Xiamen Shipbuilding cuts the steel for Viking Line newbuild

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 03 September 2018 03 September 2018

Today, on 3 September, the production of Viking Line’s new passenger cruise ship started at the Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (XSI) shipyard in China. The first steel plates were cut in the traditional Steel Cutting ceremony. The new vessel will be one of the most environmental cruise ferries in the world. The project has involved extensive engineering and development work with the intention to create a unique new-generation passenger ship. The collaborative project has engaged several suppliers in Finland and Europe. The vessel will be launched for operation in early 2021 on the Turku–Åland–Stockholm route.

The new vessel is designed with a focus on providing open and unobstructed views of the unique archipelago. Large panoramic windows will enable passengers to experience the archipelago in a completely new way.

“We want to provide our guests with unprecedented views of the archipelago. Our company’s roots are in the archipelago, and we wish this fact to be reflected in our activities. On the new ship, the views are unobstructed, and one can experience the overall presence of the sea. To protect our unique marine environment, we utilise innovative technologies. Tomorrow’s passenger experiences will incorporate an emphasis on environmental factors and comfort," explains Jan Hanses, President and CEO of Viking Line.

An architectural company based in Sweden, Koncept Stockholm is responsible for the interior design of the new vessel. Koncept Stockholm stood out from among several renowned architectural companies with plans that combine Scandinavian lightness and playfulness in an attractive way. With the help of these architects, Viking Line strives to enhance onboard travel experiences for the satisfaction of cruise passengers, families with children and conference guests alike, while also meeting the demands of freight transport. The project has also taken into consideration international passengers, who may be experiencing the archipelago for the first time in their lives.

The new 63,000 gross ton and 922-cabin vessel is larger than Viking Grace, the pioneer in environmental aspects and the first LNG-powered large passenger ship in the world, but it is calculated to consume up to 10 per cent less fuel. Optimised energy efficiency and environmentally-friendly solutions have been focal points for the project, and the new vessel will be among the most energy efficient ships in the world.

P&O Cruises to offer repeating itineraries in summer 2020

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 03 September 2018 03 September 2018

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit in the Carnival Corporation & plc group, has released its summer 2020 programme featuring 160 cruises including Iona’s maiden season in the Norwegian fjords.

“Summer deployment now includes repeating itineraries, giving guests the flexibility to travel to the destination at a time which suits them best,” the company said in a statement.

“Iona’s maiden season in the Norwegian fjords is a highlight of the company’s 2020 brochure, just released, which also includes new itineraries in the Mediterranean, Norway and Iceland, North America and Canada and the British Isles, as well as a selection of short breaks,” P&O Cruises said..

Key features include:

• The launch of Iona’s itineraries in the Norwegian fjords from May to September 2020.
• An exciting 30-night itinerary to Canada and North America on Arcadia in September 2020, which includes an overnight call in Boston as well as three full days in New York.
• Arcadia’s Northern Lights cruise in early October 2020.
• Aurora’s sole Iceland cruise in summer 2020, including an overnight call in Reykjavik, as well as calls to Isafjördur and Akureyri.
• Discounted flat rates for supplementary adults, children and infants on all P&O Cruises summer 2020 holidays.

Pre-registration opens on Monday September 3, 2018 for all cruises. Iona will open for sale exclusively for Top Tier Peninsular Club members from September 10, 2018 before going on general sale from September 12, 2018 The remaining Summer 2020 programme will go on sale to Top Tier Peninsular Club members from September 17, 2018 and on general sale from September 19, 2018.

P&O Cruises senior vice president, Paul Ludlow, said in the statement: “This is the year for those who have never before considered a cruise to see the broadest range of stunning ports of call and exclusive dining experiences. The brochure also features Iona’s inaugural season in the Norwegian fjords, a destination that should only be experienced by sea to appreciate fully the spectacular landscape and activities.

 

AIDAnova named in Papenburg

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 31 August 2018 31 August 2018

AIDA Cruises has named its latest ship AIDAnova on Friday evening. The spectacular naming ceremony took place at the completely sold-out AIDA Open Air at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, attended by 25,000 spectators. The highlight of the evening was the biggest solo headline show by star DJ/producer David Guetta.

"AIDAnova’s naming ceremony was a special event in a special place: We are delighted that we were able to stage the AIDA Open Air in Papenburg at the Meyer Werft shipyard, so that we could share our enthusiasm about our new ship with so many people. At the same time, this event was a thank-you to our partners, to the Meyer Werft shipyard, and to the many thousands of people who have helped make AIDAnova what is already the eighth AIDA cruise ship to be built on the Ems," said AIDA President Felix Eichhorn.

AIDAnova was imposingly illuminated with lighting and laser effects in front of the shipyard hall in Papenburg, and an impressive laser show brought the ship to life. The 20 multicolored laser projectors, over 300 strobes and more than 100 floodlights and spotlights made the ship glitter and shine. Two aqua acrobats ascended with their luminous flyboards to a height of 20 meters, gliding across the surface of the water, and creating fountains in the air with their amazing stunts.

Another novelty at the naming ceremony: For the first time it was not just one godmother who named the ship but rather an entire family: Sonja (31), Asad (33) Mirza, and their children Sophia (2) and Adrian (3) from Hanau. Mother Sonja spoke the blessing.

"Dear Godchild, You are very welcome to the AIDA family. You bring the whole word together in a single place, and you will make many guests of all ages happy. We name you AIDAnova and hope you, your guests and your crew will always enjoy smooth sailing, fair winds and following seas."

The hand of godmother Sonja hit the buzzer and the champagne bottle shattered against the bow. A laser wave effect brought a smile to the AIDAnova lips, and made the eye wink. After that, fireworks lit up the sky above AIDAnova in golden colors before the evening’s highlight concert started.

DJ / producer David Guetta got the ecstatic audience dancing with real chart fireworks, including songs such as "I Gotta Feeling," "Flames" or "When Love Takes Over." This thrilling live concert was rounded off with a perfectly staged laser and pyrotechnics show.

At the end of September AIDAnova will be going on her first short trip, setting sail for Eemshaven in the Netherlands for final fit-out and sea trials. AIDA will take over the new ship from the Meyer Werft shipyard on November 15, 2018, in Bremerhaven. On that day, the first guests will also be arriving. They can all look forward to a huge range of new culinary pleasures and entertainment such as the Street Food strip for delicious treats, the first floating TV studio, or the Time Machine Restaurant. The popular Theatrium, the Four Elements activity area with ropes course and water slides, and the relaxing Beach Club are of course also integral elements of AIDAnova. The ship further features a wellness area of around 3,500 square meters, an outdoor gym, a Penthouse Suite which extends over two decks, single staterooms, 17 restaurants and 23 bars.

AIDAnova is the world’s first cruise ship that can be powered by low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) both at sea and in port. Two further AIDA ships of this new generation will be built by 2023 - also at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg. More information and videos about LNG operation and AIDA Cruises’ commitment to the environment are contained in the current AIDA Sustainability Report at www.aida.de/en/aidacares.

During her premiere season, from mid-December 2018 AIDAnova will be sailing the island world of the Canaries and Madeira on seven-day cruises.

Norwegian Sun completes first season of cruises to Cuba from Port Canaveral

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 30 August 2018 30 August 2018

Norwegian Sun will complete her first season of cruises to Cuba from Port Canaveral, Florida with her last sailing on September 3, 2018 before she moves to Miami, Florida for select sailings then repositioning to South America for her fall/winter season.

The first and only homeported ship to cruise to Cuba from Port Canaveral, Norwegian Sun, during her summer season, welcomed over 30,000 guests on 15 voyages on her four-day Cuba cruise itinerary with port of calls in Key West and an overnight in Havana. The final, and 16th sailing to Cuba from Port Canaveral, departs September 3rd for a 5-night voyage to Key West, an overnight in Havana and a visit to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas.

Following this successful first season, Norwegian Sun will return to Port Canaveral in April 2019 with even more Cuba itineraries, offering travelers the chance to experience the warm culture and people of the Caribbean island through a variety of Office of Foreign Assets Control compliant excursions available through Norwegian Cruise Line.

“Since we first sailed to Cuba in 2017 from Miami, it has become one of our most popular destinations,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Norwegian Sun last homeported in Port Canaveral in the 2011/2012 fall/winter season and we were excited to return and showcase her latest enhancements and offer a new itinerary in the region.”

“We’re very proud of the success of the Norwegian Sun sailings from Port Canaveral and thrilled that Norwegian Cruise Line has chosen to continue its very popular Cuba itineraries from here,” said Captain John Murray, chief executive officer of Port Canaveral. “This important decision by Norwegian to bring Norwegian Sun ‘back home’ to our port validates our commitment to meeting the needs and expectations of our valued cruise partners.”

Port Canaveral was Norwegian Sun’s first homeport, following a three-week, bow-to-stern renovation in April in Victoria, BC as part of The Norwegian Edge®, the company’s program designed to elevate the standard of excellence across its fleet. Built in 2001, Norwegian now features refreshed staterooms and public spaces, and boasts three new venues including Los Lobos Cantina, a Mexican restaurant offering a modern take on traditional favorites; Bliss Ultra Lounge, a new bar and nightclub; and Spinnaker Lounge, featuring a larger than life dance floor.

All 968 staterooms were upgraded with smart televisions and USB ports as well as new carpet, artwork and select furniture. The newly revitalized accommodations pay tribute to the beauty of the surrounding ocean with a palette of cool blue hues and silver and turquoise accents. The abstract art within the staterooms and suites are the ideal complement to the new and modern feel.

The renovations also touched dining outlets and public spaces including Cagney’s, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki, the Mandara Spa, Stardust Lounge Theater, Splash Academy and more.