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MSC Cruises unveils more MSC Meraviglia features

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 July 2016 01 July 2016

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise line, has unveiled more features of the MSC Meraviglia that will enter service in June next year.

“The highlight of the onboard entertainment will be represented by the world leader in artistic performance, Cirque du Soleil, thanks to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea partnership with MSC Cruises,” the company said in a statement. Two unique Cirque du Soleil shows will be performed six nights per week in the purpose-built Carousel Lounge on board.

For the first time on any MSC Cruises ship, all the facilities for families, children and teens are in one place in a super amusement park and children’s area. “This means families have a dedicated area especially designed for their needs, providing a safe place for children and an opportunity to meet and get to know other families,” the company said.

Amongst other features, the onboard Aqua Park will include four action-packed water slides, a splash pool and champagne bowl. “And the Himalayan Bridge will thrill adventure seekers who can attach themselves to a rope and cross the ship, 60 metres above the water,” MSC Cruises stated.

MSC Meraviglia features an enhanced Yacht Club with luxurious accommodation, now spanning three decks with 78 suites, 15 inside cabins and two apartments. “The two coveted apartment suites are designed with a large living room and two balconies, one of which is a large outdoor space that has a dining table for eating al fresco and a private whirlpool,” the company said.

The ship will also feature modular cabins designed with the needs of families in mind. “The trend for multi-generational holidays is further met on this ship with a clever modular cabins system, unique to MSC Cruises. Up to three cabins can be combined together to accommodate up to 10 guests,” the company noted.

In addition to the modular cabins, quadruple cabins can accommodate a family of up to four people each. With a living space in the daytime, and a sofa that turns into a comfortable bed by night the set up makes the most effective use of space in the cabin.

An array of both fine and casual dining options are available across 12 venues on board MSC Meraviglia, all of them serving fresh, authentic food. The vemes include a he new Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world.

Another feature of MSC Meraviglia is the 96 metre long Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring an 80 metre LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day. “With stunning visuals and effects, the Promenade will be the social centre of the ship and a focal point for a broad range of leisure activities,” MSC Cruises said.

Furthermore, MSC Meraviglia offers guests a choice of three pools:

The main pool on deck 15 is inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach. At approximately 25 metres long, it has the most generous poolside space at sea. By night, the pool becomes a visual spectacle, illuminated with special lighting. There is also a buffet nearby with inside and outdoor dining options, providing guests with more convenience and optimal relaxation time.
As MSC Meraviglia is the ship for all seasons, there is a 10 metre indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or simply when the sun is shining!
Finally, the Aft Pool on deck 16 offers spectacular views from the back of the ship, while by night it is transformed into a space where guests can dance the night away under the stars.

Additionally, the private One Deck Pool, exclusively for the use of Yacht Club guests, is in a coveted position at the top of the ship - on deck 19 - providing a quiet haven for relaxation.

Thomson Cruises to base TUI Discovery 2 in Malaga and Tenerife

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 June 2016 30 June 2016

Thomson Cruises has unveiled its latest ship TUI Discovery 2, will homeport in Malaga, Spain and Tenerife for summer 2017, when it joins the fleet next year. Holidays on-board the new ship will go on sale from 21st July 2016.

The ship will sail from Malaga in May 2017, visiting some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic destinations such as Barcelona, Valencia, Ibiza, Porto, Lisbon and Marseille. It will reposition to Tenerife in September, visiting ports in the Canaries, Morocco and Madeira on itineraries including Iberian Treasures, Continental Coasts and Canarian Flavours.

To offer customers even more flexibility and choice, Thomson has extended its cruise and stay portfolio, so customers can increase their holiday by three, four or seven nights and spend more time exploring the destination. Those traveling on itineraries based in Tenerife can choose from 17 hotels, including the luxury 5T+ Sensatori Resort Tenerife, whilst customers on Malaga based itineraries have a selection of 12 hotels, including the adults-only 4T Sensimar Riviera in Costa del Sol, Spain.

Helen Caron, Managing Director of Thomson Cruises, said: “I’m delighted to unveil Malaga and Tenerife as homeports for our newest ship TUI Discovery 2. Both ports offer the perfect base for families, friends and couples, looking to explore stunning destinations.

“At Thomson Cruises we are committed to offering customers a holiday that suits their every need and are delivering this through a great mix of destinations, flexible durations, cruise and stay options as well as fantastic onboard facilities. The introduction of TUI Discovery 2 to our fleet in 2017 continues our modernisation and transformation strategy.”

This new ship will be identical to its sister ship TUI Discovery, which launched earlier this month. It will have a capacity of 1,832 (double occupancy) across 915 cabins, with nearly 40 per cent boasting balconies. All-inclusive drinks will also come as standard on TUI Discovery 2 with customers able to enjoy the wide range of restaurants and bars onboard alongside a selection of premium drinks, all included in the price of their holiday. From gourmet cuisine to laid-back street food, families and couples alike will all be able to get the most from their holiday whilst enjoying activities and entertainment including an outdoor poolside movie screen, a rock-climbing wall, a mini-golf course and an indoor swimming pool and spa.

Thomson Cruises parent company TUI UK & Ireland recently purchased the TUI Discovery 2 from Royal Caribbean International, as part of their four ships in four years investment strategy in their cruise line. TUI Discovery 2 is the second ship to enter the fleet, following the arrival of TUI Discovery earlier this year, as well as the previously announced Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2, acquired from TUI Cruises and due to enter the fleet in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Fincantieri delivers Seven Seas Explorer in Sestri

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 June 2016 30 June 2016

Seven Seas Explorer, the newest ultra luxury ship of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a brand of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, was delivered today at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente (Genoa). The ship owner has already ordered to Fincantieri a sister ship, which will be delivered in 2020.

Seven Seas Explorer is the flagship of the fleet with its approx. 55,200 gross tonnes, 223 meters in length and is able to accommodate 750 passengers in 375 spacious suites. The new ship has been built using the most advanced environmental protection technologies. The interiors are particularly sophisticated, with every attention paid to passenger comfort.

Fincantieri has built 74 cruise ships since 1990 (including the ship delivered today), while other 21 ships are currently being designed or built in the Group’s yards.

MedCruise GA advances cruise development in the Med and the Black Sea, welcomes membership expansion

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 June 2016 29 June 2016

This June, the city of Odessa in the Black Sea turned into the centre of discussions regarding cruise development in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas, as Odessa Sea Port Authority hosted the 48th MedCruise General Assembly, 22-25 June 2016.

Being part of MedCruise 20 years celebrations, this major cruise event offered its delegates a unique networking opportunity with more than 120 cruise industry professionals including cruise lines, port associations, journalists from all over the world, port executives, travel agents and other stakeholders, while at the same time enjoying an unforgettable travel experience in beautiful Odessa.

During specialised interactive Workshops, MedCruise members along with esteemed cruise line guests, discussed the best practices to 'Invest and Develop Cruise Terminals’ and searched for ways to 'Reach New Source Markets'. Plenary sessions focused on the prospects of cruising in the Black Sea and ways to unlock cruise potential in the Med.

Participants had also the chance to discuss the newly published Code of Good Practices for Cruise and Ferry Ports, that was published by the port network formed within ESPO, during a special session involving representatives of ESPO, Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise.

In line with the MedCruise tradition, all port and associate members had also a first class opportunity to enjoy in total three sessions of B2B meetings with cruise line executives and international press representatives.

A special moment of the event was the gathering of all past MedCruise presidents, in celebrating the 20 years milestone, discussing the evolution of the Association and the ways forward. Intervening on behalf of CLIA Europe, Raphael von Heereman, Secretary General CLIA Europe, congratulated MedCruise for its 20 years celebration, praising the collaboration of the two Associations in educating travel agents in Europe and beyond.

MedCruise continues to expand as the 48th MedCruise General Assembly confirmed the admission of two new members, Varna and Ancona, and three associate members, Alfaship, Mediterranean Unique Experience and Var Provence Cruise Club.

The excellent organisation and the unique hospitality of Odessa Sea Port Authority added to the satisfaction of MedCruise members, who returned home looking forward to attending the forthcoming 49th MedCruise General Assembly to be held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on 23 September 2016.

RCCL in €546.7 million loan deal to finance Edge newbuildings

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 June 2016 29 June 2016

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (RCCL), the world’s second largest cruise shipping group, said it has signed a €546.7 million loan agreement with its banks to finance the construction of two Edge class cruise ships at STX France.

The banks are Citibank Europe UK Branch, Citicorp Trustee, Citibank N.A. London branch and HSBC France. The two 117,000 gross ton vessels will be delivered to RCCL group’s Celebrity Cruises premium market unit in 2018 and 2020 respectively