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Cruise Shipping Miami 2013 Conference to feature more sessions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 January 2013 15 January 2013

The conference portion of the annual Cruise Shipping Miami event, slated for March 11-14, has been revamped for its 29th edition. There will be more concurrent sessions Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday and Thursday, and the panels will be just 90 minutes long.

Developed by UBM Live to be more in-depth and content-rich, the redesigned conference lineup is the result of research and feedback from Cruise Shipping Miami attendees, cruise lines and industry organizations. Conference sessions are organized into four "streams" that will thematically link sessions daily Tuesday through Thursday. The streams are Shipbuilding, Operations and Technology; Destinations and Ports; Market Segments, and Product Development.

Monday, March 11, will see the return of the annual World Cruise Tourism Summit, with expert panels conducted from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Organized in cooperation with Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, the summit will feature a series of round-table discussions by cruise experts and Cruise Lines International Association representatives on pertinent industry topics.

Tuesday, March 12, the State of the Industry session will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., followed by four concurrent panels in each of the streams: "The Newbuilding Outlook," "The Caribbean and Mexico," "Upscale Cruising" and "Marketing and Distribution."

Wednesday, March 13, morning sessions will run from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and will include "Revitalization and Repair," "Europe," "Expedition Cruising" and "Social Media." Afternoon sessions will include "The Low-Energy Ship and the Green Agenda," "Expanding Markets," "National Brands" and "Maximizing On-Board Revenue" from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 14, will see the return of the popular Travel Agent Thursday training classes conducted by Cruise Lines International Association. Morning conference sessions will include "Safety in Shipping," "The Cruise Line/Port Interface," "Shorex Programs" and "Human Resources at Sea" from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Afternoon sessions from 3 to 4:30 p.m. will include "The Ship of the Future," "Terminal Development and Security in Port and On Board," "River Cruise" and "Hotel and Catering Procurement."

Cruise Shipping Miami is organized by UBM Live and exclusively supported by Cruise Lines International Association and Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association to provide a one-stop global resource for cruise lines and their suppliers.

American Queen makes schedule change to accommodate construction of new paddlewheel drive shaft

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 January 2013 14 January 2013

The American Queen Steamboat Company announces it is cancelling the February 7 and February 15, 2013, voyages of the American Queen. The boat will spend this extra time in the shipyard providing engineers the opportunity to build a completely new and more durable paddlewheel drive shaft, while re-building and reinforcing the fabled paddlewheel.

"The safety and reliability of the American Queen is our top priority and her drive shaft must be completely re-built," shares American Queen Steamboat Company President and COO Ted Sykes. "This additional time in lay-up is needed to custom-build a much stronger drive shaft with a 40- to 50-year lifespan, as well as re-install the iconic paddlewheel. We apologize for any inconvenience caused to our guests and travel partners, and we are looking forward to an exciting and successful second season."

These repairs will take place in addition to her annual refurbishments that include such enhancements as painting and wall papering public spaces and staterooms, the addition of a new Front Porch Café and décor updates to the J.M. White Dining Room and Engine Room Bar, to name a few.

The American Queen is now scheduled to sail her first voyage of the season on February 23, 2013, roundtrip from New Orleans.

Guests booked on the February 7 and February 15 departures will receive the following consideration for re-booking on these 2013 Lower Mississippi voyages: February 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 24, March 31, May 5, May 12, June 9, June 16, June 23, or any July or August voyage on the Upper Mississippi or Ohio River.

· $250 per person/$500 per stateroom credit (refund) to offset change fees related to travel arrangements

· Upgrade to best available stateroom at the time of re-booking

· Guests on the February 7 Mardi Gras voyage may choose to be re-accommodated on the 2014 Mardi Gras Voyage at the current 2013 prices

· Guests who choose to cancel will receive a full refund and reimbursement for reasonable travel-related expenses.

Travel agent commissions will be fully protected.

Azamara Journey exits Sembawang Shipyard with new look and refreshed spaces

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 January 2013 14 January 2013

Azamara Journey, the second of Azamara Club Cruises' twin boutique ships to undergo refurbishment, emerged today from an eight-day drydock in Singapore's Sembawang Shipyard. Azamara Journey, now complete with a refresh of all public spaces and staterooms and an elegant new Azamara Blue exterior hull, continues its Asia season with a 13-night Indonesia voyage round-trip from Singapore.

With its newly refreshed ships, the cruise line that sails to exciting destinations around the world that larger ships are unable to reach is poised to break away from its category. Azamara features longer stays and more overnights in port to present up-market travelers the opportunity for night touring. Paired with the new complimentary AzAmazing Evening event on every voyage, starting with each ship's Europe 2013 season, Azamara is delivering to guests the most authentic, intimate and bespoke travel experiences that showcases the nightlife of some of the world's most intriguing destinations.

Shipwide renovations included new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line's inviting atmosphere; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks. The Casino Bar also was expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center was refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements were made behind the scenes in the staff and crew areas to add to the comfort of the cruise line's most valuable asset.

On the culinary front, guests can now enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships' two specialty dining venues, as well as a new Chef's Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus - Italian, French and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships' central gathering spot, guests can purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee or tea.

Guests aboard Azamara Journey enjoy more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary red and white boutique wines to accompany lunch and dinner; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available.

Azamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for up-market travelers who not only want to see the places and cultures they visit, but to live them. Azamara's two intimate, 694-guest ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with a combination of 347 suites and staterooms, offer a European-boutique hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, and wellness and vitality programs, all while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships cannot reach. Azamara Club Cruises sails European destinations, including the Baltic and Scandinavia, British Isles, Western Europe, French and Italian Rivieras, Greek Isles, Croatia, Holy Land and Black Sea, as well as Asia, South America and lesser-traveled islands of the West Indies, with more overnight and late-night stays in every region.

Travelers also can choose even more immersive experiences with Azamara cruisetours in eight of the world's most exciting destinations, including Rome, Athens, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Istanbul, Jordan and Israel, India, and China.

American Cruise Lines announces new 2013 theme cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 January 2013 10 January 2013

American Cruise Lines (www.americancruiselines.com), operator of the newest riverboats and small cruise ships in the United States, announced today the addition of three brand new theme cruises for 2013, including a Gold Rush theme cruise in Alaska, a Civil War Eastern Theater theme cruise to complement the Western Theatre cruise offered on the Mississippi River, and a new Enrichment theme cruise to relax the mind, body and soul of our guests aboard the New England Islands itinerary. The new theme cruises are the latest additions to American Cruise Lines’ portfolio of theme cruises around the country.

Gold Rush – Alaska Inside Passage: On this extraordinary cruise, guests will experience rugged mountains and stunning glaciers as they explore Gold Rush history. They’ll even board the historic White Pass Yukon Railroad, a narrow-gauge railroad built in 1898 during the Gold Rush to transport miners. On the train, they’ll enjoy the alpine scenery and amazing views. A stop in Skagway, a newly added port of call, allows guests to discover Klondike Gold Rush National Park. Throughout the cruise, guests will spot an array of land and marine wildlife native to the wondrous Inside Passage. Featured Date: July 20, 2013

Civil War Eastern Theater – Historic South & Golden Isles: Following the popularity of Civil War theme cruises on the Mississippi River, American Cruise Lines has introduced the theme to the East Coast. On this new cruise, guests will discover the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War, visiting pivotal cities of the South such as Charleston, where some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861. In Savannah, guests will enjoy an eye-opening tour of its Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War history; as well as its many fascinating historic buildings and monuments. They’ll visit historic battle grounds such as the site of the Battle of Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Featured lecturers will entertain guests and offer added insight while onboard. Featured Date: April 6, 2013

Enrichment: Mind, Body & Soul – New England Islands: The moment our guests step aboard this new theme cruise, they will relax and unwind in their spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms. An assortment of unique onboard and onshore activities are offered, which will energize and revitalize our guests: Morning yoga classes, walking groups, painting sessions and a presentation on health-conscious cooking and cuisine. A menu of recommended spa treatments in port will be provided at the beginning of the cruise for advance booking. Featured Date: July 6, 2012

“Theme cruises are extremely popular as they add an extra element of connectivity between our guests and the areas we travel,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “It’s rewarding to provide a cruise experience centered on the shared individual interests of our guests. They enjoy the cruise even more.”

Additional theme cruises offered in 2013 include:

Lobster Festival Cruise: An American Cruise Lines specialty theme offered on both the Maine Coast & Harbors and New England Islands itineraries, guests enjoy a traditional lobsterbake in Rockland, ME and the opportunity to board a lobster boat for a hands-on demonstration of the catching process. Featured Date: July 20, 2013

Culinary & Wine Themed Cruise: Culinary masters aboard the Queen of the West on the Columbia & Snake Rivers create a delectable all-American menu, and a wine connoisseur joins guests aboard for lessons on wine making, tasting and food pairing. In port, various different wineries are visited in both Oregon and Washington. Featured Date: May 4, 2013

Savories of the South Cruise: Local historians, culinary experts and featured chefs will educate passengers on the rich history of some of the South’s most vibrant cities, such as New Orleans, and their famous cuisines. While in port, guests will be privy to exclusive cooking demonstrations and tastings. Featured Date: March 2, 2013

MSC Cruises makes changes to 2013 Mediterranean summer itineraries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 January 2013 10 January 2013

The beautiful city of Dubrovnik in Croatia has been added to MSC Fantasia’s 7-night summer cruise, further enhancing a voyage of discovery that will take MSC travellers into the very heart of ancient Greece and some of the most beautiful destinations in the eastern Mediterranean. In this stunning region, everything is brighter: the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the Lapis Lazuli sea and the dramatic sunsets. With the addition of the lovely medieval town of Dubrovnik, MSC Fantasia’s new itinerary looks set to dazzle even the most demanding travellers.

From 24 March to 27 October 2013 MSC Fantasia will depart every Sunday from Venice, Italy, taking guests on an eastern Mediterranean adventure through Bari, Italy, Katakolon, Santorini, Athens and Corfu in Greece, with a call in Dubrovnik, Croatia, before setting sail back to Venice.

MSC Splendida’s 7-night summer cruise has also been updated, with a call in Tunis, Tunisia, replacing the previously planned call in Palermo, Italy and enhancing an already culturally and historically impressive tour of the west Mediterranean. The Tunisian capital’s eclectic mix of modernity and tradition, with its modern wide streets and busy sidewalk cafes, its Arabic Medina boasting secret alleyways, stalls, huge mosques and palaces, and its ancient city of Carthage can now be enjoyed alongside the colours and flavours of France’s Provence, the architectural and creative splendours of Barcelona and Valencia – a stop which allows guests to visit Madrid too -, and the ancient sites of Rome.

From 23 March to 9 November 2013 MSC Splendida will depart every Saturday from Genoa, Italy, calling in Marseille, France, Barcelona and Valencia, Spain, Tunis, Tunisia and Civitavecchia, Italy, before setting sail back to Genoa.

Last but not least, in summer 2013, MSC Orchestra’s 8-day/7-night itinerary will now include a call in Palermo, Italy, replacing the previously planned call in Catania, Italy. As well as discovering the beautiful treasure-trove of palaces, castles and churches that is Palermo, MSC travellers will also be able to take a day trip to discover Monreale, where the cathedral and its cloister represent the largest concentration of Norman, Arab and Byzantine art in one place.

Another highlight of this extremely varied itinerary - which spans from the charming French coast to the white and blue Arab village of Sidi Bou Said - is an overnight stop in the Balearic island of Ibiza. The Spanish island has earned a reputation for being a Mecca for partygoers and young holidaymakers, but this historic island also has another side - popular with hippies and artists during the 70’s, Ibiza has long been a chic retreat for worldly and artistic travellers. MSC Orchestra’s itinerary will enable MSC travellers to experience Ibiza's dual personality to the full, discovering this pleasant, historical and typical Spanish seaside resort by day, and watching it transform into a clubbing haven by night.

From 29 March to 18 October 2013 MSC Orchestra will depart every Friday from Genoa, Italy, and call at Civitavecchia and Palermo, Italy, Tunis, Tunisia, Ibiza, Spain and Villefrance sur Mer, France, before setting sail back to Genoa.