Carnival Firenze named in Long Beach

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 01 May 2024 01 May 2024

Carnival Cruise Line solidified its position as the leading cruise line in California on Wednesday as it christened its newest ship, Carnival Firenze, at its new home, the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

Hollywood actor Jonathan Bennett served as the ship's godfather, and he and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy celebrated all things Italian with the help of a Broadway star, a Puccini aria, and even a Catholic priest making a running jump onto the stage to deliver a blessing.

The 5,000-guest Carnival Fun Italian Style ship is sailing year-round from the Port of Long Beach, building on the popularity of Carnival cruises by adding significant capacity and joining two Carnival ships currently sailing year-round -- the 5,100-passenger Carnival Panorama and the nearly 4,000-passenger Carnival Radiance. Launching just ahead of the busy summer travel season, and amid continued growth of cruise vacations’ popularity, Carnival Firenze is part of a significant expansion that added five ships to the Carnival fleet in the past 18 months. By next year, Carnival will embark more than 750,000 guests from Long Beach on more than 200 sailings, an increase of 100,000 more guests compared to 2019.

“We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now this ship is giving us the opportunity to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach,” said Duffy. “The recipe combining this ship’s beautiful Italian theming with the familiarity of our friendly team’s hospitality is, in a word, perfecto!”

Bennett was made an honorary Italian during the fun-filled evening, which included a performance of Puccini’s "Nessun Dorma" by Carnival's Playlist Productions cast, an Italian blessing by Father Charbel Grbavac of the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic church in nearby San Pedro, and was capped off by a show-stopping performance by Leslie Kritzer, Bennett's co-star from the recent Broadway revival of "Spamalot."

Like sister Carnival Venezia, the ship features new concepts and experiences that put an Italian Style twist on Carnival staples for guests to enjoy. Carnival Firenze, however, is the first ship in the fleet to usher in new technology and harnesses artificial intelligence that creates guides for optimal, energy-saving routes on each sailing. The ship’s captain and officers will be the first to utilize this significant update to Carnival’s voyage efficiency system, ahead of a fleetwide rollout the cruise line expects to begin later this year. The ship is also the latest Carnival vessel to utilize shore power and joins Carnival Panorama and Carnival Radiance in connecting to the electric grid while docked in Long Beach instead of running its engines.

The 2020-built Carnival Firenze just finished a 49-day dry dock in Cadiz, Spain that integrated Carnival Fun Italian Style features into the ship’s beautiful design. Notable additions to the ship include the specialty restaurant Il Viaggio – Italian for “The Voyage;” it’s aptly named as its menu promises a journey across Italy through the country’s rich and diverse cuisine. Special programming, like Festa Italiana, a top-deck “street party,” enhances the Italian theming. The ship will sail a variety of itinerary lengths, with three- to seven-day Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises open for sale now through the spring of 2026.

The ship is setting sail on a seven-day cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas on Thursday afternoon.

Chris Austin appointed Explora Journeys' President North America

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 26 April 2024 26 April 2024

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, yesterday announced the appointment of Christopher Austin as President North America, based in Miami.

Chris joined Explora Journeys in November 2020 as the brand`s Chief Sales Officer. Prior to that, he spent nearly three decades in leading hospitality roles, including Senior Vice President Global Marketing & Sales at another luxury cruise line and Vice President Global Luxury & Leisure Sales for one of the leading global luxury hotel groups.

Chris has been appointed to assume full ownership of the North American teams and market for Explora Journeys, spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This recognition serves as a tribute to the exceptional efforts he has dedicated to building the foundational pillars of the Explora Journeys brand since his arrival in November 2020. Chris' unwavering commitment and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping the brand's identity and fostering its growth globally, and within the North American region.

With his leadership at the helm, the brand will solidify its presence and deliver unparalleled experiences to discerning travelers across these key markets.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman Cruise Division MSC Group, said, " Chris is a highly respected leader in the luxury hospitality industry and was one of the founding members of the Explora Journeys leadership team, joining nearly 4 years ago. The appointment signifies not only his exceptional talent but also the boundless growth opportunities within our organization. With his extensive expertise, Chris will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our business as we welcome new luxury ships to our fleet, with Explora II launching this year. We are thrilled to have him as President North America, confident in his ability to deepen our partner penetration, drive increased demand, grow consumer awareness and brand adoption and continue to build the North America organization, including in early 2025 the move into new offices in downtown Miami."

Christopher Austin, President North America Explora Journeys commented, "Taking the helm of Explora Journeys' North American teams and market as President North America is both an honor and a thrilling challenge. I'm deeply committed to continuing the exceptional work of establishing our brand as a leader in luxury ocean travel. This new appointment represents not only a testament to our past achievements but also a boundless opportunity to shape the future of luxury hospitality at sea. I'm excited to lead our talented teams towards even greater success and to deliver unforgettable journeys to our discerning travelers across from the United States, Canada, and Mexico."

Explora I is currently sailing in North America and the Caribbean. Explora II will enter service in 2024 and liquefied natural gas-powered ships Explora III and Explora IV will join the fleet in 2026 and 2027 respectively. Explora V and Explora VI will enter service in 2027 and 2028, respectively.

Torghatten and Myklebust Verft to build the world's largest hydrogen ferries

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 23 April 2024 23 April 2024

Torghatten Nord has chosen the Norwegian Myklebust Shipyard for the construction of two hydrogen ferries, which will carry up to 120 cars on Norway's longest ferry route between Bodø and Lofoten. The ferries will be the world's largest hydrogen ships, and will be bunkered with hydrogen produced in Bodø.

"At Myklebust we found an environment with high competence at a sustainable price. I am proud that we are making it happen in Norway, because this is a big boost for the Norwegian technology and shipyard environment. Together with the authorities, we are in the process of setting the standard for a completely new class of ship, with a world-class innovation and climate project," says Marius Hansen, managing director of Torghatten Nord.

Myklebust Verft is based in Gursken south of Ålesund. The contract for the construction of the 117 meter long ferries means increased staffing and high activity at the shipyard for the foreseeable future.

"We are very pleased to have reached the goal of an agreement to build the world's largest hydrogen ship, in close cooperation with the shipping company. Together with the maritime cluster in Norway, we will develop new knowledge, secure jobs and be able to take on more apprentices with this assignment. It will be exciting to deliver something that no one has done before us," says Leiv Sindre Muren, CEO of Myklebust Verft.

The Minister of Transport is satisfied that the task of building the hydrogen ferries goes to a Norwegian shipyard.

"I would like to congratulate Torghatten Nord and Myklebust Verft on an important agreement for the Norwegian maritime industry. The government is concerned with sustainability, good pay and working conditions, the use of apprentices, innovation and local ripple effects in our contracts. The agreement shows that Norwegian shipyards are competitive, and it will contribute to building more expertise in zero-emission solutions," says transport minister John-Ivar Nygård.

Passenger traffic with hydrogen over such a long and demanding distance has not been carried out anywhere else in the world. The design and technical solutions must take care of all the safety aspects for ferries that travel long distances in weather-exposed waters.

"There are no other maritime hydrogen projects internationally that come close to the scale and ambitions of this project. We have therefore prioritized spending some time on building a team of Norwegian suppliers with the aim of transporting the local population, businesses and tourists in a safe, efficient and comfortable way. It goes to design, safety systems, hydrogen production, and now construction of the vessels. It has been particularly demanding to get this in place in a market characterized by war and uncertainty in Europe," says Hansen in Torghatten Nord.

The ferries will be delivered from Myklebust Verft during 2026. The suppliers of design, technology, equipment and hydrogen in the project are Norwegian, and the project also has close cooperation with the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and the class company Lloyd's Register to develop procedures and safety standards for a completely new type of ferries .

"When we are building two large ships packed with new technology, it is desirable that the project is thoroughly worked out before the contract with the shipyard is signed. We have now laid a good foundation to succeed with the ambitions in the project," says Hansen.

Norwegian Cruise Line and Fincantieri celebrate float out of Norwegian Aqua

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 23 April 2024 23 April 2024

Norwegian Cruise Line along with its partners at Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilding company, today commemorated the float out of Norwegian Aqua, the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class, from its dry dock at the shipyard in Marghera (Venice), Italy, marking a major construction milestone and the first time the vessel made contact with the water.

Today’s launching of Norwegian Aqua signifies the completion of the external work done on the ship readying it for its April 2025 debut. To celebrate this milestone, two ceremonial coins were welded into Norwegian Aqua in maritime tradition, which historically symbolized an offering to ancient gods and goddesses of the sea in exchange for good luck and safe passage for the vessel. The ceremony was followed by a blessing by a local chaplain and celebratory champagne breaking across the ship’s hull.

"We are excited to celebrate another milestone with our partners at Fincantieri, who are integral to the Prima Class journey and supporting us in evolving the amazing experience we design and deliver for our guests,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Building upon the guest-favorite features of the award-winning vessels of this class, the 10% increase in space provides us with more flexibility to deliver more offerings and more beautifully designed venues for our guests to relax and explore on board Norwegian Aqua.”

At 156,300 gross tons and a length that spans 1,056 feet, Norwegian Aqua will be 10% larger than the first two Prima Class vessels, which also feature the craftmanship of Fincantieri, providing more space and more innovative offerings including the world’s first-ever hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster; a new digital sports complex with an interactive LED floor, Glow Court; and NCL’s most expansive 360-degree outdoor promenade, Ocean Boulevard, to date. The ship will also boast luxurious accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian, including NCL’s first-ever Three-Bedroom Duplex Haven Suites.

“We are excited to mark this significant moment with Norwegian Cruise Line as we witness the float out of Norwegian Aqua, which represents a new chapter in our long-lasting partnership,” stated Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division. “We are proud to be part of this transformative journey in which innovation, a cornerstone of our industrial plan, is one of our key points, as we strive to push boundaries and elevate industry standards."

Construction continues on Norwegian Aqua until its debut in April 2025, where the ship will sail 7-day Caribbean itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla. With calls to the tropical island destinations of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. Following the ship’s Caribbean season, Norwegian Aqua will offer five and 7-day voyages to Bermuda from New York City from August 2025 through October 2025 and then cruise 5- and 7-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries from Miami, the “Cruise Capital of the World,” beginning October 2025 through April 2026.

“The Prima Class is a true evolution of the brand,” said Mark Kansley, senior vice president of hotel operations of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We hear from our guests following every cruise, and they appreciate the intimate nature and greater variety of elevated spaces throughout the ship for them to relax in or explore while on vacation. We are excited to soon deliver on this next chapter of our evolution – the Prima Plus Class – and bring our guests along on our journey.”