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Regent christens Seven Seas Splendor

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 February 2020 26 February 2020

Regent Seven Seas Cruises hosted christening gala in Miami to welcome its newest ship that defines Luxury Perfected, Seven Seas Splendor.

Exclusive guests, including travel partners, local community leaders, media and luxury travelers, were invited to the private black-tie evening ceremony on board Seven Seas Splendor to celebrate the all-suite, all-balcony luxury cruise ship. In addition, more than 35,000 people watched the ceremony broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.

“Seven Seas Splendor is the epitome of luxury perfected,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Every ship we launch gets even better, and Seven Seas Splendor is magnificent. The collaboration between the designers, engineers, craftsmen, hotel and restaurant teams, and the crew onboard, all brings the renowned Regent experience to life on this beautiful ship. Seven Seas Splendor is a celebration of excellence, friendship, success and luxury.”

Seven Seas Splendor is helmed by 30-year veteran Captain Serena Melani, the first woman to captain a newly built ocean cruise ship. In acknowledging this pioneering honor during her remarks, Captain Melani told the audience following a standing ovation that women can achieve any goal with perseverance and hard work, and that the ship’s 550 crew members deserve recognition for providing luxury travelers with the highest levels of personalized service and comfort on board.

Another woman trailblazer followed Captain Melani on stage. Honorary Godmother Christie Brinkley delivered the traditional maritime blessing -- “I hereby name this ship Seven Seas Splendor. May God bless her an all who sail on her” -- which officially christened the vessel. The world-famous supermodel, glamorous actress, proud mother and successful entrepreneur then depressed a button which sent a 15-liter Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut champagne smashing against the ship’s hull to symbolically welcome the newest member of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet.

“Gorgeous is the word I use to describe Seven Seas Splendor,” Brinkley said. “All the details on this ship are amazing, from the artistic style of the Italian marble, the artwork and chandeliers, to the sculpture of the mythical dragon outside Pacific Rim. Every inch of this light and bright ship is filled with luxurious details. My parents had cruised on Regent ships. If they were here today, they would be so excited and proud for me to be Godmother to Seven Seas Splendor.”

To conclude the celebration, guests were treated to an unforgettable concert by four-time GRAMMY-award winning British singer-songwriter, Seal, whose performance wowed the audience. Seal’s multi-genre set featured his hit songs “Kiss From A Rose” and “Crazy,” as well as classics from his most recent 2017 album Standards, which was inspired by his love of Rat Pack-era jazz, swing, and rhythm and blues. He performed several Frank Sinatra signature songs, including “Luck Be A Lady,” “That’s Life” and “It Was a Very Good Year,” as well as Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me” and the classic R&B song, “I Put a Spell on You.”

Cruise industry veteran Karl Muhlberger appointed Crystal’s COO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 February 2020 25 February 2020

The expanding fleet of Crystal Experiences has new executive leadership as seasoned cruise and luxury hospitality industry executive Karl Muhlberger is appointed the company’s new Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Muhlberger will report directly to president and CEO, Tom Wolber, and will be based in Crystal’s Miami headquarters. In his new role with the internationally acclaimed company, Muhlberger will oversee facets of Crystal’s expanding fleet including hotel services, entertainment, food and beverage operations, concessions, and technical services for the lines’ existing experiences and those in development.

“I am delighted to welcome Karl to the Crystal Family at a particularly exciting time for our company, as his esteemed career in luxury travel and expertise in launching new ships and programs for global travelers will be great assets to our teams ashore and on board as we navigate new waters,” Wolber said. “His beginnings in the culinary industry helped create a spirit of welcoming hospitality, which is integral to our guests’ experience, while his experience spearheading company and fleet expansions brings important perspective to Crystal’s position in the market.”

A native of Austria, Muhlberger began his career at age 15 as a culinary apprentice in Salzburg and went on to become the first and youngest Austrian chef to receive a Michelin Star and 17 points from the famed Gault & Millau at age 23. He also held prominent chef positions at other Michelin and Gault & Millau-rated restaurants, including the 5-Star Relais & Château Hotel in Belgium and Austria.

From this foundation, he led the culinary departments for Cunard and Seabourn Cruise Line and held executive chef positions aboard Seabourn Cruise and Silversea Cruises. This leadership carried him to Norwegian Cruise Line, first as vice president of food and beverage operations, then to vice president of hotel operations for the company’s 17 vessels. With NCL, he was instrumental in the line’s global expansion into new markets and developing guest experiences; played integral roles with all of the company’s new builds in the U.S. and Chinese markets, as well as the development of NCL’s two private islands.

Muhlberger’s academic studies began in Salzburg, Austria, then continued in the U.S., where he earned a certificate in hospitality management from Cornell University and later, an Executive MBA from Florida International University in Miami.

“Crystal represents the pinnacle of luxury in the cruise industry and to join a company so dedicated to this exceptional standard is an honor,” Muhlberger said. “I am happy to lead these teams as we move into the next chapter for Crystal and welcome the challenge of finding ways to enhance what is already the very best in our business.”

Iona floated out at Papenburg

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 February 2020 20 February 2020

Iona, the first of two 185,000 gross ton LNG powered cruise ships for P&O Cruises in the UK, has been floated out at the Meyer shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

The ship will operate a series of cruises to Norway from Southampton in the summer and to the Iberian peninsula, Atlantic islands and the Mediterranean in the winter.

It will be the largest ever cruise ship based year round in Southampton. A second, yet unnamed vessel of the same type, will be delivered to P&O Cruises in 2022.

AIDA Cruises joins exodus from Far East

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 February 2020 20 February 2020

AIDA Cruises, the Germany focused contemporary market unit in Carnival Corporation & plc group, has decided to pull out its two ships from the Far East before the scheduled end of their programmes there due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

AIDAvita and AIDAbella that have carried German speaking passengers in the region, have both left and will be repositioned to other areas, the Rostock based company said in a statement.

Ships belonging to Princess cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Dream cruise, Seabourn Cruise Line, Star Cruise and Twinkle Travel Cruise International have either left ther region or ceased operations due to the outbreak

Victory Cruise Lines reveals sustainability practices on board the Ocean Victory for 2021

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 February 2020 19 February 2020

As part of an overall effort to promote sustainable travel, Victory Cruise Lines (VCL), operated by American Queen Steamboat Company, a Hornblower Families Company, will feature cutting-edge design, technology and operating efficiencies on board its 200-passenger Ocean Victory. Designed by Stunstone Ships as part of its Infinity-class, Ocean Victory will debut the newly announced Discover Beyond Alaska Expedition Adventure Cruise itineraries in May 2021.

“We are proud to provide our passengers with an immersive, educational and rare view of Alaska’s natural wonders while maintaining a conscientious attention to their protection,” shares John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Ocean Victory offers the unique combination of sustainable technology, exceptional expertise and indulgent comfort for the ultimate Alaska adventure.”

Meticulously planned to combine engaging and responsible travel, Ocean Victory’s sustainable practices and features include:

Design

Perfectly suited to its Alaskan environment, Ocean Victory’s distinction begins with its innovative X-Bow design. Immediately recognizable in the ship’s profile, the award-winning bow places the most forward point of the ship under the water rather than above it. This allows the hull to cut through waves, providing a soft entry into the sea and eliminating the typical up and down slamming common to other vessels. The smooth sailing that is a direct result of the ship’s patented X-bow design also translates to a higher, unmatched level of clean-burning fuel efficiency.

Operating efficiencies

Ocean Victory is part of a new generation of low-energy vessels, boasting four diesel and two electro engines that are electronically controlled to optimize speed, and most importantly, fuel consumption. This sophisticated focus on fuel consumption allows for the ship to maintain landmark “Zero Emission Day” capabilities that keep Alaska’s air and water pristine. In addition, brilliantly engineered stabilizers minimize the necessity of dropping anchor, further protecting the fragile seabed and wildlife that live below.

The expertise

Beyond its innovative operations and game-changing design, Ocean Victory will showcase the very best of responsible expedition cruising by working with the acclaimed Department of Marine Biology at California Polytechnic State University to include marine biologists, scientists and naturalists among the ship’s expedition team of 19. The 200 guests on board each sailing will benefit from being surrounded by like-minded passengers as they enjoy expert led excursions, educational lectures and onboard enrichment. Highlights include scientists from the Alaska Whale Foundation in partnership with the Five Finger Lighthouse research team coming on board to help guests discover the humpback whale population of Frederick’s Sound, as well as listening in to the whale’s communications through special hydrophones. Guests will also visit the Sitka Sound Science Center, where they can learn about the organization’s education and research efforts to protect the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Alaska.

Ocean Victory will begin its maiden season in May 2021 with a 10-night sailing from Vancouver, B.C. to Sitka, Alaska and an 11-night sailing from Sitka, Alaska to Vancouver, B.C. Equipped with a fleet of zodiacs and dozens of kayaks, the vessel will provide guests with in-depth explorations of Alaska’s natural, historic and cultural treasures.

The 104.4m Ocean Victory will feature 93 suites, of which, 68 will have balconies, nine with French balconies and 16 with panoramic windows. The vessel will carry a crew of 100 in 57 cabins and feature a 2-to-1 guest to crew ratio. Onboard venues include two restaurants, in addition to an open-deck dining area, piano bar, library, gym, heated outdoor pool, spa and jacuzzi, plus observation and lecture lounges and a dedicated expedition and adventures launching platform.