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Princess reveals top deck features aboard Royal Princess

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 September 2012 28 September 2012

Princess Cruises has unveiled additional details about the outdoor entertainment features that will be found on the top deck of the new Royal Princess, including the dramatic SeaWalk, the pool areas, an evening light show and a 30 percent larger Movies Under the Stars poolside theater.

The top deck features are detailed in the company's latest video previewing Royal Princess, viewable at princess.com/royalprincess.

"We're placing even more emphasis on our outdoor entertainment options with this new ship," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "With all of these exciting features on the top decks, passengers will truly enjoy their time under the sun -- or stars."

Among the new top-deck features of Royal Princess are:

Sea Walk -- Extending 28 feet beyond the starboard side of the ship, the SeaWalk will be one of the ship's most striking features. At 60 feet long and hovering 128 feet above the ocean, this dramatic glass-bottomed walkway offers unparalleled views available on no other ship. Just as the captain on the bridge can look through glass panels in the floor of the bridge to get a look at the sea conditions below, passengers will now have that same sense of stepping out from the side of the ship for a breathtaking experience. Across the ship the SeaView Bar also extends over the waves for cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Fresh Water Pools -- Directly adjacent to the SeaWalk on the ship's expansive top deck area passengers will find a host of lounging options, beautiful palm trees, and two fresh water pools flanking an island area between them. During the day passengers can relax and rejuvenate poolside in a variety of seating options, including circular loungers, garden-style furniture, bar-height tables and stools, and chaise lounges. In the pool areas, entertainment options will include games and live music inspired by the ship's ports of call.

Water and Light Show -- At night, the top deck of Royal Princess will transform with architectural lighting effects to set the mood. The island area between the two pools will become a stage showcasing an interactive sound and light show featuring dancing fountains. With a sophisticated lighting and sound system, and a computerized fountain featuring 85 water jets, passengers will marvel as streams of water shoot 33 feet into the night sky.

Movies Under the Stars -- Princess' signature poolside theater will feature a 30 percent larger screen for true widescreen viewing, coupled with a high-tech visual and audio system for an unforgettable open-air movie-going experience. Passengers can enjoy movies, sporting events, and concerts while relaxing on a comfortable chaise lounge, complete with pillow, blanket, and free popcorn. For those who'd like to watch from the water, the ship's large whirlpool spas above the pools offer great sightlines for enjoying Movies Under the Stars while soaking.

Evening Entertainment -- On select evenings, the island will be transformed into an outdoor dance floor and will play host to the popular Ultimate Deck Party. Perched two decks up on a special balcony, a DJ will get the crowd moving with an energetic music mix.

The 3,600-passenger Royal Princess is a new-generation ship currently under construction for Princess Cruises. Among the special features found on board will be a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef's Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms. The ship's 2013 maiden season will include cruises on the line's signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary throughout the summer, followed by Eastern Caribbean cruises beginning in the fall. More information and video previews of the ship are available at www.princess.com/royalprincess.

Norwegian Breakaway to feature cutting-edge spa and fitness experiences

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 September 2012 26 September 2012

Norwegian Breakaway will redefine relaxation and fitness at sea when the ship launches in late April 2013, featuring an expansive spa with the first-ever salt room at sea and state-of-the-art fitness facility offering a variety of exciting and innovative fitness options. The combined spa and fitness area spans two decks, encompassing more than 23,000 square feet.

Offering the ultimate in indulgent experiences, Norwegian Breakaway's tranquil Mandara Spa and thermal suite will offer guests the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of New York City and will feature the first-ever salt room at sea. Popular in top spas around the world, salt room therapy has been proven to alleviate respiratory and skin ailments, strengthen the immune system, promote better sleep and have a long-term positive impact on overall lung function. Spa guests visiting the Salt Room will be immersed in a dramatic grotto setting as they enjoy this unique, indulgent and beneficial spa experience. The tranquil thermal suite also offers guests spectacular unobstructed views of the ocean, the opportunity to melt away on one of the 13 heated loungers, vitality pool, whirlpools, sauna, solarium and steam room, along with a full-service salon and barber shop.

The 22 treatment rooms will feature more than 50 signature services for both men and women including Elemis signature facials such as the luxurious "24 Karat Gold Facial," massages such as the Thai Herbal Poultice Massage, the Bamboo Massage and the Freestyle Massage; and two bliss services: the bliss triple oxygen treatment and the bliss fatgirlslim. Norwegian Breakaway will also offer acupuncture, teeth whitening and cosmetic medical treatments, performed by a licensed medi-spa doctor, such as Botox Cosmetic, Dysport , Restylane and Perlane.

The full service salon will offer hair, nail, waxing and special kid-friendly services. The area also features a full service Barber Shop, exclusively for men, offering treatments including haircuts and traditional warm shaves.

Fitness enthusiasts and active New Yorkers will delight in the variety of cutting-edge fitness programs offered on board Norwegian Breakaway. Inspired by an "urban New York City playground," guests can choose from a range of innovative fitness options to really get their heart pumping. The ship will feature the first-ever Nexersys interactive fight training modules at sea, offering guests the opportunity to engage in high-intensity, interval training against an avatar, through the use of a simulator. Boxing lovers will also enjoy Norwegian's all new "Freestyle Fight Klub," which combines Nexersys training with a cardio boxing class, utilizing the fitness center's 12 heavy bags.

Those who prefer biking will delight in the first-ever "Black Light Spinning" class at sea. Guests will jump on their spinning bike and pedal away to the hottest music in a room lit entirely by black lights and neon graffiti art - giving riders a once-in-a lifetime adrenaline rush. The fitness center will also offer a variety of all-new low-impact classes such as "Spirals," a Pilates-inspired class that utilizes weighted balls for added resistance; and "Chi Balls," a group class inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, combining elements of yoga, tai chi and meditation that completely exercise both the mind and body. Additional fitness offerings include TRX, the biggest fitness phenomenon of 2012, kettle bell training, yoga, Pilates, reformers and body sculpting boot camp style classes. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a fitness class developed by the Rockettes, one of New York's most illustrious and beloved icons, who will christen Norwegian Breakaway as the official Godmothers. Personal training sessions will also be available, along with nutritional consultations and metabolic testing.

Guests who prefer to workout independently will enjoy the latest Technogym cardio equipment and weights. All cardio equipment synchs to iPod music devices and features a large, HD screen from which guests can watch television, follow a set training program or navigate the playlist on their iPod.

Pullmantur to operate four turn around calls from Bilbao 2013

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 September 2012 25 September 2012

After its recent successful second round-the-Iberian-Peninsula voyage on Empress, with Bilbao as the first port of call, Pullmantur announced an increase in its presence in the Basque port next year. During the 2013 season, it will have four departures from Bilbao and convert the city into the port of departure for its new “Corazón de Europa” (Heart of Europe) itinerary. Alan Lam reports.

On its recent eight-day seven-night cruise, the Empress set sail from Cherbourg. Her first port of call was Bilbao where she picked up 1,500 passengers before proceeding to A Coruña, Cádiz, Casablanca, Gibraltar, Almería and Valencia, highlighting the demand in the region.

The company stated that it wished to offer its cruise products to the people of Basque Region and position one of its vessels in Bilbao - one of the most important Spanish ports. “In 2013, we will intensify our operation in the port of Bilbao,” said D. Sergio Jiménez, Pullmantur’s Sales and Marketing Director for Basque Region. “Pullmantur reaffirms its commitment to Spanish ports, and in particular Bilbao where we value, above all, its excellent facilities, the good cooperation of the port authority, and the proximity of tourist attractions to the terminal in Getxo.

The new eight-day seven-night “Corazón de Europa” itinerary from Bilbao will include calls at Dover (for excursions to London), Ijmuiden, Zeebrugge and Le Havre.

Alan Lam

Third Classic International Cruises' ship reported held

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 September 2012 21 September 2012

Third ship of Classic International Cruises, the troubled Portuguese operator of five second hand vessels, has been detained due to unpaid bills, a French media report says.

The 1965 built Arion has been stopped at the Montenegrin port of Kotor. Before this, Athena and Princess Danae were held in Marseilles in France, reportedly due to unpaid bunker bills, tourmag.com says on its website.

Princess Daphne is in the Spanish port of Arrecife, according to Marinetraffic.com, the shipping movement website, while Funchal, the fifth vessel of the company, is in Lisbon according to the same source.

Costa appoints Tom Strang to new position of SVP Maritime Development and Compliance

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 September 2012 21 September 2012

Costa Crociere, the Italian unit in Carnival Corp & plc group, says it has appointed Tom Strang in the new position of Senior Vice President Maritime Development and Compliance for the company. "Tom will report directly to Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group, and be responsible for ensuring that industry regulations and safety standards are continuously updated and adjusted," Costa said in a statement.

Tom Strang, a British national, is responsible for supporting the Costa Group brands (Costa Cruises, AIDA and Iberocruceros) in ensuring that their maritime and safety processes, organisation and employees are the best in the industry. As well as guaranteeing compliance with industry standards and all national and international rules, he will lead the implementation of more advanced industry practices and promote a safety-centric culture.

Throughout September, Tom will make the transition from his current role in Carnival Corporation's Corporate Maritime Policy group and work with all the relevant people in Costa, AIDA and Ibero to ensure this task is delivered to the highest standard.

Tom Strang brings a wealth of experience to the role. He held his previous job as Vice President of Maritime Policy and Regulation MP&C (Maritime Policy and Compliance, now CMP – Corporate Maritime Policy) from 2005, where he was responsible for all aspects of policy development in relation to health, safety and the environment across the Carnival Group.

In February 2000, he joined Carnival Corporate Shipbuilding to oversee all aspects related to safety and in 2003 he transitioned to Corporate Maritime Affairs where he was responsible for technical aspects of maritime policy development across the Group.

Prior to joining Carnival, Tom Strang worked for Lloyd's Register in various international jobs and countries primarily as a passenger ship specialist. He is also very active within various trade associations and chairs a number of committees and panels.