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Windstar Cruises unveils transformation of Star Pride

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 January 2014 20 January 2014

Windstar Cruiseshas unveiled major renovations for Star Pride's public spaces, suites, and dining venues. Windstar takes delivery of Star Pride on April 17, 2014, the first yacht of Windstar's 2013 purchase of three luxury cruise ships. The work to transform Star Pride into Windstar's private yacht style will take place in Barcelona immediately following handover. Star Pride's inaugural voyage embarks May 5, 2014.

"The planning for Star Pride's transformation to Windstar's unique private yacht style is nearly complete. Our enhancements include significant style changes and stem-to-stern upgrades," said Hans Birkholz, chief executive officer of Windstar Cruises." The main theme is a casual elegant ambiance, with a warm contemporary style. The look and feel of the renovations will align with our sailing fleet."

Windstar is working in partnership with Alan McVitty and Trimline Interiors, both of whom played a part in the success of Windstar's recent $18 million sailing fleet-wide renovation, to complete Star Pride's stem-to-stern transformation that will renovate public spaces, dining venues, and suites.

Public Spaces: the majority of public areas will receive updated décor, complete with new furnishings, upholstery, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings. The enhanced color palette combines sand and marine shades to contrast with the warmth of wood finishes, elevating the look and feel to casual elegance.

– Yacht Club: the indoor observation area on the top deck will become a chic coffee bar and lounge, where guests enjoy espresso and various sandwiches and pastries while relaxing with a good book, exploring their iPads with wifi, or just watching the coast line as they sail to the next destination. The area will receive a complete overhaul, with new Amtico® flooring, furniture, and an open layout that embraces the view.
– Compass Rose: the club space will turn into Windstar's popular Compass Rose, redesigned with all new contemporary furnishings, including rich new flooring finishes, plantation shutters, and comfortable chairs and bar stools designed for socializing. Live music can be found here nightly.
– Reception: this area will be refreshed with new paneling, light fixtures, and wall coverings. An additional desk for guests to consult with the destination manager and guest service manager will also be added.
– Star Bar: the outdoor deck bar will offer casual drinks during the day and a venue for star-gazing by night. The bar area will be expanded with teak decking, new stools, and lighting.

Dining Venues: all restaurants will be transformed to embrace Windstar's casual elegance, where guests are free to eat when, where, and with whom they please (no jackets or ties required). All dining experiences are complimentary.

– AmphorA: Windstar's formal dining experience will be introduced as AmphorA Restaurant. The main dining room will be redesigned, featuring mirror panels with Murano glass, new soft lighting, wall coverings, and art work. The room will feature a new seating layout; setting the stage for Windstar's signature dining experience featuring contemporary, international menus and fresh, local dishes.
– Veranda/Candles: the restaurant in the aft of the yacht will be an inviting buffet during the day, with plentiful outdoor seating highlighting Veranda's new look – the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch alfresco. At night the venue will transform to Candles Grill, a favorite Windstar romantic experience where guests can dine with table service under the stars.

Suites: all 106 suites will be renovated to showcase new furnishings, leather headboards, plush sofas and chairs, drapes, new lighting features, window coverings, plush carpeting, new art work, stylish bed cushions, and luxurious bed throws. The suites will feature a warm color palette that embraces comfort and relaxation.

– Destination Suites: the Owners Suites will now showcase different, unique Windstar destinations, such as the Bora Bora Suite. Guests can get a taste of one of the hidden harbors that Windstar sails to, all in the comfort of their suite.

Life Onboard: Star Pride will highlight Windstars small ship advantage of sailing with fewer than 300 privileged guests. Life on board will showcase many of the experiences found on Windstar's sailing fleet.

– Sail Away: guests will experience Sail Away from each port enjoying the enchanting music of 1492: Conquest of Paradise as the yacht cruises to the next days adventure.
– Deck Barbecue: the line's signature Deck Barbecue gala will take place one night per voyage on the pool deck. The 5-star buffet offers an array of dishes from lobster to an Asian-style suckling pig, jerk marinated chicken and other specialties. Seafood paella is cooked right on deck giving guests a taste of the Spanish favorite with a local twist. After dining is complete, guests enjoy the ever-popular crew show.
– Open Bridge: Windstar will continue its Open Bridge experience, inviting guests to come into the Bridge when the yacht is at sea. Guests can talk with the Captain and officers on watch, view the navigational chart, and enjoy some of the best views on the yacht.
– Watersports Platform: the swim and sports platform located at the back of the yacht will be brought to life Windstar style. The platform offers a variety of water toys such as water skis, wakeboards, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats, guests can also enjoy the freedom of their own private yacht by swimming to and from the platform.
– Service: Windstar's crew members are highly valued and famous for their pampering without pretense, offering service that is personal, anticipatory, and genuine. In 2013 Windstar's service garnered #1 placement in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards Small Ship Cruise Line category. This same level and style of service will be found on Star Pride.
– Luxury as You Like It®: Unlike many of the all-inclusive luxury brands, Windstar offers a choice of personal amenities. Shore excursions can be booked as a collection or by individual tour. Alcoholic beverages are available a la carte or through a beverage package, ensuring that guests arent paying for someone elses bar bill. A variety of other amenities are available for guests to tailor their cruise as they choose.

P&O Cruises unveils new identity with Union Flag on bow and blue funnels with illuminated rising sun designs

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 January 2014 17 January 2014

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit in Carnival Corp & plc group, says it is to change the livery of its ships with a bold new look which celebrates its heritage and its place as Britain’s favourite cruise company and the longest version of the Union Jack will adorn its new flagship, appropriately named Britannia.

For nearly two centuries P&O has exemplified Britain across the world, becoming the country’s greatest shipping company and part of its fabric. Now, as P&O Cruises refreshes and re-energises its brand, the company is to update the livery of its fleet of ships to celebrate, more clearly, its British credentials, the company said in a statement.

From the end of this year, the company’s eight ships will begin to embrace on their bow a bold new Union Flag, styled in a contemporary way which looks to the future, while celebrating the past. The imagery will be sympathetic to the ships’ sweeping lines and enhance their presence in port or at sea.

The ships will also have distinctive blue funnels carrying an illuminated rising sun motif which depicts the Oriental part of the Peninsular and Oriental (P&O) name on the company’s coat of arms.

The new livery was developed after extensive research among consumers. It will first be seen on P&O Cruises Aurora, after her drydock later this year, followed by Britannia at her launch in February 2015, and on all other P&O Cruises ships by the end of 2016. Britannia, the largest cruise ship exclusively for the British market, will display the longest version of the Union flag anywhere in the world, at 94 metres.

Chief executive officer David Dingle said: “In our 177^th year we are unveiling a new, contemporarily styled livery which symbolises all that we stand for, pointing to the future and celebrating our British heritage. This bold new look will make our ships yet more distinctive and recognisable across the world.

“Our ships will proudly carry on their bow Britain’s most distinctive symbol, the Union Flag, to all corners of the globe. The P&O Cruises name will be emblazoned along their hulls and the Rising Sun, the enduring symbol of our heritage, will shine from their funnels. This modern new look will exemplify the strengths and virtues of our company long into the future.”

The American Queen Steamboat Company closes on purchase of American Empress

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 January 2014 16 January 2014

The American Queen Steamboat Company, owner and operator of the U.S-flagged American Queen, announces the closing on financing and full ownership of its second vessel, the American Empress. The company entered into a purchase agreement of the 223-guest riverboat with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) in May 2013 and has had a team onboard preparing for her April 2014 launch on the Columbia and Snake River. All documents were signed by MARAD and American Queen Steamboat Company executives making the handover official.

"Over 30 skilled craftsmen and engineers have been hard at work preparing the American Empress for service over the last eight months focusing on the exterior, engine room and now the hotel portion of the vessel," shares John Waggoner, Chairman and CEO of the American Queen Steamboat Company. "It is exciting to officially sign on the dotted line taking full ownership of the vessel and begin writing a new chapter in U.S. river cruising history."

Formerly the Empress of the North, the American Empress will deliver opulence on a grand scale, following in the pedigree of the line's namesake American Queen, and proudly serve as the largest overnight riverboat west of the Mississippi River. A U.S.-flagged vessel, the American Empress measures 360 ft. with five towering decks and accommodates 223 guests in seven stateroom categories.

"We are pleased with the robust level of sales already taken for the inaugural season of the American Empress," remarked American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes. "We look forward to a very successful year."

She will begin service April 5 after a christening ceremony in Portland, Ore. Her maiden voyage will be a nine-day journey immersing guests in the splendor of the Columbia and Snake Rivers featuring stops to some of the region's most celebrated ports including Astoria, Ore.; Stevenson, Wash.; The Dalles, Ore.; Sacajawea State Park, Wash. and finally Clarkston, Wash.

Complimentary shore excursions will be available in every port and include the cultural and historical landmarks that signify the living legacy of the region's first settlers. Travelers with specific interests are encouraged to enjoy the variety of Premium Experience Excursions such as the Walla Walla Wine Trail or the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum. Daily lectures will also be provided by the Riverlorian, an onboard history and culture expert.

The American Empress was built in 2003 and operated by Majestic America Line from 2003 to 2008, sailing Alaska's Inside Passage and the Pacific Northwest. Just as the American Queen brought luxury and grandeur to river cruising America's heartland, the American Empress will do the same for the Pacific Northwest.

GOP Variete-Theater to continue cooperation with TUI Cruises

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 January 2014 16 January 2014

GOP Variete-Theater, the German variety show company, will continue its cooperation with TUI Cruises, the Hamburg based premium market cruise shipping company, by staging a performance on the company's first newbuilding, Mein Schiff 3, in January next year.

The company will perform on a Canaries cruise that will run from 11 to 18 January next year. There will be two show performances each night and in addition, the passengers will be given an opportunity to enjoy performances by the group at other times of the day throughout the ship.

Before that, Mein Schiff 1 will host the company for the fourth year in a row, the company said.

Royal Caribbean International launches 2014 UK brochure optimised for tablets

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 January 2014 16 January 2014

Royal Caribbean International, the contemporary market unit in the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) group, says it has launched a new 2014 family cruise brochure for tablets in the UK. "Designed to coincide with peak booking season, the industry first brochure is filled with videos and interactive content to help showcase all of the family friendly features and amazing experiences available on a Royal Caribbean International holiday," the company said in a statement.

Available to download free on iTunes, the new brochure also includes special early booking offers and a selection of the most popular family friendly itineraries. Featuring a range of helpful planning guides for mums and dads, including information on onboard restaurants, and a link to the cruise line’s new kid-friendly Penguin Ahoy! app; the e-brochure is packed full of reasons why Royal Caribbean International was recently voted best family cruise line in 2013 Cruise International Awards.

Families seeking a star-studded cruise holiday can enjoy a break with DreamWorks favourites such as Shrek, Puss In Boots and more with Royal Caribbean International. Guests can enjoy special onboard productions of Let You Entertain Me, an ice skating show of How to Train Your Dragon; a DreamWorks Animation parade down the Royal Promenade; interactive character breakfasts in the main dining room and various other shows and activities.

And for the pint-sized princess in your life, The Barbie™ Premium Experience is the ultimate indulgence for Barbie enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy staterooms decorated in the iconic doll's signature style as well as exclusive, themed activities throughout the duration of their cruise – from an invitation-only tea party and mermaid dance class to a fashion design workshop and Barbie Girls fashion show.

As well as two of the most popular experiences across the Royal Caribbean International fleet, the new e-brochure contains a whole host of information and interactive features to get families excited in advance of their cruise.

Jo Briody, director of marketing & PR, UK & Ireland, Royal Caribbean International commented: “Our new tablet friendly brochure is designed to allow families to plan their holidays together, and to showcase all of our family friendly videos and onboard features in one place. We hope that its ease of use and inspiring content will urge more families to consider a cruise for the first time.”

Key offers for 2014 featured in the new family friendly e-brochure include:

· A seven-night Western Mediterranean fly/cruise onboard Liberty of the Seas from £1272.00 per adult and £861.00 per child (based on a family of four sharing an inside stateroom including flights from London Heathrow). Based on 24 August 2014 departure.

· A seven-night Greek Isles fly/cruise onboard Splendour of the Seas from £1254.00 per adult and £744.00 per child (based on a family of four sharing an inside stateroom including flights from London Gatwick). Based on 23 August 2014 departure.