Star Cruises first cruise line to restart operations in Malaysia

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 07 December 2021 07 December 2021

Genting Cruise Lines, together with Penang Port Commission (PPC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) have announced that the Malaysian government has granted approval for Star Cruises to restart operations in Malaysia on 22 December 2021 with Star Pisces offering safe cruises from Penang. As the first international cruise line to homeport and resume commercial operations in Malaysia, Star Pisces will have five departures every week, offering a series of roundtrip itineraries from Penang, including a 2-Night ‘Langkawi Escape’ and a 1-Night ‘Straits of Malacca’ cruise itinerary, providing a timely and seasonal vacation option for Malaysians to celebrate a joyful Christmas and New Year during the school holidays.

Since July 2020, Genting Cruise Lines was one of the first international cruise companies in the world to pioneer and successfully restart operations with Dream Cruises, starting in Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong. With its valuable experience and expertise in implementing safe cruises, Genting Cruise Lines also plans to launch more ships under the Star Cruises fleet, beginning with Star Pisces in Penang, Malaysia.

Star Pisces will initially operate at a reduced passenger capacity of 50% with strict enhanced safety and preventive measures that are in accordance with the local requirements and international standards. To provide peace of mind for cruising guests and crew, all individuals on board must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19. In addition, all embarking guests are required to present a negative test result after completing the mandatory pre-boarding Antigen Rapid Test (ART), which will be conducted at the cruise terminal on the day of the departure.

“As part of Genting Cruise Lines, Star Cruises is excited to pioneer safe cruises in Malaysia and to work hand-in-hand with the ministries under the Malaysian government, together with PPC and PPSB to support the country’s National Recovery Plan (NRP), including Langkawi’s international tourism travel bubble pilot program. We hope to call on to more Malaysian destinations and to expand our itineraries with the inclusion of regional destinations like Phuket in the near future to spur the cruise tourism industry. We are also actively pursuing with the various port authorities to create a ‘Harmonize Cruising Standards’ for the region in the hope of gradually re-opening international cruising in a controlled and safe manner, which will also bring inbound tourists to Malaysia, especially from our ship in Singapore,” said Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines.

“With the approval from the National Security Council (NCS) to restart domestic cruise operations, the cruise industry was given a new lease of life to operate once again. PPC, Genting Cruise Lines, PPSB and the respective Government agencies worked very closely to ensure domestic cruises could resume as soon as possible. PPC believes the cruise packages offered by Star Cruises under Genting Cruise Lines will provide Malaysians with a long-awaited holiday alternative, as traveling abroad is presently restricted. We believe the restart of the domestic cruise operations in a safe manner will further boost the tourism sector, as well as the other supporting sectors. It is PPC’s hope that the domestic cruise operations will run smoothly in accordance with the prevailing SOPs and that international cruises will be allowed to operate in the near future,” said Datuk Tan Teik Cheng, Chairman of PPC.

Star Pisces bookings will be open in mid-December and available to all Malaysian citizens, foreigners with valid Malaysian long-term visit passes, as well as international tourists that had completed and passed the quarantine and home surveillance order by the Malaysian authorities. Vacationers can now look forward to a brand-new vacation option beyond the regular land-based ‘stay-cation’ concept and instead, experience a refreshing ‘Super Seacation’ cruise adventure with Star Pisces from RM199 onwards per person based on twin sharing. While cruising at sea, guests can enjoy the invigorating sea breeze and sunshine, as well as a multitude of leisure activities and recreational facilities on board Star Pisces, such as the pool, Jacuzzi, jogging track, hair and beauty services, massage, foot reflexology and gymnasium, high-tech VR games, duty free shopping, live entertainment stage shows and music performances, as well as inclusive meals, serving international and local favourite cuisine.

With safety being a priority for many vacationers these days, Star Cruises has completely re-examined and enhanced all of its health, hygiene and operating protocols to ensure the safest environment for everyone on board including social distancing measures, safe food and beverage handling procedures, as well as thorough cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Star Pisces also allows for 100% external fresh air to be filtered and supplied throughout the ship, including to each guest stateroom, ensuring a constant and healthy flow of fresh air with no-recirculation of air between staterooms. Star Pisces has also received the ‘Certification in Infection Prevention for the Marine industry (CIP-M)’ from the world’s leading and international global healthcare expert, DNV. The ship has also certified nurses and doctors, including an Infection Control Officer (ICO), a well-equipped Medical Centre with a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine for on board COVID-19 testing, as well as designated negative pressure Isolation Cabins.

"Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB) is delighted to announce that the cruise industry in Malaysia will be staging a comeback on 22 December 2021. This is truly a joyful occasion as we are looking forward to jump-start the cruise services through the government's Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan. PPSB will work closely with Star Cruises under Genting Cruise Lines to ensure safe and comfortable cruise trips for everyone. Now more than ever, tourists should no longer be concerned as the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) has been thoroughly inspected for the passengers' safety through strict SOP and guidelines to curb COVID-19. By working with Genting Cruise Lines, we intend to revitalise the domestic tourism sector and help it reach new heights in the coming years," remarked Dato' Sasedharan Vasudevan, CEO, Penang Port Sdn Bhd.

“Just like many parts of the world that are experiencing pandemic fatigue, residents in Malaysia also deserve a well-earned break. As such, we look forward to welcoming travellers from Malaysia on Star Pisces and to provide them with a safe and ultimately a memorable ‘Super Seacation’ cruise holiday,” added Kent Zhu.

Emerald Azzurra completes sea trials

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 07 December 2021 07 December 2021

Emerald Azzurra, the first custom-built superyacht by Emerald Cruises has successfully completed its first sea trials, conducted by Captain Jonathan Edwards and Marine Operations Manager Robert O’Leary along with more than 98 specialized crew, contractors and shipyard staff on board. The sea trials took place in Vietnam, departing Ha Long Shipyard on November 20, with the sea trials completed within 48 hours.

Following the successful sea trials, Emerald Azzurra will shortly undergo the final touches to its interior and exterior, as well as complete the training of the on board teams before she begins sailing in early 2022.

Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman, Scenic Group (which includes Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours) commented: “During Emerald Azzurra’s sea trials, all design parameters were exceeded, including speed, noise, vibration and overall comfort and maneuverability whilst sailing. Emerald Azzurra really is a very special superyacht, and will undoubtedly deliver a fantastic experience for our guests.”

Captain Jonathan Edwards added “I’m delighted with the great teamwork that has been achieved in constructing not just the most elegant vessel on the seas, but one that can live up to the high standards we have all grown to expect from Emerald Cruises.”

Offering a luxury small ship cruising experience, the superyacht will carry just 100 guests in 50 deluxe suites and staterooms, with more than 80 percent of cabins featuring a balcony. Emerald Azzurra is the 10th vessel in the Emerald Cruises fleet – joining nine river cruising Star-Ships. The line’s second superyacht, Emerald Sakara, will join the fleet in early 2023.

Emerald Cruises offers a diverse lineup of river and yacht cruises on three continents. Emerald Azzurra, the line’s first ocean-going vessel set to debut in January 2022, is a 100-guest, luxury superyacht that will sail the warm waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Black and Red Seas. The line’s second yacht, Emerald Sakara, is due to launch in 2023. On the rivers, Emerald Cruises sails eight branded Star-Ships in Europe and one on the Mekong, as well as a chartered river ship sailing the Russian waterways. The brand offers contemporary deluxe ships, outstanding service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan that has won them the honor of being named Best River Cruise Line for Value by the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards for five years running. Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Mayflower Cruises & Tours and Evergreen Tours in Australia.

 

MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique celebrate two newbuild milestones

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 06 December 2021 06 December 2021

The Cruise Division of MSC Group and Chantiers de l’Atlantique las week celebrated two significant newbuild milestones for the construction of the line’s next generation of environmentally advanced vessels. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia will become the first LNG-powered vessels to join the MSC Cruises fleet next year, representing an investment of approximately USD $3.4 billion in Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) ships with the construction on World Europa II due to commence in early 2023.

These ships play an important role in the company’s commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. LNG is by far the cleanest marine fuel currently available at scale and it virtually eliminates local air pollutant emissions such as sulphur oxides (99%), nitrogen oxides (85%) and particles (98%). In terms of emissions with a global impact, LNG plays a key role in climate change mitigation and the engines of these two ships have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 25% compared to standard fuels. In addition, with the subsequent availability of Bio and Synthetic forms of LNG, this energy source will provide a pathway toward eventual decarbonized operations.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, said: “Today is another important milestone in our journey towards net zero emissions by 2050 for our marine operations. Following billions of euros of investment, we are announcing significant construction developments in not just one but two of our next generation LNG-powered vessels, bringing us ever closer to our vision of an emissions free cruise industry. As the cleanest fuel currently available at scale for our operations, LNG is at the vanguard of the momentous energy transition we must go through.”

“We have a lot more to do, but I am pleased that despite all that we have faced from the pandemic over the last two years, we have still been able to achieve with our partners at Chantiers de L’Atlantique the launch of these new LNG vessels – the first ever made in France that will also introduce potential new fuel cell technologies to make them even more efficient. We now need to take even bigger steps and we will need the continued support of our suppliers, partners and Governments to achieve this. We all need to work together to achieve our green future.”

Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “It is indeed a very special moment we are living today. This is not only because these ships are respectively the 15th and the 16th we are building for MSC Cruises, which shows the outstanding quality of the relationship we established between our two companies since the 90’s. This is not only because they will rank among the largest and the finest in the world’s cruise market. But it is also and especially because they represent a giant step towards what the cruise ships of the future will look like. At their delivery, they will have the best carbon footprint in the market, in terms of emissions per passenger and per day.”

It was also revealed on December 2 that MSC Cruises and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique confirmed the installation of a fuel cell pilot plant on board MSC World Europa known as Blue Horizon, marking the first time an LNG-powered fuel cell has been used on a cruise ship. The technology will use LNG to convert fuel into electricity at one of the highest efficiencies of any power solution available today, producing electricity and heat on board. The fuel cell technology selected by Chantiers de l'Atlantique (CdA) and MSC Cruises is the SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) developed by Bloom Energy. The SOFC will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by approximately a further 30 percent compared with a conventional LNG engine, with no emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides or fine particles. It also offers the advantage of being compatible with LNG, as well as several low carbon fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. This project will form the building block for future larger installations and the beginning of an even closer collaboration between MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique on Research & Development of fuel cell technology.

The traditional coin ceremony took place as the keel was laid for MSC Cruises’ second LNG-powered ship, MSC Euribia, which will be one of the most environmentally high performing contemporary vessels built in France. Anne Claire Juventin, Responsible for Quality Control from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, and Valentina Mancini, Brand Manager from MSC Cruises, performed the traditional maritime ritual as godmothers representing the ship owner and the shipbuilder when they placed two coins under the keel as the historical sign of blessing and good fortune for the project, and the ship’s operational life at sea.

The float out of MSC World Europa, which will be the first LNG-powered vessel to join the MSC Cruises fleet, took place at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire where she will now be moved to a wet dock for work to continue on the ship until her delivery in November 2022.

MSC Virtuosa to return to Southampton in 2022 after this year's success

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 02 December 2021 02 December 2021

MSC Cruises has announced MSC Virtuosa will return to Southampton visiting destinations across Europe instead of the smaller MSC Magnifica that had been earmarked to take over after the larger ship’s initial season in the UK. 

Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director MSC Cruises UK & Ireland said in a statement: “Five years ago we announced our intention to grow our business in the UK market and I am pleased to say that this announcement is further evidence of our commitment to this target.”

“We have made a series of investments, from increasing the number of sailings from UK ports visiting new and exciting destinations, to supporting the building of the new Horizon Cruise Terminal in Southampton, that all helps us achieve our goal to give UK guests the holidays they want, and travel agents the cruises they want to sell,” he said

The 2022 season will cover cruises from two to 14 mights and high demand for these sailings contributing to the decision to bring a big ship back to Southampton for a second year running.

 “Despite the challenges of 2021 we had a record breaking year with passengers sailing from Southampton and it was great to see so many new to cruise guests amongst them. We have listened to the feedback from consumers and travel agents and have delivered itineraries with more choice, new destinations and longer cruises to warmer climates – all departing from Southampton,” Paradiso stated.

 While MSC Virtuosa is now confirmed for Summer 2022, the ship sailing  from the UK port in the in winter 2022/23 would be announced later. MSC Magnifica will operate from Southampton this winter, but the ship will embark and disembark passengers at other ports on its seven night rotation as well.

This news comes as the cruise Company confirms the entire fleet of 19 ships will be sailing during summer 2022 - with almost 500 departures to choose from in destinations from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean. All MSC cruise holidays are now only open to vaccinated guests a requirement that will continue for summer 2022. The line will continue to implement the appropriate measures to ensure that guests can enjoy one of the safest holidays options out there all whilst having a memorable time on board.