Ponant’s first Explorer class ship towed to Norway for fitting out

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 26 January 2018 26 January 2018

The first ship in the Ponant Explorers series of the French expeditin cruise operator Ponant, Le Lapérouse, arrived in Norway, where her construction will continue in the Vard shipyard.

The steel hull of the ship was built at a Vard shipyard in Romania, while the fitting out will take place in Norway

The ship was towed by BB Troll, and sailed through the Mediterranean, passing Gibraltar, the Bay of Biscay and crossing the English Channel to reach Norway and the Vard shipyard.

Le Lapérouse will be the first of the four expedition ships, the Ponabt Explorers , to launch in June, followed by Le Champlain, set for delivery in autumn 2018. Le Bougainville and Le Dumont-d’Urville will be operational in 2019.

MSC Cruises UK & Ireland bookings reportedly 32% ahead of last year

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 23 January 2018 23 January 2018

MSC Cruises UK & Ireland has reportedly seen booking levels to rise by 32% year-on-year following the best ever two weeks of trading.

Eastern Mediterranean itineraries have the best-selling – making a return to popularity this year – closely followed by UK departures by MSC Magnifica, western Med voyages including new ship MSC Seaview and Caribbean cruises from Miami on MSC Seaside, the Travel weekly reports.

It did not provide the number of bookings the line hadreceived in the review period.

Celebrity Edge floated out in France

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 23 January 2018 23 January 2018

Celebrity Edge, the first in a new series of newbuildings for Celebrity Cruises, has been floated out of the building dock at the STX France shipyard.

“This truly is an exciting moment for our brand,” Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises, said in a statement.

“The float out process marks a milestone in the building of Celebrity Edge. With exterior construction complete, the amazing STX France team will now turn their attention to bringing all of the meticulously designed venues and transformational staterooms and suites to life,” she said.

Celebrity Edge will spend her inaugural season sailing alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean itineraries before transporting guests to the stunning vistas of the Mediterranean with a range of seven- to 11-night sailings from iconic cities like Barcelona and Rome in 2019.

Superstar Gemini to be used as floating for Chinese New Year at Sanya Phoenix Island

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 23 January 2018 23 January 2018

Star Cruises, which is part of the Genting Kong group, will use SuperStar Gemini as a floating hotel from 7 to 16 February 2018 at Sanya Phoenix Island International Port where guests can experience a Chinese New Year through a selection of special offers and programs.

Sanya Phoenix Island, also known as the “Dubai of the Orient”, is located at the center of the Sunshine Coast of Sanya Bay Resort, one of the top international island resorts integrating dining, entertainment, leisure, vacation and retail. “Guests can not only take in the futuristic man-made landscape of the island but also the breathtaking natural environment of Southern Hainan Island,” the company said in a statement.

"As a pioneer of the cruise industry in the Asia Pacific, Star Cruises is committed to developing unique products for travelers in the region. In response to market demands, Star Cruises is now introducing the first-ever Floating Hotel concept in Sanya to provide a unique holiday experience with inclusive dining and entertainment, for a new and exciting way for guests to usher in the Chinese New Year," said Ang Moo Lim, President of Star Cruises, in the statement.