Norwegian Cruise Line expands partnership with Margaritaville

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the expansion of its exclusive partnership with Margaritaville. As a part of The Norwegian Edge, a $400 million investment program dedicated to delivering an exceptional onboard experience, Norwegian will introduce new Margaritaville at Sea restaurants onboard Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway this fall.

Building on its success and popularity on board Norwegian’s newest ship, Norwegian Escape, Margaritaville at Sea onboard Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway will bring to life nostalgic island moments with a tropical menu that features signature items like the Cheeseburger in Paradise and Who's to Blame Margarita, available à la carte, in an open air-eatery offering stunning ocean views.

“Norwegian Cruise Line has been bringing guests to paradise for nearly 50 years,” said Andy Stuart, President and Chief Operating Officer for Norwegian Cruise Line. “With the expansion of our partnership with Margaritaville to our Breakaway Class ships, our guests will now be able to enjoy the island lifestyle before the ship has even left port.”

Margaritaville at Sea will open September 18 aboard Norwegian Getaway in the former Flamingo Grill, and on October 9 aboard Norwegian Breakaway in the former Uptown Grill.

“We are excited to expand our relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line, allowing even more guests to escape to the Margaritaville state of mind,” said John Cohlan, chief executive officer of Margaritaville. “Norwegian shares our philosophy that combines fun with exceptional service and we look forward to continuing to take this partnership to new sea levels.”

Carnival Cruise Line reveals top names of Carnival LIVE 2017 lineup

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its initial 2017 Carnival LIVE lineup featuring country music stars Tim McGraw and Little Big Town along with comedians Jay Leno and Jeff Foxworthy who will perform on seven different ships departing from five convenient U.S. homeports.

Carnival LIVE is a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience that brings the best in live music and comedy to the seas, providing guests an opportunity to enjoy captivating performances by top artists in a unique and memorable setting where there’s never a bad seat in the house. Performances are held in the ships’ main show lounges which range in capacity from 900 to 1,300 – giving shows a more intimate and personal feel.

Three-time Grammy Award winner Tim McGraw will bring his signature brand of country music to two Carnival ships with show-stopping performances aboard Carnival Breeze March 2, and Carnival Valor March 3, while the ships are docked in Nassau, The Bahamas. In addition to 21 number one singles, 11 of McGraw’s albums have debuted at number one on the Billboard country album chart.

Platinum recording artist Little Big Town will have audiences singing along and dancing in the aisles with shows in Nassau aboard Carnival Dream May 11, and Carnival Valor May 12. The recipients of nine Country Music Association awards, the chart-topping band has earned a loyal following for their unique mix of harmonies and incredible musical talents.

One of the most successful comedians in the country, Jeff Foxworthy is the largest selling comedy recording artist in history, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and author of 11 books. Famous for his “you might be a redneck if…” jokes, his comedy explores everyday family interactions and human nature. Foxworthy will perform two shows – one aboard Carnival Freedom June 21, and another aboard Carnival Ecstasy June 22, while the ships are docked in Nassau.

A member of the Television Hall of Fame and a longtime host of NBC’s Tonight Show, Jay Leno will entertain guests with his observational humor with a pair of hilarious performances in Cozumel aboard the Carnival Victory May 3, and Carnival’s newest ship the Carnival Vista May 4. Leno plays upwards of 200 shows a year and currently hosts “Jay Leno’s Garage” on the CNBC network.

Carnival LIVE tickets for Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Jeff Foxworthy and Jay Leno range in price from $30 to $80 for general admission, significantly less than land-based venues. VIP tickets are available for $100 to $300 and include seating in the first five rows, a photo opportunity with the artist and a commemorative concert pass.

Kongsberg Maritime wins EPCI contract for Irish Continental Group ferry

Kongsberg Maritime, part of the Norwegiab engineering and defence equipment group Kongsberg ASA, has been awarded an Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Installation (EPCI) contract with Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG), a subsidiary of Siem Group. The contract, worth more than NOK 120 million, cover engineering and maritime technology deliveries to a RoPax ferry for Irish Continental Group (ICG).

Kongsberg Maritime together with its wholly owned subsidiary Kongsberg Maritime Engineering (KME) will execute the project. KME will provide all engineering, procurement and project management while Kongsberg Maritime will supply a 'Full picture' system delivery.

The RoPax ferry will have a 194.80 m length overall and 31.6 m beam with a cargo capacity of 2,800 lane meters, and anadditional dedicated car deck for 300 cars. It will be equipped with 435 passenger cabins and a number of restaurants, bars and lounges on four decks, with a total capacity of 1,900 passengers and crew.

“Kongsberg Maritime's project delivery and sophisticated automation and control technology will support the vessel's design to enable optimal fuel consumption, while meeting current and known future environmental regulations,” Kongsberg said in a statement.

The contract includes supply and integration of the electrical, telecom and integrated control systems, project management, interface management and engineering services at all stages. Cables, installation and installation materials for the systems are also included. In addition, a significant technology scope of supply includes; shaft generators, switchboards, automation, propulsion control, navigation systems, and radio/satellite communications. The engineering and construction phase is estimated to be two years.

"In a challenging market we are very pleased that we can supply a tailor made Electrical, Instrument and Telecom (EIT) solution for the yard and owner with a large scope of both in-house and procured technology," said Egil Haugsdal, President, Kongsberg Maritime.

"This is our first contract in Germany for a full EPCI scope. As a major shipbuilding nation, Germany is seen as a strategic area for Kongsberg Maritime as we turn our focus to new markets," he added.

P&O Cruises Australia to refit Pacific Dawn

P&O Cruises Australia, the Australia and New Zealand focused contemporary market unit in Carnival Corporation & plc group, has announced a major multi-million dollar refit for its Brisbane-based ship Pacific Dawn, which will include a new state-of-the-art waterpark.

Following the refit that is due to be completed next February, the 1991 built ship will feature The Pantry, an international market place of fresh food outlets which will replace the traditional ship buffet. In addition to the tried and tested outlets that have made the dining concept hugely popular,

Pacific Dawn’s Pantry will include a new Mediterranean-inspired offering called Nic and Toni’s. Also on offer will be the extremely popular poolside Grill, offering casual dining options.

Several of Pacific Dawn’s public spaces will be redesigned to mirror the striking contemporary look which has become a trademark of the P&O fleet including the atrium, Charlie’s, The Orient and the Promenade Bar, which will be styled with similar décor to sister ships Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.

The Dome nightclub will be completely revamped and will offer more live music than ever before, as well as a sophisticated new design.

The Orient will take on a new summer pub vibe and the Promenade Bar will be transformed into the perfect venue to enjoy a delicious cocktail with friends while listening to live music.

P&O Cruises Australia President Sture Myrmell said the refurbishment would kick off a big year for the cruise line in Queensland.

“With the new waterpark, dining options and a refreshed interior design, we’re creating a great new look for Pacific Dawn which will combine some fun innovations with the winning features of our existing ships,” Myrmell said in a statement.

RCCL to report second quarter interims 2 August

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) has scheduled a conference call for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Tuesday, 2 August 2016, to discuss the company's second quarter 2016 financial results, the company said in a statement.