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Kim Salmi appointed CEO of Helsinki Shipyard

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 September 2022 03 September 2022

As of September 1, Kim Salmi, M.Sc. (Tech.), has been appointed Managing Director of the Helsinki Shipyard. Kim Salmi will take over as managing director from the position of production director of the shipyard. Kim Salmi has long experience in shipbuilding at the Helsinki shipyard, as well as in shipping companies and in the roles of consultant in other cruise shipyards in Europe. Simo Rastas, who has served as acting CEO since October 2021, will continue in his position at CFO until the end of September, after which he will leave the company to face new challenges. Helsinki Shipyard would like to thank Simo for the excellent work done and for informing the personnel in this challenging global political situation.

“I am thankful for the trust I have received, which was facilitated by the exemplary stretch and professionalism that the entire organization showed in connection with the handover of SH Vega. In my new position, in addition to acquiring new profitable ship projects, I will focus on developing our organization in terms of personnel, infrastructure and processes.”

The Helsinki shipyard is currently building the third vessel in the Vega series (SH Diana) and preparing for its launch. Changes in the company’s ownership are also still being studied, and more information on long-term views will be provided once these matters have been confirmed. The Helsinki shipyard has returned as a cruise ship builder after a long break, and the delivery time and quality of the Vega series have been well received in the market. In line with its strategy, the company continues with an operating model in which critical expertise is built into the organization and thus ensures the efficient implementation of complex and demanding projects. The Helsinki shipyard is widely known for the icebreakers we have built and other vessels suitable for Arctic conditions. The shipyard’s strengths also include the only covered pool hall of its kind in Finland, which enables the efficient construction of vessels in top conditions.

Cruise Planners announces new consortia affiliation with Signature Travel Network

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 September 2022 01 September 2022

After a lengthy and careful research process, Cruise Planners announced they will join the Signature Travel Network effective September 29, 2022. Cruise Planners previously was affiliated with American Express’s Travel Representative program for 18 years, which was set to end in December 2022. With over six-decades in the travel industry, Signature continues to attract the travel industry's most successful and prominent retailers. The decision to join Signature came down to shared values that Cruise Planners believes will enhance the travel experience for clients of their 2500-strong home-based travel agent franchise network.

“This is welcome news and we feel strongly that this is the right direction for our company,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners. “Signature’s programs are impressive and we felt the essence of the pillars we hold ourselves to are reflected in their company as well. There are many complementary programs that Signature offers that will elevate the Cruise Planners brand and give advisors an extra edge to propel their business.”

While Cruise Planners stands on its own when it comes to technology, Signature focuses heavily on industry-leading technology, marketing and training programs that Cruise Planners will be able to leverage to augment their offerings.

Finnlines’ Superstar ro-paxes celebrate launching and keel laying

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 September 2022 01 September 2022

Finnlines is building two Superstar ro-pax vessels. The first vessel, Finnsirius, was launched on 30 August 2022 and the keel laying of the second one, Finncanopus, was celebrated on 1 September 2022. The two freight-passenger vessels will start to operate from Finland to Sweden and Åland Islands in 2023.

Finnlines has successfully completed the launching of the first Superstar ro-pax vessel, Finnsirius, construction on water will now continue. Construction of the second Superstar ro-pax vessel is also proceeding and a keel laying ceremony took place at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) to officially mark the start of the construction, i.e. hull erection.

Finnsirius and its sister vessel Finncanopus will operate on the Finland–Sweden route where Finnlines has sailed since 1997. The ports of call are Naantali in mainland Finland, Långnäs on the Åland Islands and Kapellskär in Sweden.

The combined freight-passenger vessel will have capacity for about 300 lorries, 200 cars and 1,100 passengers. The vessels are 235 metres long and they utilise the latest innovative technologies.

“Superstar ro-paxes will be larger than the existing Star class and they will be Finnlines’ flagships both in terms of size and technology, scaling up the connection and raising the standard offered to our customers,” says Antonio Raimo, Line Manager Finnlines.

Compared with the Star class vessels, the cargo carrying capacity of the Superstar ro-paxes will increase by 20%. Finnlines has designed cargo handling procedures so that they will be highly efficient for the Finland-Sweden route.

With comfortable cabins, large public spaces and upgraded services the vessels offer a new travel experience for passengers. “We offer the most convenient schedules for crossing the Baltic Sea,” says Raimo.

“We are proud to introduce the next generation of ro-pax vessels, which will enter service in 2023. With the latest technologies and sustainable innovations, these large vessels will not only bring economies of scale to our customers, but also a lower environmental footprint. Our drive to continuously improve both operational and financial efficiency ensures that we can continue to invest in our fleet and grow with our customers,” says Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines.

The next milestone for the Finnlines EUR 500-million Newbuilding Programme will be launching of the Finncanopus in January 2023. The ro-pax vessels are expected to be delivered in the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2023. The Newbuilding Programme also includes three hybrid ro-ro vessels already operating on Finnlines’ routes.

American Symphony christened in Natchez, Mississippi

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2022 31 August 2022

American Cruise Lines announced that American Symphony was christened yesterday, August 30th in Natchez, Mississippi – the new riverboat’s official Godmother City. The christening marks the on-time delivery of American’s 5th new modern riverboat in 4 years and the Line’s continued growth on the Mississippi River.

American Cruise Lines and the City of Natchez hosted a joint celebration for the country’s newest ship by welcoming cruise guests, as well as the communities of Natchez and Vidalia, to be a part of the official christening events. A festive presentation was held at the Natchez Convention Center which included musical performances by the Victory Belles, as well as speeches and special appearances from American Symphony’s official Godmother, Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020 & Miss Mississippi 2018; the Honorable Tate Reeves, Governor of Mississippi; the Honorable Delbert Hosemann, Lt. Governor of Mississippi; the Honorable Dan M. Gibson, Mayor of Natchez; the Honorable Buz Craft, Mayor of Vidalia; and Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines, among many others.

Immediately following the celebration at the Convention Center, both cruise guests and the Natchez community joined American Cruise Lines at the Ferry Street Landing for the christening ceremony at the ship. Godmother Asya Branch was joined by honored guests, Cynthia and Denise Patterson in christening the ship. Cynthia and Denise are sisters and American Cruise Lines’ Eagle Society members. Together, with their late mother Lois, they have explored destinations across the U.S.A. on 28 cruises with American Cruise Lines.

“American Cruise Lines led the last decade of river cruising on the Mississippi and, with new boats like American Symphony, will lead the next one. Natchez, Vidalia, and all the towns along the way make the Mississippi the best cruising river in the world. We are so grateful for all the community involvement in tourism on the river and we are honored to make Natchez the Godmother City of American Symphony,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines.

American Symphony is the 5th new modern riverboat American Cruise Lines has introduced in just 4 years. With its new fleet of riverboats, the company has transformed the U.S. river cruise market to compete on a global scale. American Symphony will be quickly followed in early 2023 by sister ship American Serenade, as well as 2 new small Coastal Cats, bringing American’s fleet to 17 small ships, exploring in 34 states.

Accommodating 175 guests, American Symphony features 5 decks and offers 100% private balcony staterooms, including gracious suites and single staterooms. The new riverboat has an elegant design which employs a stunning use of glass, allowing for unparalleled views throughout the ship. American Symphony also showcases American’s Modern Series hallmark—patented opening bow and retractable gangway, as well as the gorgeous 5th deck skywalk with an ellipse skylight, which cantilevers dramatically over the 4th deck café below. American Symphony also offers spacious lounges inside and out, a grand dining room, fitness center, and a wellness-yoga studio.

American Symphony’s sold-out inaugural cruise is following an 8-Day Lower Mississippi River itinerary which originally departed from New Orleans on Saturday, August 27th, and will conclude in Memphis, Tennessee on September 3rd. The new riverboat will continue to explore the Mighty Mississippi throughout 2022, including festive holiday cruises in December, and sail a full season again in 2023.

MSC Seascape to feature ROBOTRON – an ultimate amusement ride

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2022 31 August 2022

MSC Cruises’ new U.S. flagship will be packed with high-tech fun. Today the company announced a range of advanced onboard entertainment options on the upcoming MSC Seascape, starting with ROBOTRON – a thrilling amusement ride coming to the seas for the first time and combining the breath-taking rush of a rollercoaster with personalized music and lighting. The ship will also feature two new VR experiences and additional high-tech entertainment designed for thrill-seekers of all ages.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “We are excited to give our guests more access to cutting-edge experiences, which is why MSC Cruises’ is committed to bringing our newest ships to the U.S. We’re the first cruise line to offer something like ROBOTRON at sea, and we can’t wait for thrill-seekers to discover the ride of their life surrounded by the beauty of the Caribbean. Our new virtual reality motorcycles and flight simulator – plus fan favorites like the MSC Formula Racer and XD Cinema – will also feature truly immersive experiences, providing the most exhilarating line-up of rides we’ve ever offered.”

MSC Cruises is raising the bar when it comes to groundbreaking onboard entertainment options with MSC Seascape. ROBOTRON is a state-of-the-art robotic arm with an attached gondola that seats three guests – flying them nearly 175 feet above the sea. The adrenaline-pumping experience gives riders an unobstructed 360° view of the horizon as they hang over the edge of the deck, flip upside down and move in all directions.

ROBOTRON riders will be able to select their desired thrill level – a first among robotic arm rides – ranging from family-friendly to high-intensity. They can also set the mood with colored lights, music preferences and more. Coupled with the adjacent video screen, ROBOTRON acts as a moving DJ booth, with the rhythm and bass visualized as colorful patterns and pulses of light while the robotic arm is bouncing and twisting in tempo.

Other high-tech entertainment features on board MSC Seascape include:

– VR 360° Flight Simulator: This ride offers the ultimate virtual motion experience, complete with VR headsets and impressive special effects. Guests can choose from various worlds to dive into a thrill-ride like no other.
– VR Motorcycles: Guests with a need for speed will love MSC Seascape’s new VR motorcycles, where players will be transported to the racetrack with wind and water effects to complete the experience.
– MSC Formula Racer: Perfect for car racing enthusiasts ready to get their high-speed fix, this activity puts guests in the driver’s seat for a thrilling racing simulation game with realistic effects that will get their heart rates going.
– Immersive XD Cinema: The minute guests put on their 3D glasses, they dive into alternate worlds where players will battle it out against zombies, skeletons and more. Only one player can be crowned the victor, so guests will need to prove their sharp-shooting skills against each other for ultimate bragging rights.

Cruise lovers and thrill seekers can be first on board by sailing MSC Seascape’s delivery trip across the Atlantic. The 17-night MSC Grand Voyage will offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, departing Civatavecchia (Rome) on Saturday, November 19 with stops in Spain, Portugal, and Bermuda prior to arriving in New York City on Monday, December 5—a memorable way to spend Thanksgiving at sea.

MSC Seascape will be launched in New York at a Naming Ceremony on December 7, 2022 and then go into service from PortMiami, offering year-round Caribbean cruises with two different itineraries.