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Salcombe Gin to have distillery onboard Iona

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 October 2019 08 October 2019

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit of Carnival Corporation & plc, said it is collaborating with award-winning gin distiller, Salcombe Gin, to develop and install the first distillery at sea on board Iona, which wull enter service next summer.

“The gin’s maiden production will take place in Iona’s custom-made still and will be distilled, bottled and labelled on board, allowing Iona’s guests to be the first to enjoy this deliciously smooth and one-of-a-kind gin,” P&O Cruises said in a statement.

Following the gin’s launch on Iona, Salcombe Gin will also distil the unique recipe, yet to be named, in its striking 450 litre copper still ‘Provident’ in Salcombe, ready to share and serve exclusively across all ships in the fleet. P&O Cruises is also working with Salcombe Gin to develop limited-edition gins celebrating and taking inspiration from the ports of call.

P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, said: “Salcombe Gin is the perfect partner for us as it shares our zest for adventure and discovery. It has an unrivalled passion and attention to detail, not only in the award-winning gins created, but also in the unique gin experiences offered. We are incredibly excited by the bespoke gin being created for us, the maiden production run of which will be distilled in the first ever distillery at sea.”

Angus Lugsdin, co-founder of Salcombe Distilling Co, said: “We are extremely excited to partner on this exciting project with P&O Cruises. Our two brands have an amazingly rich and shared history. At the same time that P&O expanded into leisure cruising in the mid-19th century, the famous Salcombe Fruit schooners were entering their heyday, importing cargoes of precious fruits and spices from the Mediterranean to England’s ports and the ships probably passed each other on their voyages.

Hebridean Island Cruises becomes CLIA associate member

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 October 2019 08 October 2019

Hebridean Island Cruises, the UK based boutique cruise operator, has announced that it has recently become an associate member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the organisation said in a statement.

The company operates the luxury cruise ship Hebridean Princess, which carries 50 guests around the British Isles, Norway and France, and Royal Crown, a 1930’s style river ship which sails on the Dutch and Belgian Waterways, as well as the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle rivers.

Through the partnership the line plans to launch its online training module to over 4,000 CLIA travel agents, which went live during the last week of September. Hebridean will offer various incentives to encourage agents to complete the online module, CLIA said.

Hebridean Island Cruises’ managing director, Ken Charleson, commented: “Hebridean Island Cruises is always looking for ways to increase the number of travel agents who are aware of our luxury brand. Our online training module is a fantastic way for us to be able to work closer with agents so they can have a greater understanding of our brand and offerings. We look forward to developing our partnership with CLIA and its travel agent members over the next year and beyond.”

Princess Cruises names sixth Royal-class ship as Discovery Princess

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 October 2019 07 October 2019

The name of the sixth Royal-class cruise ship for Princess Cruises was revealed last week – Discovery Princess. The fastest growing international premium cruise line also announced the largest inaugural launch program ever with worldwide itineraries offered onboard Discovery Princess to Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Mexico and the California Coast for the 2021/2022 cruise season. Discovery Princess will be the first-ever new cruise ship for Princess Cruises to be based on the West Coast, sailing out of Los Angeles.

Designed from the ground up as a Princess MedallionClass ship, the 143,700 gross ton, 3,660-passenger Discovery Princess is currently under construction at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The ship will feature an evolution of the design platform used for the cruise line's previous Royal-class ships. Discovery Princess is scheduled to debut on Nov. 3, 2021, on a seven-day Mediterranean & Aegean inaugural cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens.

With cruise vacations open for sale Oct. 8, 2019, Discovery Princess will sail on destination-rich itineraries to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America before arriving in Los Angeles for her West Coast debut, sailing to Mexico and the California Coast.

"Discovery Princess will take our guests on the most memorable vacations of their lifetime introducing them to new sights, new cultures, and new experiences onboard every voyage," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. "Discovery is both an expression of our brand as well as an important aspect of our guest experience. We know Discovery Princess will offer our guests cruise vacations that create memories they will cherish for a lifetime and we're proud to mark a major milestone basing our newest ship on the West Coast."

The inaugural season of Discovery Princess includes 30 departures on 21 unique itineraries to more than 50 destinations in 23 countries, including several holiday sailings offering the perfect celebration vacation. Highlights include:

– Mediterranean: Eight itinerary options in the Mediterranean, sailing to 19 destinations in eight countries, and ranging in length from seven to 21 days. Guests can choose to sail from Rome, Athens or Barcelona. More Ashore late-night calls are offered in Barcelona, Genoa (Milan), and Mykonos on select itineraries. Cruise departure dates: Nov. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2021.

– Caribbean: Six holiday voyages, ranging from four, eight or 16 days, cruising to eight destinations in seven countries visiting the Eastern Caribbean with a new port of call in Tortula and Southern Caribbean sailing to all three ABC islands. Cruise departure dates: Dec. 9, 13, 21, 29, 2021.

– South America: Sailing to 22 destinations in 11 countries on six departures, including a 50-day voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles. More Ashore late night calls include Rio de Janeiro (overnight), Buenos Aires and Lima (overnight). Departure dates: Jan. 6, 24, Feb. 7, 2022.

– Mexico and the California Coast: Discovery Princess makes her West Coast debut in Los Angeles on March 1, 2022. Guests can set sail to the sunny beaches of Mexico on a 5-day cruise with an overnight stay in Cabo San Lucas or on a 7-day Mexican Riveria cruise. Guest can then enjoy the beauty of the scenic California coastline on a 7-day Classic California Coast with More Ashore in San Francisco and San Diego including the unique experiences of sailing under the famed Golden Gate Bridge. Departure dates: March 1, 6, 13, April 3, 10, and May 1, 2022.

Princess past guests are eligible for a special promotion when booking early. A reduced deposit of 10% is available through February 29, 2020. In addition, those guests booking the 50-day South America Connoisseur voyage will receive onboard credit, complimentary gratuities and complimentary Wi-Fi.

MSC Cruises launches MSC Hotels & Flights online service

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 October 2019 04 October 2019

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping company said it has launched an online service that allows passengers to book flights and hotel stays.

“This new platform will provide guests and travel agents with access to over 13,500 hotels in 40 destinations, with the aim of building a personalised travel experience that will not only provide customers with peace of mind knowing they are booking a complete package tailored to their needs, but also support agents looking to maximize their business with MSC Cruises,” the company said in a statement.

Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe provides industry-leading agenda

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 October 2019 03 October 2019

Full details have been released of the industry-leading conference agenda framing the debut of Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe (CSIE), which takes place at the Fira Barcelona on 4-5th December, 2019. Over two days, the speaker programme will bring together 30 of the most senior, influential and innovative cruise designers in the business, ready to share their ideas and expertise in a series of interactive sessions aiming to encourage insightful discussion.

Kicking off with a ‘Leaders Debate’ chaired by Greg Walton, founding partner of Studio DADO on Wednesday 4th December, CSIE promises participants unique access to the design professionals shaping the cruising experience. Greg will be joined by Alison Clixby, director, hotel design and projects, Carnival UK and Trevor Young, vice president, newbuild, at MSC Cruises.

“From our own experience at Studio DADO we have seen tremendous hunger for innovative cruise design concepts over recent years,” says Walton. “CSIE is perfectly timed to reflect on what we have all learned and look ahead to where this incredibly exciting cruise shipping journey will take us in future. I am looking forward to being part of this groundbreaking event and to sharing ideas with industry peers.”

The first morning also includes contributions on design imperatives today and tomorrow from George Scammell, Holland America Group; Adam D. Tihany, Tihany Design; Darren Smith, MJM Marine; Jérémie Chauvet, Schmitz Textiles; and Per Eriksson, Tillberg Design of Sweden. After lunch, the agenda focuses on innovation in the materials used within cruise ship interiors, in a session led by Jacco van Overbeek, director, maritime division, Bolidt.

Next, ArtLink founder and CEO Tal Danai will lead a session on design forecasting, which will feature Luke Pearson, Pearson Lloyd Design; Marloes Boyle, MDesign; and Peter Joehnk, JOI Design.

Part of Day 2 provides a focus for river cruising and cruise ship refits, where confirmed participants include: David McCarthy, AD Associates; Adrian Hibbert, Marella Cruises; Andy Yuill, SMC Designs; Michael Oliver of Trimline; and Charles Rae, Hammer Carpets. Meanwhile, the specialised design needs of expedition cruise ships merit a dedicated slot, in a much-anticipated session featuring Anu Shaw, Kudos Design; Eleonora Brugnolotto of Crystal Cruises; Fredrik Johansson, Tillberg Design; and Stefanie Jentz, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Proceedings will come to a close with what promises to be a lively panel session that will allow those at the top of the cruise ship design sector to offer their visions for its future. Andy Yuill, Greg Walton and David McCarthy return to the stage, to be joined by Anne Mari Gullikstad, CEO of YSA Design, Duo Yang of Kuhn Logistics University, and Marco de Jorio from De Jorio Design.

Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe aims to build on the tremendous success of the inaugural Cruise Ship Interiors Expo conference, which took place in Miami Beach in June this year. This was the world’s first conference and exhibition that focused exclusively on interior design, architecture and outfitting in the cruise sector and was attended by over 3,500 industry professionals. Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America returns to the Miami Beach Convention Centre on June 16-17 for its 2020 event.