Carnival Splendor's year-round schedule expanded to include widest variety of itinerary choices from New York

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 13 May 2013 13 May 2013

Beginning in 2014, Carnival Cruise Lines has significantly diversified Carnival Splendor's year-round offerings from New York, adding new four- and five- day Canada cruises, seven-day Canada/New England departures, and the only program of eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages operating one-way between New York and San Juan.

These new voyages complement the ship's popular year-round eight-day departures that showcase top destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Central Florida.

In total, Carnival Splendor will offer 10 different itineraries visiting more than a dozen scenic destinations throughout the Caribbean, Canada, and the U.S. Atlantic Coast, providing consumers with an incredible array of "Fun Ship" vacation choices.

"New York is a favorite homeport of Carnival guests and we're delighted to expand our offerings from the Big Apple to include a diverse array of itineraries, from historic and charming cities in Canada and New England to a host of tropical island destinations throughout the Caribbean," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO. "At the same time, we're also pleased to offer these special one-way cruises between New York and San Juan which provide our guests with an even greater variety of exciting destinations from which to choose," he added.

Four- to seven-day Canada/New England cruises from New York

Carnival Splendor will operate a schedule of four-, five- and seven-day Canada/New England cruises running from June to October 2014.

Four-day weekend cruises depart June 5, July 3 and 31, and Aug. 28, 2014, calling at Saint John, New Brunswick, while five-day cruises depart Sept. 1 and Oct. 11, 2014, calling at both Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Five week-long "fall foliage" Canada/New England cruises will also be offered, featuring extended stops at Boston, Portland, Maine; Saint John and Halifax. Departure days for the seven-day voyages include Sept. 6, 13, 20, and 27 and Oct. 4, 2014.

These attractive Canada/New England voyages provide guests the opportunity to view centuries-old architectural structures, explore awe-inspiring natural wonders, and visit interesting historical landmarks.

Unique one-way cruises between New York and San Juan

For the first time, Carnival Splendor will offer a series of one-way voyages between New York and San Juan. The eight-day itineraries will operate from New York to San Juan or vice versa, with stops at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, and St. Maarten. Three New York-to-San Juan cruises will depart Oct. 24, 2014, and Jan. 12 and Feb. 13, 2015, while three San Juan-to-New York voyages will depart Nov. 1, 2014, and Jan. 20 and Feb. 21, 2015.

On these one-of-a-kind voyages, guests can visit some of the world's most beautiful beaches and participate in a wide range of activities, from snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking to zip-lining across the lush Caribbean countryside.

Eight-day voyages round-trip from New York

These new options complement Carnival Splendor's wide array of eight-day cruises round-trip from New York offered throughout the year. These include a Bahamas/Florida itinerary calling at Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas, along with two different eastern Caribbean routes, one featuring San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk, and another visiting Grand Turk, Nassau and the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay.

In addition to outstanding beaches, guests sailing on these cruises can experience unique dining, shopping and cultural opportunities and tour a variety of historic landmarks and attractions.

Variety of fun on-board options aboard Carnival Splendor

The 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor offers a variety of on-board features and facilities, highlighted by a two-level 21,000-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, along with four swimming pools, a cascading water slide and free, supervised programming and facilities catering to kids in three age groups. Dining options include two two-level main dining rooms, a classic American steakhouse and an expansive poolside restaurant offering a variety of international cuisines and a 24-hour pizzeria.

Carnival Splendor also offers a wide range of accommodation choices, including spectacular suites and Cloud 9 Spa staterooms, with more than 60 percent of all staterooms offering either an ocean view or private balcony. There are even inter-connecting staterooms that are perfect for families or guests travelling together.

CLIA names Thomas Fischetti CFO

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 13 May 2013 13 May 2013

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced that it has named Thomas Fischetti to the position of chief financial officer, reporting to CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. His responsibilities for the global cruise industry trade association include financial management, accounting, contracting and internal controls, IT, human resources and oversight of the association's facilities.

"We are very excited to welcome Tom to CLIA," said Duffy. "Tom's strong background in finance and accounting, demonstrated management skills and proven track record in trade association leadership make him an ideal fit for this important role. Tom also has valuable experience as a senior executive within an international trade association, and we look forward to the many contributions he will make within CLIA's global organization."

CLIA recently announced eleven independent cruise organizations from around the world had joined together to become part of an integrated structure to serve as the voice of the cruise industry. Fischetti's extensive global management and operating experience will be of great benefit to CLIA as it transitions from an association serving 26 member lines in North America to one that represents over 60 member lines in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. Additionally, he brings to CLIA a wealth of knowledge and operating experience in some of the cruise industry's rapidly expanding markets -including Asia, Latin America and the European Union - which he will use to support CLIA's continued globalization.

Prior to joining CLIA, Fischetti served as chief financial officer and senior vice president at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), where he had responsibility for the finance, IT and contracting functions and led a team in the United States and Europe. Fischetti is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant.

William Gee who has been serving as CLIA's interim CFO will continue as a consultant to CLIA working directly with Fischetti.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines introduces no single supplement to book twin cabin on certain 2014-15 cruises

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 13 May 2013 13 May 2013

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines says it has always attracted a high volume of solo travellers as part of the launch of its 2014-15 programme, it  has introduced no single supplement on certain twin grade cabins for sole occupancy, on a selection of 2014-15 cruises, it said in a statement.

“These special ‘no single supplement’ deals mean that a solo guest, occupying a twin cabin, will pay the same per person rate as a couple, on applicable cruises,” the company said.

Other selected Fred. Olsen cruises in 2014-15 have a reduced ‘twin-for-sole occupancy’ supplement, ranging from 50% to 75%, on selected twin grades.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We understand how difficult it can be to find holidays for one without huge single supplements. So, right now, to extend a warm welcome to single travellers, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering special deals on selected 2014-15 twin cabins for sole occupancy.

“We are very proud that, in 2011, cruise experts at influential consumer website Cruise Critic voted Fred. Olsen ‘Best for Solo Cruisers’ in its third annual ‘Editors' Picks Awards’, and described us as ‘the line most committed to keeping the solo traveller happy’.”

For those guests who prefer a single cabin, Fred. Olsen has a number of single cabins available on each of its four ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch, covering all grades, from ‘Single Inside’ and ‘Single Outside’ cabins, to ‘Single Balcony Suites’. Overall, the fleet has 190 single cabins; Braemar offers 40 such cabins, Black Watch and Boudicca each have 43, and Balmoral has 64.

Fred. Olsen’s new product range for the 2014-15 cruise programme includes the cruise line’s first-ever series of two-night cruises – ‘Introductory Cruises’ – making it even easier for a solo guest to try a cruise and see whether it is the kind of holiday for them, before embarking on a longer voyage. 

The Fred. Olsen cruises that will attract no single supplement on selected twin grade cabins occupied by solo travellers include (subject to availability):

·         Boudicca’s 28-night D1419 ‘Empires of the Mediterranean & Black Sea’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 11th October 2014

·         Boudicca’s two-night D1423 ‘Dublin Christmas Mini Cruise’, departing from Liverpool on 19th December 2014

·         Braemar’s three-night M1430 ‘Paris Mini Cruise’, departing from Southampton on 20th November 2014

·         Balmoral’s 14-night L1415 ‘Historic Islands & Cities of Portugal’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 10th October 2014

·         Balmoral’s ten-night L1416 ‘Artistic City Break’ cruise to Oslo, Amsterdam and Antwerp, departing from Southampton on 24th October 2014

·         Balmoral’s two-night L1418 ‘French Christmas Mini Cruise’, departing from Southampton on 19th December 2014

Once on board a Fred. Olsen ship, solo travellers will find exclusive gatherings for them to get to know each other, and staff on board will seat them together for dinner, and arrange companions for solo travellers when going ashore, if required. There are also Gentleman Hosts and Dance Couples on board the ships to provide dancing partners for solo guests. The relatively small size of Fred. Olsen’s fleet ships, and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere on board, make Fred. Olsen cruises especially attractive for those travelling alone, the company said.

Northernmost international ferry company renamed Wasaline

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 13 May 2013 13 May 2013

The company operating the world’s northernmost international ferry service has been renamed to Wasaline. Previously it traded under the Finnish name of Vaasanlaivat and the Swedish one of Vasabatarna.

The company, which is part of the NLC group, operates the 17,046 gross ton Wasa Express that was built as Travemunde in 1981 between Vaasa in Finland and Umea in Sweden. The crossing takes three and a half hours and in addition to providing a transport service, it is also used as a mini cruise.

The new company name, which was briefly used in the late 1980s by the present company’s predecessor, works in many languages and it fits all the target groups the company is aiming for, said Catharina Fant, head of marketing and corporate communications at the company. The company commenced operations in January and it has refined its strategy since then.

Vaasa and Umea lie slightly further north than the southernmost tip of Greenland, or Davis Strait that separates the Canadian mainland from Resolution Island.