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Norwegian Cruise Line christens Norwegian Viva in PortMiami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 November 2023 29 November 2023

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel with a 57-year history of breaking boundaries, yesterday celebrated the christening of Norwegian Viva, the company’s newest vessel and the second ship in the Prima Class.

"To christen Norwegian Viva in Miami is incredibly special to many of us at NCL, not only because Miami is our hometown, but also because we can share this moment with our local family and friends," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Launching a ship is no solo endeavor. I am overwhelmed with gratitude towards the entire NCL team, our partners and especially our amazing crew who have contributed to bringing Norwegian Viva to life and who care for and deliver exceptional vacation experiences for our guests."

Following Norwegian Viva’s debut this past August and its inaugural summer season of European voyages, today, over 1,500 guests joined the christening ceremony held in the Company’s LEED Gold Certified terminal at PortMiami. The Prima Class is committed to breaking new ground in ship design and amenities, reflecting Norwegian Cruise Line’s unwavering dedication to putting the guest and onboard experience at the forefront.

"As a company, it has been a milestone year with the debut of next-generation ships across all three of our best-in-class cruise brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises," said Harry Sommer, president & chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "The addition of Norwegian Viva further elevates our world-class fleet, providing our valued guests with another incredible way to vacation, discover new experiences and create unforgettable memories. Since she launched in August, Norwegian Viva’s initial guest satisfaction scores have outshined any newbuild in the history of the NCL fleet, a testament to not only how stunning this ship is, but also the exceptional level of service and attention provided by our amazing crew on board."

Luis Fonsi, Norwegian Viva’s godfather and GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, musician, and producer, officially named and christened the vessel with the ceremonial champagne bottle break across the ship’s hull which signifies good fortune and safe travels for all who sail aboard. As a native Puerto Rican, who is also based in Miami, Fonsi embodies the vibrant energy guests can enjoy aboard Norwegian Viva with warm-weather itineraries spanning from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean.

The celebration continues through the evening with an unparalleled and next-level entertainment lineup headlined by Fonsi performing his award-winning and global chart-topping hit "Despacito," among his other beloved Latin hits like "No Me Doy Por Vencido" and "Échame La Culpa." Other talented performers with authentic Miami and Latin roots are taking the stage, including "Saturday Night Live" cast member and Miami-native, Marcello Hernandez; the Queen of Latin Pop, Paulina Rubio; and recently announced GRAMMY® Award-nominated artist, Pedro Capó.

"It is so exciting to celebrate the magnificent Norwegian Viva in true Latin-style in Miami and alongside fellow A-list Latino entertainers," said Luis Fonsi, award-winning global artist. "We are giving her a proper despedida before she makes her debut in my hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico."

Norwegian Viva’s christening festivities also included the unveiling and dedication of the Knut Kloster Hall, a newly added installation at the NCL Terminal that pays homage to the company’s founder, Knut Kloster, and colorfully shares details on NCL’s 57-year history of innovation in the cruise industry.

At 965 feet long with the capacity for 3,099 guests, Norwegian Viva has unique, thrilling activities including the three-story Viva Speedway; elevated offerings such as Indulge Food Hall, an open-air food market featuring 11 unique eateries; and an awe-inspiring art collection with stand-out pieces including British digital artist Dominic Harris’ 52-foot-wide interactive work of art named "Every Wing has a Silver Lining" installed at the Metropolitan Bar.

Following the inaugural sailing and select voyages from Miami, the ship will reposition to San Juan, Puerto Rico and be the newest ship to homeport in the destination when she arrives on Dec. 15, 2023. Through March 2024, Norwegian Viva will offer port-intensive seven-day Caribbean voyages, where guests will wake up each day in a new tropical island paradise with calls to Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. John's, Antigua; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands with no days at sea. In April 2024, Norwegian Viva will return to sail Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries that offer an unmatched opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of Europe. In addition, NCL’s year-round ‘Free at Sea’ offer provides travelers with more value with vacation-enhancing benefits, including unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, complimentary Wi-Fi, discounted rates for the third and fourth guests and free roundtrip airfare for the second guest.

Mein Schiff Relax launched in Monfalcone

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 November 2023 28 November 2023

The launch of Mein Schiff Relax, the first of two InTUItion class new concept cruise ships dual-fuel powered (Liquid Natural Gas - LNG and Marine Gas Oil - MGO) that Fincantieri is building for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises, took place at the Monfalcone shipyard. The godmother of the ship was Elena Sperti, an employee of the shipyard.

With approximately 160,000 gross tons, these units will constitute the backbone of TUI Cruises’ future fleet. The order is based on a prototype project developed by Fincantieri that enhances the consolidated characteristics of modernity and sustainability of TUI Cruises, a company with one of the most advanced fleets from an ecological point of view. With an innovative product configuration, energy efficiency is at the center of the project, with the dual objective of containing operating consumption and minimizing environmental impact, in line with all the most recent regulations on the matter. In fact, the ships will be able to use LNG, the cleanest marine fuel currently available at large scale. The vessels will be future-proof thanks to their ability to also burn low-emission fuels such as bio- or e-LNG: an important step towards climate-neutral cruising.

The units will also be equipped with catalytic converters (compliant with the Euro 6 standard) and with a generative turbine that uses the residual heat of the diesel generators and an electrical shore-power connection from the ground. All this guarantees almost emission-free operation while in port (about 40% of operating time). Finally, the ships will be equipped with an even more efficient innovative waste treatment system capable of transforming organic substances into charcoal through a thermal process.

TUI Cruises is a joint venture between the TUI Group, number one in the world in the tourism sector, and the cruise group Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company was founded in April 2008, based in Hamburg. Since May 2009 it has been offering cruises for the German-speaking market.

Windstar Cruises expands global footprint to South America with tours to Galapagos and Machu Picchu

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 November 2023 28 November 2023

Windstar Cruises is expanding its global reach with first-time cruises in South America beginning in December of 2025 on board all-suite yacht Star Pride. The diversification to the region creates new opportunities for the small ship cruise line’s well-traveled guests to experience bucket-list destinations, like Machu Picchu in Peru and Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, allowing Windstar’s guests to enjoy the uncrowded and unpretentious style they are well known for.

The new 16-day Marvels of Latin America Cruise Tour sailing from Colón, Panama to Lima, Peru (or reverse) adds a pre- or post-cruise tour to Machu Picchu. And there’s an option for a mid-cruise overland tour to the Galapagos Islands. For a shorter version, an 11-day Marvels of Ecuador, Peru, and the Panama Canal includes the cruise and the optional Galapagos Island overland tour.

“Our new cruise tour in Machu Picchu and overland tour to Galapagos allow our guests to see more of South America,” explains Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog. “I’m excited to offer our loyal guests new destinations to visit with Windstar. We’re taking care of the complicated logistics to get you to all these spectacular places.”

Starting with the New Year’s sailing on December 27, 2025, through January, the itinerary includes a daylight transit of the iconic Panama Canal and is also filled with overnight stays allowing ample time for multi-day exploration in Manta, Guayaquil, and Lima. Additional port visits include Machala (where more locals go on vacation than tourists) and Trujillo, where guests can visit the nearby pre-Colombian Chimu tribe archaeological site of Chan Chan.

The Machu Picchu tour is offered as a pre- or post-cruise excursion over five days. Highlights include driving to the Sacred Valley while visiting and dining at local farms; riding the legendary Vistadome train through the Andean landscape to and from Machu Picchu, where a private guide takes guests through the UNESCO World Heritage Site; exploring the Urubamba market and a local ceramic workshop on an extensive overview of Cusco; and ambling Lima’s bustling streets with a knowledgeable local. Overnight stays during the tour are in luxury, boutique hotels, and included meals focus on local ingredients and flavors for which Peru is best known.

The mid-cruise Ecuadorian excursion to the Galapagos takes place over three days, beginning in either Manta or Guayaquil depending on the date/direction of the sailing. After flying from Gauyaquil to the Galapagos, guests take a ferry to the Santa Cruz Highlands to see Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. The next day guests embark on a small ferry for a navigable tour to one of the Galapagos’ uninhabited islands: North Seymour Island, Bartolome Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Fe Island, or Floreana Island. On the final day, guests board a short flight and transfer to return to their Windstar yacht in Guayaquil (or in Manta, depending on the date and itinerary direction).

Prelog emphasized the unique opportunity to visit three must-see places – Panama Canal, Machu Picchu, Galapagos – within one 16-day trip. “It’s an incredible value and makes good use of travel time by combining these locations into one cruise tour,” said Prelog.

Windstar has made significant increases in the number of cruise tours on offer in every region the small ship line sails, including these first-time offerings in South America. The move is in response to customers’ demands to spend more time soaking in the sights and spirit of each destination.

“These tours take care of every detail while also getting you closer to the wildlife, culture, and history of the region in a way that’s respectful of the land and the locals,” Prelog says. “Since we begin or end in Panama versus Florida where traditionally these itineraries depart from, we have fewer sea days and more port calls in South America for a rich destination experience.”

American Cruise Lines' second Coastal Cat to enter service soon

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 November 2023 20 November 2023

American Glory, the second new American Cruise Lines’ Coastal Cat to launch this year, has recently passed its sea trials. American Cruise Lines accepted delivery of the 100-passenger small ship from Chesapeake Shipbuilding on-time as scheduled. American Glory is the newest ship in American’s ongoing series of 12 new Coastal Cats for exploring U.S. waterways. Additional ships in the series are already under construction, with the next two scheduled for delivery in 2024.

American Glory will sail its inaugural cruise on November 28th from Maryland to Florida, where it will begin operating American’s brand-new Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises from late December into the new year. In addition to the popular new Florida itinerary, American Glory will sail a slate of U.S. itineraries along the East Coast throughout 2024, which blend the luxury of river cruising with the access and adventure of expedition cruising – while only visiting U.S. ports of call.

“American Glory furthers our commitment to building new small ships for America’s rivers and coasts,” said Charles B. Robertson, President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “More importantly, it is our third new ship delivery this year, making it a solid demonstration of our expanded production capacity for the U.S. market.”

Introduced just a few months after series flagship, American Eagle, as well as new riverboat American Serenade, American Glory is a testament to the Line’s ongoing market strength and special ability to sail an expanding array of 100% U.S. itineraries along both rivers and coasts. American’s small ship fleet has continued to grow year after year featuring ground-breaking designs that offer unprecedented accommodations for small ships. And it is now the only 100% U.S. flagged fleet of riverboats and small cruise ships in the world.

Accommodating just 100 guests, American Glory features four decks and showcases a new catamaran bow. The new small ship offers elegant interior design and private balcony accommodations, including spacious Single and Double-Occupancy Staterooms as well as Suites. American Glory also offers a top deck for amazing views, comfortable lounges both inside and out, a main restaurant, casual café, and fitness center.

Celestyal continues fleet renewal with an acquisition of AIDAaura

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 November 2023 16 November 2023

Celestyal, the leading cruise operator of Greek origin with cruises to the Greek islands and beyond confirmed today the acquisition of a second new vessel this year. The Celestyal Discovery, following the recent arrival of the Celestyal Journey, confirms the renewal of the fleet and a greater commitment to a significant investment in the customer experience.

Celestyal Discovery will join her fleetmate in Athens, where both will undergo multi-million dollar renovation programs ahead of the new season, which begins in March 2024. The ship's name symbolizes the company's ethos of creating unrepeatable moments of discovery through the connection between people, places and oneself. It embodies Celestyal's spirit of trust, sense of exploration and admiration. Built in 2003 for Carnival Corporation, she has sailed under the AIDA Cruise brand for her entire career to date. The Celestyal Discovery is a medium-sized ship, which allows Celestyal to continue offering its hallmark, the mix of emblematic destinations and more hidden gems that characterize the company's itineraries. She offers 633 cabins, 62 of them with a balcony, with a total capacity for about 1,266 passengers.

Cruise sales on Celestyal's new ship will open on December 11, 2023, taking over from the 2024 Celestyal Olympia schedule. Special launch offers will be included in Black Friday promotions released later this week, as well as as throughout Celestyal's largest “Wave” campaign to date, launching at the end of the year. Guests currently booked on the Celestyal Olympia will be contacted by Celestyal after this date and rebooked on departures on the newly renovated Celestyal Discovery.

"Based on strong market and business conditions, we are delighted to have accelerated our fleet renewal by welcoming Celestyal Discovery to the Celestyal family," said CEO Chris Theophilides. "Celestyal Discovery joins Celestyal Journey to undergo an extensive refurbishment program over the winter period, further showing our intention to continue to delight our customers. As a trusted brand, our team is delighted to continue making waves in the industry next season, with a renewed fleet, brand and network, and a renewed sense of direction."

Celestyal Discovery will offer numerous Celestyal fleet favorite features - an inviting Amphitheater with ample conference and event space, vibrant lounges, Grillseekers specialty restaurant, a Sozo wellness retreat, a spacious pool deck with an exclusive Rays deck , the Greek Deli, and a Fig and Honey ice cream and juice bar. She will also offer some surprises in the offer for customers that will be added during her upcoming renovation program in Greece. More details about the onboard experience and itineraries will be announced soon.