More News

YSA to design SeaDream Innovation

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2019 17 September 2019

Proven experience in smaller ultra-luxury cruise ships and a lasting relationship with the pioneer of superyacht vacationing are behind the selection of YSA Design as the design partner for the truly special SeaDream Yacht Club vessel SeaDream Innovation.

Innovation will offer yachting lifestyle standards to guests occupying 100 ocean-view suites, developed around a one-to-one crew/guest ratio, five-star dining, generous outdoor spaces and inspiring itineraries. Formal announcement of the construction contract to shipyard group Damen allows YSA Design to disclose its pivotal role.

SeaDream Owner, Chairman and CEO, Atle Brynestad, describes the project to build the 155m length, 15,600 gt ‘Global Yachting’ vessel as “a dream of mine for many years,” which “has been a true labour of love to meticulously design every aspect of this yacht, from the interiors and facilities to the itineraries”.

“The owner is very much involved in the development of all areas,” says Einar Jungård, Senior Interior Architect and Partner, YSA Design. “The special challenge of designing this small but complex expedition vessel lies in creating an environment that has distinct areas which nonetheless connect seamlessly and flow into each other.”

YSA Design joined initial discussion of design ideas with the owner, before being engaged to deliver the GA (general arrangement), concept and detail designs, and follow up work, adds Jungård. The Oslo-based design company will design all public spaces and accommodation except crew areas.

“Our scope of work covers conceiving, developing and delivering the spaces to embody the soul of the SeaDream Yacht Club, so that guests can relax in elegant, intimate, ‘green’ and secure surroundings. These values will be substantiated using environmentally-friendly materials and classic, timeless Nordic interior style, where neutral tones evoke calm and place the guest experience to the fore – whether through on board activities, public spaces, artworks or the vessel’s relaxed but exclusive dining areas.”

When she enters service in September 2021, SeaDream Innovation will introduce the concept of ‘Global Yachting’ to the SeaDream Yacht Club experience, with plans to sail to all seven continents in the first year and visit over 200 ports in 49 countries. Guests will visit remote destinations, including Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, Antarctica, the fjords of Norway, Japan, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

As a design group, YSA Design and its forerunner company Yran & Storbraaten Architects have been closely associated with SeaDream Yacht Club since the luxury ship owner’s foundation in 2001, taking responsibility for designing the classic yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Furthermore, Brynestad previously engaged Y&S as his design partner during his time as sole owner and founder of Seabourn Cruise Line, with the company working on Seabourn Pride, delivered in 1988.

Adam D. Tihany confirmed as Keynote Speaker at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2019 17 September 2019

The first six high profile speakers have been confirmed for the inaugural Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe conference, which debuts at Fira Barcelona between 4-5th December, 2019.

Leaders from across the sector are being lined up to give inspirational and thought-provoking presentations at the CSIE event, raising the key opportunities and challenges facing interior designers, architects, outfitters, shipyards and interior suppliers working in both newbuilding and refurbishment.

Toby Walters, CEO of event organiser Elite Exhibitions, says: “This will be a world-class conference that nobody in the industry will want to miss. Revealing the first six speakers offers a taste of what is still to come.”

Confirmed names on what promises to be a hugely impressive line-up include Adam D. Tihany, Principle and Founder of Tihany Design, who has worked on some of the most striking concepts for both large and small cruise brands, including Costa, Cunard, Holland America and Seabourn. He will be joined by another inspirational designer, Greg Walton, CEO and Founding Partner of Studio DADO, who has over 30 years of experience working in the cruise industry and Anne Mari Gullikstad, CEO of YSA Design, whose projects have included some of the industry’s most spectacular cruise ships for P&O, Disney and Regent Seven Seas.

Also on the platform will be Mike Oliver, Co-owner and chairman of interior refurbishment specialists Trimline which has been a leading cruise industry contractor for almost five decades. Another highly experienced UK-based professional, Andy Yuill, Managing Director of leading ferry and cruise ship design consultancy, SMC Design, will be sharing some of the secrets of his success at the Conference, as will Peter Joehnk, Managing Partner of JOI Designs, one of the largest interior design practices in Europe.

Walters adds, “Each and every conference session is being curated to ensure that the event is comprehensive and highly topical for the ocean, river and expedition cruise markets. More speakers set to be announced over the next few weeks, so watch this space!”

Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe aims to build on the tremendous success of the inaugural Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America conference, which took place in Miami Beach in June this year. This was the world’s first conference and exhibition that focused exclusively on interior design, architecture and outfitting in the cruise sector and was attended by over 3,500 industry professionals. Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America returns to the Miami Beach Convention Centre on June 16-17 for its 2020 event.

Royal Caribbean to base new Odyssey of the Seas for North America and Europe

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 September 2019 13 September 2019

Royal Caribbean International will dial up the adventure in South Florida in fall 2020 with the debut of the highly anticipated Odyssey of the Seas – the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to arrive in North America. The global cruise line’s 27th ship will arrive to her seasonal homeport of Fort Lauderdale, FL in November 2020 to offer 8- and 6-night Caribbean cruises. Odyssey will then continue her inaugural year in Europe for summer 2021.

Offering even more ways to experience the sun-soaked islands of the Western and Southern Caribbean, Odyssey of the Seas will be the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to call on Aruba and Curacao as part of its 8-night itineraries. Island-hopping vacationers can explore Aruba’s rugged landscape off-roading in Arikok National Park, and discover the beloved architecture and narrow streets of Willemstad, Curacao. Primed for memory-making, Odyssey’s 6-night adventures will open the door to deep diving in Cozumel, Mexico; swimming with sea turtles in George Town, Grand Cayman; and a day of thrill and chill on Perfect Day at CocoCay, home to Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon experience that soars up to 450 feet in the air; Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool; and the pristine, white sand beaches of The Bahamas.

Odyssey’s Caribbean cruises are now open for sale; and Europe itineraries will open in November 2019.

As part of the Quantum Ultra Class, Odyssey of the Seas will represent the next evolution of Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking and high-tech Quantum Class. First introduced in 2014, Quantum Class ships boldly redefined the industry with unprecedented innovations in design, thrilling activities, game-changing technology and multidimensional entertainment. Travelers on board Odyssey can expect to find an unrivaled combination of new, soon-to-be-announced experiences, plus “Only on Royal” features, including the RipCord by iFLY sky-diving adventure; North Star, a glass observation capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; the state-of-the-art Two70 entertainment venue; and a robust lineup of culinary experiences. The ship will also tout the SeaPlex, the largest and most revolutionary indoor active space at sea, featuring a trapeze school, full-size basketball court, roller-skating rink and bumper cars.

MSC Cruises to homeport MSC Armonia to Tampa in November 2020

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 September 2019 12 September 2019

MSC Cruises — the world’s fastest growing and fourth largest cruise line — is continuing to expand its presence in the North American region with the introduction of Tampa as a new homeport for the company. Starting Nov. 11, 2020, MSC Armonia will begin sailing from Tampa to the Caribbean, Mexico and The Bahamas year-round, with a full Winter season (Nov. 2020 – April 2021) of 4- to 5-night short cruises followed by a Summer season (May 2021-Nov. 2021) of week-long cruise options.

“As MSC Cruises expands its presence in the U.S., the introduction of Tampa as a homeport plays an important role in our long-term deployment strategy for this region,” said Ken Muskat, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of MSC Cruises USA. “We’ve seen increased demand for cruise options from Tampa as vacationers from around the world look to explore the city and surrounding areas pre- and post-cruise. We’re looking forward to bringing MSC Armonia, one of our more classic and charming ships, to Tampa and to introducing even more travelers to the MSC Cruises experience, inspired by our European heritage.”

“We are thrilled that MSC Cruises will be offering year-round cruises from Port Tampa Bay next year,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “MSC Cruises offers an enriching and immersive cruise experience, bringing together people from around the world. Tampa is also known for the unique experiences the city offers its residents and visitors, appealing to a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures. We couldn’t be more excited for MSC Armonia’s new home to be Port Tampa Bay.”

Itineraries

For the Winter 2020-2021 season, MSC Armonia will offer a variety of 4- and 5-night sailings, visiting destinations such as Key West; Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso, Mexico; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ new private island destination in The Bahamas. With options for guests to book back-to-back cruises with new destinations on each sailing, travelers also have the ability to extend the length of their vacation with 9- or 10-night options. In addition, for those looking to get away during the holiday season, MSC Armonia will offer several 7-night cruise options in December 2020, including Christmas and New Years.

“With a range of itineraries, including short cruise options, MSC Armonia’s itineraries from Tampa are ideal for groups, including family reunions, meetings, incentives and corporate events, as well as charters,” said Muskat. “In addition, the four- and five-night options are a great opportunity for someone who has never cruised before to try cruising as a vacation option or if they are new to MSC Cruises to check out one of our ships for the first time.”

Following its inaugural season in Tampa, MSC Armonia will then transition to 7-night sailings from May through Nov. 2021, with stops at Key West; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve; Cozumel, Mexico; and Progreso, Mexico. Prices start at $299 per person.

Japan sets its sight on global source market

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 September 2019 12 September 2019

Alan Lam reporting from Hamburg

Japan has seen its cruise traffic and capacity deployment rising substantially and sustainably in recent years. There is no doubt that, at least in part thanks to the number of ships arriving from China, the country’s cruise business is expanding steadily.
Seizing the opportunity created by the current momentum, ports and regions of Japan have shifted up a gear in promoting themselves to source markets around the world. The country’s large and colourful presence at this year’s Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention again adds gaiety and vivacity to the event.

Japan is increasing its investment in tourism, especially in cruise tourism where the indisputable economic impacts on modern Japanese society are recognised and valued.

CruiseBusiness.com Magazine spoke to Masafumi Ono, Assistant Manager for Port and Cruise Promotion, City of Osaka.
He told us that the city’s existing cruise terminal was capable of hosting Quantum-class ships, but it had its sight set on attracting the Oasis class vessels and was currently seeking PFI for the construction of a new, larger cruise terminal. “If the finance is in place, work will start in 2020 and we aim to open the terminal in March 2023,” Ono told us.

In 2018, Osaka attracted 45 cruise calls; this year it has a total of 61 calls booked; and in 2020 the port forecasts 90 calls.
Osaka is promoting itself as a good overnight destination. As one of Japan’s biggest cities, it has excellent direct flight connections with most of its key source markets all over the world. The city is keen to become a major cruise homeport of the region.

For the moment, most cruise ships arriving at Osaka and many of Japan’s other cruise ports come from China. But the country has its sight set not only on China and other Asian markets; it aims to attract a global audiance. In February 2020, for example, a group of five ports - consisted of Aomori, Kanazawa, Sakaiminato, Kitakyushu, Kobe, and Hiroshima - will showcase their cruise facilities and attractions in London. “This event will have the support of the Japanese Ambassador to the U.K.,” said Kenji Yamamoto, Manager of Sakai Port Authority.

Japan’s ports organise this kind of strategic promotional seminars every year in in key cities of Europe and North America.