More News

Seabourn Quest sails from T.Mariotti Shipyard after scheduled drydock

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 June 2013 03 June 2013

Seabourn Quest has just sailed from the T. Mariotti shipyard, emerging from a scheduled drydock where extensive work was done between May 13 to June 2, 2013.

"Despite the very short time at shipyard, the new features on board are impressive, enhancing the award winning Seabourn experience with the addition of new Penthouse Spa Suites plus some modifications to accommodate zodiac landings on the upcoming Antarctica sailings. This was also an occasion to renew the team spirit between Seabourn and T.Mariotti," explained Marco Bisagno, Chairman of T.Mariotti and Genova Industrie Navali holding.

Richard D. Meadows, President of Seabourn, noted: "We were pleased to return Seabourn Quest to Mariotti to ensure that our new Penthouse Spa Suites reflect the same fine craftsmanship and attention to detail that have been hallmarks of all three Odyssey-class vessels."

Four new elegant Penthouse SPA suites are located directly above the industry leading SPA at Seabourn facility. The result achieved by T.Mariotti with its Companies Gerolamo Scorza for the interiors and Ortec for the electrical plant is four spacious suites with 516 to 538 sq. ft. (48 – 50 sq. m.) of inside space, with expansive private verandas of 172 sq. ft. (16 sq. m.) with views over the ship’s stern and the sea. The suites’ décor is coordinated with that of the Spa at Seabourn, and all feature a living and a dining area with seating for four, a separate bedroom, walk-in closet, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors onto the veranda, a bathroom with a soaking tub and special spa shower, and two flat-screen TVs.

In addition, the ship’s marina was refitted to accommodate the Zodiac inflatables that will be used in Seabourn’s upcoming Antarctica cruises. The marina will continue to house the ship’s popular watersports platform, while accommodating the Zodiacs at the same time.

Additional work included general upgrades and additions to the crew area that have already been introduced on the Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn.

Seabourn Quest was delivered in 2011 by T.Mariotti shipyard as the third sistership added to the fleet of Seabourn, the luxury brand of Carnival Corporation & plc.

She is a testament of excellence and to the Made in Italy brand in small and medium size luxury cruise shipbuilding.

Like her earlier sisters, Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest combines the technology of a ship with the attention to detail expected on a yacht, reflecting the highest levels of technology and blending elegant design with a focussed attention on the environment and safety.

During the drydock period, approximately 400 Genoa-based subcontractors were on board to perform all the work. Further technical details of the drydock works include:

- 2 new additional cranes in outdoor spaces aft deck 6
- 4 additional Zodiac craddles
- Rearrangement of incinerator room and increasing of retention capacity
- Installation of a new water ballast treatment system in engine room
- Minor mechanical and piping works in engine room and drydock

Carnival Cruise Lines appoints Scott Thompson as Vice President – Supply Chain

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 June 2013 03 June 2013

Scott Thompson, a highly accomplished professional with seventeen years of experience in global supply chain management, has been named vice president - supply chain for Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines, the world's largest cruise operator. Thompson will start June 10, reporting to Rubén Rodríguez, Carnival's executive vice president - ship operations.

In his new role, Thompson will be responsible for overseeing the company's procurement strategies, supply base, contract negotiations and purchasing.

He most recently served as senior director of strategic sourcing for Honeywell Corporation, a Fortune 100 company focusing on technologies encompassing such areas as energy efficiency, clean energy generation, safety and security, globalization and customer productivity. Thompson also served for five years as a U.S. Navy officer.

"We are privileged to have Scott, a highly experienced professional with a proven track record of success and leadership skills, take on this significant role within our supply chain team," said Rodríguez.

Thompson earned a master's of science in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Ariz., as well as a bachelor of science in systems engineering at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

AmaWaterways expands UK sales team

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 June 2013 03 June 2013

Fred Olsen Travel, main UK sales agent for U.S. luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, has appointed Carly-Ann Moore as its new Northern Sales Executive, with prime responsibility for developing sales and new agency agreements in the Midlands and the north of England.

This is a new position and comes as AmaWaterways further secures its strong position as the leading luxury river cruise operator in Europe, Russia and on the Mekong, with a 12 strong fleet which will be supplemented by two further new luxury cruisers in both 2013 and 2014.

Carly-Ann was previously Senior Sales Consultant withinOpodo’s cruise department, with responsibility for sales and marketing for mainstream, luxury and niche cruise brands. Prior to that she held a managerial role with Thomas Cook retail in Leicester.

AmaWaterway’s UK General Manager, Fay McCormack, said “We’re particularly pleased thatCarly-Ann is joining us as we feel her experience of cruise, combined with her location in Leicester, is really going to help agents in the Midlands and further north looking for a high quality river cruise product and who want the support of a really strong team.

Carly-Ann will have the full support of our in-house administrative, sales and marketing support team to help agents undertake training, marketing initiatives and sales of AmaWaterways luxury river cruise product with confidence."

UK online agent Iglu buys rival Planet Cruise

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 June 2013 03 June 2013

Iglu.com, the British online travel that focuses on cruises and ski holidays, has acquired rival Planet Cruise claiming the deal makes it the UK’s number one cruise retailer, Travel Weekly reports in a daily newsletter.

Both Iglu’s and Planet’s offices in Wimbledon and Portsmouth respectively will be retained as will all staff. Planet employs 75 people. Iglu claimed the deal means customers will be the first in the country able to research their holidays via either its website, its mobile App, on a tablet or on television.

Iglu chief executive Richard Downs said: “This acquisition means we are going to be delivering the future of travel retailing today. With the convergence of TV and the web our customers will have access to the richest and most informed content whichever way they chose to access it. Iglu has long been the number one independent ski retailer in the UK and this deal makes us the number one retailer in cruise.”

Portsmouth-based Planet Cruise, which was founded in 2005 by husband and wife team Gary and Jenny West, launched a cruise show on the Ideal World Shopping Channel in January 2008. It sells cruises on regular TV slots which on all digital platforms such as FreeView, Virgin, Sky and Freesat. Planet Cruise managing director, Gary West, said: “Combining Iglu’s online capabilities and our strength on television is an exciting prospect. There is a natural fit in the two businesses coming together and we as a team here at Planet Cruise look forward to creating a new market leader.”

Mariner of the Seas launches maiden Asian season from Singapore

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 June 2013 02 June 2013

Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas, the largest cruise ship homeporting in Asia, has started her maiden Asian season from Singapore on June 1. The 138,279 gross registered ton ship has arrived at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore for her first call after an 11-night repositioning cruise from Dubai. She is Royal Caribbean’s second Voyager Class Ship in Asia and will be based in Singapore and Shanghai.

An official ceremony was held onboard the ship to welcome her arrival, with plaque exchanges between Ms Ong Huey Hong, Director, Cruise Division of Singapore Tourism Board, Mr Tan Chuan Lye, SATS-Creuers Cruise Services Chairman and Captain Flemming Nielsen of Mariner of the Seas. Ms Jennifer Yap, Managing Director, Singapore of Royal Caribbean said, "The arrival of Mariner of the Seas in Singapore today marks yet another major milestone for Royal Caribbean as we set to keep growing with the region’s booming cruise market. Mariner of the Seas is our newest big attraction for Asia, which has something onboard to ‘Wow’ everyone! With her Voyager Class’ sheer size and groundbreaking features such as the Royal Promenade, ice skating rink and DreamWorks entertainment, our brand is not only creating a bigger wave of interest in cruising, it also makes us leaders once again in redefining the cruising experience in Asia.”

Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said, "We are very pleased to welcome Mariner of the Seas to Singapore. The deployment of another Voyager-class ship in the region is a significant demonstration of Royal Caribbean International’s commitment to Asia. We are especially delighted that Mariner of the Seas will be sailing out of Singapore for her maiden Asian season. With our cruise infrastructure at Marina Bay and Harbourfront, established supporting industries and numerous air links, Royal Caribbean International can count on Singapore as a key gateway to grow its fly-cruise business for the Asia-Pacific region and beyond."

The 15 passenger-deck, 3,807-guest Mariner of the Seas is the largest and most exciting ship based in Asia, after her sister ship Voyager of the Seas which is also now in the region. Mariner of the Seas offers cruisers the renowned Voyager Class activities and entertainment such as the 900-seater ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade – a boulevard of shops and cafes, full-sized sports court,
in-line skating track, rock-climbing wall and mini-golf course. In addition, there is a three-tier theatre, themed bars and lounges as well as a mezzanine split level nightclub.

Mariner of the Seas also features the unique DreamWorks Animation entertainment programme. Guests of all ages can interact with ‘celebrity’ characters like Shrek and Fiona of “Shrek”, Alex of “Madagascar” and Po of “Kung Fu Panda” during parades in the Royal Promenade, character breakfasts in the main dining room and photo opportunities. Also new in Asia with this ship is the Barbie Premium Experience for girls to set sail in true Barbie fashion with staterooms decorated in true Barbie fashion and exclusive, themed activities such as tiaras and teacups party and fashion show.

There are numerous dining options onboard including the grand three-tier main dining room and buffet restaurant which serve a variety of international cuisine with a selection of Asian dishes. There are also specialty restaurants onboard, namely Chops Grille Steakhouse, the rustic-style Italian restaurant Giovanni’s Table, Boardwalk Dog House for hot dogs and Johnny Rockets 50s’ style American diner. As for accommodation, the choice ranges from the luxurious Royal Suites to the unique Promenade staterooms with views overlooking the Royal Promenade.

Mariner of the Seas’ maiden Asian season has lined up cruises from Singapore in early June of 3 and 4 nights to Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang) and Langkawi, and 10 nights to Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Shanghai. She will sail North Asian cruises from Shanghai during the summer before returning to Singapore for more Southeast Asian cruises from November till next March. They include a variety of 3,4 and 5-night cruises to Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Langkawi, Penang and Phuket, a 7-night cruise to Bangkok (Laem Chabang) (overnight) and Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), and an 8-night cruise to Shanghai with calls at Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My) and Xiamen and an overnight in Hong Kong. She is Royal Caribbean International’s fourth ship homeporting in Asia, following Rhapsody of the Seas, Legend of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.