MSC Cruises signs 5-year deal with Cruise Saudi

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 31 July 2021 31 July 2021

The Cruise Division of MSC Group has signed a five-year agreement with Cruise Saudi for preferential berthing rights at the port of Jeddah, a further sign of its long-term commitment to support the development of the local tourism sector by operating cruises in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

The announcement was made in Jeddah as one of the Company’s most modern ships MSC Bellissima celebrated the opening of the city’s new passenger terminal with a commemorative event on board.

The new cruise terminal will welcome guests onboard for MSC Bellissima’s inaugural season in the Red Sea with 3- and 4-night cruises from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to both Egypt and Jordan until the end of October.

The special event on July 29 on board MSC Bellissima was hosted by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises and Fawaz Farooqui, Managing Director of Cruise Saudi, for local dignitaries, senior officials from the Saudi Tourism Authority, Cruise Saudi, the Saudi Ports Authority – Mawani as well as members of the Saudi Arabian media and travel community.

The Master of the ship Captain Roberto Leotta, who will helm MSC Bellissima in the months ahead, exchanged crests with Fawaz Farooqui in a traditional maritime ceremony to celebrate a vessel’s maiden port call.

Those on board today’s special event were given guided ship tours, treated to a special show by MSC Cruises’ entertainment team and also enjoyed fine dining in a range of the ship’s specialty restaurants.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises said, “This is a very special, historic day for all of us. The largest and most modern cruise ship to operate in the Red Sea has set sail from Jeddah’s new terminal to mark a new beginning for cruising in Saudi Arabia and, more broadly, for its growing tourism industry.

“We can now allow our global guest base to come and experience our unique itineraries in this beautiful country with its historic UNESCO World Heritage sites and pristine shores. And with the new agreement in place, together with Cruise Saudi we will work in unison to develop this very special aspect of Saudi Arabia’s determined and sustainable growth in tourism which mirrors exactly our own strategy and ambition. And we will work together in attracting guests from all corners of the world as well as local markets for a Red Sea and Arabian Gulf holiday like no other on board our modern and environmentally high performing vessels.”

Mark Robinson, Chief Operations & Commercial Officer, Cruise Saudi, added, “This event marks a great milestone for Cruise Saudi, and indeed for the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030. The creation of Cruise Saudi, tasked with launching the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia, happened just six months ago at FII in Riyadh. Yet in these few months we have been able to work with international partners such as the Cruise Division of MSC Group and national bodies such as the Saudi Ports Authority, MAWANI, the Red Sea Gateway Terminal, the Saudi Tourism Authority, the Ministries of Transport, Culture, Health and Tourism, Saudi Customs and Immigration, the Saudi Border Guard, Jeddah Chambers of Commerce and many more such organisations to build Saudi Arabia’s first cruise terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, and to mobilise the infrastructure, manpower and systems required to host global cruise lines for Saudi Arabia’s first full summer and winter cruise seasons. The remit of Cruise Saudi; to create 50,000 jobs by 2025, to facilitate the building of an additional five ports, with Jeddah as a homeport, and to welcome 1.5 million annual passenger visits by 2028; is an ambitious one, which will play a major part in strengthening the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia. It is a vision that we would not be able to accomplish were it not for our trusted business partners such as MSC.”

MSC Foundation, the private non-profit organisation for MSC Group and the Ba’a Foundation, the non-profit organization in Saudi Arabia, announced same day that they will join forces to advance coral conservation thus helping to safeguard marine ecosystems. Sharing a common goal to protect and preserve the oceans, the two Foundations are coming together to advance the practice and science of coral reef restoration, and importantly to disseminate the knowledge they acquire to a global audience. The partnership will aim to further the scientific understanding of the best practices for the functional restoration of coral reefs and to increase the area of reef habitat actively restored. The collaboration will initially focus on specific locations of the Caribbean and Red Sea where restoration efforts are most needed.

MSC Bellissima will sail 21 Red Sea voyages from Jeddah between the end of July and late October with 3- and 4-night cruises to Safaga for Luxor, Egypt or Aqaba for Petra, Jordan before returning to her Saudi homeport.

The summer sailings will add to MSC Cruises’ previously announced winter 2021/22 Red Sea voyages from Jeddah starting in November.

Its sister ship MSC Virtuosa launched this year will also make her debut in Saudi Arabia during winter 2021/2022 with calls in the port of Dammam.

Holland America Line takes delivery of Rotterdam from Fincantieri

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 30 July 2021 30 July 2021

Holland America Line took delivery of Rotterdam today, July 30, 2021, officially making it the 11th ship in the fleet. A handover ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy the evening of July 29.

The ceremony was attended by the ship’s master, Captain Werner Timmers, and Cyril Tatar, Holland America Group’s vice president of newbuilding services. Giuseppe Bono, CEO, Fincantieri, and several other executives also attended. Video congratulations were extended by Jan Swartz, president of Holland America Group, and Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line.

“Rotterdam looks stunning and will certainly live up to bearing such an iconic name as the new flagship of our fleet, carrying on a tradition of excellence that our guests have loved for nearly 150 years,” said Antorcha. “Thank you to our partners at Fincantieri and our own team members who worked tirelessly to deliver the ship on schedule during what has been the most challenging of times, and also deliver a ship that looks beautiful, is immaculately finished and will be an incredible addition to our brand. We cannot wait to welcome guests on board later this fall.”

Upon delivery, Rotterdam will remain in non-guest operations until its transatlantic crossing Oct. 20, 2021, from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where it will then begin its maiden season in the Caribbean. Naming details have not been finalized and will be announced at a later date.

Meyer Werft to build a residential ship

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 30 July 2021 30 July 2021

Meyer Werft could win another newbuilding order: A residential yacht named M/Y Njord with 117 apartments and a gross tonnage of 84,800 is to be completed for Ocean Residences Development Ltd. (ORD) by the end of 2025. The ship with a length of 289.30 meters, a width of 33.50 meters can accommodate approximately 1000 people (crew and passengers). The order is still subject to financing.

Njord will be a ship designed to meet the most stringent environmental requirements both on delivery and further down the line. The vessel will be powered by state-of-the-art LNG engines and has most modern heat recovery systems and advanced energy management systems on board. The ship has a special mega-yacht design and features low-emission LNG propulsion, which together with a hybrid battery system provides a speed of 21 knots. To future-proof the vessel, the engines and fuel tanks will be prepared for easy conversion to future fuels with lower or neutral carbon footprints. Unlike the classic cruise ships, prospective buyers here will buy the suites or apartments on board. This underlines the character of a private yacht.

The ship as a purpose and goal to become home to a community of individuals and families who share a passion for travel, adventure and discovery - across oceans, underwater, in the air and on land. As a vessel with a philanthropic purpose, she is equipped to conduct scientific and oceanographic research wherever she travels, supporting charities, missions and urgent causes. In collaboration with oceanographic research organisations and scientific groups, Njord will fund research projects that help cross scientific boundaries and advance global ocean science that contributes to a better understanding of the complex systems that make up our planet.

Kristian Stensby, Chairman and CEO of ORD, says: "We are fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with Meyer Werft, a company that has kept its shipbuilding company on course for 226 years – that's seven generations – and who is a world leader in building innovative and complex passenger vessels with a stellar reputation for exceptional quality, precision and on-time deliveries.

The Njord has been very well received so far and is experiencing high demand for reservations.

"This is another very important step for securing the location in Papenburg. With the new order, we are expanding our portfolio of ship types and can thus also improve the previously difficult prospects, especially for the years 2024/2025. This order is urgently needed to ensure that the decline in capacity utilisation will not be even greater than 40% in these years. Many different measures and new orders are absolutely necessary for the company's programme for the future," says Thomas Weigend, Managing Director of Meyer Werft.

Genting Dream first cruise ship to restart service in Hong Kong

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 30 July 2021 30 July 2021

Dream Cruises officially re-started its cruise service in Hong Kong on 30 July with Genting Dream’s maiden voyage of her first “Super Seacation” high seas itinerary. Genting Dream’s new high seas cruises will provide Hong Kong residents with a new “staycation’ option that will truly evoke the sense of a “vacation away” to enhance their holiday experience. Over 1,000 enthusiastic guests took part in the historic inaugural voyage on Genting Dream.

Before Genting Dream’s departure from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, an official inaugural ceremony was attended by Hon Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Hon Mr. Yiu Si-wing, SBS, Legislative Councillor of Tourism Constituency of HKSAR, Legislative Council of the HKSAR, Ms Vivian Sum, JP, Commissioner for Tourism and Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, GBS, JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board and Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines to celebrate this momentous occasion.

“I am pleased to see a well-manned and fully replenished cruise ship awaiting to embark on a voyage and meeting the public aspiration for some form of leisure travel,” said Hon Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. “We are also thankful to have the cruise trade’s commitment to complying with a set of stringent infection control measures specifically designed for cruise travel. I want to emphasize and express my appreciation that in addition to requirements imposed by the health authorities, cruise lines have implemented some additional arrangements out of their own accord to safeguard the well-being of their passengers as well as the hard-earned reopening of cruise travel.”

“We are extremely proud that Genting Dream will be the first cruise ship to restart operations in Hong Kong and we are grateful for the support we have received from the Hong Kong government, authorities and trade partners for their trust in Dream Cruises,” said Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines. “We have also been very encouraged by the response to our Super Seacation Cruises with sold out and very strong bookings throughout the month of August. With the increase in the rate of vaccinations in the city, we are confident that our Super Seacation cruises will become one of the most popular vacation options for the residents of Hong Kong in the near future.”

In preparation for welcoming its first passengers on board, since her arrival into Hong Kong in early June, the crew of Genting Dream has been implementing new health, hygiene and operating protocols to ensure the ship complies with all Hong Kong shore regulations to provide the safest environment for everyone on board. Exceeding local guidelines for land venues, all crew members have been fully vaccinated 14 days prior to the inaugural cruise and guests will also need to be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to their departure date (unless exempt due to medical or age related reasons) and must pass a COVID-19 PCR test 48 prior to sailing.

Additionally, Genting Dream’s design enables 100% external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to the cabins and on board public areas – ensuring a constant and healthy flow of fresh air throughout the vessel with no recirculation of air between cabins. Innovative no-touch hand washing stations at restaurants will dispense water, soap and paper towels automatically to promote good hygiene and temperature monitors throughout the ship will help to detect cases of fever among guests.

For added peace of mind, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test machine will provide medical laboratory level testing for COVID-19 on board while available negative pressure isolation wards located inside the medical centre and reserve quarantine cabins can be instantly activated in an emergency situation.

The enhanced health and hygiene guidelines, facilities and equipment will provide guests with the confidence to explore all that Genting Dream has to offer during their “Super Seacation”.

Genting Dream’s two and three-night high seas “Super Seacation” itineraries will combine a multitude of leisure and recreation facilities on board the ship with engaging experiences that will keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their journey.

Below: The inaugural ceremony of Genting Dream’s Super Seacation was attended by (L to R) Captain Jukka Silvennoinen of Genting Dream, Ms Vivian Sum, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines, Hon Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Hon Mr. Yiu Si-wing, SBS, Legislative Councillor of Tourism Constituency of HKSAR, Legislative Council of the HKSAR, and Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, GBS, JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board