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American Cruise Lines announces new 2013 theme cruises

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

American Cruise Lines (www.americancruiselines.com), operator of the newest riverboats and small cruise ships in the United States, announced today the addition of three brand new theme cruises for 2013, including a Gold Rush theme cruise in Alaska, a Civil War Eastern Theater theme cruise to complement the Western Theatre cruise offered on the Mississippi River, and a new Enrichment theme cruise to relax the mind, body and soul of our guests aboard the New England Islands itinerary. The new theme cruises are the latest additions to American Cruise Lines’ portfolio of theme cruises around the country.

Gold Rush – Alaska Inside Passage: On this extraordinary cruise, guests will experience rugged mountains and stunning glaciers as they explore Gold Rush history. They’ll even board the historic White Pass Yukon Railroad, a narrow-gauge railroad built in 1898 during the Gold Rush to transport miners. On the train, they’ll enjoy the alpine scenery and amazing views. A stop in Skagway, a newly added port of call, allows guests to discover Klondike Gold Rush National Park. Throughout the cruise, guests will spot an array of land and marine wildlife native to the wondrous Inside Passage. Featured Date: July 20, 2013

Civil War Eastern Theater – Historic South & Golden Isles: Following the popularity of Civil War theme cruises on the Mississippi River, American Cruise Lines has introduced the theme to the East Coast. On this new cruise, guests will discover the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War, visiting pivotal cities of the South such as Charleston, where some of the first shots of the Civil War were fired in 1861. In Savannah, guests will enjoy an eye-opening tour of its Colonial, Revolutionary and Civil War history; as well as its many fascinating historic buildings and monuments. They’ll visit historic battle grounds such as the site of the Battle of Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Featured lecturers will entertain guests and offer added insight while onboard. Featured Date: April 6, 2013

Enrichment: Mind, Body & Soul – New England Islands: The moment our guests step aboard this new theme cruise, they will relax and unwind in their spacious and elegantly appointed staterooms. An assortment of unique onboard and onshore activities are offered, which will energize and revitalize our guests: Morning yoga classes, walking groups, painting sessions and a presentation on health-conscious cooking and cuisine. A menu of recommended spa treatments in port will be provided at the beginning of the cruise for advance booking. Featured Date: July 6, 2012

“Theme cruises are extremely popular as they add an extra element of connectivity between our guests and the areas we travel,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President of American Cruise Lines. “It’s rewarding to provide a cruise experience centered on the shared individual interests of our guests. They enjoy the cruise even more.”

Additional theme cruises offered in 2013 include:

Lobster Festival Cruise: An American Cruise Lines specialty theme offered on both the Maine Coast & Harbors and New England Islands itineraries, guests enjoy a traditional lobsterbake in Rockland, ME and the opportunity to board a lobster boat for a hands-on demonstration of the catching process. Featured Date: July 20, 2013

Culinary & Wine Themed Cruise: Culinary masters aboard the Queen of the West on the Columbia & Snake Rivers create a delectable all-American menu, and a wine connoisseur joins guests aboard for lessons on wine making, tasting and food pairing. In port, various different wineries are visited in both Oregon and Washington. Featured Date: May 4, 2013

Savories of the South Cruise: Local historians, culinary experts and featured chefs will educate passengers on the rich history of some of the South’s most vibrant cities, such as New Orleans, and their famous cuisines. While in port, guests will be privy to exclusive cooking demonstrations and tastings. Featured Date: March 2, 2013

MSC Cruises makes changes to 2013 Mediterranean summer itineraries

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

The beautiful city of Dubrovnik in Croatia has been added to MSC Fantasia’s 7-night summer cruise, further enhancing a voyage of discovery that will take MSC travellers into the very heart of ancient Greece and some of the most beautiful destinations in the eastern Mediterranean. In this stunning region, everything is brighter: the whitewashed cube-shaped houses, the Lapis Lazuli sea and the dramatic sunsets. With the addition of the lovely medieval town of Dubrovnik, MSC Fantasia’s new itinerary looks set to dazzle even the most demanding travellers.

From 24 March to 27 October 2013 MSC Fantasia will depart every Sunday from Venice, Italy, taking guests on an eastern Mediterranean adventure through Bari, Italy, Katakolon, Santorini, Athens and Corfu in Greece, with a call in Dubrovnik, Croatia, before setting sail back to Venice.

MSC Splendida’s 7-night summer cruise has also been updated, with a call in Tunis, Tunisia, replacing the previously planned call in Palermo, Italy and enhancing an already culturally and historically impressive tour of the west Mediterranean. The Tunisian capital’s eclectic mix of modernity and tradition, with its modern wide streets and busy sidewalk cafes, its Arabic Medina boasting secret alleyways, stalls, huge mosques and palaces, and its ancient city of Carthage can now be enjoyed alongside the colours and flavours of France’s Provence, the architectural and creative splendours of Barcelona and Valencia – a stop which allows guests to visit Madrid too -, and the ancient sites of Rome.

From 23 March to 9 November 2013 MSC Splendida will depart every Saturday from Genoa, Italy, calling in Marseille, France, Barcelona and Valencia, Spain, Tunis, Tunisia and Civitavecchia, Italy, before setting sail back to Genoa.

Last but not least, in summer 2013, MSC Orchestra’s 8-day/7-night itinerary will now include a call in Palermo, Italy, replacing the previously planned call in Catania, Italy. As well as discovering the beautiful treasure-trove of palaces, castles and churches that is Palermo, MSC travellers will also be able to take a day trip to discover Monreale, where the cathedral and its cloister represent the largest concentration of Norman, Arab and Byzantine art in one place.

Another highlight of this extremely varied itinerary - which spans from the charming French coast to the white and blue Arab village of Sidi Bou Said - is an overnight stop in the Balearic island of Ibiza. The Spanish island has earned a reputation for being a Mecca for partygoers and young holidaymakers, but this historic island also has another side - popular with hippies and artists during the 70’s, Ibiza has long been a chic retreat for worldly and artistic travellers. MSC Orchestra’s itinerary will enable MSC travellers to experience Ibiza's dual personality to the full, discovering this pleasant, historical and typical Spanish seaside resort by day, and watching it transform into a clubbing haven by night.

From 29 March to 18 October 2013 MSC Orchestra will depart every Friday from Genoa, Italy, and call at Civitavecchia and Palermo, Italy, Tunis, Tunisia, Ibiza, Spain and Villefrance sur Mer, France, before setting sail back to Genoa.

STX Turku shipyard delivers Viking Grace

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

On Thursday 10 January 2013, STX Finland Oy's Turku shipyard delivered the next-generation cruise ferry Viking Grace to Viking Line ABP. Building of the environmentally friendly Viking Grace started at the STX Turku shipyard in September 2011 and the ship was floated out in August 2012. The ship provided some 2,600 man-years of labour to the shipyard. Viking Grace will enter traffic on the Turku (Finland) - Åland Islands - Stockholm (Sweden) route on 15 January 2013.

Norwegian Breakaway to have fireworks show on every cruise

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 January 2013 08 January 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line is starting off 2013 with a "bang" by announcing that Norwegian Breakaway, the line's newest ship debuting this May in New York City, will feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise. The environmentally-friendly pyrotechnics display will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, after the ship departs Bermuda during her summer inaugural season.

Building on the electrifying theme of the ship's headlining Broadway show, ROCK OF AGES, the awe-inspiring fireworks will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party and will be set to a specially-selected playlist of classic 1980s hits by artists like Madonna, Devo and Prince.

"All the incredible entertainment and amenities on Norwegian Breakaway are going to wow our guests," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's CEO. "We wanted one additional element that would really blow them away and this incredible fireworks show is going to take the cruise to a new level of excitement."

As guests party the night away at the high-energy party under the stars in the open-air Spice H20 venue at the aft of the ship, they will be transported to the 1980s, where music and fun reigned supreme. In a breathtaking finale, a mesmerizing color-filled fireworks show will light up the night sky, right above the ship. The fully-produced show is a visual masterpiece that is set to a playlist of classic 80s hits including "Come on Feel the Noise," by Quiet Riot; "Whip It," by Devo; "Cherish," by Madonna; "Final Countdown," by Europe; and "Purple Rain," by Prince. As the fireworks blast to the beat of the music, guests will enjoy an experience unlike anything else offered at sea on New York's ship.

The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City on May 7, 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013 and the fireworks will be held on the second to last night of the cruise, after the ship departs Bermuda. From October 2013 through April 2014, New York's ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

To date, the company has revealed the ship's groundbreaking design, including The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests' connection with the ocean. Norwegian Breakaway's entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York's own Slam Allen will also perform on the vessel. Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian.

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini- Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

Ted Sykes joins American Queen Steamboat Company as President and COO

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 January 2013 08 January 2013

American Queen Steamboat Company Chairman and CEO John Waggoner announced the appointment of Ted Sykes as President and COO of the company. In his new role, Sykes will oversee all day-to-day operations of the company including sales, marketing, finance and vessel operations.

"Ted brings tremendous financial, sales and marketing skills to our executive team," stated Waggoner. "We are pleased to secure an executive with Ted's extensive knowledge and reputation in the industry to help us grow the business."

Sykes brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience to the American Queen Steamboat Company having previously held key operating roles with the river cruise operators Viking River Cruises and Vantage, as well as the deep sea cruise operators Saga Shipping (UK) and Royal Cruise Line.

Jeffrey Krida and Christopher Kyte will remain as active owners reporting to Ted Sykes on the long term direction and development of the brand.