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American Queen Steamboat Company announces partnerships to secure and protect the Mississippi River

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2019 17 September 2019

Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative (MRCTI) Mayors along with officials from the U.S. Geological Survey, executives from American Queen Steamboat Company, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Maritime Administration launched the first private-carry nutrient sensor for the Mississippi River today to help secure and protect the Mississippi River’s freshwater economy.

In 2018, Mayors signed a historic agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey, the Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Department of Transportation to deploy nutrient sensors on private vessels transecting the Mississippi River between New Orleans and St. Paul moving closer than ever before to a real-time nutrient monitoring net for the nation’s most important waterway.

“We as mayors along the Mississippi River, see nutrient loading as the greatest threat to our water security. But, in order to manage this threat, we must be able to measure it. We have to be able tell if the hundreds of millions of tax dollars going into conservation work along the River or Corps ecosystem restoration work is having an impact and if not where by how much,” asserted Frank Klipsch, Mayor of Davenport, Iowa and Co-Chair of MRCTI.

“It’s hard to overestimate how critical fresh water is to the Memphis economy,” said Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland. “Each year the river draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to our city contributing millions to our local economy. Because of this, we created the Fresh Water Institute to ensure that our drinking water is safe and that our aquifer is viable for years to come.”

West Memphis Mayor, Marco McClendon calibrated what the launch means implicating both sides of the River: “The tourism industry within the Mississippi River region of Arkansas provides over 22,000 jobs and is a $2.4 billion industry. But, no one wants to hunt, fish, paddle, or cruise in or near water full of algae due to nutrient surge. So, we need to know what is in our water where to keep it clean and that’s what the sensors we’re deploying will do.”

As the next step in its commitment to the river and communities in which it serves, AQSC will be the first private carrier of the USGS sensors which will allow for data collection as the company’s flagship vessel, the American Queen, travels up and down the River on its various itineraries. An informational kiosk has also been installed on the riverboat so that guests on board can learn more about the project and how the data will contribute to a better understanding of water quality on the Mississippi River.

“As the long-standing leader in Mississippi River cruising, we are dedicated to the sustainable health of not just the river, but the communities that rely on it,” said John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Along with our partners, we are thrilled to introduce the USGS Mobile Super Gage on our flagship vessel and look forward to keeping the waters in which we travel clean for many future generations to come.”

The U.S. Geological Survey will own, operate, and maintain the nutrient sensors being deployed on private vessels in this partnership. “The USGS is dedicated to providing sound science that informs policy-making at all levels of government – from local communities to national priorities. Today’s launch exemplifies our commitment to working with partners from both the public and private sectors to accomplish projects that impact American communities in a meaningful way,” emphasized Dr. Jim Reilly, Director of the USGS.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been a committed partner with the Mayors, AQSC, and federal agencies since planning for this partnership began. “The Corps' missions along the Mississippi River include flood risk management, environmental stewardship, and ecosystem restoration. The healthier the Mississippi River system is ecologically, the more resilient and the better protected communities and economies are. This work compliments and supports Corps efforts from the headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico,” stated COL Zachary Miller, Commander of the Memphis District.

“The Mississippi River provides billions of gallons of fresh water to industry each day and drinking water to 20 million people in 50 cities. It is essential we know what is in our water,” confirmed Lionel Johnson, Mayor of St. Gabriel, LA and MRCTI Co-Chair.

YSA to design SeaDream Innovation

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2019 17 September 2019

Proven experience in smaller ultra-luxury cruise ships and a lasting relationship with the pioneer of superyacht vacationing are behind the selection of YSA Design as the design partner for the truly special SeaDream Yacht Club vessel SeaDream Innovation.

Innovation will offer yachting lifestyle standards to guests occupying 100 ocean-view suites, developed around a one-to-one crew/guest ratio, five-star dining, generous outdoor spaces and inspiring itineraries. Formal announcement of the construction contract to shipyard group Damen allows YSA Design to disclose its pivotal role.

SeaDream Owner, Chairman and CEO, Atle Brynestad, describes the project to build the 155m length, 15,600 gt ‘Global Yachting’ vessel as “a dream of mine for many years,” which “has been a true labour of love to meticulously design every aspect of this yacht, from the interiors and facilities to the itineraries”.

“The owner is very much involved in the development of all areas,” says Einar Jungård, Senior Interior Architect and Partner, YSA Design. “The special challenge of designing this small but complex expedition vessel lies in creating an environment that has distinct areas which nonetheless connect seamlessly and flow into each other.”

YSA Design joined initial discussion of design ideas with the owner, before being engaged to deliver the GA (general arrangement), concept and detail designs, and follow up work, adds Jungård. The Oslo-based design company will design all public spaces and accommodation except crew areas.

“Our scope of work covers conceiving, developing and delivering the spaces to embody the soul of the SeaDream Yacht Club, so that guests can relax in elegant, intimate, ‘green’ and secure surroundings. These values will be substantiated using environmentally-friendly materials and classic, timeless Nordic interior style, where neutral tones evoke calm and place the guest experience to the fore – whether through on board activities, public spaces, artworks or the vessel’s relaxed but exclusive dining areas.”

When she enters service in September 2021, SeaDream Innovation will introduce the concept of ‘Global Yachting’ to the SeaDream Yacht Club experience, with plans to sail to all seven continents in the first year and visit over 200 ports in 49 countries. Guests will visit remote destinations, including Svalbard, the Northwest Passage, Antarctica, the fjords of Norway, Japan, New Zealand, the Fiji Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

As a design group, YSA Design and its forerunner company Yran & Storbraaten Architects have been closely associated with SeaDream Yacht Club since the luxury ship owner’s foundation in 2001, taking responsibility for designing the classic yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Furthermore, Brynestad previously engaged Y&S as his design partner during his time as sole owner and founder of Seabourn Cruise Line, with the company working on Seabourn Pride, delivered in 1988.

Adam D. Tihany confirmed as Keynote Speaker at Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 September 2019 17 September 2019

The first six high profile speakers have been confirmed for the inaugural Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe conference, which debuts at Fira Barcelona between 4-5th December, 2019.

Leaders from across the sector are being lined up to give inspirational and thought-provoking presentations at the CSIE event, raising the key opportunities and challenges facing interior designers, architects, outfitters, shipyards and interior suppliers working in both newbuilding and refurbishment.

Toby Walters, CEO of event organiser Elite Exhibitions, says: “This will be a world-class conference that nobody in the industry will want to miss. Revealing the first six speakers offers a taste of what is still to come.”

Confirmed names on what promises to be a hugely impressive line-up include Adam D. Tihany, Principle and Founder of Tihany Design, who has worked on some of the most striking concepts for both large and small cruise brands, including Costa, Cunard, Holland America and Seabourn. He will be joined by another inspirational designer, Greg Walton, CEO and Founding Partner of Studio DADO, who has over 30 years of experience working in the cruise industry and Anne Mari Gullikstad, CEO of YSA Design, whose projects have included some of the industry’s most spectacular cruise ships for P&O, Disney and Regent Seven Seas.

Also on the platform will be Mike Oliver, Co-owner and chairman of interior refurbishment specialists Trimline which has been a leading cruise industry contractor for almost five decades. Another highly experienced UK-based professional, Andy Yuill, Managing Director of leading ferry and cruise ship design consultancy, SMC Design, will be sharing some of the secrets of his success at the Conference, as will Peter Joehnk, Managing Partner of JOI Designs, one of the largest interior design practices in Europe.

Walters adds, “Each and every conference session is being curated to ensure that the event is comprehensive and highly topical for the ocean, river and expedition cruise markets. More speakers set to be announced over the next few weeks, so watch this space!”

Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe aims to build on the tremendous success of the inaugural Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America 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.

Royal Caribbean to base new Odyssey of the Seas for North America and Europe

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 September 2019 13 September 2019

Royal Caribbean International will dial up the adventure in South Florida in fall 2020 with the debut of the highly anticipated Odyssey of the Seas – the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to arrive in North America. The global cruise line’s 27th ship will arrive to her seasonal homeport of Fort Lauderdale, FL in November 2020 to offer 8- and 6-night Caribbean cruises. Odyssey will then continue her inaugural year in Europe for summer 2021.

Offering even more ways to experience the sun-soaked islands of the Western and Southern Caribbean, Odyssey of the Seas will be the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to call on Aruba and Curacao as part of its 8-night itineraries. Island-hopping vacationers can explore Aruba’s rugged landscape off-roading in Arikok National Park, and discover the beloved architecture and narrow streets of Willemstad, Curacao. Primed for memory-making, Odyssey’s 6-night adventures will open the door to deep diving in Cozumel, Mexico; swimming with sea turtles in George Town, Grand Cayman; and a day of thrill and chill on Perfect Day at CocoCay, home to Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in North America; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon experience that soars up to 450 feet in the air; Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool; and the pristine, white sand beaches of The Bahamas.

Odyssey’s Caribbean cruises are now open for sale; and Europe itineraries will open in November 2019.

As part of the Quantum Ultra Class, Odyssey of the Seas will represent the next evolution of Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking and high-tech Quantum Class. First introduced in 2014, Quantum Class ships boldly redefined the industry with unprecedented innovations in design, thrilling activities, game-changing technology and multidimensional entertainment. Travelers on board Odyssey can expect to find an unrivaled combination of new, soon-to-be-announced experiences, plus “Only on Royal” features, including the RipCord by iFLY sky-diving adventure; North Star, a glass observation capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; the state-of-the-art Two70 entertainment venue; and a robust lineup of culinary experiences. The ship will also tout the SeaPlex, the largest and most revolutionary indoor active space at sea, featuring a trapeze school, full-size basketball court, roller-skating rink and bumper cars.

MSC Cruises to homeport MSC Armonia to Tampa in November 2020

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 September 2019 12 September 2019

MSC Cruises — the world’s fastest growing and fourth largest cruise line — is continuing to expand its presence in the North American region with the introduction of Tampa as a new homeport for the company. Starting Nov. 11, 2020, MSC Armonia will begin sailing from Tampa to the Caribbean, Mexico and The Bahamas year-round, with a full Winter season (Nov. 2020 – April 2021) of 4- to 5-night short cruises followed by a Summer season (May 2021-Nov. 2021) of week-long cruise options.

“As MSC Cruises expands its presence in the U.S., the introduction of Tampa as a homeport plays an important role in our long-term deployment strategy for this region,” said Ken Muskat, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of MSC Cruises USA. “We’ve seen increased demand for cruise options from Tampa as vacationers from around the world look to explore the city and surrounding areas pre- and post-cruise. We’re looking forward to bringing MSC Armonia, one of our more classic and charming ships, to Tampa and to introducing even more travelers to the MSC Cruises experience, inspired by our European heritage.”

“We are thrilled that MSC Cruises will be offering year-round cruises from Port Tampa Bay next year,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “MSC Cruises offers an enriching and immersive cruise experience, bringing together people from around the world. Tampa is also known for the unique experiences the city offers its residents and visitors, appealing to a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures. We couldn’t be more excited for MSC Armonia’s new home to be Port Tampa Bay.”

Itineraries

For the Winter 2020-2021 season, MSC Armonia will offer a variety of 4- and 5-night sailings, visiting destinations such as Key West; Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso, Mexico; and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ new private island destination in The Bahamas. With options for guests to book back-to-back cruises with new destinations on each sailing, travelers also have the ability to extend the length of their vacation with 9- or 10-night options. In addition, for those looking to get away during the holiday season, MSC Armonia will offer several 7-night cruise options in December 2020, including Christmas and New Years.

“With a range of itineraries, including short cruise options, MSC Armonia’s itineraries from Tampa are ideal for groups, including family reunions, meetings, incentives and corporate events, as well as charters,” said Muskat. “In addition, the four- and five-night options are a great opportunity for someone who has never cruised before to try cruising as a vacation option or if they are new to MSC Cruises to check out one of our ships for the first time.”

Following its inaugural season in Tampa, MSC Armonia will then transition to 7-night sailings from May through Nov. 2021, with stops at Key West; Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve; Cozumel, Mexico; and Progreso, Mexico. Prices start at $299 per person.