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MSC Cruises launches new itinerary planning optimization tool

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 August 2024 07 August 2024

MSC Cruises will see its fleet of ships’ emissions reduced by up to 15% in 2026 thanks to the introduction of a new itinerary planning optimization tool called OptiCruise.

The line has developed a new mathematical model with OPTIMeasy, a research company affiliated to the University of Genoa, that comprehensively examined numerous factors that influence the planning of each of MSC Cruises’ itineraries to achieve the optimum level of efficiency for a sailing, while maintaining or enhancing guest satisfaction.

Voyage planning within the global cruise industry has traditionally been heavily weighted towards the attractiveness of ship destinations for potential travelers.

OptiCruise broadens the scope substantially to include numerous other aspects which influence an itinerary’s efficiency, including sequencing of the port calls, departure and arrival times at ports, a ship’s speed, the appeal and attractiveness of destinations for a guest, shore excursions, and operational costs such as fuel, port charges and food provisions.

The tool’s algorithms use all of the information to identify optimized itineraries, which continue to appeal to guests, while allowing for energy efficiency.

Cruise ship itinerary planning typically takes place two years before a sailing and OptiCruise’s benefits will be evidenced in 2026 when MSC Cruises’ fleet will number 24 ships.

MSC Bellissima was chosen to evaluate the prototype technology over a 12-month period as the ship sailed between 17 ports in the Mediterranean Sea.

MSC Cruises’ strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 for its marine operations is focused on three key areas - ship and engine technology, operational efficiency and renewable fuels. OptiCruise comes under the operational efficiency focus with the cruise line making greater use of digitalization to drive efficiencies in energy consumption.

Michele Francioni, Chief Energy Transition Officer, MSC Cruises, said: “We have identified and developed this new technology to optimize the decision-making process of itinerary planning with the aim to further reduce emissions across our fleet from 2026. The OPTIMeasy team calculates that the average fuel savings made, and emissions reduced by using OptiCruise are in the range of 10-15 percent which is a significant step forward in our ambition to achieve our net zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050 for our marine operations.”

OptiCruise was developed as part of the European Union’s funded Project CHEK, that was established to investigate and trial several low-carbon shipping opportunities including energy technologies and innovative ship designs.

The mathematical model was accepted for development by Project CHEK as it was recognized as a factor that could substantially reduce emissions, not just for MSC Cruises but across the entire cruise industry.

The CHEK Project is part of the EU’s Horizon research and innovation program and led by the University of Vaasa in Finland. The consortium includes, as well as MSC Cruises, the World Maritime University, Wärtsilä, Cargill and Lloyds Register, among others.

Windstar Cruises to celebrate 40 years of small ship sailing

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 July 2024 30 July 2024

Windstar Cruises will commemorate its 40th anniversary season starting in October of 2024. To mark this milestone and kick off the celebration, guests are invited to join the festivities on board Star Legend’s Aegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canal cruise departing October 12 or Wind Spirit’s Treasures of the Greek Isles cruise departing October 13. The two yachts (one Wind Class and one Star Class – the two styles of Windstar’s small ships) will come together in Kusadasi on October 16 for a special celebration in Ephesus.

Founded by ship entrepreneurs Karl G. Andrén and Jean-Claude Potier, Windstar Cruises began as Windstar Sail Cruises in October of 1984 with motor sailing ships. Now with six small ships, three Wind Class sailing ships and three Star Class motor yachts, the line is considered the leader in small ship cruising and is experiencing a period of unprecedented success and growth, including the addition of two new all-suite motor yachts in 2025 and 2026.

“Windstar has had a remarkable 40 years in which the company has remained devoted to small- ship cruising with long-standing sailings in Tahiti, the Caribbean, and Europe,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog, who has been at Windstar for nearly eight years but began his career nearly 30 years ago as a waiter on board what is now Windstar’s Star Legend. “Windstar has carved its own niche with upscale yachts that provide a welcoming ambiance and the luxury of space and freedom to explore scenic regions and smaller ports, but it’s truly our crew that have made our brand successful, standing the test of time with a friendly smile, remembering our past guests and greeting them by name – often with a big hug. These are the moments that have made our guests return again and again over our 40 years, and that’s what we want to focus on this anniversary – our relationships and our devoted team.”

To recognize the outstanding crew, many who have served for decades, Windstar is encouraging guests to share their favorite crew stories (and tag #WayBackWindstar) on Windstar’s social channels beginning in October.

The line’s ruby anniversary officially kicks off on October 16 when the 148-guest Wind Spirit and the 312-guest Star Legend come together for an event in the City of Ephesus for live music and a five-course dinner under the stars. This longtime, complimentary offering has been wildly popular with Windstar guests over the years, so it’s a fitting venue and moment to celebrate the anniversary.

Windstar will celebrate its 40-year anniversary across the fleet from October 2024 through October 2025 with additional activations and memorable moments – with more details to come. Guests should expect the following:
– Complimentary Ruby Anniversary cocktails served at a special 40 years of Windstar trivia event on board
– 40 years of Windstar trivia winners will be entered into a random drawing held in December 2025 to win a cruise for two aboard Star Seeker’s inaugural cruise
– Limited edition Seabags, a 40th anniversary series that is crafted from recycled Wind Surf sails, will be on board for purchase in the ship’s shops

Carnival UK appoints Stuart Allison as Chief Commercial Officer, P&O Cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 July 2024 30 July 2024

Carnival Corporation & plc has announced the appointment of Stuart Allison as chief commercial officer, P&O Cruises, to support the brand’s commercial growth ambitions.

The introduction of the new role on the Carnival UK Executive team, reporting into Paul Ludlow, president Carnival UK & P&O Cruises, is part of plans to enable the delivery of P&O Cruises long-term strategy and realise the full potential that a growing UK cruise market is bringing.

Allison is an established member of the Carnival Corporation family and joins from Princess Cruises in Australia where he most recently served as senior vice president, Asia Pacific, UK & Europe, leading all the non-domestic commercial teams for Princess across the globe.

Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Stuart back to the UK, where he started his career with Carnival Corporation over 25 years ago. Stuart’s knowledge of and passion for our brands is going to be a huge asset to Carnival UK and he will be instrumental in our progress towards achieving our goals.

“Through 2024, with our new Excel class ships in operation, we’ve been able to bring holiday happiness to more guests than ever before. With Stuart on board, I’m confident we can continue this strong trajectory.”

Commenting on his promotion, Allison said: “I'm excited to be joining the P&O Cruises team at a time of such potential for the UK cruise market. Whilst a record number of Brits cruised last year, there were tens of millions who chose other holidays. Working with the team and alongside all our partners, I’m confident that we have every opportunity to bring cruising to life for a wider audience and to reaffirm our position as Britain’s favourite cruise line.”

Allison will join the business in mid-October, 2024.

MSC Cruises unveils The Harbour, new family-friendly outdoor venue aboard MSC World America

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

MSC Cruises is revealing new details on the exciting attractions and experiences that await guests in The Harbour, a revolutionary new outdoor space on MSC World America specifically designed for kids and families to play and relax together.

MSC World America will begin sailing from Miami in April 2025, inviting guests to discover a new world of cruising with a range of unique and reimagined venues and concepts tailored specifically to the U.S. market.

As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises is known for its award-winning family offerings, delivering an unforgettable cruise experience for guests of all ages. MSC World America will take those offerings to new heights with unprecedented spaces and activities for the whole family to enjoy.

The crowning glory of the ships’ Family Aventura district, The Harbour, is a new outdoor park thoughtfully designed to connect guests to the ocean and offer families an outdoor oasis to enjoy a wide variety of activities, soak up the sun together, take advantage of new complimentary grab-and-go food options, or just sit back and relax.

The Harbour will keep going from day into night, with musicians providing live performances for parents while children and teenagers continue to enjoy the attractions.

A first of its kind for MSC Cruises, the new space is nestled in the heart of the ship’s open top-deck, offering some of the most stunning ocean views combined with unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered, including:

The Harbour Aquapark: Promising to be a perfect blend of adventure and leisure for all ages, The Harbour Aquapark features an impressive range of thrilling water slides and a fun-filled splash area. Only the bravest can take on the 90-degree vertical drop slide, in which thrill seekers climb into the departure pod and take a moment to gather their breath before experiencing a split-second freefall through a trapdoor to the decks below followed by twists and turns leading to the splash zone. Other options include a raft slide featuring virtual reality technology to make every run even more exciting and racing against a friend in the dueling body slides.

Jaw Drop @ The Spiral: A striking architectural masterpiece and one of the longest dry slides at sea, Jaw Drop takes riders through the jaws of a shark to spiral down 11-decks through the heart of the World Promenade. The stainless-steel dry slide alternates through dark and light segments offering glimpses of stunning sea views out the back of the ship in a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience.

Rock-Climbing Wall: Little ones can enjoy this adventure for kids by climbing the vibrant rock wall as they attempt to navigate the handholds and footholds to see how far they can get.

High Trail Ropes Course: Offering the ultimate challenge, the exhilarating two-level ropes course will span 6,210 square feet and include two Sky Rails similar to a zip line. Guests can get their adrenaline pumping and test their balance while enjoying sea views from new heights.

The Harbour Light House: This thematic playground for kids is modelled after the iconic lighthouse at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. It includes a slide and play stations designed to spark kids’ imaginations and encourage physical activity.

The Harbour Bar & Bites: Families looking for a break from the excitement can head to The Harbour Bar & Bites for complimentary grab-and-go food choices and refreshing drinks - perfect for enjoying in the sun.

Family Dwelling Area: Guests can make their way to the family dwelling area with comfortable seating and shade to sit back and relax while taking in the breathtaking sea views.

Cliffhanger: Announced earlier this year, the unique Cliffhanger attraction is the only over-water swing ride at sea, featuring four seats that start off close to the deck before powered arms lift them up and over the edge of the ship. Riders are propelled back and forth for a one-of-a-kind, edge-of-your-seat thrill.

The Harbour – together with the Doremiland kids area and Sportsplex – form the ship’s Family Aventura district, which will be the go-to destination for kids and families around the clock.

Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as Senior Vice President, Global Sales

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 July 2024 24 July 2024

Silversea, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new Senior Vice President, Global Sales – effective immediately. Since first joining the company in 2007, Biffi has held various positions at Silversea, gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests, and the company’s strategic goals. Set to relocate to Miami, Biffi takes responsibility for Silversea’s global sales strategy across all channels from Massimo Brancaleoni, who, having strengthened the company’s industry-leading position, departs to pursue other opportunities.

“I congratulate Barbara Biffi on her new role as Silversea’s senior vice president, global sales,” said Bert Hernandez, President, Silversea. “Having first joined Silversea almost two decades ago, Biffi’s knowledge of our brand is unequaled, much like her drive to exceed our guests’ expectations and her commitment to delivering on the needs of our valued travel advisor community. Barbara perfectly speaks to the values that I envisage for this brand. I thank Massimo Brancaleoni for his invaluable contribution, which has facilitated our growth and helped to strengthen our position as the category leader.” 

“It’s an honor to have been appointed as Silversea’s senior vice president, global sales,” said Barbara Biffi. “Prioritizing our partnerships with our valued travel advisors, I will work to enhance the seamlessness of our trade business operations. I am committed to consolidating Silversea’s position as the ultra-luxury and expedition travel brand of choice for our travel advisor community.”

Biffi first joined Silversea in 2007 as vice president, strategic marketing, spearheading the brand’s marketing strategy for the launch of its pioneering expedition product in 2008. Following spells at various luxury travel companies from 2009, Biffi subsequently returned in 2017 as vice president, brand. A proven leader with an astute strategic vision, operational excellence, and a talent for leading large teams, Biffi’s multidisciplinary expertise spans brand strategy, marketing, sales, technology, data analytics, and financial management.

An Italian national with a wealth of international experience, Biffi holds a degree in Statistics and Economics from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan, as well as executive qualifications from the London Business School and Columbia Business School.