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Legend of the Seas to sail from Hamburg in 2014

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 April 2013 10 April 2013

Royal Caribbean International today announced 2014 Scandinavia and Baltic cruises from Hamburg, Germany, aboard Legend of the Seas, one of nine Royal Caribbean ships to sail European waters in 2014. The cruise line also announced new 2014 Europe Cruisetours, which combine a cruise with an exclusive land tour program that explores some of Europe's most vibrant cities and interior regions such as Madrid, Florence, Rome and more. With the most innovative cruise ships in the region, the cruise line offers families and adventurers a wide selection of exciting Europe vacation options, signature entertainment and exclusive innovative onboard amenities that only Royal Caribbean can deliver.

Legend of the Seas' 2014 Scandinavia and Baltic cruises from Hamburg will open for sale on April 11, 2013, and the 2014 Europe Cruisetours are available for booking immediately.

"There is no better way for families and adventurous vacationers to experience Europe than with Royal Caribbean," said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president of Global Sales and Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. "Whether it's aboard our world's most innovative and award-winning ships or on one of our fascinating cruisetours, vacationers will be WOWed by a Europe vacation that can only be found with Royal Caribbean. Most of our ships have been recently revitalized and offer guests our newest exciting entertainment and the most contemporary onboard amenities, which together make for a most unforgettable Europe vacation."

Legend of the Seas is the latest ship in the cruise lines fleet to undergo extensive revitalization to make every ship Royal Caribbean's best ship, and now offers guests more dining options, exciting entertainment and innovative amenities. All staterooms and bathrooms were completely refreshed and a new Family Suite has been added to provide family vacationers more room for the whole clan. Legend of the Seas' guests enjoy eight restaurants, including the new Chops Grille, Izumi Asian Cuisine, Park Café, and the exclusive Chef's Table experience for 16 guests. Furthermore, in addition to Broadway-style musical revues in the main theater, guests also will be WOWed by the new aerial-acrobatic entertainment spectacular, which spans throughout the four-story Centrum.

Through the cruise lines ongoing fleetwide revitalization program, most ships now feature some of the top concepts that were introduced aboard the ground-breaking Oasis-class ships, such as new digital signage, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service, flat-panel televisions in every stateroom, an oversized LCD movie screen overlooking the main pool, Concierge and Diamond Lounges for suite and Crown & Anchor Society member guests, and the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for guests six to 36 months old.

For the 2014 Hamburg sailings, Legend of the Seas will reposition from Stockholm to Hamburg on July 27, 2014, sailing an intriguing 14-night itinerary throughout the Baltic Sea that features a three-day call at St. Petersburg, Russia; a maiden call for the cruise line at Fredericia, Denmark; and a return to Klaipeda, Lithuania last called in 2008. Throughout Aug. 2014, Legend of the Seas will sail every Sunday on a seven-night, roundtrip itinerary from Hamburg, calling at Oslo, Stavanger, Geiranger and Aalesund, before departing on Sept. 7 for a 16-night trans-Atlantic sailing to Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. Alternatively, vacationers also can embark in Oslo for the seven-night, roundtrip Norway itinerary, or for the ships trans-Atlantic crossing. Legend of the Seas will be joined by Oasis of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, and Independence of the Seas Adventure of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, and Splendour of the Seas in European waters in 2014.

Vacationers can choose among four Royal Caribbean Cruisetours that combine one of five ships with a three- to five-night land program that offers the best value to explore the many inland metropolises and attractions, as well as the coastal ones. Royal Caribbean takes care of all the planning for immersive Europe land tours, each featuring expert Adventure Specialists who act as guides, historians and concierges; carefully selected accommodations in the heart of each incredible city; premium baggage handling service throughout; transfers between cities, airport and ship; and built-in free time for guests to create their own one-of-a-kind adventure.

Two Royal Caribbean Cruisetour programs combine a Mediterranean cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas or Splendour of the Seas with either a four-night Madrid & Barcelona or a three-night Italian Lakes, Como & Venice land tour. On the latter itinerary, guest spend two nights in Como of the famed Lake Como and visit the quaint Italian town of Bellagio. Another immersive Italy cruisetour combines a Navigator of the Seas sailing with a five-night itinerary that includes all the must-see attractions of Venice, Florence & Rome. Furthermore, the Paris & London cruisetour combines a sailing aboard Adventure of the Seas or Brilliance of the Seas with a four-night itinerary that showcases Paris and London's top, iconic landmarks.

All Leisure group relocates head office, two senior officials leave company

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 April 2013 10 April 2013

All Leisure Group plc, the UK based niche cruise shipping and tour operating company, says that it will be closing its Burgess Hill Sussex office and relocating to Market Harborough, Leicestershire Office.

"The Freehold Office is where Travelsphere and Just You Brands are currently located and will become HQ for the enlarged All Leisure group plc," the company said in a statement.

As part of this relocation Rob Bryant Fleet Director has resigned. Rob has been with the company for 14 years and 10 years on the plc Board. In addition Neil Morris Chief Operating officer, who has been on the Board for over 2 years, will leave the company at the end of May. Both these resignations are a part of the reorganisation process which is expected to save in the region of £1.5m, and is on schedule.

Roger Allard Chairman, All Leisure Group plc said “On behalf of the Board I would like to thank Rob, Neil and other staff affected for their hard work and wish them well for the future”.

Korea Development Bank may acquire STX Pan Ocean shares

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 April 2013 10 April 2013

Korea Development Bank, the state owned financial institution based in Seoul, may acquire the 35.9% stake in STX Pan Ocean that the STX Business Group had attempted to sell earlier this spring, the Wall Street Journal reports on its website.

“Korea Development Bank’s private equity team has hired advisors to review the possible acquisition of STX Pan Ocean following STX Group’s request,” STX Pan Ocean said in a late-Monday filing to the Korea Exchange.

The move would be part of attempts by the STX Business Group to restore its financial health that has suffered from weakness in both shipping and shipbuilding markets. Last week, STX Shipbuilding & Offshore, which owns STX Europe that controls STX France and STX Finland cruise ship builders, asked its creditors to renegotiate their loan agreements with the company.

STX Pan Ocean is a bulk shipping company.

“Analysts widely see the sale to KDB as inevitable. The state-owned policy bank and other creditors lent $10 billion to the shipping, shipbuilding-to-construction and energy conglomerate. But profitability has worsened, and the risk of creditors writing down debt is rising,” the Wall Street Journal reported.

Norwegian Breakaway introduces senior management team

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 April 2013 09 April 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the remainder of Norwegian Breakaway's senior management team, including the ship's Staff Captains, Chief Engineers, Hotel Director, Assistant Hotel Director, Food and Beverage Director, Cruise Director and key department heads. These senior officers and managers will work alongside the previously announced ship's Captains, Evans Hoyt and Hakan Svedung, and Hotel Director Denis Prugda, to deliver the line's most innovative ship to date.

Norwegian will take delivery of Norwegian Breakaway, the ship that will bring the best of New York City to sea, on April 25, 2013. Following inaugural festivities and a maiden transatlantic voyage, the ship will begin a series of seven-day cruises from New York to Bermuda.

Seasoned officers, Staff Captain Niklas Persson and Matko Candrlic will be on board to introduce the vessel to guests during her very exciting inaugural season. As Staff Captains, they are second in command and report directly to Norwegian Breakaway's Captain. They are responsible for the Deck Department and are versed in all of the responsibilities and duties of the Captain, so that they are prepared to assume command if necessary. The Staff Captains will also assist Norwegian Breakaway's Captain with all operational issues, and all matters involving the safety of guests, crew, the ship and the environment. Persson joined Norwegian in 1999 and since has served as Staff Captain on board Norwegian Spirit, Sky and Jewel. When he is not on board, he enjoys spending time with his family in Sweden. Candrlic joined the company in 2003 and has held positions on board other ships including Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Gem. He enjoys his time off the ship in Croatia with his wife and children.

Carsten Fosbo will deliver Norwegian Breakaway in the position of Chief Engineer and when on vacation he will be relieved by Anders Nedal and Zoran Posa. The Chief Engineer has full responsibility of the entire technical operation of the Ship, plays a key role on the ship's Senior Management Team and works closely with the Staff Captain and Hotel Director. Fosbo joined Norwegian in 1998 and has since served as Chief Engineer on various Norwegian ships including Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Sky. Originally from Denmark, Fosbo resides in Costa Rica. Nedal joined Norwegian in 1986 and has worked on board Norwegian Star and Norwegian Gem. He spends his time away from the ship with his wife and children in his home country of Norway. Posa has been a member of the Norwegian team since 2002 and has spent the majority of his time working on board Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky. Hailing from Croatia, he spends his vacations there with his family.

Norwegian Hotel Director Sean Wurmhoeringer will assume responsibility for the ship's entire hotel operation in July when Prugda is on vacation. Wurmhoeringer joined Norwegian in 2002 and since then he has successfully operated hotel teams on board Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Star, and in 2010, Wurmhoeringer played a key role in the successful launch and delivery of Norwegian Epic. When not on board, Wurmhoeringer enjoys vacationing with his family in Austria.

Assisting the Hotel Director is Sonja Sommergger who will serve as the ship's Assistant Hotel Director. Originally from Austria, Sommergger has worked with Norwegian since 2002, in various guest service roles and on various Norwegian ships including Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Epic.

Norwegian Breakaway's Food and Beverage Director Martin Ivanov will oversee all of Norwegian Breakaway's 28 different dining options. The role of Food and Beverage Director on this ship is complex, as Norwegian Breakaway boasts more restaurants than any other cruise ship at sea. But, with his previous experience on Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Epic, home to 21 different dining options, Ivanov will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Norwegian Breakaway. Hailing from Bulgaria, he spends his vacation time at home with his family.

Heading Norwegian Breakaway's entertainment team is Cruise Director Julie Valeriote. With Norwegian since 1999, Valeriote has led entertainment teams on Norwegian Epic, where she was also part of the ship's inaugural team, and most recently on Norwegian Pearl where she has cultivated a strong following of guests who admire her constant enthusiasm, positive energy and her incredible stilt-walking skills. When not on board, Valeriote spends her vacation in her home town of Wellington, Ontario.

Norwegian Breakaway's key department heads include: Executive Housekeeper Marites Sonza from the Philippines; Executive Chef Anilkumar Chinthapattla from India; Restaurant Manager Luiza Andrei from Romania; Beverage Manager Jose Contreras from Honduras; Human Resource Director Sue Hannon from the United Kingdom; Shore Excursion Manager Andrei Bruce from the United States of America and Photo Manager Martin Brooks from the United Kingdom.

"The delivery of our incredible new ship is right around the corner," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "We are proud of the senior management team we have selected to launch our newest ship. All of them are highly-regarded with proven track records in their respective areas. Together with our seasoned captains and hotel directors, we are confident that guests sailing on board will have an unbelievable vacation experience on Norwegian Breakaway."

Windstar Cruises expands horizons with Signature Sailings

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 April 2013 09 April 2013

Windstar Cruises is enhancing the luxury small-ship experience by offering two new packages to its Signature Sailings, the company's unique collection of themed cruise and land experiences. Tastes & Traditions of the Mediterranean and Enchanting Castles & Gardens, like all of Windstar's Signature Sailings, are a blend of intimate shore excursions, exclusive onboard experiences, and hotel nights at beautiful properties, pre and post-cruise, all centered around one idea.

Windstar Cruises, famous for sailing to hidden harbors and the secluded coves of the world, has made a commitment to providing the best small-ship cruise experience, revising every itinerary in the past two years and buildings its product development team to enhance the land experience.

"We are constantly striving to provide the best Windstar experience for our guests. These packages are tailored for guests who want a more enriched vacation experience from start to finish," said Hans Birkholz, chief executive officer of Windstar Cruises. "Each Signature Sailing is different; we've taken some of our most popular voyages and added unique aspects to make them a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience."

Windstar's current Signature Sailings features the following:

* Tastes & Traditions of the Mediterranean http://www.windstarcruises.com/TC-Med-Tastes-Traditions.aspx onboard Enchanting Greece & Amalfi Coast - savor the very best of Greece and Italy from luscious almond wines in medieval Castelmola to the complex flavors of olive oils in ancient Sparta. Guests celebrate every Mediterranean flavor on this culinary exploration.
* Enchanting Castles & Gardens http://www.windstarcruises.com/TC-Enchanting-Castles.aspx> onboard Idyllic British Isles - discover England's exotic gardens and mystic castles with private tours, exclusive five-star dining, and traditional high tea.
* Monaco Grand Prix http://www.windstarcruises.com/grandprix.aspx> onboard Yachting the Riviera - experience the world's most legendary auto racing event in Windstar style. Guests gain privileged access to two days of Monaco's legendary Grand Prix, a gala event in town and an awards dinner among other exciting features.
* Legendary Links http://www.windstarcruises.com/se-lp-legendarylinks.aspx> onboard Gaelic Explorers - golf five premier courses in 10 days while you sail through Scotland and Ireland. This package includes a two-night stay at the beautiful Fairmont, access to a golf pro, and most importantly, plenty of time to play the greens.
* Footsteps of Faith http://www.windstarcruises.com/mediterranean-holy-land-cruises.aspx> - follow the footsteps of religion through the ages, from the ancient gods of the Greeks and the Egyptians to the sacred places of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Ross Arnold, a noted lecturer and expert in world religions, will be onboard to provide meaningful insights in each port.