More News

Hawai'i Tourism Authority welcomes the responsible return of Norwegian Cruise Line to Maui

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

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its return to Kahului, Maui, with the guidance and encouragement of the Maui community, Hawai‘i State Governor Josh Green and the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

NCL’s Pride of America, which has an 18-year history of cruising the Hawaiian Islands year-round, will recommence its weekly overnight calls to Kahului beginning Sept. 3, 2023. Earlier this month, the cruise line paused its calls to Maui, to avoid stressing local resources due to the devastating wildfires in Lāhainā on the island’s west side.

"We have a strong connection with the people and islands of Hawai‘i and long history of bringing guests from all over the world year-round to this paradise in the Pacific," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "When we heard of the tragic wildfires, we were quick to mobilize our network to support local recovery efforts in Maui. We temporarily adjusted our itineraries to avoid stressing the destination further, we donated $50,000 to Maui United Way, and together alongside our partners have collected and will be donating over $150,000 in supplies such as food, clothing and mattresses. We look forward to returning to this incredibly special destination soon with the guidance and support of the local community, Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and encouragement Governor Green."

Hawai‘i State Governor Josh Green, M.D. said, "We appreciate the continued partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line, and the support it has recently provided to aid the recovery of the residents of Lāhainā. While travel to West Maui is restricted to returning residents and emergency responders, we are working with our tourism partners, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, and encouraging them to make a steady return to other areas of the island and throughout the rest of the state."

"The damaging effects of the recent wildfires to the Lāhainā community has been heartbreaking," said Kalani Ka‘anā‘anā, chief brand officer of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. "As recovery efforts are underway, the island of Maui is dependent now more than ever on the return of mindful, respectful visitation which keeps our residents employed and businesses open. We are encouraging travelers and visitor industry companies, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, to make a responsible return to the island, visiting the many areas that were not impacted by the fires and are welcoming travelers back."

Tallink Grupp terminates charter agreement of cruise ferry Romantika

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 September 2023 01 September 2023

The charter agreement for the charter of company vessel Romantika signed between a subsidiary of AS Tallink Grupp, AS Tallink Latvija and Holland Norway Lines BV, has been terminated on 1 September 2023 before the charter agreement’s normal expiry date.

Fincantieri completes refurbishments for Crystal ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2023 31 August 2023

Fincantieri has completed the parallel modernization of two cruise ships for Crystal (A&K Travel Group), delivering Crystal Symphony in recent days. The first vessel, Crystal Serenity, rejoined the owner’s fleet on July 20.

The contract was finalized in December 2022, and, after an initial phase committed to engineering development, works lasted for about five months significantly raising the level of amenities and accommodations on board. The hotel part of the ships, both public areas and suites and guest rooms, was revolutionized, deeply affecting the systems part as well, in order to lengthen the operational life. The project was concluded with the usual drydocking activities preparatory to return to service.

On every ship, three decks were radically transformed with the installation of more than 100 new suites and guest rooms two, three and sometimes four times the size of the previous 230, generating environments of greater space and value, thanks to the refinement of the finishes used. Another 100 were completely modernized, without changing their size. Casinos have been removed to make room for generous lounges.

Aspects related to environmental sustainability have also been upgraded, with particular reference to wastewater treatment and energy recovery systems. Finally, the hulls have been treated with special state-of-the-art ecosilicone paints, which reduce friction and fuel consumption.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri stated: “This is one of the most important orders managed at our Arsenale Triestino San Marco, allowing us to further consolidate Fincantieri Services’ leadership in the refitting and refurbishment sector globally, which will grow a lot in the coming years due to the ongoing digital and green revolution”. Folgiero concluded, “Supporting as a technology partner the re-launch of a brand like Crystal is a very significant achievement, which starts in the best possible way the relationship with a client like Crystal that today refers to a shipowner we know very well as Manfredi Lefebvre D'Ovidio”.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have a maximum capacity that now stands at about 740 and 606 passengers respectively.

Holland Norway Lines halts its operations

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 August 2023 30 August 2023

Holland Norway Lines BV (HNL) applied for a suspension of payments in court this morning. Business operations are under pressure, partly due to the financial losses incurred at the beginning of the year in connection with the troubled period at Eemshaven. Pending further developments, the cruise ferry Romantika is not sailing for the time being and ticket sales have been halted.

The cause of the pressure on the still young company’s operations lies mainly in the troubled period at the beginning of this year due to the forced departure from Eemshaven. A period with many cancellations and extra costs but also with a significant impact on future bookings. Nevertheless, after the restart in Cuxhaven, Germany, and then a successful start in Emden (1 June), HNL saw the future looking bright again. However, HNL needs more time to make up for the financial losses incurred early this year.

From start-up to full-fledged organisation

All employees in Groningen, Norway’s Kristiansand and on board the cruise ferry were informed today. Since its launch in 2022, nearly 400,000 passengers have sailed on the Romantika. The company grew in no time from a start-up to a full-fledged organisation, with almost 400 employees.

American Cruise Lines' first Coastal Cat christened on Buzzards Bay

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 August 2023 29 August 2023

American Eagle, the first American Cruise Lines’ Coastal Cat was introduced to much fanfare last week in New England. During the inaugural cruise of the company’s newest small ship, guests, cruise line executives, Massachusetts Maritime Academy captains, and local dignitaries joined together for a historic christening ceremony at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy campus on Buzzards Bay.

The christening was a nostalgic moment for Carol Robertson, wife of American Cruise Lines’ founder the late Charles A. Robertson, who served as godmother for the ship. The American Eagle is named after the first American Cruise Lines’ ship, which the couple launched in the 1970s. Robertson christened the 100-passenger American Eagle with one of her handmade, ribbon-wrapped champagne bottles, while both cruise and christening ceremony guests looked on. The ceremony began with heartfelt remarks from Robertson, followed by numerous speeches welcoming the exciting new ship. Also in attendance, was Charles B. Robertson, President and CEO of American Cruise Lines, as well as Congressman Bill Keating, captains from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, state representatives, local officials, and members of the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce.

“American Eagle embodies our commitment to building innovative small ships for America’s rivers and coasts,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “It is the flagship of our new series of small Coastal Cats, which is unlike anything else available in the U.S. market. American Eagle and her sisterships will change the landscape of possibilities for amazing small ship adventures around the U.S.A.”

American Eagle’s christening cruise followed the company’s popular 8-Day Cape Codder itinerary, roundtrip from Boston, MA, also visiting: Gloucester, MA; Mass Maritime Academy, MA; Martha’s Vineyard, MA; Newport, RI; Provincetown, MA, and Plymouth, MA. The christening cruise also highlighted American's inaugural visit to Plymouth, MA, a new regular stop along the itinerary.

For the remainder of the 2023 season, American Eagle will continue sailing the company’s Cape Codder itinerary, as well as Maine Coast & Harbors cruises roundtrip from Portland, ME; and Historic South & Golden Isles cruises operating between Charleston, SC, and Amelia Island, FL.

Accommodating just 100 guests, American Eagle features 4 decks and a unique catamaran bow. The new Coastal Cat offers elegant interior design and private balcony accommodations. American Eagle also offers a beautiful top deck for amazing views, comfortable lounges both inside and out, a main restaurant, casual café, and fitness center.

American Eagle is the first in American Cruise Lines’ new 12-ship series of 100-passenger Coastal Cats. The 2nd in the series, American Glory, is scheduled to begin cruising this November and will be followed by American Liberty and American Legend in 2024.