Royal Caribbean International to feature MAMMA MIA! on Quantum of the Seas

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 29 November 2013 29 November 2013

Royal Caribbean International – the first cruise line to feature fully licensed, Tony Award-winning Broadway productions – yesterday announced that guests onboard Quantum of the Seas will enjoy MAMMA MIA! – the smash hit musical based on the songs of Swedish pop sensation ABBA – when she sails from the New York area in November 2014. The first details of the new ship’s entertainment offerings were revealed to viewers who tuned in to watch the cruise line’s float, “A World at Sea,” set sail down the streets of Manhattan as part of the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“The debut of Mamma Mia! onboard Quantum of the Seas continues to raise the bar of what we offer our guests onboard our latest groundbreaking ship,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Executive Vice President, Operations, Royal Caribbean International. “Since introducing Hairspray onboard Oasis of the Seas in 2009, our Tony award-winning musical productions have been incredibly well-received by guests, and we are proud to expand our Broadway at sea offerings with our fourth licensed main-stage production – more than any other cruise line.”

More than 54 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show. The sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek Island paradise where on the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. ABBA’s greatest hits – including “Dancing Queen,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me” – propel this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

As the only cruise line to offer Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals at sea, Royal Caribbean guests can enjoy the 60’s-inspired bebop of Hairspray on Oasis of the Seas, the jazz-infused score of Chicago: The Musical on Allure of the Seas, the toe-tapping disco beats of Saturday Night Fever on Liberty of the Seas and now, the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs in MAMMA MIA! on the new Quantum of the Seas.

The new Quantum-class will debut in November 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in April 2015. Each ship spans 16 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. More information on Quantum class of ships is available at RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas.

Rumours intensify regarding lengthening of MSC Lirica

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 28 November 2013 28 November 2013

Rumours continue emerge in the shipping media that MSC Cruises would lengthen MSC Lirica that was built in 2003.

A German media report says MSC Cruises' officials had said in South America that the 251 metre long 58,825 gross ton vessel would receive a new section with 200 additional cabins, many of which with balconies, at Fincantieri in Italy late next year. It also suggested the ship could replace MSC Opera in Southampton. The ship currently has about 2,000 lower berths.

Cruise Business Online has been unable to obtain a comment from MSC Cruises regardig the rumours.

However, MSC Cruises' officials in the UK have said that they would like to bring in a vessel with more balcony cabins to Southampton at some point.

 

Louis Cristal departs from Greece for first season in Cuba with Cuba Cruise

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 27 November 2013 27 November 2013

Emblazoned with Cuba Cruise's signature flowers, the Louis Cristal has set sail towards the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. The modern ship departed the Greek port on November 24th, 2013 for its cross-Atlantic sailing, stopping in the Canary Islands and Barbados before it begins its inaugural season in Cuba. Cuba Cruise's 7-night circumnavigation sailing launches December 16th, 2013 through to March 24th, 2014 and provides passengers with an up-close and in-depth experience of the incredible island and its dynamic culture.

"The coordination involved in chartering a ship from Europe to Cuba is an impressive feat," says Dugald Wells, Cuba Cruise President. "We're fortunate to work with highly skilled and experienced international teams throughout this unique launch."

Cuba Cruise is in steady hands with Wells at the helm, a 20-year veteran of the cruise industry. Having been honoured in 2006 by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the Top 35 Innovators in travel today, Dugald is uniquely qualified to bring Cuba Cruise to the market. With ownership partner Louis Cruises, an industry leader with 25 years of experience in cruising and 78 years of award winning history in tourism, and securing of one of their fleet's best ships, Cuba Cruise is sure to see success in the years to come.

Passengers will board the Louis Cristal for their weeklong voyage, a contemporary cruise ship with a unique yacht-like modern design and a cruising speed of 18 knots. The 7-night cruise around Caribbean's largest island departs from either Havana or Montego Bay with a lead-in price of only $586 CAD. Cuba Cruise features Canadian imported cuisine as well as local specialties, and explores diverse ports including Santiago, Cienfuegos and Punta Frances on the Isle of Youth.

Scandlines, STX Finland stop clocks in ferry order talks

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 27 November 2013 27 November 2013

Scandlines, the Danish-German ferry company controlled by the London based private equity investor 3i, and STX Finland, which is part of the STX Europe group, have stopped the clocks to finalise a contract regarding the construction of two ferries.

"The company has actively held talks with the customer and a number of financial institutions," STX Finland said in a statement. "A final contract between STX Finland and Scandlines has not been signed by the deadline, because talks concerning financing have not progressed at the way the company had hoped for," said the shipbuilder, whose parent company is owned STX Offshore & Shipbuilding in South Korea.

"STX Finland continues efforts to find a solution. However, it has been decided to halt preparations on the project and a new decision will be made the resume the project," said Jari Anttila, Deputy Managing Director of STX Finland, in the statement.

The two companies signed an initial contract regarding the construction of the two ships in early July. The order could be significant for the shipbuilder that is suffering from low workloads. It has two 99,300 gross ton cruise liners on order from TUI Cruises in Hamburg. Rumours suggest the company might place an order for a third ship, but TUI Cruises says it does does not comment on rumours.