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DFDS to sell Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen route to Gotlandsbolaget

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 June 2024 10 June 2024

DFDS will sell cruise-ferry route between Norway and Denmark to Swedish shipping company Gotlandsbolaget. The decision will ensure that the route receives the future focus and investments needed to further develop, while DFDS strengthens the focus on its core business within freight, passenger transport and logistics. The sale price is around DKK 400m.

Today, DFDS has announced that the route between Oslo, Frederikshavn and Copenhagen (OFC) will be sold to Gotlandsbolaget. The sale includes the two vessels deployed on the route, port agreements and terminal equipment. As part of the sale, approximately 800 employees in route operations and support functions will also move to Gotlandsbolaget.

“The route is a part of our history and heritage, and it is with a heavy heart that we have found a new home for the route and will be saying goodbye to a lot of valued colleagues. We have determined this to be the best way forward for all. We have grown and developed significantly over the years, and the route deserves to be in the hands of an owner with cruise experience as a core part of their strategy going forward. We are happy to have found that with Gotlandsbolaget,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.

The OFC route is first and foremost a cruise experience route carrying more than 700.000 passengers between Norway and Denmark every year. The route fits well with Gotlandsbolaget’s strategic focus:

"We see great potential in this business. The route is performing well today, and together with our new colleagues, we will both work to ensure continuity and develop the product. This is yet another step in our strategic direction to expand in passenger shipping", says Håkan Johansson, CEO of Gotlandsbolaget.

Enabling strategic focus on core business

The sale of the OFC route reflects DFDS’ strategic focus on providing transport and logistics services using combinations of ferry, road, and rail transport.

DFDS’ ferry transport network hereafter consists of freight-only routes in the Mediterranean and on the North Sea and combined freight and passenger routes on the Baltic Sea, between the Netherlands and the UK, on the English Channel and on the Strait of Gibraltar. The ferry transport network is complemented by DFDS’s European wide road and rail transport network and logistics services.

“The decision to sell the OFC route has been difficult. We believe it is the right decision and right timing for both the route and DFDS. Going forward we will focus on our core business activities within freight, logistics and transport passengers as we continue to execute on our Moving Together Towards 2030 strategy unlocking the potential of our transportation network,” says Torben Carlsen.

The two vessels – Crown Seaways and Pearl Seaways - will not be reflagged in connection with the transaction and no layoffs are planned as part of the transfer of the route.

When the transaction is finalised, DFDS will have 21 Danish-flagged vessels employing around 1.100 seafarers. In addition, DFDS employs over 1.000 people across more than 10 land-based offices, terminals and logistics sites in Denmark. After the transaction DFDS in total employs 13.200 people.

The sale price is around DKK 400m and the agreement which also includes a potential earn-out payment is expected to be closed in October 2024.

The completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions while no regulatory approval conditions apply.

Costa Fortuna inaugurates its new itinerary from Piraeus

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

Costa Fortuna today inaugurated in Piraeus its new Summer 2024 itinerary, dedicated exclusively to Greece and Turkey.

Until 13 September, Costa Fortuna will depart every Friday from the port of Piraeus to discover Istanbul and the Greek islands of Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes and Santorini. On some departures there will be a second call in Turkey, in Bodrum, or on the Greek island of Kos, instead of Rhodes.

"The proposed product is the ‘flight+cruise’ package, available from all major European countries. In this way, it will be possible to visit, with maximum comfort, these magnificent destinations, among cities rich in history, splendid archaeological sites, nature reserves, and crystal-clear sea," the company said in a statement.

The Costa Fortuna's itinerary will offer another great innovation, available only with Costa: the ‘Sea Destinations’. Alongside the experiences that will take guests to discover the cities and islands where the ship will call, the Costa Fortuna will propose new experiences to be enjoyed on board, while sailing, in order to appreciate at best the iconic places included in the ship's route. For example, during the crossing of the Dardanelles Strait, at sunset, guests will take a real journey back in time, seeing the gates of the Orient appear in the spiraling veils of the Dervishes, authentic ritual dancers who for centuries have practiced a mystical, whirling dance as a form of meditation. In Mykonos, all the energy of the night will come on board for a sea party by the pool. Amidst lights and colors reminiscent of the island's golden beaches and white houses, DJs with music from Mykonos' most glamorous clubs will keep guests dancing late into the night. On the other hand, in Santorini guests can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, seen from the sea, capturing the splendid panorama in a photo while sipping their favorite aperitif.

Thanks to the excursions organized by Costa, the ‘land’ destinations included in the itinerary will be visited from a unique viewpoint, off the beaten track. In Athens, in addition to the city's most iconic sites, there will be the experience of sailing along the channel separating two seas, passing through rocky gorges and vertical walls, to the ancient city of Corinth. Istanbul will be explored from different perspectives, including by boat on the Bosphorus, while in Mykonos a local farming family will take Costa Fortuna guests on a discovery of rural traditions and recipes for local dishes, with a sunset barbecue. In Bodrum there is a tour in a “gulet”, a typical local boat, to capture all the nuances of the turquoise coastline, while in Santorini guests can live like an islander amidst the blue of the domes and the white of the houses, lunching with a traditional plate throwing.

The Costa Fortuna, built in 2003, is an Italian-flagged ship in the Costa Cruises fleet, accommodating up to 3470 guests in 1358 cabins.

Photo: Costa ship anchored off Mykonos, Greece

MSC Cruises unveils record number of U.S. ships and homeports for Winter 2025/2026 season

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

MSC Cruises has unveiled an expanded slate of itineraries, aimed at offering a wider variety of vacation options for guests departing from the line’s four U.S. homeports. The company’s Winter 2025/2026 season includes seven ships with sailings from Miami, Port Canaveral, New York City, and Galveston, all of which are available for immediate booking.

The season’s highlights include:

– MSC Grandiosa’s debut in the U.S. from Port Canaveral
– MSC Cruises’ highly anticipated inaugural season sailing from Galveston
– MSC World America’s first winter season sailing from Miami, following her debut as the line’s newest flagship in April 2025
– Most itineraries call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas, allowing guests to experience numerous enhancements taking shape as part of a comprehensive upgrade currently underway

MSC Grandiosa’s arrival in Port Canaveral will mark the first time MSC Cruises has deployed one of its Meraviglia-Plus Class ships in the U.S., providing a fresh experience for North American guests. MSC Grandiosa will offer alternating 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean alongside an enhanced selection of 3- and 4-night cruises aboard MSC Seashore sailing to Nassau and Ocean Cay.

The season will also mark MSC Cruises’ first sailings from the Port of Galveston, where guests will embark on the family-friendly MSC Seascape, blending elegance and excitement with 11 dining venues, 19 bars, an aft infinity pool, state-of-the-art kids and teens club, and MSC Cruises’ luxury “ship-within-a-ship” experience, the MSC Yacht Club.

Launching in April of 2025, MSC World America will redefine cruising for guests sailing from PortMiami, boasting seven unique districts catering to their interests and desires, along with the all-new Cliffhanger, the first-ever over-water swing ride at sea. During the Winter 2025/2026 season, guests can enjoy alternating 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean onboard the new World Class ship.

Itineraries calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will give guests the opportunity to discover new enhancements to the island including excursion centers, a snorkel and dive center, new food and beverage options, and an expanded Ocean House bar and restaurant for MSC Yacht Club guests. Opened in 2019, Ocean Cay is a thriving marine reserve where guests can connect with their natural surroundings and learn about the importance of preserving the oceans and coral reefs.

Rubén A. Rodríguez, President, MSC Cruises USA, said: “The Winter 2025-2026 season will mark our largest presence in the U.S. to date, with seven ships sailing from U.S. homeports. We are delighted to provide our guests more choices than ever before when it comes to embarkation ports, ships, itineraries and destinations, making it easy to find the perfect cruise. We look forward to introducing MSC Grandiosa to Port Canaveral, launching MSC Seascape from Galveston and offering a new world of cruising aboard MSC World America for our guests embarking in Miami. Combining world-class entertainment, dining and amenities onboard with the fantastic updates coming to Ocean Cay makes for an incredibly exciting future, which is perfect for everyone from first-time cruisers to our most devoted fans.”

Photo: Atrium of the MSC Grandiosa

Mitsui Ocean Cruises announces inaugural sailings

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

MOL Cruises, Ltd., which operates under the brand name Mitsui Ocean Cruises, recently revealed the debut itineraries for its new ship Mitsui Ocean Fuji, sailing roundtrip from Tokyo, Yokohama and other main ports from December 1, 2024 through January 8, 2025. Celebrating wellbeing originated in Japan, the six inaugural cruises of Mitsui Ocean Fuji will launch a completely new and innovative onboard guest experience while visiting desired ports of call like Beppu, Shingu, Kochi, Takamatsu, Kagoshima, Jeju and Busan, Korea.

On sale in early July, cruises range in length from 5 to 12 days and feature a festive, 11-night New Year’s Cruise, highlighted by a special new year's party, entertainment, and celebrations. This roundtrip journey from Yokohama calls in Jeju and Busan (Korea), Nagasaki, Beppu, and Hiroshima.

Tsunemichi Mukai, President of Mitsui Ocean Cruises, remarked: “With Mitsui Ocean Fuji showcasing our unique new product and featuring exciting new itineraries and ports of call, the inaugural season is not to be missed. We invite you to be the first to sail and experience our beautiful new ship that captures the essence of Japan, the diversity of its deep culture, the praise of delicious cuisine and the beauty of its natural landscapes, people and destinations. With great anticipation, we look forward to welcoming our first guests to enjoy this special season with family, friends and our wonderful crew.”

Mitsui Ocean Fuji is currently operating as Seabourn Odyssey.

The debut itineraries:

– December 1-7: Yokohama – Beppu – Busan – Shimonoseki - Tokyo
– December 8-13: Yokohama – Shingu – Kochi – Busan - Yokohama
– December 14-18: Nagoya – Busan – Takamatsu - Nagoya
– December 19-23: Kobe – Busan – Matsuyama - Kobe
– December 23-29: Kobe – Hakata – Busan – Kagoshima - Yokohama
– December 29 – January 8: Yokohama – Jeju – Busan – Nagasaki – Beppu – Hiroshima - Yokohama

“The launch of this new cruise brand and ship is a very proud moment for the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines’ Group,” Mukai added. “It puts us on the map as a growing player in the cruise industry. We will bring prosperity to Japan and happiness and joy to people from all around the world while contributing to the port communities all around Japan.”

Ilma, the second ship from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, completes sea trials

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

Ilma, the second luxury superyacht from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, has successfully completed sea trials, reaching one of the last main construction milestones ahead of its September debut. Sea trials are a series of comprehensive system tests performed while the yacht is sailing on open waters, signifying an exciting transition from the final stages of assembly. These trials were conducted in close collaboration among senior officers, engineers, and specialists from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, DNV, and the equipment manufacturers.

Ilma is now in the countdown to launch and will undergo final preparations before its maiden voyage from Monte Carlo to Rome on September 2, 2024. "When Ilma welcomes guests just three months from now, it promises superior comfort and optimal performance at sea. The successful completion of sea trails ensures that the new yacht delivers at the highest standards, as demonstrated by its capabilities through a series of checks on parameters such as seakeeping, noise, vibration, and wind comfort, guaranteeing exceptional guest experiences," the company said in a statement.

Ilma, named after the Maltese word for “water,” will measure 790 feet (241 meters) and accommodate up to 448 guests across its 224 contemporary suites. Each spacious suite will feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a private terrace offering sweeping sea views, connecting travelers with the shores they are sailing. Ilma will join inaugural yacht Evima in sailing to iconic yachting destinations and hidden gems throughout the Mediterranean and Caribbean. In the summer of 2025, Ilma will explore the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe, offering guests the opportunity to discover dynamic cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Reykjavík, and more, marking the collection’s inaugural itineraries in the region.