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Wärtsilä, ABB in 10 year technical support agreement with RCCL

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 June 2014 12 June 2014

Wärtsilä Corporarion the Finnish engineering group, says it has signed a 10 year maintenance and technical support agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL), which includes a subcontract with ABB Turbocharging. “One of the largest between Wärtsilä and a marine customer, the service agreement covers 142 Wärtsilä engines and 170 ABB turbochargers in 36 vessels,” the company said in a statement.

Wärtsilä, the marine industry's leading provider of innovative products, solutions and services, has signed a ten-year maintenance and technical support agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ABB Turbocharging, the world leader in the manufacture and maintenance of turbochargers for 500 kW to 80+ MW diesel and gas engines, has been subcontracted by Wärtsilä in the servicing of the agreement, which covers 142 Wärtsilä engines and 170 ABB turbochargers in 36 RCL vessels, 32 already in operation and four newbuilds, with an option to add more vessels in the future.

Under the terms of the contract, Wärtsilä will provide a broad range of services for RCCL, including condition monitoring of the engines, individualised technical support, the development and design of new components as well as spare parts supply agreement. ABB Turbocharging will work with Wärtsilä to provide a customised service package for the turbochargers on the vessels, including scheduled and unscheduled spare parts and labour at ABB workshop.

The agreement is one of the largest between Wärtsilä and a marine customer. It supports Wärtsilä's strategy of offering long-term service agreements that allow customers to focus on their core business. ABB's agreement with Wärtsilä will bolster their strategy of responding effectively and intelligently to customers' needs to make a positive, lasting difference in their applications' operation.

"By combining the knowledge from the customer's side with the knowledge and experience from Wärtsilä and ABB, we made this agreement a reality. The contract will enhance the predictability of Royal Caribbean's operational costs, minimise scheduled and unscheduled maintenance costs as well as optimise the planning of maintenance and spare parts deliveries," says Kimmo Kohtamäki, Director of 4-stroke engines at Wärtsilä.

"Our focus has always been to ensure safe, cost-effective and reliable turbocharger operations so that RCL can focus on what is most important of all, namely the safety and comfort of their passengers and their business. We are very pleased to be able to work with Wärtsilä to offer RCL the very best standard in turbocharging," says Axel Kettmann, Senior Vice President and global head of sales, marketing and service at ABB Turbocharging.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates a substantial number of Wärtsilä engines, and has over 40 years of co-operation and partnership with Wärtsilä. Wärtsilä and ABB Turbocharging also have a longstanding collaboration around turbocharging in several key areas, including service agreements, research and development and sales.

Celebrity unveils new Galapagos excursions programme

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 June 2014 11 June 2014

To celebrate 10 years of offering adventure holidays to the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity Cruises has launched new land excursions that range from dining on authentic cuisine prepared by local residents to contributing to the protected islands by giving new life to a native tree species, the company said in a statement.

Building on 10 years of involvement in the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity Cruises continues its commitment to supporting and empowering the communities of the region with a medical clinic, fishing and agriculture cooperatives, and a partnership with the Galapagos Conservancy which will include a matching programme to double the value of guests’ donations.

New experiences available for guests visiting the unspoiled region include:

· Authentic dining in the Highlands – Dine on local fare at a family’s farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz, Galapagos. Arranged exclusively by Celebrity Cruises, the immersive experience directly connects visitors with residents of the local community and the beauty of the island, its farms and even the giant tortoises roaming in their natural habitat.

· Scalesia Reforestation Project – In close collaboration with the Galapagos National Park in Santa Cruz, guests guided by Celebrity Cruises’ naturalists can join a reforestation project with the goal to plant 5,000 Scalesia trees – an endemic tree that has lost much of its habitat in the Galapagos. This Scalesia-saving project is the first ever of its kind with the Galapagos National Park.

· Collaborating with farmers for onboard menus – The new dining menu onboard Celebrity Xpedition reflects Celebrity Cruises’ effort to preserve the natural conditions and support local farmers in the Galapagos region. Foods sourced from Galapagos Islands’ fishermen and farmers and served onboard include locally caught, sustainable fish and seafood and fresh, organic vegetables and fruits.

· Commemorative Book – Each guest onboard Celebrity Xpedition between June 2014 and December 2015 will receive a coffee table book featuring fun, touching and inspiring stories and photos submitted via Facebook by past guests who have explored the islands with Celebrity Cruises, along with information on the Galapagos Islands environment and community.

The new adventures are included when sailing onboard Celebrity Xpedition, in addition to the daily naturalist-led lectures and excursions on the untouched islands, their highlands and beautiful beaches.

Celebrity Cruises Galapagos sailings range from seven to 15 nights onboard the 98-guest Celebrity Xpedition with prices for an all-inclusive ten-night cruise starting at £5339 per person for an Ocean View Stateroom departing on 5th July 2015 – selected packages feature all-inclusive amenities including adventure gear, chartered luxury air transfers, gourmet cuisine and in-stateroom dining and cocktails.

Celebrity Cruises returns to Taste of London festival

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 June 2014 11 June 2014

London’s top food festival will set sail again this year as Celebrity Cruises returns to bring a taste of its modern luxury restaurants and bars to the event, the copany said in a statement.

"At the popular Taste of London food and drink festival which takes place in Regents Park on 18 to 22 June 2014, food and drink enthusiasts will have the opportunity to attend a series of food and wine tastings, including one of two exclusive sessions with leading wine expert Oz Clarke on Friday 20^th June on the Celebrity Cruises stand, Deck Fourteen," the company said in a statement.

Celebrity Cruises said it offers award winning dining experiences and features one of the largest and rarest wine collections at sea. Visitors will be able to sample food designed exclusively for the event by Celebrity Cruises director of culinary operations, John Suley. Tasting plates are inspired by the Lawn Club Grill, which sits on Deck Fourteen of the brand’s Solstice Class ships. Dishes include Cajun shrimp, Lamb chop and New York strip steak in addition to a selection of wines that are available onboard also picked for the festival by John Suley. Three tasting sittings hosting 16 people at a time will take place per session and visitors can secure a place by signing up at Deck Fourteen on the day.

Visitors to Deck Fourteen will also have the opportunity to win a ten night Eastern Mediterranean cruise for two people onboard Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Cruises’ newest Solstice Class ship.

Jo Rzymowska, managing director Celebrity Cruises UK and Ireland, explains:

“Celebrity Cruises is passionate about offering our guests an exceptional choice of great food and stunning wines and exhibiting at the Taste of London festival is a great way to bring that experience to a new audience on land. Deck Fourteen will offer a unique showcase of wine tasting and food samples created by our own team of experts and we’re delighted that Oz Clarke will be part of the fun this year.”

Visitors to Taste of London sign up for the tasting sessions at Deck Fourteen on the day. Each session costs 6 crowns per person and includes a sample of steak, lamb and prawn dishes inspired by the Lawn Club Grill. Tickets to Taste of London cost from £25.80 (including booking fee) and allow access to over 40 of the top UK restaurants and the cuisine on offer from Celebrity Cruises. Taste of London takes place between 18 and 22 June 2014.

P&O Cruises introduces new activity tours in the Caribbean

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 June 2014 10 June 2014

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit in Carnival Corp & plc group, says it has introduced new activities in the Caribbean, which it describes as perfect for adventure seekers.

Coral restoration dive experience in Bonaire
This is a rare opportunity for certified divers 15 years and over to become a part of the Coral Restoration Foundation in Bonaire and give something back to the underwater world. The unique hands-on experience is a combination of classroom instruction and dives to two sites where divers assist the CRFB to conduct surveys, collect data and clean or remove predators that can damage the corals. A very worthy cause and extremely rewarding. Prices from £89 per person.

Segway, sights and beach tour in St Lucia
A fun tour for all the family (children must be eight or over), this tour includes a training session at Rodney Bay, before gliding along the two mile nature trail to explore the historical wonders of Mount Primard. Guides will point out the flowers and butterflies, and talk about the battles between the English and French as well as stop for plenty of photo opportunities. Finish the tour at Pigeon Island to relax on the beach or snorkel. Prices from £56 per adult and £45 per child.

Helicopter flight in St Kitts
Feel like James Bond and take a 30 minute flight from Port Zante, sweeping along the rocky and black sand shoreline towards the lush rainforests and enjoy a view of the crater of Mount Liamuiga. As the helicopter swoops back down across the island, enjoy spectacular views of the Brimstone Hill Fortress, Romney Manor, the sister island of Nevis in the distance and a bird’s eye view of the cruise ship before coming into land. Prices from £168 for an adult or child.

P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said: “There’s so much more to the Caribbean than the usual clichés of palm fringed beaches, turquoise blue waters, stunning sunsets and rum cocktails. These islands actually offer a hotbed of activity and our new tours are perfect for those which want to ditch the sunbed and don the trainers to experience something totally different. You can simply enjoy the rum cocktail afterwards!”

Kristin Chenoweth to play extended role as Quantum experience entertainment advisor

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 June 2014 09 June 2014

Royal Caribbean International, the contemporary market unit of royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) says it is pulling out all the stops when it comes to the entertainment offerings for its newest ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, with a keen eye on pushing boundaries and introducing brand new innovations that have never before been seen on land or sea.

"With such a strong emphasis on entertainment, the cruise line has partnered with some of the most creative and talented minds in the industry to lend their expertise, includingQuantum of the Seas’ godmother, Kristin Chenoweth, who has been named Quantum Experience Advisor for Entertainment. Chenoweth joins a line-up of Quantum Experience Advisors who are working with Royal Caribbean to ensure the features and activities onboard Quantum of the Seasare nothing short of amazing, including HGTV-star and interior designer Genevieve Gorder, athlete and adventurer Dhani Jones, and James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Schwartz," the company said in a statement.

An Emmy and Tony award-winning performer, Chenoweth brings an invaluable perspective to her role as Advisor for Entertainment. As Advisor, she’s had the opportunity to participate in an executive review committee, previewing the concepts for all of the shows, productions, and themed events in development for Quantum of the Seas, and giving feedback on every aspect ranging from sets and music, to costumes, casting and more.

“Kristin is by far our most involved godmother yet and it is such a joy to be working with her,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International.

“We are privileged to have a world renowned performer such as her, sharing insights and feedback on the entertainment that we are so passionate about. Seeing the excitement and energy she has for what we are doing with Quantum of the Seas is such a powerful reinforcement that we are creating something truly special.”

“It has been such a wonderful experience to be the godmother for this incredible ship, and I am delighted to make my contribution as the Quantum Experience Advisor for Entertainment,” said Chenoweth.

“I have been blown away by what I’ve seen so far from the entertainment onboard Quantum of the Seas and am just so impressed, and that’s not easy to do. This is the real deal, and audiences have a lot to look forward to.”

Kristin Chenoweth, alongside Nick Weir, Royal Caribbean’s Vice President, Entertainment, will be hosting a live Google Hangout on Wednesday, 11 June 2014 at 9p.m. (UK time), to reveal the lineup of entertainment offerings onboard Quantum of the Seas. Media and consumers alike are invited to preview the next evolution in Royal Caribbean’s entertainment, and have the opportunity to submit questions to Kristin and Nick directly. The Google Hangout can be accessed athttp://bit.ly/1j6EH6S.

The groundbreaking Quantum-class ships, Quantum of the Seas and sister-ship Anthem of the Seas (debuting in Southampton, U.K. in April 2015), will introduce a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences, such as Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey above the sea; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. Guests also will enjoy the new Quantum-class Dynamic Dining, a completely new culinary experience that offers a landscape of 18 restaurant concepts as vast and varied as dining in the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, including specialty restaurants created with partner-chefs Jamie Oliver, Devin Alexander and Michael Schwartz.