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Costa Crociere launches “slow cruising” neoCollection

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 October 2013 22 October 2013

Costa Crociere, the Italian unit in Carnival Corp & plc group, says it will launch Costa neoCollection slow cruise concept that includes longer calls at ports and open seating dining.

“The Costa neoCollection is an invitation to make the most of every minute and holiday in a more leisurely way. This new type of cruise experience is tailored to suit individual tastes and let each person go at their own pace, both on board and ashore, making it ideal for couples and groups of friends,” the company said in a statement.

Costa neoRiviera, which has 624 cabins and which will be transferred from sister brand Iberocruceros, for which it is trading as Grand Mistral, and Costa neoRomantica with 789 cabins will be sailing to new destinations which are off the beaten path and inaccessible to bigger ships.

“The itineraries are designed with longer stopovers in each port, often overnight and part of the next day to allow maximum time on shore and the chance to thoroughly explore each place en route. “

“As cruising is not one size fits all, Costa Cruises has introduced a range of made-to-measure options, notably a series of specially devised shoreside excursions for small groups as well as fine gastronomic products based on the authentic taste sensations of the places visited, thanks to a new collaboration between Costa and the Università delle Scienze Gastronomiche in Pollenzo.”

The Costa neoCollection debuts on 9 February 2014 from Dubai with a special cruise on Costa neoRiviera, the latest addition to the Costa Cruises fleet. This one-off 62-day voyage of discovery, the Grand African Tour, is a circumnavigation of the great continent offering a unique opportunity to combine the sea and the most beautiful Indian Ocean beaches with all the adventure of a safari in South Africa.

Costa neoRiviera will also add a new dimension to cruising in spring and summer, sailing on 12-day itineraries to the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean, away from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism.

Starting 1 June 2014 and operating throughout the summer, the neoCollection style will also be present on Costa neoRomantica, with 13 and 15-day premium cruises in Northern Europe, beyond the North Cape or to the finest Baltic cities.

Keeping with the leisurely pace of the neoCollection cruises, guests can dine at any time between 6.30pm and 10.30pm without having to choose a particular sitting.

The slow food approach continues ashore, where food and wine excursions offer local product tastings. The Costa neoCollection shoreside tours are planned down to the last detail and specially designed to soak up the culture, scenery and flavours of each place along the route. So as to enhance the independent tourist feel, each excursion is arranged in small groups of no more than 25 people.

Cruise Critic releases annual Editors' Picks awards

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 October 2013 18 October 2013

Cruise Critic (http://www.cruisecritic.com), the world's largest cruise reviews site, has released its 2013 Editors' Picks Awards, naming the best cruise lines, ships and ports for 2013. Cruise lines are awarded in 18 categories, by Cruise Critic's international team of editors.

"Over the past year, our editors have covered every major ocean and river cruise line in the world -- around 75 cruise lines, representing more than 400 ships," explains Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. "Choosing the best out of that list is always a tough task; there are so many fantastic offerings available, and lines are constantly improving their products. Taking all of this into account, this list represents the ships and lines that we feel have gone above and beyond this year."

Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Cruise Line's New York-themed ship, was named Best New Ship, after debuting in April 2013. The ship was lauded for its state-of-the-art sports complex and variety of dining options -- including waterfront venues and celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian's new restaurant, Ocean Blue.

For the third year in a row, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line won Best Entertainment for its impressive entertainment options across its entire fleet – including Broadway performances like "Hairspray" and "Chicago," ice skating productions and aerial shows.

Disney Cruise Line won in two categories -- Best for Families and Best Shore Excursions -- for its creative programming for all ages, such as family archeological digs in Athens and cigar rolling in Nassau. Azamara Club Cruises won Best Value-for-Money for its inclusive offerings, and Oceania Cruises won Best Dining for the second consecutive year.

The winners of the 2013 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards include:

Best New Ship: Norwegian Breakaway
Best Ship Refurbishment: Carnival Sunshine
Best for Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
Best Itineraries: Princess Cruises
Best for Adventure: Lindblad Expeditions
Best Value-for-Money: Azamara Club Cruises
Best Dining: Oceania Cruises
Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Best Suites: Oceania Cruises
Best Inside Cabins: Norwegian Cruise Line
Best Standard Cabins: Celebrity Cruises
Best Shore Excursions: Disney Cruise Line
Best for Honeymoons: Windstar Cruises
Best Cruise Ship Bar: Martini Bar, Celebrity Cruises
Best North American Homeport: Vancouver
Best New River Ship: AmaPrima, AmaWaterways
Best River Cruise Line: Viking Cruises

For the full list of the 2013 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards, and information on why each winner was chosen, visit http://www.cruisecritic.com/editors-picks/.

Carnival Cruise Lines names Rear Adm. Roy A. Nash to the company's Safety & Reliability Board

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 October 2013 18 October 2013

Carnival Cruise Lines has appointed Rear Adm. Roy A. Nash, who recently retired from the U.S. Coast Guard, to the company’s Safety & Reliability Review Board. The line announced the development of the board in April 2013 and Nash becomes the fifth external member of the board, joining experts with extensive leadership, operational and maintenance experience within the U.S. Navy and airline industry.

A part of Carnival’s comprehensive fleetwide technical enhancement program, the review board was created to provide independent third-party perspective and to drive continuous improvement across the line’s fleet. The core objectives of the board are to review Carnival Cruise Lines’ current policies, practices and performance, and to guide the company in incorporating best practices from other relevant fields and industries.

Rear Admiral Roy Nash recently completed his career as Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District in New Orleans. He was responsible for port safety and security, commercial vessel safety, and response operations across the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. His duties included 10,300 miles of the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers. RADM Nash was previously assigned as Deputy Federal On Scene Coordinator for the nation's response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, impacting five Gulf Coast states.

He commanded field units, serving as Captain of the Port, advancing maritime safety, security and environmental protection. He commanded the Marine Safety Center, the Coast Guard's technical center reviewing design, engineering, and fire safety plans of commercial ships, tank barges and mobile offshore drilling units. Nash initially served in engineering positions afloat, on staff, and as marine inspector, investigator and environmental responder.

Rear Admiral Nash holds a master of science degree in Fire Protection Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Meritorious Service Medals, among other awards during his 34-year career.

"Rear Admiral Nash brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board and will work together with other members to position Carnival Cruise Lines as an industry leader in operational best practices," said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. "Our new technical, safety and reliability initiative is designed to ensure we're going above and beyond in all areas of technical operations."

Ropax ferries’ reinsurance cost should not track cruise ships

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 October 2013 18 October 2013

International Group of P&I Clubs should differentiate liability reinsurance cost between ropax ferries and cruise ships due to different risk profiles of the two types of vessels, said Ben Abraham, head of global P&I at insurance broker Willis.

Earlier, the International Group that is based in London had decided to increase the 2013-14 passenger ship allocation by 125%, largely due to the loss of the cruise ship Costa Concordia in January 2012.

Abraham stated there was a ‘compelling argument’ to differentiate between pure passenger ships and ro-pax ferries, where most carrying capacity is taken up by freight, because their catastrophe risk is so different.

“The increase meant, for example, that a 30,000gt ro-pax was faced with a $52,500 premium increase in one fell swoop,” Abraham said in a speech at the annual meeting of Interferry, the global ceiling organisation of the ferry industry, which was held in Malta.

“Over the last 20 years there have been five ro-pax claims into the pool amounting to $182M. This represented only 13.6% of the total cost of passenger ship claims as at 20 February 2013, so there is a very good argument for a review of the ro-pax ferry allocation,” he said in a statement.

Miami Dolphins cheerleaders named godmothers of Norwegian Getaway

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 October 2013 18 October 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line and the Miami Dolphins announced today that the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders will christen Miami's ultimate ship, Norwegian Getaway, as the official Godmothers. The Christening Ceremony will take place on February 7, 2014 on board Norwegian Getaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami. The line also announced a partnership with the Miami Dolphins that designates Norwegian Cruise Line as the Official Cruise Line of the Miami Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium.

"Norwegian Getaway is Miami's ultimate ship, so the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders are a great fit with our brand as they are excellent role models and global representatives of South Florida," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's president and CEO. There's no better match here in Miami than to have these outstanding women christen our new ship.

"Partnering with the world's premier cruise line allows us to align with another iconic South Florida brand that like the Dolphins, strives to provide a first class experience in everything they do," said Jason Miller, director of corporate partnerships for the Miami Dolphins/Sun Life Stadium. "It is truly an honor that our cheerleaders have been selected to christen the largest ship ever to homeport in Miami. We look forward to building a mutually beneficial long term relationship with Norwegian."

The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders have been a visible aspect of Dolphins football history since 1966. These internationally known ambassadors for South Florida diligently rehearse every week to bring spirit and excitement to every game day and community event appearance. An ethnically diverse group of glamorous women, the cheerleaders wholeheartedly encompass what it means to be both beauty and brains, as they are all also well-respected professionals in their community. The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, just as the team they represent, exemplify teamwork, performance, the pursuit of perfection and an unrivaled passion for football.

"We are honored to be selected by Norwegian to be the Godmothers of their newest ship, Norwegian Getaway. Norwegian Cruise Line is a first class organization and a well-known brand in our community, making this an ideal partnership," said Emily Snow, director of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders. "It is truly a privilege to be named as the Godmothers of Norwegian Getaway and we are anxiously awaiting the christening celebration."

Norwegian Cruise Line is also partnering with the Miami Dolphins throughout the football season at Sun Life Stadium and is an official sponsor of the team. At each home game, ticket holders can picture how they would Cruise Like a Norwegian by having their photograph taken in front of a Norwegian Getaway backdrop and they can enter a sweepstakes to win a cruise for four on Norwegian Getaway. On-site ambassadors are available with information about Norwegian's newest ship and overall fleet. During the Miami Dolphins Salute to Service in the third quarter at home games, a military hero is recognized with a cruise for two on Norwegian Getaway, courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Line is also being promoted on the stadium television network for all events at Sun Life Stadium year-round, along with permanent signage under the scoreboard. The partnership also extends onboard Norwegian Getaway, as the ship's library will house Miami Dolphins memorabilia highlighting the team's rich history.

To celebrate the announcement of the Dolphins Cheerleaders as Godmothers of Norwegian Getaway, the cheerleaders will make an appearance at Norwegian Cruise Line's photo area on the Grand Plaza (across from the Dolphins store at Gate G) at Sun Life Stadium on Sunday, October 20 from 11 am to 12 pm. The Cheerleaders will be available for photos and will be giving fans commemorative posters.

Norwegian Getaway will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises departing every Saturday from Miami beginning on February 8, 2014.