MSC Preziosa named in Genoa

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 25 March 2013 25 March 2013

The latest unit in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Preziosa, was named in a ceremony by Sophia Loren, the actress, in Genoa in Italy on Saturday, March 23rd.

The event included a gala dinner prepared by a team of Eataly chefs and entertainment from top Italian and international performers in the company of celebrities, selected guests, media, authorities and the top management of MSC Cruises.

MSC Preziosa is the 12th addition to the MSC fleet and the  fourth unit in the Fantasia class. Both the ship herself and Saturday’s event were inspired by the theme of preciousness, allowing guests to enjoy a precious first glimpse of MSC’s latest exquisite gem as she was unveiled to the world.

"This Saturday celebrated the launch of the MSC Preziosa: her sparkling beauty and outstanding features, from the longest single rider body waterslide on the waves, Vertigo, to the first two Eataly restaurants at sea," said MSC Cruises' CEO Pierfrancesco Vago.

"And at the very heart of the celebrations was not only this magnificent ship, but also the city of Genoa, MSC Preziosa’s new homeport and a key MSC Cruises homeport since the start of our expansion programme in 2003. This year, MSC is deploying nine ships from the port and, over the course of the year; nearly 930,000 of our travellers will embark, disembark or transit during a total of over 200 calls here."

Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum unveils program and speaker line up

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 24 March 2013 24 March 2013

The developmental prospects of the cruising and yachting sectors in the wider East Mediterranean and Black Sea regions in relation to the changing geopolitical and economic landscape of the sub-region's source and destination markets will be tabled at the 2nd Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum taking place in Athens in May.

Senior international policy and decision makers from the world's top cruise lines and yachting service providers will join regulators, maritime government officials and local authorities of port destinations in a unique lineup of sea tourism industry experts to debate the crucial issues that determine their growth trends and future sustainability.

Confirmed top speakers and panelists of the Forum include amongst others:
- John Fox, Vice President, Government Relations, U.S. and Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.


- Giora Israel, Senior Vice President Port and Destination Development, Carnival Corporation


- Richard Vogel, Chief Executive Officer, TUI Cruises


- John Tercek, Vice President Commercial & New Business Development, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.


- Kyriakos Anastassiadis, Chief Executive Officer, LOUIS Cruises


- Diane Moore, President, Paul Gauguin Cruises
Robert Ashdown, Secretary General, CLIA Europe


- Neil Palomba, Chairman of the CLIA Europe Ports & Infrastructure Sub-Committee and Corporate Operating Officer, MSC Cruises

- 
Stavros Hatzakos, President, Medcruise


- Toby Maclaurin, President, Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA)
Hein Velema, Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Yachts Worldwide


- Matthew Bate, Chief Executive Officer, D-Marin Marinas Group

- 
James Beaver, Operations Director, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas Limited


- Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries


- Konstantinos Moussouroulis, Minister of Shipping, Maritime Affairs and the Aegean

"The importance attached to our Forum by the industry's most influential players is indicative of the critical juncture we find ourselves today as the East Med was just beginning to take off and expectations were bullish until it was hit by the financial crisis and the Arab Spring uprising," said Theodore Vokos, Project Director, Posidonia Exhibitions SA, the organisers of the event.

"Cruise Lines are currently increasing supply to the Far East, at the expense of our region's prospects as they are delaying deployment of further capacity in our region, and Greece and the East Med region need to compensate by accelerating the development of the emerging backyard markets, so as to re-attract attention and stimulate growth," said Vokos.

The conference will commence with a session looking at growth challenges for the region with a focus on the role of governments, legislation and environmental considerations in relation to long-term corporate strategies.
 
During the first day, delegates will also discuss the importance of port investment to the growth of the cruise industry and take a detailed look at how Italy, Turkey and the Black Sea have attracted such investments at the expense of Greece which has yet failed to fully capitalise on its potential. However, Greece's expected port privatization, currently in the planning stages, is expected to attract increased investment interest from both international port managers and cruise lines, who will attend the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum and who in turn will be able to present possible investment plans and table the cruise industry's needs so as to improve port infrastructure in Greece.

The conference will also include a dedicated sales development session, of upmost importance for the region's future sea tourism growth. Topics to be discussed are the region's new emerging source markets of Russia, Ukraine and Turkey and how this potential can be tapped. The Cruise Day’s final session will address the key parameters of port, destination and shore excursion selection for cruise success.

The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum has also attracted the interest of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which will host the event's parallel session on Day 2 "Black Sea Discovery: Exciting Cruise Destinations on the Black Sea" that will include discussions about the Black Sea destinations of Sochi, Trabzon and Constanta and their role towards the growth of sea tourism in the region.

The international appeal of the event is also reflected by its rapidly increasing list of exhibitors, which includes destinations from the East Med and Black and Red Sea regions. So far confirmed sponsors include Louis Cruises, RINA and the Dubai Maritime City Authority, which has picked this event to promote the new services and facilities Dubai provides the sea tourism industry.

The focus of the second day will be the yachting and passenger shipping sectors; the opening session will discuss the status of cabotage in the Greek commercial yachting sector and examine the Greek government's willingness and readiness to follow a more liberalized framework. 

With more than 15 marinas in Greece earmarked for privatisation, it is expected that international marina managers, including Camper & Nicholsons Marinas and D-Marinas Group who have recently invested in Greek Marinas, will present their future strategy for the region.

"Another dedicated session will look at Greece's policies on marina privatisation in relation to the strong interest expressed by Turkish and other international marina developers and operators and the receptiveness of the Greek government to benefit from the know-how and advanced expertise of international private investors," said Vokos.

The 2nd Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum is organised under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the Greek Ministry of Shipping, Maritime Affairs and the Aegean, CLIA - Europe, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MEDCRUISE), the Hellenic Ports' Association (ELIME), the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners' Association, the Greek Marinas' Association, the Union of Greek Cruise Ship Owners & Associated Members, the Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourist Agencies (HATTA) and the Hellenic Yacht Brokers' Association.

Porthole Cruise Magazine to expand its reach from printed page to digital screen

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 24 March 2013 24 March 2013

Porthole Cruise Magazine, the cruise industry’s publication of record and cruise lovers’ window to the world for the last 17 years, has perfected another way to bring its inspiring content to readers. Beginning in March, Porthole Cruise Magazine will offer a digital version of the same great magazine, giving more first-time and veteran cruisers a way to enjoy the ultimate cruise guide.

“Porthole has passionately and thoroughly covered the cruise industry and the world for almost two decades,” says publisher and editor-in-chief Bill Panoff. “A digital edition is just the right step in us staying on trend with technology and offering the finest quality to both Porthole readers and to those who may yet share our passions.”

The digital edition will be free to Porthole subscribers, who have long appreciated the magazine’s award-winning photography and features about destinations, voyages, ship reviews, onboard cuisine, entertainment, spas, shopping, and more.

Porthole will partner with BlueToad, one of the largest digital providers of commercial and specialty publications, to make the content as user-friendly and impactful as it is on the printed page. Additionally, apps for iPhone and iPad will be available on the Apple Newsstand.

Readers will be able to access the digital version at porthole.com, where they can also manage their subscriptions and even give the gift of Porthole. Moving forward, Porthole will continue to add features such as video to further give its devoted readers the nuanced content they appreciate and value.

“Our digital edition not only expands the magazine’s reach, but also complements the way we reach cruise lovers through social media,” says Panoff. “Porthole’s Facebook and Twitter pages already have a devoted following, and with our YouTube channel and Tumblr blog constantly expanding, there’s never been a better time to come aboard.”

MSC Preziosa joins the MSC fleet in glittering ceremony on the Med

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 23 March 2013 23 March 2013

This evening in Genoa, Italy, the latest jewel in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Preziosa, will be christened in a glittering ceremony by international screen legend Sophia Loren. This glamorous, high-profile event will include a gala dinner prepared by a team of Eataly chefs and entertainment from top Italian and international performers in the company of celebrities, selected guests, media, authorities and the top management of MSC Cruises.

MSC Preziosa is the 12th addition to the MSC fleet and the precious fourth flagship in the company’s celebrated Fantasia class. Both the ship herself and tonight’s dazzling event have been inspired by the theme of preciousness, and this evening guests will enjoy the precious first glimpse of MSC’s latest exquisite gem as she is unveiled to the world.

Anticipation has been building in Italy since the launch of the MSC Social Game on the company’s Italian Facebook page and in Piazza de Ferrari, Genoa’s main square, while travel agents across the company’s main markets have been competing to experience the brand new flagship for themselves through an international trade competition.

"This evening we will celebrate MSC Preziosa: her sparkling beauty and outstanding features, from the longest single rider body waterslide on the waves, Vertigo, to the first two Eataly restaurant at sea," said MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago.

"And at the very heart of tonight’s celebrations is not only this magnificent ship, but also the city of Genoa, MSC Preziosa’s new homeport and a key MSC Cruises homeport since the start of our expansion programme in 2003. This year, MSC is deploying nine ships from the port and, over the course of the year, over 800,000 travellers will embark, disembark or transit during a total of over 211 calls here. The city continues to show a keen understanding of the major economic impact that MSC brings to the entire region, and tonight is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this unique and longstanding partnership."

As testament to this important relationship and to make sure that Genoa’s residents don’t miss out on the glitz and glamour of tonight’s celebrations, MSC has also organized a spectacular laser show which will be projected on and from La Lanterna, Genoa’s famous lighthouse. Italian comedians Ale and Franz together with comic actress Katia Follesa will also take to the stage in the city’s Porto Antico, entertaining the crowd and narrating the christening ceremony as it unfolds on giant screens.
The christening itself will be attended by numerous international artists, including Italian singer Gino Paoli who will perform a selection of his classic hits, and maestro Ennio Morricone who will conduct a 55-piece orchestra.

Star ballet dancer Roberto Bolle will attend the event as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. MSC Cruises supports UNICEF through their joint “Get on Board for Children” initiative, which has raised over 2 million euros to date for disadvantaged children in Brazil. Bolle will be welcomed on stage by the Genoa Russian Ballet College performing a sequence from Swan Lake, directed by Irina Kashkova.

During the show, MSC Preziosa will also be the star of a completely original ‘flash mob’ involving the travellers on board MSC Splendida and MSC Opera, departing from Genoa on their regular itineraries that very night, as well as guests celebrating the christening of MSC Preziosa – a total number of over 10,000 people! Guests from all three ships will be invited to join in a simple, fun and moving activity involving light games and sounds.

The highlight of the evening will of course be the floodlit ceremony and parade of the ship’s officers, when the peerless Sophia Loren – treasured godmother to the MSC Cruises fleet –cuts the ribbon and names MSC Preziosa to a crescendo of champagne and fireworks.

Celebrations will be crowned by a delicious Michelin-star gala dinner, a sophisticated blend of high quality ingredients and culinary art lovingly prepared by a team of chefs selected by Eataly: Ugo Alciati, the Michelin-starred chef of Guido, Pollenzo, Italy, Moreno Cedroni, the two-star Michelin chef of La Madonnina del Pescatore, Senigallia, Italy, Pino Cuttaia, the two-star Michelin chef of La Madia, Licata, Italy, and Enrico Panero, the chef of Marin Eataly, Genoa, Italy. The menu will be a celebration of the recent partnership between MSC Cruises and the popular Turin-based chain and a culinary voyage of discovery through the flavours of the Mediterranean.