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Azamara Journey's propeller damaged in Japan

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 February 2014 26 February 2014

Azamara Club Cruises has required to cut short Azamara Journey's current sailing in Asia. "As the ship approached Tokyo, we noticed an unusual vibration. Further inspection revealed damage to the propeller. We are now traveling at a reduced speed to Kyoto (Osaka), and will arrive on Friday. Due to the required repairs, we regrettably must end the voyage in Kyoto (Osaka)," Azamara said in a statement.

"Our President and CEO, Larry Pimentel, and Bert Van Middendorp, VP of Operations, are both flying to Kyoto (Osaka) tonight to meet with the ship and the guests."

The Azamara Journey will remain in Kyoto (Osaka) on February 28 and March 1, and will have debarkation for guests on March 2. "We will then provide guests with air to Shanghai where debarkation was originally scheduled on March 3. We will also provide hotel accommodations until they are able to pick up their original schedule, whether that is a stay in Shanghai or a flight home."

Guests are receiving refunds for the days of the voyage they will be missing, as well as a Future Cruise Credit certificate for 25% of the value of their current voyage. It is possible that the upcoming voyage out of Shanghai on March 3 will be affected. "As we are currently working on the repair situation, we will provide an update within 48 hours, and all guests - or their travel agents - on those voyages will be contacted directly with more information."

MedCruise and CLIA meets in Piraeus

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 February 2014 26 February 2014

MedCruise and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) held a meeting on Tuesday 25 February at the headquarters of MedCruise at the Port of Piraeus in Greece.

During the meeting, MedCruise and CLIA executives discussed the latest developments in the cruise sector and explored the prospects for the collaboration between the two Associations in order to further advance the sustainable growth of cruise activities. The themes of the meeting included promotional and regulatory issues of mutual interest, as well as ways to further improve the attractiveness of cruising.

CLIA, which was represented at the meeting by Didier Scaillet, CLIA vice-president, and Robert Ashdown, secretary general of CLIA Europe, presented among others the latest developments in the organisation, the scope and aims of the recent restructuring of the Association that represents cruise lines across the globe.

MedCruise, which was represented by Stavros Hatzakos, MedCruise president, and Thanos Pallis, MedCruise secretary general, presented the growing activities of MedCruise, and its strategy for promoting cruise in the Μediterranean and its adjoining seas, via an engagement in a dialogue with cruise lines.

The two parties decided to hold further meetings aiming to a sustainable communication between cruise lines and the ports for the benefits of the members of the associations representing the supply and the demand side of the market respectively.

This meeting follows the submission joint statement of CLIA Europe and MedCruise to the European Commission, aiming to put cruise at the core of the European maritime growth strategy, and is indicative of the building up of a common understanding between the two associations.

Cruise Shipping Miami to feature free travel agent admission and CLIA training

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 February 2014 25 February 2014

In addition to complimentary educational sessions presented by Cruise Lines International Association, Cruise Shipping Miami is offering cruise sellers free access to the industry's largest and most prominent networking opportunity, a chance to walk the show floor all three days and admission to the Welcome Reception Tuesday evening.

The world's premier cruise industry event is scheduled March 10-13, 2014, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Travel industry veteran and CLIA trainer Cella Baker will lead the two training sessions Thursday, March 13. The sessions are aimed at increasing cruise sellers' knowledge and productivity, and are worth 10 CLIA credits each toward certification as a CLIA accredited cruise counselor, master cruise counselor, elite cruise counselor or elite cruise counselor scholar.

"A majority of cruises still are sold by travel agents, and it is in the best interest of the cruise industry to have well-informed cruise sellers providing guidance and value to consumers," said Daniel Read, director of UBM's cruise event portfolio. "We believe providing these complimentary training sessions and offering a chance to spend three days at the exhibition will prove invaluable to agents."

The first training seminar, "Cruise Events: Creative Ways to Increase Your Sales," is scheduled 8:3010 a.m. It offers tips on how to plan, publicize and present a successful cruise event, including venue selection, timing, supplier relationships and on-site sales tips.

During the Thursday afternoon seminar, "Selling Successfully Across Cultures," scheduled 23:30 p.m., participants will explore the subtle values, behaviors and practices that can influence the decision-making process when clients of different cultures consider a cruise vacation.

To register for the complimentary Travel Agent Thursday sessions and free admission to the trade show for three days, travel agents should access the online registration form and special promotional code at: http://www.cruiseshippingevents.com/miami/conference/travel-agent-thursday

Cruise Shipping Miami is the global flagship of UBM's Cruise Events Portfolio, which includes the annual Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific and the biennial Seatrade Med Cruise Convention.

Poseidon Expeditions acquires Sea Spirit for polar expedition cruising

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 February 2014 25 February 2014

Poseidon Expeditions announced today that it will begin operating the 114- passenger expedition vessel Sea Spirit in May 2015. Founded in 1999, the company was a pioneer in icebreaker cruises to the North Pole, and has more recently broadened its offerings to include Antarctica aboard the Sea Spirit's sister ship, the 114-passenger Sea Explorer.

With the acquisition of the Sea Spirit, Poseidon will offer a full range of polar cruises, beginning with a May 2015 14-day voyage from the Netherlands to Scotland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland. This will be followed by:

–    A Circumnavigation of Iceland, June 2, 2015, 11 days
–    Iceland, Jan Mayen and Spitsbergen, June 12, 12 days
–    Around Spitsbergen, June 23 and July 3, 11 days
–    Franz Josef Land, July 13, 25 and August 7, 13/14 days
–    Spitsbergen Explorer, August 19, 11 days
–    Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland, August 29, 14 days
–    East Greenland, September 11, 13 days
–    Iceland, Faroe Islands and Shetland Islands, September 23, 15 days

The vessel will then position to South America to commence a series of expedition cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands during the 2015-16 austral summer season.

In addition to the new Sea Spirit Antarctic departures, Poseidon will continue to offer Antarctic cruises aboard the Sea Explorer. With that vessel, the company is operating Antarctic programs during the current 2013-14 season, and will offer 11 different departures during the upcoming 2014-15 season. Starting with the 2015-16 season, Poseidon will offer Antarctic cruises on both vessels, making it one of the leading providers of expedition cruises to the Antarctic.

The Sea Spirit and Sea Explorer were built in 1991, originally operated by Renaissance Cruises. Since then, they have been upgraded for expedition cruising, including ice strengthening and other technical improvements appropriate for polar environments.

Both vessels feature luxurious all-suite accommodations, restaurants that can accommodate all passengers in one seating, well-stocked libraries, comfortable multi-purpose presentation lounges for educational programming and entertainment, and ample outdoor deck space to enjoy the passing scenery. Activities are directed by a team of seasoned polar guides and educators, and include Zodiac excursions, hiking ashore and optional kayaking, as well as informative presentations aboard.

Poseidon Expeditions takes safe and environmentally responsible polar travel seriously, and is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO). It also actively supports the efforts of Polar Bears International and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

With offices in the US, UK, Russia, China and Japan, Poseidon Expeditions is a leading provider of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. In addition to offering polar cruises aboard the Sea Explorer and Sea Spirit, the company provides guests with the unique opportunity to travel to the North Pole aboard the 50 Years of Victory, the largest and most modern nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world. Three 14-day Top-of-the-World programs are scheduled for the upcoming 2014 summer.

CroisiEurope's new Loire Princess to offer 6- and 8-night cruises on the Loire

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 February 2014 25 February 2014

CroisiEurope has unveiled a new vessel concept for cruising the Loire, the longest river in France boasting an abundance of UNESCO heritage sites, which is inspired by an ancient technique - the paddle wheel.

"It is worth noting that the debut of the Loire Princesse will be the first time that a cruise vessel with cabins has ever cruised along the Loire," CroisiEurope says in the statement. This new type of river ship is 295 feet long and 49 feet wide, with three decks. It has 48 spacious outside cabins (49 ft²) and can accommodate up to 96 passengers. On the upper deck, the cabins have lovely balconies (10ft x 4ft) and rooms are equipped with the latest technology, including Wi-Fi on board, individually controlled combined air-conditioning/heating, plasma screen TV, radio, hair dryer, safe, mini bar and bathroom facilities. A splendid restaurant can easily accommodate passengers for single-service dining. A huge lounge bar with central dance floor is a pleasant area to mingle with other passengers while the large sun deck is an ideal place to relax. The elegant décor in contemporary colors is in perfect harmony with the good spirit on board. Labelled the “Green Ship”, the MS Loire Princesse was created with ecological designs having great respect for the environment.

The Loire Princesse will begin offering 6- to 8-night cruises in April 2015, visiting places in the Pays de la Loire region, with great potential as an area ideal to satisfy the demand of tourists in search of culture and originality. Many of the sites are UNESCO-designated, including Nantes, Saint-Nazaire, Ancenis, Angers, the Castles of the Loire, Saumur and Bouchemaine.

CroisiEurope chose to build the craft with companies that are part of the Neopolia Marine group, in partnership with the Saint Nazaire Shipyards (STX France), where the finest ocean liners in the world are built. The architect and design studio Stirling Design International is in charge of the design development for this new kind of liner.

As ever with CroisiEurope, their trump card is undoubtedly their ability to put offers together at the fairest prices. They are able to meet this challenge as they have complete control over every element of the entire fleet, from beginning to end. From the initial design to the production, including hotel and sales management, maintenance, purchasing and development, the company is fully responsible for all these services thanks to its 1200 permanent staff. This feat allows them to rationalize their costs as much as possible and offer cruises 30% cheaper than any other operator offering similar products.