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Swan Hellenic names third new build as SH Diana

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 April 2022 06 April 2022

Today, Wednesday the 6th of April 2022, Swan Hellenic announced that construction of its third and largest next-generation ship was proceeding smoothly at Helsinki Shipyard, with more than half the structure already assembled and all but two blocks now delivered. Crowning the announcement was news revealing her name – SH Diana – in the classic Swan Hellenic tradition.

The new ship is a next-generation polar expedition vessel, designed for worldwide cruising with a strong focus on high-latitude areas. SH Diana will feature a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric hybrid-ready propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and PC 6 ice-strengthened hull that is fully Safe Return to Port certified. Although the largest ship in the Swan Hellenic fleet, the 125 m long, 12,100 gross ton expedition vessel has been specially designed for worldwide cruising to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on earth.

Providing panoramic 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana will be operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide exceptional personal service. Cutting edge hygiene technology will protect the health of all on board to the highest standards and includes air conditioning with UV sanitisation systems.

Designed for immersive experiences and extensive open views, the on-board amenities include a swimming pool, spa, panoramic sauna, gym, library, expedition laboratory and observation lounge for lectures by seasoned expedition leaders and leading experts from a wide range of disciplines. World-class gourmet cuisine, local specialities and healthy dining will be offered in the panoramic restaurant, club lounge and pool bar, as well as through full room service.

In addition, SH Diana builds on the outstanding facilities of her sister ships, offering a dedicated Multifunctional Room next to the Observation Lounge, a Private Dining Room for special occasions, more suites and 2 tenders, which bring guests a comfortable alternative to Zodiacs for expedition landings. Expedition day trips are a central feature of the programmes that will be offered, along with kayaking, trekking and other activities.

Aptly named after the Ancient Roman goddess of light, the moon, hunting and the wilderness, SH Diana will take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches in early 2023, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity.

Seatrade Cruise Global announces new programming and interactive offerings for 2022

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 April 2022 05 April 2022

Seatrade Cruise Global, the industry’s leading annual business-to-business event, returns to Miami Beach Convention Center, 25-28 April 2022. The four-day gathering will focus on the resiliency of the cruise sector with visionaries, experts and thousands of like-minded professionals collaborating on advancements towards recovery and building a blueprint for a reimagined future.

“Celebrating resiliency, this year’s show will be very special and a long overdue homecoming for our global cruise community,” says Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise. “We’re elated to welcome back our broader international community to reconvene – our dynamic line-up of programming will ignite powerful dialogue, fostering a renewed spirit of excitement for our industry’s path ahead.”

All-new conference programming

The Seatrade Cruise Global program will feature expert speakers delving into topics and trends shaping the cruise market. Headlined by the highly anticipated annual State of the Global Cruise Industry keynote address, sponsored by Fincantieri, the conference offers thought-provoking forums and workshops exploring the latest developments across health and safety, hotel operations, technology and beyond. Sector-focused content allows visitors to plan their trip based on their professional roles or interests.

New sessions added to the conference program include:

– Bucket-list Voyages: Spotlights how cruise lines are building memorable itineraries and delivering remarkable experiences, both onboard and in destinations around the world.
– A Look at Cruising PR and Communications: Addresses lessons learned in a new era for cruising media communications.
– Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Panel: Explores diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to hiring strategies and business initiatives.

Expedition day

With expedition cruising rising on the list of the most sought-after leisure travel pursuits, a half-day has been dedicated to unlocking the growing sector. Sessions include An Insider’s Guide to Expedition Cruising; Expedition CEO Panel; Staffing and Crewing Challenges and Opportunities; Hybrid Luxury – Expedition Cruising.

Introducing the Interactive Tech Zone

Debuting this year is the Interactive Tech Zone providing attendees the chance to learn about the latest advances in science through an information technology playground. In partnership with theICEway, delegates are encouraged to engage with VR headsets, emotion recognition technology, dynamic digital displays and AR crew training. Joining the space is software engineering company Sourcetoad, holding a rapid prototype exercise seeking ideas to build an application or software solution to present to the industry.

Revamped, AI-enabled Matchmaking

Further debuting in 2022 is an advanced matchmaking service for optimized networking opportunities. Seatrade Cruise Global’s new AI driven matchmaking software simplifies the process allowing attendees to easily confirm meetings in advance, streamline scheduling and sort contacts by sector, title and business type, providing automatic suggestions to strategically pair attendees with viable leads. The service is complete with a dedicated matchmaking lounge and an on-site concierge team to facilitate the networking experience.

Fresh exhibitors

Uniting 500+ exhibitors from across the globe, Seatrade welcomes over 52 newcomers in 2022, including Philips Professional Displays, La Bottega, Battle Company and Acuity International. The full exhibitor list can be found here.

2022 registration is now open

With international travel back on the cards, the global cruise community is enthusiastic to meet once again. Join representatives from over 100 countries at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 25-28 April by registering today.

Le Ponant to operate in the Seychelles in winter 2022/23

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 April 2022 05 April 2022

Le Ponant, the three masted sailing yacht of the French expedition cruise operator Ponant, will be deployed to the Seychelles for a series of cruises for the 2022/23 winter season.

“Le Ponant will be sailing with the trade winds to the most beautiful places in the Seychelles archipelago, a tropical paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean. A total of 11 departure dates are planned for this itinerary, including two new ports of call as unique as they are secret, namely the African Banks north of the Amirante Islands and Thérèse Island. Fringed by white sandy beaches, these islands are uninhabited, creating an exhilarating Robinson Crusoe sense of being the first to discover them,” the company said in a statement.

As a prelude to the cruise in the Seychelles, guests have the option to book a pre-cruise night beneath the stars in an eco-lodge nestled into the dunes on the Arabian Peninsula desert, the company said.

Icon of the Seas keel laid at Meyer Turku

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 April 2022 05 April 2022

The keel of Icon of the Seas that will be the first unit in the Icon class of ships for Royal Caribbean International was laid at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland on 4 April.

The LNG powered ship will have an estimated gross tonnage of 200,000 and it is due for delivery in the autumn of next year.

Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean International said in a statement that the company would disclose details about the new ship later this year and added that these would change the perception people have about the cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean International is part of the Royal Caribbean Group.

Photo: Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer at the start of the ceremony

Silver Dawn named in Lisbon

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 April 2022 01 April 2022

Silversea Cruises, the luxury segment unit in the Royal Caribbean Group, said it has named its 10^th ship, Silver Dawn, in Lisbon on March 31.

“Executives from Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises, and Fincantieri, as well as local dignitaries and esteemed guests, celebrated the milestone with a formal ceremony and gala dinner,” the company said in a statement.

An expression of Silversea's rapid expansion, Silver Dawn becomes the cruise line's third new ship to debut in nine months. The launch of the 40,700 gross ton Silver Dawn also marks the debut of Otium, travel's most indulgent new wellness programme, as well as the next iteration of Silversea's S.A.L.T. culinary programme, the company said.

Official debut of Silver Dawn

After Royal Caribbean Group’s customary bagpipe performance, which opened the formal naming ceremony, performers took to the stage, entertaining attendees with a performance that weaved a narrative from the 2021 launch of Silver Moon to the modern day and the launch of Silver Dawn. Singers recited the national anthems of the U.S.A., Italy, and Portugal, before a religious leader blessed the ship and dignitaries delivered speeches. The newly named Godmother of Silver Dawn, Nilou Motamed—an influential food and travel editor, tastemaker, and television personality—subsequently cut the ribbon to trigger a champagne bottle to smash on the ship’s hull, signalling the end of the ceremony.

“Celebrating the naming of Silver Dawn in Lisbon marked an incredibly proud moment for all involved,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “I thank and congratulate Roberto Martinoli and our entire team, including Captain Failla and the crew, as well as everyone at Fincantieri, our ship building partners. Silver Dawn is a jewel in the Silversea fleet and speaks to Royal Caribbean Group’s commitment to delivering the best vacation experiences in a responsible way.”

“An evolution of our unique take on luxury, Silver Dawn is the third Silversea ship to be named in the last nine months,” said Roberto Martinoli, President & CEO, Silversea Cruises. “As well as S.A.L.T., our immersive culinary programme, Silver Dawn enriches guests’ travels with Otium, our indulgent new wellness programme, which is inspired by the ancient Roman lifestyle. She really is magnificent. I extend my gratitude to Jason Liberty and all involved at Royal Caribbean Group, as well as to the team at Silversea, Fincantieri, and Captain Failla and his crew – our most valuable asset. Moreover, I proudly welcome Nilou Motamed as the Godmother of Silver Dawn.”