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Carnival Splendor emerges from Singapore dry dock, returns to Australia

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 August 2024 31 August 2024

Carnival Splendor is sailing home to Sydney with a range of new onboard enhancements following her dry dock in Singapore. The ship, which will return to Sydney Harbor on Sept. 9, now boasts updated dining venues, various stateroom and amenity refurbishments, and the striking red, white, and blue hull design that’s become the trademark look of Carnival’s fleet. The ship’s hull design also includes a unique feature: a Southern Cross motif – a signature element of P&O Cruises Australia ships that will soon join the Carnival fleet.

New dining options available on Carnival Splendor include Mad Sizzle, on Deck 9, which serves kebabs and satays with slow spit-roasted meats. Due to its popularity, guests will find Indian restaurant Masala Tiger in a new, larger location on Deck 10. In addition to its popular lunch offering, the expanded venue will also serve up a new a la carte dinner offering. Menus at other dining venues have also been enhanced, including Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse which features signature dishes such as T-bone steak and fresh New Zealand pink snapper.

Staterooms have been updated, from the ship’s balconies receiving full refurbishments to new whirlpool tubs installed in suites. Wellness enthusiasts will appreciate the updated basketball court and jogging track, along with new gym equipment and a refreshed Thalasso therapy pool at Cloud 9 Spa. Additionally, the ship’s casino has been updated, retail shops have been refreshed, and the newly enhanced Dreams Photo Studio has been relocated to Deck 3 in the Atrium.

Children and those young at heart will enjoy a fully refreshed mini-golf course, as well as the revamped Carnival WaterWorks, the family-friendly waterpark featuring waterslides and Splashy Cove children’s play area for the ultimate aquatic adventure. The kids' clubs are packed with even more fun activities, as Camp Ocean and Club 02 boast new video gaming areas.

In addition to the popular Playlist Productions shows already enjoyed by guests, Carnival Splendor features the line’s latest production, “Dear Future Husband,” which made its debut in Australia this year, shortly after it was first introduced on Carnival Jubilee. This interactive pop musical follows the journey of a bride and groom on a wedding adventure on board a Carnival cruise ship with their best friends.

“From her beautiful new look outside to the upgraded amenities and new entertainment on board, Carnival Splendor has more fun to offer our guests sailing from Sydney than ever before,” said Kara Glamore, Carnival Cruise Line Australia vice president. “Carnival is set to be Australia’s largest cruise brand from early next year and we’re proud to continue to provide new ways to bring more fun to our guests.”

Beginning March 2025, Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa, which sails seasonally from Brisbane and begins its next new season there in October, will be joined by two additional sister ships operating in Australia when P&O Cruises Australia transitions to Carnival Cruise Line. Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter will become Carnival sister ships and will be renamed Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter.

Oceania Cruises becomes first upscale line to sail out of Tampa

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 August 2024 28 August 2024

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is adding a range of new Caribbean and Panama Canal winter sailings in early 2026 departing from Tampa on Florida’s west coast. The line’s 670-guest Insignia will make history in March 2026 as it becomes the first ultra-premium cruise line to sail from Port Tampa Bay.

Oceania Cruises will journey from the ebullient shimmering Gulf Coast gem of a city on a collection of seven- to 20-night itineraries exploring picturesque Caribbean islands including St. Thomas, St. Kitts, and Tortola; calls in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Belize City; plus, a daylight transit of the iconic Panama Canal and overnight stay in Panama City. These mesmerizing voyages can be easily accessed by the 41 non-stop flights offered from Tampa International Airport.

Tampa is the perfect match for the world’s only true foodie cruise line thanks to its vibrant culinary scene including street food experiences, high-end gourmet dining at venues from a variety of Michelin Guide restaurants, and immersive culinary tours led by local experts.

“Port Tampa Bay represents an exciting new chapter as Oceania Cruises becomes the first ultra-premium cruise line to have dedicated voyages from Tampa, opening the door as a convenient gateway to Florida’s west coast and the Gulf of Mexico,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises. “This is a natural expansion for our brand, as Tampa echoes the cosmopolitan essence of our beloved hometown of Miami with its diverse mix of international influences and cultures.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Oceania Cruises to Port Tampa Bay,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “The arrival of Insignia marks a significant milestone, enhancing Tampa’s status as a premier cruise destination. We look forward to welcoming new guests to our beautiful city and gateway, as the increased tourism will create substantial economic opportunities for our region, workers, and businesses.”

Viking reports second quarter 2024 financial results

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 August 2024 22 August 2024

Viking Holdings Ltd today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2024.

Key Highlights

– Total revenue for the second quarter of 2024 increased 9.1%, or $132.5 million compared to the same period in 2023.
– Adjusted Gross Margin increased 9.5% compared to the same period in 2023, resulting in a Net Yield of $562.
– Adjusted EBITDA increased 11.6% compared to the same period in 2023.
– Net Leverage improved from 3.4x as of March 31, 2024 to 3.0x as of June 30, 2024.
– As of August 11, 2024, for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Viking had sold 95% and 55%, respectively, of its Capacity Passenger Cruise Days for its Core Products.

“We are pleased to report that we have already sold 95% and 55% of the capacity PCDs for our Core Products for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, respectively,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking. “Our latest Advance Bookings metrics give us confidence that our core consumer demographic continues to show resiliency, prioritizing travel and actively seeking enriching, memorable experiences. We are increasing our share of the luxury leisure travel market through capacity growth while maintaining an unparalleled offering with great value for our guests. We believe that our clear focus on our core consumer demographic and our product is the essence of our brand promise and the cornerstone of our success.”

Second quarter 2024 consolidated results

During the second quarter of 2024, Capacity PCDs increased by 3.1% over the same period in 2023 and Occupancy was 94.3%.

Total revenue for the second quarter of 2024 was $1,587.3 million, an increase of $132.5 million, or 9.1% over the same period in 2023 mainly driven by higher revenue per PCD and an increase in the size of the Company’s fleet in 2024 compared to 2023.

Gross margin for the second quarter of 2024 was $657.0 million, an increase of $89.7 million, or 15.8%, over the same period in 2023 and Adjusted Gross Margin for the second quarter of 2024 was $1,037.7 million, an increase of $90.4 million, or 9.5%, over the same period in 2023. Net Yield was $562 for the second quarter, up 6.6% year-over year.

Vessel operating expenses and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel for the second quarter of 2024 were $329.0 million and $284.1 million, respectively. Compared to the same period in 2023, vessel operating expenses increased $4.1 million, or 1.3%, and vessel operating expenses excluding fuel increased $3.0 million, or 1.1% mainly driven by the increase in the size of the Company's fleet in 2024 compared to 2023.

Net income for the second quarter of 2024 was $155.8 million compared to $190.1 million for the same period in 2023. The net income for the second quarter of 2024 includes a loss of $123.0 million from the revaluation of warrants issued by the Company due to stock price appreciation. It also includes a loss of $65.8 million related to the net impact of the Private Placement derivative (loss) gain and interest expense related to the Company’s Series C Preference Shares. In comparison, the second quarter of 2023 includes a gain of $3.4 million from the impact of the Series C Preference Shares. The Company’s Series C Preference Shares converted into ordinary shares immediately prior to the consummation of the Company’s IPO. The second quarter of 2024 is the final quarterly period for which the financial results will include Private Placement derivative (loss) gain and interest expense related to the Series C Preference Shares. Excluding the impact of these items - the majority of which are non-cash - net income for the period was $344.6 million.

Adjusted EBITDA increased by $51.3 million compared to the second quarter of 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was mainly driven by higher revenue per PCD and higher Capacity PCDs.

“We are delighted to share our second quarter results which include a Net Yield growth of 6.6% over the prior year on a 3.1% increase in capacity,” said Leah Talactac, CFO of Viking. “Looking ahead, it is encouraging to see demand trends further supporting our bookings for next year. These are a testament to the strength of the Viking brand, the financial strength of our customer and our nimble and proactive sales and management team.”

Update on operating capacity and bookings

For our Core Products, operating capacity is 5% higher for the 2024 season in comparison to the 2023 season and 12% higher for the 2025 season in comparison to the 2024 season.

As of August 11, 2024, for our Core Products, and for the 2024 and 2025 seasons, we had sold 95% and 55%, respectively, of our Capacity PCDs and had $4,642 million and $3,442 million, respectively, of Advance Bookings. Advance Bookings were 14% and 20% higher in comparison to the 2023 and 2024 seasons, respectively, at the same point in time. Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2024 season was $731, 8% higher than the 2023 season at the same point in time, and Advance Bookings per PCD for the 2025 season was $833, 10% higher than the 2024 season at the same point in time.

New build and capacity

In August 2024, the Company took delivery of the Viking Hathor, a river vessel that will operate in Egypt. Based on the committed orderbook, the Company expects to take delivery of another river vessel and one ocean ship later this year.

CAI 2024 Conference to be hosted in Funchal, Madeira

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 August 2024 20 August 2024

The Voice President of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Europe, Nikos Mertzadinis, will be the coordinator of the Cruise Atlantic Islands Conference 2024, which will be held over three days, at the end of September, in Madeira.

Mertzadinis, who is responsible for Ports and Destinations at CLIA in Europe, will represent this association that brings together 95% of the total capacity of cruise ships worldwide and more than 50 thousand travel agents, at the event that takes place between the 26th and 28th of September, in Funchal, the capital of Madeira.

“We are very excited to have Nikos Mertzadinis in Madeira. He is a very respected voice in the industry, and will bring to this Conference a comprehensive and in-depth view of a sector that he knows like few others”, highlights the CEO of Ports of Madeira (APRAM, SA), Paula Cabaço, saying that the objective of the conference is to project the future of the cruise market in the Macaronesian islands of the Atlantic, discussing the challenges and opportunities that lies ahead.

Cruise Atlantic Islands (CAI) brings together the ports of Madeira, Canary Islands, Azores and Cape Verde, in a common commercial and communication strategy. It currently represents a market of 3.3 million cruise tourists, and took its first steps as a collective brand on September 19, 1984, at a meeting in Funchal that brought together port officials from Madeira and the Canary Islands.

This Conference, promoted by APRAM, will mark this date, through a tribute and a conversation with the participants of this founding meeting: Juan Francisco Martin (former Commercial Director of the Ports of the Canary Islands), João Reis (former president of APRAM), Michael Blandy (former CEO of the Blandy Group), Eduardo Alvarez Hamilton (former CEO of Hamilton & CO, in the Canary Islands), Franklim Spencer (former president of the Ports of Cape Verde) and Pedro Roque (former president of the Port Authority from Tenerife).

“It will be an opportunity to pay homage to all these people, of great value and vision, to whom the cruise market in the Macaronesia region owes a lot. They realized that only by working together could we establish ourselves in a global and competitive industry, such as cruises”, says Paula Cabaço.

The Conference, which will take place in Funchal City Hall, a partner of APRAM, will feature a wide and diverse range of sector experts, like Eduardo Cabrita, general director of MSC Portugal, Fiona Noone, director of Planning and Port Operations at Marella Cruises / TUI, Kai Algar, director Planning and Port Operations at Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines, Sylviane de Tracy, director of Development and Research at Ponant, Hugo Basto, director of Mystic Cruises, and Rafael Fernández-Álava, director of Communication and External Relations at Costa Cruzeiros.

“The quality of the speakers at this conference shows the interest with which the industry looks at the potential of our market. CAI is a consolidated product in the industry, but continues to offer a large margin for growth”, emphasizes the CEO of APRAM.

The event will bring together CAI members, guests, operators, companies, industry agents, government officials and national and international journalists for three days.

The Conference is not limited to sectoral debates within the cruise industry. It will have a strong social component. The program starts on the 26th and ends on the 28th. Includes a visit to the Funchal Ecological Park, on September 26th, for international and national guests, speakers and journalists; and a FAM Trip, on September 28th, to the North of the Madeira Island, also for international and national guests, speakers and journalists. One of the highlights of the conference is the Welcome Cocktail that will take place at the end of September 26th, where the founders of CAI will be honored.

Disney selects Meyer Werft to build four new ships announced last week

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 August 2024 12 August 2024

Meyer Werft and Disney Cruise Line will continue their long and successful partnership: the German shipyard will build four additional ships that will join Disney Cruise Line’s fleet between 2027 and 2031, giving families more opportunities to experience the world-class dining, exceptional entertainment, and signature hospitality that Disney Cruise Line is kown for. The ship names, designs, and itineraries are still in development.

“We are very happy to continue our partnership with Disney Cruise Line and build four additional outstanding ships over the next seven years. We now have eight ships for Disney Cruise Line in our order book which reflects the trust in our capabilities and hard work of our team," says Bernard Meyer.

“Our Disney cruise ships are the true ambassadors for our brands and beloved by families the world over,” said Thomas Mazloum, president, New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences. “As we embark on this ambitious and unprecedented expansion for Disney Cruise Line, we are delighted to work with Meyer Werft once again.”

Meyer Werft and Disney Cruise Line have a longstanding relationship, that started with Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, which were delivered in 2010 and 2012. In 2022, the first Wish-Class cruise ship Disney Wish was handed over to Disney Cruise Line. The two sister ships Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny are currently under con-struction in Papenburg and will be delivered in 2024 and 2025.

With this new order, Meyer Werft has contracted 10 cruise ships, a research vessel and four offshore converter platforms, which will be delivered until 2031.