Cruise Europe elects new Chairman

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 30 April 2012 30 April 2012

At the Cruise Europe Conference 2012 held at Royal Greenwich, London between the 24-26th April, Captain Michael McCarthy of the Port of Cork, Ireland was unanimously elected Chairman succeeding Dirk Moldenhauer who has served as Chairman for the last four years. Michael brings over 40 years of maritime experience to the position having served as Master at sea, Marine Surveyor, Deputy Harbour Master and is currently Commercial Manager with the Port of Cork Company.

On being elected Chairman, Michael thanked Dirk Moldenhauer for steering Cruise Europe through a modernization process and making it more professional and responsive to the requirements of its members. He also thanked the very committed Council Members for their vote of confidence in nominating him for the position as Chairman and the general membership for electing him.

Michael endorsed the vision of Cruise Europe which he said is "to deliver to the cruise companies a world class cruise destination on behalf of our members." He said he will continue working with the members to promote and develop a thriving and “must see” North and Atlantic European destination.

He added: “We are facing major challenges and it is vital that Cruise Europe members support the cruise lines through greater communications and develop outstanding service while keeping costs tightly under control, particularly as the lines adapt to the ECA [Emissions Control Area] regulations from 2015.” These regulations, which will reduce sulphur limits in fuel to 0.10%, will come into force on January 1st 2015. This will result in vessels operating from the English Channel through the North Sea into the Baltic from 2015 to have increased operating fuel costs of over 50%. McCarthy also outlined the benefits of being a member of Cruise Europe and the commitment to working closely with the ECC and other representative organizations.

The “State of the Industry” address at the conference was presented by David Dingle, Chief Executive Officer Carnival UK, who stressed that the cruise industry was very resilient and adaptable with an exciting future and that safety must always be the first duty. However he stated that it also faced many challenges from the consumer markets under pressure, high inflation, rising fuel costs, increased regulations and the challenging fiscal environment. Grant Laversuch, Operations Director Saga Cruises, stated during his presentation that “Cruise Europe offered great opportunities for cruise line executives to meet so many port representatives together”.

Norwegian Breakaway to feature three-deck sports complex

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 29 April 2012 29 April 2012

 

 

Norwegian Breakaway will take recreation and outdoor fun to new heights when it launches in April 2013. The ship's top decks will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more. The line also announced that the ship will feature Nickelodeon experiences for the whole family and will include a Nickelodeon themed Kids' Aqua Park.

"Norwegian Breakaway's outdoor decks will offer spectacular fun and thrills for the entire family," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian's chief executive officer. "As a sports enthusiast, I am so excited about the extraordinary recreation and the over-the-top ways to play on this incredible new ship. From the amazing Aqua Park to the thrilling ropes course with its 'plank' feature, Norwegian Breakaway has been designed to ensure that our guests will have the time of their lives."

The Aqua Park is Norwegian's biggest yet and features five multi-story water slides. Norwegian Breakaway is the first cruise ship to feature the Free Fall - two side-by-side slides where guests will stand up and have the floor drop from underneath, propelling them into a thrilling loop. Offering another first with a twist are two additional side-by-side twister slides - called The Whip -- that deliver an unforgettable adrenaline rush as they plunge guests on a spiral race to the finish line. For those who prefer a more relaxing ride, there is a family-friendly open-flume body slide. The Aqua Park also features a Kids' Aqua Park, two swimming pools, four hot tubs and the Breezeway Bar & Grill, a semi-open air eatery.

In the Kids' Aqua Park, children can cool off with colorful, whimsical and larger than life Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Squidward and more. The tropical area will include a kid-sized pool and slide, along with multiple water features that squirt and shower guests with delight.

The three-story sports complex will be Norwegian's largest and feature the line's first ever ropes course, the largest one at sea. The ropes course with its multi-level structure will challenge guests to more than 40 different elements, including a zip track. For a thrill like no other, guests will confront The Plank, a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. Those who choose to test their courage on The Plank will be rewarded by having their photo taken after conquering this heart-pounding, yet breathtaking, feat. Kids will be challenged as well with a special ropes course just for them. In another first for the line, the nine-hole ocean-themed miniature golf course is located beneath the ropes course, offering family fun with friendly competition. A rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline and spider web, a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage complete with a spiral slide, round out the activities.

 

Nickelodeon experiences

Norwegian Breakaway will be the fourth Norwegian ship to offer Nickelodeon experiences, including the all-new Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora's Dance Party, where kids will have the chance to sing and dance to their favorite songs with Dora the Explorer and Team Nick; Nickelodeon Character Meet and Greets; Story Time with Dora; and Nickelodeon Arts and Crafts. Nickelodeon also hits the main stage with entertainment everyone can enjoy. In addition, Nickelodeon's Splash Mobs add an element of surprise with spontaneous, impromptu games that are exciting for the whole family with pies, slime and other surprises. Nickelodeon characters and themed activities will also be featured in Splash Academy, the ship's two-story youth area offering merriment for kids ages three to 12.

 

Adult only areas

Norwegian Breakaway will also feature adult-only outdoor enclaves. Spice H2O, located at the back of the ship on deck 16, is an adult-only escape with contemporary Asian influences offering day-time relaxation and night-time exhilaration. A bevy of sun loungers surround a huge video screen, complete with two hot tubs and a soothing dual waterfall feature, perfect for cooling off from the sun. At night, guests can dance under the stars or chill at the bar with accompanying lounge area, featuring comfortable seating while admiring the ocean views.

On deck 17, guests ages 18 and over will have the opportunity to enjoy another private retreat - Vibe Beach Club - by purchasing an access pass. Complete with ocean views, an oversized hot tub, luxurious chaise loungers and a relaxing water feature, Vibe Beach Club will be the ideal spot for adults to relax and unwind in a serene, comfortable setting while soaking up the sun. A full-service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels complete the exclusive experience.

Casual dining

When hunger strikes, while enjoying all the outdoor activities, guests can venture to the Garden Café, on deck 15, which will offer an abundant assortment of delicious menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is Norwegian's signature action station casual restaurant where chefs cook fresh, prepared-to-order food as guests watch, featuring seafood, pizza, fruit, soups, pasta, ethnic specialties, burgers and desserts; offering extensive and varied selections.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft, Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013. From October 2013 through April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

Joe Palermo appointed Director, Ship Refurbishments for Holland America and Seabourn

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 27 April 2012 27 April 2012

Joe Palermo has been appointed to the newly created position of director, ship refurbishments for Holland America Line and Seabourn. He is responsible for overseeing the lines' shipboard renovation program, managing all major dry-dock projects and supporting the Fleet Operations department to develop process improvements.

Most recently, Palermo was director, corporate services, with oversight of the company's crew wage and administration budgets, as well as facilities and administrative services. In this capacity, he also managed dry-dock projects, including Oosterdam's cabin expansion refit in 2009 and most recently Volendam's 2011 dry-dock in Singapore.

"Joe's blend of his operations, technical and customer service experience will aid him well in meeting the challenges of this role," said Dan Grausz, executive vice president, fleet operations. "He is an effective leader who will use his new position to help our combined fleet meet the high expectations of our guests."

Palermo joined Holland America Line in 2004 as project director, Signature of Excellence, taking the program from conception to implementation. Prior to that, he was with Cunard in New York and also served as general manager at JFK airport for America Airlines. He reports to Grausz.

Palermo earned a degree in industrial engineering from Columbia University.

Carnival joins Monalisa project led by Swedish Mar Ad

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 26 April 2012 26 April 2012

The Monalisa project, led by the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA), has attracted considerable international interest and the world’s largest cruise company, Carnival Corporation & plc, is now joining an extension of the project, SMA said in a statement.

The Swedish Maritime Administration will, in collaboration with Carnival Corporation & plc, extend the current test area from the Baltic Sea to include the Mediterranean Sea.  A number of Europe based ships from various Carnival Corporation & plc brands are expected to participate in the initial pilot phase of Monalisa 2.0.

 The Monalisa project aims at improving quality of maritime transport, safety at sea and exchange of maritime data. This is done through development, demonstration and dissemination of e-navigational services. Monalisa 2.0 is a direct result of the positive response that the Swedish Maritime Administration has received concerning the development of a new concept of dynamic and proactive route planning.

 The European Commission has highlighted the importance of developing strong measures to create safer navigation routes and avoid future disasters by enhancing traffic control in congested waterways.

 The Swedish Maritime Administration has now initiated an extension of the ongoing Monalisa project, called Monalisa 2.0, through a renewed application to the European Commission's TEN-T program.  The project is a computerized tracking system that offers a continuous at-a-glance view of ship traffic in specific regions. It is designed to provide cruise and cargo operators with information that enables them to operate their business in the safest and most efficient manner possible.

“ Due to Sweden's geographical position we are dependent on a strong and efficient infrastructure to a greater extent than other countries. The Swedish Maritime Administration is very proud to lead a project aimed at making a concrete contribution to creating efficient maritime routes, enhancing maritime safety and to reducing the environmental impact. The project has attracted a considerable international interest, which also confirms that we are on the right track,” says Jonas Vedsmand, Marketing Director at the Swedish Maritime Administration.

“Carnival Corporation & plc is pleased to have been invited to participate in the second phase of what we see as a very interesting and impactful project.  We look forward to working with the other partners in order to develop a comprehensive coherent European sea traffic control capability that will deliver benefits in a number of areas,” says Andrew Paul, Manager, EU Projects, at Carnival Corporation & plc.