Norwegian Getaway floated out at Meyer Werft

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 04 November 2013 04 November 2013

Norwegian Getaway, the second of the two 146,600 gross ton Breakaway class ships Norwegian Cruise Line is building at Meyer Werft in Germany, was floated out on 2 November.

So far, the ship’s construction has taken 12 months, and beginning at approximately 3:30pm local time, the 4,000 passenger ship with her signature hull artwork designed by Miami artist David “LEBO” Le Batard,, departed building dock II bow first.  Norwegian Getaway, sister ship to Norwegian Breakaway, has an overall length of 324 metres, and is 39.70 metres wide.

The ship’s float out represents a major milestone in the vessel’s construction as it denotes that the ship has now moved into the final phase of construction with delivery taking place on 10 January 2014.

Canyon Ranch and Prestige Cruise Holdings renew SpaClub at Sea partnership

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 01 November 2013 01 November 2013

Canyon Ranch has announced the extension of their partnership with Prestige Cruise Holdings to operate Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea, which includes the spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness amenities onboard Oceania Cruises' premium mid-sized ships and Regent Seven Seas Cruises' all-suite, ultra-luxury ships for the next five years. The state-of-the-art SpaClub facilities operating fleet-wide on Oceania Cruises' Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina and Riviera and Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator offer an assortment of unique spa treatments and indulgent beauty services, rejuvenating aquathermal environments, comprehensive weight training & cardio equipment, and a full-range of wellness programming, including Canyon Ranch's signature healthy cuisine. Additionally, a new Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea will debut in 2016 on Regent's new Seven Seas Explorer, the luxury line's eagerly-awaited fourth all-suite, ultra-luxury ship.

"As Canyon Ranch prepares to celebrate its 35th anniversary, we're thrilled to continue partnering with Prestige Cruise Holdings, whose commitment to delivering unique and highly personalized experiences mirrors our own," stated Peter Smith, Canyon Ranch chief operating officer. "We look forward to providing the discerning guests of Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises with our signature blend of wellness programming for many years to come."

Canyon Ranch will be involved in Oceania Cruises' upcoming $50 million enhancement program of its R-class vessels which will include new steam and changing rooms to current SpaClub facilities aboard Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.
"Canyon Ranch shares our passion for a healthy lifestyle which is evident in the custom menu creations and commitment to offering the best spa experience at sea," states Kunal S. Kamlani, president and COO of Prestige Cruise Holdings. "We are delighted to extend our partnership with Canyon Ranch, a perfect complement to the Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas brands."

The combination of Canyon Ranch's innovative approach to healthy living and Prestige Cruise Holdings' reputation for providing exceptional personalized service has led to the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea division receiving recognition as a 'Best Spa at Sea' from various industry publications' readers choice awards, including Condé Nast Traveler and SpaFinder, Inc.

Carnival introduces enhanced affinity group program based on Carnival conversations feedback

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 01 November 2013 01 November 2013

Carnival Cruise Lines is introducing an enhanced affinity group program offering attractive new group rates and complimentary amenities for top selling individual fares booked into groups, making it easier for travel agents to highlight the value of affinity group cruises to their clients. The enhanced program, which is effective for all sailings departing on or after February 1, 2014, is a result of travel agent feedback from recent Carnival Conversations events.

"Building strong affinity group business is one of the most lucrative earning opportunities for travel agents," said Mike Julius, Carnival's senior managing director of U.S. trade sales. "We're excited to make it easier than ever for agents to book this valuable business by introducing very attractive group rates and adding more value through the inclusion of amenities for our top selling fares."

With the new changes, Fun Select, Early Saver and Past Guest fares may be added to groups with complimentary amenity points. Additional fares such as Super Saver, resident, senior and promotional fares remain eligible to book into groups with the option to buy amenity points at the price of one dollar per point per cruise day; these fares all receive tour conductor credits if booked into a group. As part of this launch, Carnival is offering complimentary amenity points on promotional fares through the end of February 2014.

New group fares begin at $259 for three- to five-day cruises and $459 for voyages of six days or longer.

MSC Crociere said to plan lengthening of four Lirica class ships

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 01 November 2013 01 November 2013

MSC Crociere, the Geneva based cruise shipping company, is reported to be negotiating with Fincantieri to lengthen its four Lirica Class ships.

The ships in question are MSC Lirica MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera, all built between 2001 and 2004 at STX Saint-Nazaire, Shippax CFI said in a weekly newletter.

The ships are 251 metres in length and they have a beam of 28.8m. They can currently accommodate 1,500 passengers, but the lengthening should be increase the number of cabins and balconies.

Cruise Business Online has not been able to obtain a comment on the report as yet.