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Oceania Cruises announces 180-day World Odyssey

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 November 2013 26 November 2013

Oceania Cruises announced a second 180-day journey on the newly refurbished Insignia for the 2015 season. Given the overwhelming response received on Oceania Cruises' first-ever 180-day around-the-world cruise which was unveiled this past July, the 684-guest ship will embark on a 180-Day World Odyssey sailing round-trip from Miami July 8, 2015. Reservations for the second 180-day voyage open on December 4 at 8:30 a.m. (EST).

"The first 180-day voyage introduced this past summer sold out in less than eight hours, leaving legions of our guests asking for an another epic journey," shares Kunal S. Kamlani, President of Oceania Cruises. "Unlike conventional world cruises that commence in winter, the 180-Day World Odyssey starts in July, allowing us to create and deliver the most unique global-cruise itinerary ever offered."

Embarking at the height of summer, Insignia will sail north to Canada and New England and then cross the Atlantic to majestic Greenland and Iceland. She will visit some of the most alluring ports in the Mediterranean before staying for multiple days in magnificent Asian cities including Mumbai, Rangoon, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Guests will explore Africa from Kenya to Cape Town and the continent's western shores before concluding the voyage with a holiday season of island-hopping in the azure waters of the Caribbean.

To enrich the already immersive destination experience, guests will enjoy a diverse array of included, exclusive shore side events throughout the voyage:

* An exquisite wine tasting and dinner at the Médoc estate Château Giscours in Bordeaux, France
* A night of glamour in Abu Dhabi at the seven-star Emirate Palace rising above the Arabian Desert
* A visit to the "immortal city" of Amarapura, home to the Mahagandayon Monastery and Mandalay, the last royal capital of the Myanmar Empire
* A day of exploring the ancient temples of Bagan in Myanmar
* An evening at the world-famous Jim Thompson House in Bangkok
* An open-air dinner at Swakop River Canyon outside Namibia's Walvis Bay

As the leader in destination-rich itineraries, Oceania Cruises' 180-Day World Odyssey features 14 overnight stays and visits a total of 100 ports of call. The full list of overnights includes:

* New York City, USA - July 12-13
* Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel - September 6-7
* Abu Dhabi, UAE - September 18-19
* Mumbai, India - September 24-25
* Rangoon, Burma (Yangon, Myanmar) - October 4-5
* Singapore, Singapore - October 10-11
* Bangkok, Thailand - October 15-16
* Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam - October 18-19
* Hanoi (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam - October 22-23
* Hong Kong, China - October 25-26
* Mahé, Seychelles - November 12-14
* Cape Town, South Africa - November 30-December 1
* Walvis Bay, Namibia - December 4-5

Bookings for the 180-Day World Odyssey cruise open at 8:30 a.m. EST on December 4, 2013, and guests reserving their suite or stateroom by March 31, 2014 will receive:

* Free FIRST CLASS round-trip airfare
* Free onboard medical service
* Free pre-paid gratuities
* Free visa package including entry visas for 11 countries
* Free unlimited Internet and laundry service
* Free round-trip transfers
* Free luggage delivery service

Guests must book by 9 p.m. EST on March 31, 2014, to receive the early booking fare offer.

TUI Cruises rumoured to consider third newbuilding

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 November 2013 26 November 2013

TUI Cruises, the premium market cruise shipping company that is based in Hamburg, is rumoured to consider placing an order for a third 99,300 gross ton cruise liner at STX Finland in Turku.

The Turun Sanomat daily reported over the weekend that an order for a third cruise ship might be on the cards. Godja Sonnichsen, head of corporate communications at TUI Cruises, told Cruise Business Online that they do not comment on market rumours.

The same report also said that Scandlines, the ferry company controlled by the London based mid-market private equity investor, would abandon plans to order two large lng powered short haul ferries at STX Finland. The two parties signed an initial agreement regarding the two ships in the summer. Cruise Business Online has not been able to obtain a comment so far.

Oceania Cruises unveils details of $50 million fleet upgrade

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 November 2013 22 November 2013

Oceania Cruises announced details of the largest refurbishment program in the company's history. The award-winning trio of R-Class ships, Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica will undergo a combined $50 million dollar transformation during next year’s second quarter.

Renewed, refreshed and rejuvenated

Retaining the warmth, intimacy and charm Oceania Cruises’ guests have come to cherish, all public rooms, suites, and staterooms will feature elegant new furnishings and décor. Many of the amenities and design elements that debuted on the line’s newest ships - including Baristas, Oceania Cruises’ signature specialty coffee bar, and the state-of-the-art grill in the Terrace Café - are being added during the refits.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to incorporate many of the best features and interior design elements from our acclaimed Marina and Riviera to Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. Not only does it enrich and enhance the guest experience, it underscores our commitment to providing our guests with a consistently outstanding experience across the entire fleet,” stated Kunal S. Kamlani, President of Oceania Cruises.

Transformation Highlights
– All staterooms will receive rich new décor, imbuing them with a new sense of style, elegance and flair.
– Penthouse suites will be transformed with stunning new furnishings, rich upholstery and a vibrant yet calming palette that reflects the sea, sun and sky.
– Owner’s and Vista Suites will receive new bathrooms featuring oversized showers along with new marble and granite vanities.
– The addition of Baristas, our relaxing coffee bar where master baristas prepare complimentary illy® espressos, frothy cappuccinos and fresh pastries throughout the day.
– The Terrace Café will be transformed with dramatic new furnishings, flooring, wall-coverings, and lighting. This restaurant will also feature a state-of-the-art grill, which prepares cooked-to-order specialties such as juicy steaks, succulent lobster tails and mouth-watering chops
– Horizons will be resplendent in a new palate of soothing sea blues, cocoa brown and mint and furnished with all new chairs and sofas that are perfect for conversing, relaxing or simply taking in the stunning views.
– The Main Lounges will be completely refurbished with new carpeting, chairs and luxurious new fabrics and upholstery.
– Martinis will receive new furnishings while retaining its classic ambiance.
– The pool deck will sport all new furniture and new tile work.
– The Canyon Ranch Spa Club will have new Steam and Changing Rooms with dramatic new mosaics.
– The Sports Deck, located atop the ship with magnificent vistas of the sea, features a new mini-golf course, new shuffleboard courts and selection of deck games.

The transformed Insignia will debut on May 8, 2014 in Barcelona for her 7-day Jewels of Europe cruise. This will be Insignia's first cruise after she returns from her two-year charter. Nautica will debut on May 16, 2014 in Civitavecchia for her 10-day Cliffs & Coves cruise and Regatta on June 7, 2014 in Vancouver for her 10-day Majesty of Alaska cruise.

Shopping, dining and premium cabins in Silja Serenade refit focus

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 November 2013 22 November 2013

Silja Line, which is part of the Estonian cruise ferry company Tallink Grupp, says its fleet renewal programme will start with the 1990 built Silja Serenade of 58,800 gross tons that operates between Helsinki and Stockholm. The ship will be taken out of service from 6 January and it will resume trading on 15 February.

The buffet restaurant will be upgraded to become Grand Buffet, while Tavolata, an Italian restaurant, will replace the current Bistro Maxime. Conference suites on deck 9 will be replaced by three new premium suites, while Commodore class accommodation will receive a facelift. The Sunflower Oasis spa will be updated and duty free shopping will be expanded so that the retail outlets will expand by 51%.

The work will cost about €10 million and the company has employed L.E.K. Consulting, which has worked with airlines, hotels and airports, plus Harrison Fraser, another London based architect. Heikki Mattila and Marjut Nousiainen, two Finnish architects, have also been commissioned to work on the project.

Silja Symphony, which was built in 1991 and which operates on the same service, is scheduled to undergo a similar refit in the autumn.

Costa Mediterranea to receive €4 million upgrade

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 November 2013 21 November 2013

As part of Costa Cruises’ ongoing investment to improve the quality and sustainability of its fleet, Costa Mediterranea will be dry docked at the Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo from 21 November to 4 December 2013, for planned maintenance work, the company said in a statement.

The cruise line is investing more than €4 million to perform the routine refurbishment, which takes place approximately every two and a half years to keep the fleet fresh and modern. The renewal work will involve thorough restoration of the ship’s hull, and a full renovation of the ship’s interior including the replacement of the carpets, curtains and upholstery.

Once the refurbishment is complete, Costa Mediterranea is scheduled to depart from Savona on 6 December 2013 for a transatlantic cruise to Guadalupe, where the ship will commence its winter 2013/14 itinerary to offer seven-day cruises to the beautiful islands of the Caribbean.