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Ventura third P&O ship to complete refit; adds single cabins, Glasshouse, Retreat

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 May 2013 08 May 2013

A multi-million pound refurbishment has been carried out to the 2008 built, 116,000 gross ton Ventura to incorporate features which have proved popular with passengers on sister ship Azura that was built in 2010, P&O Cruises said in a statement.

“Successful concepts from Azura, such as The Glasshouse, The Retreat, menus designed by Michelin-star chef Atul Kochhar in speciality restaurant East and single cabins have all been introduced on board Ventura as part of P&O Cruises ongoing refit programme,” the company said.

Highlights include:

The Glasshouse

· The Glasshouse has been introduced, to replace Las Ramblas bar and restaurant on Deck 7

· Installation of enomatic wine system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass selected by TV wine expert Olly Smith

· Conversion to The Glasshouse menu with a selection of small and large plates available for lunch and dinner (additional charge). Small plates include:chorizo, pork belly and butter bean cassoulet and larger plates include a selection of steak, burger and fish dishes with triple cooked chips as well as vegetarian options including woodland mushroom and spring onion risotto with melting camembert

East

· East now features a new menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar

· Atul has devised a unique Thai/Indonesian menu, which also includes influences from Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine. Sample dishes include:

-24 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Rendang - Indonesian style curry with coconut milk, shallots, garlic and ginger

-Spiced Sea Bream – wrapped in banana leaf and griddled with shallots and green chillies

Atul Kochhar said: “Exploring flavours from across the Far East, including Indonesia and Thailand, this new and exciting menu showcases modern Asian cuisine. Incorporating mystical spices with subtle ingredients this menu is inspired by my travels throughout Asia and my love of spice.”

Single cabins

· 18 new single cabins added: 12 outside and six inside

· Located in the same area as Azura, adjacent to the Exchange Bar on Deck 6, a central location

The Retreat

· Installation of The Retreat into the forward area on Deck 16

· The Retreat is a sumptuous open-air spa terrace with sun loungers, a separate pool and stunning sea views, exclusively for adults

· Passengers can buy a full day pass to The Retreat for a small cover charge

Other changes

· The atrium features a new dance floor which will host dance lessons day and night with a live band in the evening

· Ventura is now fully wi-fi enabled

· The cyberstudy has been converted into the ship’s new library (with some fixed PCs)

· A new perfumery has replaced the old library

· A new enomatic wine system has been introduced in Waterside, the ship’s buffet restaurant. This self-service system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass, similar to The Glasshouse, by purchasing a wine card on board

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: “This is the latest of several refits to our fleet. Oriana and Oceana have already had multi-million pound investments and Arcadia will be at the end of the year. We are delighted with the changes on Ventura. All of the enhancements have been made following feedback from both existing passengers and potential cruisers. Research showed that speciality restaurants were very important as well as a variety of dining with premium grills, classic fine dining, Asian and Indian menus being the most popular.

“As a result we have added these innovations onto Ventura. We have a new Asian Fusion menu in East, designed by Atul Kochhar and we added The Glasshouse grill and wine bar, both of which have proved so popular on Azura.

“Following the success of the single cabins on Azura and Oriana, we also now have 18 new single cabins on Ventura. This offers an attractive and cost effective option to solo travellers. The Retreat has also been a huge hit with passengers on Azura and so we now have the same concept on Ventura. The Retreat offers a private area, exclusively for adults and is the perfect place to relax, unwind and be pampered."

“All in all, these changes are very well suited to passengers seeking a relaxed and contemporary cruising experience – perfect for families, friends and couples alike. We are very excited to have these latest innovations in time for Ventura’s new fly-cruise programme to the Mediterranean next summer. Our passengers can enjoy some of Europe’s most iconic destinations in greater style and even more comfort on our new-look Ventura.”

Norwegian Breakaway arrives home to New York City

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 May 2013 07 May 2013

Following months of anticipation, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, arrived early this morning to her year-round homeport of New York City. The 146,600 gross ton ship, which is the largest ever to call Manhattan its home, will be christened on Wednesday, May 8 during an exclusive ceremony featuring New York City icons The Rockettes, Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” and New York City officials, among others. Her signature hull art, designed by legendary artist Peter Max, is highly visible from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal’s Pier 88.

"Norwegian Breakaway is New York’s ship and we are thrilled to finally have her home," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. "From world-class dining to high-caliber entertainment, we’ve definitely encapsulated the best of New York onboard Norwegian Breakaway and are looking forward to welcoming guests on May 12 for her first seven-day cruise to Bermuda."

More than 4,000 guests will take part in the ship’s Christening Ceremony at 2 pm ET on Wednesday, May 8. A live webcast of the ceremony will be available at www.breakaway.ncl.com. In addition, fireworks will light up the skyline (taking place near the Statue of Liberty) at approximately 8:30 pm Wednesday evening.

Norwegian Breakaway’s journey to New York began on April 25 in Bremerhaven, Germany after Norwegian Cruise Line officially took delivery of the ship. Norwegian Breakaway left the port of Bremerhaven and, following several inaugural events in Rotterdam and Southampton, she embarked upon a transatlantic cruise to New York City. On May 12, she will sail to Bermuda to start her series of seven-day cruises through October. In the fall, Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day sailings to the Southern Caribbean.

Cruise Business Review's Publisher Teijo Niemela was onboard on the crossing. Check the slide show at the bottom of our homepage.

V. Ships Leisure appointed Titanic II ship manager

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 May 2013 07 May 2013

Blue Star Line says it has appointed V.Ships Leisure as the ship management services partner for its Titanic II project.

V.Ships Leisure is the world’s largest supplier of management and outsourcing services to the maritime leisure industry. It is the passenger shipping arm of V.Ships, the world’s leading provider of third-party ship management and related services.

Professor Clive Palmer, chairman of Blue Star Line, said the appointment of V.Ships Leisure further strengthened the team that had been assembled to deliver Titanic II in 2016.“I would like to welcome V.Ships Leisure to the team and look forward to working closely with them on this landmark project,” Professor Palmer said in a statement.

V.Ships Leisure CEO Andrea Zito said the company was pleased to be associated with Blue Star Line and Titanic II. “We are very pleased to be part of the team that will re-create this iconic ship in a project which we will combine our current know-how with our heritage from the time Vlasov created the first Sitmar Line and then Sitmar Cruises,” he said.

V.Ships Leisure 200 shore-based and 7,000 crew members provide services to more than 120 cruise vessels, ferries and super yachts. These services are in many cases customised to meet the specific needs of clients including the ability to provide integrated deck and engine and hotel management as part of the same service offering.

Kari Tuominen appointed Merima managing director

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 May 2013 06 May 2013

Kari Tuominen has been appointed as Managing Director of Merima Ltd, effective 1 June 2013. Current Managing Director, Lauri Haavisto, is leaving the company to join Foreship Ltd. as company’s new Managing Director, effective 3 June 2013, Merima said in a statement. Tuominen has served Merima Ltd. for 17 years in various positions. Past seven years he has been Deputy Managing Director of Merima Ltd.

Isabelle to replace Silja Festival on Stockholm-Riga service 6 May

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

Isabelle, the 1989 built cruise ferry Tallink Grupp acquired from Viking Line earlier this year, will sail from Riga on 6 May for the first time for Stockholm as replacement of slightly smaller 1986 built Silja Festival.

Isabelle, which was built as Isabella in Yugoslavia, accommodates 2,480 passengers and 450 cars and it is 170.9 meters long and 27.6 meters wide. Its speed is 20.5 knots.

“Bringing Isabelle to the Riga-Stockholm route is the next logical step in the development of this particular route. As the demand on the route is increasing we needed a vessel with larger capacity for both passengers and cars, said Peter Roose, Management Board Member of Tallink Grupp.