Mein Schiff 7 floated out in Meyer Turku shipyard

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 December 2023 07 December 2023

Just a few days after the Mein Schiff Relax was floated out in the Italian Fincantieri shipyard, the dock of the Mein Schiff 7 in the Finnish Meyer Turku shipyard was also flooded ton December 1. Around 300 million liters of water flowed into the dock and ensured a successful floating in a snowy winter landscape and with traditional cannon fire. This newbuilding is now receiving the finishing touches before it begins its first trips for guests next early summer.

“We are pleased that the 7th newbuilding in the Mein Schiff fleet now has water under its keel. The sister ship of Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 not only offers many wonderful innovations for our guests, but also relies on new low-emission fuels for propulsion,” says Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

There will be many new highlights on the Mein Schiff 7 that will offer guests of the Mein Schiff fleet a very special feeling of well-being and travel at the highest level. Guests can expect two new cabin categories for solo travelers: 12 indoor and 14 outdoor single cabins offer individual freedom with plenty of storage space and a unique feel-good atmosphere.

The newbuilding will operate with lower-emission marine diesel (sulfur content: 0.1%) and is equipped with catalytic converters (nitrogen oxide reduction: around 75%) and a shore power connection. In addition, the Mein Schiff 7 is being built run also on methanol, potentially green methanol, which makes the ship's propulsion system almost CO2-neutral. The decision to prepare Mein Schiff 7 for methanol propulsion is an important investment in the future and an important contribution to climate-neutral cruising.

In order to achieve even more efficient waste processing, the Mein Schiff 7 will be equipped with an innovative system that can shred organic waste through thermal treatment and process it for further use on land. “HydroTreat”, a new system for processing biological waste: the liquid parts of the waste are separated using heat and pressure and sent to the ship's own wastewater treatment system. In the end, purified wastewater comes out on land at the level of modern sewage treatment plants.

EWE Cruises, Deltamarin and Tillberg Design of Sweden receive AIP from DNV for their new expedition vessel project

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 December 2023 07 December 2023

A new expedition cruise vessel project, developed by EWE cruises, Deltamarin and Tillberg design of Sweden, has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the classification society DNV. The project was published at Marintec Shanghai on December 7, 2023, alongside the presentation of AiP certificates to the involved parties.

The innovative 17,000 gross ton vessel is designed for 200 passengers for worldwide service, covering both Arctic and tropical regions. One of its unique design features is the full capacity for simultaneous Zodiac expedition trips for all passengers.

Environmental friendliness is the key design criterion of the vessel, which is fitted with state-of-the-art technology for green operations. The design of the vessel has been developed jointly by the owner EWE cruises, naval architect Deltamarin, architectural designer Tillberg of Sweden, and in close collaboration with Chinese Polar Guide Association.

The approval from DNV proves that the design basis for the project is compliant with prevailing rules and regulations.

Viking to add 10 additional river ships in Europe

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 December 2023 07 December 2023

Viking has announced it will welcome an additional 10 Viking Longships to its river fleet in the coming years. To meet strong demand for European river voyages, eight of the new vessels will sail Viking’s popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while two additional Viking Longships will join the fleet on the Seine River. The total order is also inclusive of one Viking Longship for the Seine River that was announced in February 2023. Five of the new vessels will be delivered in 2025, with the remaining five to be delivered in 2026. To officially mark the start of construction on all 10 ships, a keel laying ceremony was held on December 5 at Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock, Germany, where all Viking Longships have been built since their debut in 2012.

“Ever since we started Viking 26 years ago, our mission has been to help our guests explore the world in comfort. We focus on the destination, and we build elegant, innovative ships,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We look forward to welcoming these new Longships to our European fleet and introducing The Viking Way of exploration to even more guests in the coming years.”

With a current fleet of 80 river ships and more than 50% of the market share for North American travelers, Viking is by far the industry’s leading river line. The award-winning Viking Longships, which comprise the vast majority of the company’s river fleet, host 190 or fewer guests. Featuring an innovative patented design, the vessels offer a wide variety of stateroom choices, the revolutionary indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace and Viking’s signature Scandinavian design aesthetic. The new vessels feature a hybrid propulsion system with batteries and are also equipped for shore power to reduce reliance on fuel while in port. Onboard solar panels further contribute to the ships’ energy efficiency.

Today’s announcement is the latest significant milestone for the company. Last month, Viking celebrated the float out of its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vela, which will debut in December 2024, and announced a new ship for the Mekong River in 2025, the Viking Tonle. In October, the company made history when it was voted #1 for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. The company was also voted to the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure in the 2023 World’s Best Awards. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications.

Windstar Cruises begins multi-million dollar refurbishment for its sailing ships

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 December 2023 07 December 2023

Afficionados of Windstar Cruises’ original three classic sailing yachts – 148-guest Wind Star and Wind Spirit and 342-guest Wind Surf – will be happy to learn the award-winning small ship cruise line is embarking on a multi-million dollar initiative to redesign and update all three yachts.

The multi-year initiative kicks off today, with Wind Star completing phase one of her renovations.

“Our sailing ships are beloved by Windstar guests,” says Windstar’s President Christopher Prelog. “Being on the ship under sail is unforgettable and brings an element of freedom and romance to every voyage.”

Wind Star is the first sailing ship to start the process and is currently in Lisbon, readying to welcome guests onboard. A second phase will include remaining staterooms and dining venues in 2026. Wind Spirit will be fully remodeled and complete its renovations in 2025, while Wind Surf will be in two phases – 2024 and 2026. The project encompasses a full redesign of all public spaces with new layouts, furniture, wall and floor coverings, lighting and custom art. Guest staterooms, Premium Suites, and Owner’s Suites will be fully refurbished including new furniture, interactive televisions, and décor.

“This multi-year, multi- million-dollar initiative is all about providing guests with updated spaces that inspire relaxation, foster connection, and offer multifunctional needs of an intimate sized sailing yacht,” says Stijn Creupelandt, Windstar’s vice president of hotel operations and product development. “Spending time on our yachts is all about moments of connection, whether that be guest to guest or guest to crew, and we want to make sure our spaces reflect that desire.”

Project Highlights for Wind Star, Fall 2023

Lobby – Opening up the space creates a more expansive reception area with added seating and expanded retail space.

Lounge – A redesign of the layout is meant to foster connections between people with a living room-like ambiance. New furniture, lighting and finishes enhance the area for daytime relaxation and evening entertainment.

Spa and Fitness Center – The World Spa by Windstar and gym have been thoughtfully designed with wellness and respite in mind. Both areas have all new finishes, color palettes, and new state-of-the-art equipment.

Pool Deck – A focal point on every voyage, the pool deck has been expanded with removal of the skylight, adding in a new pool and jacuzzi, and extending the pool bar. New furniture includes sofas for lounging and colorful poufs, ottomans, and chairs around the pool. New speakers, lighting, and finishes add to the fun of parties on the pool deck. New fauna and greenery around the pool bar add a pop of color.

Artwork – Through its partnership with Fountainhead Arts in Miami, the line is sourcing a curated collection of artwork for all three yachts. All are specially commissioned for Windstar with a common theme around the convergence of nature, organic materials, and the essence of yachting.

Technology – New, larger televisions in every cabin will be fully loaded with curated content and movies, and the line’s Wayfinder application. Additional WiFi access points will provide a better connection to Starlink internet.

Updates planned for guest staterooms, the main dining room Amphora, and lunch/breakfast restaurant Veranda will occur in phase 2.

“The design inspiration really developed from the yachts themselves,” explains Jessica Payne, Windstar’s manager of interior design. “I studied classic and modern yacht architecture to develop the sophisticated design foundation, and then went on to add pops of fun and peeks of relief inspired by our sails, the sea, the cities we visit, and our guests. Stepping into the lobby as you embark is about feeling a sense of stepping onto your own private yacht but experiencing the service of a luxury boutique hotel.”