First hybrid Superstar freight-passenger vessel delivered to Finnlines

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 18 July 2023 18 July 2023

Finnsirius, the first of the series of two 65,692 gross ton freight-passenger (ro-pax) vessels, was delivered at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, China, on 18 July 2023. The vessel will enter Finnlines’ Finland–Sweden (Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär) line. Traffic is scheduled to start in September 2023.

Freight and passenger shipping company Finnlines will make major investments in its route between Finland, Åland and Sweden during 2023, by introducing two new Superstar freight-passenger vessels.

The second vessel, Finncanopus, is expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. The two ships are the largest ro-pax vessels in the Finnlines fleet. The cargo capacity will increase by nearly 24 per cent to 5,200 lane metres and passenger capacity will double from today’s 554 to 1,100.

The new ro-pax vessels are part of Finnlines EUR 500-million Green Newbuilding Programme, which comprises both ro-pax and ro-ro vessels, all equipped with state-of-the-art sustainable solutions. Three new hybrid ro-ro vessels started operating in summer 2022.

“Finnlines’ Green Newbuilding Programme has been a massive investment which will benefit our freight customers and private passengers. These hybrid ro-pax vessels are not only the largest in the company fleet so far, but they transport cargo in a more sustainable manner. For example, the vessels have been equipped with enormous high-powered battery banks and onshore power supply in order to have zero emissions while at port. In addition, port operations will also be more efficient with auto-mooring. Smooth freight traffic in the Baltic Sea is the backbone of the region’s economies and national security of supply. For example, around 90 per cent of both Finnish and Swedish exports and imports are carried along shipping routes. Finnlines combines cargo with passenger traffic in this Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route, and therefore our investment will strengthen services to our freight customers as well as to our passengers,” says Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines.

“Finnlines is proud to introduce the first Superstar and Finnsirius will be Finnlines’ flagship in both size and technology. As the Superstar ro-pax vessels enter the traffic, we will further increase economies of scale to support new business development and opportunities for our freight customers. In addition, we will be able to offer upgraded services for passengers, including several themed restaurants, a wide range of cabin categories, meeting rooms, a large shop, lounges, to name a few,” says Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines.

Archive photo of Finnsirius after float-out

Scenic Group to have strong presence in the Caribbean

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 17 July 2023 17 July 2023

For the first time ever, Scenic Group will see three of its ocean-going yachts – Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Sakara and Scenic Eclipse II – sailing in the warm waters of the Caribbean this fall. The region is a new destination for all three yachts, and travelers will have a wealth of options when it comes to itineraries, amenities, and excursions.

“While we certainly love that these yachts sail all over the globe, we’re thrilled to have them close to home in the beautiful Caribbean this fall and winter, giving North Americans the opportunity to experience them without the need of an overseas flight,” said Ken Muskat, Managing Director for Scenic Group US. “Whether guests choose to explore the Caribbean onboard one of our state-of-the-art,100-guest luxury yachts from Emerald Cruises, or on the newly-launched 228-guest Scenic Eclipse II with her 10 dining experiences and onboard sub and helicopter, they will get to see a more intimate side of the Caribbean. All our yachts moor in small harbors and hidden coves, allowing our guests to feel they’re in a secluded paradise.” (Story continues below Emerald Sakara picture)

Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara will both homeport in the Caribbean during the 2023 and 2024 winter seasons beginning in November, 2023, giving travelers plenty of options to choose from. Twelve distinct itineraries ranging from eight to 19 days will take guests to picture-perfect islands in the Grenadines, British and US Virgin Islands, Eastern Caribbean and West Indies, as well as ports in Puerto Rico, Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia. Highlights include the eight-day Eastern Caribbean with St. Barths between Bridgetown, Barbados and Marigot, St. Martin, exploring some of the most intimate ports in the Leeward and Windward islands. This part of the Caribbean has a distinctly European air, and the itinerary offers visits a new port each day. For those looking to visit some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, the eight-day West Indies Island Hopping itinerary round trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico is an ideal choice. Culebra, Puerto Rico is well known for its pristine beaches and its active reef is ideal for snorkeling. In Vieques, guests can choose between exploring the quaint coastal town of Esperanza with its lovely waterfront or booking a kayaking excursion in the famed Bioluminescent Bay.

Scenic Eclipse II will make her debut in Caribbean in mid-October, offering an 11-day Bermuda and the Bahamas sailing from Portland, ME to Nassau. For those looking to get a taste of Scenic Eclipse II while she’s in the Caribbean without the commitment of longer sailings, Scenic is also offering a five-day Taste of Bermuda, a five-day Bermuda Escapade, and a three-day Taste of Bahamas options. From there, Scenic Eclipse II will embark on the nine-day Caribbean Sunsets: Turks & Caicos Islands to Jamaica sailing between Nassau and Montego Bay, with ports of call in off-the-beaten-track destinations like Egg Island and Little Inagua Island – home to 1,000 Bahamians and 80,000 West Indian flamingos – to name a few.

Both Emerald Cruises yachts are warm water ships, ideal for island hopping around the Caribbean and into Central America. Modern, luxe suites and staterooms range from 185 to 1,185 square feet all but six of which feature large balconies. The open-air infinity pool is surrounded by lounge chairs and day beds ideal for relaxing and enjoying a cocktail from the nearby Aqua Café. A wellness deck complete with spa, infrared sauna and gym allows guests to keep focused on their health goals, while the top deck Sky Bar offers the ideal spot to watch the sun set over the Caribbean Sea. Located on the yacht’s stern, a marina platform boasts water toys galore – kayaks, standup paddleboards, snorkel equipment, SEABOBs and a giant trampoline are available to guests when the platform is deployed. The extra-spacious La Cucina dining room specializes in fresh, seasonal cuisine with seating indoors as well as on the adjacent terrace, while the warm and welcoming Amici Lounge is a friendly place to gather and enjoy live music in the evenings.

Guests onboard Scenic Eclipse II in the Caribbean can indulge in all she has to offer including ten distinct dining venues to satisfy any culinary craving. The 5,290 ft2 Senses Spa features saunas and temperature-controlled plunge pools; a steam room with aromatherapy, experience showers and an integrated ice fountain; a KLAFS custom salt therapy lounge with heated beds; an ocean-view lounge with color light therapy; dedicated male and female wellness areas; and the realizing Vitality Pool. Private cabanas, ample seating, an outdoor pool and the indoor/outdoor Sky Bar make the Sun Deck ideal for relaxing and gives guests beautiful views for sail away parties. A well-equipped gym and dedicated yoga/Pilates studio offer additional wellness opportunities and the state-of-the-art theatre provides space for entertainment and lectures. Scenic Eclipse II has 114 all-verandah suites range in size from 345 ft² to 2,659 ft², giving guests ample room to spread out and relax. All guests enjoy butler services which deliver luxury touches from in-suite drinks and dining to coordinating dinner and spa reservations to personalized attention.

These Emerald Cruises and Scenic fares displayed on the website are inclusive of the 2-for-1 fare savings and are reflected as a per-person rate in a double-occupancy cabin. Both lines are also offering free roundtrip airfare, (or an air credit of up to $4,000 per couple for Emerald Cruises and $2,000 per couple for Scenic) when full payment is made 10 months prior to departure or for bookings made inside the 10-month deadline, within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest.

AmaWaterways promotes Michal Maguire to Vice President, Marketing

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 16 July 2023 16 July 2023

Luxury river cruise line, AmaWaterways, has announced the promotion of Michal Maguire to vice president, marketing. In her new senior leadership role, Maguire will assume responsibility for the leading river cruise company’s strategic and tactical marketing, continuing to cultivate strong relationships with travel partners and develop a customized approach to guest communications and lead generation.

A highly accomplished specialist in digital marketing, Maguire joined AmaWaterways in 2019 bringing with her nearly 20 years of experience successfully leading top-performing marketing teams for leading travel brands within the cruise and theme park sectors. Prior to taking on the role of vice president, marketing, Maguire led the AmaWaterways Integrated Marketing Team, where she was responsible for the personalization and optimization of travel advisor and guest communications across all digital channels, including email, website, mobile app and social media.

“Michal has done a tremendous job over the past four years in her role as senior director, integrated marketing where her creativity, vision and expertise in multi-channel marketing has helped position AmaWaterways as the leader in luxury river cruising,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways. “Our sales for 2023 and 2024 are booming and we are confident that under Michal’s leadership of the marketing team, we will continue to grow and diversify our markets, providing our valued travel advisor partners with the industry-leading marketing tools necessary to capture the growing demand for personalized vacation experiences.”

AmaWaterways recently celebrated 21 years of river cruise operations with 29 innovative ships offering guests a choice of more than 35 itineraries along 16 iconic waterways through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.

Holland America Line reports highest booking day in brand’s history

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 15 July 2023 15 July 2023

In a sign of continued strength for cruise travel, Holland America Line bookings on July 11 were higher than on any day in the brand’s 150-year history. Booking revenues also broke the line’s single-day record.

Most of the sailings booked July 11 were for 2024 and 2025, showing that cruisers are planning ahead and eager to travel. The bookings show significant interest in marquee locations for the cruise line including Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean, as well as a lift in sales for its new, longer, Legendary Voyages. Reservations included destinations across the world, including Australia, South America, the South Pacific and Asia.

“We see a record booking day like this as encouraging for the whole industry, but for Holland America Line, it’s an endorsement of the quality of cruising product we’re able to offer to our guests,” said Gus Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. “People are planning their vacations for next year and even into 2025, and in the process, they’re choosing the best service at sea and the unforgettable destinations that we offer.”

Holland America Line is a leader in Alaska with the most Glacier Bay visits in the cruise industry. Through Alaska Up Close, guests are deeply immersed in the local culture with authentic onboard programming, cruise activities and award-winning shore excursions.

In addition to seven-day cruises throughout the Caribbean, Holland America Line continues to offer a differentiated experience with longer sailings, offering the opportunity to visit more islands on one itinerary.

Upcoming Europe seasons offer a diverse range of cruises stretching from trending locales like Greenland and Iceland to the sun-kissed skies of Greece and Turkey. Itineraries range from weeklong getaways to longer voyages that extend into multiple regions. With two Pinnacle Class ships homeporting in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in 2024, guests are booking cruises to Northern Europe and the British Isles.

Holland America Line also recently launched Legendary Voyages, a new category of longer cruises with destination-rich itineraries carefully crafted to allow guests to linger longer, and with programming that enriches the experience in each destination.