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Fred Olsen Cruise Lines pushes restart to end of June

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 February 2021 04 February 2021

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the UK based destination focused operator of four ships, has confirmed that it is cancelling all sailings until the end of June 2021 in light of the current restrictions in England as a result of the pandemic, the company said in a statement.

The company had been due to resume sailing on 22 May, with the extension to affect 14 sailings.

All guests affected will be given a number of options, including a no quibble refund or an additional future cruise credit.

Peter Deer, Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said in the statement: “We are constantly reviewing our back in service dates in line with the latest Government guidance, and working closely with CLIA and other industry bodies towards a return to sailing."

“This extra time allows us the opportunity to fully understand how the roll-out in the vaccine affects the procedures we operate on board and ashore."

“We know that our guests are missing cruising, as indeed are we, and we can’t wait to welcome them all back on board when the time is right.”

Chantiers de l’Atlantique delivers MSC Virtuosa

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 February 2021 01 February 2021

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping company, said it has taken delivery of MSC Virtuosa from the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France.

The ship is the second unit of the planned three strong Meraviglia Plus class and has a gross tonnage of about 177,100. It has capacity for 4,842 passengers and was built at a cost of USD850 million, according to Shippax Info.

MSC Virtuosa will enter service on 16 April, with four cruises in the Mediterranean of three, four and 10 nights before it will move to its new homeport of Kiel, where its will commence Northern Europe itineraries from 8 May.

The company will take delivery of one more ship this year, the 169,380 gross ton MSC Seashore, which is due to be delivered from Fincantieri in Italy in July.

Senior appointments at Kristina Cruises

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 January 2021 28 January 2021

Kristina Cruises, the Finnish cruise tour operator, has published a number changes in its senior management.

Anu Markkanen will take over as Managing Director from 1 February. She succeeds Mikko Partanen, who will retire from the post for 25 years and who will become a board member from the beginning of February.

Birthe Suni has been appointed Production Manager with responsibility for developing the cruise tour portfolio that the company offers. She has worked in this field with the company before taking up her new post.

Antti Partanen, who has been responsible for digital marketing at the company, will take up the post of Director of Marketing, also from 1 February.

Photo: Mikko Partanen with new Managing Director Anu Markkanen

Planned merger of Fincantieri and Chantiers de l’Atlantique falls through

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 January 2021 28 January 2021

A proposed merger between Fincantieri, the listed Italian shipbuilder in which the government holds a majority stake, and the French state controlled Chantiers de l’ Atlantique shipbuilder has fallen through, the finance ministries of France and Italy said in a joint statement.

The merger was first initiated in 2018 and the final deadline to complete was set for 31 January 2021.

The European Commission had expressed reservations about the plan on the note that it could reduce competition in the cruise ship building sector as both companies are major actors in this area. In October 2019, it decided to launch an inquiry into the proposed merger and its potential effects.

The stance of the commission and uncertainty in the outlook for the tourism sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, so that the current economic context does not allow the continuation of the merger, the two ministries said.

Orlando Ashford appointed incoming Executive Chairman of Azamara

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 January 2021 28 January 2021

Sycamore Partners, a leading private equity firm, yesterday announced that Orlando Ashford has been appointed as the incoming Executive Chairman of Azamara, the upmarket, boutique cruise line dedicated to Destination Immersion experiences. Ashford’s appointment will become effective upon the completion of Sycamore’s acquisition of Azamara, which is expected to occur in Q1.

“We are pleased for Orlando to take on this role as Azamara embarks on its next chapter supported by Sycamore Partners,” said Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners. “Orlando brings significant leadership experience as well as specific expertise in the cruise and travel industry, making him well-suited to serve as Azamara’s Executive Chairman.”

“I am thrilled to be appointed to the role of Executive Chairman at this exciting time for Azamara, having long admired the business and the brand,” said Ashford. “I believe Azamara is uniquely positioned in the industry, and I look forward to executing on our shared vision for growth. Together with the Azamara team, we’ll focus on offering Azamara’s loyal customers more of what they have come to know and love.”

“I look forward to working with Orlando, who has equal passion for the cruise industry and the very special product Azamara offers,” said Carol Cabezas, President, Azamara. “With the recent news of a planned addition to the fleet, Orlando will bring perspective that will support expansion of the brand while maintaining and growing the unique programming and itineraries beloved by guests and travel industry partners.”