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Welsh actor Rob Brydon to front new advertising campaign for P&O Cruises

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 December 2014 17 December 2014

Rob Brydon, the Welsh actor and TV presenter, is to be the face of P&O Cruises new advertising campaign which will launch on Christmas Day and introduce a fresh brand identity for the cruise line, the company said in a statement.

“This is the life” is the theme of the multi-million pound campaign which aims to inspire everyone – both seasoned cruiser and new to cruise – to discover their joy of life through an unforgettable holiday experience.

The campaign uses classic British understatement and a familiar British narrative genre to show defining, memorable “this is the life” moments on a P&O Cruises holiday through the eyes of newcomer, Rob Brydon.

Through witty observation, Rob Brydon walks viewers through the full dimension of the experience focusing on the British-ness of the holiday, the huge choice of dining and entertainment, warm and attentive service, exciting destinations and the unique rhythm and pace of a holiday at sea. It also shows the benefits they deliver such as spending time together with the family, discovering new people and places and being able to relax away from every day routine.

The tone of the campaign is simple and down-to-earth with a human voice that tells it how it is.

Speaking about his role in the commercial, Rob Brydon said: “P&O Cruises is a classic British brand and I was delighted to be asked to work with them. Filming onboard was great fun and I really believe that the advert brings to life what “This is the life” is all about.”

P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington added: “At P&O Cruises, we aren’t just in the holiday business – we’re in the good life business and this campaign encourages consumers to leave the ordinary behind and discover just how good life can be on a P&O Cruises holiday.

Rob Brydon was the obvious choice to front the campaign as he is well loved with a great sense of humour and it is easy for potential customers to imagine themselves in his shoes. Through this fresh new campaign, we aim to create a compelling and distinctive brand that will help us remain Britain’s cruise line of choice.”

Launching on Christmas Day, the advertising campaign, developed with lead creative agency Founded, will run throughout 2015 with different versions promoting a variety of holidays and destinations to over 13 million ABC1 45+ adults.

Acclaimed director, Steve Reeves, was commissioned for the commercial. His portfolio includes work with celebrities such as Billy Connolly, Russell Brand and Chris Evans and, true to form, the advert features Reeves’ signature directorial style of visual performance and observed comedy. It was produced with award-winning production house, Another Film Company, with Sam Goldie as director of photography.

Astor to reposition to Fremantle via Panama

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 December 2014 17 December 2014

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), the UK based destinational cruise shipping company, will reposition its 21,000 gross ton Astor to Fremantle in Australia for the first time via Panama in October 2015, the company said on its website..

The voyage will be offered in sections as well, the first one of 22 nights to Acapulco; of 48 nights to Sydney; 48 nights to Adelaide and 53 nights to Fremantle, where the ship will remain to be based until March 2016.

On 16 March, it will sail to Cape Town on a 17 night voyage and further to London Tilbury on a voyage of 21 nights. Again, it is possible to sail all the way to the UK from Australia and that voyage will take 38 nights.

Costa neoClassica enters service following $28.1 million restyling

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 17 December 2014 17 December 2014

Following a major US$28.1 million restyling Costa Cruises' 53,000-ton Costa Classica will join the Costa neoCollection as Costa neoClassica Dec. 18, 2014. Together with Costa neoRomantica and Costa neoRiviera, the refurbished ship will offer itineraries in the "slow cruise" style, featuring cruises to unique destinations with natural and cultural attractions, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Costa neoClassica's renovation began at San Giorgio del Porto yards in Genoa, Italy, Nov. 8, and involved about 600 technicians and 400 crewmembers. Extensive work included the hull, engine section and hotel areas.

Public areas and the 654 cabins were totally renovated with new interiors in luminous colors by Partner Ship Design to match the mood and elegance of the more intimate Costa neoCollection ships. In their cabins, guests can taste authentic espresso thanks to a personal Illy brand coffee pod machine, and pampering Elemis beauty products and amenities are provided as well. Suite balconies received new furniture so guests can enjoy the view of the sea in total comfort.

Costa's shipboard cuisine will, as always, feature "Italy's finest." The Restaurant Tivoli has tables for two and four guests to guarantee flexible dining options, including a brunch during sea days. A wide selection of food and wine will be available on Costa neoClassica. Whether on a special culinary tour ashore or onboard, guests can enjoy local gastronomic traditions based on wholesome ingredients available in various ports of call. The menus in the restaurants showcase regional recipes designed to foster local culinary and cultural traditions, thanks to the collaboration between the cruise line and the Università delle Scienze Gastronomiche in Pollenzo, Italy.

The Al Fresco café is a green retreat at sea with a partial roof decorated with trees that creates a peaceful, open-air space with an outdoor area like a balcony on the sea. The Foyer Bar, serving Ferrari sparkling wines, is the ideal location for an indoor aperitif, whereas at the Dolce Amore Bar guests can enjoy coffee specialties from around the world during the day and order pizza in the evening.

On sunny days guests will appreciate the renovated "lounge" style of the open deck by the pool, while on warm summer nights they are protected by a wooden roof.

Costa neoClassica also offers the "Stargazer" experience, an original Costa neoCollection entertainment activity that allows guests to admire the skies through high-quality telescopes with the assistance of Costa astronomy experts.

The wellness facility was refurbished with a new TRX area for Total Body Resistance Exercises and training classes.

Just like the other Costa neoCollection ships, Costa neoClassica has a professional concierge onboard who advises guests on the best services and activities shipboard and ashore. Guests also can get information about and book all available shore excursions through the new kiosks onboard, which are the same as those installed on the new flagship, Costa Diadema.

Norwegian unveils details of Norwegian Escape activities and entertainment offerings

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 December 2014 16 December 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ship, the 164,600 gross ton Norwegian Escape, will offer the most exhilarating and action-packed activities for families and thrill seekers alike when she sets sail from her homeport of Miami in November 2015, the company said in a statement.

"The ship will feature the largest ropes course at sea, a three-storey multiplex of heart-pounding challenges complete with two planks and five Sky Rails, zip tracks that allow guests to soar through the air," the company said.

Norwegian Escape’s Aqua Park will be the largest at sea and includes a new Aqua Racer slide, while the expansive sports complex boasts a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle miniature golf course. Adding to the family fun, Norwegian Escape will also feature an expanded Kids’ Aqua Park; entertainment from Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids; along with the line’s first dedicated nursery for young cruisers two and under.

“Building on the tremendous success of our Breakaway-class ships, we are delivering bigger thrills and more action-packed activities for our largest ship to date,” said Drew Madsen, president and chief operating officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “From the extraordinary Sky Rails on the expanded Ropes Course to the exciting Aqua Racer slide, guests sailing on Norwegian Escape will have the family adventure of a lifetime. We can’t wait for our guests to experience these incredible new activities.”

The Ropes Course soars to new heights on Norwegian Escape and dares guests of all ages to conquer 99 different elements. The three-storey elevated ropes course will span the entire width of the ship with features on both the port and starboard sides. The course tests the mettle of guests with two Planks, six-inch wide beams that extend eight feet from the side of the ship. The course’s exhilarating Sky Rails will put the wind in guests’ hair and smile on their faces as they glide through the air on zip tracks, with the longest one bringing guests out over the side of the ship, offering a bird’s eye view of Norwegian Escape that is a must-see. There are three Sky Rails on the main Ropes Course and two on the Kids’ Ropes Course, which offers kid-size fun, challenges and feats.

The Aqua Park on Norwegian Escape will be the largest at sea and feature four multi-storey water slides, a dedicated Kids’ Aqua Park, two pools and four hot tubs. All-new on Norwegian Escape is the Aqua Racer slide, the newest tandem waterslide at sea where competitors can race side-by-side on tubes as they twist and turn to the finish line. Back by popular demand, Norwegian Escape will also feature the Free Fall, which first debuted on Norwegian Breakaway. These side-by-side slides offer adventurous guests the chance to literally free fall, as the floor drops from underneath, propelling them into a thrilling loop. For those who prefer a more relaxing ride, there is a family-friendly open-flume body slide.

Norwegian Escape will also bring the Kid’s Aqua Park to a new level, with enhanced attractions, an enclosed tube slide and a two-storey climbing structure for kids to explore. This watery wonderland offers an incredible array of new features for kids including a multitude of interactive wet elements such as water cannons and elevated buckets that deliver surprise drenchings. Cranks and spray features, along with a multi-storey tower, a rope bridge and lookout platform, equal endless fun for children and are sure to leave the littlest guests delighted.

Both kids and kids-at-heart can test their skills on the new nine-hole, Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Rooftop 9, miniature golf course. Inspired by the Nickelodeon hit-animated television series, this first-of-its-kind miniature golf course will have guests saying “turtle power” when they sink a hole in one alongside favourite characters Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo.

Norwegian Escape’s sports complex will also include a full-size basketball court for family-friendly competition and a new bocce ball court, a first for the line.

Norwegian Escape will be the sixth Norwegian ship to offer Nickelodeon branded entertainment, which will delight families with the latest in Nickelodeon activities and events that kids of all ages will enjoy, including an opportunity to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star and Dora the Explorer, among other favourite Nickelodeon characters; as well as participate in a variety of exciting interactive Nickelodeon experiences. At the popular Nickelodeon Pajama Jam Breakfast, kids will have the opportunity to enjoy an action-packed experience with their favourite Nickelodeon characters; and at Dora’s Dance Party, young cruisers will sing and dance to their favourite songs with Dora the Explorer and Team Nick. Rounding out the fun, additional activities will include Story Time with Dora and Nickelodeon arts and crafts.

In a first for the line, as part of the Guppies program, Norwegian Escape will offer childcare services for children ages six months to three years. The nursery will include an active area for play time and age-appropriate activities and a separate space for napping. In addition to the nursery services, Norwegian Escape’s Guppies program will offer a dedicated open play area for parents and babies to play together, featuring sensory-based games, interactive media and themed activities hosted by an early years coordinator.

Norwegian Escape features a centrally-located, expansive Splash Academy complex on Deck 5, offering age-appropriate supervised activities for children ages three to 12. It is also adjacent and easily accessible to the ship’s family-friendly oceanview staterooms, accommodating up to five guests. As on all Norwegian vessels, when parents enter they will utilize Norwegian’s e-Youth tablet-based electronic registration system, which allows them to swipe their keycard to register their children and input a password for additional safety to sign in and pick-up their children. Once children sign-in at the colourful and welcoming reception area, a forest-themed play zone offers space for creative games and play time, while an interactive dance space with a corresponding large video screen encourages lots of activity in this central space.

Splash Academy, the ship’s youth program, will once again have spaces for specific age groups, along with a Nickelodeon themed night and activities. New on Norwegian Escape, children participating in Splash Academy will enjoy an enhanced version of the popular Circus program, with additional skill options and an innovative grand finale. Children will also have an opportunity to participate in Officer Snook Theme Day, an expansion of Norwegian’s current program that will share an interactive environmental message through games and activities.

Three to five year olds can explore in their own space decorated with vibrant, engaging colours, along with child-sized furniture and open space for active games and an activity center to encourage creativity. Magnetic white board walls will keep little hands busy in between organized programming.

In a separate area decorated with fun graphics to captivate children’s imaginations, the six to nine year olds will enjoy a “hang out” area for lounging with new friends that also features dedicated gaming stations with the latest video games. An activity zone will have space and supplies to create cool arts and crafts.

Children ages 10 to 12 years old will also have their own hangout, with access to the central multipurpose visual dance space and corresponding large video screen, open space for active activities and comfortable bean bags for lounging. In addition, within this space are dedicated stations for video games for individual or group competition.

Rounding out Splash Academy is a cool and comfortable “open zone” lounge area, with sofas and chairs in vibrant colours creating the perfect atmosphere to chill out, and a separate full-size cinema and bean bags for casual lounging and viewing favourite flicks.

Entourage, located on Deck 17, is Norwegian’s high energy, exclusive teen zone for ages 13 through 17. This hip area gives teens their own unique space that includes trendy lounge furniture and a central gaming station. Complete with sleek, neon lighting, the space also includes favourites like air hockey and foosball. In the evening, Entourage transitions into a teens-only nightclub featuring a nightly teen theme complete with team challenges and giveaways. Entourage is conveniently located adjacent to the ship’s video arcade.

Aurora re-enters service with new livery after £32 million refit

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 December 2014 16 December 2014

The 76,132 gross ton Aurora has become the first ship in the fleet of P&O Cruises to display the new livery of the company following a three week refit, the company said in a statement.

"Following a £32 million refit in Hamburg, Aurora is the first ship in the P&O Cruises fleet to receive the bold new livery design. She left Hamburg this morning and will arrive in Southampton on Thursday evening having spent the last 20 days with 1,200 contractors working to make ready for her Christmas and New Year cruise. Works included replacing 5km of pipes, laying 28,000 square meters of carpet, replacing over 3000 mattresses and of course her new paint work,." P&O Cruises said.

Launched in 2000 Aurora now leads the way for the fleet sporting a contemporary version of the union flag on her bow and a new blue funnel with illuminated rising sun design. This is the only second time the company has introduced a new livery for its ships in its history that dates back to 1837.

The white hull and superstructure plus yellow funnel that remains in use by the other six ships of the company until they next subsequent refits was introduced in 1931 with Strathaird and Strathaird, two 22,500 gross ton liners employed on the UK to Australia service. Prior to this, P&O ships displayed black hull, mustard yellow superstructure and black funnels.

P&O Cruises is part of Carnival Corp & plc, the world's largest cruise shipping group. It will introduce its eight ship, the 143,000 gross ton Britannia, in March next yerar.