Deltamarin commissioned to Titanic II project

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 20 June 2012 20 June 2012

Blue Star Line Chairman, Professor Clive Palmer, has announced one of the world’s leading ship design and marine engineering companies has been commissioned to assist with the Titanic II project. Finnish-based Deltamarin, which has offices worldwide, will undertake a full review of the Titanic II project to ensure the vessel will be compliant with all current safety and construction regulations, as well as meeting the design criteria laid down by Blue Star Line. The work carried out by Deltamarin will enable China’s CSC Jinling Shipyard to begin construction of the passenger liner. Professor Palmer said Blue Star Line had been overwhelmed by the international response to the Titanic II project, which was announced in April this year. "More than 20,000 people have registered on Blue Star Line’s website expressing an interest in receiving regular updates from us or requesting information on how to secure bookings for Titanic II’s maiden voyage," Professor Palmer stated. He reaffirmed the 2016 launch date for the ship and the intention for Titanic II to sail from China to England before her maiden passenger voyage retracing its original journey. "Titanic II will be a regular feature on the transatlantic route between the UK and USA," Professor Palmer said. "This magnificent vessel is being constructed in memory of the heroic people who served on the first ship, as well as the passengers who sadly shared their fate. "We also want to recognise the artists and artisans whose skill, creativity and dexterity has never been fully recognised because of the ship’s limited service." On April 30, 2012, Professor Palmer announced to the world his intention to build and launch Titanic II in conjunction with leading Chinese shipbuilders, CSC Jinling Shipyard. The announcement came 100 years after the original vessel last sailed. Professor Palmer said Titanic II would have the same dimensions as its predecessor, with 840 rooms and nine decks. The main changes to the original Titanic would be below the water line including welding, a bulbous bow for greater fuel efficiency, diesel generation and bow thrusters for increased manoeuvrability. Deltamarin specialise in consulting, design and engineering and project management from small concept development tasks and studies, to complete engineering packages in the marine field. They offer services to the marine and offshore industries worldwide. They were founded in 1990 by a group of naval architects and engineers, some of whom still work for the company. More than 400 people are currently employed by the group worldwide.

Holland America Line introduces Master Chef's International Dinner

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 19 June 2012 19 June 2012

Holland America Line has unveiled a new Master Chef's International Dinner in the main dining room, a unique experience showcasing signature dishes from around the world. The exotic menu is offered once a cruise and features cuisine from six continents crafted by Holland America Line's award-winning Master Chef Rudi Sodamin in collaboration with several of the line's expert chefs.

Guests can design their international three- or four-course meal by choosing each course from selections that represent a variety of cultures. The exclusive 20-dish menu includes appetizers, entrees and desserts from Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, as well as wine pairings from each region. Guests also can choose Chef Rudi's Tour Around the World, a pre-selected three-course meal by the master chef.

"The Master Chef's International Dinner is a special culinary celebration of cultures around the world," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Each dish captures the essence of the region's cuisine with each course complementing the next, making for a truly exquisite dining experience for our guests."

The international menu includes Scandinavian-style Seafood and Potato Chowder, Lebanese Lamb Shank, Argentinean Guiso Soup, Bourbon Glazed Beef with Grilled Portabella Mushrooms and Tofu and Vegetable Korma. Desserts include New York-style Cheesecake, Viennese Mohr im Hemd and Kiwi and Passion Fruit Pavlova, a traditional meringue-based Russian dessert.

Crystal Symphony completes refurbishment in Hamburg

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 19 June 2012 19 June 2012

Completing a two-week extreme makeover, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises reveals chic-ly redesigned major public spaces aboard Crystal Symphony, including the Avenue Saloon, Palm Court lounge, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, Fantasia and Waves "junior cruisers' areas, and the Tender Landing/passenger boarding area. This latest triumph marks the culmination of a $65 million, five-year plan to redesign every room aboard the award-winning ship. Other invigorating new touches include “bells and whistles” added to all staterooms, paddle tennis court resurfacing, sprucing of tender shuttles, more energy-efficient hull paint, galley updates, and general maintenance and detailing of the entire ship, from propellers and boilers to the bridge and lifeboats.

"In keeping with our tremendous focus on design, we wanted to create something both highly contemporary and yet extremely accessible," says President Gregg Michel. "The ultimate result is all our guests’ favorite gathering places now feeling even more welcoming, while also offering the stylish sophistication and comfortable elegance luxury travelers look for in a vacation setting, and expect from Crystal."

Three interior design companies from the UK and U.S. created the visions for the new spaces: Adfecto and SMC Design from London and KNA Design from Los Angeles, with inspiration culled from classic tony icons like New York’s 21 Club, Hollywood’s Coconut Grove, and Palm Beach country club life. With lighting being such a key creative consideration, Crystal and designers also worked with DPA Lighting Consultants to add to the design’s drama, ambiance, and environmental-friendliness.

Elegant tea, tunes, cocktails, and vistas

KNA’s redesign of signature lounges Avenue Saloon and Palm Court sets the perfect, lively backdrop for taking advantage of Crystal’s newly all-inclusive fine wines and custom-crafted cocktails.

The panoramic-view Palm Court sparkles as the jewel in the crown on top of the ship, recalling the glamour-filled Coconut Grove of Hollywood’s yesteryear, yet also delivering a sleek, uber-contemporary wow factor. More intimate, modern lounge seating in buttery soft leathers surrounds a larger, spiral-design dance floor and slick, stainless and hand-tiled mosaic bar. Flooring is a mix of white, laser-cut Calacatta marble, soft grey swirling wood, and carpeting with a bold, large-scale, graphic — a pattern that is complemented by the reflective, decorative ceiling around the bar’s perimeter. Together, aqua, chartreuse, ash, and cream jewel tones create a “light” California ambiance that helps bring the outside in during daytime tea and view-gazing. New lighting, including stunning, faceted Lucite wall sconces and shimmering Murano glass table lamps, transforms the space into a dreamy destination for evening dancing and drinks. The emblematic palm theme endures in pillow fabric, Sago palm trees, and a dramatic rock crystal, branch ceiling feature above the spacious dance floor. Six-foot-tall, lit alabaster urns, suede wall upholstery, electric window shades, and state-of-the-art Meyer speaker and audio control systems further accessorize the look and sound of this enchanting social destination.

Avenue Saloon and piano bar retains its 19th-century gentlemen’s club feel, but incorporates updated colors, furnishings, materials, and music and seating configuration. Rich mahogany-paneled walls, leather upholstery, brass nailhead trim, sumptuous velvets, and thick, lush inset rugs remind one of a days-gone-by manor home. Heavily shuttered windows frame regal burgundies, golds, caramels, moss greens, and ivories that embrace guests in luxe warmth. The inviting piano relocation allows for increased seating and conversation area choices, including new brass-tack couches, embossed-leaf barstools, or tufted booths. New romantic lighting, sumptuous crown molding, antique-style trunk tables, custom artwork, and audio systems add to the salon atmosphere.

Exquisitely swank theatres

Old Hollywood panache also extends into Crystal’s entertainment showrooms, the Galaxy Lounge and Hollywood Theatre, with an air of British tradition, thanks to the spaces’ two UK designers.

With diamond-patterned glass doors, lustrous gold fabric panels, black Nero Marquina marble flooring, and large LCD digital signage screens, a new, contemporary entrance to the ship’s live performance showroom immediately tells guests they’re in for something special once inside the Galaxy Lounge. Through the entry, crystal lighting features, reminiscent of a dressing room mirror, and starburst-designed carpet and wall lights help create a galactic home fitting for Crystal’s star guests and performers. Royal purple and old gold curtains in sheer and velvet fabrics envelop the space, including the main stage and side walls, in royal theatricality. New, modern mohair seating, cocktail tables, and under-banquette lighting add comfort and drama.

Throughout, SMC Design includes artwork niches with abstract figurative sculpture and a harmonized color scheme of lively lilac, pink, and crimson shades. A new stage extension that expands performance space by 30%, plus cutting-edge tech enhancements such as a new sound booth, show control systems, high-definition Barco projection, infrared video cameras, stage lighting, and Meyer speaker system bring guests on the high seas even closer to Broadway.

Classic, Art Deco movie palaces and the stars of the silver screen inspired Adfecto’s re-do of the Hollywood Theatre, Crystal’s elegant space for feature films and presentations. New smoked woodgrain walls and velvet damson-colored curtains create a sweeping entry, while decorative and underseat lighting provides a warm ambience and soft glow. Crisp, architectural lines prevail in the design of knife-pleated pendant wall lamps and high-back, ivory-colored leather theatre seating — a contrast to the circular starburst patterns in both the carpet and custom-woven acoustic wall-paneling. An additional, damson wallcovering of crushed silk texture synchronizes with dark umber, taupe, and pearl earth tones and bronze-colored ceiling and metal trim. New “stage” lighting, boosted surround sound audio processing from Bose® and Meyer, top-notch Barco high-definition projector, and enhanced lecture, recording, and presentation control systems further transform the space into a luxury screening room.

Family fun and games

Whether playing together or alone, Crystal Symphony’s play/games areas for kids, teens, and adults have been transformed for family recreation.

Crystal’s dedicated Junior Cruisers’ areas, Waves (teens) and Fantasia (children), have been re-designed by Adfecto for savvy stylistas-in-training, acknowledging that the spaces’ patrons are fashionable young cruisers who already have a strong sense of what’s cool and sophisticated — while also providing versatility for a wide range of ages and activities. Scarlet, pistachio, denim blue, and magenta pink colors differ from typical “primary” kids colors and inject vibrancy into the sophisticated, warm grey and neutral base woodgrain colors. Dramatic graphic harlequin carpeting; custom, digital-printed wallcovering; Marimekko-patterned, FatboyTM bean bags; ‘70’s-classic, multi-colored Casala Casalino chairs and tables; and multiple oversized sofas, including a huge Walter Knoll Circle sofa, together, create a trendy urban loft/modern rec room look that kids can “own” as their own, be it curling up alone with a book, or piling on the couch with new friends for a movie night. The areas’ divided layout has been reconfigured to create more privacy for teens and more of a welcoming, home den feel for younger children — while also allowing flexibility for the space to be opened up into one. Different sections for group activities/crafts, storytime, relaxation, videogames (Wii, PlayStation®, Xbox, Kinect), and screenings (two wide-screen TV’s, Blu-ray players, and movie projection system) encourage personal expression. New lighting features and Bose® speaker system help create different atmospheres and transform the entire space into an exclusive teen hangout at night.

KNA has transformed the Bridge Lounge into the perfect, classic card room — reminiscent of Palm Beach’s tennis and card clubs during the Gilded Age — with ambient sconces flanking wooden built-ins, frosted mirrors, and saffron panel-covered walls. Soothing ocean blues and teals keep nerves calm during Bridge, board games, or spirited speaker sessions. Other new accents include floor-to-ceiling drapes, Roman sheers, modern chandelier, and a 12K gold, champagne leaf, dome ceiling that enhances the wall design. New podium, credenza, and A-V systems, along with new convertible game tables and armchairs, provide room versatility and expert-level presentation tools.

Tender loving care

In addition to Crystal-sprucing of the tender shuttles that transport guests to and from anchor ports, Adfecto has designed a comfortable and welcoming foyer for the Tender Embarkation Area. A hint of signature seahorse turquoise, with design references from other public areas of the ship, reminds guests they are back on Crystal immediately upon stepping off the gangway. Aged teak, plank-style flooring, a sky blue ceiling, bright lighting, and multi-colored, striped canvas curtains (a la the ship’s poolside furniture) evoke feelings of being out on deck. Contemporary benches and boldly-colored, five-foot-tall travel photographs from around the world provide comfortable seating and global-inspired eye-candy when waiting to pass through the space. 
The Best of the Rest

New electronic “do not disturb” doorbell systems — a big success after installation on Crystal Serenity last year — were added to all staterooms, as were new cordless digital telephones. Penthouses also received new glass shower doors. Smaller-level updates included a complete refresh of the paddle tennis court, new stoves and cooking equipment in the main galley, and environmental upgrades with lighting, boilers, and a new, energy-efficient hydrogel hull paint that mimics the low-friction characteristics of a shark’s skin. The scheduled dry dock also boasted a massive cleaning and maintenance detail of the ship’s entire exterior and interior. An update to stateroom verandah furniture is also scheduled to follow shortly after the dry dock’s end.

Helping local communities

With the refurb taking place at Hamburg’s Blohm + Voss shipyard, four 20’ containers of Crystal Symphony furniture were donated to Hamburger Tafel, a charitable organization that has extensive outreach into local, underprivileged communities. Thanks to transportation assistance from fellow goodwill organization, Stilbruch, hundreds of chairs, stools, tables, and cabinets will be given directly to Hamburg area residents-in-need.

After dry dock

Crystal Symphony is now sailing her first of seven all-inclusive Baltic and Northern Europe cruises this summer before sailing across the Atlantic for a New England/Canada season this Fall. Until June 30, Book Now fares for a 2012 voyage aboard Crystal Symphony start at $2,355/person, with 7- to-18-day options also offered in the Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. A keen focus on design has also earned the line numerous industry design honors, including first-ever awards from Hospitality Design magazine and the Association of Retail Environments (A.R.E.) in 2012.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ guests raise £8,000 for RNLI

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 15 June 2012 15 June 2012

As a proud British cruise line, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ‘pushed the boat out’ to ensure that all its ships were decked out with Union Flags and other patriotic red, white and blue decorations over the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, from 2 to 5 June 2012, and guests raised thousands of pounds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) whilst enjoying all the celebrations, the company said in a statement.

Guests aboard the Fred. Olsen fleet got into the party spirit with raffles, quizzes and other Jubilee-themed activities to raise the following amounts for the RNLI:

 

Balmoral              - £3,012.20 

Braemar              - £2,241.44

Boudicca              - £1,954.16

Black Watch       - £1,258.02

 

Mike Rodwell, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we are extremely proud of the commitment shown by our guests towards the RNLI, even in these difficult economic times. The amount that they raised across the Fred. Olsen fleet over the Jubilee weekend – a total of £8,463.82 – is quite astounding, so a big thank-you must go to all those who contributed for their support for this most important life-saving charity.”

Emma Martin, the RNLI’s Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “We are immensely proud of the partnership between Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and the RNLI, which has been built up over the last 40 years, and the company is our longest-running corporate partner. The tremendous fundraising that took place over the Jubilee weekend on the four Fred. Olsen ships is so valuable to the RNLI, and will help us to train even more crew members to save lives at sea.”

 Fred. Olsen’s guests have been raising funds for the RNLI on board its cruise ships since the 1960s, when an RNLI volunteer, Howard Bell (and his wife, Poppy), started the initiative to encourage fellow guests to help the charity to save lives at sea. The relationship has grown ever since, and Fred. Olsen is now the RNLI's longest-running corporate partner.

 Over the years, the generous donations of Fred. Olsen’s guests on board its ships have funded four inshore lifeboats – the latest lifeboat, Spirit of Fred. Olsen, was launched in the Kyle of Lochalsh late last year – three mobile training units, three seminar rooms at The Lifeboat College in Poole, Dorset, the development and funding of three DODO (drive-on, drive-off) lifeboat launching trolleys at Mudeford, Cullercoats and Criccieth, and RNLI crew member training programmes throughout 2011 and 2012.

 

In May 2010, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines was presented with a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by Royal Patron H.R.H. Prince Michael of Kent in recognition of its ongoing commitment, at the RNLI’s annual awards ceremony at the Barbican Centre, London.