Azamara to operate series of southern Africa cruises early 2022

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 11 October 2021 11 October 2021

Azamara, the destination focused boutique cruise line, said it would operate a series of cruises in the waters of southern Africa in the beginning of next year.

Azamara Pursuit will offer a series of mainly 12 night cruises from the beginning of January to the end of March.

In addition, there will be 21 night positioning voyages to and from Lisbon before and after the southern Africa programme.

Majestic Princess makes maiden call at the Port of Los Angeles

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 07 October 2021 07 October 2021

Princess Cruises celebrated the arrival and return to service of Majestic Princess at the Port of Los Angeles on October 6. Princess Cruises and the Port of Los Angeles highlighted the positive multi-dimensional impact cruising has on Los Angeles and surrounding communities. Every cruise ship visit infuses more than $1 million into the local economy.

“We’re pleased to welcome guests aboard Majestic Princess today and celebrate the ship’s maiden voyage from the West Coast,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We have we been sailing out of Los Angeles since our cruise line first began in 1965, and our guests and crew are helping the City of Angels generate substantial revenue for local businesses with our West Coast cruises homeporting from here year over year.”

Princess Cruises, Los Angeles’ hometown cruise line and leader on the West Coast, sails more frequently than any other cruise line in this region, contributing $594 million to the Los Angeles economy in 2019. Over the past decade, Princess had more than 700 ship visits in Los Angeles – the most of any line. The cruise line is also known for its co-starring role on the hit TV series “The Love Boat” and frequently sailed with the beloved cast members and famous guests stars from the Port of Los Angeles to the Mexican Riviera.

“Our popularity as a leading west coast cruise port is directly connected to the longstanding partnership we have had with Princess Cruises,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “The convenient and premium vacation experience that travelers enjoy on Majestic Princess and other Princess vessels have helped the Port of Los Angeles evolve into a year-around cruise port, and we are excited to be forecasting a record 200 sailings in 2022.”

Majestic Princess just completed a partial summer season in Alaska and is scheduled to depart from the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro on 14 roundtrip departures through the end of the year. Cruise itineraries include the Mexican Riviera, California Coast and West Coast Getaways, ranging in length from three to 10 days.

Majestic Princess offers a MedallionClass vacation, delivering the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with OceanMedallion, a quarter-sized, wearable device that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship.

Princess Cruises sailings onboard Majestic Princess from the Port of Los Angeles are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. All fully vaccinated guests must also produce a negative, medically observed Covid-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within two days of their embarkation on all Princess sailings.

[Editor's note: we are currently onboard the Majestic Princess sailing to San Diego and Ensenada]

Explora II production starts at Fincantieri

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 07 October 2021 07 October 2021

 

The first steel of Explora II, the second of four new-concept luxury cruise ships that Fincantieri is building for Explora Journeys, the new luxury brand of the cruise division of MSC Group, has been cut at the Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia shipyard near Naples.

The order for this class of four 64,000 gross ton ships that was announced in 2018 is worth a total of over €2 billion.

Explora I is under construction in Monfalcone, while Explora II will be completed at the Sestri Ponente (Genoa) yard, with deliveries respectively in 2023 and 2024.

The vessels will feature latest maritime and environmental technologies and solutions available. Each equipped with 461 guest suites, they will also showcase a highly-innovative design, also under the guests’ comfort and relaxation profile, MSC Group said in a statement.

TUI to raise €1.1 billion through underwritten equity issue

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 06 October 2021 06 October 2021

TUI AG, the German tour operator that has a significant foothold in the cruise industry particularly in Germany and the UK, said that it would strengthen its balance sheet through a fully underwritten €1.1 billion equity  issue.

Subscriptions right would be offered to investors who can buy 21 new shares in the company for each 10 ones they currently hold at a subscription price of €2.15 per share.

"TUI’s largest shareholder, Unifirm Limited, with a 32.0% holding in the company, has undertaken to exercise all Subscription Rights attributable to its shareholding at the Subscription Price and to subscribe directly for New Shares represented by such Subscription Rights,” TUI said in a statement.

The remainder of the capital increase is secured through an underwriting by a banking syndicate, subject to terms and conditions in line with market practice for similar transactions.

“The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to reduce interest costs and net debt by reducing current drawings (i) first under the KfW Facility, under which as at 4 October 2021 the Company had drawn €375.0 million, and (ii) second under the Cash Facility, under which as at 4 October 2021 the Company had drawn €1,486.5 million,” the company said.