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AIDA Cruises begins its largest refit program ever

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 February 2024 19 February 2024

AIDA Cruises has launched the largest modernization program in its fleet with AIDA Evolution. It is the most extensive in the company's history. In a first step, AIDAdiva, AIDAbella and AIDAluna from the Sphinx series will be fundamentally revised in 2025 and 2026. The focus is on a completely new interior design of the ships. Technology and systems are also being overhauled.

All guest cabins will have a completely new look. In addition, the range of suites is being expanded. For the first time on this class of ship, exclusive areas and services will be created from which suite guests, among others, will benefit. From a culinary point of view, guests can look forward to an even greater variety of restaurants, selected signature bars and more service offerings. The heart of the Sphinx ships beats right in the middle - in the light-flooded theater. This style-defining area is being further developed with inviting seating and a harmonious color concept. New activity areas will be created especially for families with children.

Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises, says: “As the market leader and pioneer in the industry, our aim is to constantly rethink cruises. The ships in the Sphinx series have written cruise history with their innovative spatial concept and colorful design. We want to build on this with our AIDA Evolution program.”

Future-proof and sustainable cruise

As part of its decarbonization strategy, AIDA Cruises has been investing in a future-proof and sustainable cruise market for many years and is implementing innovative solutions in practice. Since 2004, when the first Sphinx-class ship was commissioned, the company has been considering the use of shore power in the ports to reduce local emissions. In recent years, AIDA Cruises has not only invested in the latest propulsion and environmental technology for its new buildings, but has also continuously implemented a wide range of efficiency measures in ship operations and retrofitted new technologies on the ships in the existing fleet. As part of the upcoming shipyard stays, further investments are planned, e.g. in measures to reduce fuel consumption, increase energy efficiency and conserve resources. As part of Carnival Corporation & plc's family of cruise brands, the company has set a goal of reducing carbon intensity by 20 percent by 2026 compared to 2019.

New standards in ship design

The ships in the Sphinx series were put into service between 2007 and 2013. With their innovative, open room concept and their colorful design, they have decisively shaped the unique AIDA feeling. AIDAdiva will be the first ship to be modernized in spring 2025 during her six-week stay at the shipyard. AIDAbella and AIDAluna will follow in autumn 2025 and spring 2026.

Antarctica21 contracts with ASENAV to build Magellan Discoverer

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 February 2024 15 February 2024

Antarctica21, a leader in boutique Antarctic expeditions, has confirmed the construction of its latest vessel, Magellan Discoverer. It is set to join its fleet for the 2026-27 Antarctic season. This move reflects the company's commitment to excellence in small ship, boutique-style expeditions and marks a significant additional step in its efforts to serve the high-end segment of the Antarctic travel market.

Magellan Discoverer is not just another vessel; it's a promise of innovative design and environmental stewardship, crafted as a sister ship to the esteemed Magellan Explorer. While mirroring its sibling in elegance and style, Magellan Discoverer charts its own course with remarkable enhancements.

Like Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer meets the stringent PC6 ice class specifications and flaunts a similar boutique, yacht-like aesthetic. It is custom-built for Antarctic fly-and-sail operations, which allows guests to fly to Antarctica, skipping over the notoriously rough seas of the Drake Passage, to join their ship directly at the White Continent. For Antarctic air-cruises, Magellan Discoverer will welcome up to 76 guests in 40 cabins across three passenger decks. Like Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer complies with the stringent Tier III emission standard and champions environmental responsibility with its hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and heat recovery systems. The vessel features a spacious dining area, versatile meeting rooms, a stylish observation lounge and bar, a well-equipped gym, and an inviting gift shop. The accessible bow draws guests closer to the awe-inspiring waters they sail.

Jaime Vásquez, President of Antarctica21, emphasizes, "This ship is born out of our unwavering commitment to meeting the rising expectations of our guests. Equipped with the latest technology, Magellan Discoverer strengthens our dedication to sustainability while offering seamless comfort for our travelers. With its modern elegance and advanced technical features, it supports our ongoing effort to provide unparalleled experiences in the spectacular Antarctic region."

Shipboard accommodations are designed to encapsulate the essence of adventure and comfort on an Antarctic expedition. The ship features twelve Suites, including two Family Suites for four guests each and two Triple Deluxe Veranda Suites, twenty-two Deluxe Veranda Cabins, and six Single Deluxe Veranda Cabins. Every cabin on board Magellan Discoverer offers king-size beds, comfortable sitting areas, and private balconies, ensuring personal vistas of the Antarctic expanse. The ship introduces a wet science lab to support Antarctic research programs and a wraparound walking deck, providing 360-degree views of the breathtaking Antarctic landscapes. For those seeking relaxation and reflection after a day of exploration, a sauna with wide panoramic windows offers a serene refuge. The convenience of an elevator serving five decks adds to the comfort.

Claudio Bobadilla, Fleet Director at Antarctica21, shares his enthusiasm for the new project: "Leveraging our experience with Magellan Explorer and our fruitful collaboration with the shipbuilder ASENAV, I am thrilled to embark on the Magellan Discoverer project. We are committed to innovating and setting new standards in expedition cruising. Several design enhancements have been developed, reflecting our learnings from building Magellan Explorer together. Our goal is to exceed the high standards expected by our guests. Magellan Discoverer will set a new standard of excellence in the Antarctic tourism industry, and be a point of pride for our team."

Magellan Discoverer sails ahead with its cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and active stabilizers, boasting two powerful MAN main engines, ABB’s innovative Azipod® propulsion units and Energy Storage System with Battery Bank from Corvus. This advanced setup promises a smoother, quieter journey through the icy wonders.

Antarctica21's decision to build a sister ship to the successful Magellan Explorer comes as a response to the increasing demand for their unique fly and cruise Antarctic expeditions, a model of travel that the Chilean company pioneered in 2003.

The announcement of the new Magellan Discoverer follows the recent opening of the company’s Explorers House private lounge, the only Antarctic pre-departure lounge in the industry and an Antarctica21 exclusive. Located in the historic center of Punta Arenas, it offers a restaurant, bar, coffee station, library, and presentation space where guests can relax and meet fellow travelers as well as attend pre-departure briefings.

Princess Cruises takes delivery of Sun Princess, postpones maiden voyage

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 February 2024 14 February 2024

Princess Cruises today has taken delivery of Sun Princess, an entirely new ship platform designed by Fincantieri exclusively for the Princess brand.

The 175,500-gross-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess is the most impressive luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created, offering an array of exciting new entertainment and activities, as well as sensational staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. With the most balconies on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom. The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, is the perfect place to relax and the Arena! is an evolution and the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design.

The ship does need to remain alongside in the shipyard to allow for additional technical work to ensure an outstanding vacation is delivered. Accordingly, the cruise line regrettably is cancelling the February 18 voyage. Sun Princess now will make its maiden voyage on February 28 from Rome.

Guests who were booked on the February 18 voyage will receive a full refund of the cruise fare along with any additional onboard services that were pre-purchased, as well as a 50% future cruise credit (FCC) that can be used on a future Princess voyage*.

The cruise brand is also offering financial reimbursement for select travel costs for guests who have already arrived ahead of their sailing and for guests who have not yet started their travel certain changes fees related to flights.

Princess is also protecting travel agent commissions.

*FCC must be booked by November 30, 2024 and sailed by December 31, 2025.

Opening photo: Sun Princess photographed in Monfalcone on December 2023

Fincantieri launches "Masters of the Sea" training and recruiting project

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 February 2024 08 February 2024

Fincantieri has unveiled the "Masters of the Sea" project in Rome, initiating a paid training program, that will lead to the hiring of 90 individuals within the summer of 2024. This learning pathway is designed to search, educate and employ workers in the shipbuilding sector.

During the event, talks were given by Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Luciano Sale, Executive Vice President Human Resources and Real Estate, Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division, Pietro Cum, CEO of ELIS, Enzo De Fusco, labor consultant and university professor, and Maurizio Millico, Senior Strategy & Business Development Italy of Indeed.

The "Masters of the Sea" initiative has been developed as part of Distretto Italia, an orientation, training, and job placement project launched in 2023 by the ELIS consortium, of which Fincantieri is a member. It represents an investment in technical knowledge, offering a paid training program aimed at direct employment at Fincantieri's shipyards across Northern, Central, and Southern Italy.

The initial two training courses, for Dimensional Control Operators and Naval Plant Operators, will involve 30 participants. Over the coming months, four additional courses are scheduled, aimed at training Naval Operators, Crane Operators and Slingers.

Fincantieri has based its Business Plan on the cultivation of skills and the "Made in Italy" spirit of innovation, moving beyond mere "craftmanship" to an evolved concept of "intellectual craftsmanship," capable of reconnecting Italians with manufacturing, skilled manual work, new technologies and the high standards of excellence that distinguish our products.

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said: “The course of Italy's industrial future passes through the training of a skilled workforce, the “intellectual craftmanship” of tomorrow. From this idea comes the 'Masters of the Sea' project, a paid training program aimed at recruiting young talents. The goal is to make attractive and cutting-edge jobs that young Italians tend to neglect."

Pietro Cum, CEO of ELIS, said: “Masters of the Sea stems from the need for professional profiles within a major Italian company and creates opportunities for the youth. We frequently hear about companies seeking staff without success and about disillusioned young people. When the realms of education and employment converge, we discover that a solution to the issue does exist."

Cunard report new January booking records

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 February 2024 07 February 2024

Cunard has reported that during January 2024, it has booked more guests than any equivalent period in the last decade.

Across the period, the luxury cruise brand booked a record number of guests, up by 25% versus the previous high of the last 10 years, with demand up for both sailings in year and future years.

Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “As we prepare to navigate what is set to be a truly ground-breaking year for Cunard, it has been fantastic to have such a strong start to the year. The appeal of Cunard is strong for guests across the world and is particularly strong for sailing across Europe on our new ship Queen Anne.”