AIDA Cruises opens modernized Fleet Operations Center

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 September 2024 04 September 2024

On September 2, 2024, AIDA Cruises officially opened its fully modernized Fleet Operations Center (FOC) in Hamburg. The FOC is part of Carnival Maritime GmbH (CMG), which was established in 2015 as a maritime service unit for AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises. The embedded FOC, which is available around the clock for cruise ships, plays a central role and serves as the first point of contact and support center.

With this significant investment, the most modern and innovative center of its kind in Germany has been created in the heart of Hamburg’s HafenCity. During the ceremonial event, Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises, and Keith Dowds, Executive Vice President of CMG, welcomed high-ranking representatives from politics and business, including Dieter Janecek, the Federal Government Coordinator for the Maritime Industry and Tourism in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, and Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economy and Innovation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

Dr. Melanie Leonhard, Senator for Economics and Innovation: ‘Hamburg is one of the most popular cruise destinations in Europe and is also an important hub for the maritime industry. The Fleet Operations Centre is therefore ideally located here in Hamburg. The modernization strengthens Hamburg as an international maritime competence center: many players from the cruise and cargo sectors are based in Hamburg and value the expertise as well as the lively and innovative environment that makes Hamburg an attractive international location for specialists. As an important control center, the FOC contributes to making cruises worldwide safer, efficient and sustainable.’

“Our Fleet Operations Center is unique of its kind in Germany. With our extensive investments in new hardware and state-of-the-art software tailored to our specific maritime needs, we are setting new standards in the cruise industry. The FOC team is available to our captains and officers around the clock, providing support with nautical and technical aspects,” says Eichhorn. “At the same time, this is a clear investment and a strong commitment to Hamburg as an important international maritime competence center.”

In the Hamburg FOC, all relevant data from 31 cruise ships is collected around the clock on over 250 square meters. This includes data from eleven AIDA ships as well as 20 other ships of Carnival Corporation’s European cruise brands. The FOC uses fully digital ship monitoring technology to capture speed, weather, and navigation data, as well as various technical data from the ships' engine rooms, via satellites in near real-time. This enables the ship crews to better plan and optimize fuel and energy consumption, routes, water management, and various logistics processes in the more than 250 ports worldwide that AIDA Cruises visits with its cruise ships. As a result, fuel consumption and thus the ships' emissions are significantly reduced. A "Tactical Table," a kind of digital workbench equipped with software, as well as a modern ship simulator, help to present various scenarios and conduct individual training sessions.

The FOS sees itself as a partner and advisor to the captains and their nautical-technical management teams for all rapidly changing conditions at sea and in ports, 24/7. “The combination of our experienced colleagues and state-of-the-art technologies ensures that we provide our ships with the best possible support around the clock. In addition to supporting regular operations, we can also simulate port entries under unusual weather conditions or ensure the most efficient routing,” adds Dowds. Despite the shoreside support, one thing is clear: the ultimate responsibility and decision-making authority for the ship always lies with the captain.

Efficiency and sustainability

The FOC's state-of-the-art, satellite-based, and near real-time monitoring system collects millions of data points from the ships daily, which are analyzed using digital algorithms. Based on this data, the course of the voyage can be adjusted if necessary to suit the current conditions in the sailing area and optimized for maximum travel and guest comfort. Digital analysis also allows for the identification of potential CO₂ emission reductions in fuel and energy consumption. Fuel savings from optimal engine operation are just one example of the efficiency gains that can be achieved.

A specially developed software helps to continuously improve environmental management in the interest of protecting sensitive marine ecosystems as effectively as possible. With a global digital environmental sea map installed on all ships, the FOC monitors more than 500 international and national environmental special zones, port regulations, and the company's own guidelines worldwide. “Compliance with environmental regulations is our top priority. The previous manual approach became increasingly complex and labor-intensive, especially as new regulations were introduced worldwide. With our proprietary software solution, these tasks are automated and optimized, allowing us to effectively address future challenges,” says Eichhorn.

Technical control and analysis, combined with best-practice experiences, offer numerous approaches to developing innovative environmental and resource conservation projects — for example, in freshwater supply, wastewater treatment, and recycling and waste management.

All data at a glance

The six-month modernization incorporated the experiences gathered since the first FOC was established by AIDA Cruises in 2012. Based on this, the entire hardware and software technology was upgraded and brought to the latest state of the art, in addition to spatial expansion. A striking feature is the 18-meter-wide and nearly 1.5-meter-high video wall, on which all relevant information such as weather, planned routes, radar images, protected zones, and current energy consumption can be displayed at the click of a mouse. The FOC team uses software and algorithms to evaluate thousands of sources and millions of data points from the cruise ships daily, analyze weather conditions, and provide recommendations for route optimization. The new "Tactical Table" and "Part Task Simulator" enable digital simulations for upcoming maneuvers or new routes. For example, a port entry in the condition of strong winds can be simulated. The ship simulator has 150 port entries in its program. The cruise ships' bridge can be added at any time. Live video footage of the actual weather conditions from the ports provides additional perspectives. The open concept design also promotes collaboration between different departments, including technical, nautical, port, guest operations, and environmental teams.

Around the clock, 365 days a year

At four operation desks, an international team of 12 nautically trained superintendents supports the smooth operation of the ships around the clock and 365 days a year. They analyze, support, provide additional information, offer assistance, and organize solutions for changing weather conditions. In this way, new conditions are recognized early, proactively addressed, and decisions made quickly.

To support the captains effectively and professionally on board, all members of the department have extensive nautical experience and have spent many years at sea themselves. Many of the employees hold a captain's license and also have certifications for various classes of cruise ships.

Maritime expertise bundled in Hamburg

The extensive expansion of the FOC represents a significant investment in Hamburg as a maritime center. Through Carnival Maritime, AIDA Cruises, together with Costa Cruises, has made comprehensive investments in the FOC modernization. In doing so, the cruise line is committing to Hamburg as one of the most important European maritime competence centers for the shipping industry. The investment not only secures and creates jobs but also attracts top international talent to Hamburg. At the same time, it strengthens the local Hamburg economy through close collaboration with partners specializing in maritime technologies and services.

Carnival Splendor emerges from Singapore dry dock, returns to Australia

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 31 August 2024 31 August 2024

Carnival Splendor is sailing home to Sydney with a range of new onboard enhancements following her dry dock in Singapore. The ship, which will return to Sydney Harbor on Sept. 9, now boasts updated dining venues, various stateroom and amenity refurbishments, and the striking red, white, and blue hull design that’s become the trademark look of Carnival’s fleet. The ship’s hull design also includes a unique feature: a Southern Cross motif – a signature element of P&O Cruises Australia ships that will soon join the Carnival fleet.

New dining options available on Carnival Splendor include Mad Sizzle, on Deck 9, which serves kebabs and satays with slow spit-roasted meats. Due to its popularity, guests will find Indian restaurant Masala Tiger in a new, larger location on Deck 10. In addition to its popular lunch offering, the expanded venue will also serve up a new a la carte dinner offering. Menus at other dining venues have also been enhanced, including Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse which features signature dishes such as T-bone steak and fresh New Zealand pink snapper.

Staterooms have been updated, from the ship’s balconies receiving full refurbishments to new whirlpool tubs installed in suites. Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the updated basketball court and jogging track, along with new gym equipment and a refreshed Thalasso therapy pool at Cloud 9 Spa. Additionally, the ship’s casino has been updated, retail shops have been refreshed, and the newly enhanced Dreams Photo Studio has been relocated to Deck 3 in the Atrium.

Children and those young at heart will enjoy a fully refreshed mini-golf course, as well as the revamped Carnival WaterWorks, the family-friendly waterpark featuring waterslides and Splashy Cove children’s play area for the ultimate aquatic adventure. The kids' clubs are packed with even more fun activities, as Camp Ocean and Club 02 boast new video gaming areas.

In addition to the popular Playlist Productions shows already enjoyed by guests, Carnival Splendor features the line’s latest production, “Dear Future Husband,” which made its debut in Australia this year, shortly after it was first introduced on Carnival Jubilee. This interactive pop musical follows the journey of a bride and groom on a wedding adventure on board a Carnival cruise ship with their best friends.

“From her beautiful new look outside to the upgraded amenities and new entertainment on board, Carnival Splendor has more fun to offer our guests sailing from Sydney than ever before,” said Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president. “Carnival is set to be Australia’s largest cruise brand from early next year and we’re proud to continue to provide new ways to bring more fun to our guests.”

Beginning March 2025, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, which sails seasonally from Brisbane and begins its next new season there in October, will be joined by two additional sister ships operating in Australia when P&O Cruises Australia transitions to Carnival Cruise Line. Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will become Carnival sister ships and will be renamed Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

Oceania Cruises becomes first upscale line to sail out of Tampa

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 28 August 2024 28 August 2024

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is adding a range of new Caribbean and Panama Canal winter sailings in early 2026 departing from Tampa on Florida’s west coast. The line’s 670-guest Insignia will make history in March 2026 as it becomes the first ultra-premium cruise line to sail from Port Tampa Bay.

Oceania Cruises will journey from the ebullient shimmering Gulf Coast gem of a city on a collection of seven- to 20-night itineraries exploring picturesque Caribbean islands including St. Thomas, St. Kitts, and Tortola; calls in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Belize City; plus, a daylight transit of the iconic Panama Canal and overnight stay in Panama City. These mesmerizing voyages can be easily accessed by the 41 non-stop flights offered from Tampa International Airport.

Tampa is the perfect match for the world’s only true foodie cruise line thanks to its vibrant culinary scene including street food experiences, high-end gourmet dining at venues from a variety of Michelin Guide restaurants, and immersive culinary tours led by local experts.

“Port Tampa Bay represents an exciting new chapter as Oceania Cruises becomes the first ultra-premium cruise line to have dedicated voyages from Tampa, opening the door as a convenient gateway to Florida’s west coast and the Gulf of Mexico,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “This is a natural expansion for our brand, as Tampa echoes the cosmopolitan essence of our beloved hometown of Miami with its diverse mix of international influences and cultures.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Oceania Cruises to Port Tampa Bay,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “The arrival of Insignia marks a significant milestone, enhancing Tampa’s status as a premier cruise destination. We look forward to welcoming new guests to our beautiful city and gateway, as the increased tourism will create substantial economic opportunities for our region, workers, and businesses.”

Viking reports second quarter 2024 financial results

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 22 August 2024 22 August 2024

Viking Holdings Ltd today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Key Highlights

– Total revenue for the second quarter of 2024 increased 9.1%, or $132.5 million compared to the same period in 2023.
– Adjusted Gross Margin increased 9.5% compared to the same period in 2023, resulting in a Net Yield of $562.
– Adjusted EBITDA increased 11.6% compared to the same period in 2023.
– Net Leverage improved from 3.4x as of March 31, 2024 to 3.0x as of June 30, 2024.
– As of August 11, 2024, for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Viking had sold 95% and 55%, respectively, of its Capacity Passenger Cruise Days for its Core Products.

“We are pleased to report that we have already sold 95% and 55% of the capacity PCDs for our Core Products for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Our latest Advance Bookings metrics give us confidence that our core consumer demographic continues to show resiliency, prioritizing travel and actively seeking enriching, memorable experiences. We are increasing our share of the luxury leisure travel market through capacity growth while maintaining an unparalleled offering with great value for our guests. We believe that our clear focus on our core consumer demographic and our product is the essence of our brand promise and the cornerstone of our success.”

Second quarter 2024 consolidated results

During the second quarter of 2024, Capacity PCDs increased by 3.1% over the same period in 2023 and Occupancy was 94.3%.

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $1,587.3 million, an increase of $132.5 million, or 9.1% over the same period in 2023 mainly driven by higher revenue per PCD and an increase in the size of the Company’s fleet in 2024 compared to 2023.

Gross margin for the second quarter of 2024 was $657.0 million, an increase of $89.7 million, or 15.8%, over the same period in 2023 and Adjusted Gross Margin for the second quarter of 2024 was $1,037.7 million, an increase of $90.4 million, or 9.5%, over the same period in 2023. Net Yield was $562 for the second quarter, up 6.6% year-over year.

Vessel operating expenses and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel for the second quarter of 2024 were $329.0 million and $284.1 million, respectively. Compared to the same period in 2023, vessel operating expenses increased $4.1 million, or 1.3%, and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel increased $3.0 million, or 1.1% mainly driven by the increase in the size of the Company's fleet in 2024 compared to 2023.

Net income for the second quarter of 2024 was $155.8 million compared to $190.1 million for the same period in 2023. The net income for the second quarter of 2024 includes a loss of $123.0 million from the revaluation of warrants issued by the Company due to stock price appreciation. It also includes a loss of $65.8 million related to the net impact of the Private Placement derivative (loss) gain and interest expense related to the Company’s Series C Preference Shares. In comparison, the second quarter of 2023 includes a gain of $3.4 million from the impact of the Series C Preference Shares. The Company’s Series C Preference Shares converted into ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of the Company’s IPO. The second quarter of 2024 is the final quarterly period for which the financial results will include Private Placement derivative (loss) gain and interest expense related to the Series C Preference Shares. Excluding the impact of these items - the majority of which are non-cash - net income for the period was $344.6 million.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $51.3 million compared to the second quarter of 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was mainly driven by higher revenue per PCD and higher Capacity PCDs.

“We are delighted to share our second quarter results which include a Net Yield growth of 6.6% over the prior year on a 3.1% increase in capacity,” said Leah Talactac, CFO of Viking. “Looking ahead, it is encouraging to see demand trends further supporting our bookings for next year. These are a testament to the strength of the Viking brand, the financial strength of our customer and our nimble and proactive sales and management team.”

Update on operating capacity and bookings

For our Core Products, operating capacity is 5% higher for the 2024 season in comparison to the 2023 season and 12% higher for the 2025 season in comparison to the 2024 season.

As of August 11, 2024, for our Core Products, and for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, we had sold 95% and 55%, respectively, of our Capacity PCDs and had $4,642 million and $3,442 million, respectively, of Advance Bookings. Advance Bookings were 14% and 20% higher in comparison to the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively, at the same point in time. Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2024 season was $731, 8% higher than the 2023 season at the same point in time, and Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2025 season was $833, 10% higher than the 2024 season at the same point in time.

New build and capacity

In August 2024, the Company took delivery of the Viking Hathor, a river vessel that will operate in Egypt. Based on the committed orderbook, the Company expects to take delivery of another river vessel and one ocean ship later this year.