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Genting Dream first cruise ship to restart service in Hong Kong

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 July 2021 30 July 2021

Dream Cruises officially re-started its cruise service in Hong Kong on 30 July with Genting Dream’s maiden voyage of her first “Super Seacation” high seas itinerary. Genting Dream’s new high seas cruises will provide Hong Kong residents with a new “staycation’ option that will truly evoke the sense of a “vacation away” to enhance their holiday experience. Over 1,000 enthusiastic guests took part in the historic inaugural voyage on Genting Dream.

Before Genting Dream’s departure from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, an official inaugural ceremony was attended by Hon Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Hon Mr. Yiu Si-wing, SBS, Legislative Councillor of Tourism Constituency of HKSAR, Legislative Council of the HKSAR, Ms Vivian Sum, JP, Commissioner for Tourism and Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, GBS, JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board and Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines to celebrate this momentous occasion.

“I am pleased to see a well-manned and fully replenished cruise ship awaiting to embark on a voyage and meeting the public aspiration for some form of leisure travel,” said Hon Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development. “We are also thankful to have the cruise trade’s commitment to complying with a set of stringent infection control measures specifically designed for cruise travel. I want to emphasize and express my appreciation that in addition to requirements imposed by the health authorities, cruise lines have implemented some additional arrangements out of their own accord to safeguard the well-being of their passengers as well as the hard-earned reopening of cruise travel.”

“We are extremely proud that Genting Dream will be the first cruise ship to restart operations in Hong Kong and we are grateful for the support we have received from the Hong Kong government, authorities and trade partners for their trust in Dream Cruises,” said Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines. “We have also been very encouraged by the response to our Super Seacation Cruises with sold out and very strong bookings throughout the month of August. With the increase in the rate of vaccinations in the city, we are confident that our Super Seacation cruises will become one of the most popular vacation options for the residents of Hong Kong in the near future.”

In preparation for welcoming its first passengers on board, since her arrival into Hong Kong in early June, the crew of Genting Dream has been implementing new health, hygiene and operating protocols to ensure the ship complies with all Hong Kong shore regulations to provide the safest environment for everyone on board. Exceeding local guidelines for land venues, all crew members have been fully vaccinated 14 days prior to the inaugural cruise and guests will also need to be fully vaccinated 14 days prior to their departure date (unless exempt due to medical or age related reasons) and must pass a COVID-19 PCR test 48 prior to sailing.

Additionally, Genting Dream’s design enables 100% external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to the cabins and on board public areas – ensuring a constant and healthy flow of fresh air throughout the vessel with no recirculation of air between cabins. Innovative no-touch hand washing stations at restaurants will dispense water, soap and paper towels automatically to promote good hygiene and temperature monitors throughout the ship will help to detect cases of fever among guests.

For added peace of mind, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test machine will provide medical laboratory level testing for COVID-19 on board while available negative pressure isolation wards located inside the medical centre and reserve quarantine cabins can be instantly activated in an emergency situation.

The enhanced health and hygiene guidelines, facilities and equipment will provide guests with the confidence to explore all that Genting Dream has to offer during their “Super Seacation”.

Genting Dream’s two and three-night high seas “Super Seacation” itineraries will combine a multitude of leisure and recreation facilities on board the ship with engaging experiences that will keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their journey.

Below: The inaugural ceremony of Genting Dream’s Super Seacation was attended by (L to R) Captain Jukka Silvennoinen of Genting Dream, Ms Vivian Sum, JP, Commissioner for Tourism, Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines, Hon Mr. Edward Yau Tang-wah, GBS, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Hon Mr. Yiu Si-wing, SBS, Legislative Councillor of Tourism Constituency of HKSAR, Legislative Council of the HKSAR, and Dr. Pang Yiu-kai, GBS, JP, Chairman, Hong Kong Tourism Board

Official naming of Silver Moon takes place in Piraeus

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 July 2021 29 July 2021

Silversea Cruises yesterday christened Silver Moon as the newest ship in its ultra-luxury fleet, building momentum in the cruise line’s global return to service.

Held aboard the ship in the port of Piraeus, Silver Moon’s official naming ceremony was attended by many esteemed guests, including Richard D. Fain, Royal Caribbean Group, Chairman and CEO; Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises; Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group, Executive Vice President and CFO; Captain Chavdar Georgiev; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division; and the Honorable Minister Harry Theoharis, Greece’s Minister of Tourism, among others. Becoming the first ultra-luxury cruise ship to set sail following the pandemic, Silver Moon embarked upon her inaugural season from Athens from June 18, undertaking a series of 10-day voyages in the Greek Isles.

Following maritime traditions, Reverend Father Ioannis Patsis, Vice President of Caritas Hellas, blessed the vessel, before the ship’s Godmother, Gaia Gaja – of the renowned Italian Gaja Winery – broke a bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow. Guests viewed the event on screens throughout the ship and members of Silversea’s extended family streamed the broadcast online, as Silver Moon officially became the ninth ship in the leading ultra-luxury cruise line’s fleet.

“Witnessing the official naming of Silver Moon – the first of Silversea’s christenings as part of Royal Caribbean Group – was a very proud moment indeed,” says Richard D. Fain. “I commend Silversea’s leadership team, Captain Georgiev and Silver Moon’s crew, the team of Fincantieri, and everyone involved in the ship’s launch for their tireless efforts in bringing this long-awaited milestone to fruition.”

“This is an extraordinary milestone in the history of our cruise line,” says Roberto Martinoli. “We today christened Silver Moon as the ninth ship in our fleet, marking an evolution in 21st-century luxury travel. As the first ultra-luxury cruise ship to set sail this year, Silver Moon leads the way in the return of ultra-luxury cruising. She represents our industry’s strength and resilience. Aboard the newest addition to our fleet, our guests will re-discover the world in unrivaled comfort and whispered luxury. I extend my gratitude to the Royal Caribbean Group, Fincantieri, Captain Georgiev and the ship’s crew, as well as our teams ashore, for making this momentous occasion possible.”

From left: Roberto Martinoli, Gaia Gaja, Captain Georgiev

“It was an honor to cut the ribbon and signal the official naming of Silver Moon as the ship’s Godmother,” says Gaia Gaja. “Launching Silversea’s new S.A.L.T. program, Silver Moon embodies the core values that my family’s winery shares with this cruise line: a reverence for tradition, a commitment to unwavering quality, and a deep respect for cultural values. I look forward to journeying aboard this beautiful ship to dive deep into the Greek Isles’ celebrated culinary cultures.”

At 40,700 gross tons and with a maximum capacity of 596 guests, Silver Moon is the cruise line’s second Muse-class ship in its fast-growing fleet. Constructed by Fincantieri at its Ancona shipyard, Silver Moon is an evolution of her sister ship Silver Muse. The ship benefits from re-imagined public spaces, butler service in all suite categories, a nearly 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, and Silversea’s hallmark small-ship intimacy.

The launch of Silver Moon also marks the debut of Silversea’s revolutionary new culinary program, Sea and Land Taste or S.A.L.T.℠. Three new onboard venues form a hub of culinary discovery for guests: in Silver Moon’s S.A.L.T. Kitchen, S.A.L.T. Lab, and S.A.L.T. Bar, guests are invited to delve deeper into each region’s cuisine and culture with regionally-inspired dishes, drinks, and demonstrations. Special S.A.L.T. shore excursions enable travelers to experience the food and drink cultures of each destination firsthand.

Cruises to and from foreign ports to England can resume

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 July 2021 29 July 2021

Cruises to and foreign ports to England can resume on 2 August, the British government said in a statement.

The move is part of a wider reopening of international travel. “From 4am 2 August 2021, passengers who are fully vaccinated in the EU with vaccines authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or in the USA with vaccines authorised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or in the Swiss vaccination programme, will be able to travel to England without having to quarantine or take a day 8 test on arrival,” the government said

“Following the close monitoring of epidemiological evidence, gained through the restart of the domestic cruise industry earlier this year, the UK government has also confirmed the go ahead for international cruise sailings to restart from England in line with Public Health England guidance. International cruise travel advice will be amended to encourage travellers to understand the risks associated with cruise travel and take personal responsibility for their own safety abroad,” it concluded. The principal ports to benefit from the news are Southampton (picture), Portsmouth, Dover, Newcastle and Liverpool.

Domestic cruises from ports in England restarted on 17 May and several cruise lines are operating programmes of cruises in British waters as a result. There was some confusion about the rules as first due to the fact that Scottish government did not allow even domestic cruises until recently.

P&O Cruises cancels St Lucia fly cruises, assembly of Arvia begins

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 July 2021 29 July 2021

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit of Carnival Corporation & plc, has been forced to cancel its winter fly cruises from St Lucia, while the construction of its second Excel class ship has started in Germany.

Britannia’s fly cruises from St Lucia that had been scheduled to run from October 2021 to March 2022 due to lack of airlift capacity. “Unfortunately this means that the holiday you had booked on board Britannia can no longer go ahead. We are sorry for the disappointment this will cause,” the company was cited by Travel Weekly saying in a letter to affected passengers. Fly cruises from Barbados would proceed as planned, it added.

Meanwhile, assembly of P&O Cruises second Excel class ship Arvia, arriving December 2022, has started at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany. It will be sister ship of Iona that was completed last year, buttony entered service this summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first component of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered ship, the floating engine room unit (FERU), has been moved into the building hall at the Meyer Werft shipyard where Arvia will be constructed.

Fabricated at the Neptun Werft the FERU, with Arvia's engines and LNG tanks within it, is 140m long, 42m wide and weighs approximately 12,000 tons, P&O Cruises said in a statement.

Viking Polaris floated out in Romania

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 July 2021 28 July 2021

Viking today announced its second expedition ship – the 378-guest Viking Polaris – was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touches water. Scheduled to debut in summer 2022, Viking Polaris will spend its maiden season sailing voyages to the Arctic and Antarctica; its identical sister ship, Viking Octantis, was floated out last December and is set to debut in early 2022 for journeys to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes.

“We are now one step closer to our launch of ‘the thinking person’s expedition,’ with new voyages that will allow our guests to explore the ends of the world and closer to home – in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with Fincantieri, who has helped us build the world’s most beautiful ocean ships and are now helping us perfect expedition cruising. We look forward to welcoming guests on board Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis next year.”

The float out is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. The float out ceremony of Viking Polaris took place yesterday, July 27; she was then moved to a nearby outfitting dock for further construction and interior build-out. After final outfitting, Viking Polaris will be delivered at Fincantieri’s VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway.

Esteemed explorers Liv Arnesen and Ann Bancroft will be honored as ceremonial godmothers to Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, respectively. Arnesen, a native Norwegian, became the first woman in the world to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole in 1994. Bancroft is the first woman to successfully ski to both poles. Arnesen and Bancroft also became the first women to ski across Antarctica in 2001. Together they co-founded Bancroft Arnesen Explore / Access Water, an initiative that aims to engage and empower more than 60 million minds to create a sustainable tomorrow.