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Panama Canal welcomes first cruise ship through new locks

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 April 2017 30 April 2017

On April 29, the Expanded Panama Canal welcomed its first passenger vessel through the new locks: the Disney Cruise Line Disney Wonder. The milestone signals the further diversification of traffic through the Expanded Canal and with it, introduces new repositioning opportunities for the cruise industry and benefits to its customers.

“The original Panama Canal has been a cruise destination for many years,” said Panama Canal Deputy Administrator Manuel Benitez. “The historic transit marks the beginning of cruise lines being able to include the new locks as part of their itineraries, opening up additional transit options and allowing cruise passengers to witness first-hand this feat of modern engineering.”

The Disney Wonder transited the Expanded Canal in a southbound direction from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The Disney Wonder Panama Canal crossing is part of a 14-night voyage from Port Canaveral, Fla., to San Diego, where the ship will sail cruises to Baja, Mexico, before a summer season from Vancouver to Alaska. The Disney Cruise Line 2,713-passenger ship was transformed in late 2016, expanding the length of the Disney Wonder to 299.92 meters.

The Disney Wonder is one of several cruise ships to have transited the canal during the 2016-2017 cruise season that ends in May. Notably, the Disney Wonder’s transit on April 29, marked the first time a passenger vessel utilized the new locks of the Expanded Canal. Other lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line all sent passenger vessels through the original locks. In addition, smaller vessels, such as the Safari Voyager and National Geographic’s Sea Lion, which call on ports in the Caribbean and along the east and west coasts of Central America, contributed to the segment's traffic as well.

By the close of the 2017 fiscal year, which ends September 30, Panama Canal International Trade Specialist Albano Aguilar expects 233 passenger vessels – representing a total 237,298 passengers – to have transited both the original and new locks.

On April 1, the Panama Canal began accepting booking requests for passenger vessels in the new locks. So far, 18 reservations have already been made for passenger vessels to transit the Expanded Canal for the 2017-2018 season, a number which is expected to increase in the coming months.

Celebrity Cruises partners with Malala Fund that furthers education of girls

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 April 2017 28 April 2017

Celebrity Cruises, the premium market unit in Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (RCCL) group said it has signed a two-year partnership with Malala Fund, with head of the charity chosen as godmother of Celebrity Edge.

“With the shared commitment to diversity, inclusion and gender equality, the brand is partnering with Malala Fund whose mission is to secure 12 years of safe, free quality education for every girl,” the company said in a statement.

Inspired by Malala's mission and advances in furthering girl's education, Celebrity is honored to name 19-year old Nobel Laureate and U.N. Messenger of Peace Malala Yousafzai as the Godmother of their newest ship, Celebrity Edge, debuting late in 2018.

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, the President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, said that Malala's dedication to girls' education sets an example worth following. "Partnering with Malala Fund was a natural fit as we share the same passion and commitment to an incredible cause. We believe in opportunities for all, especially as our crew onboard represent more than 50 different cultures - and amazing stories of achievement, education and economic advancement."

"Malala is an inspiration and a voice of hope," said Richard Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. "This young woman is on a powerful mission, and we support it 100 percent. We are deeply honored to name Malala the Godmother of Celebrity Edge, and we're excited to team up with her and the Malala Fund to champion the global right to education."

Fain added: "Malala Fund also advances one of our company's key philosophies: that education is a great equalizer, providing opportunities to people who need it most."

"We cannot get 130 million out-of-school girls into classrooms on our own. We are grateful to generous partners like Celebrity Cruises who support our work to help every girl learn and lead without fear," said Philippa Lei, Malala Fund interim CEO.

A centuries-old maritime tradition, the role of Godmother is a lifetime title and honor. During the launch of a ship, the Godmother is responsible for bestowing good luck over a seagoing vessel and inspiring all that sail aboard by breaking a bottle over the bow as the ship is named, officiating the ceremony.

Malala began her life as an activist at 11 years old, writing a secret blog about life under the Taliban, who would not permit girls to go to school. She was targeted for her advocacy and, at 15, was shot on her school bus. Malala survived the attack and continued her campaign for girls' education around the world. In 2014, Malala became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize recipient, donating her entire prize earnings to finance a secondary school for girls in Pakistan. With Malala Fund, she continues to fight for every girl's right to education.

China bound Norwegian Joy delivered by Meyer Werft

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 April 2017 28 April 2017

Norwegian Cruise Line, the contemporary market unit in the Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd group, said it has taken delivery of Norwegian Joy, the brand’s fifteenth ship and the first custom-designed for the Chinese cruise market, from Meyer Werft in Germany during an on board ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany.

At 167,725 gross tons and accommodating 3,883 guests, Norwegian Joy is the second ship in the line’s Breakaway-Plus class and features an innovative design with amenities tailored to provide a “First Class at Sea” experience for Chinese guests with the elements of freedom and flexibility that Norwegian Cruise Line has become known for across the globe.

Following the delivery, Norwegian Joy will begin her journey to China, where she will be showcased through a grand inaugural port tour featuring one-day events at the ports of Singapore, Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, as well as VIP partner cruises from Norwegian Joy’s home-ports of Shanghai and Beijing (Tianjin).

The ship will be christened in an exclusive star-studded event for honored guests on 27 June led by her Godfather, the ‘King of Chinese Pop’, Wang Leehom, Norwegian said.

Passenger shipping shines in Wartsila’s marine portfolio

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 April 2017 27 April 2017

Strong development of the cruise and ferry shipping sectors has outperformed continued weakness in freight shipping, according to Wartsila, the Finnish technology group.

In the first three months of the present year, 145 contracts for new vessels were registered, double the figure of 77 in the same period last year. “Despite a gradual improvement in freight rates in the conventional merchant markets, overcapacity and low oil and gas prices continue to burden the marine industry,” the company said in a statement.

“Nevertheless, activity remained on a good level in the cruise segment, thanks to the growing interest in cruise travel in the USA and Asia,” Wartsila said.

“Contracting developed well also in the ferry and Ro-Ro segments, supported by healthy earnings, ageing fleets, planned regulatory developments, and attractive newbuilding prices,” the company added.

Cunard Line unveils details of Queen Victoria’s month long refit

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 April 2017 27 April 2017

Cunard Line, the premium to luxury market unit in the Carnival Corporation & plc group, has unveiled further details about the refit of its 2007 built Queen Victoria.

The ship will be taken out of service on 5 May to undergo the refit at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Palermo, Italy and is scheduled for completion on 4 June. It will then return to Southampton before embarking on its maiden four night voyage, visiting Amsterdam, Zeebrugge (Bruges), before returning to Southampton

The aft lido deck will be extended to provide guests with additional deck space from sunrise to sunset. Windbreakers and additional sun loungers and luxury cabanas have also been introduced to accommodate sunseekers on board, while the shaded area has been extended for those looking to dine al fresco. Full beverage service is also available throughout the day and into the evening to enjoy alongside live entertainment.

In the winter garden, the comfort and décor has been further refined, with a statement floor and glass canopy.

The refit will also include reclassification of 43 staterooms as Britannia Club class. These are located on decks 7 and 8, all staterooms have been upgraded and refreshed with newly-designed carpets featuring a contemporary geometric design as well as the addition of new soft furnishings. New flat screen TVs and, by popular request, tea and coffee making facilities, have also been added to upgrade the stateroom experience even further. They will be further enhanced with premium balconies and a nine-pillow concierge menu to ensure maximum comfort for guests on board.

A new Britannia Club restaurant will offer guests the flexibility to dine whenever they choose. Located in the space of the former Chart Room, the new restaurant will be built alongside the main Britannia restaurant on Deck 2.