More News

Black Watch upgrade to launch Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ major investment programme

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

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said its 804-guest Black Watch will be entering dry dock at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany in November 2016, in preparation for the forthcoming 2017/18 cruise season.

“The ship will undergo various engineering works, general maintenance and refurbishment during the dry dock, as well as the creation of several new public areas and guest facilities, as part of a multi-million pound investment,” the company said in a statement.

“Our significant investment in refurbishing and upgrading Black Watch will ensure that our guests will be able to enjoy her classic looks and unique, intimate ambience for many years to come,” said Mike Rodwell, Managing Director of the line, in the statement. Similar refurbishments and upgrades are expected to the rest of the Fred. Olsen fleet – Balmoral, Braemar and Boudicca – in the coming years.

Black Watch will depart from Tilbury, UK for Hamburg on 18 November 2016, following a seven-night ‘European Cities & Waterways’ cruise. Work on the dry dock is expected to start at Blohm + Voss on 20 November 2016.

Mike Rodwell, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Black Watch is one of Fred. Olsen’s most popular cruise ships, and it is important that she always looks her best. During her 26-day dry dock in Hamburg, as well as the usual maritime inspections and maintenance work, we will also be undertaking major upgrades to the cabins and public areas throughout the ship, to ensure that we continue to provide the best facilities possible to meet our guests’ expectations.

A key focus of Black Watch’s refurbishment will be the 423 cabins across the ship, on Marquee Deck 9, Bridge Deck 8, Lido Deck 7, Main Deck 5, Atlantic Deck 4, and Marina Deck 3. A new interactive in-cabin TV system will be installed across the ship, equipped with all the latest features and connectivity. Bathrooms will be refurbished, and all cabins will feature safes and mini-bars, as standard.

During the dry dock, Black Watch’s Braemar Garden Café, on Lounge Deck 6, will be converted into a new restaurant, to be called ‘Brigadoon’, in keeping with Fred. Olsen’s close Scottish connections. The new restaurant will feature modern new décor and will offer a stylish, intimate dining experience, for up to 54 guests – continuing to serve the wide range of British and international cuisine for which Fred. Olsen is renowned.

The Braemar Courtyard, on Lounge Deck 6, will be converted into a separate speciality dining area, called ‘The Club’, offering an à la carte dining experience, including expertly-prepared steaks cooked to order, with seating for up to 46 guests. A new dedicated Galley will be created to service this new dining facility. The existing Grill restaurant, situated on Lounge Deck 6 aft, by the main pool area, will be rebranded and redesigned, to offer a new Mediterranean-themed dining experience.

Black Watch’s main 340-guest restaurant, The Glentanar, on Lounge Deck 6, will undergo extensive refurbishment, with a spacious new layout and ‘new look’, featuring new furniture, carpet and curtains.

Considerable attention will also be given to the various bar areas on board Black Watch during the dry dock. The Observatory Lounge, on Marquee Deck 9, will receive a refresh to the décor and fittings, and the Lido Lounge, on Lido Deck 7, will receive an extensive overhaul, with new furniture, fabrics and carpets being fitted throughout, as well as the installation of a full-width sliding door to the aft.

The Morning Light Pub – an iconic feature across the whole Fred. Olsen fleet – will be moved to the area currently occupied by the Braemar Lounge, on Lounge Deck 6, replacing the existing Pub next to the Neptune Show Lounge. New furniture and fabrics will be a key feature of the larger, more spacious Pub, along with a new bar. The area vacated by the existing Morning Light Pub will be renamed the ‘Neptune Bar’.

To enhance the onboard experience for guests, the Marina Cinema on Marina Deck 3 will be upgraded with the latest ‘3D’ technology, enabling the Black Watch team to show 3D films and other programmes.

Black Watch’s Guest Services area, on Main Deck 5 – the focal point and ‘hub’ of the ship – will also be renewed, making it more inviting and user-friendly for guests.

Following Black Watch’sdry dock, the ship will recommence her cruise season from Tilbury, UK, with a seven-night ‘German & Danish Christmas Markets’ cruise, departing on 15 December 2016.

CLIA Europe elects Celestyal’s Anastassidis as chairman

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 October 2016 21 October 2016

General Assembly of CLIA Europe, the industry’s ceiling organisation in the region, says it has voted to appoint Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO of Celestyal Cruises, as the next CLIA Europe Chairman.

First appointed to the European Executive Committee of the Cruise Lines International Association three years ago, Anastassiadis takes over the role from Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, who has been the organisation’s chairman for the last three years. His term will begin on 1 January 2017.

The remaining members of the Executive Committee, as confirmed by the General Assembly, are: David Dingle, Chairman of Carnival UK and CLIA Europe Vice Chairman; Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Chairman of Silversea Cruises; Gavin Smith, Senior Vice President International, Royal Caribbean; Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group and Pierfrancesco Vago.

Anastassiadis, CEO of Celestyal Cruises, said: “I feel honoured and humbled by the General Assembly’s trust in me as CLIA Europe Chair and I look forward to continuing the work and effectiveness of CLIA Europe in representing all of its Members and ensuring the future success of the cruise industry. We have an effective team of professionals working at CLIA and are developing a stronger presence in Europe. I remain fully committed to matching my peers’ trust with my outmost dedication during the upcoming years.”

MSC Cruise to continue “Serving You” Roadshows in US with three events

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 October 2016 20 October 2016

MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise shipping group that is rapidly expanding with large newbuildings, says it will continue its series of “Serving You” Roadshows.

Simultaneous events will take place in Baltimore, Md. and Miami, Fla. MSC Cruises executives will be present at both events tonight with Rick Sasso, chairman of MSC Cruises, and Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises, attending and speaking at the Miami event, and Ken Muskat, executive vice president of MSC Cruises, presenting in Baltimore. The company plans to hold a total of 17 such events this year.

“This is MSC Cruises’ third consecutive year of holding Roadshows for travel agents in key cities across the U.S., and each year we’ve seen increased interest and engagement from the trade community interested in learning more about the cruise line as well as our innovative sales tools and programs that will help them grow their business,” said Ken Muskat, executive vice president of MSC Cruises.

New Mein Schiff 1 to offer eight and 10 night Baltic cruises in first season

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 October 2016 20 October 2016

Mein Schiff 1, the fifth newbuilding of Hamburg based TUI Cruises from Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, will offer a series of eight and 10 night cruises from Kiel from 19 May 2018, when the ship will enter service.

In September of the same year, the ship will be deployed in the Canary Islands, from where it will offer two seven night itineraries to the Atlantic islands and Morocco.

In the summer of 2018, four of the company’s ships will operate in northern Europe and for the first time, TUI Cruises will offer sailings in the Mediterranean from Trieste. The two seven night itineraries can be combined to a 14 night cruise.

Mein Schiff 1 will replace the present holder of the same name in the TUI Cruises fleet. The present ship will be transferred to Thomson Cruises, a British unit of the TUI AG group. Its new name has not been disclosed as yet.

P&O Cruises unveils details of Oriana’s forthcoming refit

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 October 2016 20 October 2016

Following the news that Oriana is to undergo a three-week refurbishment, P&O Cruises that operates the 1995 built vessel of 69,840 gross tons has released mote details about the work that will take place in Hamburg in November.

“The refit takes into consideration guest feedback on all aspects of the ship, from the public spaces and bars to the cabins and bathrooms. Public areas and cabins will be rejuvenated with a range of subtle upgrades that will have a big impact without losing any of the ship’s unique charm,” the company said in a statement.

P&O Cruises is collaborating with design firm Richmond International, which worked on the decor for flagship Britannia, to provide “a modern yet classic look and feel throughout. Highlights include:

Cabins and suites: replacing soft furnishings, repairing and replacing furniture, upgrading bathrooms and carrying out maintenance work on balconies.

The Peninsular and Oriental Restaurants: a brand new colour scheme, replacing carpets and chairs.

The Spa: the sauna, steam-room, whirlpool and changing areas will be uplifted with new tiling, modern furniture and contemporary equipment. There will also be relaxing heated loungers, soothing natural décor and a living plant wall.

Theatre Royal: new sound and lighting equipment as well as re-upholstered seating will ensure the best and most comfortable entertainment experience.

Other areas being refurbished include The Conservatory, Lord’s Tavern, Riviera Bar, Loyalty & Future Cruise Deck, the gym, Anderson’s and all public areas across the entire ship.

P&O Cruises senior vice president Paul Ludlow said: “We want Oriana’s guests, both returning and new, to feel that they are sailing on the most elegant and charming ship. From what our guests have told us we know that retaining the traditional elements that are unique to Oriana is as important as rejuvenating the ship - so that’s what we’re aiming to do.”

Following the refurbishment, Oriana will set sail on a two-night short celebration cruise to Zeebrugge round trip from Southampton departing December 16, followed by a 17-night Canary Islands cruise round trip from Southampton departing December 18, 2016.