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Columbia Cruise Services to manage all six Marella ships from 2019

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 December 2017 04 December 2017

Marella Cruises, the UK focused cruise line in the TUI AG group, has appointed Columbia Cruise Services (CCS) the technical management contract for its newest and largest ship Marella Explorer and its next ship currently sailing as Mein Schiff 2.

From 2019, CCS that is based in Hamburg will manage all of Marella Cruises six-ship fleet and Marella Explorer and Mein Schiff 2, will both undergo an extensive refit on all 13 decks, 962 cabins and 10 restaurants, CCS said in a statement.

Adrian Hibbert, Marella Cruises Director of operations said in the statement: “I am delighted to announce our extended partnership with Columbia Cruise Services. We consider them to be a leader in cruise ship management and I am pleased that they will support us to deliver our next two ships. The tender process for the technical management of the newest ships in the Marella Cruises fleet was a lengthy and rigorous one and we are confident that will deliver the excellent efficient operational service we have come to see.”

CCS Managing Director Olaf Groeger said: “The appointment of Marella vessels 5 and 6 to CCS did not happen by default. We are proud that we withstood the extensive tender process, and assure that we put all efforts into a successful continuation and development of our cooperation with Marella Cruises.”

Behind the scenes the preparations for this large-scale project are already in full swing. “The takeover process for the Marella Explorer has started” explains CCS Fleet Manager André Bloemendaal. “A task force for the project kick-off has been initiated and will join the future Marella Explorer for familiarisation with the vessel and its specifics already this week.

MSC Seaside enters service

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 December 2017 04 December 2017

MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise shipping group, has taken delivery of MSC Seaside, its 14^th ship.

The ship will officially be named on 21 December at PortMiami, and will mark the first ship ever for the cruise line to be named in the U.S.

MSC Seaside’s design and features include:

An industry-first “beach condo” design at the ship’s aft, connected by a panoramic glass elevator offering stunning sea views.
A waterfront boardwalk, located on Deck 8 which is lower than that of most ships, offering dining, drinking and more al freso.
One of the most interactive aqua parks at sea, including slide boarding technology (which combines a slide and interactive video game in one!), and an aqua play area for younger cruisers
Activities for all ages including two of the longest zip lines at sea! Guest can sail nearly 50 ft. in the air across the ship, reaching up to nearly 20 mph! The ship also includes two full-sized bowling lanes, an XD cinema and formula 1 simulators.
The largest spa of any MSC Cruises ship, with a thermal area that allows guests to experience state-of-the-art saunas, a Geyser area, Salt Relax area, Snow Room, Hammam Room and Emotional Showers for the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.
A partnership with celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi for his first restaurant at sea, Asian Market Kitchen, featuring three distinct restaurants within – a sushi, sashimi and raw bar; an a la carte restaurant; and a teppanyaki restaurant.

Carnival Panorama name of Vista newbuilding due in 2019

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 December 2017 04 December 2017

Carnival Panorama has been chosen as the name of Carnival Cruise Line’s new 133,500 gross ton ship scheduled to debut in fall 2019.

Carnival Panorama is the third in the line’s l Vista-class series, which are all named to reflect the connection between the vessels and the sea and highlighted by stunning indoor/outdoor spaces that create a truly unique seagoing vacation experience.

Carnival Panorama will join its sister ships – Carnival Vista, which entered service in 2016, and Carnival Horizon, set to debut April 2, 2018. The three 3,954-passenger Vista-class ships are the largest ever constructed for Carnival Cruise Line.

Like its name implies, Carnival Panorama will offer venues with both indoor and al fresco experiences, including the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Library Bar, and Bonsai Sushi, along with open-air attractions like the groundbreaking bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction SkyRide, a massive WaterWorks aqua park, and the SportSquare recreation area.

Also featured will be a vibrant Havana section with tropics-inspired staterooms and its own Cuban-themed bar and pool, Family Harbor featuring extra-roomy accommodations, the Family Harbor Lounge, a luxurious Cloud 9 Spa and Ocean Plaza, a spacious dining and entertainment venue with indoor and outdoor seating.

“Carnival Panorama is the perfect name to reflect the design inspiration of our Vista-class ships providing more venues and opportunities to connect with the sea,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Carnival Panorama will offer a wide variety of fun indoor and outdoor experiences along with exciting one-of-a-kind features that will provide our guests with a lifetime of wonderful vacation memories,” she added.

Royal Caribbean International to add second ship to Cuba summer 2018

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 December 2017 01 December 2017

Royal Caribbean International said it will double its opportunities for a Cuba adventure next summer, with two ships sailing to the island nation – Majesty of the Seas and Empress of the Seas – and two new destinations added to itineraries.

The added sailings and breadth of experiences at the new ports of Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos on the southeast coast give adventure seekers even more ways to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the vibrant island.

Cuba's historic cities of Havana, Santiago and Cienfuegos will be amongst the destinations on an array of 4- to 8-night Caribbean adventures on Empress of the Seas that open for sale today.

Salsa music, dominoes, Mojitos and the storied historic cities of Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba are easier to reach than ever before for guests on Royal Caribbean International. Beginning in summer 2018, the global cruise line will double its opportunities for a Cuba adventure, with two ships sailing to the island nation – Majesty of the Seas and Empress of the Seas – and two new destinations added to itineraries.

Departing from Miami year-round, Empress cruise vacations will include 7-night Best of Cuba itineraries to Cienfuegos, Havana and Nassau, Bahamas; 5-night sailings visiting Key West, Florida and spending the night in Havana; and an immersive 8-night journey to Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, Grand Cayman, and Labadee, Haiti.

Majesty of the Seas will continue the 4- and 5-night offerings to Havana that include day and overnight stays, departing from Tampa from April to October 2018, and Ft. Lauderdale from November 2018 to March 2019. All sailings to Cuba will offer shore excursions designed for guests to experience the destination and to comply with the people-to-people educational exchange activities requirement as set forth in the U.S. regulations.

"Cuba is such an important part of Caribbean culture, and we can't wait to call on Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos next year, showcasing even more of the country's scenic beauty, rich history and distinctive architecture," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "Cruising remains the easiest way to visit Cuba, and with both Empress and Majesty sailing there in 2018 and 2019, we hope to make it that much easier for adventure seekers to experience the legendary island."

Cienfuegos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 1819 with a wide array of visually-stunning attractions, including acclaimed Botanical Gardens with more than 2,000 plant species on display, impressive neoclassical architecture, a 950-seat opera house and the bustling Santa Isabel Boulevard.

Santiago de Cuba is a gateway to Cuba's revolutionary and religious history, with adventures such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Castillo del Morroto, the Sierra Maestra foothills, El Cobre – one of the most significant religious destinations in Cuba – and historic sites like Revolution Square.

Cuban culture is reflected throughout Empress of the Seas with cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal, salsa music and dancing in Boleros Latin lounge, and a range of onboard activities developed to bring the spirit of the island to life while at sea.

Empress of the Seas spans 11 guest decks, encompasses 48,563 gross tons, carries 1,602 guests at double occupancy and features 795 staterooms.

Costa Magica and Costa Pacifica to receive major upgrades

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 November 2017 30 November 2017

Costa Cruise, the Italian unit in Carnival Corporation & plc group, has announced major improvements on board its ships Costa Magica and Costa Pacifica, in order to further enhance the cruise experience offered to its guests.

During the dry docking at Forme 10 dock of Chantier Naval de Marseille in the port of Marseille Fos, in addition to regular maintenance works, both ships will benefit from important upgrades in the public areas and from the addition of new features, with the aim to ensure an even more thrilling experience for guests, reflecting Costa positioning.

Costa Magica, that already left Marseille dry dock on November 25, was subjected to a major refurbishment of the restaurants and wellness areas:

Vicenza Club Restaurants and Bellagio Buffet Restaurant – changes to the layout and upgrades in the galleys will allow guests accommodated in the suites cabins and Costa Club Diamond Pearl members to fully enjoy the Club Restaurant, while Buffet Bellagio Restaurant has been improved with a more efficient space allocation.

Spa – renovation of wellness and gym spaces and introduction of a new sauna, thalassotherapy and relax area.

On board of Costa Pacifica, dry docked from November 26 to December 7, a new digital signage will debut: new high-resolution monitors and interactive screens featuring different functions will help guests’ orientation on the ship, inform them about the different events and activities planned on board, advertise promotions on products and services available and also promote educational initiatives and campaign.

Last but not least, renovation works include the addition of two of the most appreciated Costa latest features: Pizzeria Pummid’Oro on Costa Pacifica and Gelateria Amarillo on both ships. Guest will be able enjoy the original Italian pizza, with dough made from 100% natural yeast, real mozzarella produced on board, San Marzano DOP tomatoes, selected flours, and Italian gelato made with Agrimontana flavourings for delicious, tasty ice creams.

Once the upgrades have been completed Costa Magica and Costa Pacifica will head off to the Caribbean for their scheduled winter cruises.