Fincantieri floats out Viking Vesta in Ancona
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 05 July 2024 05 July 2024
Viking Vesta, the newest cruise ship which Fincantieri is building for the shipowner Viking, has been floated out at the shipyard in Ancona.
The float out ceremony was attended, among others, by Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking and by Gilberto Tobaldi, Ancona shipyard director of Fincantieri. This significant milestone in the construction of Viking Vesta marked the ship's first touch with water, transitioning into the final outfitting phase. The vessel will enter service in the summer of 2025, offering itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
The vessel will be placed in the small cruise ship segment. It will have a gross tonnage of about 54,300 tons, will be equipped with 499 cabins, and accommodate 998 passengers. The new unit, along with its sister ship Viking Vela, set to leave the Ancona shipyard in autumn, will join the Viking’s ocean ships fleet, all built by Fincantieri over the past 12 years.
Fincantieri and Viking recently signed a contract for the construction of two additional new sister ships to Viking Vesta, demonstrating the solid partnership between the two companies, which as of today includes a total of 20 units.
The Viking ships are built according to the latest navigation and safety regulations. They are equipped with high-efficiency engines and systems that minimize exhaust gas pollution, meeting the strictest environmental standards.
Oceania Cruises' new Allura floated out at Fincantieri's Genoa shipyard
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
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- Published: 02 July 2024 02 July 2024
Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has marked an important milestone in the construction of its new 1,200-guest ship, Allura, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Italy, bordering the famed seaport of Genoa. A landmark moment as the ship moves towards completion, the vessel was floated from the dry-dock and moved to the fitting-out berth to begin outfitting the luxurious, designer-inspired interiors.
The ship was blessed by the shipyard’s chaplain, Father Stefano, in a low-key ceremony in deference to the recent passing of General Claudio Graziano, Chairman of Fincantieri. Allura’s shipyard Madrina, Caterina Romeo, a designer in Fincantieri’s technical department, christened the ship as is traditional, endowing blessings upon the vessel and all who embark upon her.
"Our hearts and minds are with the entire team at Fincantieri as they mourn the passing of General Graziano,” stated Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises.
“The float out is an important moment for all at Oceania Cruises and Fincantieri, as we progress closer to Allura joining our family. Now that we have completed her shell, we are excited to get started on her interior. We have lots of exciting enhancements on Allura, our eighth vessel, further elevating our offerings and firmly cementing Oceania Cruises as the only ultra-premium cruise brand.”
Allura is striding quickly towards her debut and is now entering the final stages of construction focusing on her opulent suites, sophisticated lounges, and exceptional restaurants, all embodying Oceania Cruises' commitment to culinary excellence and destination immersion. Allura promises to be a masterpiece of refined design and innovative offerings, setting new standards in the cruise industry.
Allura will officially enter service from Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025, cruising six days to Athens, Greece, calling at gems in the Eastern Mediterranean including Rijeka, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro.
Following her summer season in the Mediterranean, Allura will sail to Canada and New England for a series of immersive voyages in North America before her premiere winter season in the Caribbean, homeporting in Miami. As part of her inaugural collection, Allura will also be conducting a one-of-a-kind four-day voyage sailing roundtrip from New York City in September 2025.
Allura is the eighth vessel for Oceania Cruises and the line’s second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship. She follows her sister ship, Vista, which launched to great global acclaim in May 2023.
Love by Britto officially opens onboard new Sun Princess
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
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- Published: 01 July 2024 01 July 2024
Princess Cruises’ newest culinary experience – Love by Britto - has officially opened aboard Sun Princess, and guests are savoring every moment of the creative fusion in this first-of-its-kind collaboration between art icon Romero Britto and culinary master Rudi Sodamin.
Love by Britto presents a dining experience where the iconic artistry of Britto blends with the culinary genius of Sodamin to create a feast for both the eyes and the palate with a delectable seven-course, prix fixe menu.
“The art of Romero Britto makes people happy with his unique expression of the universal language of love and his creative inspiration blends with my culinary passion to deliver a high-end, meticulously curated menu that guests full of memories overflowing with love was a transformative experience,” said Rudi Sodamin, head of culinary arts for Princess Cruises. “We’re both proud to see Love by Britto come to life with Sun Princess guests celebrating this exclusive dining event, showcasing the harmony between food, art and love.”
Located on deck 17 aft, guests enter the intimate 68-seat venue featuring an exquisite display of the artist’s familiar and joyful designs against the restaurant backdrop designed to immerse couples in a world of vivid colors, bold patterns and heartfelt emotions, creating an ambiance with extraordinary, engaging service topped off with breathtakingly romantic ocean views.
The seven-course dining experience begins with intoxicating aphrodisiacs like Oysters with Lemongrass Kafir, Mirin and Gold Flakes.
Entrees feature creative heart-shaped presentations and include savory Tuna & Avocado, Pomegranate, Togarashi; Cappuccino of Wild Mushroom soup; Salad of Beets, Figs and Goat Cheese; Granita of Pink Champagne and Rose Petals; Tail of Lobster Thermidor (photo below); and Succulent Beef Tenderloin and Truffle Jus. In true Love Boat style, dessert features a heart-shaped Chocolate Lava Cake, Fresh Berries & Raspberry Cream, plus Petits Fours.
Additional special touches include vibrant dinnerware featuring Britto’s art, heart-folded napkins and even cutlery with heart-shaped cut outs. Love by Britto carries a cover charge of $79 per person and can be booked pre-cruise in the Princess app.
Specialty cocktails and an extensive wine list were thoughtfully crafted and selected to complement the menu and are available à la carte. Seven newly crafted, love-themed cocktails were created with offerings including:
Strawberry Love Potion – Tequila Rose, Disaronno Amaretto, Chambord, Strawberries
Expresso My Love – Jameson, OM Chocolate Liqueur, Disaronno Amaretto, Demerara, Chocolate Bitters, Espresso
Britto Coupe – Grey Goose Strawberry and Lemongrass, Aperol, Cointreau, Lime, Strawberries
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection announces its first Asia-Pacific season
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
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- Published: 01 July 2024 01 July 2024
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region with Luminara, offering 10 new journeys between December 2025 and May 2026. These voyages will explore 28 ports across 10 countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and beyond.
“As luxury travelers continue to seek unforgettable, personalized experiences around the world, we are thrilled to introduce voyages in the Asia-Pacific region,” commented Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “These new itineraries exemplify our steadfast commitment to continually raising the bar in luxury cruising, offering innovative ways to experience our superyachts and explore vibrant local cultures across the globe.”
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is dedicated to inspiring guests by creating experiences that fuel curiosity and foster genuine connections. The 10 enchanting journeys, ranging from 10 to 15 nights in length and departing from either Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Singapore, provide guests with the opportunity to discover the ancient treasures, modern marvels, and the exotic, off-the-beaten-path locations the region has to offer. Itineraries will include stops in coveted ports such as Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam; Puerto Princesa, Philippines, and access to lively city centers such as Seoul, South Korea; Osaka, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand, and more.
“As the first luxury hotel brand to venture into the cruise space, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our yacht voyages into Asia’s most sought-after destinations. This milestone underscores our commitment to providing exclusive and immersive experiences that cater to the discerning tastes of luxury travelers,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bulgari Hotels and Resorts. “Today’s sophisticated adventurers seek intimate, authentic, personalized journeys that go well beyond traditional hospitality, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers guests unparalleled access to the world’s most exquisite destinations, all while enjoying the hallmarks of luxury and personalized service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned.”
The debut of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection marked the first time a luxury hospitality company expanded into the cruising category. Since its debut with Evrima in October 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has welcomed travelers to embark on extraordinary journeys of discovery. With the upcoming launch of Ilma, the collection’s second luxury superyacht, slated for this September 2024, and the debut of Luminara, the third luxury superyacht, slated to set sail in July 2025, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to redefine the category, delivering unforgettable explorations at sea.
Luminara will offer 226 spacious suites, accommodating up to 452 guests. The onboard experience will feature world-class dining, an extensive wine collection, a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa, and an expanded dynamic marina providing direct access to the sea. Upholding The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s commitment to enriching experiences and legendary service, Luminara ensures an intimate journey with one of the highest staff and space ratios in at sea. Luminara will also offer itineraries in the Mediterranean during its inaugural launch season.
Photo: Luminara will be a sister for the Ilma, which recently conducted its sea trials
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