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Ocean Albatros begins Arctic voyages

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 June 2023 22 June 2023

Albatros Expeditions, the industry-leading provider of expedition voyages, has announced the arrival and takeover of its newest vessel, Ocean Albatros, in Tromsø, Norway. The state-of-the-art ship has arrived just in time for the 2023 Arctic season, where it will depart on voyages to the awe-inspiring destinations of Svalbard, Iceland, and Greenland.

Søren Rasmussen, Founder and Chairman of Albatros Expeditions was one of the first to embark Ocean Albatros for its precruise from Tromsø to Longyearbyen, where it welcomed its first guests on the 15 June, 2023. Rasmussen commented: “The vessel was delivered to us on 10 June, 2023 and we have been onboard for the past few days. It looks like the vessel is absolutely perfect for these conditions – very stable and performs great. We are just preparing to welcome our first guests onboard and I look forward to hearing what they think of Ocean Albatros, but I have very high expectations”.

The arrival of Ocean Albatros, alongside its sister ship, Ocean Victory, marks a new era of sustainability and environmental conservation for Albatros Expeditions. Both vessels are specially designed to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise their environmental impact, making them an ideal fleet for eco-conscious travelers who wish to explore the Arctic and Antarctica, while preserving their natural wonders.

In addition to its environmental efficiencies, Ocean Albatros also features an extraordinary expedition team. Albatros Expeditions is proud to have a team of experienced and passionate expedition leaders, naturalists, photographers and wildlife experts on board. They are dedicated to creating an immersive and educational experience for guests, showcasing the magic of the Arctic and the importance of sustainable tourism.

Ocean Albatros is equipped with the latest technology, safety and navigation equipment, enhancing guest comfort and making it the perfect vessel for polar explorations. Besides being a certified ice-class vessel, Ocean Albatros features unique opportunities for our guests to combine the modern day amenities with the spirit of adventure expeditions. The panorama sauna, open-air jacuzzis, 360 outside decks and hydraulic observation platforms all offer a unique perspective while sailing around the pristine environment of our polar regions.

The spacious cabins are elegantly furnished in Scandinavian style, providing guests with a luxurious and comfortable environment in which to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of adventure.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Ocean Albatros and embark on new voyages this Arctic season,” said Greg Carter, CCO of Albatros Expeditions. “With the new vessel’s eco- efficient technology, the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that our dedicated and passionate team will provide, and the superior comfort that the Ocean Albatros affords our passengers, we are confident that we are offering our guests an adventure of a lifetime, while also ensuring the sustainability of this remarkable region.”

American Queen Voyages renews focus on core river products, to sell two vessels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023

In a strategic decision to refocus its business on its award-winning river cruises, American Queen Voyages (AQV), part of Hornblower Group, has announced a series of deployment changes and updates set to commence in early 2024 and extend into 2025. New routes are now open for early bookings with early savings available on key dates.

"Our primary commitment is to deliver a best-in-class cruise vacation with a focus on immersive culinary and destination experiences,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president of American Queen Voyages. “Our customers consistently tell us our U.S. River itineraries are exceptional and demonstrate this by returning again and again.” A fact recently supported through a McKinsey market survey where participants noted American Queen Voyages enjoys the highest brand affinity amongst U.S. river operators. “All of our focus is being put into updating and enhancing our popular river product with strategic partnerships and an elevated culinary program, which we know have been very well received,” added D’Aoust.

Revised 2024 Itineraries Include:

Lower Mississippi: AQV will begin the season with its popular Lower Mississippi voyages through the cities and historic port towns of the South on the 417-guest American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built. Based on guest requests, we will offer new three- and four-day cruises for time-pressed travelers.

Upper Mississippi: Back by popular demand, we will be traversing the mighty Mississippi from its headwaters in Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. This epic, 16-day journey combines wildlife and intricate locks and dams, with Southern charms and the birthplaces of jazz and country music.

America’s Heartland: The 245-guest, paddle wheeler American Countess cruises the Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. New Experiential Voyages include a bourbon-themed voyage with noted food and spirits experts, including Dickie Brennan, chef-owner of the legendary Bourbon House in New Orleans.

Snake & Columbia Rivers: Travelers can discover the unspoiled treasures of the Pacific Northwest aboard the 221-guest American Empress, including new wine-themed cruises. Depending on the voyage, guests can join a salmon excursion and bring their freshly caught and cleaned catch back to enjoy on the boat.

Alaska & British Columbia: AQV will return to Alaska for its third season. Aboard the environmentally friendly, 186-guest Ocean Victory, guests enjoy expeditions via Zodiac exploration boats and kayak excursions led by a team of naturalists and field guides in cooperation with California Polytechnic State University.

As part of its new focus, AQV will not return to the Great Lakes next season and as a result has announced its intent to sell its Ocean Navigator and Ocean Voyager vessels. All current published voyages will continue to operate as planned through November 2023.

Photo: Ocean Victory, owned by SunStone Ships, photographed in Alaska. Photo credit: Teijo Niemela

Utopia of the Seas to operate short Caribbean cruises on market strength

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 June 2023 21 June 2023

Royal Caribbean International will operate the sixth Oasis class ship, to be called Utopia of the Seas, on three and four night cruises in the Caribbean when the ship will enter service next year.

While it is unusual that a brand new major ship would be employed on the short cruise market that is usually catered for by older ships replaced on key markets by newer tonnage, the move comes after the Royal Caribbean Group had reported very strong demand for cruises in the Caribbean.

“As the first of the game-changing Oasis Class ships to offer short getaways when it debuts, the next big thing coming to vacations sets the stage to make more memories in one short trip than ever before. Starting July 2024 from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, Utopia (of the Seas) will introduce unmatched weekend energy across a combination of more than 40 ways to dine and drink, more pools than the days to count, ways to thrill and chill, and more of all the above at Perfect Day at CocoCay – Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas – including its new adults-only Hideaway Beach opening in early 2024,” the company said in a statement.

At the first quarter conference call of the Royal Caribbean Group, CEO Jason Liberty said that strong demand for Caribbean itineraries had translated into higher load factors at better-than- expected pricing for both ticket and onboard. “Our yields are now exceeding record highs, and we expect this trend to continue for the rest of the year and beyond,” he said at the conference call after the publication of the results.

“While demand has been strong across all products and markets, we continue to see exceptional strength from the North American consumer. This strength, in combination with the incredible Perfect Day of CocoCay has resulted in record yields for our Caribbean sailings,” Liberty stated.

Image: Royal Caribbean International web promotion of Utopia of the Seas

Strong performance of cruise to drive Saga’s profit higher

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 June 2023 20 June 2023

Saga plc, the UK based and listed company that sells ravel and financial services to those over the age of 50, says its cruise business is developing well and the 2024/25 ocean cruise programme had met record demand at launch.

“Four months into the financial year, we have continued to build on the momentum in our Cruise and Travel operations, while making further progress in our growth agenda through the development of our newer businesses. Year-end underlying profit is expected to be well ahead of the prior year,” Euan Sutherland, Saga Group Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.

The group’s financial year ends ion 31 January 2024. It has two high end of the market deep sea cruise ships and it also operates two owned and a number of chartered river cruise vessels.

"We have taken strong bookings for our ocean cruises with a load factor that is ahead of the same point in the prior year, and our River Cruise and Travel businesses are on track to return to profitability in line with previous guidance,” Sutherland said.

The booked Ocean Cruise load factor for 2023/24 at 18 June 2023 was 79%, seven percentage points ahead of the same point last year. At the same date, the per diem was £338, which was six percentage points ahead of the same time in 2022.

The full year load factor projection is in line with previous guidance of at least 80% and we remain on-track to deliver £40 million EBITDA per ship (excluding overheads). Due to expected seasonality in the late summer, this will be weighted towards the second half of the year.
The launch of the 2024/25 Ocean Cruise season was the strongest on record, already having secured a booked load factor of 34% and per diem of £342 at 18 June 2023.
The booked River Cruise load factor for 2023/24 at the same date was 74%, with a per diem of £293. This equated to revenue of £39 million, which was 37% ahead of the same point in the prior year.

Cruise Saudi to launch own brand Aroya Cruises

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 June 2023 20 June 2023

Cruise Saudi, which is a government owned organisation in Saudi Arabia, has decided to launch its own cruise brand that will be called Aroya Cruises, Saudi Press Agency reports.

Lars Clasen, CEO of Aroya Cruises, was quoted as saying: “This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi, in line with Vision 2030. Aroya Cruises will be operating as an autonomous brand within the Cruise Saudi portfolio, aiming to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences.”

In March, Cruise Saudi bought the 2017 built World Dream from the creditors of the failed Genting Hong Kong group for $330 million. The 150,695 gross ton ship has since been renamed Manara.