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Cunard announces 2014-2015 cruise program

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 March 2013 21 March 2013

Cunard Line has announced full details of its 2014-2015 cruise programme, featuring a markedly increased presence in the Mediterranean, new land tours, special Transatlantic Crossings, and celebratory events to mark the 10th birthday of flagship Queen Mary 2.

The new programme commences in spring 2014, following the return of Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria from their extensive 2014 World Voyages.

"2014 is the year to travel on a Cunard Liner," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "The 10th anniversary of Queen Mary 2 provides a unique opportunity to experience crossing the Atlantic in a celebratory fashion. In addition, our new 2014 itineraries offer variety, providing access to the most celebrated regions of the world."

Shanks continued, "Each guest's Cunard cruise experience is amplified by our reputation for superior White Star Service and world-class amenities."

Queen Elizabeth in the Mediterranean
The highly rated Queen Elizabeth – the 2012 recipient of Travel Weekly's Silver Magellan Award for Luxury Cruise Ship – offers one of the best experiences in the Mediterranean. More than 70 departure combinations are available that run from June to December 2014 with the choice of seven-, 14- or 21-night itineraries on board the youngest Cunarder. The attractive Mediterranean offerings include 25 different ports including Monte Carlo, Corfu, Mykonos, Naples, Dubrovnik and Livorno, as well as overnight stays in Istanbul, Turkey and Venice, Italy. In addition, Queen Elizabeth will have seven maiden calls including Elba, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Bodrum, Turkey; Volos, Greece; Palermo (Sicily), Italy; La Goulette, Tunisia; and Toulon, France.

Fares for the following voyages start from:
" Seven-day Pearls of the Adriatic (Rome to Venice): $999
" Seven-day Italian Serenade (Athens to Rome): $1,099
" Seven-day Mediterranean Discovery (roundtrip Rome): $1,099
" Seven-day Aegean Interlude (roundtrip Athens): $1,249
" 14-day voyages created by adding different combinations of two seven-day voyages: $1,899
" 21-day voyages created by adding different combinations of three seven-day voyages: $3,099

Queen Elizabeth's grand art deco interiors and unique works of art, which pay homage to both the original Queen Elizabeth and Great Britain's Royal Family, continue to fascinate and delight guests who sail aboard the Line's newest Cunarder. The ship's Grand Lobby prominently displays the 18.5 ft. marquetry piece of the original Queen Elizabeth created by David Linley, the only nephew of Her Majesty The Queen, and a specially commissioned portrait of The Queen created by artist Isobel Peachey especially for the liner's 2010 debut.

Queen Mary 2 Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Throughout 2014, the grandest ocean liner at sea, Queen Mary 2, will celebrate her 10th Anniversary and will continue to provide her legendary Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, as well as Hamburg, with 17 regularly scheduled Crossings from May through June 2014. In honour of her anniversary, the following voyages are scheduled:
" Two eight-night Transatlantic Crossings with a stop in Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) to celebrate Cunard's transatlantic heritage. Halifax was the line's original east coast port of call and the birthplace of company founder Sir Samuel Cunard
" Two Birthday Crossings to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Queen Mary 2 – which will include a host of special events and celebrations – from Southampton to New York on 9 May, and New York to Southampton on 16 May
" Three Queens event in Southampton on 9 May to celebrate the 10th Anniversary
" Ten Transatlantic Crossings between Hamburg and New York, featuring optional two-night escorted tours of Hamburg and Berlin

Queen Mary 2 will also sail her popular Americas and Caribbean voyages. Fares for these roundtrip sailings from New York start from:
" 4th of July Independence Day Celebration cruise with Boston fireworks: $1,349
" 12-night Caribbean Fiesta Holiday and New Year celebration: $2,399
" 12-night New England and Canadian Sojourn: $2,599

Fares for the following additional voyages start from:
" Seven-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1,199
" Eight-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1,549
" Nine-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1,749
" 10-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1,849
" 28-day Grand Norwegian Explorer: $4,699

The above Transatlantic Crossings offer leisurely time to explore the ship's extensive on board amenities and activities, including lectures through the award-winning Cunard Insights programme; stargazing in the only planetarium at sea; white-gloved afternoon tea served in the Queens Room or a spin around the dance floor during a Royal Nights themed ball; taking in a performance or workshop by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; or perusing 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea.

Europe with Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2
Based in Southampton for summer 2014, Queen Victoria will sail a range of voyages to the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic cities, Mediterranean shores, Atlantic Islands, Black Sea and Turkish ports, and maiden ports, including Invergordon, Scotland; Kirkwall, Scotland; Mytilene, Greece; Skagen, Denmark; St. Peter Port, Guernsey; and St. Tropez, France.

Queen Victoria will sail Around the British Isles roundtrip from Southampton to South Queensferry, Invergordon, Kirkwall and Greenock in Scotland; Dublin, Cobh in Ireland; and St. Peter Port, Guernsey, with an overnight stay in Liverpool to coincide with the Aquitanian Maiden Voyage 100th Anniversary commemoration.

Fares for the following voyages start from:
" Seven-day Fjords and Waterfalls: $1,599
" 13-day Around the British Isles: $2,699
" 14-day St. Petersburg and Baltic Discovery: $2,999
" 14-day Royal Viking Adventure: $3,199
" 14-day Geysers and Glaciers: $3,199

Queen Mary 2 will again venture to Northern Europe offering sailings from Hamburg and Southampton, including the Arctic Circle Adventure which travels to these Norwegian cities: Bergen, Andalasnes, Trondheim, Tromso, Alesund and Stavanger, unlocking the majestic beauty and wonder of the Fjords.

Fares for the following voyages start from:
" Eight-day Northern Discovery: $1,499
" 11-day Arctic Circle Adventure: $2,699
" 13-day Norwegian Explorer: $2,199

New Land Tours in Classic Cunard Destinations
To add to the new itineraries, Cunard Line is launching a series of exclusive shore excursions designed to enhance classic destinations where Cunard ships travel. Highlights from select new excursions include:

" New York: Exclusive Macy's Fashion Breakfast – Gain access to the store before opening hours for an exclusive shopping experience that includes a 10% discount, a tour of the store with special facts about the flagship location, a fashion preview from a Macy's stylist of the hottest styles from around the world, and breakfast for fuel for the day.

" London: England's Christmas Capital – Enjoy two nights at The Langham London, followed by two nights at Lainston House in Winchester. Included: a Regent Street Association Discount Card (one per room) with a discount in Regent Street's glamorous shops, a panoramic tour of London ending in Harrods, followed by a festive afternoon tea. Visit Windsor on the way to Winchester, relax at Lainston House set in the countryside, and enjoy a three-course meal with complimentary bottle of wine (one per room) and delicious complimentary homemade Christmas pudding. The package includes a morning beat the crowds visit to the famous Winchester Christmas market and a guided tour of the Cathedral, followed by a blessing from a member of the clergy, mince pies and mulled wine.

" London: VIP Royal Tour of London – Enjoy highlights of the ultimate London experience with a private viewing of the Crown Jewels, guided tours of the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, along with a viewing of the changing of the Guards and lunch at a traditional pub. This package also includes a two-night stay at the five-star Goring Hotel.

" Hamburg: Berlin Highlights Tour – Take in the largest city in Germany through a multi-stop tour of the city's historic highlights, including Schloss Charlottenburg Palace, outside tours of East-Side Gallery and Check-Point Charlie, as well as an orientation tour of Reichstag, Brandenbrug Gate, Tiergarten and the Tauentzien Street shopping district. Also included is a hotel stay at the five-star Steigenberger Hotel and lunch at a traditional German restaurant on the first day.

World Club members enjoy an additional savings of 5% off launch fares, available to guests who book by 31 August 2013 for all summer 2014 and winter 2015 voyages. Offer is not applicable to third- and fourth-berth guests.

Kleven wins contract for high specification Expedition Support Vessel

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 March 2013 20 March 2013

Kleven has secured a landmark new contract for a high specification, 107-metre long Expedition Support Vessel, specially designed for long expeditions in rough waters. The vessel blends a robust, hard-working character with luxurious added extras, including a swimming pool and its own 21m tender boat on the bow.

Svein Rune Gjerde, CEO of Marin Teknikk, says that the project is an exciting one for Marin Teknikk and the clients team:

"One year ago Marin Teknikk was contacted by the shipowners asking if we would design a so-called Expedition Support Vessel," he comments.

"We find that shipowners like our design styles and value our considerable experience - spanning from the design of service vessels to the oil and gas industry, to our ocean-going fishing vessels. It has been exciting to be able to utilise the know-how of our employees to interact with the clients designers to develop a luxury vessel of this type, which is being constructed for a rather different use than the offshore vessels we usually work with on a daily basis."

Gjerde adds: "This will be a different and interesting project for our design team, to use the information from the client and integrate this with our knowledge. The know-how that underpinns the development of this vessel is much the same as it is for our successful offshore vessels, but new regulations and specifications have made this an exciting and challenging project."

Ståle Rasmussen, CEO of Kleven, is enjoying collaborating with Marin Teknikk. He comments: "We have worked with Marin Teknikk for many years, developing numerous offshore vessels together, and the collaboration between us always works well. This vessel is a good example of our ability to develop and build specialized vessels and prototypes."

He continues: "The shipowners chose us because they wanted Norwegian design and construction at Norwegian shipyards, due to quality standards, delivery times and price. We are delighted to have won the competition based on these criteria."

The new vessel will accommodate 60 people and is to be equipped with a helipad and helicopter hangar. It will be built at Kleven Verft in Ulsteinvik and is scheduled for delivery in December 2014.

Windstar Cruises marches spring with savings sale

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 March 2013 20 March 2013

Windstar Cruises is celebrating spring with a March Savings Sale that features 2-for-1 cruise fares plus bonus savings of up to $2,400 per stateroom on signature voyages such as Classic Italy & the Dalmatian Coast and Greek Isles & Turkish Delights. Beginning today, guests who book a cruise by Saturday, March 30th will enjoy the lowest fares of the year on Windstar’s European itineraries departing April through August. In addition, Windstar’s Facebook page will feature an exclusive offer for its fans.

Guests wanting to sail some of the Mediterranean’s most exquisite coastlines will love Splendors of Southern Spain. For those looking to enjoy the glamorous ports of the French Riviera, Glitter & Glam of the Riviera is the perfect fit. No matter which voyage they choose, guests sailing on board Windstar Cruises will always enjoy pampering without pretense, extraordinary destinations, and casual elegance on board what feels like their own private yacht.

MSC Preziosa to receive 7 Golden Pearls for best environmental standards

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 March 2013 20 March 2013

MSC Cruises is committed to making green choices that keep the oceans blue. The company's energy efficiency matches the industry-leading ecoship and cleanship credentials and its green efforts have been recognized with a string of environmental certifications, alongside awards praising its creative interior design, comfort, cuisine and friendly service.

Once again, the latest flagship in the MSC fleet is set to become a green paragon in the industry, with leading international classification society Bureau Veritas officially conferring the "7 Golden Pearls" award to MSC Preziosa, the company's 4th Fantasia class ship.

The "7 Golden Pearls" is one of highest awards for cruise vessels in recognition of the specific voluntary attention paid, from design and building to operation, to "Quality Health Safety Environment" (QHSE).

The integrated sections that make up the award are:

Classification notation "CLEANSHIP 2", for the three domains of potential air, water and waste pollution. It targets the Advanced Waste Water Treatment which is unique in the cruise industry and acknowledges that the ship is fitted with the means to prevent the release of pollutants or waste matter into the sea and air.
This award also:
- validates that the vessel has been designed, built, operated and maintained to achieve appropriate protection for the environment.
- covers annexes I, IV,V and VI of MARPOL, as well as the very strict rules on waste and ballast water management, the anti-fouling system and pollution by ozone-depleting substances.
- validates that the vessel is fully equipped with high incineration capacities, advanced water treatment systems, the newest oil water separators, and vast storage capacities for two days full operation at sea.

MSC Cruises and the new vessel are covered by:
ISO 14001- Certification of the highest standards of the Environmental Management System, requiring a complete coherent management system of all environmental aspects and impacts of all activities.
OHSAS 18001 - Certification for the highest standards of the Safety Management System requiring complete management of health and safety of workers on board and in the company's head office.
ISO 22000 - Certification for the highest standards of Food Safety Management, ensuring complete and validated safety of all food processes, from farm to fork.
And the newly acquired 'pearl' ISO 50001 - Certification for the highest standards of Energy Performance, requiring an energy management system that follows a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of the ship's energy performance.

The "7 Golden Pearls" award is a reflection of MSC Cruises' commitment to safeguarding the marine ecosystem, as well as protecting the health and safety of its passengers and staff.

Philippe Donche-Gay, Executive Vice President and head of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore Division, says, "The '7 Golden Pearls' we are awarding to MSC Preziosa are a demonstration that MSC Cruises is committed to the environment, to food safety and to the health and safety of its workforce. MSC Cruises takes a holistic view of its responsibilities in all these areas and invests to go well beyond the basic requirements of regulation. It is a great pleasure to be able to verify and recognise these achievements, which set a new and higher integrated standard for the entire cruise industry.

Royal Caribbean International to have eight ships in Europe 2014

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 March 2013 19 March 2013

Royal Caribbean International says it today opened Jewel of the Seas’ 2014 summer Southern Caribbean season for sale, and announced the cruise line’s 2014 Mediterranean cruises to complete its future European deployment.

Liberty of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, and Splendour of the Seas will sail the Mediterranean, and this is in addition to Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas in Northern Europe. In total, holidaymakers can choose from eight of the world’s most innovative cruise ships sailing to some of the continent’s most compelling destinations. Royal Caribbean’s 2014 Northern Europe cruises will open for booking on 20 March 2013, followed by its Mediterranean cruises on 27 March 2013.

Cultures, flavours and history await holidaymakers of all generations on a Royal Caribbean Europe cruise. Many shore excursion options are designed for families to further explore the sights and cultures of Europe together, such as seeing and climbing the 294 steps of the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, or making a pizza in Sorrento with ‘Pizza Making for Families from Naples’. In Rome, families can visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Venice Square, Navona Square or the Leonardo da Vinci Machines Exhibition in ‘A Taste of Rome for Families’. Other shore excursions include a visit to the medieval village of Tarquinia and a stop in a local family-owned Gelateria on ‘Leisurely Tarquinia & Ice Cream Taste’.

“No one can deliver Europe to families like Royal Caribbean can,” said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president of Global Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “Only on Royal Caribbean can holidaymakers visit multiple destinations to experience the continent’s history, culture and excitement, while sailing onboard our recently revitalised ships that are Designed for WOW. Guests will receive Royal Caribbean’s friendly and engaging Gold Anchor service from every staff and crew member, and enjoy up to five times more onboard dining options, and more exclusive and exciting entertainment, such as the DreamWorks Experience on Liberty of the Seas or the new spectacular aerial-acrobatic experiences in Legend of the Seas’ four deck-high Centrum.”

Only on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas can European holidaymakers enjoy the DreamWorks Experience, featuring parades, themed activities and events based on DreamWorks Animation’s popular feature-film characters, including Po of “Kung Fu Panda;” Shrek, Fiona and Puss In Boots of “Shrek;” and Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, and the Penguins from “Madagascar.” Each ship also is equipped with a 3-D movie theatre playing the latest DreamWorks Animation films. A not-to-be-missed experience is the Character Breakfasts, a chance to enjoy the first meal of the day with your favourite DreamWorks characters.

On Splendour of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Legend of the Seas, and Brilliance of the Seas, guests can enjoy a cocktail in the new retro-hip R Bar as performers glide and dive in the new aerial-acrobatic Centrum Experience that ranges throughout more than four decks of the ships’ atriums. Guests onboard Liberty of the Seas can also take in the Broadway musical Saturday Night Fever by night.

Most of Royal Caribbean’s 2014 Europe fleet will have undergone the cruise line’s fleetwide revitalisation programme, which will deliver more delicious onboard dining options, such as the casual dining Park Café, Boardwalk Dog House, and Rita’s Cantina, to more sophisticated culinary experiences such as Samba Grill Brazilian steakhouse, the new Viking Crown Lounge, Izumi Asian Cuisine and the Chef’s Table.

Royal Caribbean’s youngest guests, ages 6 to 36 months, can enjoy the new Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, while three- to 11-year olds are led by college-accredited counsellors in educational and entertaining programmes developed with Fisher Price in the complimentary Adventure Ocean programme. Teens can also meet new friends on their European cruise and hang out with peers in their own dedicated lounge and enjoy activities such as learning to mix music in Scratch DJ sessions or teen-only rock-climbing wall and FlowRider surf simulator sessions.

The recently revitalised ships also feature new modern features, such as Wi-Fi throughout the ship, digital signage, flat-panel televisions in newly refreshed staterooms, and a poolside, oversized LED movie screen for guests’ enjoyment as they bask in the grand European sun. Independence of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas each also feature a FlowRider and cantilevered whirlpools, as well as Europe’s only ice-skating rinks at sea, also onboard Navigator of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas.

Liberty of the Seas will sail roundtrip from Barcelona on a seven-night, Western Mediterranean itinerary, calling at Provence (Marseilles) and Nice (Villefranche), France; and Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Rome (Civitavecchia), and Naples/Capri, Italy. A four-night, roundtrip itinerary departing 14 May 2014 will offer holidaymakers a taste of the Freedom-class experience, with a call at Nice and Florence/Pisa.

Navigator of the Seas will homeport at Rome (Civitavecchia) to sail a seven-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary, which calls at Sicily (Messina), Italy; Athens (Piraeus) and Chania (Souda), Crete, Greece; and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey. Alternatively, holidaymakers have a second option to embark on a seven-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise, sailing roundtrip from Sicily (Messina).

Holidaymakers can choose longer nine- to 12-night Italy, Greek Isles and Turkey cruises from Barcelona from May through August, and Venice from late August through October. From Barcelona, Serenade of the Seas will alternate 12-night Mediterranean Greek Isles and Mediterranean Venice itineraries the latter featuring an overnight in Venice. From September,

Serenade of the Seas will homeport in Venice and alternate 10-night Greek Isles and 11-night Greece and Turkey itineraries, the company said in a statement. Splendour of the Seas will homeport at Venice for its entire Europe season and alternate seven-night Greek Isles, and Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries. The ship will reposition from Sao Paolo, Brazil to Barcelona for a 14-night trans-Atlantic voyage on 25 April 2014, and then start its Europe season with an eight-night Italian Mediterranean and Adriatic itinerary from Barcelona to Venice.