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MSC Seaside Evo class to be larger and carry more passengers than MSC Seaside

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 November 2017 30 November 2017

The two MSC Seaside Evolution – or Evo, as the line’s CEO called them at a presentation in Monfalcone – will be larger and carry more passengers than the MSC Seaside class.

The MSC Seaside Evo ships will have a length of 339 metres, beam of 41 metres and they will have accommodation of 5,646 passengers. By comparison, MSC Seaside is of 153,516 gross tons has a guest capacity of 5,119.

“In addition to offering even more space, Seaside Evo ships will have greater dimensions, more cabins, an even larger Yacht Club with an additional deck and larger cabins and will be hosting up to 5,646 passengers,” MSC Cruises said in a statemement.

At the same time, just like the Seaside Class, the Seaside Evo ships will be equipped with the latest advanced environmental technology, including: a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, an advanced active emissions control technology system that significantly reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) into harmless nitrogen (N2) and water.

They will be fitted exhaust gas cleaning (EGC) technology to meet the strictest exhaust regulations in port and in operating areas; state-of-the-art waste management and recycling systems; advanced water treatment systems – going above and beyond regulatory standards and meeting the highest industry standards; and, an advanced energy and heat recovery system. Across the ships, there will be the latest generation of energy-saving devices and all areas will feature LED lighting.

The ships will be ultra-hydrodynamic and thanks to optimised hull lines, propellers and rudders, combined with the latest anti-fouling paint, wave resistance will be further reduced, and greater fuel-efficiency will be achieved.

With the addition of these new ships, the Company’s already industry-unprecedented investment plan will now account for 12 new ships to be built by 2026, for an overall investment of € 10.5 billion, the company said.

Elvis Duran to name Norwegian Bliss

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 November 2017 30 November 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line said that Elvis Duran, nationally syndicated radio and digital personality in the US and on-air host of iHeartMedia’s top rated, “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show” will serve as Godfather of its newest ship, Norwegian Bliss.

As Godfather, Elvis will have an honorary role in the official ship christening ceremony on May 30, 2018 at Pier 66 in Seattle. Custom built for the ultimate cruising experience, Norwegian Bliss will boast an array of exhilarating activities, delectable dining options and show stopping performances.

The line’s sixteenth ship will sail weekly seven-day Alaska cruises during her inaugural summer season and, beginning in November 2018, Norwegian Bliss will trade in Alaska’s breathtaking scenery for stunning Caribbean sunsets as she sails seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises each Saturday from Port Miami.

“Elvis Duran epitomizes the high-energy, and liveliness that the ship represents and we’re very excited to have him join the family as Godfather to Norwegian Bliss,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief executive officer.

“Norwegian Cruise Line’s mission is first and foremost to provide guests with a one-of-a-kind unforgettable vacation and continue to develop and offer guests the latest innovative experiences. As one of the most beloved radio hosts in history, Elvis’ commitment to entertainment and bringing laughter and joy to his listeners each day is exactly why we believe he is the perfect fit to represent Norwegian Bliss.”

Senior management changes at Rauma Marine Constructions

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 November 2017 29 November 2017

The Finnish shipbuilding company Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) has appointed made several changes to its top management.

Chairman of the board, Jyrki Heinimaa, will become CEO from 01.12.2017 onwards. He will succed Heikki Pontynen, who will leave the company.

Timo Suistio, CEO, BMH Technology, has been appointed to the new COO position. Suistio’s strong project management skills will support the company’s direction towards larger and more challenging ship projects.

Current member of the board and CEO of Vientistrategit Oy, Mikko Niini, will become the new chairman of the RMC board. Furthermore, the board has appointed a new member, Pekka Vataja, previously the director of Danske Bank’s large companies unit, and one of the founding partners of Sagacitas Finance Partners.

“Organisational changes are a part of the company’s new growth phase, with ambitions that include the deal for the Squadron 2020 project (a class of finnish naval ships), business growth, the strengthening of RMC’s unique know-how, as well as continued development of the network-based business model,” the company said.

Viking Line warns 2017 operating profit to fall short of last year

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 November 2017 28 November 2017

Viking Line, the listed Finnish cruise ferry company, said that its 2017 operating profit will fall short of the level reached last year due to tough competition, higher cost of fuel and a delay in the reimbursement of a payment from the government.

The company, which recently ordered a 63,000 gross ton LNG powered cruise ferry from the Xiamen shipyard in China, reported a fall in net profit in the first nine months of this year to €3.8 million from €9.7 million in the same period last year.

Operating profit for the nine months fell to €6.3 million from €14.8 million year-on. The full year 2016 operating profit amounted to €13.7 million.

Leslie Peden appointed President, Celestyal Cruises, North America

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 November 2017 28 November 2017

Celestyal Cruises, which is part of the Cyprus based Louis plc group, said it has appointed Leslie Peden as President, Celestyal Cruises, North America. Mr. Peden will be responsible for promoting Celestyal Cruises in North America to drive business growth and market share.

Peden will build on the foundations laid by Nicholas Filippidis who has led the business development efforts on behalf of Celestyal Cruises throughout North America. Filippidis will continue to be a valuable resource for our company as he takes on a consultancy role ensuring a smooth transition for our travel partners.

Peden is a highly-experienced, time-honored travel professional with 30+ years of success in cruising, tour operations, air and rail travel, including a proven track record serving in senior management and executive roles for such acclaimed cruise related companies as Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Holidays Cruises, and Island Cruises (now TUI).

A British national, Peden held full P&L responsibility for Virgin Holidays Cruises - a cruise retailer in the Virgin Group that should not be confused with the nascent cruise operator Virgin Voyages - and the integration of this business unit into the wider Virgin Travel Group. Among his many accomplishments while at Virgin, he developed and executed Virgin Holidays Cruises’ first fully-integrated marketing ‘peaks’ campaign with the launch of a new dedicated cruise brochure, new classified press creative and the business entity’s first-ever national TV, digital and social media campaign.

Prior to Virgin Holidays Cruises, Peden was with Island Cruises (Joint Venture between Royal Caribbean International and First Choice), where he defined and executed a five-year strategic plan for trade and consumer sales, multi-channel distribution, trade and direct marketing, customer services, call center operations and a winter air-sea program for all international markets, including the U.K.

Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO of Celestyal Cruises, said "We are excited to bring Mr. Peden on board. He is an industry standout and an innovator who brings decades of travel expertise, with an emphasis on cruising. We expect Mr. Peden will bring immeasurable enthusiasm to his role and we look forward to him achieving tremendous success in North America.”