Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum unveils program and speaker line up

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 24 March 2013 24 March 2013

The developmental prospects of the cruising and yachting sectors in the wider East Mediterranean and Black Sea regions in relation to the changing geopolitical and economic landscape of the sub-region's source and destination markets will be tabled at the 2nd Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum taking place in Athens in May.

Senior international policy and decision makers from the world's top cruise lines and yachting service providers will join regulators, maritime government officials and local authorities of port destinations in a unique lineup of sea tourism industry experts to debate the crucial issues that determine their growth trends and future sustainability.

Confirmed top speakers and panelists of the Forum include amongst others:
- John Fox, Vice President, Government Relations, U.S. and Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.


- Giora Israel, Senior Vice President Port and Destination Development, Carnival Corporation


- Richard Vogel, Chief Executive Officer, TUI Cruises


- John Tercek, Vice President Commercial & New Business Development, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.


- Kyriakos Anastassiadis, Chief Executive Officer, LOUIS Cruises


- Diane Moore, President, Paul Gauguin Cruises
Robert Ashdown, Secretary General, CLIA Europe


- Neil Palomba, Chairman of the CLIA Europe Ports & Infrastructure Sub-Committee and Corporate Operating Officer, MSC Cruises

- 
Stavros Hatzakos, President, Medcruise


- Toby Maclaurin, President, Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA)
Hein Velema, Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Yachts Worldwide


- Matthew Bate, Chief Executive Officer, D-Marin Marinas Group

- 
James Beaver, Operations Director, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas Limited


- Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries


- Konstantinos Moussouroulis, Minister of Shipping, Maritime Affairs and the Aegean

"The importance attached to our Forum by the industry's most influential players is indicative of the critical juncture we find ourselves today as the East Med was just beginning to take off and expectations were bullish until it was hit by the financial crisis and the Arab Spring uprising," said Theodore Vokos, Project Director, Posidonia Exhibitions SA, the organisers of the event.

"Cruise Lines are currently increasing supply to the Far East, at the expense of our region's prospects as they are delaying deployment of further capacity in our region, and Greece and the East Med region need to compensate by accelerating the development of the emerging backyard markets, so as to re-attract attention and stimulate growth," said Vokos.

The conference will commence with a session looking at growth challenges for the region with a focus on the role of governments, legislation and environmental considerations in relation to long-term corporate strategies.
 
During the first day, delegates will also discuss the importance of port investment to the growth of the cruise industry and take a detailed look at how Italy, Turkey and the Black Sea have attracted such investments at the expense of Greece which has yet failed to fully capitalise on its potential. However, Greece's expected port privatization, currently in the planning stages, is expected to attract increased investment interest from both international port managers and cruise lines, who will attend the Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum and who in turn will be able to present possible investment plans and table the cruise industry's needs so as to improve port infrastructure in Greece.

The conference will also include a dedicated sales development session, of upmost importance for the region's future sea tourism growth. Topics to be discussed are the region's new emerging source markets of Russia, Ukraine and Turkey and how this potential can be tapped. The Cruise Day’s final session will address the key parameters of port, destination and shore excursion selection for cruise success.

The Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum has also attracted the interest of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which will host the event's parallel session on Day 2 "Black Sea Discovery: Exciting Cruise Destinations on the Black Sea" that will include discussions about the Black Sea destinations of Sochi, Trabzon and Constanta and their role towards the growth of sea tourism in the region.

The international appeal of the event is also reflected by its rapidly increasing list of exhibitors, which includes destinations from the East Med and Black and Red Sea regions. So far confirmed sponsors include Louis Cruises, RINA and the Dubai Maritime City Authority, which has picked this event to promote the new services and facilities Dubai provides the sea tourism industry.

The focus of the second day will be the yachting and passenger shipping sectors; the opening session will discuss the status of cabotage in the Greek commercial yachting sector and examine the Greek government's willingness and readiness to follow a more liberalized framework. 

With more than 15 marinas in Greece earmarked for privatisation, it is expected that international marina managers, including Camper & Nicholsons Marinas and D-Marinas Group who have recently invested in Greek Marinas, will present their future strategy for the region.

"Another dedicated session will look at Greece's policies on marina privatisation in relation to the strong interest expressed by Turkish and other international marina developers and operators and the receptiveness of the Greek government to benefit from the know-how and advanced expertise of international private investors," said Vokos.

The 2nd Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum is organised under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the Greek Ministry of Shipping, Maritime Affairs and the Aegean, CLIA - Europe, the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping, the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises (SETE), the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies, the Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports (MEDCRUISE), the Hellenic Ports' Association (ELIME), the Hellenic Professional Yacht Owners' Association, the Greek Marinas' Association, the Union of Greek Cruise Ship Owners & Associated Members, the Hellenic Association of Travel & Tourist Agencies (HATTA) and the Hellenic Yacht Brokers' Association.

Porthole Cruise Magazine to expand its reach from printed page to digital screen

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 24 March 2013 24 March 2013

Porthole Cruise Magazine, the cruise industry’s publication of record and cruise lovers’ window to the world for the last 17 years, has perfected another way to bring its inspiring content to readers. Beginning in March, Porthole Cruise Magazine will offer a digital version of the same great magazine, giving more first-time and veteran cruisers a way to enjoy the ultimate cruise guide.

“Porthole has passionately and thoroughly covered the cruise industry and the world for almost two decades,” says publisher and editor-in-chief Bill Panoff. “A digital edition is just the right step in us staying on trend with technology and offering the finest quality to both Porthole readers and to those who may yet share our passions.”

The digital edition will be free to Porthole subscribers, who have long appreciated the magazine’s award-winning photography and features about destinations, voyages, ship reviews, onboard cuisine, entertainment, spas, shopping, and more.

Porthole will partner with BlueToad, one of the largest digital providers of commercial and specialty publications, to make the content as user-friendly and impactful as it is on the printed page. Additionally, apps for iPhone and iPad will be available on the Apple Newsstand.

Readers will be able to access the digital version at porthole.com, where they can also manage their subscriptions and even give the gift of Porthole. Moving forward, Porthole will continue to add features such as video to further give its devoted readers the nuanced content they appreciate and value.

“Our digital edition not only expands the magazine’s reach, but also complements the way we reach cruise lovers through social media,” says Panoff. “Porthole’s Facebook and Twitter pages already have a devoted following, and with our YouTube channel and Tumblr blog constantly expanding, there’s never been a better time to come aboard.”

MSC Preziosa joins the MSC fleet in glittering ceremony on the Med

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 23 March 2013 23 March 2013

This evening in Genoa, Italy, the latest jewel in the MSC Cruises fleet, MSC Preziosa, will be christened in a glittering ceremony by international screen legend Sophia Loren. This glamorous, high-profile event will include a gala dinner prepared by a team of Eataly chefs and entertainment from top Italian and international performers in the company of celebrities, selected guests, media, authorities and the top management of MSC Cruises.

MSC Preziosa is the 12th addition to the MSC fleet and the precious fourth flagship in the company’s celebrated Fantasia class. Both the ship herself and tonight’s dazzling event have been inspired by the theme of preciousness, and this evening guests will enjoy the precious first glimpse of MSC’s latest exquisite gem as she is unveiled to the world.

Anticipation has been building in Italy since the launch of the MSC Social Game on the company’s Italian Facebook page and in Piazza de Ferrari, Genoa’s main square, while travel agents across the company’s main markets have been competing to experience the brand new flagship for themselves through an international trade competition.

"This evening we will celebrate MSC Preziosa: her sparkling beauty and outstanding features, from the longest single rider body waterslide on the waves, Vertigo, to the first two Eataly restaurant at sea," said MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago.

"And at the very heart of tonight’s celebrations is not only this magnificent ship, but also the city of Genoa, MSC Preziosa’s new homeport and a key MSC Cruises homeport since the start of our expansion programme in 2003. This year, MSC is deploying nine ships from the port and, over the course of the year, over 800,000 travellers will embark, disembark or transit during a total of over 211 calls here. The city continues to show a keen understanding of the major economic impact that MSC brings to the entire region, and tonight is the perfect opportunity to celebrate this unique and longstanding partnership."

As testament to this important relationship and to make sure that Genoa’s residents don’t miss out on the glitz and glamour of tonight’s celebrations, MSC has also organized a spectacular laser show which will be projected on and from La Lanterna, Genoa’s famous lighthouse. Italian comedians Ale and Franz together with comic actress Katia Follesa will also take to the stage in the city’s Porto Antico, entertaining the crowd and narrating the christening ceremony as it unfolds on giant screens.
The christening itself will be attended by numerous international artists, including Italian singer Gino Paoli who will perform a selection of his classic hits, and maestro Ennio Morricone who will conduct a 55-piece orchestra.

Star ballet dancer Roberto Bolle will attend the event as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. MSC Cruises supports UNICEF through their joint “Get on Board for Children” initiative, which has raised over 2 million euros to date for disadvantaged children in Brazil. Bolle will be welcomed on stage by the Genoa Russian Ballet College performing a sequence from Swan Lake, directed by Irina Kashkova.

During the show, MSC Preziosa will also be the star of a completely original ‘flash mob’ involving the travellers on board MSC Splendida and MSC Opera, departing from Genoa on their regular itineraries that very night, as well as guests celebrating the christening of MSC Preziosa – a total number of over 10,000 people! Guests from all three ships will be invited to join in a simple, fun and moving activity involving light games and sounds.

The highlight of the evening will of course be the floodlit ceremony and parade of the ship’s officers, when the peerless Sophia Loren – treasured godmother to the MSC Cruises fleet –cuts the ribbon and names MSC Preziosa to a crescendo of champagne and fireworks.

Celebrations will be crowned by a delicious Michelin-star gala dinner, a sophisticated blend of high quality ingredients and culinary art lovingly prepared by a team of chefs selected by Eataly: Ugo Alciati, the Michelin-starred chef of Guido, Pollenzo, Italy, Moreno Cedroni, the two-star Michelin chef of La Madonnina del Pescatore, Senigallia, Italy, Pino Cuttaia, the two-star Michelin chef of La Madia, Licata, Italy, and Enrico Panero, the chef of Marin Eataly, Genoa, Italy. The menu will be a celebration of the recent partnership between MSC Cruises and the popular Turin-based chain and a culinary voyage of discovery through the flavours of the Mediterranean.

Cunard announces 2014-2015 cruise program

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 21 March 2013 21 March 2013

Cunard Line has announced full details of its 2014-2015 cruise programme, featuring a markedly increased presence in the Mediterranean, new land tours, special Transatlantic Crossings, and celebratory events to mark the 10th birthday of flagship Queen Mary 2.

The new programme commences in spring 2014, following the return of Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria from their extensive 2014 World Voyages.

"2014 is the year to travel on a Cunard Liner," said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. "The 10th anniversary of Queen Mary 2 provides a unique opportunity to experience crossing the Atlantic in a celebratory fashion. In addition, our new 2014 itineraries offer variety, providing access to the most celebrated regions of the world."

Shanks continued, "Each guest's Cunard cruise experience is amplified by our reputation for superior White Star Service and world-class amenities."

Queen Elizabeth in the Mediterranean
The highly rated Queen Elizabeth – the 2012 recipient of Travel Weekly's Silver Magellan Award for Luxury Cruise Ship – offers one of the best experiences in the Mediterranean. More than 70 departure combinations are available that run from June to December 2014 with the choice of seven-, 14- or 21-night itineraries on board the youngest Cunarder. The attractive Mediterranean offerings include 25 different ports including Monte Carlo, Corfu, Mykonos, Naples, Dubrovnik and Livorno, as well as overnight stays in Istanbul, Turkey and Venice, Italy. In addition, Queen Elizabeth will have seven maiden calls including Elba, Italy; Kotor, Montenegro; Bodrum, Turkey; Volos, Greece; Palermo (Sicily), Italy; La Goulette, Tunisia; and Toulon, France.

Fares for the following voyages start from:
" Seven-day Pearls of the Adriatic (Rome to Venice): $999
" Seven-day Italian Serenade (Athens to Rome): $1,099
" Seven-day Mediterranean Discovery (roundtrip Rome): $1,099
" Seven-day Aegean Interlude (roundtrip Athens): $1,249
" 14-day voyages created by adding different combinations of two seven-day voyages: $1,899
" 21-day voyages created by adding different combinations of three seven-day voyages: $3,099

Queen Elizabeth's grand art deco interiors and unique works of art, which pay homage to both the original Queen Elizabeth and Great Britain's Royal Family, continue to fascinate and delight guests who sail aboard the Line's newest Cunarder. The ship's Grand Lobby prominently displays the 18.5 ft. marquetry piece of the original Queen Elizabeth created by David Linley, the only nephew of Her Majesty The Queen, and a specially commissioned portrait of The Queen created by artist Isobel Peachey especially for the liner's 2010 debut.

Queen Mary 2 Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Throughout 2014, the grandest ocean liner at sea, Queen Mary 2, will celebrate her 10th Anniversary and will continue to provide her legendary Transatlantic Crossings between New York and Southampton, as well as Hamburg, with 17 regularly scheduled Crossings from May through June 2014. In honour of her anniversary, the following voyages are scheduled:
" Two eight-night Transatlantic Crossings with a stop in Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) to celebrate Cunard's transatlantic heritage. Halifax was the line's original east coast port of call and the birthplace of company founder Sir Samuel Cunard
" Two Birthday Crossings to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Queen Mary 2 – which will include a host of special events and celebrations – from Southampton to New York on 9 May, and New York to Southampton on 16 May
" Three Queens event in Southampton on 9 May to celebrate the 10th Anniversary
" Ten Transatlantic Crossings between Hamburg and New York, featuring optional two-night escorted tours of Hamburg and Berlin

Queen Mary 2 will also sail her popular Americas and Caribbean voyages. Fares for these roundtrip sailings from New York start from:
" 4th of July Independence Day Celebration cruise with Boston fireworks: $1,349
" 12-night Caribbean Fiesta Holiday and New Year celebration: $2,399
" 12-night New England and Canadian Sojourn: $2,599

Fares for the following additional voyages start from:
" Seven-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1,199
" Eight-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1,549
" Nine-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1,749
" 10-day Transatlantic Crossings: $1,849
" 28-day Grand Norwegian Explorer: $4,699

The above Transatlantic Crossings offer leisurely time to explore the ship's extensive on board amenities and activities, including lectures through the award-winning Cunard Insights programme; stargazing in the only planetarium at sea; white-gloved afternoon tea served in the Queens Room or a spin around the dance floor during a Royal Nights themed ball; taking in a performance or workshop by members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art; or perusing 8,000 volumes in the largest library at sea.

Europe with Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2
Based in Southampton for summer 2014, Queen Victoria will sail a range of voyages to the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic cities, Mediterranean shores, Atlantic Islands, Black Sea and Turkish ports, and maiden ports, including Invergordon, Scotland; Kirkwall, Scotland; Mytilene, Greece; Skagen, Denmark; St. Peter Port, Guernsey; and St. Tropez, France.

Queen Victoria will sail Around the British Isles roundtrip from Southampton to South Queensferry, Invergordon, Kirkwall and Greenock in Scotland; Dublin, Cobh in Ireland; and St. Peter Port, Guernsey, with an overnight stay in Liverpool to coincide with the Aquitanian Maiden Voyage 100th Anniversary commemoration.

Fares for the following voyages start from:
" Seven-day Fjords and Waterfalls: $1,599
" 13-day Around the British Isles: $2,699
" 14-day St. Petersburg and Baltic Discovery: $2,999
" 14-day Royal Viking Adventure: $3,199
" 14-day Geysers and Glaciers: $3,199

Queen Mary 2 will again venture to Northern Europe offering sailings from Hamburg and Southampton, including the Arctic Circle Adventure which travels to these Norwegian cities: Bergen, Andalasnes, Trondheim, Tromso, Alesund and Stavanger, unlocking the majestic beauty and wonder of the Fjords.

Fares for the following voyages start from:
" Eight-day Northern Discovery: $1,499
" 11-day Arctic Circle Adventure: $2,699
" 13-day Norwegian Explorer: $2,199

New Land Tours in Classic Cunard Destinations
To add to the new itineraries, Cunard Line is launching a series of exclusive shore excursions designed to enhance classic destinations where Cunard ships travel. Highlights from select new excursions include:

" New York: Exclusive Macy's Fashion Breakfast – Gain access to the store before opening hours for an exclusive shopping experience that includes a 10% discount, a tour of the store with special facts about the flagship location, a fashion preview from a Macy's stylist of the hottest styles from around the world, and breakfast for fuel for the day.

" London: England's Christmas Capital – Enjoy two nights at The Langham London, followed by two nights at Lainston House in Winchester. Included: a Regent Street Association Discount Card (one per room) with a discount in Regent Street's glamorous shops, a panoramic tour of London ending in Harrods, followed by a festive afternoon tea. Visit Windsor on the way to Winchester, relax at Lainston House set in the countryside, and enjoy a three-course meal with complimentary bottle of wine (one per room) and delicious complimentary homemade Christmas pudding. The package includes a morning beat the crowds visit to the famous Winchester Christmas market and a guided tour of the Cathedral, followed by a blessing from a member of the clergy, mince pies and mulled wine.

" London: VIP Royal Tour of London – Enjoy highlights of the ultimate London experience with a private viewing of the Crown Jewels, guided tours of the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, along with a viewing of the changing of the Guards and lunch at a traditional pub. This package also includes a two-night stay at the five-star Goring Hotel.

" Hamburg: Berlin Highlights Tour – Take in the largest city in Germany through a multi-stop tour of the city's historic highlights, including Schloss Charlottenburg Palace, outside tours of East-Side Gallery and Check-Point Charlie, as well as an orientation tour of Reichstag, Brandenbrug Gate, Tiergarten and the Tauentzien Street shopping district. Also included is a hotel stay at the five-star Steigenberger Hotel and lunch at a traditional German restaurant on the first day.

World Club members enjoy an additional savings of 5% off launch fares, available to guests who book by 31 August 2013 for all summer 2014 and winter 2015 voyages. Offer is not applicable to third- and fourth-berth guests.