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Crystal to open new corporate regional office in Australia

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

Crystal Cruises will expand its reach in the Pacific region with the opening of new dedicated corporate office in Sydney, Australia. The office will represent Crystal Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal River Cruises, and serve as the central nerve for sales, marketing, finance and reservations for the Australia and New Zealand.

Leading the center is cruise industry veteran Karen Christensen, who most recently served as general manager and director of sales and marketing (Asia Pacific) for Silversea Cruises as part of her 10-year tenure with the company. During this time, she was integral in establishing the luxury cruise segment in Australia and New Zealand with the opening of the company’s regional office. Karen’s first official day with Crystal will be August 1.

“We are thrilled to further solidify our presence in Australia and New Zealand as our company grows and offers more options for travelers throughout the world,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s CEO and president. “Karen’s depth of knowledge of the Pacific market and its travelers’ wishes, habits and preferences will help ensure that our vast portfolio of luxury travel offerings is effectively communicated and expertly sold to the discriminating travelers in the region.”

The establishment of a dedicated sales and marketing center in the Pacific region marks the end of Crystal’s partnership with Wiltrans International Travel. Rodriguez added, “I want to thank Diane Patrick and the team at Wiltrans for their support and dedication to Crystal’s success over the course of 26 years.”

Christensen’s professional history in the cruise industry stretches more than two decades, including nearly 10 years as the general manager of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), having founded and served as chairman and board director of CLIA’s Australasia division. Christensen resides in Sydney, where she will lead a sales and marketing team and report directly to Rodriguez.

Costa Cruises' new suite perks include exclusive restaurant, unlimited drinks and more

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 June 2016 28 June 2016

In Italian, la dolce vita translates to "the sweet life," and that's what Costa Cruises guests will be living when they book suite or grand suite accommodations. Beginning this month, Costa is expanding its perks and amenities program so guests traveling in a suite can enjoy more of "Italy's finest" cruise line, including complimentary meals at the alternative Club Restaurant, unlimited drinks and special access to private events and activities.

"Suites aboard Costa's upscale contemporary ships are spacious and allow guests to travel in absolute luxury," said Scott Knutson, vice president sales and marketing, Costa Cruises North America. "With these added amenities, suite guests can enjoy a nearly all-inclusive experience with unlimited access to one of our most popular specialty restaurants with wine included, a free beverage package and a host of other perks throughout their cruise -- like reserved front-row seats in the theater and a day pass for the spa."

Costa's Club Restaurants are now reserved for suite guests for complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner, providing an intimate and exclusive dining experience. (Nonsuite guests are able to dine in the Club Restaurants for a fee, pending availability.) The Club Restaurant serves dishes from different regions in Italy and also features vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Suite guests also can choose to dine in the main restaurant, and those who want to dine in another specialty venue receive priority when making reservations.

Suite guests also receive a complimentary Intenditore beverage package, the highest-level beverage package offered by Costa. Intenditore includes unlimited drinks, priced up to 9 euros on bar menus, drinks from the mini bar or served in the cabin, and refined pairings of wines selected for Costa by the Italian Sommelier Association with meals in restaurants or at the buffet.

Throughout their cruise, suite guests can enjoy exclusive activities including wine tastings, a day pass to the thermal area of the spa, where available, private cocktail events and reserved front-row seats to every show in the ship's theater. A dedicated specialist will be available to assist with shopping and selecting shore excursions.

In their suite guests can indulge in complimentary room service and full in-cabin meals. Suite accommodations include a welcome bottle of Ferrari sparkling wine with canapés, an Illy Caffé coffee maker, fresh fruits replenished daily, bathrobes and slippers, a pillow menu and organic cotton sheets. A private butler will offer shoe-shine service and is available to book onboard services and tours as well as unpack luggage.

For guests sailing from Barcelona, Spain, or Savona, Italy, the special treatment begins as soon as they arrive at the cruise terminal. Suite guests will have access to a private VIP area where they can relax and enjoy Ferrari sparkling wine, Illy Caffé and a selection of snacks.

Costa Cruises adds Sir Bani Yas Island to Costa neoRiviera's United Arab Emirates itineraries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 June 2016 27 June 2016

Costa Cruises is enhancing Costa neoRiviera's 7-night winter cruises from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by adding a call at Sir Bani Yas Island, a stunningly beautiful natural paradise with private beach located off the southwest coast of the western region in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

In addition to the summery feel of Sir Bani Yas Island, Costa neoRiviera will spend two nights at Dubai; one night at Muscat, Oman; and call at Abu Dhabi.

Guests will have a day to discover the wonders of one of the finest islands in the Arabian Gulf, featuring crystal-clear waters, white sands and private beaches. Special V.I.P. areas on the beach will feature cabanas, affording total comfort and privacy. Costa's excellent service and facilities extend to the guest experience ashore, with great hospitality, bars and buffets managed by Costa's own staff and serving a vast range of fresh food.

Guests can opt for sun and sand, try the thrill of a jeep safari in the island's wildlife park, go kayaking or snorkeling. For kids, Sir Bani Yas Island offers inflatable slides and shallow water to play in.

Costa neoRiviera is part of Costa's "neoCollection," featuring slow-cruising and extended time in port. These holidays are perfect for more experienced cruisers who are looking for places off-the-beaten-path and "premium" experiences, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more authentic tours in the heart of each destination.

To make the experience even more unique and memorable, Costa offers a large variety of shore excursions to suit everyone's tastes and preferences.

At Muscat, for example, guests can choose a four-wheel drive adventure to explore the rugged natural beauty of Wadi Al Arbeieen, with its crystal-clear ponds, followed by a visit to a local village. In Abu Dhabi, the attractions include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in the world and the largest in the U.A.E., a desert safari by jeep and camel, and a visit to Ferrari World theme park. Alternatively, guests can opt for an unforgettable overnight tour to the famous Arabian Nights Village, a desert retreat where they can gaze into the night sky and observe the crystal-clear view of the constellations, before returning the next day to Dubai. In Dubai Costa offers unique experiences like a seaplane tour, a helicopter tour of the city, a chance to swim with dolphins or a tour around Dubai's incredible skyscrapers, with iconic landmarks like the sail design of the Hotel Burj Al Arab.

Expanded Panama Canal opens for business

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 June 2016 27 June 2016

During yesterday’s official inauguration ceremony, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and Panama Canal Administrator and CEO Jorge L. Quijano spoke to a crowd of more than 25,000 jubilant Panamanians, Canal employees, heads of state and dignitaries from around the world, Canal customers, shipping and trade executives, and nearly 1,000 journalists. This is the first expansion of the waterway since its original construction.

“More than 100 years ago, the Panama Canal connected two oceans. Today, we connect the present and the future,” said Mr. Quijano speaking to the people of Panama. “It is an honor to announce that what we did it together: providing this great connection to the world. This is the beginning of a new era.”

“Canal users can be assured that we’ll continue to support the Panama Canal Authority and our port operators to provide them a world class service and strengthen our logistics system by creating the necessary incentives and conditions to give added value to our inter-oceanic route,” said Panamanian President Varela.

The inaugural transit began with the passage of Neopanamax vessel COSCO Shipping Panama through the Agua Clara Locks on the Atlantic side of the country and concluded with its transit through the Cocoli Locks on the Pacific side. The ship is en route to Asia.

Considered and analyzed with more than 100 studies, the Expansion will provide greater economies of scale to global commerce. It will introduce new routes, liner services, and segments such as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“We are thrilled that we currently have 170 reservations for Neopanamax ships, commitments of two new liner services to the Expanded Canal, and a reservation for the first LNG vessel, which will transit in late July,” Mr. Quijano added. “Our customers care that their supply chain is reliable and that they have a diversity of shipping options. And the Canal has always been reliable; today, we offer the world new shipping options and trade routes.”

The Expansion Program is the Canal’s largest enhancement project. In 2006, more than 75 percent of Panamanians approved the project in a nation-wide referendum, and, in 2007, construction of the $5.25 billion project began. It included the construction of a new set of locks on the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the waterway and the excavation of more than 150 million cubic meters of material, creating a second lane of traffic and doubling the cargo capacity of the waterway.

In 2015, the original Canal set a tonnage record, transiting 340.8 million PC/UMS. It will continue to operate, transiting Panamax-sized vessels or smaller. While the Expansion’s locks are 70 feet wider and 18 feet deeper than those in the original Canal, they use less water due to water-savings basins that recycle 60 percent of the water used per transit.

Actress Fan Bingbing names Ovation of the Seas in Tianjin, China

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 June 2016 25 June 2016

The arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s new Ovation of the Seas at the port city of Tianjin in northeast China, took place today to huge fanfare. The historic milestone was celebrated with the first ever cruise ship naming ceremony in China. The first Chinese Godmother, world famous actress Fan Bingbing, presided over the celebrations which culminated with the maritime tradition of the breaking of a champagne bottle on the hull of the ship to wish good fortune to the ship and all who sail on her. Royal Caribbean already deploys sister ship Quantum of the Seas in China.

Designed and built to deliver an unforgettable vacation experience for guests of all ages, Ovation of the Seas is the first world-class ship to make China its homeport immediately after its delivery. As one of the largest cruise ships ever built, accommodating 4,180 guests at double occupancy and 1,500 international crew members, Ovation of the Seas boasts an array of stunning features and experiences many of which are only on the Ovation and its sister ships Quantum of the Seas (based in Shanghai, China) and Anthem of the Seas (based in Bayonne, NJ, USA).

Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said “We are excited to bring our newest and most technologically advanced ship to China. The unprecedented first-at-sea experiences will provide an incredible vacation adventure to our guests in the region. Chinese consumers have grown to expect the best the world has to offer, and this ship meets that standard like no other – this is a cruise from the future.”

Royal Caribbean’s innovations in onboard attractions include the North Star, a glass capsule that takes guests more than 300 feet above the ocean for incomparable panoramic views. For guests seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience there is the thrilling RipCord by iFly skydiving experience, and the FlowRider surfing simulators where guests have the opportunity to surf on the high seas. TWO70, a daily social space with incredible 270 degree views of the ocean at the aft of the ship transforms into a multifunctional entertainment place at night. The young at heart will be kept busy at SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, that features basketball, roller skating, bumper cars and more.

There are 18 restaurants onboard Ovation with a variety of international cuisines to choose from. Well-appointed accommodations include the unique Loft Suites which offer the most luxurious accommodations at sea, and Virtual Balcony staterooms, interior accommodations with large digital screens displaying real-time views of the destinations the ship visits.

“With the arrival of Ovation of the Seas in Tianjin, Royal Caribbean now has the largest fleet in the region. Now, Chinese guests can enjoy a wider variety of world-class cruise experiences and destinations right from their home market. We believe that this ship will continue to take cruisers to new heights with our extraordinary activities, creative entertainment and diversified dining options.” said Dr. Zinan Liu, President, Royal Caribbean International – China and North Asia Pacific, “We can provide the unforgettable and unexpected cruise experience that the Chinese market deserves.”

As further testament of its commitment to China, Royal Caribbean continues to invest in people though its strategic collaboration with the Tianjin Marine Talent Institute. Royal Caribbean has built a training facility site for onboard crew training and development in hotel operations and over 100,000 jobs have been created in the past four years for major ports cities in China. Royal Caribbean is committed to cultivate talent for the cruising industry in China.

China is the cruise industry’s fastest-growing market in the world and the demand has increased by double digits since 2013. China alone accounted for 1 million cruise passengers last year, up from about 700,000 in 2014, and the Chinese Ministry of Tourism has forecasted 4.5 million passengers by 2020.

2017 Singapore season

Ovation of the Seas will also offer return trips from Singapore in 2017 in March and April, ranging from 3 to 5 nights to Penang, Phuket, Bangkok (Laem Chabang), and a one-way cruise to Tianjin with calls at Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) for an overnight, Hue/Danang (Chan May), Hong Kong and Seoul (Incheon).