Saga to name Spirit of Discovery in Port of Dover

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 19 September 2018 19 September 2018

Saga has today announced that the official naming ceremony of Saga Cruises’ first new-build ship Spirit of Discovery will be held at the Port of Dover on July 5, 2019 – the first ship to be named at Dover following the completion of stages 1& 2 of the £250m redevelopment of Dover Western Docks.

“As the place that Saga’s first cruise ship set sail from more than 20 years ago, Dover was ‘the natural choice”, revealed chief operating officer Nigel Blanks, in London, on 18th September at an exclusive event with Jools Holland – the face of The Club by Jools’ on board Spirit of Discovery, the only small ship currently being built for a British Market.

“With Saga’s Group headquarters based in Kent, we felt it only right that we name our first brand new, purpose-built cruise ship in Kent and what better way to do that than with the iconic White Cliffs of Dover as a backdrop. Spirit of Discovery will be the first cruise ship to be named in the port for more than a decade and the first following the regeneration of the Western Docks. We are already planning a few surprises, and will no doubt add a few more before next year, so save the date, as we christen the first of our new-build fleet” Blanks added.

Spirit of Discovery’s maiden voyage will sail from Dover on July 10, 2019. The 999-guest luxury boutique ship will circumnavigate the British Isles.

“We are really excited about her first cruise as it’s a great way to show-off our first new boutique cruise-ship to the British market as we call in to iconic ports such as Newcastle, Edinburgh, Belfast and Liverpool,” said Blanks.

The inaugural cruise has already sold out and most other 2019 itineraries are well ahead of expectations with the 109 single cabins proving extremely popular. Spirit of Discovery’s destinations throughout summer 2019 include Spain, Scandinavia and the Baltic, as well as a four-night mini-cruise to Holland, Germany and Belgium.

In addition, Saga recently announced the company’s strategic decision to move to all-inclusive cruising as standard from 2020. Nigel Blanks said “the decision to go all-inclusive in 2020 had been made to distance ourselves further from the competition and mass cruise market”. He said: “I firmly believe this will not only sit very well alongside our ‘Boutique Cruising’ proposition but will reaffirm our position as Britain’s niche luxury cruise operator’.

Port of Dover Head of Cruise, Sonia Limbrick said: “It is a great honour, and we are thrilled that Dover Cruise has been chosen as the venue for the momentous naming ceremony of Saga’s new ship Spirit of Discovery.

“Having first sailed from Dover back in 1997 with the Saga Rose, their magnificent cruise ships have been a welcome feature of the historic Western Docks for over 20 years. With our exciting £250m redevelopment well underway, ‘Dover Western Docks Revival’ will offer a uniquely enhanced experience to the ship when she calls in 2019 and we are greatly looking forward to greeting her in Dover.”

Viking Jupiter naming ceremony to conclude Nor-Shipping 2019

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 17 September 2018 17 September 2018

Nor-Shipping and Viking Cruises are promising visitors to Oslo a night to remember on 6 June 2019, with a naming ceremony party for Viking Jupiter, the event irganisation said in a statement.

The 47,800 gt Fincantieri built vessel, the latest addition to Viking’s growing fleet, will be celebrated with a public concert in front of Oslo’s imposing town hall, overlooking the city’s bustling harbour. The concert, which will be complimentary for all, will feature a range of as yet unnamed international and Norwegian stars.

Nor-Shipping 2019 will run from 4 to 7 June across a series of venues in Lillestrøm and Oslo.

“The naming ceremony will act as the highlight of the traditional Thursday evening Closing Party, where visitors from across the maritime and ocean industry worlds gather to mix, network and wind down after a busy week of exhibiting, conferences and business meetings,” Nor-Shipping said.

NCLH appoints Mark A. Kempa as CFO

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 14 September 2018 14 September 2018

 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the world’s third lagest listed cruise shipping group, said it has appointed Mark A. Kempa as executive vice president and chief financial officer (“CFO”). Kempa had been serving as the company’s interim CFO since March 2018.

As CFO, Kempa will report directly to the Company’s chief executive officer, Frank Del Rio, and is responsible for developing and executing the Company’s financial strategy and overseeing all finance functions, including corporate financial planning, accounting, treasury, tax, as well as information technology, corporate strategy and investor relations.

“After an exhaustive internal and external search process that yielded a number of extremely qualified candidates, Mark’s extensive experience, continued progression with increased responsibilities and track record of success made him the ideal choice for the role,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of NCLH.

 “His deep knowledge of the company and industry, coupled with his financial experience are just some of the reasons we are excited to have Mark assume the role of CFO and continue to drive Norwegian’s strong earnings growth and profitability.”

A 20 veteran of Norwegian, Kempa held several positions of increasing responsibility in Norwegian’s finance organization, playing an instrumental role in several of the Company’s key milestones, including its successful initial public offering in 2013 and the acquisition of Prestige Cruises International, Inc. in 2014.

In addition, he spent three years representing the financial interests of the company’s expansive newbuild program while positioned overseas in Germany, and also held various roles in accounting and internal audit. Prior to joining the company, Kempa served as the Assistant Controller for International Voyager Media, a travel portfolio company. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Barry University.

CLIA UK & Ireland highlights active, healthy living with campaign 

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 14 September 2018 14 September 2018

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland  is dedicating the second week of its #ChooseCruise campaign to the plethora of sports and fitness options available to passengers on an ocean or river cruise.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland director said: “Cruise holidays offer an extensive roll-call of ways to get active, making it easy for passengers to stay in tip-top condition whether they’re in the middle of the ocean, sailing along rivers or visiting a port of call.

“The latest generation of ships boast impressive state-of-the-art gyms and exercise studios that easily give shore-based alternatives a run for their money. Large ships will feature sports courts, where team players can join football games or basketball bouts, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, with some ships even featuring climbing walls and paddle tennis courts.

“Invigorating sea breezes and inspiring views make ships the perfect platform for working off unwanted calories, whether it involves gently strolling around promenade decks or pounding the jogging tracks that weave around the top.

“Cruise lines have also caught on to the latest fitness trends with stretching sessions, meditation, dance lessons, aerobics, spinning classes and Pilates commonly offered across most ocean-going ships and river vessels.”

#ChooseCruise is running across the UK cruise industry throughout September, and globally, across CLIA cruise lines in October. The aim of the campaign is to highlight different onboard experiences on offer through a holiday at sea or on a river ship. From relaxation, to food and drink, onboard entertainment, family holiday options, and themed cruises, there truly is a cruise for everyone.

Harmer added: “Activities aren’t just confined to ships either, as guests can choose from many actiadventures ashore. From hiking trips over mountain slopes, glacier-treks and kayaking adventures to the slightly less physically demanding city walking tours and biking excursions, guests can inject a more energetic way to explore ports of call and their surroundings.

 

“Cruise holidays offer so many ways to keep active that anyone looking to keep fit on their holiday can feel confident in doing so when they #ChooseCruise