Malta allows cruise ship casinos to remain open while in port, territorial waters

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 22 April 2015 22 April 2015

Following the publication of the Cruise Casino Regulations by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), wherein cruise liners are to obtain prior approval from the MGA, cruise liners will now be able to operate their onboard casinos while berthing in Malta and its territorial waters, MGA said in a statement.

These Regulations are a result of the policy announced by the Maltese Government last November during the 2015 Budget speech. The Regulations aim to regulate casino operations on board cruise ships, which are either berthed in Malta, Gozo or within Maltese territorial waters.

The MGA's Executive Chairman, Joseph Cuschieri said that, “Through the Cruise Liner Casino Regulations, we will be able to safeguard both the interests of passengers on board cruise ships, as well as those of the Maltese gaming industry. Cruise ships that are issued with the necessary approval by the MGA will be able to operate their casinos in line with the stipulated conditions whilst berthed here,” added Mr Cuschieri.

“Valletta Cruise Port welcomes the publication of the new casino regulations, following our instigation of the process in recent years. These regulations make Malta a more attractive proposition for cruise liners particularly those who do opt to call at Malta for an overnight stay. This is undoubtedly an incentive to encourage cruise liners to include both Malta and Gozo in their Mediterranean itinerary. Valletta Cruise Port has already started promoting these regulations, and feedback from the cruise liner industry has been positive,” commented Stephen Xuereb, Chief Executive Officer of Valletta Cruise Port.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth Hon. Dr. José Herrera stated that through the introduction of these regulations the Government has taken into consideration the private sector to incentivise these two industries: gaming and the cruise liners. This measure being implemented by the Government was announced during the last budget. As such this secretariat has already accomplished three important propositions from their announcement in the budget: the Authority's branding, the launch of GamingMalta and the new regulations for the cruise casinos, said Jose' Herrera.

Disney Cruise Line to make enhancements on the Disney Dream this fall

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 21 April 2015 21 April 2015

New experiences await Disney Dream guests after spaces throughout the Disney Cruise Line vessel are transformed this fall. Headlining the enhancements are two new interactive youth areas, one themed to Star Wars and another to Disney Infinity. Also a whimsical sweet shop serving handmade gelato and the ever-popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will debut after the Disney Dream undergoes dry dock Oct. 4-24, 2015, in Freeport, Bahamas.

Here is a glimpse at what is in store for guests of all ages:

Star Wars Area Brings Force-filled Fun for Children

A newly themed area in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to ages three to 12, will delight children with an out-of-this-galaxy experience inspired by the Star Wars saga.

Kids will be transported to a far away galaxy at Star Wars: Millennium Falcon, a Force-filled play area inspired by the spacecraft from the legendary saga. Upon entering the spaceship, younglings will join the Rebel Alliance in the epic battle of good versus evil by assisting with the navigation of this powerful space vehicle. Sitting in the cockpit, children can pilot this super-cool spaceship through hyperspace and trigger lightspeed jumps to different locations around the galaxy.

In Millennium Falcon, children can express their creativity through Star Wars-themed crafts, games and activities. They can also watch episodes from the new Disney XD animated series, “Star Wars Rebels,” on a large screen or virtually join the rebellion at gaming stations featuring the series’ action-packed adventures.

The excitement continues during a shipboard version of the popular Jedi Training Academy experience that invites young Jedi hopefuls – known as “Padawans” – to learn lightsaber moves from a Jedi Master. They can then use the Force and face off in a final test against the evil Darth Vader.

High-Tech Disney Infinity Space Adds Adventure for Kids

Also in the Oceaneer Club, a high-tech interactive space based on the Disney Infinity video game offers more fun for kids.

In the Disney Infinity Toy Box area, children can experience a whole new way of playing together with exciting virtual experiences and immersive activities. Customized, on-screen adventures will bring to life characters and stories from across The Walt Disney Company.

The complete set of Disney Infinity character figures will be on display for creative inspiration and available for gameplay. Kids visiting this special room – found only on the Disney Dream – will be able to unlock exclusive Disney Cruise Line content that they can continue to enjoy when playing Disney Infinity at home.

Special activities will bring the virtual gameplay experience to life in the real world. For example, a life-sized Disney Infinity Base sets the stage where children take the place of character figures for a group gaming experience unlike any other. Lighting up in response to gameplay on a large screen, this interactive floor will allow kids to be immersed in the Toy Box.

Specialty Sweet Shop for Families

Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats will satisfy the sweet tooth of cruisers of all ages, with handmade gelato and ice cream, an assortment of candy, and delectable novelty treats for purchase. New to Deck 11, the smell of freshly baked waffle cones and candy will linger from the specialty store’s two entrances, inside Cabana’s restaurant and outside by the pool deck.

Resembling the whimsical candy land of the Sugar Rush race car game in “Wreck-It Ralph,” the sweet shop’s décor features nods to the film, including a race track and checkerboard patterned floor, gas pump-style gumball dispensers, Vanellope’s race car and King Candy’s throne.

Magical Makeover Salon for Princesses and Pirates

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, coming to Deck 5 midship, will bring to life the storybook fantasies of young guests with pixie-dusted and piratical makeovers. This very special salon will offer aspiring princesses and knights ages three to 12 the chance to transform into royalty with the help of a fairy godmother-in-training. On pirate party night this boutique becomes The Pirates League where swashbuckling pirates of all ages will have the opportunity to unleash their inner buccaneer.

Cool and Comfortable Retreat for Adults

Exclusively for adults, Deck 13 forward will include a new water feature, Satellite Falls, a circular splash pool with benches and a gently falling rain curtain that provides cool comfort. Around this upper deck, adult guests can soak up the sun in loungers or relax in the shade under a canopy.

This wave of enhancements to the Disney Dream debuts on the Oct. 26 four-night voyage from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Disney Dream will continue to sail three- and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas throughout 2015 and into 2016.

Anthem of the Seas named in Southampton

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 21 April 2015 21 April 2015

Global cruise line Royal Caribbean International has marked the launch of Anthem of the Seas, the world’s newest, most technologically advanced cruise ship. The ship hosted a spectacular naming ceremony led by Godmother Emma Wilby who took center stage during the ceremony together with Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud to deliver the performance of her life. Welby is a British travel agent who was selected for the honor in a singing competition for travel agents.   

"The world’s most revolutionary cruise ship, Anthem of the Seas is setting sail on the next great adventure. Unprecedented innovations in ship design, thrilling activities, game-changing technology, multidimensional entertainment and robust, flexible dining opportunities come together onboard Anthem to create the ultimate, contemporary cruising experience found only on Royal Caribbean. She spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. Anthem of the Seas will sail out of Southampton, U.K. for her inaugural season before departing for New York Harbor and her new homeport of Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J.," the cruise line said in a statement.

John Chernesky appointed Vice President of North America Sales for Princess and Cunard

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 20 April 2015 20 April 2015

John Chernesky has been appointed to the role of vice president, North America Sales for Princess Cruises and Cunard Line, effective June 1.  The Princess Cruises veteran succeeds Brian O’Connor who was recently appointed vice president, public relations for the cruise line. In his new role, Chernesky will lead the field sales team representing both lines to professional travel retailers throughout the United States and Canada.

Chernesky, who has been with Princess Cruises for more than 22 years, most recently served as vice president, onboard revenue and business development for the Holland America Group, where he supported Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Seabourn. In this position, he was responsible for product development, strategic analysis and creating growth opportunities for spa, fine arts, casino photography, media production, shipboard communications technology and branded credit cards.
 
“John brings an accomplished depth of valuable experience in revenue management, business development and analysis, as well as strategic marketing partnerships to his new role,” said Gordon Ho, senior vice president of global marketing and North America sales. “Additionally, our sales team and the travel professionals community will benefit greatly from his exceptional product knowledge and passion for the brand which has been demonstrated throughout his long tenure in various key roles.”
 
Ho added that a key part of Chernesky’s role will be to provide strategic marketing guidance to help retailers increase their cruise sales with Princess and Cunard.
 
“I look forward to working with travel retailers across North America to help them to grow their business with our two world-class brands,” said Chernesky. “Travel professionals play a key role in our company’s success and I am committed to their success as well.”
 
From 2009-2013, Chernesky served as director, onboard revenue and product development. Since joining Princess Cruises in 1992, he has also served in the hotel services department, helped manage the design development of numerous new-builds and served as director, passenger programs overseeing the youth and teen programs, onboard media and enrichment programs.
 
He holds a B.S. degree in business administration (marketing) from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and completed an executive leadership program at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.