Birka Cruises heads north in summer and Christmas 2017

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 07 June 2017 07 June 2017

Birka Cruises, the Stockholm based operator of short cruises, will operate cruises along the north east coast of Sweden in the summer of 2017 and call at Finnish Lapland in the forthcoming Christmas, the company said in a statement.

Three cruises of three nights each will follow Hoga Kusten, the rocky north east coast of Sweden, with calls at Harnosand and Lulea, the last named just 160 km from the Arctic circle. The cruises will include passage through the archiepelago in the region near Harnosand.

The Birka cruise liner will sail to the Finnish port of Kemi on its 2017 four night Christmas cruise, from where passengers can visit the home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, at the Arctic circle.

All cruises will depart from the Swedish capital, Stockholm

MSC Cruises christens Meraviglia, the fourth largest cruise ship in the world

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 04 June 2017 04 June 2017

The latest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Meraviglia was christened in a glittering ceremony by international screen legend and godmother of all of MSC Cruises’ ships, Sophia Loren on June 3. At 171,598 gross tons and with guest capacity of 5,714 (4,488 at double occupancy), MSC Meraviglia is the biggest ship to be built by a European ship owner, MSC Cruises, also the biggest ship to come into service in 2017, and currently fourth largest in the world.

MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, hosted the glamorous, high-profile event in Le Havre, with entertainment from top international performers and an exclusive gala dinner in the company of special guests, authorities, key partners from the travel industry, global media and top management from MSC Cruises and its parent company MSC Group. Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman as well as the ship owner, will attend together with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families.

“We have an ambitious vision for the future and MSC Meraviglia marks the start of the second phase of growth for our Company,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman. “For this reason, this evening is an extremely proud moment for all of us at MSC Cruises as we see the first of our next-generation ships being named.”

“The new ships that we are building — between 2017 and 2020 alone, we will receive six new ships — are purpose-built, featuring innovation in both product and design, as well as the very latest-cutting edge marine and consumer-facing technology to create unforgettable holiday experiences at sea for guests of all ages. MSC Meraviglia is the first to make this vision come to life, as it sets a new standard for cruise ships as a destination in itself.”

MSC Meraviglia is the company’s new flagship and the 13th addition to the MSC Cruises fleet as well as the first new MSC Cruises ship due to come into service under the company’s industry-unprecedented investment plan.

Both the ship herself and the June 3rd's event have been inspired by the wonders of the world, as Meraviglia literally means wonder. The christening ceremony itself was hosted by one of Europe’s most loved comedians, Gad Elmaleh. The audience was also entertained by internationally renowned artist Patrick Bruel who will perform a selection of his most loved songs. UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Kids United were performing to represent a diverse world, promoting peace and tolerance.

The crowning moment of the evening was the parade of the ship’s officers, when Sophia Loren cuts the ribbon and names MSC Meraviglia to a time-honored crescendo of champagne and fireworks. Mrs. Loren has held a close relationship with MSC Cruises for over a decade, when she first became godmother of MSC Lirica, in 2003. As the MSC Cruises fleet continued to grow, she blessed each and every new ship, reflecting MSC Cruises' belief not only in loyalty, but also in Loren's unique beauty, talent and elegant style.

In order to conclude on a note of haute cuisine Hélène Darroze, the chef with the 2 Michelin stars has created an exceptional menu for the VIP gala dinner as well as an exclusive dish for all guests. The menu takes inspiration from Chef Daroze’s passion for combining the flavors of France with those of the UK to create a simple yet elegant gourmet experience for the guests. MSC Cruises and Chef Daroze hope to extend the collaboration beyond this evening and work is underway to establish a partnership.

MSC Meraviglia will be extensively reviewed in Cruise Business Review 2/2017 issue.

At least 36 dead in Genting Hong Kong casino in Manila after incident

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 02 June 2017 02 June 2017

At least 36 people are reported dead after an incident at the Resort World Manila casino in the Philippines, where a gunman opened fire in what officials described as a failed attempt of armed robbery, Reuters reports.

"All indications point to a criminal act by an apparently emotionally disturbed individual," a spokesman for the Filipino president told a media conference, according to Reuters.

Resort World Manila is part of Travellers International Hotels Group, an associate company of Genting Hong Kong, which owns Star Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Dream Cruise brands in full.

Seabourn returns to Alaska first time in 15 years

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 01 June 2017 01 June 2017

Seabourn will return to Alaska this summer for the first time in 15 years, officially kicking off today with an 11-night "Ultimate Alaskan" voyage departing from Vancouver. The ultra-luxury cruise line has curated a series of 11-, 12- and 14-night cruises on Seabourn Sojourn sailing out of Anchorage (Seward), Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia. The itineraries will combine the 49th state's most popular ports, rarely visited gems of the Inland Passage, and Ventures by Seabourn optional guided kayak and Zodiac tours led by the line's expedition team.

"With its small ships and award-winning onboard luxury rivaling any resort, Seabourn is the perfect way to explore America's Last Frontier. The intimate size and maneuverability of Seabourn Sojourn - which accommodates 458 guests, all in spacious suites - assures a privileged waterfront view that is virtually unmatched and where larger cruise ships cannot access," the company said in a statement.

"Like our guests, we've been counting down to this season. We're going to offer an Alaska experience with no compromises - an ultra-luxury hospitality environment combined with adventurous off-ship experiences," said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. "Our return to Alaska offers a unique opportunity for Seabourn to do what it does best: share the highlights of an extraordinary destination, from postcard-perfect mountains and glaciers, to picturesque frontier towns, to onshore experiences and guided tours today's luxury traveler seeks."

Seabourn's Alaska voyages include calls to rarely visited locations such as Alert Bay and Klemtu, a town of fewer than 500 people belonging to the Kitasoo Native Band and where guests will enjoy an exclusive cultural experience. Access towering forests along the Inland Passage and the sights and sounds of thunderous glaciers and the graceful breaching of humpback whales in the Kenai Fjords. Guests can explore cities and towns including the state capital of Juneau, colorful Ketchikan, and historical Sitka, whose Tlingit roots go back 10,000 years. Seabourn Sojourn will also offer four sailings to remote Glacier Bay National Park as part of its 11-day cruises. With no roads leading into the park, air and water are the only ways to explore Glacier Bay, one of the world's largest international protected areas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In certain areas such as Misty Fjords and the hauntingly beautiful Tracy Arm, guests will be able to explore wildlife-rich waterways, forested mountain vistas and lacy waterfalls up close via Ventures by Seabourn, an innovative optional program of Zodiac and kayak excursions led by Seabourn Sojourn's expedition team of naturalists, science, wildlife and historical experts. The same expedition team will be on hand on deck, pointing out, interpreting and enhancing desirable locations.

In addition, each of the new 11-, 12- and 14-night cruises will include complimentary Seabourn all-weather jackets; inspiring Seabourn Conversations with special onboard guest speakers; opportunities for frequent wildlife sightings from the ship and shore; and a "Caviar on the Ice" deck party and other special deck events.

Seabourn Sojourn's season in Alaska launches with the 11-day Ultimate Alaskan Sojourn, departing from Vancouver, B.C., on Jun. 1, 2017.