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Star Cruises re-starts cruise operations in Malaysia

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 March 2021 19 March 2021

Genting Cruise Lines and Penang Port Sdn. Bhd (PPSB) have announced their plans to restart cruises in Penang with Star Cruises, offering Langkawi itineraries beginning May 13, 2021 at the start of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holidays on Star Cruises’ 40,053 gross ton Star Pisces cruise ship, which can accommodate up to 1,600 passengers.

The proposed Langkawi cruises will comprise of 2-Night Langkawi Escape and a series of 1-night Straits of Malacca Cruises. Star Pisces will become the first ship to resume sailings in Malaysia and one of the few in the world, contributing to the growth of tourism in Penang and Pulau Langkawi.

“Like all Malaysians, we have been eagerly looking forward to another vacation alternative during this period when overseas travel is not permitted,” said Cynthia Lee, VP for Genting Cruise Lines in Malaysia. “The new Langkawi itineraries will provide Malaysians the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of cruising again and will bring much-needed benefits to the local workforce, airlines, restaurants, retailers and hotels for pre- and post-cruise stays in Penang and Langkawi.”

“The cruise services have always been the cornerstone in Penang, and what gave Penang its distinctiveness. With the persistent issue of the COVID-19 pandemic that has curbed domestic tourism, supporting the Genting Cruise Lines on ensuring safe and comfortable cruise trips is important to jumpstart the local cruise sector. As such, we will work closely with Genting Cruise Lines to relaunch the cruise trips with safety in mind and without sacrificing safety and quality,” Said Dato’ Sasedharan Vasudevan, CEO of Penang Port Sdn. Bhd. “We hope with this synergy we can witness higher standards of quality for the cruise services sector and revitalise the domestic tourism industry.”

Importantly, the resumption of cruises will revitalize the ailing travel agent sector which has been adversely affected by the pandemic and provide employment opportunities for more citizens.

Cruise resumption will benefit the whole value chain related to goods, services and materials associated with cruise operations, which Genting Cruise Lines has been advocating as part of its guiding principle in rebuilding the cruise economy for each of the homeports where cruise operations can re-start.

Cruise analyst raises price targets for three industry majors - report

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 March 2021 19 March 2021

A leading cruise industry analyst has increased price targets for the three listed major cruise shipping groups, a media report said

Robin Farley, analyst at UBS Securities in New York raised its price target for Carnival Corporation by 110% from $20 to $42 per share, which represents an approximate 45% upside from its actual current share price, a report on The Motley Fool, the investor website, said.

“UBS kept its ratings the same for Royal Caribbean (Cruises Limited) at buy and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings at neutral. However, it upped its price target for both companies, bumping its Norwegian price target upward 52.4% from $21 to $32 per share, and raising Royal Caribbean 46.8% from $79 to $116,” the report stated.

MSC Cruises to restart in UK in May, Princess Cruises in July

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 March 2021 19 March 2021

Two further cruise lines have unveiled their plans to resume cruising in the UK with MSC Cruises setting the start date for 20 May, only three days after the date that travel should be allowed in England

MSC Cruises said it would offer a range of short breaks and week-long cruises around the British Isles this summer starting from 20 May, for UK holidaymakers only.

“Departing from the new terminal in the port of Southampton these first sailings will kick off with a series of short cruises and will be followed by 7-night sailings visiting some of the UK’s favourite destinations and offering additional ports of embarkation to guests,” the company said in a statement.

“Further details regarding our UK sailings will be announced shortly, but we want guests to be assured that providing flexibility remains our top priority, so that they feel confident when booking their summer holiday with MSC Cruises,” said Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director MSC Cruises UK & Ireland in the statement

Meanwhile, Princess Cruises has revealed details of its series of short breaks and week-long cruises on Regal Princess and Sky Princess, which are scheduled to sail from Southampton around the UK coast from late summer.

Regal Princess will offer 14 voyages running from July 31 through to September 23, 2021. Sky Princess will offer eight UK cruises, running from August 30 through to September 28, 2021.

Regal Princess and Sky Princess, both Medallion class ships, will offer scenic cruises and voyages with stops in UK ports-of-call including Liverpool, Belfast and Greenock, with itineraries ranging from three to seven nights.

Fincantieri floats out Discovery Princess in Monfalcone

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 March 2021 18 March 2021

Discovery Princess, the sixth Royal-class ship built for the ship operator Princess Cruises, a brand within Carnival Corporation, floated out today at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone. Interior fittings will now begin, leading the vessel to delivery, scheduled next year.

The new unit, at 145,000 gross tons, is built on the basis of the successful sister vessel project of Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess, built and delivered in the same shipyard starting from 2013, introducing a new generation of ships so well-received by the cruise passengers.

Like her sister ships, the vessel will represent a new technological benchmark in Europe and worldwide for her innovative layout, outstanding performances and the top quality of its state-of-the-art marine technology. She will be the best proof that innovation and customer care are fundamental levers in showcasing market leadership and will further consolidate Fincantieri’s long-time partnership with Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise ship operator and leisure travel company.

The partnership between the Monfalcone yard and Princess Cruises will continue with two next-generation cruise ships. These will be the largest built so far in Italy with a gross-tonnage of 175,000 tons, will accommodate approximately 4,300 guests and will be the first of the ship owner’s fleet to be dual-fuel powered primarily by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

MSC makes five senior appointments for luxury brand

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 March 2021 17 March 2021

MSC Group’s Cruises Division has announced details of five new senior members appointed to the yet unnamed luxury brand of the group.

The team is led by CEO Michael Ungerer, who said in a statement:“The leaders of the new brand bring more than 100 years of combined knowledge and expertise in the luxury, hospitality and cruise sectors.”

“Together they will create a luxury and lifestyle travel experience as distinct as it is trailblazing, exceeding the expectations of both discerning cruisers seeking something different, those new to cruising and nextgenlux travellers curious to start, he added”

The people and roles are:

Chris Austin, Chief Sales Officer

Chris was most recently SVP Global Sales and Marketing for four years at Seabourn Cruise Line where in 2019 he received the accolade of ‘Cruise Ambassador of the Year’ from the global luxury travel agency network, Virtuoso. He previously worked for almost 20 years leading sales for the luxury brand portfolio at Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Sarah Doyle, Chief Marketing Officer

Most recently Vice President Marketing at Bacardi Limited Europe, Sarah previously spent six years at Starwood Hotels & Resorts, initially responsible for brand partnerships across the luxury brand portfolio, then as Global Brand Director for W Hotels Worldwide where she opened six global properties. Prior to her career in hospitality, Sarah for 10 years oversaw American Express’ Platinum and Centurion cardmember programmes at Momentum Worldwide.

Thatcher Brown, Commercial and Strategic Advisor

Thatcher most recently was President of Dream Cruises and Managing Director of Crystal Cruises Asia at Genting for four years. After starting his career at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts where he spent six years including the role of Executive Director Brand Marketing and Business Development, Thatcher worked at the Jumeirah Group luxury hotel chain for nearly five years, including the position of VP Brand Strategy and Marketing.

Sacha Rougier, Head of Itinerary Planning and Shore Experience

Sacha was Managing Director of Cruise Gate Hamburg for nearly six years and managed the completion of two new cruise terminals, overseeing a 73 per cent increase in passenger numbers. Previously she was Business Development Manager for five years with the Port of Marseille.

John Stoll - Destination Experience Advisor

John worked as VP Land Programmes for 17 years at Crystal Cruises and was previously Director Land Programmes at Silversea Cruises for more than five years where he created award-winning shore excursions.

The first 63,900 gross ton vessel for the luxury brand will be delivered in 2023 from the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, with subsequent deliveries in 2024, 2025 and 2026.It will feature 461 of the largest suites at sea, all with ocean front balconies or terraces, MSC said.