MSC Divina to feature "The Smurfs 2"

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 22 August 2013 22 August 2013

To celebrate the release of “The Smurfs 2” this summer, MSC Cruises is treating MSC Divina’s youngest guests to a truly Smurf-tastic adventure on the high seas. (Children 11 and under sail free year-round on MSC, making this an additional special treat for parents alike!)

As the only cruise ship to boast a Smurf-themed Mini and Junior Club, the release of the Smurfs’ latest hilarious 3D adventures is the perfect opportunity for MSC Divina to take blue and white fun to exclusive new levels.

Starting end of August 2013, kids will enjoy a series of uniquely tailored programs, featuring numerous fun-filled family activities with the ship’s giant Smurf mascot as the guest of honor. In November 2013, when MSC Divina starts her Caribbean season from Miami, Smurf activities will be extended all season long.

From DJ to sous-chef, the onboard mascot will take on a number of key roles during family events, ranging from the Smurfs Family Disco, the Smurfs Live Talent Show, and Smurfs Master Chef - a special cooking demonstration held by the head pastry chef in which children learn how to make biscuits and cakes with a special hands-on experience. Arts and crafts sessions, utilizing official Smurf 2 materials will be an entertaining way to get creative.

Guests will be able to sing along to their favorite tunes from The Smurf 2 Official Soundtrack, including Britney Spears’ “Ooh la la,” during the Family Disco and Smurfs Parade. Those who haven’t yet seen the Smurfs’ latest escapades will be given a glimpse of what they’re missing, with the movie trailer shown in the ship’s bars and lounges during family activities.

Cunard announces 2015 world cruises

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 22 August 2013 22 August 2013

Fulfill the ultimate adventure aspiration and set sail with Cunard Line, leader in sailing world voyages with more experience in offering these legendary itineraries than any other cruise line. In 1922, Cunard invented the world voyage when Laconia set off on the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe by a passenger ship, and since then Cunard ships have undertaken more world voyages, carried more passengers on world voyages and visited more destinations during world voyages than any other line.

In 2015, Cunard will commemorate the 175th year of the company’s founding, and the global voyages planned will celebrate this significant milestone in style. This festive time will herald several Cunard Royal Rendezvous events during the World Voyage itineraries: Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth will depart Southampton together on 10 January; on 12 March, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria will meet in Sydney; and on 3 May, all three Queens will return from their World Voyages to Southampton.

Cunard’s 2015 World Voyages and Exotic Cruises Programme will feature voyages ranging from eight to 127 days aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Plus, passengers will have the option to combine itineraries into and out of Sydney, Australia across two ocean liners to create customised World Voyage options with a land portion in between. Passengers have the opportunity to visit South Africa or the South Pacific, to circumnavigate Australia, and to discover the excitement of Japan and Southeast Asia. Together, the ships will visit 82 unique destinations in 46 countries, from major cities to less frequented locales.

The programme opens for pre-registration today and opens for sale on 5 September at 5:00am PT.

“Cunard continues its tradition of being the world voyage leader,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We have completed more circumnavigations and taken more passengers on this incredible journey than any other cruise line. And no other ships are welcomed around the world as warmly as the Cunard fleet. Our ships’ arrivals into port attract well-wishers in the thousands – on the water and ashore – it is part of the magic of the Cunard world voyage experience.”

Tillberg Design appoints Stefan Nilsson Deputy Managing Director

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 22 August 2013 22 August 2013

Tillberg Design of Sweden are delighted to welcome Stefan Nilsson to our team as Deputy Managing Director. Stefan is a Graduate Economist with wide experience from demanding business management abroad in an anglo-sachsian contexts. He will undertake the majority of the administrative tasks that the business owners have previously shared. This will enable the business owners / design principles to work even more closely with our clients, projects, design development and quality control.
  

 

Hurtigruten says cost cutting works, competition mounts

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 22 August 2013 22 August 2013

Hurtigruten, the listed Norwegian company that operates the coastal express service and expedition cruises, says its second quarter profit fell, while loss for the first half narrowed, as the company continues efforts to restore sustained profitability.

In the second quarter, pre tax profit decreased by NOK9 million to NOK103 million year on. For the first half of 2013, the company booked a loss of NK30 million, which was NOK9 million less than in the corresponding period last year.

 

“The quarter was characterised by an expected decline in volume along the Norwegian coast, with cruise  nights down by 14.3% from the same period of

last year. This downturn was largest in the Nordic region and Germany, two important markets for  Hurtigruten. The competition along the Norwegian  coast is strengthening,” Hurtigruten said, adding that more foreign cruise liners now sail on the Norwegian coast and many of them head up inside the Arctic Circle.

 

Net ticket revenue per cruise night rose by 2.6% as a result of more active price management and  an increased commercial focus on the ships. That applies particularly to the sale of excursions, which grew by 19% per cruise night from the same  quarter of 2012.

“While Hurtigruten Norwegian coast faced a challenging quarter in terms of sales, explorer products MS Fram and Spitsbergen made progress. Both achieved substantial improvements in operating profit before depreciation and impairment (EBITDA). With unique experiences of nature on land and at sea, they address a growing international market. Second quarter EBITDA rose by NOK7 million for MS Fram and NOK6 million for Spitsbergen from the same period of 2012.

Group costs totalled NOK775 million in the quarter, down by NOK46 million from the same period of last year. This decline primarily reflects a reduction in cruise nights along the Norwegian coast and NOK11 million in administrative savings as a result of efficiency improvement measures. Consolidated EBITDA came to NOK258 million in the second quarter, compared with NOK299 million the year before.

“A far-reaching efficiency improvement programme was launched in December 2012. This has implemented a structural turnaround, driven by qualified internal personnel with support from an external consultant. The programme has delivered on all points over half a year,” Hurtigruten stated.