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Just two months after delivery of Explora I, Fincantieri and Explora Journeys reach another milestones

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 September 2023 06 September 2023

Just two months after the delivery of Explora I, which took place in Monfalcone on July 20, the construction of the fleet of Explora Journeys, the MSC Group's new luxury cruise brand destined to revolutionise the standards of high-end travel and exclusive cruising, continues with a double milestone.

In fact, this morning in Genoa, at Fincantieri's historic Sestri Ponente shipyard, a double ceremony was held: the float out of Explora II and the steel cutting of Explora III. The two ships represent the second and third vessels out of a total of as many as four ordered by the MSC Group from Fincantieri. The total investment for the four ships is about 2.3 billion euros and is capable of generating a spillover effect on the Italian economy of more than 10 billion euros along with an extremely high employment impact, as the construction of each individual ship requires more than 7 million man-hours of work and the average employment of 2,500 people for more than two years.

The ceremony was attended by leading Ligurian and Genoese authorities, including Liguria Region President Giovanni Toti, Genoa Mayor Marco Bucci, Genoa Prefect Renato Franceschelli and Questore Orazio D'Anna. Present on behalf of the shipowner were Michael Ungerer, Chief Executive Officer of Explora Journeys, and Leonardo Massa, Managing Director for Italy of the new cruise brand. Doing the honors for Fincantieri were the CEO and Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero, and the General Manager of the Merchant Ships Division, Luigi Matarazzo.

Liguria Region President Giovanni Toti said: “Msc and Fincantieri are a fundamental piece of our past and even more so of our future. Combining the ability to build ships with those who take them around the world is a unique opportunity for Genoa and Liguria to grow and continue to strengthen its leadership in shipbuilding and on the sea. Today's day celebrates a Made in Italy success, a boast for the territory: we must equip ourselves to continue to ensure the infrastructure not only to build, but also to welcome ships to the ports of Liguria, and of course the many tourists who increasingly want to visit our Liguria, as shown by the record number of passengers that is being recorded again this year in the ports of Liguria.”

Mayor of Genoa Marco Bucci said: “Once again, the Genoa shipyard confirms itself as a world-class excellence. The launch of Explora II and the steel cutting of Explora III represent a great step forward for the cruise industry, which in this 2023 has recorded record numbers. The construction of ships of this magnitude is also great news from an employment perspective for Genoa. We are proud that Msc has once again believed in Fincantieri and our city to build these vessels that will further raise the quality standard of cruising worldwide.”

Michael Ungerer, CEO of Explora Journeys, said: “Today's double ceremony represents an important step forward in building and strengthening our brand, which is redefining the standards of luxury ocean travel thanks to the unparalleled experience that Explora Journeys’ ships are able to offer our guests. These ships, that are also at the forefront from an environmental point of view, are among the best ambassadors of Made in Italy in the world and bear witness to both Italy's high manufacturing and shipbuilding capacity, and to the MSC Group's commitment to a country in which we continue to believe and invest very significant resources”.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer of Fincantieri, commented: “Today's double ceremony fully expresses Fincantieri's great productive commitment to the realization for the MSC Group of the Explora class, a project that guarantees the highest quality standards and was conceived from the beginning to accelerate the path toward the zero-emission ship”.

After being launched into the water today with the technical launch, Explora II will be completed in the coming months and delivered in the summer of the next year, spending her first seasons in the Mediterranean discovering the most striking locations in the Mare Nostrum, including some enchanting Italian destinations such as Portofino, the Argentario, Rome, Naples, Sorrento, Palermo, Syracuse, Trapani, Lipari, Cagliari, Alghero and the Costa Smeralda. Explora I, which is successfully concluding its inaugural season in Europe and during the winter season will sail between the Caribbean and the East and West Coasts of the United States, will also return to the Mediterranean in the summer of 2024 to take its guests to discover destinations such as Puglia, Sicily and Venice.

Explora III, whose construction began today with traditional steel cutting ceremony, will enter service in the summer of 2026 and will be the first ship in the Explora fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG)-one of the world's cleanest marine fuels available on a large scale-which is destined to play a crucial role in the decarbonisation path of shipping globally. Indeed, LNG is capable of substantially reducing sulfur oxide (99 percent) and nitrogen oxide (85 percent) emissions, and also plays a decisive role in climate change mitigation because it can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 percent and pave the way for the use of sustainable non-fossil fuels such as bio and synthetic forms of LNG.

In January 2024, construction will begin on Explora IV, also powered by LNG, which will be completed in early 2027.

All of the Explora Journeys vessels will be equipped with the latest environmental and marine technologies, including selective catalytic reduction technology, shore power plug-in connectivity, underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life, and a comprehensive range of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimise engine use to further reduce emissions.

Oceania Cruises unveils inaugural season sailings for Allura

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 September 2023 06 September 2023

Oceania Cruises has revealed the inaugural season sailings for Allura, its newest ship, due to join the fleet in summer 2025. The 26 Inaugural Season sailings span more than 92 destinations on various 7- to 34-day voyages and will open for sale on September 13, 2023. The opulent newbuild will boast standard staterooms measuring at an astounding 291 square feet, larger than many entry-level suites on some ultra-luxury cruise lines.

As the line’s second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship, she follows her sister, Vista, which launched to great global acclaim this past May in a glittering christening ceremony and sold-out debut season. On a journey to the ultimate Oceania Cruises experience, Allura’s monumental Inaugural Season is bound to excite any traveler’s desires and can be viewed online beginning September 6, 2023, at www.OceaniaCruises.com.

Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, commented: “Excitement is already building in advance of Allura’s debut. This beautiful new addition to our family embodies the dynamic and dazzling future of Oceania Cruises. Allura heralds the ultimate evolution of our onboard experience, and her Inaugural Season is designed to entice curious world travelers, to allow them to reconnect with well-loved favorite destinations and discover new ones for the first time.”

Calling at gems in the Eastern Mediterranean, the new vessel will sail her maiden voyage on a 7-day journey from Athens to Istanbul, departing on June 8, 2025. True to her name, Allura will journey to some of the most intriguing and inspiring destinations in her opening European season with calls at iconic cities and lesser-known gems such as Cádiz, Cagliari, Messina, Palma de Mallorca, Palermo and Cinque Terre and will feature overnight stays in Istanbul, Monte Carlo, Quebec City, Montreal and New York. From her summer season in the Mediterranean, Allura will sail to Canada and New England for an extended season in North America before her premiere winter season in the Caribbean. Thoughtfully curated for seasoned global travelers, a sample of Allura’s inaugural voyages may be found below:

– Maiden Voyage – Athens to Istanbul, June 8, 2025, 7 days: Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Santorini, Greece; Heraklion (Crete), Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Bodrum, Turkey; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Canakkale (Troy), Turkey; Istanbul, Turkey

– Flourishing Rivieras – Rome to Athens, July 29, 2025, 17 days: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), Italy; Portofino, Italy; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Saint-Tropez, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Cinque Terre (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Sorrento/Capri, Italy; Santorini, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Antalya, Turkey; Bodrum, Turkey; Patmos, Greece; Athens (Piraeus), Greece

– Explorer’s Grand Crossing – Rome to New York, August 27, 2025, 34 days: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Salerno, Italy; Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Valletta, Malta; Ibiza, Spain; Valencia, Spain; Barcelona, Spain; Provence (Marseille), France; Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Provence (Marseille), France; Barcelona (Tarragona), Spain; Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Cartagena, Spain; Málaga, Spain; Gibraltar, UK; Tangier, Morocco; Seville (Cádiz), Spain; Portimão, Portugal; Lisbon, Portugal; Funchal (Madeira), Portugal; Ponta Delgada (Azores), Portugal; Horta (Azores), Portugal; St. John's, Newfoundland; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Bar Harbor, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Newport, Rhode Island; New York, New York

– Maples & Manors – New York to Montreal, October 18, 2025, 11 days: New York, New York; Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; Saint John (Bay of Fundy), New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Saguenay, Quebec; Quebec City, Quebec; Montreal, Quebec

– Holiday Havens – Miami to Miami, December 21, 2025, 14 days: Miami, Florida; Oranjestad, Aruba; Willemstad, Curaçao; Kralendijk, Bonaire; St. George's, Grenada; Kingstown, St. Vincent; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; St. John's, Antigua; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Miami, Florida

On top of exquisite destination itineraries, Allura is no exception when it comes to serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Guests will marvel at specialty dining venues, including new signature restaurants Ember and Aquamar Kitchen, at no extra cost; and enjoy innovative and surprising cocktails served by master mixologists at the Founders Bar. On Allura, guests are called to experience the essence of greater luxury.

Celestyal Journey starts its maiden voyage

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 September 2023 06 September 2023

This weekend, the new addition of the Celestyal fleet, Celestyal Journey, set sail on its maiden voyage across the Aegean, sailing under the expert hands of veteran Captain Angelos Vassilakos.

Departing from Piraeus, Athens on Saturday, September 2, Celestyal Journey's first guests are enjoying its inaugural 7-night Idyllic Aegean itinerary, continuing the company's philosophy of providing true guest immersion. in the culture of the destination, visiting Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini, Mykonos and Milos.

Chris Theophilides, CEO of Celestyal, commented: "On September 2, we successfully kicked off a new avenue for our Celestyal product offering as we celebrate the departure of our newest ship, the Celestyal Journey. This is a very exciting time for us. us at Celestyal, as we continue our investment in the fleet, which marks the beginning of a new chapter in the company's vision to offer a new premium experience."

To celebrate the Journey's maiden voyage and showcase the substantial increase in premium balconies on board, Celestyal is extending its special Complimentary Suite promotion on all Journey bookings* made through October 31, for travel throughout the remainder of the year. This includes her award-winning 7-night Three Continents itinerary beginning on the new ship on October 21 and special 11-, 18-, and 19-night sailings in December (December 16 for 11- and 19-night sailings, and on December 9 for the departure of 18 nights, respectively).

Meyer Floating Solutions unveils innovative floating cruise terminals for sustainable port expansion

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 September 2023 05 September 2023

Meyer Floating Solutions, a pioneering entity within the globally renowned Meyer Group, has unveiled a groundbreaking advancement in the cruise industry: the world's first floating cruise terminals. These revolutionary terminals offer an environmentally friendly and resource-efficient solution for cruise ports worldwide. With a portfolio encompassing various designs and adaptable modules, Meyer Floating Solutions is setting a new standard for port infrastructure.

As an integral part of the Meyer Group, which boasts three leading cruise shipyards, Meyer Floating Solutions has reimagined port development with a focus on flexibility and sustainability. This novel approach addresses the needs of ports lacking significant infrastructure while simultaneously providing the versatility to expand or relocate terminals as needed. Kaj Casén, CEO of Meyer Floating Solutions, underscores the benefits: "Our floating cruise terminals offer a dynamic solution for ports seeking seamless expansion options, ensuring the safety and confidence of both public and private investors." The floating solution offered by Meyer does not involve reinventing the wheel; rather, it combines the best practices and approaches from various industries, leveraging existing proven technologies. Floating assets up to full terminal size can be manufactured in a factory-like environment (e.g., shipyard), minimizing local site works such as land reclamation while maintaining crucial safety and operability aspects through fixed mooring arrangements such as mooring dolphins in the arrangement.

Meyer Floating Solutions boasts a diverse array of terminal designs that can be seamlessly integrated with complementary modules, including hotels, parking facilities, energy supply centers, and shopping complexes, all produced under the Meyer umbrella. From streamlined pier systems that minimize disruption to both land infrastructure and the natural environment, to complex terminals equipped with up to three piers accommodating multiple ships simultaneously, the possibilities are vast. The triad of pier options – ranging from 205 to 320 meters in length – has been meticulously designed to maximize utility within a footprint of 410 meters in length and 265 meters in width. "Our terminals are deliberately engineered to be modular, empowering operators to adeptly meet escalating demand and enhance their facilities with minimal on-site complexity," Casén adds.

Each module is meticulously crafted within the Meyer Group's state-of-the-art shipyards, utilizing an environmentally conscious and controlled environment that preserves precious resources.

Norwegian Cruise Line launches inaugural voyage from Maryland's Port of Baltimore

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 September 2023 02 September 2023

The Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore yesterday welcomed Norwegian Cruise Line to Maryland to begin a fall and winter sailing schedule. For the first time in the company’s history, Norwegian will have two ships homeporting from Maryland: Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun. The ships will offer cruises from Baltimore to Canada and New England, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

"Norwegian is one of the top cruise lines in the world, and they recognize that Maryland’s Port of Baltimore is an amazing partner, offering convenient access and outstanding service," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. "The arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line heightens the impact of cruising as an economic engine for our state. The industry already generates nearly 400 jobs and $63 million in annual local business revenues."

Norwegian Sky embarked yesterday on a 10-day Canada and New England cruise, with visits to Martha’s Vineyard; Boston; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Cape Breton Island; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Saguenay, Quebec; and Quebec City. On September 21, Norwegian Sky will sail on an 11-day Canada and New England voyage. In addition, Norwegian Sun will offer warm weather escapes with a five-day Bermuda cruise November 22 and three, 12-day voyages to the Caribbean on November 27, December 9 and December 21. Norwegian Sky also will return to the Port of Baltimore in September 2024.

The Port of Baltimore has offered year-round cruising since 2009. Prior to the pandemic in 2019, the Port averaged more than 200,000 passengers annually. Following a cruise industry-wide pause during the pandemic, Baltimore’s passenger counts have strongly rebounded, with its ships currently sailing at full capacity. Baltimore’s cruise terminal is located right off Interstate 95 and offers plenty of onsite parking.

"Today marks a history-making moment for Norwegian Cruise Line, as we sail from the vibrant city of Baltimore for the first time," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Our voyages from the Port of Baltimore offer guests the best that cruising on the East Coast has to offer, with a convenient homeport option that allows them to experience both the breathtaking fall foliage of Canada and New England and warm weather winter escapes in Bermuda and the Caribbean. As we continue to grow our fleet of now 19 ships, we actively look for new opportunities and communities to introduce the Norwegian Cruise Line experience. This fall, we’ll also celebrate the one-year anniversary of our Military Appreciation program, where we honor active and retired service members with exclusive offers and onboard experiences. Given the strong military community in Baltimore and the surrounding areas, we look forward to having these service members participate in our program and join us at sea soon."

More than 40 million people are within a six-hour drive of Baltimore, and two-thirds of the nation’s population are within an overnight drive of Baltimore.

"We’re very happy to have Norwegian, one of the top cruise lines in the world, sailing from the Port of Baltimore," said Maryland Port Administration - Port of Baltimore Interim Acting Executive Director Brian Miller. "Our cruise terminal’s unique location allows for easy access for cruise passengers from many Eastern and Midwestern states. Our local market is also one of the wealthiest in the nation. These are significant reasons why we’ve been successful as a cruise port."

The Port of Baltimore generates about 15,300 direct jobs, with nearly 140,000 jobs overall linked to Port activities. The Port is first among the nation’s ports for autos and light truck volume, roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery and imported gypsum. The Port is responsible for nearly $3.3 billion in personal wages and salaries, $2.6 billion in business revenue and $395 million in state and local tax revenue annually.