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Meyer Turku celebrates the float-out of Mein Schiff 5

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 January 2016 15 January 2016

On Friday 15 January, Meyer Turku Shipyard floated out the first ship being contracted and built totally under the ownership of the Meyer family. Mein Schiff 5 is a sister ship of Mein Schiff 4, which was handed over to its owner last spring. Building of Mein Schiff 5 has advanced as planned and on schedule. The float-out and transfer of the vessel from the dry dock to the outfitting pier marks a shift from the construction phase of the ship hull to the outfitting phase. Ferdinand Strohmeyer, Vice President Operations of TUI Cruises and Jan Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku, were among the people participating in the opening of the dry dock valves.

"Step by step the good work of our team is coming together and the ship starts to look like a ship. Mein Schiff 4, the sister ship is well received by its guest – yet we cannot stand still and are implementing multiple improvements, big and small, on Mein Schiff 5 to further improve the guest experience. I'm confident that, once again, we will be able to deliver TUI Cruises a wonderful new cruise ship on time," said Jan Meyer.

TUI Cruises has also been satisfied with how the work has progressed and with its continued good cooperation with Meyer Turku.
"Although this is meanwhile TUI Cruises’ third new build, it is still a long way from becoming routine. It’s always a great feeling the first time we see the ship afloat,” said Ferdinand Strohmeier.

When completed, the technically highly advanced Mein Schiff 5 will be 295 metres long and 36 metres wide. Special attention in its design and construction was paid to energy efficiency. The cruise ship will have 1,267 cabins, of which approximately 90 per cent will be outer cabins and 82 per cent will have their own balcony. The ship will accommodate about 1,000 crew members. In accordance with the wishes of today's cruise passengers, Mein Schiff 5 will feature for example a high-quality theatre, outdoor pool area, extensive sports facilities, and a wide and varied range of restaurants. Mein Schiff 5 will be completed in the summer of 2016.

Carnival Inspiration to undergo multi-million-dollar refit

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 January 2016 14 January 2016

The 2,052-passenger Carnival Inspiration will undergo a multi-million-dollar makeover that will add a wide range of new dining and bar innovations next month.

The new features will be incorporated during a three-week dry dock taking place in Portland, Ore., Jan. 18 to Feb. 5, 2016. Following the renovation, the ship will resume its year-round schedule of 3- and 4-night Baja cruises from Long Beach, Calif.

Here’s a look at the exciting new options that will be added to Carnival Inspiration:

– Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries enjoyed amidst a décor that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture
– BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, as well as an elaborate toppings and salsa bar
– RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside watering hole offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own private label draught brew, ThirstyFrog Red
– Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed “cocktail pharmacy”-themed lounge with mixologists who “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients with creative monikers like Forty is the New Twenty and The Restorative Basil Drop
– BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor bar offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the pool
– Cherry On Top, the “sweetest spot on board” which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more

In addition to these new spaces, guests sailing aboard Carnival Inspiration can check out the ship’s massive WaterWorks aqua park featuring a 300-foot-long Twister slide and a kiddie splash zone, a 24-hour pizzeria, full casino gambling, a luxurious 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival health and wellness center, and the Serenity adults-only retreat.

On its year-round short cruise program from Long Beach, Carnival Inspiration departs every Friday on 3-night cruises to Ensenada and every Monday on 4-night cruises to Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Carnival Corporation & plc appoints Roger Chen as Chairman in China

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 14 January 2016 14 January 2016

Alan Lam reports

Carnival Corporation & plc has just announced that, from 1 January 2016, Roger Chen would be its chairman in China. Based in Shanghai and as a native of China, Chen will lead all government relations and port development liaisons, as well as supporting the group’s joint ventures in China. In his new role, Mr. Chen will be responsible for representing all of Carnival Corporation’s brands in China, enabling them to continue expanding in the region.

He reports directly to Alan Buckelew, the COO of Carnival Corporation, who will continue to provide strategic leadership to drive the company’s long-term growth plans in Asia, while Michael Ungerer, COO-Shared Services for Carnival Asia, continues in his strategic role to support growth across the brands in Asia, reporting to Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Group, with a dotted line to Chen.

"Roger comes to us with over 25 years of experience working for major global companies that have significant operations in China, as well as time spent working within the Chinese government, all of which will be invaluable to our growth strategy in China and Asia as a whole," said Alan Buckelew. "We look forward to Roger’s leadership and deep knowledge of government affairs as he oversees Carnival Corporation’s strategic initiatives across all our brands in China, where we expect continued growth and expansion as the leading cruise operator in what has quickly become one of the fastest growing markets in the world.”

Chen’s background includes expertise in corporate and government affairs, and an in-depth knowledge of the Chinese government’s policies and operations. His experience includes several senior positions in major multi-national corporations - where he led strategic efforts in China - including General Electric, Microsoft and Alcatel. Most recently, he served as the president for Volvo Group in China.

In addition, the company has also recently announced plans to operate two additional cruise brands in China in 2017. Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises will join Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises in the Chinese market from 2017, making it the first company to operate four cruise brands in China.

MSC Cruises and Samsung in technology agreement

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 January 2016 12 January 2016

MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise shipping company, said that it has entered into partnership with global technology leader Samsung to fully equip all of its next-generation ships – from cabin TVs and public screens to specialised equipment in the ships’ medical centres.

Starting with MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside, which will come into service in June and December 2017, respectively, the partnership with Samsung will supply all seven MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia and Seaside generation new builds with digital solutions and devices, including:

Visual displays: in-cabin flat screen HD TVs, public screens and displays and ad hoc digital signage solutions like augmented reality mirrors
Mobile technology: smartphones and tablets for the crew and accessories for virtual reality and 360° digital experience
Medicalequipment: expert technology for onboard medical centres
Printers: in support of MSC Cruises’ business needs

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato commented: “Samsung is the master of technology, and at MSC Cruises we have consistently shown our commitment to both cutting edge innovation and working with best-in-class partners that can support and further enhance the onboard experiences we offer our guests.”

He added: “As well as being revolutionary in concept, design and marine architecture, the Meraviglia and Seaside generation ships mark a leap forward in terms of cruise ship technology. Equipped throughout with Samsung’s latest-technology products, our guests will be able to experience the best of the next generation in smart ships.”

Samsung Italia President Carlo Barlocco said: “Samsung has always been committed in providing its technology to improve the quality of people's lives and to support the competitiveness of companies. The partnership with MSC Cruises is an example of how our advanced solutions are able to enhance the guest experience: not only monitors and tablets to access information and infotainment contents on board but also advanced medical equipment to support first aid in case of emergencies. This partnership allows Samsung and MSC Cruises to bring innovation to the whole cruise industry.”

The new agreement was signed today in Milan, Italy, at an international media event at Samsung’s local headquarters, the “Samsung District”.

Saga confirms first contract with Meyer is firm order

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 January 2016 12 January 2016

Saga plc, the British lifestyle company that focuses on those over the age of 50, said the final contract has been signed with Meyer Werft shipyard for the delivery of a 55,900 gross ton cruise ship in 2019, the company said in a trading update.

The company signed an initial contract with the German builder in the autumn. It included an option for a second to be delivered in 2021.

Saga will announce its preliminary results for the year ending 31 January 2016 on 19 April 2016.