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Hanseatic Nature construction begins in Romania

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 May 2017 11 May 2017

The first steel cut on May 9, 2017 marks the official start of the construction of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ first of two newbuild expedition ships. At the VARD shipyard in Tulcea, Romania, Karl J. Pojer, CEO of the luxury cruise operator, gave the official start signal for the construction process of Hanseatic Nature. With the building of two, identical expedition ships, the company will expand its fleet and enhance its pioneering role in the expedition segment.

In an official ceremony, Roger Vassdal, Senior Vice President for VARD’s operations in Romania, handed over a symbolic steel silhouette of Hanseatic Nature to the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ board of directors.

“After an intense planning stage, we are very pleased commence Hanseatic Nature’s construction process with the first steel cut. The segment of expedition cruises currently offers enormous potential and with two new additions to our fleet next to the very popular Bremen, we are well positioned for the future” says Karl J. Pojer. The keel laying of Hanseatic Nature is scheduled for June 2017, the christening and maiden voyage for April 2019. The second ship, Hanseatic Inspiration, which will serve the international markets, will launch six month later in October 2019.

The new expedition ships, which will be positioned in the five-star-segment, are being built by Norwegian company VARD Group, which is a subsidiary of the Italian shipbuilding group Fincantieri. The ship hull will be constructed in the Romanian shipyard location of Tulcea and afterwards be towed to VARD Langsten in Norway, where the outfitting and the finishing of the interior will take place. Both Hanseatic Nature and Hanseatic Inspiration will be fitted with cutting-edge equipment and environmental technology and will each accommodate up to 230 guests (or up to 199 guests on Antarctica cruises). PC6, the highest ice class for passenger ships, makes it possible to conduct expeditions far into Polar waters, with tropical destinations such as the South Seas and the Amazon. Sixteen on-board Zodiacs and E-Zodiacs with eco-friendly electric drive systems allow for landings in remote expedition areas, regardless of the vicinity to a port.

Royal Caribbean opens first year-long program to Cuba

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 May 2017 10 May 2017

Royal Caribbean International’s newly refreshed Empress of the Seas will sail 58 cruises to Havana, Cuba of 4- and 5-night itineraries from January 2018 through March 2019, more than half offering overnight stays in the culturally vibrant city. Empress’ Western Caribbean and Havana sailings are open for bookings as of today.

“Since arriving in Cuba for the first time last month, we’ve seen the excitement of our guests when sailing into Havana and the passion they have for the city at sail away – its people, its architecture, its food, its music. This is the enthusiasm we strive to bring to adventure-seekers who vacation with us,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The positive reaction to our Cuba sailings is very encouraging, and we are thrilled to expand on the number of sailings for our 2018-2019 itineraries.”

Empress of the Seas will return to Tampa for summer 2018, offering a series of 4- and 5-night cruises, calling on Key West, Florida, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as Havana, Cuba on most sailings. The ship will reposition to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the winter 2018-2019 season, continuing short Caribbean adventures to the Caribbean destinations. Currently, Empress sails from Tampa through Nov. 4, 2017. The ship then returns to Miami for the winter 2017-2018 season, adding calls to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination CocoCay and Nassau in The Bahamas.

The vibrant Cuban culture extends beyond land to the experience on board Empress of the Seas. From cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal to salsa music and dancing in Boleros Latin lounge, guests can enjoy a range of onboard activities developed to bring the spirit of the island to life throughout the entire journey.

Empress of the Seas spans 11 guest decks, encompasses 48,563 gross registered tons, carries 1,602 guests at double occupancy and features 795 staterooms.

Cruise Canada New England to convene in Montreal

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 May 2017 10 May 2017

Cruise the Saint Lawrence will host the 19th edition of the Cruise Canada New England Symposium. The event will take place from June 13th to 15th at the Cruise Terminal in Montreal and group together some 200 industry representatives from destination ports of call, as well as 20 international cruise lines and representatives from 10 media organizations. The 2017 edition will mark an important step in the development of our destination with the tabling of a strategic plan by the executive of the Canada New England Alliance.

Symposium activities will be set against a backdrop of celebrations honouring the 375th anniversary of the founding of Montreal and 150th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. The program will feature conferences and workshops intended to provide for the active involvement of participants. Destination development, passenger experience and itinerary planning will figure among leading topics of discussion. In addition, a market place activity will be organized to provide port of call authorities with an occasion to meet directly with cruise line and media representatives. Evening and social activities will ensure ample networking opportunities throughout the event.

The Canada New England Alliance flows from a partnership involving the following organizations: New York Cruise, Flynn Cruiseport Boston, Cruise Maine USA, Cruise Atlantic Canada and Cruise the Saint Lawrence. Members of the Alliance jointly develop and market the region with cruise lines in Europe and the United States to grow the industry and enhance cruise passenger satisfaction.

"We wish to thank the event’s financial partners: Port of Montreal, Tourism Montreal, Flynn Cruiseport Boston, Port of Quebec, Quebec Tourism Bureau, Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ), Destination North America, Nova Scotia Ports and Destination, Cruise Baie-Comeau, Port of Havre Saint-Pierre, Ports America, Port of Saint John, Promotion Saguenay, Port of Charlottetown, Bermello Ajamil and Partners, and Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu," Cruise the Saint Lawrence said in a statement.

Cruise the Saint Lawrence is a sectoral organization which groups together the nine ports of call located along the shores of the Saint Lawrence River. The mission of the organization is to grow cruise market activities in Quebec and across Destination Canada New England through the provision of marketing and development services to members. Cruise the Saint Lawrence enjoys the support of partners Tourism Quebec, Quebec Tourism Industry Alliance and Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Viking Cruises unveils new ship design in Egypt

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 May 2017 09 May 2017

Viking River Cruises has announced details of the newest addition to its river fleet, Viking Ra. Recently acquired, the vessel has been stripped down to the steel to undergo a complete renovation that will reflect Viking’s award-winning Scandinavian design. Tailored to an intimate sailing experience for just 48 guests, Viking Ra will sail the Nile River on a new Egypt cruisetour, Pharaohs & Pyramids, that will launch in March 2018.

“Egypt is one of the most intriguing countries in the world, and it remains a top destination for many of our guests,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “For two decades, we have led the industry in river cruising with our innovative ship design and itineraries that bring our guests closer to the cultures of the world. We are committed to Egypt, and with the introduction of Viking Ra, we look forward to providing our award-winning service to our guests on the Nile – and to their experiencing this culturally rich region in the Viking way.”

During the 12-day, Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests will experience Egypt’s cultural treasures in seven destinations. The cruisetour begins with a three-night stay at a first-class hotel in Cairo, where guests can visit iconic sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, the new Grand Egyptian Museum and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Guests will then fly to Luxor, where they will visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before boarding Viking Ra for a 8-day roundtrip cruise on the Nile River to Aswan, featuring Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens and excursions to the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Dendera Temple complex in Qena, and a visit to a colorful Nubian village where guests can experience a traditional elementary school. Finally, the journey concludes with a flight back to Cairo for a final night in the historic city.

The newly rebuilt, all-suite Viking Ra will boast 24 staterooms that will exclusively accommodate 48 Viking guests for an intimate cruising experience. Named in honor the Egyptian sun god Ra, Viking Ra's name also pays homage to the great Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl and his papyrus-reed boats Ra and Ra II. Designed by experienced nautical architects and engineers, including the same interior design team responsible for the award-winning fleet of Viking Longships, Viking Ra will be a state-of-the art ship with the clean, elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known blended with local influences like traditional geometric Arabic patterns and terrazzo floors. Viking Ra will help guests immerse themselves in local surroundings and will feature:

– All Suite Staterooms: The ship features three suite stateroom categories, each of 291 sq. ft., including 20 Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. All staterooms include premium amenities such as a hotel-style bed, luxury linens, sofa, private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and flat-screen TVs.
– Pool and Two Jacuzzis: In addition to two Jacuzzis, the ship features a pool at the aft of the ship, allowing guests to swim surrounded by their destination. A sanctuary from the sun is provided by sculptural “sail-shades” inspired by local dhow ships and intricate mashrabiya-influenced screens surrounding the Pool and Sun Deck.
– Spa: Specifically designed for Viking Ra, guests can relax in The Spa offering massage services and a variety of treatments.
– Onboard Dining, Bar and Lounge: Dine in The Restaurant, which serves three full meals and a selection of regional and international fare, then head to the clinker-built bar to share a cocktail with friends. During the day, guests can enjoy The Lounge to relax, take in the views through floor-to-ceiling glass doors or hear an informative discussion on the next destination.
– Enriching Entertainment: Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking’s “thinking person’s cruise.” Instead of casinos and water slides, guests are offered Viking’s Culture Curriculum®, which includes a Nubian evening event on board and a local experience riding a camel. Additionally, Viking’s expert Egyptologist leads all excursions, sharing the archaeological and historical significance of the sites.

MSC Cruises reveals the widest selection of winter cruises in company history

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 May 2017 09 May 2017

MSC Cruises has announced it will offer the most comprehensive range of winter cruising options in company history. The expanded offerings are part of a milestone year for MSC Cruises, with two new next-generation ships coming into service in 2017 alone. MSC Meraviglia, arriving in June 2017, will spend the winter in the Mediterranean, and MSC Seaside, arriving in December 2017, will homeport in Miami sailing the Caribbean. Beyond the expansion in MSC Cruises’ fleet, travelers will also benefit from more ships deployed from the Caribbean and South America as well as exciting itineraries departing from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Caribbean highlights

With several ships serving the Caribbean — including two ships departing from Miami and one from Fort de France, Martinique and Pointe-a-Pitre in Guadeloupe — there will be nearly 50 departures to choose from during the season.

New for 2017/18: MSC Seaside, ‘the ship that follows the sun,’ will be christened in Miami in December 2017 and will offer guests a truly unique Caribbean experience. Featuring a striking beach condo design, the cruise ship will connect guests to the sea like never before with a 360o outdoor promenade, two glass-floor catwalks extending off the side of the ship, and glass elevators with a panoramic ocean view. MSC Seaside offers two different itineraries. The first itinerary, visiting the Eastern Caribbean, includes calls at the buzzing Puerto Rico city of San Juan — well known for its contrast of quiet cobblestone streets and lively bars and restaurants; — Philipsburg on the island of St. Maarten; and the Caribbean capital Nassau in the Bahamas. The second itinerary, visiting the Western Caribbean, includes destinations such as Ocho Rios in Jamaica; George Town in the Cayman Islands; and Cozumel in Mexico,.

New for 2017/18: MSC Fantasia will introduce 7- or 14-night cruises in the Southern Caribbean from Martinique or Guadeloupe. With the debut of a Fantasia class ship in these regions, guests looking for a luxury experience can relish in the MSC Yacht Club, designed for the most discerning guests who desire exclusivity and privacy. New ports of call on these itineraries include Kingstown, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines.

Mediterranean highlights

MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises’ new flagship will launch in June 2017, sailing the Mediterranean for her inaugural season. For those looking to experience some of the best destinations in Europe during the quieter winter season, MSC Meraviglia will offer 7-night Western Mediterranean cruises until April 2018. Guests can discover the famous Vatican Museum with a fascinating inside visit; explore Barcelona and Montserrat with a tour that ends with a regional wine tasting; marvel at the colorful hillsides of Palermo; or soak up history in the bustling port of Valetta in Malta.

Designed as the ‘ship for all seasons,’ weather is no factor with virtually endless activities on board. Whether watching one of a kind exclusive Cirque de Soleil at Sea shows, enjoying cocktails and light bites in one of the many bars or restaurants, or simply indulging in an authentic Balinese spa, guests will discover the ship is a destination in herself.

New for 2017/18: MSC Orchestra will also be offering a brand new series of 10-, 11- and 12-night sailings with the convenience of four ports of embarkation including Genoa, Marseille, Barcelona and Civitavecchia. For a full immersion into the jewels of the Mediterranean, guests can choose between a new 10-night itinerary in the heart of the Mediterranean with only one day at sea or an 11-night itinerary to Greece stopping in Corfu, the quaint Greek town of Katakolon and the historic Heraklion in Crete – all with only two days at sea. With full day stays in each port, there will be plenty of time to take in the local culture. Also new for the season is a 12-night itinerary calling at destinations including the beautiful island of Madeira, the rugged volcanic landscape of the Canary Islands, and the tip of Africa with a call in Morocco.

New for 2017/18: MSC Cruises will introduce a number of shore excursions designed for food lovers. Guests can discover Naples’ best-kept secrets in the historical quarter, including baking handmade pizza on the cities subterranean geothermal rock. In Barcelona, guests can enjoy a unique gastronomic experience in the first and only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to Iberian ham.

Four ships to South America

MSC Cruises will have four ships based in South America for the winter season. MSC Preziosa and MSC Magnifica will offer cruises of up to 7 nights from Santos/São Paulo, Brazil; MSC Poesia will offer longer 8 and 9-night cruises from Buenos Aires, Argentina; and MSC Musica will offer a range of cruises from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Alongside these exciting embarkation ports, itineraries also include stops at exotic destinations including Salvador and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Ilhabela and Ilha Grande islands, and Punta del Este and Montevideo in Uruguay. Throughout the season, guests have the choice of more than 70 departures with itineraries varying in length from seven to nine nights.

Two embarkation ports in United Arab Emirates

MSC Cruises will continue to offer its popular United Arab Emirates cruises with two embarkation ports: Dubai and Abu Dhabi. MSC Splendida, new to the region, will offer guests the most modern ship facilities in the region, including MSC Cruises’ iconic ‘ship within a ship’ concept, MSC Yacht Club, offering guests added privacy and a world of choice.

All itineraries will include a call at Sir Bani Yas Island beach oasis, offering 387,500 sq. ft. of pristine golden beaches and access to a massive safari reserve all exclusive to MSC Cruises’ guests on the day that the ship calls. Alongside this destination, itineraries will also include stops at the stunning city of Muscat, Oman, picturesque beach town of Khor al Fakkan as well as Doha, Qatar and Bahrain, both of which were introduced last winter.