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Victory Cruise Lines partners with Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 October 2024 01 October 2024

Victory Cruise Lines, committed to all-inclusive, small ship, coastal cruising on The Great Lakes and Canadian Coasts, is partnering with Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, for hotel operation, provisioning, crewing and logistics services. An established small-ship and expedition provider led by cruise industry veteran President and CEO Dietmar Wertanzl, Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management was chosen for its high-quality and cost-efficient expertise that will seamlessly maintain superior guest experience standards.

“Dietmar Wertanzl and the Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management team have a proven track record of superior service delivery across the cruise industry and small ship space, paired with firsthand knowledge of these specialized vessels operating in the Great Lakes,” said David William Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Victory Cruise Lines. “I value Dietmar’s personal touch collaborating on the onboard cuisine development in particular and look forward to this partnership relaunching Victory Cruise Lines together.”

The Victory Cruise Lines team, in partnership with Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, has developed a fine food and beverage program onboard Victory I and Victory II delivering casual pub fare to elegant meals with breathtaking views. The Tuscan Stone Grill, a new inclusive specialty concept for dinner in The Grill, was meticulously created by Victory COO David William Kelly and Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management’s Dietmar Wertanzl. Transforming into an upscale interactive dining experience utilizing hot stones for guests cooking at their table, the space spanning the stern of the ship offers expansive views of The Great Lakes.

“At Anglo-Eastern Leisure Management, we are passionate about small-ship cruising and admire the Victory Cruises Lines Founder and Chairman John Waggoner, for returning these beautiful boutique vessels back to where they were intended to sail – The Great Lakes,” shares Wertanzl. “I look forward to once again collaborating with David William Kelly and the Victory Cruise Lines team to deliver memorable experiences onboard.”

Victory Cruise Lines will mark the inaugural season with a special New England & Canada 2025 Reunion Cruise Portland to Toronto departing April 16, 2025. Hosted by John and Claudette Waggoner, the 10-night cruise through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes will reunite friends from past voyages featuring notable guest entertainers, Greg and Lindy Pendzick and Michaelyn Oby.

Victory Cruise Lines voyages along magnificent coastlines, journeys through seaways and lakes, navigates hidden harbors and calls on downtown marinas with ease.

Onboard, guests will enjoy the Victory Cruise Lines’ own LakeLorian lecture program including engaging, destination-oriented historians and naturalists who share their vast knowledge and expertise of the history, ecology, and culture of each port of call. Victory I and Victory II feature a home-away-from-home atmosphere with gathering spots including the Compass Lounge, home to a grand piano and a favorite locale for old fashioned sing-alongs. The English-style Tavern is another favorite onboard venue to share stories and laughter with friends and fellow travelers. Guests may lounge on the aft deck on the Observation and Sun Deck with cushioned outdoor sofas, the perfect place to celebrate a successful excursion, gather for afternoon cocktails, amber sunsets, or late-night stargazing.

Victory Cruise Line chefs bring exclusive culinary delights to the table with menus of local specialties and fresh fish, when available. The wine selection reflects the routes and never fails to impress with fine wines from the various regions. The Coastal Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily from the chef’s menu of regionally inspired dishes. The Grill serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and seated dinner. Guests will also find a variety of healthy dining alternatives that meet their dining needs.

Each Victory Cruise Lines voyage includes 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay with complimentary ground transfers between the hotel and ship and from the ship to the airport; all oceanview accommodations, some with veranda; an included shore excursion in every port from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland to the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Detroit; acclaimed cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner served in multiple venues plus culinary events throughout each cruise; gourmet selections including freshly prepared lobster and regionally-inspired dishes; unlimited beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees; open bars and lounges throughout the vessel; unlimited Wi-Fi; live, daily onboard entertainment and enrichment with our own LakeLorians®; hiking sticks.

Fincantieri floats out Star Princess in Monfalcone

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 September 2024 26 September 2024

The launch of "tar Princess, the second LNG (liquefied natural gas) cruise ship that Fincantieri is building for Princess Cruises, took place today at the Monfalcone shipyard.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises, and Cristiano Bazzara, Director of the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone. Godmothers of the ceremony Chiara del Vecchio, 3rd Engineer aboard the Sun Princess, and Francesca Maraventano, executive assistant at the Monfalcone shipyard.

With a gross tonnage of approximately 178,000 tons, Star Princess is the sister ship to Sun Princess, also built in Monfalcone and delivered earlier this year. It is the second-largest ship ever built in Italy and the second LNG-powered cruise ship Fincantieri is building for this ship owner. Additionally, it is the second dual-fuel ship, primarily powered by LNG, to join the Princess fleet. Liquefied natural gas is considered the most advanced, mature, scalable, and commercially viable fuel technology for the maritime industry. It is also recognized as one of the cleanest fossil fuels, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mostly eliminates other airborne pollutants and particulate matter.

Star Princess is the second ship in Princess Cruises' Sphere class, with delivery expected in fall 2025. The new vessel will accommodate approximately 4,300 passengers and is based on a next-generation platform design.

Princess Cruises is a globally leading cruise line operating a fleet of 17 modern ships, transporting millions of guests each year to 330 destinations worldwide.

Mitsui Ocean Cruises welcomes Mitsui Ocean Fuji in handover ceremony with Seabourn Cruise Line

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 September 2024 25 September 2024

MOL Cruises, Ltd, which operates the cruise brand Mitsui Ocean Cruises, today marked the handover ceremony in collaboration with Seabourn Cruise Line, welcoming Mitsui Ocean Fuji to the fleet.

The handover ceremony was held onboard Seabourn Odyssey, after the ship arrived at the Port of Yokohama, concluding a 22-day Farewell Voyage from the United States. Following maritime tradition, the flag of Mitsui Ocean Cruises was raised, as the ship transitions to Mitsui Ocean Fuji, scheduled to debut on December 1, 2024.

The event was attended by Seabourn Odyssey's Captain Krasimir Radev, who handed the ship over to Mitsui Ocean Fuji Captain Kim Karlsson. Both expressed their heartfelt congratulations to Mitsui Ocean Cruises:

“It has been my honor and privilege to be one of the Captains of this beloved cruise ship, and I am humbled to officially hand her over to Mitsui Ocean Cruises, beginning a new journey on the high seas” said Captain Radev, Seabourn Odyssey, who started on board as Safety Officer for the ship’s inaugural season in 2009.

Shoichiro Yamashita, Chief Operations Officer, Mitsui Ocean Cruises added, “It is my pleasure to be part of this commemorative day with Seabourn Odyssey. We offer our sincerest respect to Seabourn, Captain Radev, and his onboard team for taking such great care of this ship, keeping her safe and extending their renowned luxurious service to all who have sailed on her for the last 15 years, and we promise to continue delivering exceptional seafaring experiences.”

Captain Karlsson added, “The ship looks absolutely amazing, and we pledge to take great care of her.”

Also in attendance were senior executives of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, senior crew members of Mitsui Ocean Fuji and Seabourn Odyssey, and the Director General of Port and Harbor Bureau from Yokohama Port Shinbo Yasuhiro.

Seabourn Odyssey arrived at the Shinko Pier Passenger Terminal (Yokohama) to the warm welcome of many employees of Mitsui Ocean Cruises and the MOL Group. The ship is loved by many cruise fans, and many loyal Seabourn Odyssey guests who sailed on the debut cruise were onboard the farewell voyage.

The ship will move to Mitsubishi Shipyard in Yokohama for refurbishment, such as the addition of shower toilets in all suites, galley equipment updates and rebranding of venues. Crew training also begins, preparing for the inaugural season.

Mitsui Ocean Fuji will debut in Yokohama on December 1, 2024, as Japan's most luxurious all-suite cruise ship with and spacious passenger venues, traditional omotenashi service, delicately flavored and beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and exciting ports of call. The ship will sail on inspiring voyages celebrating the blue ocean and Japan’s awesome natural beauty.

The 458-guest, 32,477-ton Mitsui Ocean Fuji embodies “FUNATABI – beautiful encounters with Japan.” On sale now, the inaugural season offers a series of Debut Cruises (December 2024-January 2025), including a special New Year’s sailing; Spring and Golden Week Cruises (April-May 2025); and a 66-day Grand Asia Cruise (May-July 2025).

Viking celebrates return to China

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 September 2024 21 September 2024

Viking earlier this week celebrated its return to China as the Viking Yi Dun completed her first voyage from Shanghai to Hong Kong (Shenzhen). Viking’s new itineraries include a domestic sailing off China’s coast that highlights rarely-visited destinations and ports to which only Viking has access – something that has never been offered for international visitors. The itineraries operate from September to November on the 930-guest Viking Yi Dun – formerly the Viking Sun – a sister ship featuring the same award-winning design and service as all other ocean ships in Viking’s fleet.

“With its ancient history and rich culture, China is a phenomenal destination that many curious travelers have not yet had the opportunity to experience,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. "For 15 years, we introduced China to guests on our Yangtze River itineraries. Now, we are proud to offer these exclusive domestic sailings in China, and we look forward to welcoming people to this part of the world in the Viking way.”

The launch of Viking’s new China itineraries was commemorated in Shanghai, where a celebration was held with local officials. Guests were treated to cultural performances, both shoreside and on board the ship, offering an introduction to the country’s rich traditions. Given the historic nature of the inaugural voyage, the Viking Yi Dun was welcomed to port with fanfare from local partners and residents in Zhoushan, Dongtou, Pingtan, Xiamen and Shenzhen. And, at the end of the voyage, guests provided enthusiastic feedback about their time in China.

Bureau Veritas grants AiP for Ponant's low-carbon, wind-assisted passenger vessel design

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 September 2024 19 September 2024

Bureau Veritas has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to Ponant, a world leader in cruising, forits new twin-screw sailing passenger vessel concept, Swap2Zero. This project represents a significant advancement in sustainable maritime travel, featuring a design that emphasizes low carbon emission technologies and wind-assisted propulsion.

The vessel concept, measuring 186.2 meters in length, is designed for transoceanic voyages and is equipped with a combination of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and low-carbon fuels. Its design aligns with its goal of being close to zero-emission ready by focusing on three core principles: energy efficiency, energy sobriety, and the optimized use of renewable resources. Wind propulsion is the primary method, supplemented by solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, and renewable fuels such as bio and e-methane.

Key features of the Swap2Zero project include the ability to achieve up to 50% wind-assisted propulsion and provide up to one month of operational autonomy. It can operate for 15 days without wind at a speed of 10 knots, or up to 30 days with 50% wind assistance. The vessel concept also incorporates approximately 1,000 square meters of solar panels, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), batteries, and renewable liquid hydrogen. Additionally, dual-fuel engines certified for biodiesel and biogas support Safety of Return to Port (SRtP) compliance.

A notable aspect of the vessel concept is its advanced carbon capture system, designed to capture and store CO2 emissions, which may be reused or securely stored. The vessel concept also features systems for waste heat and cold recovery, contributing to its overall sustainability.

The Approval in Principle for the Swap2Zero project has been granted in accordance with key international conventions including SOLAS, ILLC, MARPOL, and the IGF Code. It also aligns with Bureau Veritas standards such as the Rules for the Classification of Steel Ships (NR 467), Wind Propulsion Systems (NR 206), and Hydrogen-Fueled Ships (NR 678).

Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding and R&D Director at Ponant, said: “This vessel concept represents our vision for the next generation of cruise vessels, showcasing how various technologies, energy sources, and processes can be harmonized to provide optimal autonomy and flexibility, all while being compliant with existing regulations. It is a realistic and profitable approach that achieves the highest level of decarbonization. This project also offers a valuable opportunity to deepen our expertise in innovative technologies, while engaging regulatory and certification bodies, equipment manufacturers, design offices, and shipyards in a collaborative real-world case study, exploring multiple decarbonization strategies we believe in.”

“The Swap2Zero concept exemplifies a significant advancement in maritime sustainability through its integration of wind-assisted propulsion, renewable energy sources, and cutting-edge carbon capture technology. Bureau Veritas is delighted to support such innovative projects that set new standards for eco-friendly maritime travel and demonstrate our commitment to reducing environmental impact," said Andreas Ullrich Global Market Leader - Passenger Ships & Ferries Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.

Andreas Ullrich, Global Market Leader - Passenger Ships & Ferries at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (Left) presents AiP to Mathieu Petiteau, Newbuilding and R&D Director at PONANT