NCLH publishes additional US cruise resumption plans

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 08 June 2021 08 June 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, has announced additional voyages as part of its U.S. voyage resumption plan.

Norwegian Cruise Line plans to set sail beginning summer 2021 with voyages from New York, Los Angeles, Port Canaveral and Miami and the line announced that its newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore will debut in Alaska this summer in place of Norwegian Bliss.

Voyages expected to operate in the US are contingent on obtaining a Conditional Sailing Certificate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All initial voyages will operate with fully vaccinated guests and crew in addition to the Company’s robust, multi-layered SailSAFETM health and safety program.

“I am pleased to continue our Great Cruise Comeback with plans already announced for 23 of our 28 ships across our three brands beginning in July 2021 and phasing in through early 2022,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of NCLH

The group’s Norwegian Cruise Line contemporary market unit has announced further details on its phased voyage resumption plan for additional ships beginning summer 2021. Newly announced expected deployment plans include the following:

Norwegian Gem will cruise seven-day itineraries to the Caribbean beginning August 15, 2021 and a four-day voyage to the Bahamas in November from Miami;

Additional itineraries on Norwegian Breakaway are open for sale to Bermuda starting September 26, 2021 from New York;

Norwegian Bliss will sail on October 24, 2021 to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles;

Norwegian Escape will sail on November 13, 2021 to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral;

In addition, Norwegian Encore, the newest ship in the line’s fleet, will make her debut on the West Coast, taking the place of the previously announced Norwegian Bliss for the 2021 summer Alaska cruise season.

The Alaska itinerary will include visits to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, while also offering guests majestic views of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier or Glacier Bay. Guests and travel partners with impacted reservations will be contacted directly.

NCLH said it continues to expect a phased-in approach to reintroducing additional vessels while taking into account the public health environment, global travel restrictions, regulatory restrictions and port availability, among other considerations.

“All voyages will operate with the Company’s comprehensive SailSAFETM health and safety protocols which were developed with leading public health and scientific experts including the Healthy Sail Panel and the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council. The Company’s SailSAFE protocols will be continuously evaluated and modified with the latest science and technology,” NCLH said.

UK demand for three week plus cruises exceeds 2019 levels

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 08 June 2021 08 June 2021

 

The demand for cruises of three weeks or more has increased by 10% this year compared to 2019, the UK based cruise specialist cruise.co.uk said in a statement.

Voyages of three weeks and over travel to destinations across the world and often include hotel stays and tours either side of sailing, to allow guests to make the most of their time away.

“Sailings from Sydney to Pacific Islands such as Bora Bora, Tahiti and Hawaii have seen the biggest percentage spike in popularity. Other, more extensive, itineraries proving popular with UK guests include a 30-night tour of the far east including Singapore and Tokyo; 27 nights in Australia and New Zealand; and a 37-night ‘Pacific Paradise’ sailing to Fiji, Vanuatu and Hong Kong. All are in late 2022 and 2023,” the company said.

Longer cruises can include a greater variety of port calls as there is more time to reach different destinations, plus larger ships with a greater range of facilities.

Cruise lines will often offer additional incentives to long-term cruisers such as free drinks, complimentary wi-fi, a door-to-door luggage service, valet laundry and inclusive tips.

Tony Andrews, deputy managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “Guests are increasingly booking for longer periods of time away to really make the most of their holiday after so much time indoors. It’s clear there is a real appetite for extended cruises, in part because our opportunities to travel have been so limited for nearly 18 months now.

“Extended cruises are a fantastic holiday option; not only will you enjoy a wonderful time onboard and at the various stops your ship calls at, but there’s also the opportunity to explore your destination on land both before and after sailing,” he said.

Photo: Rarotonga

MV Werften receives loan commitment from the Economic Stabilisation Fund

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 June 2021 06 June 2021

During the past few months, MV Werften, together with representatives of the federal and regional government as well as its partner, have been engaging in discussions concerning the possibilities for obtaining interim aid from the Economic Stabilisation Fund (ESF) of the federal government and negotiating the general conditions. This Thursday a positive decision was taken by the ESF. Carsten J. Haake (Managing Director MV WERFTEN, CFO): “We are pleased with the outcome and would like to express our sincere gratitude to the ministries of the federal and regional governments, the KfW investment and development bank and the other banks for their commitment, and also for the hard, but fair negotiations during the course of the past few months. This gratitude is likewise extended to our partner, who trusts and supports us.”

Proceeding from the ultimate decision by Hermes concerning federal guarantees for the post-delivery financing of the Endeavor as well as the granting of ESF funds, the restructuring measures will then be implemented on the basis of the negotiated transfer collective agreement.

Peter Fetten states in this respect: “So far, we have succeeded in dealing with the Corona crisis to the best of our ability, my heart-felt thanks go to our colleagues – each and every one of them. With our partner by our side, we will now, as a shipyard group, successfully manage our orders – initially with a smaller team – and further develop new, innovative ships at the same time.” Carsten J. Haake adds: “The Management and our partner are simultaneously endeavouring to obtain funding for further shipbuilding products in order to secure subsequent employment.”

In the wake of a challenging 14-month period of the pandemic and the Corona-related standstill in cruise shipping and in shipbuilding, there are indications that things are returning to normal and that it will thus be possible to return to the customary level of efficiency in production. The progress currently being made in terms of vaccinations in Europe and in Germany is enabling supply chains to revert to the just-in-time mode, in addition, the travel industry is showing good signs of recovery. The number of bookings received by cruise ship companies is on the rise and these reservations already demonstrate a demand for safe cruises. Peter Fetten remarks in this regard: “We are looking ahead to the future with a mix of optimism and confidence. We shall continue to build innovative and, above all, safe ships.”

Azamara Onward to cruise in Europe summer 2022

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 04 June 2021 04 June 2021

Azamara, the boutique cruise line describing itself as dedicated to Destination Immersion experiences, said it will offer 22 European itineraries and three new land explorations for the brand’s fourth ship, Azamara Onward. 

“Scheduled to set sail in spring 2022 for its inaugural season, Azamara will offer guests the opportunity to join Azamara Onward’s maiden and christening voyage, starting in Monte Carlo and concluding in Venice,” the company said in a statement.

Azamara Onward, which is a sister ship of the three existing vessels of the company,  will push forward the future of Destination Immersion experiences with half of its voyages being Country-Intensive℠ itineraries, allowing more time to explore a single country’s hidden gems, and 85 late nights and 21 overnight stays in multiple cities across Europe, the company said.

 “We are thrilled to introduce our fourth ship to our guests and travel partners next year and welcome them to join us for the christening of Azamara Onward on her maiden voyage,” says Azamara President, Carol Cabezas. “As the leader in Destination Immersion, we look forward to connecting our guests with people and cultures of the world and bringing guests to smaller, unique ports which are only accessible to smaller ships.”

The ship’s inaugural deployment will unveil a series of voyages ranging from seven to 15 nights, covering the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the company said.

Photo: Azamara Onward is a sister ship of the three present vessels of the company. Previously called Pacific Princess and operated by Princess Cruises, the ship will undergo a major refit before enteringbservicewith Azamara