Asuka III progresses at Meyer Werft

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 21 December 2023 21 December 2023

Meyer Werft and NYK Cruises recently celebrated the traditional keel-laying ceremony for the new cruise ship Asuka III. With the lowering of the first steel block into building dock I (hall 5), the assembly of the ship's hull has now begun. The component weighs 345 tonnes and is 12,8 metres wide, 24,6 metres long and 7,4 metres high.

"With today's keel laying, we are celebrating the next important milestone in the construction of the Asuka III. All of us at Meyer are proud to be building this special cruise ship for the Japanese market. The speciality of designing the ship to meet the needs and requirements of Japanese passengers is unique. We are working very closely and passionately with the NYK Cruises team," says Managing Director Jan Meyer.

‘I am delighted to announce the successful completion of the Keel Laying Ceremony. I appreciate the continued collaboration from the Meyer Werft shipyard team, and I feel confident that with their ongoing support, we will successfully welcome the launch of Asuka III in 2025.‘‘‘says Hiroyuki Endo, President NYK Cruises.

Meyer Werft will use numerous solutions customised for the Japanese market for the new cruise ship. These include, for example, the spa areas, which will be specially developed according to Japanese wishes and customs. In addition, the Asuka III is the first cruise ship to be built under the supervision of the Japanese flag state in around 30 years. The ship is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), one of the cleanest fuels currently available for shipping. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions, this means that emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter can be almost completely eliminated and sulphur oxides completely avoided.

Delivery of the abt. 52,000 gross ton ship is planned for 2025. With a length of 230,2 metres and a width of 29.8 metres, it will offer space for around 740 passengers.

Steel cutting ceremony marks milestone for SunStone's Infinity series

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 18 December 2023 18 December 2023

In a momentous occasion, the steel cutting ceremony for the seventh and final vessel in the groundbreaking Infinity series of expedition cruise ships has taken place at the Haimen shipyard of China Merchants Heavy Industries (CMHI). SunStone Maritime Group, a leading provider of expedition vessels, celebrated this significant milestone with key stakeholders and industry partners.

The PC6 expedition cruise ship, yet to be named, will embark on a long-term charter upon its delivery. Being technically identical to the rest of the Infinity vessels, the seventh vessel is set to join its sisters in the redefinition of the standards of expedition cruising with its cutting-edge design and unparalleled features.

The Infinity-class newbuilds, featuring up to 95 passenger cabins, each equipped with bathrooms and most with balconies, promise an immersive and comfortable experience for travellers. The ships house a range of amenities, including restaurants, lecture space, lounges, a 180-degree indoor observation deck, outdoor viewing areas, a gym, sauna, spa, and a custom-designed platform catering to kayakers and divers.

To enhance the expedition experience, the vessel will include a dedicated sea-level Zodiac loading platform and a mudroom, ensuring seamless operations for off-board activities.

"With the steel cutting of the seventh and final ship in the Infinity series, we mark the completion of a remarkable journey," said Niels-Erik Lund, CEO at SunStone Maritime Group. "These vessels exemplify our commitment to providing exceptional expedition cruises with a focus on comfort, safety, and sustainability."

The Infinity series has been a testament to SunStone’s dedication to innovation in the cruise industry. Meeting and surpassing the highest standards for expedition vessels, the completion of this final ship underscores the company's achievement of its initial objectives for the Infinity class.

SunStone Maritime Group expresses gratitude to China Merchants Heavy Industries for their collaboration and expertise in bringing the Infinity series to fruition.

The company looks forward to the next chapter as the vessel progresses through its construction phases and ultimately joins the fleet of high-performance expedition cruise ships in August 2025.

Villa Vie Residences purchases Fred. Olsen's Braemar

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 14 December 2023 14 December 2023

Villa Vie Residences has purchased a ship to be named Villa Vie Odyssey. The 924-passenger, 24,344 gross ton vessel will enter service in May 2024 following the completion of a multimillion-dollar transformation into a residential cruise ship.

Villa Vie Odyssey will offer an intimate, new lifestyle of exploration, able to reach parts of the world that larger ships cannot access, often docking in the heart of destinations. The ship’s flatter hull which enables her to navigate inland waterways and rivers too. In October 2019, she became the longest ship ever to transit the Corinth Canal.

“Villa Vie Odyssey will be customized for her immersive, 3.5-year continuous circumnavigations, ensuring all the comforts and amenities of home”, states Villa Vie Residences CEO Mikael Petterson. She will feature eight decks, a wrap-around promenade, three restaurants, eight bars and four lounges, a lengthened with four Jacuzzis, a spa and fitness center, and a well-stocked library.

Additionally, she will feature a large central business center, with private offices, conference spaces and high-speed internet by both Starlink and Viasat 3 allowing residents to work and travel throughout all parts of the world. The ship will also feature an interactive and educational culinary center, as well as a pioneering golf-around the world program complete with onboard golf simulator and tours and classes led by a Master PGA Professional.

A new paradigm in global living and travel

Amongst the things unique to the company is its ‘for the residents, by the residents’ approach. As founders themselves, residents own the majority of Villa Vie’s shares and actively participate in decision making Laura, a Founders Club member and resident, shares, "Villa Vie isn't like a regular corporation–it's open and we feel a part of it.”

Saying goodbye to the fatigue of travel planning, residents wake up in the comfort of their homes, embracing the joys of exploration while indulging in culinary delights from local chefs featured across its inclusive restaurants. Further setting it apart from traditional cruises, Villa Vie focuses on extended stays in ports, ranging from 2 to 7 days. This approach allows residents ample time to connect with each destination, living each day as a new holiday.

Villa Vie offers two all-inclusive options for those seeking a home from which to explore the world - at a price comparable to traditional condominium ownership.
– Ownership starts at $99,999, with monthly maintenance fees starting at $1,750 per person.
– A “pay-as-you-go” concept that allows travelers to select and combine various portions of its world cruise itinerary with only a 10% upfront deposit - starting at $89 per day.

Residents of Villa Vie Odyssey are not just travelers; they're part of a vibrant, borderless community. Through arts, resident led activities, and its NGO oriented Portage Club, they build lasting connections and can engage meaningfully with local communities at each destination. This model of community-oriented living extends beyond traditional travel experiences, fostering a meaningful sense of belonging.

T. Mariotti signs final ship building contract with Aman at Sea

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 13 December 2023 13 December 2023

T. Mariotti S.p.A has signed the ship building contract with the world's preeminent hospitality and lifestyle brand, Aman Group, and Cruise Saudi, for Aman at Sea. A first of its kind luxury motor yacht in a joint venture with Cruise Saudi set to launch in 2027, "T. Mariotti shipyard will provide the highest standard of design and continue to set new benchmarks in ultra-luxury ship building," the shipyard said in a statement.

True to the pioneering ethos of the brand, Aman is directing the entire development process of the project. In January, Aman and Cruise Saudi announced the appointment of T. Mariotti to deliver their vision for a pioneering superyacht, ensuring the ultra-luxury vessel mirrors the level of detail and care experienced across Aman’s hotels. The building of Aman at Sea will showcase the valuable knowledge and expertise of T. Mariotti’s fine Italian craftsmen and contractors such as electrotechnical specialists Ortec Santamaria and luxury yacht outfitters De Wave Group, who will bring to life the vision of appointed designers SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design. The ship will be built under Lloyd’s Register class.

“Today we celebrate another milestone for T. Mariotti and the Genova Industrie Navali Group” – Marco Ghiglione, CEO of T. Mariotti says – “We are proud that Aman Group has trusted and selected our shipyard for this pioneering project representing the first and true convergence between an ultra-luxury ship and a private yacht: undoubtedly creating a new category of vessel and the first with dual fuel technology (marine gasoil and green methanol, note)."

Speaking about the appointment of T. Mariotti, Chairman and CEO of Aman Group, Vlad Doronin commented: “With 35 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 20 destinations, Aman at Sea marks a new direction for the brand and the chance to bring Aman’s exceptional design, which is integral to the brand’s ethos, into an entirely new setting. We take pride in working with those who are best in class for their industry and in partnering with T. Mariotti, it enables us to fulfil our strategic vision of bringing the spirit of Aman to the world’s oceans, reframing luxury hospitality and creating a whole new category in on the water discovery. The signing of the shipbuilding contract is a significant milestone for Aman Group and an exciting moment in our esteemed partnership with T. Mariotti.”

The financing for T. Mariotti has been granted by a pool led by Intesa Sanpaolo and coordinated by Nanni Grazzini. Acting as an industrial reality since 1928, Mariotti is proud to be a sponsor of the Made in Italy, contributing to the growth of the city of Genoa and to its worldwide consolidation not only in the maritime business.

Coinciding with the celebration to mark the signing of the shipbuilding contract with T. Mariotti, Aman announced the appointment of Jonathan Wilson as Chief Executive Officer of Aman at Sea. Jonathan will lead the development and implementation of Aman’s first luxury superyacht, working closely with Chairman and CEO, Vlad Doronin, to deliver the brand’s vision.

At 183 metres (600ft), the vessel will be the first dual fuel powered new build, using marine diesel oil and methanol to run, showcasing Aman Group’s commitment to sustainability while offering a one-of-a-kind experience on the water. Featuring just 50 spacious luxury suites, each will include its own private balcony. The vessel will be home to an array of dining options, including an informal all-day restaurant, plus international dining options and a relaxed club and lounge, a serene and spacious Aman Spa, complete with Japanese garden, two helipads, plus the expansive Beach Club, which will offer guests direct access to the water at the stern of the yacht.

Expected to launch in 2027, Aman at Sea will set a new standard in waterborne voyages whilst also bringing the cherished spirit of Aman to the world’s seas and oceans. The vessel’s official name will be announced in due course.