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Fincantieri launches "Masters of the Sea" training and recruiting project

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 February 2024 08 February 2024

Fincantieri has unveiled the "Masters of the Sea" project in Rome, initiating a paid training program, that will lead to the hiring of 90 individuals within the summer of 2024. This learning pathway is designed to search, educate and employ workers in the shipbuilding sector.

During the event, talks were given by Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Luciano Sale, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Real Estate, Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division, Pietro Cum, CEO of ELIS, Enzo De Fusco, labor consultant and university professor, and Maurizio Millico, Senior Strategy & Business Development Italy of Indeed.

The "Masters of the Sea" initiative has been developed as part of Distretto Italia, an orientation, training, and job placement project launched in 2023 by the ELIS consortium, of which Fincantieri is a member. It represents an investment in technical knowledge, offering a paid training program aimed at direct employment at Fincantieri's shipyards across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy.

The initial two training courses, for Dimensional Control Operators and Naval Plant Operators, will involve 30 participants. Over the coming months, four additional courses are scheduled, aimed at training Naval Operators, Crane Operators and Slingers.

Fincantieri has based its Business Plan on the cultivation of skills and the "Made in Italy" spirit of innovation, moving beyond mere "craftmanship" to an evolved concept of "intellectual craftsmanship," capable of reconnecting Italians with manufacturing, skilled manual work, new technologies and the high standards of excellence that distinguish our products.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said: “The course of Italy's industrial future passes through the training of a skilled workforce, the “intellectual craftmanship” of tomorrow. From this idea comes the 'Masters of the Sea' project, a paid training program aimed at recruiting young talents. The goal is to make attractive and cutting-edge jobs that young Italians tend to neglect."

Pietro Cum, CEO of ELIS, said: “Masters of the Sea stems from the need for professional profiles within a major Italian company and creates opportunities for the youth. We frequently hear about companies seeking staff without success and about disillusioned young people. When the realms of education and employment converge, we discover that a solution to the issue does exist."

Cunard report new January booking records

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 February 2024 07 February 2024

Cunard has reported that during January 2024, it has booked more guests than any equivalent period in the last decade.

Across the period, the luxury cruise brand booked a record number of guests, up by 25% versus the previous high of the last 10 years, with demand up for both sailings in year and future years.

Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “As we prepare to navigate what is set to be a truly ground-breaking year for Cunard, it has been fantastic to have such a strong start to the year. The appeal of Cunard is strong for guests across the world and is particularly strong for sailing across Europe on our new ship Queen Anne.”

Norwegian Cruise Line to base Norwegian Gem in Jacksonville

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 February 2024 07 February 2024

Yesterday, the JAXPORT Board of Directors unanimously approved a four year agreement for a three-year cruise operation with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to provide passenger cruise service from Jacksonville, Fla., beginning in November 2025. The 2,394-guest capacity Norwegian Gem will homeport in Jacksonville, Fla. from November to April every year through 2028, offering seasonal cruises to The Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean.

When Norwegian Gem arrives at JAXPORT in November 2025, it will mark the first time NCL homeports in Jacksonville, Fla. The city is a growing drive-to cruise market, with more than 98 million consumers living within driving distance of the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal.

“Today marks a new milestone in the relationship between Norwegian Cruise Line and JAXPORT,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We look forward to Norwegian Gem’s arrival to Jacksonville in November 2025, and welcoming guests from the area, as well as neighboring cities and states, on board to deliver them an exceptional vacation. Thank you to the entire JAXPORT team for the partnership and welcoming us into your city!”

Norwegian Gem will sail immersive tropical getaways each year, offering three 12-day and two 11-day roundtrip Eastern Caribbean sailings from Jacksonville, Fla. calling to the tropical destinations of Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas; Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas and St. John’s, U.S. Virgin Islands; Antigua; Basseterre, St. Kitts; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and more. The ship will also sail a series of 4- and 5-day cruises to The Bahamas, calling to Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau, Bahamas.

Sailings will be available to book beginning Feb. 15, 2024 on ncl.com.

“Expanding our popular cruise program provides passengers throughout the Southeast U.S. and beyond with even more reasons to choose Jacksonville for their next vacation,” said JAXPORT CEO Eric Green. “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line for their partnership and look forward to working with them to attract more tourism, and the jobs and economic impact it supports, to our community.”

The cruise industry in Jacksonville, Fla. is responsible for nearly 800 jobs and more than $187 million in annual economic impact for Northeast Florida, according to a 2019 study. Sixty percent of travelers surveyed cited easy access to the port as the primary reason for cruising out of Jacksonville, Fla. And more than three-quarters of passengers surveyed said they would be “very likely” to return to Jacksonville, Fla. for a future vacation.

Norwegian Gem’s amenities include a magnificent spa, pool with panoramic views, a variety of award-winning specialty restaurants and bars, world-class entertainment, an arcade and casino, Splash Academy, NCL’s complimentary youth program, and more. To provide travelers with the best value at sea, Norwegian’s Free at Sea offer provides guests with six free perks including free unlimited open bar, free companion airfare and more. NCL has an endless number of sailings for cruisers to choose from across its 19-ship fleet as the Company sails to 450 destinations around the globe including Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean and more.

JAXPORT is a full-service international cargo and cruise seaport in Jacksonville, Fla. In addition to a passenger cruise terminal, the port also owns, maintains, and markets three cargo terminals and two intermodal rail yards along the St. Johns River. The JAXPORT Cruise Terminal is located just minutes from major interstates, including I-10 and I-95, with fast access to and from Jacksonville International Airport.

Star Breeze takes over French Polynesia sailings as Windstar Cruises’ new, year-round ship in the region

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 February 2024 06 February 2024

Windstar Cruises, the leader in small ship cruising in Tahiti with more than 36 years of experience in the region, has introduced the all-suite, 312-guest Star Breeze, replacing Wind Spirit, as the new year-round ship in Tahiti and French Polynesia.

Star Breeze began cruising in Tahiti on February 4th, following a memorable ceremony attended by over 500 guests including esteemed dignitaries such as Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, Tony Geros, Speaker of the House, and Manouche Lehartel, Deputy Mayor of Papeete, Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourism partners, port officials, travel advisors, media and Windstar executives. The event marked a significant milestone in Windstar's commitment to providing unparalleled small ship experiences in Tahiti. In celebration, local artist Jessie Tiare Manutahi is on board to reveal an artistic Tahitian-inspired logo made up of symbols representing Windstar in Tahiti.

“This strategic shift in ships not only doubles capacity but also brings new experiences given the Breeze’s multiple dining options, enlarged spa and fitness center, and spacious accommodations,” explained Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog at the pier side celebration. “Travelers aboard Star Breeze still navigate Tahiti’s out-of-the-way harbors, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches in Windstar’s signature, small ship style.”

Prelog also noted that the vessel shift means faster travel to and from the islands of French Polynesia and the greater South Pacific, enabling expansion to the remote Marquesas Islands with the brand-new, 14-day Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas set to sail in July 2024. The 148-guest Wind Spirit leaves Tahiti to sail in the Caribbean during the winter season and the Mediterranean and Greek Isles between May and November. Wind Spirit strategically joins sister-ship Wind Star in the Greek Isles to double occupancy in this top selling region.

Windstar’s Star Breeze visits 11 islands and atolls in French Polynesia beginning in 2024, offering enriched cultural onboard experiences and new elements like:

– An evening of “arearea” French Polenesian fun! Join local group the Mamas and the Papas on deck to learn how to make a lei, tie a pareo, and enjoy Tahitian music and dancing

– Hiring local team members in the service department

– A French Polynesian cultural ambassador on each cruise organizing events such as Tahitian dance and language lessons, crafts, Ukulele performance and more

– New shore excursions: Sail on a cultural catamaran cruise in Raiatea, explore coral nurseries with Coral Gardeners and refresh your PADI certification in Papeete prior to the cruise

– Local artwork decorating the ship; Tahitian media including movies, music channels, books and board games

– Turndown gifts made in the islands

As part of its partnership with Coral Gardeners, two new shore excursions take guests to the headquarters to meet the team, visit coral nurseries, and learn about the importance of protecting the corals in a hands-on and interactive way. To date, Windstar, along with its guests, have adopted over 2,500 corals with Coral Gardeners, but Windstar’s goal is to open a dedicated nursery supporting 5,000 corals in 2025.

Windstar’s longtime partnerships with island communities, Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourism continue to evolve with new ideas and offerings such as extended hotel stays for an enhanced Tahiti experience combining the cruise with hotels and activities on land. Air and hotel packages are offered from Seattle and Los Angeles and a new foodie cruise tour combines the seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise with a three-night stay at Moorea’s Hotel Manava Beach Resort and Spa, a foodie adventure and snorkeling tour.

Windstar will continue to offer key Tahiti favorites including the signature Bora Bora Destination Discovery Event on a private Tahitian motu where guests enjoy an al fresco dinner with traditional foods, live music and local fire dancers light up the night. Tahiti tattooist, cultural expert and guide Tihoti brings local culture and traditions alive on board in a not-to-miss presentation. Another favorite of Windstar guests – swimming directly off Windstar’s Watersports Platform. The South Pacific becomes the swimming pool and playground with complimentary paddle boards, kayaks, floating mats and snorkel gear.

Prelog tells all who ask that Tahiti is his favorite destination. “We have dialed in our itineraries and curated cultural experiences on and off the ship,” says Prelog. “We can’t wait to share it with more travelers.”

Liverpool to host Naming Ceremony of Cunard Line's new Queen Anne

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 February 2024 05 February 2024

Cunard’s spiritual home is to host the Naming Ceremony for its newest ship Queen Anne. The event will take place on the world-famous Mersey waterfront at Liverpool on Monday, June 3 during a celebratory “lap of honor” voyage around the British Isles.

Cunard’s hosts for the momentous spectacle will be none other than Busted musician, Matt Willis, and his TV presenter wife, Emma Willis. The power couple of British pop culture recorded this message revealing what guests can expect from the event.

Queen Anne’s Naming Ceremony

Queen Anne is expected to arrive on the Mersey soon after sunrise on what promises to be the most eagerly awaited port of call on the exclusive 14-night voyage.

Plans are being made for her arrival to include a special salute to the city where Cunard’s pioneering Transatlantic service – and passenger shipping itself – was launched in 1840, and where the iconic Cunard Building forms the centerpiece of the Three Graces.

The 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage will depart Southampton on May 24 with maiden calls to Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast, and Liverpool where guests sailing on the voyage will have an exclusive opportunity to join the Naming celebrations before a spectacular, late evening departure bound for Cobh followed by her return to Southampton.

The formal Naming will be the highlight of a day of celebration for Queen Anne, currently nearing completion in Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera, Italy.

The event in Liverpool is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators to vantage points alongside the river at Pier Head, between New Brighton and Seacombe on Wirral, and on beaches at Formby and Crosby in Sefton. A live global broadcast will ensure the eyes of the world once again fall on a Cunard event in Liverpool.

Cunard ships have previously attracted more than a million spectators to the banks of the Mersey, first for the maiden call of the renowned QE2 in July 1990, and 2015 for the Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous’ in front of the Cunard Building to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the most famous name in shipping.

The British Isles Festival Voyage

Guests on the voyage will have an exclusive chance to be part of a unique event in Cunard’s history that will include a host of surprise celebrations at Liverpool’s world-famous Pier Head, with the original iconic Cunard Building at its heart.

An impressive line-up of eminent entertainers will give unforgettable live performances surrounding the official naming as Queen Anne makes her maiden call into Cunard’s spiritual home.

The 14-night British Isles Festival voyage will depart Southampton on May 24 with maiden calls to Greenock, Belfast, Cork, and Liverpool and a program of exciting on-board experiences that showcase the best of Britain and Ireland's shores. The events in Liverpool will be a truly treasured memory for Cunard, on the historical waterfront of a city the brand has such an incredible bond with.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Cunard has an incredible bond with the city of Liverpool. It is where our founder Sir Samuel Cunard began his transatlantic line in 1840, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories? Queen Anne is the next in a fine line for our brand and she will be bursting with breath-taking moments around every corner, evolving our core values of luxury, sophistication, and glamour. Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home and we are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close on her maiden call.”

Matt and Emma Willis added: “We’re delighted to be part of such a fantastic occasion and can’t wait to join everyone in Liverpool for an exciting and action-packed day, full of surprises and celebrations. Mersey waterfront will be brought to life on June 3, as world famous entertainers are set to put on a spectacular show. It's going to be a day to remember, and we can’t wait to welcome the fourth Queen to the iconic Cunard fleet.”

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “It’s a huge honor for Liverpool to be chosen as the location for the official naming of Queen Anne. The city and Cunard share a rich history, we are the original home of the world-famous cruise line and we staged the incredible spectacle of the Three Queens on the Mersey in 2015, which lives long in many people’s memories. This is yet another prestigious, international event taking place in our city, casting Liverpool into the limelight once again and showcasing our enviable maritime offer. The naming ceremony is set to be a majestic sight and I’m sure it will attract huge crowds to the waterfront who want to be part of this unique moment in ours and Cunard’s history.”

Further details of timings, activities, and spectator information for Queen Anne’s visit to Liverpool will be published in due course.