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Viking Ocean Cruises’ chairman joins latest ship at calls to five Norwegian ports

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 21 June 2016 21 June 2016

Viking Ocean Cruises said its founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen, has commemorated the arrival of the company’s new ship, Viking Sea, in five Norwegian ports of call.

“A Norwegian native, Hagen celebrated his family’s heritage during the traditional maritime plaque ceremonies attended by local officials, harbor masters, directors of tourism, and mayors. During his time in Norway, Hagen participated in optional shore excursions available to Viking guests, including visiting the northernmost brewery in Tromsø and eating freshly caught King Crab near Honningsvåg; he also went fishing for lunch in Bodø. This is the first time Viking has sailed into these ports in Northern Norway, along with Brønnøysund and Ålesund, all of which are part of the company’s new Into the Midnight Sun itinerary that cruises between London and Bergen,” the company said in a statement.

During his visit, Hagen and Viking Sea’s captain, Gulleik Svalastog, presented commemorative plaques, guided tours of Viking Sea, and discussed how Viking can help support the tourism industry through its sailings in Norway and its destination-focused approach to cruise itineraries. The participating mayors, who also spoke about their respective tourism initiatives, included: Mayor of Tromsø, Mr. Jarle Aarbakke; Mayor of Nordkapp, Ms. Kristina Sigurdsdottir Hansen; Mayor of Brønnøysund, Mr. Johnny Hanssen; and in Bodø, Mayor Ms. Ida Maria Pinnerod and Port Director, Ingvar Mathisen.

Addressing repeat Viking travelers at a Viking Explorer Society cocktail party Hagen stated, “Sir Richard Branson says space is Virgin territory. I say Scandinavia is Viking territory. No other cruise line can show you this part of the world like Viking can. I have known for years that there is nothing better than Norway in the summer, and I am happy to now be able to share the beauty of my native Norway with you, our Viking guests.”

Christened in May, Viking’s second ship, Viking Sea, was recently awarded the highest-available editor rating of five stars by Cruise Critic, marking the second consecutive five-star rating for the company’s expanding ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as “small ships,” Viking’s ocean fleet of 930-passenger sister ships are well-suited for Scandinavian and Baltic itineraries – their size allows for privileged access to smaller ports, getting guests closer to their destinations.

Port of Hakata handles Costa Victoria turnaround

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 17 June 2016 17 June 2016

The Port of Hakata said it had handled a turnaround call of Costa Victoria of Costa Crociere.

“At a ceremony held for the ship departure, Captain Alfredo Romeo gave a speech, and bouquets were presented to Lorenzo Barabba, Hotel Director and Yusuke Itokawa, Country Manager of Costa Cruises Japan. In closing the ceremony, local drummers of Nowa Daiko gave an amazing and energetic performance and saw off the ship. Nowa Daiko is a group of drummers mainly performing in Fukuoka City,” the prt said in a statement

“Costa Victoria returned to Hakata Port in the rain on 16 May The passengers looked fine with full smiles on their faces and told that they had enjoyed the cruise,” it added

About 1,600 passengers boarding the ship, which is based year round in the Far East, at the Japanese port.

Disney Magic makes inaugural call at Le Havre

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 15 June 2016 15 June 2016

During a 12-night Britain and Ireland cruise from Dover, England this week, the Disney Magic is celebrating maiden call visits in select ports of call throughout the voyage. After Newcastle, England; Invergordon and Greebicj, Scotland and before St. Peter Port, Guernsey, the Disney Magic made a at Le Havre today.

In Le Havre, like in each of these maiden stops, Captain Andy McRonald and shipboard officials invited community leaders and local officials onboard the 2,700 passenger vessel for a traditional maritime plaque exchange ceremony to welcome the new ship and guests to port.

“These inaugural calls are not only a milestone in our Disney Cruise Line history, they give our guests the opportunity to create even more magical memories when sailing with us. In one voyage alone, they’ll experience a mix of new cultures, explore city streets and be immersed in the grandeur of sweeping country sides,” said Captain Andy McRonald.

Throughout the summer season, the Disney Magic embarks on 13 European voyages with return trips to Newcastle, England during a 12-night cruise in June and Invergordon, Scotland on a 12-night cruise in July.

Princess Cruises adds Trinidad & Tobago to 2017-2018 cruise calendar

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 13 June 2016 13 June 2016

Trinidad & Tobago’s popularity as a port of call continues to grow as Princess Cruises announces its 2017-2018 Americas cruise calendar that includes sailings to the dual-island nation.

Princess Cruises will offer several Caribbean vacation packages in 2017-2018 and will launch a new 14-night Circle Caribbean itinerary out of Fort Lauderdale that includes stops in Trinidad and other Caribbean islands in addition to a stop at the cruise line’s private beach resort, Princess Cays. Princess Cruises will also be returning its 7-night Caribbean routes with visits to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean regions on Regal Princess, while Crown Princess will alternate 8-night Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries and 5-night getaways to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Pacific Princess will also launch a 14-night “Caribbean Connoisseur” voyage with stopovers in Tobago, St Croix, Nevis, Guadeloupe and Virgin Gorda.

“As the amount of visiting ships grow in number, so too are the variety of on-shore activities and tours available for cruise passengers on both islands.” explains Keith Chin, Chief Executive Officer at the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad & Tobago. “Cruise ship passengers disembarking on our unique islands can enjoy live local entertainment, a variety of island and community tour options and free Wi-Fi, all in a safe and secure environment.”

Some of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships added Trinidad and Tobago to their itineraries for the 2015-2016 cruise season, including the MSC Orchestra with a capacity of over 2,000 passengers and the World Odyssey which functions as both a travelling university and residential home to over 700 undergraduate students. The Saga Sapphire and Ocean Princess also made a return to Trinidad & Tobago’s waters during the 2015-2016 season.

dnata acquires stake in Destination Asia

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 13 June 2016 13 June 2016

dnata announced yesterday it has reached an agreement to purchase a stake in the Destination Asia Group – a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) in Asia. This acquisition marks dnata’s first foray into Asia’s inbound travel market.

Destination Asia is an integrated destination management company (DMC) located in 11 major countries in Asia including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Japan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. The company was formed in October 1996 in Thailand and Vietnam and has progressively expanded to cover all of the major markets in Asia.

Destination Asia will become part of dnata’s family of travel businesses, which includes Stella Travel Services, Gold Medal Travel Group, Travel Republic, and additional investments in Hogg Robinson Group. The stake in Destination Asia follows other recent high-profile transactions by dnata in travel, including a majority stake in Imagine Cruising in 2015.

"Our stake in Destination Asia opens the door to business opportunities in new markets, and will strengthen dnata’s position as a global player in travel,” said Iain Andrew, Divisional Senior Vice President of dnata’s travel business. “Already a valued partner to dnata, the Destination Asia Group has an impressive track record, in-depth regional expertise and a strong network. In Destination Asia, we have found a great partner who shares our passion for excellence, and we are confident that we will reap success from this relationship.”

“We are very honoured to be joining the dnata family,” said James Reed , the CEO of the Destination Asia Group . ”Our 11 country network with 33 operating offices perfectly complements dnata’s expansion plans. Our 700 plus award-winning staff are highly regarded in the industry and deliver the same high standards of service as dnata, every day of the year . Our diverse, multi-market segment expertise, and our international market distribution systems will enable Destination Asia to continue to deliver creative and cutting edge travel experiences in Asia . With dnata as our partner, we are confident that the Destination Asia Group will achieve even greater success in the future.”