ceremony, invited guests, Marella Cruises employees, suppliers, travel agents and media also enjoyed a performance by a Take That tribute band, a fireworks display and an hour-long live DJ set from multi-platinum selling and award-winning recording artist, songwriter and rapper Craig David. The DJ set was accompanied by a show of mappable versatube lights, floating pool lights and lasers that was masterminded by Black Skull Creative’s Dan Shipton, Ross Nicholson and Jay Revell. Guests also wore LED wristbands that changed colour to the beat of the music.

“It was great celebrating the launch and performing on Marella Explorer in Palma,” said David. “I loved surprising the crowd, the atmosphere was electric.”

Marella Explorer was inaugurated following a four-week, multi-million-pound dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, which involved a team of 1,600 partners, contractors and Marella Cruises’ employees. Together they transformed the 1,924-guest ship by adding Marella Cruises branding, multiple new onboard venues and amenities, 45 square kilometres of carpet, more than 60 kilometres of data cabling and 650 wi-fi access points. A total of 35 public spaces were renovated by UK-based marine interior outfitter Trimline, while Northern Ireland-based company MJM Group revitalised the shopping area and Finnish company Makinen worked on the cabins.

Many of the public spaces were developed in cooperation with UK-based design consultancy 20.20, including a new flagship bar, club and casino named Indigo, several restaurants, the Hideout children's area, the shimmer wall and the 962 cabins, nearly 40% of which have balconies. Other public spaces include the Broad Street Shops area and the first-ever Champneys Spa at sea. The spa will offer a full-service thermal suite, treatment suites with their own showers and mini saunas, a Finnish sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows, and spa cabanas on the adults-only Veranda Deck.

Guests will also be able to choose from 10 bars and 10 onboard restaurants. New venues include The Mediterranean, which has a retractable glass roof; The Dining Club, which offers French cuisine; Scoops vintage-style ice cream parlour; Umi Sushi; The Market Place buffet; Surf & Turf Steakhouse; pan-Asian restaurant Kora La; and Latitude 53 & Vista restaurants that serve Italian dishes.

“The launch of Marella Explorer marks an exciting time for us as she is the first ship to officially launch under the Marella Cruises name,” said Chris Hackney, managing director of Marella Cruises. “Marella Explorer marks the next step in the continued modernisation and growth of the Marella Cruises fleet. We pride ourselves on continuing to offer more ships, new destinations and fantastic service and the futuristic feel of this evening have given a real glimpse of how we are continuing to look to the ahead.”

Marella Explorer will embark on her first customer sailing around the Mediterranean, leaving from Palma on 19 May. The ship will then sail in the west Mediterranean this summer before moving to Barbados for winter.

Dolphins Cheerleaders Wrap Up Photo Shoot on MSC Seaside

The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders have wrapped up their 2018 annual photo shoot aboard the MSC Seaside.

More than 20 of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders sailed to the Caribbean recently, with the ship serving as the backdrop for photo and video shoots.

The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Annual is set to be released at the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Fashion Show in Fall 2018.

“We are delighted that MSC Seaside was chosen as the ideal stage for capturing the images for the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Annual,” said Roberto Fusaro, President of MSC Cruises USA. “Whether strolling along the waterfront boardwalk, having fun in the multi-story aqua park, or relaxing in the MSC Aurea Spa, it was a true honour to host the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders and provide them with the opportunity to experience and showcase our beautiful new ship.”

“We’re excited about our relationship with MSC Cruises and the spectacular Caribbean destinations the MSC Seaside opens up for our fans,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer Todd Kline said. “The recent travels including our fans, alumni and cheerleaders are just the beginning of what we feel will be a thriving partnership with MSC Cruise and their world-class ships to benefit our truly diverse fan base.”

Beyond wrapping their annual photo shoot on board, the Cheerleaders also interacted with guests during a variety of activities throughout the cruise. The sailing kicked off with a warm Miami Dolphins welcome with the cheerleaders and mascot “TD” taking over the terminal to cheer guests into their vacation. Onboard, cruisers and cheerleaders mingled with activities like the sail away party, multiple youth cheer clinics, photo opportunities and special performances to entertain guests, MSC said, in a statement. 

The Cheerleaders’ annual photoshoot onboard MSC Seaside came on the heels of the Miami Dolphins’ first-ever Fan Cruise onboard MSC Seaside in March. The cruise welcomed football legends like Kim Bokamper, Terry Kirby, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, Joe Rose and Patrick Surtain, for a week of themed activities. For Dol-fans still eager to get up close and personal with these Dolphins alumni, the team will host its second cruise in 2019.

Puerto Vallarta Welcomes Norwegian Bliss

Puerto Vallarta Welcomes Norwegian Bliss

Norwegian Bliss photo by Dawn Jones.

A delegation representing almost every level of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism industry, including the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, was on hand on Monday morning as the Norwegian Bliss made its maiden call in Mexico and to Puerto Vallarta.

Headed by Captain Staffan Bengtsson the cruise ship will visit Puerto Vallarta five more times later this year, according to a statement.

“Puerto Vallarta has always shared a special connection with the cruise industry because of its diverse attractions and offers,” said Javier Aranda Pedrero, Director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to show this maiden trip Puerto Vallarta hospitality and show that we are committed to providing the best experience possible.”

"Vallarta is a port that stands out for the safety of its tourists, the beauty of its surroundings, the variety of its attractions and the quality of its services. This is why it enjoys the confidence of cruise companies," Pedrero added.

The port will receive 154 cruise calls this year and over 400,000 guests, up from 145 calls last year.

24-day cruise to be longest in Carnival history

Carnival Splendor.

Carnival Cruise Line said it plans to offer a 2019 cruise of 24 days, the longest in its 46-year history.

The transpacific cruise is scheduled to depart Long Beach on Oct. 5 and arrive in Singapore on Oct. 30.

The voyage aboard the Carnival Splendor will feature extended port calls in Maui and Honolulu. It will then visit Guam; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam -- the first time the line has visited these destinations on a ship departing from North America.

Carnival also announced two other longer cruises for 2019 aboard the Carnival Miracle -- a 13-day Panama Canal transit from Tampa to Long Beach and a 14-day Hawaii cruise roundtrip from Long Beach.

Celebrity turns to a different operator for Edge spa

Celebrity Cruises said the spa operator on its new Celebrity Edge will be One Spa World, a division of Steiner Leisure, rather than Canyon Ranch SpaClub, the operator on previous ships.

Celebrity said the spa will be designed by New York decorator Kelly Hoppen and occupy 22,000 square feet.

The spa will offer more than 124 treatments, including signature offerings such as the Ocean Spa Wave Massage, Hot Mineral Body Boost, Poultice-Powered Muscle Release, Zero Gravity Wellness Massage, Restorative Salt Stone Massage, and Thousand Flower Detox Wrap, Celebrity said.

The Persian Garden, a room of heated ceramic loungers on current Celebrity ships, will evolve into the Sea Thermal Suite, with eight distinctive therapeutic experiences. They will include the hammam, salt room, steam room, rainfall water therapy room, float room, heated tile loungers, infrared sauna and Crystalarium.

AquaClass guests receive complimentary access to the Sea Thermal Suite, among other complimentary amenities, Celebrity said.

New to the spa on Edge will be several speciality treatment tables. They include:

• Spa Wave MLW Amphibia Table: A water-filled cushion conforms to the curves of the guest's body. Colour therapy lighting.

• WellMassage4D Table: This treatment table, a Celebrity first, uses breakthrough technology to deliver a deeper and more relaxing massage.

• MLX Quartz Table: Another Celebrity first, warm crystals mould and shape around the body, releasing muscle tension and promoting a deeper state of relaxation.

Celebrity said MediSpa treatments on the Edge will include Dysport Wrinkle Treatments and Restylane® Dermal Filler Treatments.

Celebrity also said it will partner with Kerastase, a luxury haircare brand, to introduce the first Kerastase Institute at sea.

The fitness centre on the ship will offer hot yoga, Technogym Group Cycle, Fitness on Demand virtual fitness programming, cardio boxing, Bungee Fit equipment and Peloton spinning bikes.

The Celebrity Edge's maiden cruise departs Dec. 16 from Fort Lauderdale.

Costa Serena Becomes Largest Ship to Dock in Vladivostok

The Costa Serena has made history in Russia as it became the largest ever cruise ship to dock in Vladivostok earlier this week, with more than 3,000 guests aboard on a cruise from South Korea's Busan, also having called in Sokcho.

The ship was chartered by Lotte Tour, a Korean travel agency. 

The Costa Serena’s passengers and crew were greeted by hospitable welcome ceremony, organized by Vladivostok Sea Terminal in partnership with shipping agency, tour operator and prepared by Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University, which presented their artistic program with drummers, singers and dancers.

Among the VIPs present for the call were the head of tourism in Primorsky Territory Government’ as well as the consul general from the Korean embassy. 

The port noted record time for immigration clearance, with all guest being cleared within two-and-a-half hours and the first group in under 30 minutes.

Tour programs included the highlights of Vladivostok and a Transsiberian railway experience, among others. 

The port and its tour operators arranged 79 total buses and 79 Korean-speaking tour guides for the call. 

A maiden call ceremony on the ship included Governor Andrey Tarasenk as well as other local officials and the ship's officers and CEO of Vladivostok Sea Terminal LLC  Valeryi Nagornyi.

The port is looking forward to dredging and pier improvements ahead of welcoming the Quantum and Spectrum of the Seas in 2019.

Virgin Voyages Reveals More Renderings

Virgin Voyages has revealed a number of new interior renderings from multiple design firms. The first of three 2,860-guest Virgin Voyages cruise ships will offer cruises from PortMiami starting in early 2020.

“We chose these three design firms because of work they had done that we loved,” said Dee Cooper, Senior Vice President of Design for Virgin Voyages. “They are all great at clever design and creating spaces we knew would resonate with sailors.”

The designs start with The Athletic Club designed by Concrete Amsterdam (pictured above).

"We're sure our sailors will appreciate their focus on function when it comes to design,” said Tom McAlpin, President and CEO of Virgin Voyages. “We know our sailors will love the look, feel and the element of surprise they've created as well.”

The approach to The Athletic Club reflects another innovative notion with its raised jogging track that seems to float above the ship, rendered in an eye-catching shade of Virgin signature red, the company said. A massively unexpected catamaran-inspired net for people watching is also featured here, for lounging above it all. It’s the perfect cross-section of athletic meets relaxation meets socializing, according to Virgin.

Next, pictured above is the elevated Mexican restaurant designed by Tom Dixon.

"These interior design architects are responsible for some of the most talked about travel spaces in the world," Virgin said. "With this dream team’s vision, sailors will be enchanted by a series of sleek yacht-like spaces, classic nautical accents, inventive surprises and nods to Virgin’s British heritage."

Above, the Manor (nightclub) was designed by Roman & Williams and is trendy as ever.

"Nightclubs on ships don’t tend to focus on atmosphere, as a good nightclub should. Lighting, navigation, hidden and open spaces, especially for dancing. We decided to go with Roman and Williams here because of the strength of places they've done like the Boom Boom Room [in the Standard Hotel in NYC]. They know to create an atmospheric space," said Cooper. 

The Dock, pictured above, was designed by Roman & Williams. The Dock is an outdoor lifestyle space with a focus on comfort, social life and an appreciation for the ship's gorgeous views.

At Virgin Voyages, the vision has always been to create a “ship of contrasts,” made up of one-part refined and one-part casual, the company said.

There is also a VIP area, as pictured above and designed by Tom Dixon.

Meyer Turku Expanding and Hiring

With an order book stretching into 2024, Finnish shipyard Meyer Turku is investing €200 million in infrastructure improvements, new technologies, an expanded design team, and a sustained staffing ramp up for at least the next five years, a company spokesman said Wednesday.

A new 120-meter crane looms over the shipbuilder’s drydock, where crews are assembling TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 2 ahead of a 2019 delivery.

When the big blue crane goes online this summer, it will be able to lift 1,200 tons — twice that of the yard’s current lifter. 

Pieces of Costa’s Smeralda sit in open-sided warehouses within earshot of construction for new steel cutting lines. Half of a 500-meter hall is ripped apart while the new technology is installed.

Crews in blue coveralls craft steel sheets for Smeralda’s superstructure in the other side of the hall. When the plasma-cutting robots are ready the crews will move over and this side will be ripped up. There’s a joke around the yard that shipbuilding has gotten much easier: Robots do all the work while people are simply there to make them comfortable.

That’s far from true, of course. There’s plenty of people work to be done. There were some grumbles when the machines took over obvious jobs — ten men sandblasting is now two pushing buttons to start and stop their mechanical colleagues — but most humans are being retrained for other, more engaging work. Furthermore, Meyer Turku is on a hiring tear, looking to grow their in-house staff of around 1,900 to 4,000, said Tapani Mylly, the yard’s communications manager. It’s not an easy task as the working language at Meyer Turku is Finnish, one of the world’s less common tongues.

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft bought the facility from struggling Korean-owner STX Finland in 2014, acquiring 100 percent ownership a year later. With seven generations of shipbuilding know how the Meyer family has turned Turku’s fortune’s around considerably. “The previous owner was not interested in making investments,” Mylly said. “A family-owned company is able to make decisions very fast — around the breakfast table. ... When decisions need to be made there is no need to contact Korea.”

The yard is also adding steel treatment facilities, more panel lines and storage areas, further IT and automation, and enhanced in-house design capabilities to reduce reliance on subcontractors. That said, about 800 subcontractor companies work on each ship — so many that the city of Turku is considering zoning an industrial park outside the shipyard for them.

If it’s built, Meyer Turku CEO Jan Meyer would see his subcontractors each day when bicycling into work from the city centre.

Royal Caribbean unveils overhauled Independence of the Seas

The Observatorium, an escape room game, is part of the Royal Amplified package that was added to Independence of the Seas. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

ABOARD THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS -- In a two-day preview cruise for British, Irish and European travel agents, Royal Caribbean International unveiled changes from a 30-day, $110 million renovations of the Independence of the Seas that eliminated a half dozen venues and functions.

Among the venues that were axed, moved or drastically altered were the ship's chapel, mini-golf course, photo gallery, a juice bar, the disco and the Sabor restaurant.

The Independence is the first ship to gain Royal Caribbean's new Royal Amplified package of amenities, the most prominent of which is the bungee trampoline attraction Sky Pad.

The overhaul, which included $16 million in marine and technical work, is believed to be the most Royal Caribbean has ever spent in a single ship renovation.

The Sky Pad, a bungee trampoline apparatus used with virtual reality goggles, adds a new dimension to the profile of the Independence of the Seas. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

A favourite in the U.K. market, the 10-year-old Independence will sail summers from Southampton and winters in the Caribbean.

The biggest change to the 152,000-gross-ton ship is the addition of a package of activities on the upper rear deck, including the Sky Pad, two tubular water slides and some lesser items, such as the Sky Climber apparatus and some hammocks and swings. The ship's FlowRider is also in the area.

To make room, the mini-golf course was relocated to the upper deck on the bow, and a bar and some storage lockers for sports equipment were eliminated.

The multi-coloured perforated dome of the Sky Pad alters the profile of the Independence and gives guests a chance to bounce on one of four personal-sized trampolines while watching programs on virtual-reality goggles. It cost roughly $5 million to develop and install.

Royal Caribbean officials aboard were excited about the reception for the Playmakers Bar & Arcade, an expansive sports bar that attracted an overflow crowd for a soccer match. Playmakers were built out of the old photo gallery on Deck 4, which has been relocated and downsized as a digital outlet.

High atop the ship on Deck 15, in a hidden space where the chapel used to be, Royal Caribbean has created a puzzle room attraction called the Observatorium, in which game players have a limited time to figure out how to escape from the room.

A new casual restaurant, Fish & Ships, serving deep-fried seafood, was added where a juice bar used to be on the pool deck. Another new restaurant, the sushi and teppanyaki concept Izumi, has been added, replacing Sabor, a Mexican restaurant that wasn't doing very well, said Royal Caribbean president Michael Bayley. Izumi was carved out of the top floor of a two-level disco, while the bottom floor was rebuilt as new accommodations.

The children's water play area on the Independence, formerly the H20 Zone, has been enlarged and improved as the Splashaway Bay.

A former cigar lounge outside the Star Lounge has been repurposed as the library, which was formerly located near the Atrium Bar.

Another component of Royal Amplified will be the Sugar Beach candy store, launched on the Symphony of the Seas last month and now open on the Independence.

New swing chairs on the Independence of the Seas were part of a $110 million overhaul. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

Bayley said a total of 107 new cabins have been added to the Independence, mostly by building a new cabin block at the front of the ship above the gym, but also from squeezing space in the refurbishment to add a cabin or two here and there.

Royal Caribbean's next ship to receive the Royal Amplified treatment, the Mariner of the Seas, is already in drydock and will emerge to serve the short-cruise market from South Florida this summer. It will be followed by Navigator of the Seas.

Bayley said Royal Amplified will touch 10 Voyager-, Freedom- and Oasis-class ships over the next three years at a budgeted cost of $900 million.

Carnival Corp Inks Deal to Develop Dubai Cruise Terminal

Carnival Corporation has signed a deal with Meraas for the Dubai Cruise Terminal, which will become the company's primary hub for its homeporting and transit operations in the region, according to a statement. 

The partnership will also result in both parties "working together to identify and grow the cruise tourism business in the Arabian Gulf region," with operations starting in late 2020.

Speaking on the agreement, Arnold W. Donald, Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation said: “We have a long history in Dubai with our world-leading cruise brands. We are excited to be part of this important venture that will drive new tourism opportunities for Dubai and the region through cruising.”

Carnival Corporation will launch new cruises from “Dubai Cruise Terminal” and aims to attract new source markets from India and China, the company said.

The cruise terminal is designed as a strategic maritime centre, providing easy access to and from the city, while offering passengers an unparalleled view of iconic landmarks, such as Ain Dubai and the upcoming Dubai Lighthouse, as well as the Dubai’s stunning urban skyline.

Dubai Harbour will be home to two cruise terminal buildings, spanning a total of 30,000 square meters, joined by a single quay of about 1 kilometer, capable of accommodating up to three cruise ships concurrently, including Carnival Corporation’s newest and most advanced cruise ships, as well as up to 13,200 passengers at a time. In anticipation of an upsurge in cruises, Meraas has planned for the addition of two more terminal buildings that will increase capacity to six cruise ships at the same time.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that mega projects being implemented in the UAE are reinforcing the country’s profile globally as a model for sustainable growth driven by diversification, innovation and productive partnerships with the private sector.

“We welcome visitors from across the world and provide them with an exceptional tourism experience. We want them to leave with lasting memories that they can share in their countries and communities. The continuous development of infrastructure has enabled our country to be a destination of choice in the region. Supported by the talent and creativity of our people, I am confident that we will be able to establish global leadership in several sectors. The UAE will continue to be a symbol of progress and prosperity,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

HH Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came as he approved the "Dubai Cruise Terminal" as the main hub for cruise tourism in Dubai. His Highness also attended the signing ceremony of a strategic partnership agreement between Meraas and Carnival Corporation that aims to transform Dubai into a major regional maritime tourism hub, according to a statement. 

Under the agreement, signed by His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas, and Arnold W. Donald, Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation, the companies will collaborate across several strategic areas including port development, terminal management and new cruise development opportunities at Dubai Harbour and the broader region.

Norwegian Bliss Becomes Largest Cruise Ship to Transit the Expanded Panama Canal

Photo: Norwegian Bliss transits the Expanded Panama Canal, May 14, 2018. Photo: Panama Canal Authority

Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Bliss on Monday became the biggest cruise ship to transit the Expanded Panama Canal.

The 168,000 gross ton cruise ship has a total length of 325.9 m (1,069.2 ft), beam 41.4 m (135.8 ft) and draft of 8.3 m (27.2 ft).

Norwegian Bliss was delivered by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft in March and, last month, began a 15-day itinerary from Miami, Florida, through the Panama Canal and along the west coast of North and Central America to its final destination in the Port of Los Angeles, California. The vessel will this serve the Alaska region until the end of the cruise season, after which it will reposition itself in the Caribbean.

Photo: Panama Canal Authority

The Panama Canal expects to receive approximately 236 cruise ships through the Panamax and Neopanamax Locks during the 2017-2018 cruise season, which officially began in October.

In April 2017, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder became the first cruise ship to transit the Expanded Canal.

Norwegian Bliss third ship of the Breakaway Plus class of the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and has the passenger capacity of about 4,000.

Photo: Panama Canal Authority

Carnival Unveils Largest Operations Center in Industry

PHOTO: Carnival Operations Center (Photos courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival Cruise Line has previewed its new Fleet Operations Center (FOC) in Miami. The 35,000 square-foot facility is the largest and most advanced in the cruise industry. It’s designed to offer around the clock monitoring of the line’s 26 cruise ships.

The FOC’s most impressive features were on display at a ribbon cutting ceremony and interactive demonstration. They include a 74-foot-long video wall made up of 57 LED screens. The high-definition wall displays the status of all ships, including weather, itinerary updates, safety, engine and environmental updates.

State-of-the-art tracking and data-analysis provide real-time information about the status of each ship. Ports, logistics, guest operations and several other functions are monitored, as well.

Seating in the FOC is arranged in “pods” according to ship classes, to facilitate communication and teamwork.

“In designing the FOC, we combined best practices from the military, government and industry to achieve a generational leap in facility design, sophisticated technology and utilization, creating the largest and most advanced fleet operations centre in the industry,” said Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our guests and crew, and this new facility enhances our already comprehensive approach to safety and operational excellence.”

Carnival built custom tools for the FOC, including proprietary software applications “Neptune” and “Argos.” Argos is a knowledge management tool which gathers information from thousands of data points to facilitate communication. Neptune analyzes navigational safety data. It enables efficiencies in nautical operations, procedural optimization and sustainability.

“The FOC brings together real-time information for decision making. Integrated shoreside teams support our shipboard officers to act quickly and decisively while significantly increasing the operational efficiency of our ships,” said Gus Antorcha, Carnival Cruise Line’s chief operating officer.

Carnival partnered with Constant Technologies, Inc., a design firm specializing in operations centres. The design of the FOC features an open concept floor plan with sustainable furnishings and ergonomic features such as blue ceiling lighting to decrease eye fatigue. Desks are sitting/stand ready and carpeting is made from recycled fishnets. The FOC also features multiple conference rooms that can be linked to the main LED wall. They are intended for use by support teams in the event of any incidents at sea.

The Miami facility is the third and largest in Carnival Corporation’s global FOC network. Additional facilities are located in Seattle and Hamburg.

Should the need arise, the Miami FOC can monitor the entire 103-ship fleet of parent company Carnival Corporation.

Norwegian Bliss Launches Month-Long Inaugural Celebrations

Norwegian Bliss in Ponta Delgada Azores. (Photo by Dave Jones)

Norwegian Bliss has begun her month-long inaugural celebration in the US.

Now on her way to Miami, the sixteenth and newest vessel in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet arrived in New York City on Thursday, May 3. The ship will then call in Los Angeles and Seattle, where her christening will take place on May 30.

The two-day Norwegian Bliss inaugural preview in New York included brand partners, media, and industry representatives. The ship’s godfather, nationally-syndicated radio personality Elvis Duran, was on hand, as well. Guests enjoyed a performance of the line’s original musical theatre show, ¡HAVANA!.

A cocktail reception on board featured an appearance by Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio. The two are original members of The Four Seasons, the group that inspired the Tony award-winning musical Jersey Boys. The evening ended with the Norwegian Bliss premier of Jersey Boys in Bliss Theater.

“Norwegian has been committed to providing our guests with the finest entertainment at sea and we have elevated this commitment by introducing Jersey Boys and ¡HAVANA! onboard Norwegian Bliss,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It has been such an honour to have icons in the music and theatre world partner with and join us on this inaugural tour.”

Norwegian Bliss will sail a preview cruise out of PortMiami from May 8 to 10. Special guests include the hull artist, Wyland, the godfather, Duran, as well as television personalities.

After the Miami cruise, Norwegian Bliss will cross the Panama Canal, making history as the largest cruise ship to ever do so. Preview events will take place in Los Angeles from May 25 to 27. The ship will then travel to Seattle. After the christening on May 30, Norwegian Bliss will sail a three-day exhibition cruise.

Norwegian Bliss will begin a series of seven-day Alaska cruises June 2. Calls include Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia. For the fall/winter season, Norwegian Bliss will sail to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles. She’ll also sail to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami.

In 2019, Norwegian Bliss will return to New York City. From there, she’ll sail seven-day voyages to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as the southern and western Caribbean.

Norwegian: Revenue Management System Helps Booking Curve

A propriety revenue management platform at Norwegian Cruise Line has been key to the development of the optimal booking curve, according to a company presentation.

Norwegian said its revenue management strategy starts with deployment, which is the number one driver of pricing. Deployment decisions have helped lead an expansion into premium destinations for the brand.

On premium deployments, the company follows an itinerary-specific port optimization plan, while leveraging its own ports and reviewing and improving the “lowest performing products.”

After deployment and the stateroom mix, Norwegian said staying on an optimal booking curve is the next most important tool for driving pricing as the revenue management system will dynamically optimize each sailings’ booking curve.

As sailings near, the company will make investments in marketing to drive demand.

“Value is now our primary promotional lever, not price,” the company said.

In the big picture, disciplined capacity growth has allowed the company to fill ships and command pricing strength.

One more Breakaway-plus class ship, the Norwegian Encore, follows in 2019. After that, it’s four smaller Leonardo-class newbuilds.

The 3,300-guest ships are slightly smaller, at 140,000-tons, and will have a footprint to allow for more deployment options, the company said, including unserved and underserved markets.

Unserved markets for Norwegian, according to its own presentation, include Ft. Lauderdale, Mobile, Baltimore, Texas, Charleston and Jacksonville.

Underserved markets include Alaska, Los Angeles, Australia, Tampa, Cuba and Boston.