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Carnival Jubilee arrives to Galveston

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 December 2023 21 December 2023

Waving from the newest Fun Ship, Santa Claus swapped his sleigh for the day so he could help deliver Carnival Jubilee – the first brand new cruise ship to debut in Galveston, Tex. Carnival Cruise Line’s new flagship, which dons a Texas Star on its bow, was welcomed home with a grand water salute as she docked at Galveston Wharves’ Terminal 25 for the first time.

The official debut of the 26th Fun Ship in the Carnival fleet signals the start of a significant expansion strategy in Galveston, which has grown among Carnival’s top homeports since the company became the first cruise line to operate there year-round more than two decades ago. In addition to bringing Carnival’s most innovative and dynamic entertainment and dining offerings, the ship will now significantly expand capacity from the port. Carnival Jubilee joins Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream at the port as part of a four-ship deployment plan that will be complete when Carnival Miracle repositions to Galveston next fall.

“The Texas star on her bow isn’t just decoration, it’s a symbol of our gratitude to our guests sailing from Texas who’ve made us the number one cruise line in Galveston, and our commitment to the future of cruising from this great city and state,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “When we cut the ribbon to welcome our first guests on this ship this weekend, we’ll be celebrating the beginning of a new era of operations here.”

Along with bringing the first roller coaster on board a cruise ship to Texas, Carnival Jubilee will also usher in the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Galveston. Enhancements were made at the port to accommodate the use of LNG and additionally, Carnival’s decision to deploy the new ship at its Texas homeport generated a $53 million investment in terminal improvements. In a Dec. 20 column, The Galveston County Daily News described Carnival Jubilee as a significant addition to the port and said, “The fact Carnival is willing to base its newest, biggest asset in Galveston is testament to the port’s standing in the industry and further evidence that past investment in cruise facilities was, and more investment would be, prudent.”

“The terminal, which has been home to Carnival ships since 2000, has been renovated top to bottom, inside and out. From a new roof, expanded dock and exterior colors to new interior finishes and furniture, the terminal has a fresh, new look,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. “We are happy the time has come for this historic event and honored to host this beautiful, state-of-the-art ship.”

Now, Carnival Jubilee’s 1,750 team members are preparing to welcome more than 6,000 guests aboard for a maiden departure on Saturday. The ship is set to sail on a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise, visiting Mahogany Bay as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will continue sailing week-long cruises year-round.

Meyer Turku lays the keel of second Icon-class ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 December 2023 21 December 2023

Icon of the Seas, handed over from the Meyer Turku shipyard at the end of November, is getting a sister ship. Star of the Seas, the second ship of the Icon series to be built for Royal Caribbean International, is at the beginning of its hull assembly phase. The lowering of the keel and the related coin ceremony were celebrated at the Meyer Turku shipyard on Friday, December 15.

The lowering of the keel and the related ceremony have long traditions. At the Meyer Turku shipyard, a crane lowered a massive steel block to the bottom of the construction pool on trestles to signal the start of assembling the ship's hull. Under the steel block, the coins placed there by the ship's customer and builder's representatives a moment before were left. Since ancient Roman times, such lucky coins have sailed with ships, bringing them protection.

"Star of the Seas is very important for both the shipyard and the partner network: the 13,000 man-years spent on building the ship create employment and business in Finland proper and, with the supply chains, significantly wider. After completion, Star of the Seas will strengthen a completely new kind of cruise experience with the standards set by its sister ship Icon," says CEO Tim Meyer.

Star of the Seas will begin operating in the Caribbean from its home port of Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025.

Asuka III progresses at Meyer Werft

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 December 2023 21 December 2023

Meyer Werft and NYK Cruises recently celebrated the traditional keel-laying ceremony for the new cruise ship Asuka III. With the lowering of the first steel block into building dock I (hall 5), the assembly of the ship's hull has now begun. The component weighs 345 tonnes and is 12,8 metres wide, 24,6 metres long and 7,4 metres high.

"With today's keel laying, we are celebrating the next important milestone in the construction of the Asuka III. All of us at Meyer are proud to be building this special cruise ship for the Japanese market. The speciality of designing the ship to meet the needs and requirements of Japanese passengers is unique. We are working very closely and passionately with the NYK Cruises team," says Managing Director Jan Meyer.

‘I am delighted to announce the successful completion of the Keel Laying Ceremony. I appreciate the continued collaboration from the Meyer Werft shipyard team, and I feel confident that with their ongoing support, we will successfully welcome the launch of Asuka III in 2025.‘‘‘says Hiroyuki Endo, President NYK Cruises.

Meyer Werft will use numerous solutions customised for the Japanese market for the new cruise ship. These include, for example, the spa areas, which will be specially developed according to Japanese wishes and customs. In addition, the Asuka III is the first cruise ship to be built under the supervision of the Japanese flag state in around 30 years. The ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest fuels currently available for shipping. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions, this means that emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter can be almost completely eliminated and sulphur oxides completely avoided.

Delivery of the abt. 52,000 gross ton ship is planned for 2025. With a length of 230,2 metres and a width of 29.8 metres, it will offer space for around 740 passengers.

Steel cutting ceremony marks milestone for SunStone's Infinity series

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 December 2023 18 December 2023

In a momentous occasion, the steel cutting ceremony for the seventh and final vessel in the groundbreaking Infinity series of expedition cruise ships has taken place at the Haimen shipyard of China Merchants Heavy Industries (CMHI). SunStone Maritime Group, a leading provider of expedition vessels, celebrated this significant milestone with key stakeholders and industry partners.

The PC6 expedition cruise ship, yet to be named, will embark on a long-term charter upon its delivery. Being technically identical to the rest of the Infinity vessels, the seventh vessel is set to join its sisters in the redefinition of the standards of expedition cruising with its cutting-edge design and unparalleled features.

The Infinity-class newbuilds, featuring up to 95 passenger cabins, each equipped with bathrooms and most with balconies, promise an immersive and comfortable experience for travellers. The ships house a range of amenities, including restaurants, lecture space, lounges, a 180-degree indoor observation deck, outdoor viewing areas, a gym, sauna, spa, and a custom-designed platform catering to kayakers and divers.

To enhance the expedition experience, the vessel will include a dedicated sea-level Zodiac loading platform and a mudroom, ensuring seamless operations for off-board activities.

"With the steel cutting of the seventh and final ship in the Infinity series, we mark the completion of a remarkable journey," said Niels-Erik Lund, CEO at SunStone Maritime Group. "These vessels exemplify our commitment to providing exceptional expedition cruises with a focus on comfort, safety, and sustainability."

The Infinity series has been a testament to SunStone’s dedication to innovation in the cruise industry. Meeting and surpassing the highest standards for expedition vessels, the completion of this final ship underscores the company's achievement of its initial objectives for the Infinity class.

SunStone Maritime Group expresses gratitude to China Merchants Heavy Industries for their collaboration and expertise in bringing the Infinity series to fruition.

The company looks forward to the next chapter as the vessel progresses through its construction phases and ultimately joins the fleet of high-performance expedition cruise ships in August 2025.

Villa Vie Residences purchases Fred. Olsen's Braemar

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 December 2023 14 December 2023

Villa Vie Residences has purchased a ship to be named Villa Vie Odyssey. The 924-passenger, 24,344 gross ton vessel will enter service in May 2024 following the completion of a multimillion-dollar transformation into a residential cruise ship.

Villa Vie Odyssey will offer an intimate, new lifestyle of exploration, able to reach parts of the world that larger ships cannot access, often docking in the heart of destinations. The ship’s flatter hull which enables her to navigate inland waterways and rivers too. In October 2019, she became the longest ship ever to transit the Corinth Canal.

“Villa Vie Odyssey will be customized for her immersive, 3.5-year continuous circumnavigations, ensuring all the comforts and amenities of home”, states Villa Vie Residences CEO Mikael Petterson. She will feature eight decks, a wrap-around promenade, three restaurants, eight bars and four lounges, a lengthened with four Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness center, and a well-stocked library.

Additionally, she will feature a large central business center, with private offices, conference spaces and high-speed internet by both Starlink and Viasat 3 allowing residents to work and travel throughout all parts of the world. The ship will also feature an interactive and educational culinary center, as well as a pioneering golf-around the world program complete with onboard golf simulator and tours and classes led by a Master PGA Professional.

A new paradigm in global living and travel

Amongst the things unique to the company is its ‘for the residents, by the residents’ approach. As founders themselves, residents own the majority of Villa Vie’s shares and actively participate in decision making Laura, a Founders Club member and resident, shares, "Villa Vie isn't like a regular corporation–it's open and we feel a part of it.”

Saying goodbye to the fatigue of travel planning, residents wake up in the comfort of their homes, embracing the joys of exploration while indulging in culinary delights from local chefs featured across its inclusive restaurants. Further setting it apart from traditional cruises, Villa Vie focuses on extended stays in ports, ranging from 2 to 7 days. This approach allows residents ample time to connect with each destination, living each day as a new holiday.

Villa Vie offers two all-inclusive options for those seeking a home from which to explore the world - at a price comparable to traditional condominium ownership.
– Ownership starts at $99,999, with monthly maintenance fees starting at $1,750 per person.
– A “pay-as-you-go” concept that allows travelers to select and combine various portions of its world cruise itinerary with only a 10% upfront deposit - starting at $89 per day.

Residents of Villa Vie Odyssey are not just travelers; they're part of a vibrant, borderless community. Through arts, resident led activities, and its NGO oriented Portage Club, they build lasting connections and can engage meaningfully with local communities at each destination. This model of community-oriented living extends beyond traditional travel experiences, fostering a meaningful sense of belonging.