Cruise Ship Passenger Safety In Focus After Woman Falls Overboard from Carnival Liberty

Carnival Liberty

Cruise ship passenger safety in once again in focus following a man overboard incident on a Carnival cruise ship in the Gulf of Mexico.

Samantha Broberg, 33, was reported missing at about noon Friday to crew members on board the Carnival Liberty. A search of the ship turned up empty, and crews later uncovered surveillance video to confirm that Broberg had fallen overboard from the 10th deck at around 2 a.m. Friday as the ship was about 200 miles southeast of Galveston.

A coordinated search involving the cruise ship and Coast Guard aircrews spanned 20 hours and covered some 4,300 square miles of ocean before it was called off Sunday night.

Carnival said in a statement that the video, which has not been released, suggests that Broberg was sitting on a deck railing when she fell back into the water.

A map of the search area provided by the U.S. Coast Guard.

According to the website CruiseJunkie.com, which tracks man overboard incidents on cruise ships, over the past five years an average of 23 people fall overboard from cruise ships each year. So far in 2016, there have been four such incidents, including an incident on May 11 where a man reportedly jumped overboard from the Coral Princess, according to the Cruise Law News website.

Cruise Law News, run by maritime attorney Jim Walker, has been critical of cruise lines for failing to install state-of-the-art video cameras to document such incidents, as well as high-tech motion detection systems that would alert the bridge as soon as a man overboard incident occurs. In the case of the Carnival Liberty, Walker slams the crew of the cruise ship over a 15 hour delay in reporting Broberg missing to the U.S. Coast Guard – the crew did not report Broberg missing until 5 p.m. Friday. Another issue Walker raises is the issue of Cruise Lines over serving alcohol to passengers, as alcohol seems to be the common thread in many of these accidents.

“My thought is that cruise lines owe a duty of reasonable care to passengers pursuant to maritime law,” Jim Walker writes on his website.

So this begs the question: are cruise lines doing enough to protect passenger safety?

World's largest cruise ship arrives in Southampton

World's largest cruise ship arrives in Southampton

Royal Caribbean International’s $1 billion new mega ship, Harmony of the Seas, arrives in Southampton today ahead of being showcased to agents attending the 10th annual Clia Conference.

Heralded as the world’s largest cruise ship, the third Oasis-class vessel will be shown off to agents at the event on Friday.

New features include the Ultimate Abyss, claimed to be the tallest slide on a ship with a 10-storey drop, and The Perfect Storm – three waterslides

The ship combines the seven neighbourhood concept that the line's Oasis class ships are known for, with the top technological features from its Quantum class ships, such as the robot-powered Bionic Bar.

Entertainment ranges from hit musical Grease through to aquatic performances at the AquaTheatre and ice shows.

The 5,497-passenger ship's 20 dining include Jamie's Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and a Wonderland restaurant.

The ship is running two short preview sailings from Southampton before relocating to the Mediterranean for summer sailings from Barcelona and Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, and seven-night winter itineraries in the Caribbean from Port Everglades in Florida.

Construction on the fourth ship in the series started at the St Nazaire ship yard in France last autumn with the as-yet unnamed vessel due to enter service in spring 2018.

Carnival on the right track with SkyRide

SkyRide vehicles travel on a track 150 feet above the water. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

ABOARD THE CARNIVAL VISTA — If Royal Caribbean International is known for its rock climbing wall, and Norwegian Cruise Line for its over-the-edge walking plank, Carnival Cruise Line has been known for its waterslides.

Well, there’s a new top-deck attraction on Carnival’s latest ship, Carnival Vista, and it will give waterslides a run for their money.

The SkyRide is a recumbent bicycle wrapped in an aerodynamic shell and suspended beneath a metal track held by steel struts two stories above the ship’s 12th deck.

I had been eager to try it ever since Carnival unveiled the conceptual renderings. I’m happy to say it is as much fun as it looks like in the drawings.

My first ride was in Barcelona while the ship was still in port. My strategy was to beat the crowd. I only had to wait in line for six or eight other riders before I got my turn.

I strapped into a safety harness that’s attached with a clip to the back of the vehicle shell. The seat is surrounded by a circular opening. I crouched, sat down and put my feet up on the pedals in front of me.

The ride attendant helped me adjust the seat to the proper distance for my legs, and I was off.

Within a couple of pedal rotations, the floor of the transit station fell away and I was whirring through the air 150 feet above the waterline. It was a fine sunny day in Barcelona and the view was truly a birds-eye one. Seagulls were flying at the same level I was.

Toward center city Barcelona, I could see the beginnings of La Rambla, the city’s famed boulevard, several miles away. Out to sea, tankers and freighters rested at anchor below me.

There are dual tracks, so you can ride with a companion or race a friend. The second rider was well behind me, so I was all alone up in the sky. I felt free as a bird.

Pedaling the SkyRide is like riding a bike without having to balance. It is easy. I really enjoyed the sense, however, that I had to do a little work to get myself around the track. It wouldn’t be as much fun if it was electrically powered.

Ben Kolbel, 10, gets ready for his trip on SkyRide. Photo Credit: Tom Stieghorst

The track is an elongated rectangle that runs about a third of the length of the ship — 800 feet in total. As I approached the second turn, I hit the section where it declines about two feet and picked up speed.

I had been instructed to use the brake going into the turn. I coasted instead, and as I rounded the bend, I imagined pedaling into the turn would give the vehicle a fun/scary swing outward. Overall, SkyRide is tame enough, but this was the one thrilling moment when I felt as if I might go straight off the back of the ship.

The corresponding section of track on the return has an incline of a foot or two, which took about 10% of extra pedal power to master. From there it was a matter of how quickly I wanted the ride to be over.

I didn’t want it to be over, so I slowed my pace, leisurely enjoying the view from the top of the aptly named Vista.

One of the strongest selling points for the SkyRide is that it should appeal to a broad range of users. It goes without saying kids will love it, but any reasonably agile adult will, too, with the possible exception of someone with an intense fear of heights.

I found SkyRide to be one of the most enjoyable things I’ve done on a cruise ship. Some cruise ship innovations are one-and-done for me, but I could go on the SkyRide repeatedly, and even pick a ship based on having it.

The only thing that can stop SkyRide is the weather.  A late-afternoon shower in Barcelona shut it down, and winds the next day exceeded the 45 mph safety ceiling, so it was closed.

But as soon as I get a chance, I want to take another spin, this time with the ship moving forward and the sea rolling beneath me. I can’t wait to experience what that feels like. 

The Largest Cruise Ship Ever, Harmony of the Seas Photos

The Largest Cruise Ship Ever, Harmony of the Seas

Delivery ceremony of the Harmony of the Seas at the STX Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, May 12, 2016.

Thanks to https://gcaptain.com, Visit for some great shipping info.

Royal Caribbean this week celebrated the delivery of Harmony of the Seas, which at 227,000 gross tons is the largest cruise ship ever constructed.

The ship was delivered Thursday following 32 months of construction at the STX France shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France.

Costing more than a $1 billion, Harmony of the Seas is the 25th ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet and third Oasis-class ship.

The ship will spend it inaugural season sailing the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain before heading to her homeport of Port Everglades, Florida in November where it will offer regular seven-night sailings to the eastern and western Caribbean.

The ship has capacity to carry 5,479 guests in 2,747 staterooms, and is home to 2,100 crew.

Update: Following Thursday’s delivery ceremony, Harmony of the Seas departed the STX France shipyard on Sunday to great fanfare.

The Harmony of the Seas (Oasis 3) class ship leaves the STX Les Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard site in Saint-Nazaire, France, May 15, 2016. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

Earlier photos:

Harmony of the Seas pictured in January 2016 at STX France. Credit: Royal Caribbean

Harmony of the Seas during sea trials in March 2016. Credit: Royal Caribbean

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Inside Harmony of the Seas’ engine room. Credit: Royal Caribbean

Harmony of the Seas’ control room. Credit: Royal Caribbean

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Genting Hong Kong Orders Two 200,000 Ton Cruise Ships at New German Yards

An illustration of Star Cruises’ Global-class cruise ship. Credit: Genting Hong Kong

Holding company Genting Hong Kong has announced plans to build two 201,000 gross ton cruise ships as part of a 10-ship order at its newly acquired shipyards in Germany.

The two mega cruise ships will be among some of the world’s largest and will be built for Genting’s Star Cruises brand and deployed in the Chinese market. The 201,000 ton vessels will be known as Global-class and will include 5,000 lower berths each.

The eight other vessels will be built for Crystal Cruises and comprise of 6 river cruise ships, an expedition yacht and an “Exclusive Class” vessel.

Delivery of the Global-class vessels is scheduled for 2019 and 2020.

The ten-ship order was placed at Lloyd Werft Group, which was formed last month with Genting’s acquisition of Nordic Yards’ three shipyards in Wismar, Warnemunde and Stralsund, Germany. Prior to the acquisition, Genting only had the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven. The formation makes it one of just four shipbuilding groups with the ability to build large cruise ships using the two large covered dry docks in Wismar and Warnemunde.

“We are pleased that Genting chose Lloyd Werft Group for the construction of their new vessels as the company has built all but one of its new cruise ships in Germany for the Star, Dream and NCL brands due to the company’s desire for quality-built cruise ships,” says Rüdiger Pallentin, the Managing Director of Lloyd Werft Group. “We have the ability to tap into the complex cruise ship subcontractor industry in Europe, many of whom are centered in Germany and we can build cruise ships without major uncertainties in delivery and pricing. The Lloyd Werft Group has two huge covered new building drydocks, a ship launching platform and half a million square meter of covered fabrication halls to build quality cruise ships in all weather conditions.”

The Global-class ships will be largest cruise ships ever built in Germany, even bigger than the Quantum-class ships built at Meyer Werft.

Royal Caribbean takes delivery of Harmony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean takes delivery of Harmony of the Seas

Harmony of the Seas is the world’s largest cruise ship, and its arrival was marked with a traditional delivery and flag changing ceremony in Saint Nazaire, France took place following 32 months of constructions.

Joining the festivities in the ship’s signature AquaTheater were Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International together with Laurent Castaing, General Manager, STX France.

“Harmony of the Seas is the product of our zealous spirit of continuous improvement, where we have combined revolutionary ship design with the technological strides that have defined the Royal Caribbean brand,” said Richard D. Fain. “Thank you to STX France for their ongoing partnership in building our ships, which continue to introduce unexpected industry innovations.”

Harmony is truly magnificent in every sense of the word, from her architecture and design to the level of care and attention to detail with which our incredible crew are taking to prepare for our first guests,” said Michael Bayley. “The ship is the ‘best of the best’ of what our guests love most about Royal Caribbean, combined with new and thrilling experiences never before found in one place but it is the passion and dedication of our crew that will make everlasting memories for our guests.”

Harmony of the Seas will homeport in Barcelona, Spain and embark on the first of 34 seven-night sailings in the western Mediterranean on June 7, exploring some of Europe’s most beautiful locations. In November 2016, Harmony will arrive at her homeport of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL., from where she will offer seven-night eastern and western Caribbean sailings. The newest member of the fleet will join sister-ships Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral and Port Everglades respectively, on the east coast of Florida.

Taking superyachts to new heights!

Taking superyachts to new heights! 

Radical boat concept features an elevated master cabin with a bar and infinity pool 125ft above the water

The radical concept yacht, called Shaddai, features an owner's cabin that is elevated 125ft above the water, offering complete privacy

An Italian designer has come up with a radical concept that aims to take superyachts to new heights – if someone is bold enough to build it for one of the world’s tycoons.

With a towering perch that contains the master suite, the 492-ft Shaddai would bring the owner and his or her guests from sea to sky, where they would enjoy jaw-dropping views of their surroundings.

The elevated cabin has a 1,130 square foot terrace and is 125ft above the water, giving the owner an extreme sense of power with views like never before on a superyacht.

The yacht's elevated owner's cabin has an 1,130 square foot terrace with a bar, dining area and an infinity pool with a glass wall

Designer Gabriel Teruzzi, who tried to think outside the box with his latest concept, said the owner’s cabin – complete with an infinity pool, dining area and bar – would be the perfect place to watch a sunset.

Teruzzi said: ‘From there he can reach the feeling of a higher power, surrounded by the immensity of the sea and sky, reaching the clouds where everything reflects his place in the world: at the top.

The 3,000-square foot beach club features an aquarium in the middle of the room and a glass ceiling that looks up into a swimming pool

Closer to sea level, the main aft deck and a beach club on the lower deck are united by an infinity pool with a glass floor.

The 3,000-square foot beach club features an aquarium in the middle of the room and the main aft deck is filled with the sound of water falling from an infinity pool on the upper deck.

The yacht’s name, Shaddai, is a Hebrew word which is usually translated as ‘almighty’ or ‘omnipotent’ in English.

The main aft deck, where guests relax on sunloungers, is filled with the sound of water falling from an infinity pool on the upper deck

Teruzzi said the superyacht’s futuristic shape was inspired by contemporary architecture, adding: ‘To ascend from the ground has been a desire in the human kind since the very beginnings.

‘There are precious examples like the Tower of Babel, the Pyramids in Egypt and today in the magnificent skyscrapers.

‘The wish to touch the clouds continues to be present in the most powerful minds.’ 

Designer Gabriel Teruzzi said he tried to think outside the box with his latest concept, which was inspired by contemporary architecture

The Cruise Ship Engine

The Cruise Ship Engine

Without a source of power, these huge cruise vessels would be nothing more than drifting aimlessly hotels. A large number of older ships use diesel reciprocating engines for generating power for propulsion. Cruise ship engine power is supplied through transmission to the propeller shafts. These transmissions determine the revolutions of propellers. Modern ships use either diesel electric engines or gas turbines as a source of power for propulsion, and for ship's systems. Some of the larger ships depend on two power sources - one for electrical power and one for propulsion.

Gas turbine engines, as being aeroderivative, generate heat which is transformed from mechanical energy in electrical power. Compressed air is fired in combustion chamber, to achieve this. Hot exhaust is made over a turbine which spins to drive mechanically a shaft. The power can be used to spin the electrical generators. The same way do diesel-electric engines work, yet they use not a turbine. The output shafts, to produce electrical power, are connected to the electrical generators.

Both engine types need a lot of fuel. Cunard QE2, for example, consumes daily 380 tons of fuel when she's traveling at 28.5 knots speed and carries fuel enough to sail for 12 days. Usually ships fill up at various ports, and use fueling barges as floating gas stations. Vessels use lower-grade diesel which tends not to burn as purely as diesel-powered road-going vehicles.

All ships rely on the propellers to be pushed through water. These, referred to commonly as screws, provide forward and reverse motion. Airplanes, for example, require tremendous speeds of propellers to provide forward motion for flight, but ship propellers don't need to turn so fast and rely on torque power. Therefore, they travel slowly, and rarely top 30 knots (for more info follow our speed-link above).

Cruise ship engine room

The basic detail about the cruise ship engine room is its location. Ships' heaviest weights have to be situated at the lowest possible place because of stability, and usually engines are mounted above the keel. Ship's lowest decks are almost entirely full of machinery. An area creating enough power for driving such an enormous vessel through water needs to be really big - very often engine rooms occupy at least three decks. But rather than long halls stretching length of hulls, machinery is almost always divided into smaller compartments - one might house main engines, and another might contain air-conditioning system. This compartmentalization is for safety reasons. If a penetration to the hull or fire happens, multiple compartments help contain the damage. See at the right the Allure of the Seas cruise ship engine room:

Rarely, engines are not placed at the bottom of ship - four main diesel engines on RMS Queen Mary 2, are placed above the keel, and two smaller gas turbines are on top, aft of funnel.

An interesting fact is that it was not unusual for older liners to feature two engine rooms. Gradually, technology allowed consolidation of engine spaces. However, legislation today requires vessels to have equipment duplication and two engine rooms.

Conventional diesel cruise ship engine

Today's direct-drive diesels feature one main advantage - the option to use shaft generator, which is a device using the circular motion of propeller shaft in order to generate electricity needed for hotel services, like cooking and lighting. Shaft generators can be used only while the ship is moving with fairly constant cruising speed. This is what the NCL Epic cruise ship engine looks like:

Diesel electric cruise ship engine

Almost all new ships feature a diesel-electric propulsion form. On these ships, main engines are not connected to propeller shafts, and instead of it they are directly connected to big generators in order to produce electricity, which is sent in turn to electric motors, that then power and help turn the propellers. Main advantage of the diesel-electric cruise ship engine systems is efficiency as they allow main engines to operate near the most efficient speed, no matter if the ship is moving at 5 or 25 knots.

Losing electrical power is devastating to ships. Main engines and generators require electricity and it's needed to keep them going. Pumps that are driven electrically take in cold water from ocean to cool the engines, and electrical pumps get fuel from fuel tanks and supply it to the engine. Electrical power is vital for many operational functions - without it, ships come to a halt.

Large equipment (propulsion motor, bow thrusters) requires electricity of high voltage. As for smaller machinery (cabin lights, galley equipment), the electricity goes through transformer and is thus stepped down into lower voltage. Large cables snake through all the ship to distribute electrical power. They carry power from generators to switchboards, through passageways, public rooms, crew and passenger cabins. Cabling can be the weak point in the distribution system. If the electrical cables aren't truly redundant, even ships that feature two engine rooms suffer power failure.

While ships are docked, generators and main engines produce more power than needed. They are turned off in port, and smaller generators supply "hotel" load (lights, air-conditioning, galley, etc.). Moving through water takes up vast majority of ship's power needs - about 85% of diesel-electric plant produced power goes to propeller, and the rest towards keeping lights on and crew and passengers comfortable. At the right is the Royal Caribbean's major rival's latest cruise ship power technology: the new Vista Carnival cruise ship engine room (engine type is "MAN 2 × 14V48/60CR", common-rail diesel injection system):

Norwegian Cruise Line vies for more OTA business

Norwegian Escape

Norwegian Cruise Line’s introduction of a bare-bones “Sailaway” fare in March was a bid to improve business with OTAs, company CEO Frank Del Rio said in a conference call.

The Sailaway fares do not come with the standard value-add options, such as the choice of a free beverage package, and cannot be combined with any such offers. They provide only a guarantee of a category, not a specific cabin, and are about $200 less than other Norwegian fares for a seven-day cruise.

Del Rio said prices for cruises that had bundled value-add features were showing up on OTAs as uncompetitive because of the extra value built into the fares.

He said OTAs are one of the main distribution channels for selling close-in inventory.

“One of the drawbacks of this channel is the difficulty of effectively communicating non price-dependent offers to consumers,” Del Rio said. 

The Sailaway offers were intended to give OTAs a fare that would not be priced above offers from competitors for similar itineraries, he said.

“Sailaway rates are cruise-only rates, with no value-adds, that will allow us to capture business that we were temporarily not capturing,” Del Rio said. They represent less than 10% of Norwegian’s inventory, he said.

NCL reports slump in American demand for European cruises

Photo Taken by Dave Jones

Cruises in Europe are suffering from a slump in demand from American passengers, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings confirmed today.

The parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, followed rival Royal Caribbean Cruises in describing the European demand as being ‘soft”.

Neither company gave a reason but security fears following terrorist attacks in Mediterranean destinations such as Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia plus those in Paris and Brussels are seen as the likely cause.

Wendy Beck, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said: "Continued strong demand in the Caribbean, Alaska, Bermuda, and Hawaii is offsetting softness in Europe which comes mainly as a result of lower demand from North American consumers.

"While this softness is tempering yield growth mainly in the second quarter, strong bookings and pricing in other core markets, as well as the addition of Seven Seas Explorer to our fleet, are contributing to strong yield performance in the back half of the year, keeping us on track to deliver expected earnings growth of approximately 30%.”

The current booked position for 2016 was described as being “on par” with last year record levels and at higher prices.

This came as the company revealed that booking trends for the first half of 2017 remain strong at higher prices.


Small ship Sirena joined the Oceania Cruises' fleet in March, with its first sailing in late April following a multi-million dollar upgrade and refurbishment.

Seven Seas Explorer, the first new build for Regent Seven Seas Cruises in more than 13 years, will join the fleet in the third quarter.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings also disclosed the disposal of an interest in an unspecified land-based operation in Hawaii.

The company moved back into the black in the three months to March 31 with net income of $73.2 million compared to a loss of $21.5 million for the same winter period last year.

Total revenue increased 14.9% to $1.1 billion compared to $938.2 million year-on-year.

Adjusted net cruise costs increased 1.5%, primarily due to an increase in marketing expense as well as two scheduled dry-docks in the quarter compared to the prior year which had one dry-dock in the period, according to the company.

President and chief executive, Frank Del Rio, said: "We are pleased to report another quarter of solid financial performance and significant earnings growth driven primarily by strong pricing with robust demand in the Caribbean driving net yield growth above our expectations.

"Our recent announcements regarding our China-dedicated ship, Norwegian Joy, have been extremely well-received in the Chinese market giving us strong momentum prior to the ship's introduction in 2017.”

Royal Caribbean sells stake in Spanish and French cruise brands

Royal Caribbean sells stake in Spanish and French cruise brands

Royal Caribbean Cruises is selling part of its interest in its Spanish and French cruise operations for an undisclosed sum.

Madrid-based private equity firm Springwater is taking a 51% stake in Pullmantur and Croisières de France, leaving the US cruise giant with a 49% holding through a new joint venture.

Royal Caribbean will retain full ownership of the ships and aircraft currently operated by the two brands, which will be leased into the joint venture.

Chairman and chief executive, Richard Fain, said: "Pullmantur and CDF have a long history of offering authentic, localised cruise vacations to their home markets.

"We look forward to the new focus that this joint venture with Springwater will bring to these companies as they seek to grow."

He added: "Given the signs of recovery we have seen in the Spanish economy, as well as increased interest in cruising from tourists in France, we think this is the right time to bring together the extensive experience of our deeply valued employees at Pullmantur and CDF with the local travel and tourism expertise of the Springwater team.

“Springwater's local management presence in Madrid, coupled with RCL's long-standing history in cruise operations, will provide the foundation for improved returns in the future."

Balmoral cruise ship: Hundreds on board sick with norovirus

Hundreds of passengers on a British cruise ship docked in the US have fallen ill with norovirus, health officials say.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said 252 of the 919 passengers on board the Balmoral cruise ship had fallen ill with the stomach virus.
Most of those on board are British, the ship's owners, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said in a statement.

The ship has suffered other outbreaks of norovirus in previous years.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines said it was "undertaking extensive sanitisation measures and cleaning of the ship" adding that at no point during the cruise had the ship been quarantined.

The Balmoral docked in on Sunday, having left Southampton on England's south coast on 16 April.
It is expected to arrive in in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, on Monday.

Q&A: Norovirus

Can you avoid winter vomiting bug?

While docked in Baltimore on 30 April and 1 May, experts from the CDC boarded to carry out tests on people who had fallen ill, the organisation said in a statement.

Since then, the number of patients with norovirus, also known as winter vomiting bug, has increased. As well as the 252 passengers, eight of the 520 crew have also contracted the illness, the CDC said.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines said cases were "particularly highlighted" on cruise ships, where people were in close confines. There were 15 passengers confined to their cabins, it said.
The company said it was "co-operating fully" with maritime authorities and would "continue to make every effort possible to ensure the safety and well-being of all its guests and crew".
An eight-day Scandinavian cruise on the same ship was cut short last May after a number of people fell ill with norovirus.

In 2010, at least 310 people on board the ship were reported to suffering diarrhoea and vomiting when it docked in Los Angeles.

And an outbreak of norovirus hit more than 100 people on the Balmoral on a cruise of Scotland in 2009.

The CDC has reported 10 outbreaks on ships docked in the US so far this year, compared to 12 for the whole of last year.

Symptoms of the illness include a sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhoea and some people may have a temperature, headache and stomach cramps.
The sickness, spread by human or surface contact, usually lasts one or two days.

Seven Seas Navigator sets sail with a new look

Larger tables in suites’ sitting areas are meant to accommodate in-room dining. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada

The Seven Seas Navigator has been sailing for about two weeks after undergoing a renovation, now boasting an all-new Compass Rose dining room, reception area upgrades and upgraded suites.

Michal Jackiewicz — part owner of Tillberg Design, which was responsible for the renovations of all Navigator’s public spaces (the suites were done internally) — said he views the renovation of Compass Rose as the biggest accomplishment of the renovation.

Compass Rose is Navigator’s flagship restaurant that seats 384. The space was stripped down to its steel bones and redesigned, Jackiewicz said. 

The Compass Rose restaurant was completely redone. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada

It’s now a bright, open space that features customizable lighting (Jackiewicz prefers a shade of warm white) and handmade crystal chandeliers. The tables are adorned with Versace chargers and plates.

Jason Montague, Regent Seven Seas Cruises' president and COO, said, “When I walked into Compass Rose, I was blown away.” 

The reception area also got a reboot with contemporary design elements. While Jackiewicz said some structural elements were kept, there is a new stone floor and new fronts and countertops for desks. He said it has a welcoming effect.

The Navigator’s former smoking lounge was transformed into the new library. With a faux fireplace, it is meant to invite in guests, Jackiewicz said. A blank section on one of the walls awaits some artwork, which Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Rio will likely pick himself, as he has on so many of the company’s other ships. 

La Veranda, the Galileo Lounge and the Navigator Lounge/Coffee Connection also were upgraded. Galileo’s patrons will enjoy a centered stage and all new furniture. The Navigator Lunge/Coffee Connection features cream-colored draperies and chairs, and white marble tables with copper accents.

The Navigator suite, along with the penthouse, concierge and deluxe suites (which comprise the largest selection of suites onboard), were all redone. Structurally, their configuration is the same, but they feature new headboards, mattresses and linens as well as new furniture, carpets and high-definition televisions. Each room has a new Illy espresso machine.  Category C suites and above feature Hermes toiletries; the rest have L’Occitane. 

The Navigator's library is now in the spot previously occupied by the smoking lounge. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada

Also, the Navigator is showcasing some new entertainment. Four singers, two singer-dancers and six dancers perform a variety of shows, including “The Great American Song Factory” and “The Broadway Cabaret.”

This summer, the Navigator will sail in the Mediterranean, followed by South Africa this fall. Next year, it will embark on Regent’s first world cruise in six years, beginning and ending in Miami (for a total of 128 days, six continents, 31 countries and 62 ports).

In January, Regent announced a $125 million refurbishment, which started with the Navigator. The Voyager will undergo renovations later this year, with Mariner to follow next spring. The program, Regent has said, will raise its entire fleet to the same style as the upcoming Explorer, which Regent has touted as the “world’s most luxurious cruise ship.” The Explorer will start sailing in July.

Americans avoiding Med cruises was a blip for Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean transiting the Grand Canal Venice.

Geopolitical events in Europe impacted North American bookings of Mediterranean cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. officials said during a conference call Friday to discuss RCCL's first-quarter results. 

CFO Jason Liberty categorized it as a "lull" in demand, which the company filled with bookings from European travelers, a market that the company said was robust. However, the sourcing shift was accompanied by a decrease in fares and a drop in onboard purchases because North Americans tend to spend more money than Europeans on Mediterranean cruises, Liberty said.

Outside of the Med, however, bookings to the Baltic region have proceeded apace, and executives noted the strength of the Caribbean, Alaska and Bermuda, positing that some of the bookings intended for the Med had been redirected to North America.

"Some of the softness we see in Europe, the Caribbean is the beneficiary of that," said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International's CEO.

RCCL CEO Richard Fain said it was "interesting to note that strong last-minute demand helped our bookings at the same time that we were simultaneously enforcing our price integrity program." He pointed to the Caribbean in particular.

Overall, robust sales during the first three months of 2016 and strong demand in the Caribbean helped fuel a bullish mood. Fain kicked off the call by saying it was "gratifying to report results that are so much higher than we have ever enjoyed in any winter quarter in our history."

"We're in the happy position that just about everything in the quarter that could have gone right, did," he said. "Ticket revenue was stellar, onboard revenue was terrific, costs were well controlled and even below-the-line items helped."