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Viking Cruises' fifth ocean ship named in Italy

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 June 2018 15 June 2018

Viking Cruises named its fifth ocean ship, Viking Orion during a spectacular celebration in Livorno, Italy on June 14. The ship was delivered to Viking last week and is currently sailing a maiden voyage with her ceremonial godmother, American chemist, emergency room physician and retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher, along with dozens of Dr. Fisher’s friends, family, academics, explorers and fellow astronauts. Named after the prominent constellation and in honor of Dr. Fisher’s work on NASA’s Orion exploration vehicle project, the 930-guest 47,800-ton Viking Orion arrived in Livorno early yesterday morning. The ship will continue her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean this summer before heading east to sail Viking’s newest itineraries in Asia, Australia and Alaska.

“Today is a proud day for the entire Viking family. Just three years ago we launched our first ocean ship, and now we are welcoming our fifth ship, whose name was selected to honor both the original Viking explorers who used the constellations for long-distance navigation, as well as the great space explorers of our time,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We are grateful for Dr. Fisher’s many contributions to the scientific community, and we are humbled that she is godmother to Viking Orion. The spirit of exploration is at the heart of the Viking way of travel, and we look forward to welcoming guests onboard our newest ship, which has been designed to offer opportunities for learning about the great history of space exploration.”

Following her arrival this morning, Viking Orion was positioned alongside the city’s historic Medici-built Fortezza Vecchia (Old Fortress). Livorno is known as a gateway to Tuscany, a region reached by the original Viking explorers. Nearby, Pisa is also known for its native Galileo Galilei – “The Father of Science” – whose gravitational theories and invention of the Galilean telescope have been central to advancements in oceanic navigation. It was at the Fortezza Vecchia that in 1662 students of Galileo held an experiment to test his projectile motion theory. Livorno – with its Fortezza Vecchia – was chosen specifically for Viking Orion’s naming ceremony because of those connections to scientific studies and exploration. During the day today, Viking Orion guests and international dignitaries were treated to an interactive exhibit inside the Fortezza Vecchia that tells the stories of exploration technology throughout history – from the Vikings’ solar compass to Galileo’s gravitational and projectile motion experiments. The exhibit was designed and built specifically for Viking Orion’s naming ceremony.

During the naming ceremony this evening, guests enjoyed a high-tech show and musical concert that paid tribute to Nordic mythology and the spirit of exploration. Legendary British explorer Sir Ranulph “Ran” Fiennes served as the narrator for the event, which also included musical performances from Italian tenor Antonio Corianò, Norwegian bukkehorn musician Sissel Morken Gullord and Norwegian singer Sissel Kyrkjebø, who is widely considered one of the world’s top crossover sopranos and who will also be godmother to Viking Jupiter®, which debuts in early 2019.

Dr. Anna Fisher served as ceremonial godmother and offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for Viking Orion – a naval tradition that dates back thousands of years. In keeping with the naming custom, Dr. Fisher also used an historic Viking broad axe to cut a ribbon that allowed a bottle of Norwegian aquavit to break on the ship’s hull. The ship was officially blessed by Monsignor Liberio Andreatta. Mons. Liberio Andreatta has led Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, an office of the Vicariate of Rome, an organ of the Holy See, reporting directly to the Cardinal Vicar of the Pope – and is the largest operator of pilgrim travel in the world. Staying true to shipbuilding tradition, Viking Orion has also been blessed by Father Dino Cecconi, the Chaplain of the Port of Ancona, at her float out ceremony in September 2017.

In addition to the naming ceremony, released today was “Finse Explores the Universe,” the 14th book in the educational children’s book series, “The World of Finse” (www.finse.me), which showcases the adventures of Viking Senior Vice President Karine Hagen’s yellow Labrador, Finse. This newest book was written and published to coincide with the launch of Viking Orion to help inform children of our terrestrial world and beyond –and will be available for purchase on all Viking ships.

Further delay for new Irish Ferries newbuild W.B. Yeats

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 June 2018 12 June 2018

Irish Ferries has announced that, due to extraordinary circumstances beyond its control, the delivery of the W.B. Yeats has been further delayed by FSG. Irish Ferries has unsuccessfully attempted to charter in a suitable replacement ship. Due to the uncertainty caused by this additional delay, Irish Ferries has no option but to cancel all the planned sailings to France for W.B. Yeats this Summer, with the ship now likely to commence sailing with Irish Ferries on Dublin - Holyhead in September. Irish Ferries is contacting affected customers this afternoon to inform them of the cancellations, offer them alternative travel options, and apologise for the disruption to their travel arrangements.

Approximately 6,000 bookings will be impacted by this issue. Customers affected are being offered a number of alternative travel options e.g. alternative direct sailings on the Oscar Wilde; or a ‘land-bridge’ option of sailing to the UK (from either Dublin or Rosslare) and then to France (Customers who choose the land-bridge option, will also be reimbursed the cost of their fuel requirements from the port of arrival in the UK to the port of arrival in France). If alternative travel arrangements do not suit, customers will be entitled to a full and immediate refund of all monies paid.

Irish Ferries was previously forced to cancel July sailings for the W.B. Yeats when they were informed in April by FSG, of the initial delay. Approximately 2,500 bookings were impacted by the earlier cancellation, however, 95% of those chose to switch to Irish Ferries’ other cruise ferry, the Oscar Wilde.

Irish Ferries very much regrets the inconvenience these cancellations cause our customers and hopes that as many as possible will choose to be accommodated via the company’s alternative arrangements and continue with their holiday plans. The company will offer each customer a €150 electronic voucher which can be used on the Irish Ferries Ireland-France route next year.

Stena Line confirms plans for its three new Irish Sea ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 June 2018 12 June 2018

Stena Line has confirmed that the first of its new RoPax ferries currently under construction in China is planned to enter service on its Holyhead – Dublin route early 2020. The following two is assigned to Liverpool-Belfast.

Last year Stena (Stena Line’s parent company) announced a new build contract for a new generation of RoPax ferry vessels, Stena E-Flexer, with planned deliveries during 2020 and 2021. Stena has ordered the construction of six new vessels from the AVIC Shipyard in China and the plan is to locate three of these ships on Stena Line's Irish Sea routes. The other three will be chartered out to external parties by Stena Line’s sister company Stena RoRo.

Stena Line’s CEO Niclas Mårtensson said: “Our Irish Sea routes are strategically very important to Stena Line and our customer, with the freight market between Ireland and UK experiencing significant growth over the last five years. That’s why we have invested almost £200m in our ports and vessels across the region to improve and grow our capacity to offer a frequent, reliable and high-quality service for our freight and travel customers. The deployment of three new vessels is a tangible example of our strategic growth plan for the Irish Sea. I’m delighted to confirm that the first of our new vessels will be deployed on the Holyhead - Dublin service planned for early 2020. Furthermore, I can also confirm that two other vessels will be assigned to our Liverpool – Belfast service planned for spring of 2020 and early 2021."

The new vessel being deployed will have capacity for 1 000 passengers, 120 cars as well as 3 100 freight lane meters delivering 4 daily sailings with an estimated crossing time of approximately 3.5 hrs.

Ian Davies, Stena Line Trade Director Irish Sea South commented: “Freight volumes have surpassed the Celtic Tiger peaks of 2007 and we are confident that this upward trend will continue. 2017 was a record year for Stena Line in the Irish Sea where we carried over 800,000 freight units on our routes to and from the Island of Ireland. We welcome the addition of the first of our new generation RoPax vessels on Holyhead - Dublin. It will significantly increase freight capacity and raise the service standards for travel and freight customers”

Also for region Irish Sea North, the new vessels are the basis for continued growth.

Paul Grant, Stena Line Trade Director commented: “This is a significant boost for our popular Belfast – Liverpool service. The two new ships will be the biggest ships ever to operate on the Belfast – Liverpool service and will increase capacity for freight and travel customers as well as raising the service standards. Our onboard cabin concept will be enhanced offering comfortable and relaxing day and overnight crossing options. The ships will be ‘drive-through’ making the loading and disembarkation processes faster and smoother for vehicles.”

Paul Grant added: “This expansion programme comes on the back of the recent purchase of our Superfast ships on the Belfast – Cairnryan service which not only enables Stena Line to deliver a high-quality product for freight and travel customers now but also lays the foundation for continued future growth in the region.”

Asia's largest cruise ship Ovation of the Seas makes double maiden call at Subic Bay and Manila

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 June 2018 11 June 2018

Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ship Ovation of the Seas, which is Asia’s largest and most revolutionary, arrived at Subic Bay for the first time today, June 8. She will also be making her maiden call at Manila tomorrow, June 9. This is the largest ever cruise ship to call at any Filipino port, and with the highest number of guests onboard totalling close to 4,600 from around the world. She is currently on a 5-night cruise from Hong Kong.

To celebrate the maiden call at Subic Bay, a traditional plaque exchange ceremony was held onboard between Ovation of the Seas’ Captain Flemming Nielsen and local officials namely Atty. Wilma Eisma, Chairman and Administrator of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and Mr Roberto Alabado III, Assistant Secretary of Department of Tourism. Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon and Ms Ma. Cristina Garcia, Vice Governor of Bataan were present at the event as well.

The same ceremony will also be held to celebrate the ship’s maiden call in Manila, with Captain Nielsen and Mr Mancile Francisquiel, Port Manager of Philippine Ports Authority, Mr Pocholo Joselito Paragas, Chief Operating Officer of Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) – Department of Tourism, and Atty. Solfia Arboladura, Director of Manila Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau who will present the “key to the City of Manila”.

At 347m long, 168,666 gross registered tonnes, and filled with first-at sea features and technologies, Ovation of the Seas is the largest cruise ship to enter the Philippines. She has a total capacity of 4,905 guests staying in 2,091 staterooms and hosted by 1,500 crew.

While Ovation of the Seas is in port at Subic Bay, guests will have the opportunity to discover and experience local attractions on Royal Caribbean’s shore excursions. Guests can marvel at the craftsmanship of antique and replicated mansions from the Spanish colonial-era during the Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar Heritage Tour, travel through breath-taking river valleys then soak in the steamy Puning Hot Spring and watch a variety of marine animals perform at Ocean Adventure.

In Manila, guests can choose to go for shore excursions such as the Tagaytay Tour and the Manila City Tour. During the Tagaytay Tour, guests will see the remarkable panoramic view of Taal Lake and Volcano and have the chance to visit a pineapple plantation to try sweet pineapples or buy souvenirs from the furniture and wood carving shops. Meanwhile, the Manila City Tour will present guests the opportunity to witness Roman Catholic and Spanish-colonial era landmarks such as the historic Basilica Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church which has a museum run by the Augustinian order featuring antique vestments and colonial-era furniture and the centuries-old “The Walled City” that consists of fortified walls, church ruins and relics from Spain’s Conquistadores.

Guests onboard the 18-deck Ovation of the Seas will enjoy the ‘North Star’, an observation capsule that rises 92 metres over the ocean; ‘Two70’ – a hi-tech entertainment venue; cocktails served by robotic bartenders at the ‘Bionic Bar’; skydiving and surfing simulation experiences; interior virtual balcony staterooms with real-time ocean views; luxurious Loft Suites with large living areas and private concierge service; and ‘SeaPlex’, the largest indoor activity space at sea housing roller-skating, bumper cars and more. The ship also features 18 dining venues with cuisines from around the globe, including Jamie’s Italian by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Highlights of Ovation of the Seas’ upcoming cruises are the 6-night cruise from Hong Kong to Tianjin with calls at Fukuoka and Shimonoseki on June 15; the 12-night cruise from Tianjin to Singapore visiting Okinawa (Naha), Taipei (Keelung), Hong Kong, Hue/Danang (Chan May), Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) on October 7; and the 14-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney visiting Perth (Fremantle), Adelaide and Hobart on October 19.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection opens reservations to the public

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 June 2018 11 June 2018

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. today announced the opening of reservations for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With a leisurely cruising style, the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton, and ports at sought after destinations around the world, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to its guests onboard and transform the luxury cruising industry.

“As the first luxury hotel company to bring the legendary service and ambience of its resorts to sea, we are thrilled to offer guests a new way to create memories with The Ritz-Carlton,” said Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “From the yacht’s design, to programming onboard and ashore, every aspect of the voyage has been carefully created to embody the signature service and casual luxury of a Ritz-Carlton resort. We look forward to officially welcoming guests onboard The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection as we open reservations.”

Reservations are now open for the inaugural season of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, set to take the seas in February 2020. With several distinct itineraries available in 2020, guests have the option to book back-to-back voyages without repeating ports, allowing them to explore a wider range of destinations and delve into the local culture at each port.

“The opening of reservations marks an exciting milestone for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which is set to redefine luxury at sea,” said Doug Prothero, CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Whether you are looking for culture, adventure, or the chance to go off the beaten path, we are thrilled to be able to invite guests to explore the world with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.”

Customers are also encouraged to visit the newly launched website for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which offers full details of itineraries, pricing, and onboard experiences. Guests can browse for voyages by region, departure date or ports of interest using the “Find a Cruise” feature, view suite and fare information, explore the yacht experience, and more. The website additionally features a downloadable digital brochure for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, with engaging imagery and further itinerary information for the inaugural season.

Designed with a yachting lifestyle in mind, the first of three bespoke yachts in The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will stop at both signature and iconic destinations. Its intimate size allows for the vessels to sail into coveted city harbors around the world, and the relaxed pace of the yachts offers both daytime and overnight ports of call, giving guests more flexibility for their time on land. The first yacht will cruise a wide variety of destinations, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Canada and Northeastern United States. Voyages will range from seven to ten nights with ports including Barbados, Cartagena, Bordeaux, Copenhagen, Mykonos, Portofino and many more. Each itinerary is packed with unique programming at each destination, from the Christening Celebration on the Inaugural Voyage to the Monaco Grand Prix, Edinburgh Military Tattoo, exploring the yachting playgrounds of the Greek Isles, Balearic Islands and French Riviera, as well as celebrating the holidays in the Caribbean.

The specially designed yacht will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers and feature 149 suites, each with its own private terrace. The yacht will also feature two 158 square- meter lavish Owner’s suites, each with its own private whirlpool, modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and leading design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden. The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and unparalleled level of individualized guest service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized, with one of the highest staff to guest service ratios in the cruise industry.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection guests will enjoy an all-inclusive luxury sailing experience including spacious accommodations, onboard activities and entertainment, beverages, multiple dining venues, onboard gratuities, WiFi and watersports from the yacht’s marina. Signature experiences available for an additional fee include a culinary experience at Aqua, the yacht’s signature restaurant designed by Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld, spa treatments, and immersive excursions offered through The Shore Collection. Voyage prices vary based upon the itinerary and season.