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Oceanwide Expeditions behind Brodosplit expedition cruise ship order

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 November 2016 27 November 2016

Oceanwide Expedition, the Dutch expedition cruise specialist that currently operates two vessels, has emerged as the customer of the Brodosplit shipyard that recently ordered an expedition cruise ship at the Croatian builder.

“Due to an increased demand for polar cruises, Oceanwide Expeditions, the leading exploratory Polar cruise company since 1996, has commissioned the building of an innovative 180-passenger vessel. The ship, called the m/v Hondius, will be the strongest ice-strengthened vessel in the Polar regions. It is being built in Croatia by shipbuilder Brodosplit and will be available to customers in 2019,” the Dutch company said in a statement.

“We currently sail with our ice-strengthened 116-passenger vessels Plancius and Ortelius, and the Hondius will give us the opportunity to accommodate more travelers, to grow as a company, and to offer new, innovative products in the Polar regions,” said Oceanwide Expeditions’ CEO, Michel van Gessel, in the statement. “The name Hondius follows our custom to name our ships for celebrated Dutch-Flemish cartographers who continue to inspire us as we carry on their passion for exploration and discovery.”

Hondius was specially designed to support and serve Oceanwide’s exploratory programs and activity-based shore excursions in the Arctic and Antarctica. It will be rated Polar Class 6, similar to the previous Finnish-Swedish ice-class notation 1A-super. A speedy zodiac embarkation is guaranteed, with two separate gangways and an indoor platform that can be used for outdoor activities such as kayaking. While Hondius is at anchor during passenger excursions, it can drift or remain in position with the support of the bow and stern thrusters. One deck on board is reserved for an observation lounge, with a separate lecture room in order to offer simultaneous or multilingual lectures and presentations.

The vessel will be 107 meters (350 feet) long, with a breadth of 17.6 meters (58 feet). It will be equipped with two main engines for a total of 4,200 kW, generating a speed of 15 knots.

Hondius will offer passengers an advanced hotel standard of quarters, as well as a variety of cabin categories, from spacious suites and superiors to twin and quadruple cabins. Guests will be accommodated in the following configurations: 1 spacious suite (cabin size 33 m2), 6 suites with balcony (cabin size: 29 m2), 8 superior cabins with balcony (cabin size: 22 m2), 19 twin deluxe cabins, (cabin size: 22 m2), 14 twin-window cabins (cabin sizes: 14 to 16 m2), 31 twin porthole cabins, 2 triple porthole cabins and 4 quadruple porthole cabins (cabin sizes of the porthole cabins vary from 13 to 16 m2).

Social media storm in Finland follows Viking Line’s China contract decision

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 November 2016 24 November 2016

A storm has broken out in the social media in Finland after Viking Line, the listed ferry company, said on 23 November it had assigned a letter of intent with a shipyard in China to build a 63,000 gross ton cruise ferry.

Many commentators regretted the decision and would have preferred it to be placed with a Finnish shipyard instead. The company said that Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd in China had offered a lower price than Finnish or other European yards. Jan Hanses, CEO, said it had felt a bit sad not to be able to give the contract to a domestic builder.

“So the Viking Line CEO is a bit sad that he could not order the ship at a Finnish shipyard. May he wipe the crocodile’s tears from his eyes! The picture how the company proceeded in the matter is clear to see. The order, which they undoubtedly had decided to give to China, was only published now, when delivery times at the shipyard in Turku had become ‘conveniently’ stretched,” said a commentator on Maritimeforum.fi on the Internet.

“Sad that you cannot travel by Viking Line any more,” said Just on the website of the Turun Sanomat daily. “Viking Line’s image suffered a lot of damage,” another commentator noted.

“That Chinese (built) bucket will provide lots of work for shipyards in Finland, when the time comes to start putting right shortcomings in quality (of work),” noted yet another commentator.

Some commentators pointed out that Viking Line had received grants from the Finnish government, including €28 million in 2012 in environmental aid towards the construction of the dual fuel powered cruise ferry Viking Grace that was built at what is Meyer Turku Shipyard now and delivered in 2013. They were angered by the fact that the contract for the next ship of the line would go to a foreign builder.

However, seemingly a minority of the commentators pointed out that if there was a substantial difference in price, it was obvious that the company would award the contract to the lowest bidder.

Some years ago, Viking Line placed an order for a much smaller ferry with a Spanish shipbuilder. The yard was unable to deliver the vessel on time and Viking Line cancelled the contract. It built the 57,565 gross ton Viking Grace at Turku and the 35,778 gross ton Viking XPRS at Aker Yards' Helsinki Shipyard. Viking Grace had a price tag of €240 million before the environmental grant, whereas the ship to be built in China, which will be slightly larger, would cost €190 million.

Viking Line traces its roots to 1959 and it is a listed company with headquarters in Mariehamn on the Aland Islands. It is in no way connected to Viking Cruises, the deep sea and river cruise ship operator.

The Meyer Turku Shipyard has a heavy work load of cruise liners, while Rauma Marine Constructions that reopened the yard in Rauma that STX Finland had closed, is building a ropax ferry for Mols-Linien in Denmark. The Arctech shipyard in Helsinki has recently built offshore services vessels and icebreakers. However, the company is looking at ferries and expedition cruise liners as new directions for its business.

Crystal River Cruises opens new office in Amsterdam

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 November 2016 22 November 2016

"This morning in Amsterdam, Crystal Chairman, CEO and President Edie Rodriguez along with Walter Littlejohn, vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises, opened the new operations support office for the World’s Only Luxury River Cruise Line," the company said in a statement.

A special ribbon cutting and breakfast reception officially welcomed the new business location to Crystal’s ever expanding portfolio. The new office will serve as additional operations assistance for the rapidly expanding fleet of luxury river yachts, which officially launched this July with Crystal Mozart’s maiden voyage. Amsterdam is a featured destination on the “Jewels of the Rhine” and “Grand Europe” itineraries planned for Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler, respectively, when the sleek new river yachts debut on the Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers in summer of 2017. The destination will also be a home port for Crystal Debussy’s 7- and 10- night voyages along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, beginning in April 2018.

“Establishing a presence for Crystal River Cruises in Amsterdam is a natural fit, as the city’s vibrant culture and central locale complement the spirit of our luxury itineraries perfectly,” says Rodriguez. “The enthusiasm from the global community about Crystal’s upcoming river cruise experiences has been tremendous, and we’re thrilled to navigate these developments from the heart of the regions our vessels will explore.”

In addition to Amsterdam, Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler will visit European cities and hamlets including Cologne, Koblenz, Antwerp, Basel, Frankfurt and others throughout Germany, Austria, Netherlands and Switzerland. The two luxury vessels will be the first Rhine Class river yachts in Crystal’s fleet, with Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel to follow in 2018. The sleekly designed vessels will be Europe’s first and only all-balcony, all- suite river ships, boasting the superlative standard of luxury for which the company is celebrated and amenities not found on any other river ships. Guests will enjoy ample space and options aboard the 135-meter river yachts (the maximum size permissible to transit the Main-Danube Canal).

A swimming pool with glass roof allows for swimming and relaxation in any weather conditions, while luxurious amenities indoors surpass the comforts of home. All four Crystal river yachts will offer Crystal’s acclaimed butler service for every suite, plush king-sized beds that face toward the Panoramic Balcony-Windows, walk-in closets, dual vanity in the bathrooms in most categories, ETRO robes and slippers, wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs, and Nespresso machines. Additional enticing features include Crystal’s highly-acclaimed cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; the Palm Court; and a full-service spa and separate fitness center, equipped with modern machines and cardio equipment as well as free weights.

2017 and 2018 voyages aboard Crystal Mozart, Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel are open for booking now.

"King of Chinese pop" Wang Leehom named Godfather of Norwegian Joy

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 November 2016 21 November 2016

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today the naming of iconic Mandopop artist, Wang Leehom, as Godfather of its soon to-be-unveiled 3,850 passenger vessel, Norwegian Joy.

Arriving in Summer 2017 with home ports in Shanghai and Beijing (Tianjin), Norwegian Joy will be Norwegian Cruise Line's first purpose-built ship for the Chinese market and designed to deliver on the promise that guests will enjoy 'First Class at Sea’ experiences.

Along with serving as Godfather of Norwegian Joy, Leehom will also represent NCL China as its brand ambassador, introducing Norwegian Cruise Line’s unparalleled cruise experience to Chinese consumers through a variety of platforms, including television and radio commercial campaigns, as well as on social media. Wang Leehom will become the first Chinese Godfather of any cruise ship brand, joining the likes of renowned hip hop artist, Pitbull, Godfather of Norwegian’s most recent ship, the Miami-based Norwegian Escape. Leehom’s role will include a number of special appearances including the traditional role of christening Norwegian Joy at the ship’s inauguration ceremony in Summer 2017, as well as other exciting roles at the launch event and beyond.

A Chinese-American singer songwriter, music producer, actor, and film director, Wang Leehom is known as the “King of Chinese Pop” for his wide range of musical styles blending pop, rock, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, classical and traditional Chinese music. His musical collaborations have included work with international stars including Tony Bennett, Avicii, Usher, Lang Lang, and JJ Lin. He has performed in over 100 cities worldwide in his career. Leehom’s film career includes a starring role in Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution.

As a bridge between Eastern and Western worlds, Wang Leehom is a worldwide cultural ambassador, with a platform of more than 60 million social media followers.

Leehom’s appointment as Godfather displays Norwegian Joy’s vision of delivering the best of the Norwegian Cruise Line brand to China, while also being customized to the Chinese traveler.

“I'm honored to have the opportunity to share the cruising lifestyle with Chinese guests as Godfather of Norwegian Joy. Cruising is an exciting way of experiencing travel and leisure that I'm thrilled to be sharing with China.” said Wang Leehom.

“As a Chinese star with a high international profile, connecting East and West through his music and movies, Leehom is the perfect Godfather for Norwegian Joy, a ship custom designed for our Chinese guests that also brings the best of the East and West together. We are thrilled to be working with him as a partner to introduce the NCL ‘First Class at Sea’ cruising experience to China next summer,” said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings President and Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Del Rio.

“We are honored and excited to have Wang Leehom as the Godfather of our spectacular new premium vessel Norwegian Joy, and as a brand ambassador for NCL in China. Leehom is a highly accomplished artist and family man that we are proud to partner with in China and beyond.” said Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings China President, David J. Herrera.

Celebrity and STX France cuts the steel for Edge

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 November 2016 21 November 2016

The next generation of cruise ships moves from concept to construction today, as the first piece of steel is cut at the STX France shipyard for Celebrity Cruises' newest – and boldest – ship.

The ship will be called Celebrity Edge, befitting the many daring design advances and innovations of Celebrity's first new ship class since 2008. The cruise line is also announcing today the name of Edge's sister ship, Celebrity Beyond, signaling the incredible experience guests can expect onboard Celebrity Edge and the entire Edge Class, changing the way travelers see the world.

"Edge Class is destined to be a trailblazer in modern luxury travel," said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. "The new ships will be on the cutting edge of innovation and the leading edge of design, so the ship names are spot on and offer a sense of how Celebrity Cruises is looking into the future."

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity's President and CEO, said: "We set the bar high for the architects and designers on Edge class, and we were rewarded with a stunning design. Cutting the ship's first piece of steel is the traditional first step in the shipbuilding process, and I'm excited to see our dreams turn into reality over the next 24 months."

She added: "We are excited to reveal more details soon, and travelers, trade partners and enthusiasts alike will not be disappointed – this ship is going to be amazing."

Laurent Castaing, General Manager STX France said: "Everyone involved in Edge has embraced the challenge of making this new class of ships dramatic and special, and we take great pride in helping Celebrity Cruises take such a remarkable step forward in ship design."

The company expects delivery of Celebrity Edge in Fall 2018. Celebrity Beyond is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2020, and the third and fourth Edge Class ships in Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, respectively.