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AmaWaterways announces 2015-2016 Mekong River sailings for new AmaDara

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 May 2014 27 May 2014

AmaWaterways today announced details of its newest custom-designed vessel, AmaDara, which will enhance the line's Vietnam, Cambodia & The Riches of The Mekong program in 2015. AmaDara is slated to make its anticipated debut with an inaugural sailing August 17, 2015 and will join its sister ship AmaLotus in offering incredible 16-day river cruises on the fabled Mekong in 2015 and 2016. Both ships sail as part of the AmaVoyages program, an extension of AmaWaterways' core product line that delivers the highest standards available for travel in remote, undiscovered destinations.

"AmaWaterways continues to meet traveler demand for more river cruise options by expanding our fleet of custom-built ships in some of the world's most sought-after destinations," said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. "The new AmaDara will be a welcome addition to our family, as we enhance our offerings of unforgettable journeys on the magnificent Mekong River."

AmaWaterways' Mekong River itineraries begin in Vietnam's bustling capital, Hanoi, with sightseeing tours including visits to the city's most famous historical spots. Then, a scenic ride to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay will include boarding a contemporary junk for a once-in-a-lifetime overnight experience. Travelers will enjoy a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia to experience the ancient Khmer empire and mingle with the warm, friendly Cambodian people. Travelers will also embark upon a three-day adventure, touring the ancient temples of Angkor Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before beginning their Mekong cruise on the Tonle Sap Lake. The epic journey will conclude with an overnight stay in Phnom Phen, the capital of Cambodia, followed by two nights in Ho Chi Minh City.

As part of this impressive itinerary, visitors touring the Angkor Archaeological Park will have the chance to visit the Oprhans and Disabled Arts Association's (ODA) Free Village English School in Siem Reap, Cambodia. A proud sponsor of ODA, AmaWaterways supports this institution in offering young children free English language instruction and providing a safe, comfortable community center for the village's residents.

Complimenting this unforgettable, immersive itinerary and experience is the ship itself.

The sister ship of AmaLotus, AmaDara will feature the most innovative ship design in the river cruise industry. Elegant French Colonial décor will be accented by authentic Mekong artifacts and design elements in all air-conditioned cabins and public spaces. Each of the ship's 62 extra-spacious outside staterooms and luxury suites - the largest on the Mekong at 226-452 square feet - includes a private "Twin Balcony," consisting of a French Balcony with a second full-sized step-out balcony. Two elegant, stylish restaurants serve Western-style cuisine while keeping with AmaWaterways' passion for regionally inspired dishes, boasting an infusion of local flavors like sweet coconut, lemongrass, curries, chili peppers and fresh citrus. Entertainment abounds with special folklore dances, live musical performances, cultural discussion forums, themed dinners and more.

Travelers choosing AmaWaterways for their voyage along the Mekong, "The Mother of Water," will have access to incredible amenities onboard AmaDara, including salon and spa services, a refreshing sun deck and swimming pool, fitness center and complimentary in-room "Infotainment" system with Internet, music, popular new release movies and English-language television programming. Complimentary unlimited wine is available with lunch and dinner; complimentary house spirits, local beer, soft drinks and bottled water are available all day every day, and complimentary bottled water is provided daily in all staterooms.

"At AmaWaterways, one of our core philosophies is to focus on building the most innovative ships on the market. With AmaDara, travelers will see the benefits of this innovation in the form of authentic Southeast Asian touches, the comforts of home like air-conditioning and Wi-Fi, and the largest cabins on the Mekong," said Karst. "When you see AmaDara in port, there is a clear distinction in design and décor and we are excited to see the reaction of our guests!"

Cruise only pricing for a seven-day sailing onboard AmaDara or AmaLotus on the Mekong River starts at $2,299 per person. For cruise only passengers, an optional four-day/three-night pre-cruise stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia is available, starting at $799 per person including luxury hotel accommodations, daily breakfast and guided sightseeing tours. Pricing for the full 16-day land and cruise itinerary starts at $4,498 per person.*

DFDS fleet signs with Lloyd's Register

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 May 2014 27 May 2014

DFDS, northern Europe’s largest integrated shipping and logistics company is transferring eight ships into Lloyd’s Register class to help further support the DFDS Seaways operational activities.

DFDS Seaways operates a network of 30 routes with 50 freight and passenger ships. DFDS Logistics provides freight and logistics services in Europe with trailers, containers, and rail.

The increase in ships classed by LR deepens and broadens the support provided by the classification market leader in the passenger ship, ro-pax and ro-ro freight ferry sectors. Lloyd’s Register’s Ship Emergency Response Programme (SERS) has also been contracted fleet wide to provide damage stability and crisis support to DFDS, further underlining the extent of safety and operational services now available to DFDS.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in their office in Copenhagen today, Kasper Moos, Vice President of DFDS and heading the company’s technical organisation commenting on the decision to choose LR for fleetwide class and emergency response, said: "DFDS Fleet has been growing because of recent acquisitions, and this means that by coincidence we have our ships registered in various classification societies. We have therefore decided to transfer a number of our ships to LR in order to reduce the number of partners and achieve a leaner process in our daily work with the class. LR has already proven that they have the size and the services we need for fully covering our needs for a safe and efficient operation of our ships."

Lloyd’s Register’s Kim Wiese, Marine Business Development Manager for Denmark said: "DFDS has always maintained a close relationship with LR, with the vast majority of newbuildings being ordered to LR class. Our relationship has been strengthened through the agreement to transfer a number of vessels to LR Class. Furthermore, enrolling their fleet in to our SERS programme shows DFDS’ commitment to safety of life at sea and their care for the environment. Through our services LR will assist DFDS to provide a high level of safety and operational performance input to their fleet as we strive to help the company realise its commercial and technical ambitions to transport passengers and freight safely and efficiently. LR is highly committed to the ferry business. As well as our day-in/day-out service delivery, our research and innovation activities - including projects in which we have worked closely with DFDS - help drive our global leadership in passenger and freight ferry classification. This is an important sector where a combination of economic challenge and regulatory change means that ferry operators are looking for deeper and broader support."

MSC Cruises sees Fantasia class ship in UK by 2017 – report

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 May 2014 23 May 2014

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping company, is reported to be considering a return to the UK after a break next year and to have a 137,000 gross ton Fantasia class ship based in Southampton by 2017.

“Speaking to Travel Weekly at the CLIA Selling Cruise Conference in Southampton after the cruise line announced an order for two new ships, Giles Hawke, executive director of MSC Cruises, said he believes a Fantasia-class ship will sail out of the UK in three years' time,” the Travel Weekly reported in a daily newsletter.

The company will not have a ship in the UK in 2015 as the current Southampton based MSC Opera is one of the four smaller ships of the company that will be lengthened next year.

MSC Cruises yesterday unveiled an order for two 154,000 gross ton ships at Fincantieri, two months after it had opted for two 167,000 gross ton ships to be built at STX France.

Hawke said: "It's exciting news. Globally we are the third biggest cruise line in the world and these new ships widen our strength. We will have 16 ships and the smallest will have more than 2,000 passengers. There is a real opportunity for the UK to grow and in 2017 the aim is that we will have a Fantasia-class ship ex-UK, and that's an exciting prospect," he was quoted as saying.

But Hawke stressed that current efforts were focused on growing UK sales for Mediterranean fly-cruises after the line announced it would not have a ship based in Southampton next year.

Carnival Miracle to launch year-round Mexican Riviera sailings, Legend to operate line's Alaska program in 2015

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 May 2014 22 May 2014

Carnival Cruise Lines has made two exciting enhancements to its West Coast cruise operations, deploying two highly attractive Spirit-class ships featuring a variety of Fun Ship 2.0 innovations as well as a huge number of balcony staterooms.

The new deployments include Carnival Miracle introducing year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera departures from Long Beach, Calif., beginning in October 2014, and Carnival Legend operating the line’s Alaska program from Seattle in May 2015. Carnival Miracle and Carnival Legend will also offer four Hawaii cruises in 2015-16.

Carnival Legend recently underwent an extensive makeover that added a host of new features, including WaterWorks, highlighted by Green Thunder, the fastest and steepest water slide at sea, and the RedFrog Pub, a Caribbean-inspired watering hole serving the line’s private label draught brew, ThirstyFrog Red. The full-service Bonsai Sushi restaurant offering Asian specialties and Cherry On Top, a confections and novelty store, were added, as well.

Carnival Miracle also offers a wide range of innovations, including the Serenity adults-only retreat featuring its own pool and full bar service, the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez with up to 20 family-friendly and adults-only shows each week, a wedding chapel, a luxurious 14,500-square-foot health and wellness facility, and an enclosed corkscrew water slide full of exhilarating twists and turns. Carnival Miracle will also undergo a dry dock in March 2015 that will add a huge variety of additional Fun Ship 2.0 features.

Carnival Miracle and Carnival Legend each offer fun, supervised programs for children ages 2-17, as well as nearly 850 ocean view and balcony staterooms – perfect for viewing the beautiful passing scenery.

“Carnival is the leader in West Coast cruising with more ships and itineraries than any other cruise operator. With these new deployments, we’re providing two spectacular Fun Ship 2.0-equipped ships with even more fantastic features for our guests to enjoy, as well as additional opportunities to experience the rich diversity of this popular sailing region,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “Our travel agent partners have expressed an interest in a greater variety of West Coast options so we are very pleased to provide these attractive, value-packed ‘Fun Ship’ cruises to market to their clients,” he added.

Year-Round Mexican Riviera Cruising

Carnival Miracle will introduce year-round Mexican Riviera cruising from Long Beach on October 4, 2014.

The program will encompass three different week-long itineraries, including a new three-port, seven-day cruise featuring Mazatlán on the majority of departures. In addition to the call in Mazatlán, the new three-port itinerary will feature the stunning Mexican resort destinations of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

The full day call at Mazatlán will provide guests with ample opportunities to explore this scenic seaside destination, which features world-class beaches and sportfishing, as well as the Malecon, an outdoor promenade lined with shops, restaurants and centuries-old architectural structures.

Carnival Miracle’s year-round schedule from Long Beach also includes two other itinerary options. The first is a seven-day, two-port itinerary that features a stop in Cabo San Lucas, along with a two-day overnight stay in Puerto Vallarta. While in Puerto Vallarta, guests can explore this tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches, excellent diving, and sizzling nightlife. The second alternate itinerary includes a visit to Puerto Vallarta, along with a two-day call at Cabo San Lucas, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and the distinctive El Arco (The Arch), a 30-foot-high rock formation where the Pacific Ocean joins the Sea of Cortez.

Carnival Legend to Alaska

Following its inaugural season in Australia, Carnival Legend will operate the line’s seasonal Alaska program beginning in May 2015. In total, 16 week-long Alaska cruises will operate from the Port of Seattle from May 26 to September 8, 2015, departing each Tuesday.

Port calls on these voyages include the popular Alaskan towns of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, as well as Victoria and cruising Tracy Arm Fjord or sailing Glacier Bay. Carnival Legend will also operate a special one-time eight-day Glacier Bay voyage departing Vancouver May 18 and arriving in Seattle May 26, 2015.

Each of these destinations offers a rich history and culture, along with awe-inspiring natural wonders, including calving glaciers, magnificent fjords and native sea and animal life. A wide range of shore excursions – from helicopter flightseeing and rainforest canopy tours to hiking, canoeing and kayaking expeditions – are also available. Carnival Legend will also feature an on-board naturalist who educates guests on the region’s colorful history and points out animal and marine life from the ship’s bridge.

Say Aloha to Hawaii

Carnival will offer four Hawaii sailings in 2015-16 – an 11-day cruise on Carnival Legend departing from Honolulu in May 2015 and three 15-day voyages aboard Carnival Miracle operating round-trip from Long Beach in October and November 2015, and November 2016.

The 11-day Hawaii voyage on Carnival Legend will depart Honolulu May 7 and arrive in Vancouver May 18, 2015, with extended stops in Kauai, Maui, Hilo and Kona, along with an overnight call in Honolulu.

Carnival Miracle’s three Hawaii cruises will operate round-trip from Long Beach departing October 17 and November 28, 2015, and November 16, 2016. On these sailings, guests can visit the stunning island destinations of Maui, Honolulu, Kauai, Kona and Hilo, as well as Ensenada, Mexico.

These voyages provide guests a variety of opportunities to get an “up close and personal” look at the Aloha State, from hiking across volcanic rock formations and relaxing on some of the world’s most famous beaches to learning more about rich Polynesian cultures and getting a bird’s eye view of the lush countryside via a breathtaking helicopter tour.

Sapphire Princess launches cruise season from Shanghai

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 May 2014 22 May 2014

Carnival plc today celebrated the start of the inaugural season of Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess from its new summer home port of Shanghai. This marks the first China homeport cruising program for the line, and brings an entirely new premium cruise experience called Princess Class to the rapidly-expanding China cruise market.

During the four-month season, which runs through August, the line will carry approximately 70,000 guests on 24 unique cruises with itineraries ranging from three to five days. The voyages will visit famous cities in South Korea and Japan, including Seoul (Incheon), Busan, Jeju Island, Fukuoka (Hakata), Kagoshima, Okinawa and Nagasaki.

“We’re excited to be the first line to offer a genuine premium cruise option to Chinese vacationers,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “We know that they are discerning travelers, and have a great desire to explore and learn through travel and unique experiences. We’re well-positioned to provide this to them aboard Sapphire Princess.”

In preparation for the first season, Princess conducted extensive research into what Chinese travelers value, which include a high priority on food and amenities, an exceptional shopping experience, and service in their own language. As a result the line created an experience called Princess Class.

Delivered by the ship’s dedicated and caring crew, many of whom are Chinese speakers, Princess Class aims to enrich the travel experience for each guest aboard Sapphire Princess by augmenting the international offerings found on Princess ships around the world, with unique cultural, culinary, entertainment, and inspirational programs.

Special features include the World Leaders Dinner, Tai Chi at sea, ballroom dancing, Ocean View Hot Pot dinner option, “Princess Night” stateroom amenities, a large selection of subtitled Hollywood movies, a variety of Chinese satellite TV channels, and an unparalleled shopping experience. In addition to the only 24-hour buffet at sea in China, a wide variety of traditional Chinese dishes will also be offered for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Designed to appeal to multigenerational groups, a “Touch of Class” enrichment series includes the Sommelier Wine Excursion featuring a rare collection of Super Tuscan and Bordeaux wines, The Art of International Entertaining, Mixology: The Art of the Cocktail, and Adventures in English, among other topics.

“Princess Cruises has blazed many trails in the cruise industry, continuously evolving to meet the needs of today’s vacationers, and we’re doing so in the China market as well,” said Cherry Wang, Carnival plc country director for China. “The innovations we’ve developed for our first cruise season here are behind the already promising demand for our Shanghai-based voyages. A place on Sapphire Princess is this summer’s hot travel ticket.”

The 116,000-ton Sapphire Princess carries 2,670 guests and, at 952 feet long, has 18 decks and 28 premium suites, with over half of the ship’s staterooms featuring private balconies. The ship also includes five pools, a casino, duty-free shops, fitness center and spa, sports deck, children’s and teen’s centers, library, internet café, art gallery and a golf putting course, among other features.