More News

Cruise convention will give focus to environmental solutions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 July 2011 02 July 2011

Shipping companies, shipyards and suppliers of the cruise industry have often set standards in sustainable maritime solutions in the past. Seatrade Europe, biennial meeting place of the cruise and river cruise industries, provides a unique trade platform for the latest developments and innovations.

"The cruise industry is aware of its need for action in respect of sustainability and is at an experimental stage," said Helge Grammerstorf, Managing Director of the Hamburg-based SeaConsult. "There are a lot of interesting and promising concepts to reduce the environmental impact of cruise ships."

Environmental protection will be a hot topic during the first day of Seatrade Europe 2011 in the “European Rules” conference session, supported by Global Maritime Environmental Congress (GMEC), where discussion will centre on new regulations, technology and operational procedures.

During the show, industry suppliers will also present their latest products for the reduction of energy and water consumption. Oldenburg-based Deerberg-Systems, world leader for maritime waste management solutions, will demonstrate its innovative technology, as will Hobart, market leader for commercial flushing systems. Convotherm Elektrogeräte will present ecological solutions for its state of-the-art combi steamers, while Ecolab Deutschland will focus on efficient cleaning and sanitising technology.

Alongside its extensive environmental protection efforts Hamburg-based cruise line, Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten, has launched a program in co-operation with climate organization Atmosfair, developers of the first cruise climate calculator, to compensate carbon dioxide output. “Co-operation with Atmosfair gives us and our passengers the opportunity to make a contribution to climate protection and to encourage ecologically-friendly and sustainable cruising”, said Sebastian Ahrens of Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten. Ports are also actively exploring the possibilities of shore power or LNG supply, so that cruise ships can cut auxiliary engines in port. The new cruise terminal in Hamburg-Altona includes tracks for power and LNG supply, so that both solutions could be implemented in the future.

The Port of Lübeck already supplies ferries with shore power, but there are no concrete plans to supply cruise ships as yet. At the Baltic Sea port of Kiel port authorities are also considering shore power or LNG supply, and eagerly wait to see the results of pilot projects in other ports.

Classification society Germanischer Lloyd is actively engaged with shipyards Meyer Werft, Flensburger Schiffbaugesellschaft, Fr. Lürssen Werft and Tractebel Gas Engineering on developing an LNG engine concept. Meyer Werft, an exhibitor and Supplier Workshop host at Seatrade Europe, continues to work on a viable solution for gas-powered cruise ships. STX France, also jointly hosting the Supplier Workshop, has announced its intention to develop a hybrid solution with LNG and electrical drive. These technologies could see energy consumption and carbon dioxide output reduced by 15-20%.

Many companies are working on solutions for practicable fuel cell systems as an efficient replacement for diesel generators. Germanischer Lloyd envisages fuel cell solutions could be available in 2020 at the earliest.

The Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention takes place at Hamburg Messe from 27-29 September 2011. For more information please visit www.seatrade-europe.com.

Viking River Cruises christens Viking Prestige

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 July 2011 02 July 2011

On July 1, Viking River Cruises, the world’s leading river cruise line, held a christening ceremony for Viking Prestige in Amsterdam. Janice Farrar-Titus, wife of the late renowned cruise industry innovator Warren Titus and the ship’s godmother, officially named the 443-foot vessel with a traditional breaking of a bottle of champagne while blessing it on all future voyages. "May you begin your cruising days under a rainbow and sunny skies, and may you follow that rainbow around the bends in the river to the pot of gold," said Mrs. Farrar-Titus.

Viking River Cruises Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen called events especially moving since today would have been Mr. Titus’ 96th birthday. Mr. Hagen commented that Mr. Titus set the standard of excellence in all areas of cruising. "Warren influenced three cruise lines during his lifetime — Royal Viking Line, Seabourn and, indirectly, Viking River Cruises."

The 188-passenger Viking Prestige will embark on its inaugural voyage, the 15-day Grand European Tour, on July 2. It will then begin its regular service on the ever-popular 8-day Romantic Danube itinerary which travels Budapest to Nuremberg (or reverse), visiting ports in Hungary, Austria and Germany. The launch of the Viking Prestige represents the first phase of Viking’s $250 million dollar fleet development program and will be the first European ship in a series of ten new builds to follow for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons.

Reminiscent of the design philosophy of the storied Royal Viking Line, the concepts have been realized by renowned Norwegian maritime architects Yran & Storbraaten, designers of The Yachts of Seabourn, Oceania and Disney vessels, among others. Viking Prestige is the first ship in the fleet to feature the new open-air Aquavit Lounge at the bow, where passengers can enjoy a drink or meal al fresco. With all-outside staterooms and French balconies on both the Upper and Middle decks, the ship will feature Viking’s signature décor: sophisticated, understated elegance.

Built at the Neptun Shipyard in Rostock, Germany, Viking Prestige is the company’s second "green" river cruise vessel powered by an efficient, hybrid propulsion system. Using significantly less fuel and producing less vibration, this cutting-edge technology offers a smoother, quieter ride than other ships and represents the environmentally responsible future of Viking’s European vessels.

To celebrate the launch of Viking Prestige, Viking is currently offering 2-FOR-1 cruise fares with complimentary wine, plus savings on all-inclusive roundtrip international airfare. These special offers for both the 2011 and 2012 sailing seasons are valid through July 31, 2011.

Dates and pricing as well as ship and itinerary information are available on the company’s website at vikingrivercruises.com. Viking’s all-inclusive pricing features accommodations, all onboard meals, daily guided shore excursions and more. Also, Viking is the only river cruise line to include port charges in the cruise fare. For additional details, contact your travel agent or Viking River Cruises toll-free at 1-877-66VIKING (1-877-668-4546).

Carnival first cruise line to reach one million Facebook fans

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 July 2011 01 July 2011

On July 1, Carnival Cruise Lines achieved a historic social media milestone, becoming the first cruise line to reach one million fans on its Facebook page. The unprecedented achievement underscores the site's tremendous popularity, as well as the company's commitment to utilizing Facebook as a fan engagement tool, with nearly 300,000 fans "liking" Carnival over the past two months alone.

Carnival was among the first cruise lines to recognize the power of social media when it launched its Facebook fan page in 2007 and the company continually enhances consumers' on-line experience, adding a host of new features and functionalities.

Facebook also played a key role in the May 1 introduction of the new Carnival Magic, culminating in an innovative day-long social media event that chronicled the ship's launch and naming through a series of 11 videos, providing viewers with a front-row seat to the festivities.

The page also serves as the venue for fun promotions and contests such as the current Fun-A-Thon sweepstakes awarding 24 prizes in 24 hours, including a free Carnival Magic cruise. Also featured are interactive weekly polls, exclusive videos, and links to the line's popular YouTube, Twitter and Flickr pages and more.

But most of all, Carnival's Facebook fan page provides the ideal venue for the line's spirited fans to interact with the brand and share their own thoughts and experiences with fellow "Fun Ship" enthusiasts.

"Facebook is so much more than just a social media tool to share company news and information. It is a terrific way to engage our fans with us and with each other in fun, entertaining and interactive ways that capture the essence and spirit of the Carnival brand," said Jim Berra, Carnival's chief marketing officer. "I would like to extend a tremendous thank you to our one million fans as we celebrate this exciting milestone for our company," he added.

Carnival Cruise Lines is "The World's Most Popular Cruise Line(r)," with 23 "Fun Ships" operating three- to 16-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, the Pacific Islands and New Zealand. In addition to the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, which debuted in Europe May 1, 2011, the new 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze is scheduled to enter service in June 2012.

Swan Hellenic omits Libya call

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 July 2011 01 July 2011

Following the current Foreign and Commonwealth Office advice against travel to Libya, Swan Hellenic has reworked the Highlights of Ancient World itinerary, to offer alternative ports away from the originally planned calls in Libya, the company said in a statement.

"Whilst always placing guest safety at the forefront of activity, the revised itinerary will still offer fascinating shore excursions to ancient sites, through the introduction of two new ports Rhodes and Kusadasi and extended stays at Sousse , Heraklion and Nauplia. To provide an unforgettable travel experience, there will also be a full day excursion to the Pyramids and Cairo Museum , now offered as part of the inclusive shore excursion programme," Swan Hellenic said.

Costa Favolosa entered service in Venice

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 30 June 2011 30 June 2011

Fincantieri Marghera shipyard has delivered the new 114,500 gross ton and €510 million to Costa Cruises, Italy’s largest tourism group and Europe’s no. 1 cruise company. The Costa Favolosa (www.costafavolosa.com), the 15th vessel comprising Costa’s fleet, the only fleet flying the Italian flag, is a symbol of Italian pride that will sail the seven seas. About 3,000 employees and 7,000 workers from linked industries contributed to the construction of the ship. Most of the companies involved in the shipbuilding activities, about 500, are Italian.

"For us, the delivery of the Costa Favolosa is a twofold source of pride. She’s a wonderful ship, a real 'contemporary enchanted castle' with incredible technological features where our guests will experience a 'fairy-tale holiday'. But it also confirms the soundness of our company. Despite what is not the most favourable worldwide economic situation, our expansion plan continues, with major investments in Italy, thanks to the strength of our brand, guaranteed by more than 60 years of experience, the quality of our product and customer satisfaction," declared Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A.