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Fred. Olsen Holidays appointed Victory Cruise Lines’ GSA in UK

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 February 2018 02 February 2018

Fred. Olsen Holidays, based in Ipswich, Suffolk, said it has been appointed as UK General Sales Agent (GSA) for Victory Cruise Lines, a US-based small ship operator offering cruises to North America's historic Great Lakes.

Victory Cruise Lines is the only cruise line to offer ports of call on all five Great Lakes - making it perfect for passengers with an adventurous spirit who wish to explore remote islands, quaint villages & unique bays alongside iconic cities such as Boston, Toronto, Chicago and Milwaukee.

In addition to its Great Lakes cruises, Victory Cruise Lines also stops at ports in Canada, New England and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Its two boutique ships, Victory I and Victory II (the latter of which will celebrate its inaugural voyage in 2018), carry just 202 passengers and are able to visit ports that larger ships cannot reach, enabling guests to truly immerse themselves into the community, meet the local people, explore the history and soak up the culture in every destination.

All shore excursions are included within the cruise fare and are delivered by knowledgeable local guides. Examples include the chance to enjoy a thrilling cruise into the very heart of Niagara Falls or to go back in time and explore the Victorian-era charm of Mackinac Island by horse-drawn carriage.

Passengers can choose from six remarkable itineraries that include time to explore British Strongholds, the New England colonies, rare stops in quaint French Canadian villages, Victorian-era towns rich with seafaring history, and remote islands with spectacular wildlife viewing and fascinating local cultures.

Viking Line has decided not to exercise its option on another newbuilding

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 February 2018 01 February 2018

Viking Line Abp has decided not to exercise the option to construct another vessel included in its shipbuilding contract with Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. The option has expired.

AIDA Cruises to offer “pre-premiere” cruises on AIDAnova

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 February 2018 01 February 2018

AIDA Cruises, the German contemporary market unit f Carnival Corporation & plc, sad it take delivery of the 180,000 gross ton LNG powered AIDAnova from Meyer Werft ahead of schedule on 15 November and it will offer short cruises on the ship before its official maiden voyage.

“Guests will be able to experience the new flagship on a series of pre-premiere cruises before Aidanova’s maiden voyage when she will leave Hamburg on 2 December, 2018, heading for the Canary Islands, the company said in a statement.

These short cruises can be booked as of 1000 a.m. on 1 February. The first four-day trip will start directly after the formal handover of the ship in Bremerhaven on 15 November, and will lead from Oslo to Hamburg, where AIDAnova will make her first call on 19 November. Further short cruises will also depart from Hamburg, sailing to either Rotterdam or Oslo, the company said.

AIDAnova is the first unit of a series of LNG powered ships of about 180,000 gross tons that will be shared between Carnival group’s AIDA Cruises, Costa Crociere, Carnival Cruise Line and P&O Cruises brands.

MSC Cruises rumoured to plan order for four 700 passenger ships

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 February 2018 01 February 2018

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping group, is rumoured to be planning an order for four 700 passenger high end of the market ships, TheMediTelegraph reports on its website.

The ships would be about 200 metres long and they would be built at Fincantieri shipyards in Italy. The report also said that the ships would have a crew of about 200 each, which is a low figure for a high end of the market ship with accommodation for 700 passengers.

Norwegian's last Breakaway Plus newbuild to sail seasonally from the PortMiami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 January 2018 31 January 2018

Today Norwegian Cruise Line marked the start of construction for its newest ship. Named Norwegian Encore, Norwegian’s latest addition to its young, modern fleet will sail the Caribbean from Miami seasonally beginning fall 2019.

“Norwegian Encore will be the ultimate Breakaway Plus Class vessel and we are thrilled to celebrate the start of construction for this incredible new ship,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line. “Over 50 years ago the Norwegian brand began creating unforgettable vacation moments with the first inter-island cruise in the Caribbean from Miami. We continue building on our legacy of innovation with this brand-new state-of-the-art vessel perfect for exploring the natural beauty of some of the most remarkable islands in the world.”

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Meyer Werft executives gathered at the Meyer Werft Laser Center in Papenburg, Germany and cut the first plate of steel, marking the ceremonial start of construction of Norwegian Encore, which is due for delivery on October 31, 2019. “We are excited to start production for Norwegian Encore and to create another floating destination for Norwegian Cruise Line”, said Stephan Schmees, Executive Board Member Project Management Ships, Meyer Werft.

Norwegian Encore will be the seventeenth ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet and the line’s fourth and final ship in the Breakaway Plus Class, the most successful Class in the brand’s history. At approximately 167,800 gross tons and accommodating 4,000 guests, Norwegian Encore will sail weekly 7-night Caribbean cruises from PortMiami. The new ship will pair innovative design and modern luxurious décor with an array of options that will allow guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their vacation at their own unique pace and style. Norwegian Encore will feature amenities and interactive experiences that will excite and inspire, and more details on the ship’s design, accommodations, dining and onboard offerings will be shared in the coming months. The ship will be available for reservations in March 2018.