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Emerald Sakara completes sea trials

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 July 2023 11 July 2023

Emerald Sakara, the second custom-built, luxury yacht from Emerald Cruises, has successfully completed its sea trials, conducted by Captains John Edwards and James Griffiths. The sea trials took place in Vietnam, departing Halong Shipyard on July 3, where all major systems were tested and the yacht was certified for guest operations. A short video documenting the sea trial can be viewed and downloaded here.

Following the successful sea trials, Emerald Sakara departed Vietnam on July 6 for her relocation to the Mediterranean Sea. The debut sailing – the eight-day Ionian Sea Adventure from Athens to Rome—departs on August 5, 2023 and will call on Itea, Greece, before transiting the Corinth Canal and sailing to Cephalonia, Sicily, Amalfi, Sorrento and Capri and ending in Rome.

Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman, Scenic Group (Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours) commented: “We are extremely pleased with how well our newest 100-guest luxury yacht, Emerald Sakara, performed in her sea trials—she exceeded our expectations in every way. We’re thrilled be able to share our newest gem in less than a month’s time and look forward to offering our guests wonderful experiences in the Caribbean and Central America this fall and winter.”

Emerald Sakara, the second luxury yacht to join the Emerald Cruises fleet, was custom built by The Halong Shipbuilding Company in Vietnam. Her identical sister-yacht, Emerald Azzurra, launched in March 2022.

Both Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra feature just 50 luxury suites and staterooms, 88 percent of which have a private balcony or terrace. With a maximum of 100 guests, Emerald Sakara offers a new type of exclusive cruising experience, exploring ports and harbors only accessible to small yachts.

Onboard, 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. Located at 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. Finally, with 76 crew members onboard, guests can count on receiving attentive, personalized service.

After Emerald Sakara’s August debut, the yacht will embark on a summer season exploring the coastal waters of Italy, Greece, Türkiye and the Adriatic. From there, it’s off across the Atlantic where both Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra will winter in the warm waters of the Caribbean and Central America. The first Eastern Caribbean and Grenadines sailing is scheduled to depart on November 18, 2023. The yacht will be christened on December 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico by her godmother Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Crystal collaborates with global partners to re-launch Serenity and Symphony

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 July 2023 06 July 2023

As Crystal prepares for its unveiling this summer, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will introduce lavish design concepts in collaboration with the finest international partners. From redesigned public spaces and modern guest rooms and suites to refined in-room amenities and exclusive linens designed for royalty,the new Crystal experience is a feast for the eyes with elevated touchpoints throughout.

“As we welcome guests back to Crystal, we are delighted to unveil a look and feel that blends the best of its renowned past with a new vision fit for a bright future ahead,” said Chief Executive Officer of A&K Travel Group, Cristina Levis. “Fresh colors, unique textures and first-class tangible elements create an ambiance that evokes timeless moments of leisure and will leave guests with memories that will last a lifetime.”

Tillberg Design

Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS) was chosen as the lead designer of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony with projects encompassing public spaces, dining venues, as well as the recently announced AurōraSpa. TDoS was tasked with creating spaces that blended classical elements and modern materials with a dash of Mediterranean influence. The resulting design was a refined and lasting concept that exemplifies contemporary and sophisticated layers within a refreshed setting.

“We are delighted to once again receive the trust from Crystal, this time with a studious and sophisticated renewal of the brand and its rich heritage,” says TDoS Partner & Executive Director Fredrik Johansson.“We are working closely with Crystal management to ensure that their iconic fleet stays top-rated by the guests and profitable for the owners.”

GEM – design for cruise ships

For the redesign of select guest rooms and suites, Crystal enlisted leading cruise ship architectural firm, GEM. The new concept features neutral tones and high-end fixtures complemented with subtle hues of pastel colors and shades of gray and beige that resonate with the color of the ocean.

"It was a pleasure to spearhead the design of select guest rooms and suites for Crystal. Our vision was to create a refined space for guests that embodies an ambiance of contemporary and classic elements, while complementing the already existing collection of adored accommodations," said Managing Director of GEM Lorenzo Mortola. “Our main goal was to merge smaller sized guestrooms into larger suites that offer a separate living room and bedroom areas, large bathrooms with a walk-in shower and double faucets and sinks. With more space, guests will have all the functions expected on a high-end cruise, while offering the best comforts of home.”

With Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony guestrooms and suites accommodating a 740 and 606 guest capacity respectively, travelers can choose between various rooming options – some with spacious verandas—whose extensive renovations have reduced overall guest capacity in pursuit of maximizing in-room relaxation. Both ships will also include two new guest room categories – the Jr. Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View as an option for solo travelers without the worry of paying additional single supplements. These new categories will also increase the availability of the popular Sapphire Suite category.

Every component of the redesign was carefully considered. The project architect, Adriana Granato, an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at Politecnico di Milano, and of Studio Ibsen, led the team that illustrated all renderings of the new guestrooms and suites. She personally traveled to a quarry in the Italian Alps to choose the Fior di Pesco marble slabs, also known as peach flower, for its precious veins of peach shade that give the stone the name.
“To be part of this unprecedented comeback and refurbishment of such an iconic brand is such an honor,” said Granato. “I am so excited to see the renderings come to life when Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony take to the water. I know the guests are going to love everything about them.”

Jesurum 1870 liinens

Suites will offer the highest quality linen with a custom-made collection of bedding from Jesurum 1870. For more than 150 years, the Italian-based Jesurum has woven the most exclusive linens, originally created for private residents, mega yachts and royal families. Crystal is the first in the industry to collaborate and work exclusively with the Venice-born brand whose familial brand ethos is motivated by dedication and innovation. Guests residing in the Aquamarine categories and above can expect an enhanced night’s rest with the 100 percent made-in-Italy products of the bespoke Carol collection that offers an undulating, ogee-inspired border in gorgeous embroidery and was selected due to its resemblance to Crystal’s logo.

“We are honored to have been chosen from Crystal for this project and are proud to be part of their new journey,” said Paola Cimolai, CEO of Jesurum 1870. “The eloquent accommodations combined with our delicate bed linens will be sure to offer the perfect night’s sleep to Crystal guests.”

La Bottega amenities

In collaboration with La Bottega, a renowned hospitality curator for in-room amenities, Ortigia was tapped to supply soap and fragrance products onboard. Founded in Sicily, Ortigia’s products are indigenous to its motherland and inspired by the scents and elements of Italy’s tropical region. Soft and delicate, the bath and shower experience will transport guests to a field of Sicilian spring wildflowers and offers notes of narcissus, wild iris, and jasmine.

“I worked with Ortigia in a previous role, and I am so in love with the brand that I had to bring it onboard our Crystal ships,” added Levis. “We are also working on a second alternative line that will be available in 2024.”

Planned voyages will travel throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Updated: MSC’s new Explora 1 faces delay

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 July 2023 06 July 2023

It appears, according to the Financial Times, that one of the issues impacting the delivery of Explora 1’s delay, could be that its fire resistant panels are defective.

Manufactured by Paroc, a Finnish insulation company, the panels, which had been certified with a safety rating, failed when being tested for safety classification even though the original certificate should have been valid until 2025.

Even more disruptive is the fact that, in addition to Explora, similar fire resistant panels made by Paroc are in use aboard some 45 passenger ships that are currently in service. These include, according to the report in the FT, recently delivered MSC Euribia.

Paroc was acquired by U.S. company Owens Corning in 2018. It is currently working with its customers and regulatory authorities to find out the possible risks caused by using the products, according to FT.

We’ll continue to update this story as we learn new details.

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The delivery ceremony of Explora I that was scheduled for today, July 6, at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, has been cancelled, it has been reported. The 461-suite, 63,900 gross ton luxury ship, the first in the fleet of MSC Group’s nascent Explora Journeys brand is under construction at Fincantieri, in Italy.

The cause of the delay, according to a statement from MSC Cruises, is supply line issues that resulted in Explora I not being finished to the satisfication of its owners. "Unfortunately, the time required for the work will extend the vessel’s stay at the shipyard by a few weeks," MSC Cruises said in a statement Tuesday.

At the moment we’re still waiting on word about whether or not the christening, when the christening, which was due to take place on Saturday, July 8, will occur. As well, the company has not yet announced if Explora I will depart from Southampton on Monday, July 17. Interestingly, accommodations on the all-suite ship were still available for the maiden voyage, starting from $3,950 for a five day voyage.

We’ll provide updates as the story warrants.

Ponant unveils innovative, green design concept seen ready to sail by 2030

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 July 2023 06 July 2023

Ponant, the French expedition cruise line, said it has committed to a uniquely designed transoceanic ship, supporting the evolution towards carbon neutrality.

The company’s R&D team have come up with a pioneering concept that combines six groundbreaking technologies, that will redefine future navigation. The sailing ship, which will be ready by 2030, aims to be a catalyst for new energy solutions for Ponant and the broader industry.

“Whilst Ponant has chosen to join forces once again with naval architects Stirling Design International, discussions are ongoing to select the shipyard for the delivery of this vastly evolved and cutting-edge vessel,” the company said in a statement.

A technological revolution that puts sustainability at the heart of the project

“By 2030, our future ship aims to have zero greenhouse gas emissions when sailing, manoeuvring, in port or at anchor. Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her life cycle. Renewable energy supplied by the wind and sun will be combined with low-carbon non-fossil energy associated with fuel cells,” explains Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant

"The next generation of eco-designed Ponant ships will be a key milestone in achieving our net zero emissions ambition. With around a hundred staterooms and a length overall of 181m, Ponant’s future sailing ship is paving the way to a new era for the maritime industry," he said.

In line with new European and international regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, Ponant is adopting an unprecedented eco-design approach. This is a major advancement in shipbuilding with selection of equipment and materials based on an analysis of their life cycle through to the recycling of waste.

Ponant heads up project with strong replicability potential to speed up decarbonisation of the shipbuilding industry.

Swap2Zero aims for zero CO2 eq* emissions in operation, with one month autonomy by being the first to combine six major decarbonisation technology building blocks:

A sail power system and hull providing an average of 50% of the propulsion energy using the force of the wind;
A surface area totalling over 1,000m2 of photovoltaic panels, with new generation organic solar eco-designed devices integrated into the structures and sails;
A low temperature fuel cell operating on liquid hydrogen for propulsion, with the water and heat produced being recycled;
A high temperature fuel cell to meet the ship’s hotel load requirements, with the heat emitted being recovered and used to produce hot water;
On-board carbon capture technology, coupled with the high temperature fuel cell;
An innovative bespoke energy management system to control and distribute power without any generators being in service.

“The Swap2Zero ship is also part of the Ponabnt Science programme in line with our commitment to scientists. She will host researchers involved in decarbonisation technologies, a major challenge in the battle to control global warming,” the company said.

Renaissance enters service

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 July 2023 03 July 2023

Following a lengthy refit at the Damen shipyard in Brest in northern France, Renaissance of Compagnie Française de Croisières has entered service.

The ship that started life as Maasdam of Holland America Line in 1993 sailed for its first cruise for its new French owner on 29 June from Le Havre. This will take the ship to ports in the British Isles.

The ship was named at a ceremony in Le Havre on 28 June, the company said in a statement.

CFC acquired the vessel from a Greek company called SeaJets that did not operate it. The first cruise had to be postponed as a refit that had started in October lasted longer than what had been originally anticipated.

The 55,575 gross ton ship takes its name from a much smaller vessel of the same name that operated on the French market from the 1960s and the 1970s.