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British naval vessel frees Fram from Antarctic ice

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 January 2013 24 January 2013

A British naval vessel freed a Norwegian cruise liner from Antarctic ice, the Royal Navy said in a statement. Fram, the 12,647 gross ton expedition cruise liner of Hurtigruten, had been following the patrol ship HMS Protector through the gaps in the pack ice when she was surrounded by a number of fast moving floes.

“HMS Protector immediately turned back to help, approaching the Fram from astern and breaking up the ice – which was up to four metres thick,” the Navy said. Taking just over two hours at speeds of just two knots, the Fram was eventually released and led to safety.

Commanding Officer of HMS Protector, Captain Peter Sparkes, said: “This is what we do in the Ice Patrol Ship, we are the Royal Navy’s equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife – red, versatile and always there when you need us. Protector’s ship’s company are highly trained and well equipped to deal with a spectrum of operations in Antarctica. That we are able to do so, so readily, is a clear demonstration of the Royal Navy’s global reach and operational preparedness.”

Sub Lieutenant Rowland Stacey of the Royal Canadian Navy, currently on exchange with Royal Navy and serving with HMS Protector, said: “This was an extremely impressive feat - operations in ice can be very challenging, but HMS Protector made it look easy. I am delighted to be a part of this team.”

Holland America Line names Michael J. Smith Senior VP Hotel Operations

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 January 2013 23 January 2013

Holland America Line has named Michael J. Smith senior vice president, marine hotel operations, replacing Johan Groothuizen who is retiring at the end of 2013 after 42 years with the company.

In this role, Smith is responsible for the overall marine hotel operations, including on-board services such as culinary operations, all hotel and entertainment services for both Holland America Line, as well as Seabourn. He will report to Dan Grausz, executive vice president, fleet operations.

"Michael's extensive background in both the hotel and the cruise industries makes him a knowledgeable and well-rounded addition to the team," said Grausz. "His enthusiasm, fresh perspective and attention to detail will ensure continued growth and service excellence for Holland America Line and Seabourn."

Prior to joining Holland America Line, Smith was vice president of hotel operations at Club Quarters Hotels in New York for more than 15 years. He also spent 16 years in the cruise industry serving in several executive positions both ashore and on board for Cunard Line, as well as Silversea Cruises.

During 2013 Groothuizen will serve as vice president, special projects, with a primary focus on the recently announced Holland America Line ship to be completed in 2015. In this role, he will work closely with the shipyard and architects to ensure the new Pinnacle Class ship incorporates both current brand features and future innovations.

"Johan has given more than 40 years of dedicated and successful service to Holland America Line, from his earlier days as shipboard crew to his exceptional job at the helm of the marine hotel department," said Grausz. "We all look forward to using that wealth of knowledge to develop our Pinnacle Class of ships."

In other marine hotel moves, John Peijs is promoted to director, marine hotel operations and Jafar Al Shibibi is promoted to director, marine hotel procurement. Peijs will continue his current responsibilities with on-board services. Al Shibibi will continue to make improvements to the line's purchasing activities.

"Both of these promotions are well earned," said Grausz. "John has taken on multiple responsibilities during his time with Holland America Line, and he has executed all of them with professionalism. And Jafar has taken on many jobs with the line and can look at each one with a strong sense of accomplishment."

Seabourn promotes Christopher Prelog to VP Hotel Operations, Fleet Purchasing

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 January 2013 23 January 2013

Seattle-based ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has promoted Christopher Prelog to the role of vice president of hotel operations and fleet purchasing. He was previously director of hotel operations

Prelog was educated in Austria, studying tourism and hospitality management in a five-year course of study. After graduating, he held several positions including restaurant manager and front office manager in Austrian hotels for another five years prior to joining Seabourn. He joined Seabourn in 1998 as an assistant maitre d'hotel. He was in training in 2003 to be an onboard hotel manager when the company invited him to move ashore as fleet hotel operations manager in the company's Miami headquarters. He was promoted to director of hotel operations in 2008.

Announcing the promotion, Seabourn executive vice president of fleet operations Dan Grausz noted, "Chris has firmly guided the Seabourn onboard product; under his guidance the Seabourn product has received the top rating for luxury vessels in Condé Nast Traveler four of the last five years and Travel + Leisure for the last four consecutive years."

Prelog made the transition from Miami to Seattle when the company moved its headquarters in 2011, and now lives in Snoqualmie, Wash., with his wife and two daughters.

Seabourn operates a fleet of six intimate, all-suite ships offering cruise vacations worldwide. The company is consistently ranked among the finest vacation experiences in the world.

Independence of the Seas to undergo $7 million refurbishment in April

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 January 2013 23 January 2013

Royal Caribbean International says it continues to bring the cruise line’s most innovative features and popular venues, first introduced on Oasis-class ships, to its fleet with the recently announced revitalisation of Independence of the Seas scheduled to take place in April 2013.

"A new baby and toddler nursery, an enhanced digital way finding system and a giant outdoor cinema screen are just a few of the new features awaiting guests on Independence of the Seas when it emerges in May as part of the cruise line’s extensive revitalisation programme. For guests with a sweet tooth, the refreshed ship will also see the introduction of The Cupcake Cupboard. Featuring freshly-baked gourmet cupcakes and bespoke culinary parties and design classes, the new addition will be a hit with foodies. The ship also will enjoy the addition of Giovanni’s Table, an Italian trattoria featuring Italian classics served family-style," the company said in a statement

Based in Southampton since 2008 and one of the most popular ships amongst UK holidaymakers, the 3,634-guestIndependence of the Seas is just one of many ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet that is receiving a major upgrade as part of a $300 million investment programme. Beginning in May 2011 with the revitalisation ofRadiance of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s revitalisation programme is being undertaken with an aim to bring features from the redefining Oasis-class ships to the remainder of the fleet. In 2012 five ships underwent a complete transformation including Rhapsody of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas

Following a two-week long, US$7 million refurbishment, Independence of the Seas will arrive in Southampton on 2 May 2013 to begin its summer season, offering a series of new itineraries including more shorter sailings such as two-night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and three night cruises to Le Havre for Paris and Zeebrugge for Bruges.Independence of the Seas will also offer eight night cruises to Norway, 14-night Norway and Cork cruises, various 14-night Mediterranean cruises, and 12-night Canary Islands cruises as part of its 2013 season. Independence of the Seas will also include a new call to Ibiza on a 14-night Spanish Mediterranean cruise.

Prices for a two night taster cruise to Le Havre for Paris on-board Independence of the Seas departing Southampton cost £249 per person for accommodation with its own private balcony based on 2 May 2013 departure. A six-night Norway cruise from Southampton featuring ports of call in Oslo, Kristiansand and Stavanger costs from £599 per person based on two sharing an inside stateroom and departing on 26 May 2013.

Princess Cruises passengers inspire new Celebrations campaign

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 January 2013 22 January 2013

Princess Cruises has debuted a new look at how and why passengers cruise – as told through videos from Princess passengers themselves. Focusing on celebrations, these passenger accounts unveil many reasons for escaping completely on a cruise vacation.

Princess put video cameras in the hands of passengers who then show us what inspired their cruise. These storytellers, who were sailing in diverse worldwide destinations, including the Panama Canal, Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Australia, describe different occasions that celebrate love, change and life itself.

With these videos, passengers take the viewer along as a companion on their vacation, documenting their favorite onboard experiences as well as the memorable places they visited.

"Usually people think of 'celebrations' as birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. But as we listened to these passenger stories, we recognized a great opportunity to expand the definition. From a newly adopted child to overcoming adversity such as cancer, there are many occasions in life to celebrate. And we aim to offer the best cruise experience for life's most important celebrations.

The videos form the centerpiece of a new Celebrations campaign. Stories can be viewed at www.princess.com/celebrations, and Princess passengers who have recently celebrated a special occasion on board can submit their own stories at princess.com/sharestory before March 31, 2013 for a chance to win a 7-day Caribbean cruise for two aboard the new Royal Princess.