Tillberg Design of Sweden: focus on sustainability, timelessness on Roald Amundsen

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 08 July 2019 08 July 2019

Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) that designed the interiors of the hybrid powered expedition cruise ship Roald Amundsen of Hurtigruten, the Norwegian operator, says that timeless and sustainability were key in the work on the ship.

 “The essential focus in the design for Hurtigruten's new cruise ship has been sustainable and timeless design throughout the whole ship. With only functional solutions and natural true Scandinavian materials the guests are given the very best sustainable experience at sea,” said Daniel Nerhagen, TDoS Partner & Project Director for Roald Amundsen in a statement.

Roald Amundsen is the first cruise ship able to operate on battery power. When using its battery packs, it enables her to move silently through sensitive wild life areas without a trace. It was built at the Kleven shipyard that is now owned by Hurtigruten. A second ship, to be called Fridtjof Nansen, is due for delivery next year.

“This opens a new chapter in maritime history. MS Roald Amundsen is the first cruise ship equipped with batteries, something deemed impossible just a few years back. With the introduction of MS Roald Amundsen, Hurtigruten sets a new standard not only for cruising, but for the entire shipping industry to follow,” said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.

“The MS Roald Amundsen is designed and built with sustainability at core of every little detail. In addition to the green technology, this makes her the first cruise ship in the world designed to be single-use plastic free. Sustainability will also be an integral part of the guest experience. From the hand-picked Hurtigruten Expedition Team to the industry-first Science Center, we will give the guests a deeper understanding of the areas we explore,” added Skjeldam.

Hurtigruten Captain Kai Albrigtsen was at helm as MS Roald Amundsen left the Kleven yard for her maiden voyage along the Norwegian coast. “The Roald Amundsen is a 'Green Pioneer' and to captain a new ship and bring her from the shipyard is always an honor," said Albrigtsen.

Roald Amundsen, can take 500 passengers and is designed to sail in harsh climate waters. Named after the Norwegian explorer who navigated the Northwest Passage in 1903-1906 and was first to reach the South Pole in 1911.

 

Asia Pacific overtook Europe in 2018 as second most important passenger source

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 04 July 2019 04 July 2019

Asia Pacific has overtaken Europe as the second most important source region for cruise passengers, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) said in its 2018 annual report.

The number of Europeans that took a cruise increased by 3.0% to 6.99 million last year, while the Asia-Pacific region experienced a 29.4% increase, to 7.00 million, RCCL said.

“Industry cruise guests sourced from the Asia/Pacific region represented approximately 25% of global cruise guests in 2018. The compound annual growth rate in cruise guests sourced from this market was approximately 31% from 2014 to 2018. The Asia/Pacific region is experiencing the highest growth rate of the major regions, although it represents a relatively small sector compared to North America,” RCCL said.

“Industry cruise guests sourced from Europe represented approximately 25% of global cruise guests in 2018. The compound annual growth rate in cruise guests sourced from this market was approximately 2% from 2014 to 2018,” RCCL continued.

North America produced 13.0 million passengers last year, an increase of some 200,000 on the previous year, according to RCCL figures.

 

 

 

Voyager of the Seas to receive $97 million upgrade, 72 additional cabins in autumn

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 27 June 2019 27 June 2019

Voyager of the Seas, which is the lead ship in the Voyager class ships in the fleet of Royal Caribbean International, will receive a $97 million upgrade in the autumn that includes 72 new cabins, parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises ltd (RCCL) said in a statement.

It will be the fourth ship reimagined as part of the Royal Amplified fleet modernisation effort built on research and guest feedback. “The cruise line's investment of more than $1.0 billion spans 10 ships in four years and touches every facet of the guest experience,” RCCL said in a statement.

“From The Perfect Storm duo of racer waterslides to the reinvigorated Vitality Spa and redesigned kids and teens spaces, Voyager will tout a thrilling combination of experiences that makes for an unforgettable family vacation to far-flung destinations on the other side of the world,” RCCL stated.

The ship will also receive a total of 72 inside and balcone cabins, a Suite Lounge and outdoor area – exclusively for guests in Grand Suites and above; and the Diamond Lounge for members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program. “The reimagined ship will also feature the new Royal Caribbean International mobile app. Travelers can soon check in for their cruise vacation from their phone, and once on board, the app will deliver an array of capabilities. From exploring and planning activities for each day,” RCCL said.

Beginning 21 October , the newly transformed ship will set sail on a series of  three to five night Southeast Asia itineraries from Singapore, followed by a season with nine  to 12 night South Pacific cruises from Sydney, Australia, starting on 30 November.

MSC Cruises opens sales for MSC Seashore

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 27 June 2019 27 June 2019

MSC Cruises has opened sales for MSC Seashore for her inaugural season in the Western Mediterranean. Starting in June 2021, she will sail a 7-night itinerary calling at the high-demand ports of Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valetta.

Sales open yesterday exclusively for MSC Voyagers Club members for a two-week period, as one of the many benefits of the program that rewards loyal MSC Cruises’ guests. All other guests will be able to book cruises starting July 11, 2019. MSC Seashore will be the third ship in the innovative Seaside generation, following MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview, which launched in 2017 and 2018 respectively, and the first of two enriched Seaside Evo ships with extended public spaces, more staterooms and the highest ratio of outdoor space per guest of any cruise ship in the company’s fleet.

Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, commented, “Each and every ship that we build is different. MSC Seashore is an evolution of the ground-breaking Seaside prototype but this enriched ship has allowed us to further enhance the guest experience with the introduction of new features and facilities as well as some further improvement of the existing ones. With an increased capacity and expanded facilities, MSC Seashore will offer guests myriad opportunities to get closer to the sea, providing yet more options for vacationers to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean when the ship comes into service.”

The increased length of the ship by 52 ft. has allowed for some of the public spaces to be redesigned, creating new public areas as well as optimizing the location of other areas throughout the ship. A new double deck show lounge has been created below the aft pool, which is now on Deck 8, while the indoor pool on Deck 18 will be extended with an additional deck over and around the pool. The family offering has also been expanded with an even bigger kids’ area and the ultimate state-of-the-art waterpark.

A brand-new restaurant will be introduced for Aurea guests as well as an additional main restaurant. There will be a new location for the specialty restaurants on Deck 8, as the buffet will move to Deck 16. This new position for the specialty restaurants allows for waterfront seating on the iconic waterfront boardwalk bringing guests ever closer to the sea as they enjoy their lunch or dinner.

MSC Seashore will also feature new stateroom designs such as connected staterooms for families and groups. The MSC Yacht Club will offer a new style of suite, featuring a walk-in wardrobe. In addition, there will be two more luxury suites with whirlpool baths, and 28 more terraced staterooms with their own private area for sunbathing.

MSC Seashore will be fitted with the best and latest available environmental technology to reduce her environmental impact including: an exhaust gas cleaning system for cleaner emissions; an advanced wastewater treatment system; smart heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) to recover heat from machinery spaces; and LED lighting and smart devices to significantly save energy. In addition, she will be equipped with a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system, reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) into harmless nitrogen (N2) and water. This is all part of MSC Cruises commitment to provide guests with the best vacation experiences at sea in a sustainable way.

MSC Seashore, as well as the fourth ship from MSC Cruises’ Seaside-generation is being built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, one of the largest shipbuilding groups in the world. These new ships combineFincantieri's long history of shipbuilding, expertise and Italian flair for design with industry-leading innovation and the global vision of MSC Cruises.

When booking MSC Seashore over the initial two-week opening of sales period exclusive to them, MSC Voyagers Club members will not only be able to have the first selection of staterooms, but also receive a special 5% discount in addition to their 5% loyalty discount. All other guests will enjoy a 5% early booking discount until September 11, 2019. Prices start at $1,249 CAD per person for a balcony stateroom.

MSC Seashore will commence her maiden voyage on June 13, 2021 and will be joined merely 18 months later by a second Seaside EVO ship in autumn 2022.