Panama Canal launches environmental premium ranking intiative

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 01 November 2016 01 November 2016

The Panama Canal authority said it has launched Environmental Premium Ranking, a new initiative that rewards customers who meet high environmental efficiency standards.

The new incentive allows qualified customers the opportunity to improve their position within the Panama Canal’s Customer Ranking System, which is taken into consideration when booking for transit through the Panama Canal, the authority said in a statement.

This latest initiative is part of the Canal’s Green Connection Environmental Recognition Program, which recognizes customers who demonstrate excellent environmental stewardship and to encourage others to implement technologies and standards to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The programnme encompasses both the Environmental Premium Ranking and Green Connection Award, which was launched in July 2016 to honor Canal customers who comply with the highest environmental performance standards set by the International Maritime Organization.

Norwegian Cruise Line opts for whale theme in Norwegian Bliss hull artwork

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 28 October 2016 28 October 2016

Continuing its tradition of featuring original artwork on its ship’s hulls, Norwegian Cruise Line said it has chosen the signature art designed by one of the world’s premier marine life artists, Wyland, for its upcoming new ship Norwegian Bliss, which will cruise to Alaska beginning in June 2018, the company said in a statement.

Entitled “Cruising with the Whales,” the engaging and beautiful art prominently features a stunning image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centrepiece of the design, signifying the beauty of Alaska and the importance of conservation.

Known for his iconic whale murals, marine life paintings and sculptures, Wyland has inspired generations to be passionate about preserving the oceans and the incredible wildlife that calls it home. Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer, joined Wyland to reveal the design today at the Wyland Galleries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Costa Crociere teams up with School of Trades to train managers on board

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 28 October 2016 28 October 2016

Costa Crociere, the Italian contemporary market unit in the Carnival Corporation & plc group, said it is investing in the "Scuole di Mestiere" (Schools of Trades), a project aimed at providing its shipboard staff with specific training of the highest level with a focus on "Italy’s finest."

The "Scuole di Mestiere" consists of a series of top-quality workshops and master's courses, designed in collaboration with some of Costa's partners - names that stand for Italian excellence worldwide: the Universitá del Caffé illy, Cantine Ferrari, Academia Barilla, CAST Alimenti - the school of trades of taste and the Universitá degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche (UNISG Pollenzo), the company said in a statement

By the end of 2016 Costa Cruises will have trained more than 90 shipboard managers, giving them the opportunity to become more familiar with the values, vision, professionalism, quality and know-how of these brands that are known for Italian excellence.

The initiative further strengthens the already well-established alliance between Costa Cruises and its partners, which makes it possible for cruise guests to enjoy the famous bubbly Ferrari Trentodoc, Barilla pasta dishes, inimitable illy blend coffee and pizza made with yeast base, the result of Costa's collaboration with the Università degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche (UNISG Pollenzo). In addition, this year Costa began making use of the professionalism and experience of CAST Alimenti - the school of trades of taste for the training and selection of its pastry chefs onboard.

"The Scuole di Mestiere project is a first for our industry, which further consolidates the ties between Costa Cruises and the leading brands of Italian excellence, with whom we have been collaborating for some time now so as to offer our guests only Italy's finest: illy, Barilla, Ferrari, CAST Alimenti and the Universitá degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo. Excellent Italian products that are the envy of the world are also the fruit of a culture and expertise that we are bringing onboard our ships by means of the Schools of Trades," said Costa Cruises President Neil Palomba.

The trained managers will become custodians of secrets of the trade and will, in turn, act as trainers, passing this teaching on to their teams onboard and turning the Costa ships into veritable continuing education centers.

At the Universitá del caffé illy in Trieste, a center of excellence was set up with a brief to foster coffee culture and knowledge worldwide by means of education. Course participants learn the techniques required to make the "perfect" espresso and cappuccino, in keeping with the finest Italian tradition.

Cantine Ferrari is providing its many decades of experience on a journey of discovery of the secrets of top-of-the-range Italian bubbly, embracing history, values, local roots and food & wine pairings, thus giving participants the tools they need to tell all Costa's guests about the characteristics of Ferrari Trentodoc spumante.

 At Academia Barilla, the first international center dedicated to the diffusion, promotion and development of Italian gastronomic culture in the world, Costa chefs are certified as ambassadors of authentic Italian cuisine. After taking part in training that alternates visits to Barilla's laboratories with practical lessons, the cruise line's chefs can stage cooking demonstrations and effectively present Italy's most famous staple food and internationally recognized export – pasta.

 

At CAST Alimenti, the school of trades of taste, under the watchful eye of Master Chef Massari, Costa's pastry chefs have the chance to do a refresher course, hone their skills and master the finest patisserie techniques; demonstrations and practical lessons touch on subjects related to decorating and chocolate-making, enable participating pastry chefs to create even tastier and more refined desserts.

 

Last but not least, at UNISG, the Universitá degli Studi di Scienze Gastronomiche di Pollenzo, Costa's pizza chefs and bakers learn all about excellent products like flour, yeast base and mixes for bread and pizza with special attention to the environmental implications and sustainability.

Crystal Air Cruises teams up with The Peninsula hotel group for first trip

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 28 October 2016 28 October 2016

Crystal Cruises, the Los Angeles based luxury lifestyle company in the Genting Hong Kong group, has announced a partnership with The Peninsula Hotels for the maiden journey of Crystal AirCruises Boeing 777-200LR jet, taking off on 31 August, 2017.

The 27-day “The Peninsula Grand Inaugural Crystal AirCruise” flies from New York to Paris, stopping in 10 cities, where guests will embark on cultural, culinary and exhilarating adventures. In each destination, The Peninsula Hotels will welcome Crystal guests, offering the superior standard of luxurious hospitality for which both companies are celebrated. Additionally, in each destination, guests will be treated to exclusive events that showcase the locale, the company said in a statement.

Remarkable, Peninsula-curated events that depict the authentic spirit of each destination await Crystal AirCruises guests, including four special galas, beginning with a rooftop cocktail reception with the New York skyline as the glittering backdrop; a private party and dinner on the Great Wall of China in Beijing; an over-the-top dinner reminiscent of the glamour of “Old Shanghai” at The Peninsula Shanghai; and a special Loy Krathong “Festival of Lights” celebration at The Peninsula Bangkok.

Additionally, in Tokyo, guests will enjoy a private performance of the ancient art of Kabuki, while the conclusion of the program in Paris takes guests on a journey to the Champagne region for an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes and private lunch at a famed Champagne house. In each destination, guests will be treated to The Peninsula’s famous Afternoon Tea experience.

“It is our honor to partner with The Peninsula Hotels for the landmark occasion of Crystal AirCruises’ inaugural journey, as their reputation for excellence is legendary, and their philosophy of exceeding guests’ expectations and wishes aligns beautifully with Crystal’s own,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal's CEO, in the statement.

The Peninsula New York, with its glamorous Fifth Avenue address, offers the perfect scene for a rooftop toast to the inaugural journey, set against the Manhattan skyline and setting an enchanting tone for the adventures ahead.

The Peninsula Chicago, delivering a landmark location in the heart of Michigan Avenue’s famous dining, museums, music, shopping and theater.

The Peninsula, Beverly Hills, just steps from the world-renowned shopping found on Rodeo Drive, and just a bit farther from the quintessential Southern California beaches that are shrouded in sunshine.

The Peninsula Tokyo, steeped in the ancient history of its surroundings while simultaneously an icon of modern chic, the property is surrounded by lush Hibiya Park, as well as Tokyo’s vibrant and unconventional fashion scene at every turn.

The Peninsula Beijing, with its grand pagoda gateway entrance, symbolizes the ancient culture that continues to permeate every facet of the city, from the Temple of Heaven to shopper’s paradise Wangfujing Road.

The Peninsula Shanghai, boasting an exclusively striking vantage point of this chic city from The Bund, including the sleek skyline, iconic Pearl Tower and a world of colors, sounds, and treasures in between.

The Peninsula Hong Kong, affectionately known as the “Grand Dame of the Far East,” is a luxurious home base for Crystal AirCruises guests, who will likely savor the hotel’s world-renowned Afternoon Tea as much as their many other memorable experiences in the city.

The Peninsula Manila, which is nestled lavishly into the city’s mix of old world and new flavor, treats guests with inspired cuisine and impeccable service amidst their explorations of Manila’s edgy art galleries and lively music scene.

The Peninsula Bangkok, its riverside locale an ideal take-off point for adventures along the Chao Phraya River, or into the bustling town center for an array of colorful experiences.

The Peninsula Paris – The Grand Finale of the journey and itself an architectural masterpiece in a city that boasts some of the world’s finest, as the hotel’s rooftop affords 360-degree perspective of the City of Light. Surprise events showcasing the romance, history and culinary arts of Paris will conclude guests’ journey in the most magical way, Crystal stated.