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Norwegian Cruise Line welcomed first guests to its new cruise terminal at PortMiami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 August 2021 15 August 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line today celebrated two history making milestones for the company: Norwegian Gem commenced voyages from the company's home city of Miami following a 17-month cruising suspension and the first guests were welcomed into its recently completed NCL Terminal at PortMiami.

Marking the third of the company's 17 ships to resume operations after Norwegian Jade from Athens on July 25, 2021 and Norwegian Encore from Seattle on Aug. 7, 2021, Norwegian Gem set sail today on a week-long voyage to the Caribbean with calls to Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; and Harvest Caye, the company's private resort destination in Belize.

"It has been an exhilarating few weeks as we relaunch our fleet, reunite with our shipboard families and welcome our guests back for their long-awaited cruise vacations," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "I've been impressed and proud of how our global team and partners have come together to safely bring back cruising, an over $55 billion-dollar industry that positively impacts communities around the world."

Sommer continued, "Today is even more special as it is the first time we are relaunching from our hometown and from the new NCL Terminal at PortMiami. After many months, we are ready to deliver a safe and memorable experience for our guests at every step of their cruise journey."

Defining the Miami Skyline, the new NCL Terminal at PortMiami can accommodate cruise vessels carrying up to 5,000 cruise guests. The construction marvel was designed with sustainability at the forefront and was built to LEED Gold standards for optimizing energy, water efficiency, air quality and utilization of local materials and resources. In addition, approximately 90% of all subcontractors, vendors and suppliers were local to the region, reducing the carbon footprint of the project and encouraging local economic growth. Parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. recently also announced a partnership with Miami-Dade County to make the new state-of-the-art cruise terminal "Shore-Power Ready" by fall 2023.

Constructed by NV2A Group and Haskell, and designed by the Miami-based firm of Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc., the approximately 188,000-square-foot building draws inspiration from a nautilus, with its spiraled and multi-level façade, opening to grand ocean and city views with approximately 122,000 square feet of energy-saving glass features. Its artistically designed exterior is complemented by a carefully curated collection of art throughout the complex as part of Miami Dade County Art in Public Places, a program dedicated to enriching the public environment and to preserving and enhancing the artistic and civic pride of Miami-Dade County.

Norwegian Gem is scheduled to sail a series of week-long voyages to the Caribbean and four-day cruises to the Bahamas through Oct. 17, 2021 before repositioning to New York for five to 11-night voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda.

Hurtigruten Expeditions launches African cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 August 2021 10 August 2021

The world leader in exploration travel will be the only expedition cruise line to explore the African West Coast next year and introduces four new countries to its 2022/23 season

Hurtigruten Expeditions, the world’s leading expedition cruise line, is responding to guest demand for more warm water destinations by adding the West Coast of Africa and its unique archipelagos – the Bissagos Islands and Cape Verde – to its ever-growing list of new destinations. The 13-day itinerary includes four countries: Cape Verde, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal, with Spitsbergen based out of Dakar, one of Africa’s most bustling cities.

The expansion follows the cruise line’s recent launch announcement of year-round expedition cruises to the Galapagos Islands starting early 2022. Besides its first-ever African expedition cruises, Hurtigruten will also introduce a series of itineraries to the Canary Islands and Madeira for the 22/23 seasons.

“2022 will be one of the most adventurous years for Hurtigruten Expeditions. We will start the year by launching our Galapagos operations in January, and at the end of the year, we will introduce our first African cruises. We are very excited about expanding to new unique destinations, which complements our Caribbean and South American expedition cruises and strengthens our global position,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions CEO Asta Lassesen.

“We know our guests want to explore many different parts of the globe, and our ambition is to offer the world’s most exciting destinations that can best be explored by our small ships. With the Bissagos Islands and Cape Verde, we offer a truly unique and off-the-beaten-track destination that is perfect for an expedition adventure like no other,” said Lassesen.

Hurtigruten Expedition’s first-ever African adventure will depart on November 27, 2022, and will be the first in a series of expedition cruises to visit Cape Verde and the Bissagos Islands. One of the world’s most untouched destinations, the Bissagos Islands will offer guests a combination of distinctive wildlife and diverse landscapes as they enjoy four days exploring the 88-island archipelago that is home to hippos, dolphins, crocodiles, sea turtles, manatees, and 500 species of birds.

Guests will explore Cape Verde and the Bissagos on board the Spitsbergen, the best small cruise ship in Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice awards 2018. With fewer than 200 guests, the small expedition cruise ship entered service in 2016, providing an intimate and exclusive setting onboard. The ship also features Hurtigruten Expedition’s signature state-of-the-art Science Center. The industry-leading Science Program includes a wide range of Citizen Science research projects that guests are encouraged to participate in during their trip.

Cape Verde offers a distinctively different scenery compared to the Bissagos. Hurtigruten Expedition’s itineraries spend four full days visiting ports and destinations that no other cruise ships include. The ten rugged volcanic islands that make up the country boast a unique blend of African and Portuguese influences. Besides colonial churches, palatial mansions, and old forts in many of the cities and towns spread out across the archipelago, the islands are also a birdwatcher’s haven with many migratory and endemic species crisscrossing the islands. Other wildlife includes whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.

The itinerary also includes a day in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa. All cruises out of Dakar include land-based adventures as part of the itinerary. Before departure, guests will explore the impressive island of Gorée, where they will experience the colorful colonial houses, baobabs, and palm trees and immerse in the dark history of this former slave island. A city tour of Dakar is included on the disembarkation day, where guests will experience the charming multi-faceted city while discovering its historical moments and driving along the corniche.

Hurtigruten Expedition’s new African cruises will depart Dakar on November 27, December 9 and 21, 2022, and January 2 and 14, 2023.

While the Canary Islands and Madeira are known tourist destinations among European travelers, Hurtigruten Expedition’s cruises will show a different side of these islands, focusing on great hiking, national parks, and cultural walking tours. Wildlife includes whales, dolphins, and various birds. Madeira is also home to endemic and invasive plant species, with one optional excursion allowing guests to identify and remove invasive species with a local naturalist. The five 10-days sailings to the Canary Islands and Madeira in November 2022 and January through March of 2023.

NCLH says bookings strong, sees 75% of capacity in service year end

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 August 2021 07 August 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the world’s third largest cruise shipping group, says bookings are strong and that three quarters of the group’s capacity should be in service by the end of this year.

“Bookings continue to be strong for future periods despite reduced sales and marketing investments and a travel agency industry that has not been at full strength since the start of the pandemic,” NCLH said in a statement.

Booking and pricing trends for next year continue to be very positive driven by strong pent-up demand. “The Company is experiencing robust future demand across all brands with the overall cumulative booked position for full year 2022 meaningfully ahead of 2019’s record levels at higher pricing even when including the dilutive impact of future cruise credits (“FCCs”),” it said.

All ships seen in service by April 2022

Meanwhile, NCLH has announced its phased relaunch plans for all 28 ships across its three brands, which began with Norwegian Jade on July 25, 2021 and continues through April 1, 2022.

The company expects to have approximately 40% of its fleet capacity operating by the end of the third quarter 2021 and approximately 75% by year-end 2021 with the full fleet expected to be back in operation by April 1, 2022.

NCLH’s advance ticket sales were $1.4 billion, including the long-term portion, which includes approximately $800 million of FCCs as of June 30, 2021

Further losses anticipated

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the Company cannot estimate the impact on its business, financial condition or near- or longer-term financial or operational results with certainty, it will report a net loss for the third quarter ending September 30, 2021 and expects to report a net loss until the company is able to resume regular voyages.

NCLH reports deep second quarter loss

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 August 2021 07 August 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH), the world’s third largest cruise shipping group, has reported a deep loss for the second quarter as its operations remained suspended throughout the period.

Net loss amounted to $717.8 million compared to a loss of $715.2 million in the same period last year. Revenue decreased to $4.4 million compared to $16.9 million in 2020 as voyages were once again suspended for the entire quarter.

Total cruise operating expense decreased 17.2% in 2021 compared to 2020. In 2021, cruise operating expenses were primarily related to crew costs, including salaries, food and other travel costs, fuel, and other ongoing costs such as insurance and ship maintenance.

Fuel price per metric ton, net of hedges increased to $673 from $594 in 2020. The Company reported fuel expense of $54.1 million in the period.

Interest expense, net was $137.3 million in 2021 compared to $114.5 million in 2020. “The increase in interest expense reflects additional debt outstanding at higher interest rates, partially offset by lower LIBOR. Included in 2020 were losses on extinguishment of debt and debt modification costs of $21.2 million,” NCLH said in a statement.

Other income (expense), net was income of $25.5 million in 2021 compared to expense of $(14.4) million in 2020. In 2021, the income primarily related to gains on fuel swaps not designated as hedges, the company said.

Windstar Cruises names Stijn Creupelandt Vice President of Hotel Operations and Product Development

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 August 2021 06 August 2021

Windstar Cruises has chosen Stijn Creupelandt, a 20-year veteran of the luxury cruise industry, as the small ship cruise line’s new Vice President of Hotel Operations and Product Development.

Creupelandt will be in charge of the overall leadership, management, and operation of the Windstar guest experience, including all onboard hotel services, entertainment, wellness + spa, shore excursions, guest relations, food + beverage, and customer loyalty.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Stijn to the Windstar family,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog. “We’re fortunate to add his luxury cruise experience and astute cultural understanding to our executive team, and I’m confident Stijn will continue to build upon the award-winning service, the once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions, the amazing food, and all of the 180 degrees from ordinary experiences that Windstar is known for.”

Creupelandt will be based in the company’s new Miami headquarters, reporting directly to Prelog. He will work in tandem with newly-promoted Vice President of Marine & Technical Operations Paul Barrett to manage all of the operations aboard Windstar’s fleet of six yachts.

Windstar announced earlier this year that the company will be moving its office from Seattle to Miami in June of 2022, with some corporate positions moving to Denver and others operating remotely from the Seattle area. The Miami office will accommodate mostly cruise operation functions and some direct supporting teams to operations.

Creupelandt was most recently the director of hotel services at Seabourn Cruise Line, before that serving as the director of human resources and in other roles throughout his 20-year career there. He holds a college degree in hotel catering from Ter Duinen in Koksijde, Belgium, as well as a master’s in hotel management from the Higher Institute for Hotel Management, ISGH in Namur, Belgium.