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Mystic transfers World Voyager from Nicko to Atlas

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

Atlas Ocean Voyages has announced World Voyager, the third vessel in the line’s Explorer Class expedition fleet. The 198-guest expedition yacht, sister ship to Atlas Ocean Voyages' World Traveller and World Navigator, begins its inaugural deployment for the 2023/24 Antarctica season following an October naming ceremony.

With the additional deployment of World Voyager, marking three expedition yachts for the 2023/24 Antarctica season, Atlas Ocean Voyages will now include a Fly and Cruise Expeditions option for the first time. This offering includes air departures from Punta Arenas, Chile, expediting the Drake Passage crossing with direct charter flights to Chile's Eduardo Frei Montalva air base on King George Island, Antarctica. Featured are two new five-day round trips from King George Island and four new one-way Drake expeditions of seven nights from King George Island or Ushuaia, Argentina. The one-way expeditions include charter flights from Punta Arenas to King George Island and Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Plus, guests will receive a complimentary pre-cruise hotel night on all expeditions and a post-cruise hotel night on all journeys ending in Punta Arenas. In addition to the Fly and Cruise Expeditions, a collection of ten 9- to 11-night expeditions from Ushuaia will be offered. All expeditions will go on sale on Tuesday, May 16, at 9 am EST, with waitlist options available beginning today. View the preview voyage calendar here.

“Demand for our two expedition yachts in Antarctica surpassed all expectations, and we are delighted to add capacity for exploring the world’s seventh continent during the upcoming 2023 season,” said James Rodriguez, president and CEO of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “As our valued travel advisor partners and guests request more year-round expedition experiences, we look forward to welcoming a third expedition vessel to the Atlas Ocean Voyages fleet a full year earlier than originally planned.”

World Voyager is among the most advanced and safest expedition yachts like her Atlas fleet mates. The Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified vessel features two Rolls Royce 9,000 kw hybrid diesel/electric engines and incorporates 3D forward-looking sonar (FLS) technology to detect underwater hazards, obstacles, and shallows. The state-of-the-art system enables the ship to navigate ice fields, harbors, and rivers for convenient access to city centers, exclusive yacht harbors, and rarely visited destinations.

Originally delivered in 2020, plans call for World Voyager to undergo a style refresh before joining the Atlas fleet. She will debut with elegance and sophistication reminiscent of the Scandinavian style. This Nordic chic design accentuates light ash wood tones and stylish contrasts of marble accents throughout accommodations and social spaces. Such attention to detail creates an open and airy atmosphere that invites explorers to unwind in a warm, comfortable atmosphere on board. Spacious suites and staterooms offer five-star comfort and convenience and feature traditional maritime design cues like rich wood veneers complemented by contemporary furnishings and classic artwork. The ship’s main dining room will be renamed Madeira as an homage to the breathtaking natural settings, crystal-clear waters, and centuries-old traditions of the Portuguese archipelago. Similarly, the lecture hall where Expedition Team members host illustrated enrichment talks will be named Ferdinand Magellan Auditorium after the famed explorer. In addition to her new Atlas navy blue livery, the existing lido grill will become 7-Aft Grill, the main lounge will be renamed Atlas Lounge, the forward-facing observation Lounge will become The Dome, and the popular “grab and go” dining venue will transform into Paula’s Pantry.

World Voyager in Turku, Finland archipelago. Photo credit: Jouni Niskakoski

Fincantieri expects cruise ship orders to resume in the near future

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 May 2023 10 May 2023

Fincantieri, the Italian company that is the world’s largest builder of cruise ships, said it expects orders for cruise ships to resume in the near future.

The company published its Business Plan for the years 2023-27 in connection with a capital markets day in Milan.

The management said the plan is rooted in a challenging context, which nevertheless bears significant opportunities. “Cruise revamp following the Covid emergency with cruise passengers expected to grow at a 6% CAGR up to 2030, leading to an expected resumption in order intake from 2023-2024,” Fincantieri said.

TUI AG’s cruise operations continue to recover

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 May 2023 10 May 2023

The cruise operations of the German tour operator TUI AG staged a strong recovery in the second quarter of its financial year due to the absence of Covid-19 restrictions that had plagued it in the same period a year earlier.

The operations comprise the joint venture TUI Cruises in Germany, which operates cruise ships under the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brands, and Marella Cruises in the UK.

In the second quarter of 2023 that ended on 31 March, the full fleet of 16 ships was in operation, while operations were limited in the second quarter of 2022 and only gradually ramped up as Covid-19 restrictions were relaxed.

The division's underlying EBIT improved significantly to €14.8 million from a loss in the previous year (2Q22: minus €73.5 million). “Occupancy of the ships of the three brands ranged between 67% and 95% available passenger days rose by 47% to 2.4 million,” the company said.

“The cruise business continues to recover and achieved its fourth consecutive positive quarter in terms of earnings, with TUI Cruises generating after-tax earnings of €18 million for TUI Group in the period under review. For the second half of financial year 2023, the average daily rate for TUI Cruises is currently 1% up year-on-year, with occupancy 23 percentage points higher than in the same period last year,” TUI said.

UK study finds solo travellers prefer cruise over land based holiday

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 May 2023 10 May 2023

New research in the UK has revealed that solo travellers prefer a sea escape, according to findings from online cruise specialist, cruise.co.uk.

The survey, completed by 800 people, found that over two thirds of those questioned (70%) would choose a cruise over a land-based holiday for a solo trip.

Meanwhile, 40% of those of employment age would consider taking their job onboard whilst remote working, providing a unique and convenient way to combine work with solo travel.

When it comes to destinations, sailing from the UK to Europe was the preferred choice for single cruisers, with over half of respondents selecting this option. The Caribbean came in second place, with 32% opting for sunnier sailings.

Tony Andrews, cruise.co.uk managing director, said: "It's clear that cruising is becoming an increasingly popular option for solo travellers, offering a convenient and safe way to explore the world. Cruises provide so much onboard through their entertainment, spa facilities and restaurant choices. When combined with the ability to see multiple destinations, in the safety and comfort of a cruise ship, it's clear why a holiday at sea is the preferred choice for solo travel.

“And the number of people considering remote working when onboard, clearly demonstrates the flexibility a cruise can offer,” he said in a statement.

Princess Cruises to homeport Caribbean Princess in Port Canaveral starting late November 2024

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 May 2023 09 May 2023

For the first time ever, Princess Cruises will homeport in Central Florida. The iconic "Love Boat" brand will re-position its Caribbean Princess ship in late November 2024 to sail eastern and western Caribbean itineraries out of Port Canaveral for its winter season.

Starting November 27, 2024, the 3,140-passenger ship will sail four to 14-day cruises out of Port Canaveral. Itinerary highlights include:

– One departure of a 4-day Turks & Caicos Getaway over Thanksgiving holiday
– Five departures of our 8-day Eastern Caribbean with St. Thomas sailing to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, San Juan and Grand Turk
– Five departures of our 8-day Western Caribbean with Mexico sailing to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Belize City and Roatan (Mahogany Bay)
– Nine departures of our 6-day Eastern Caribbean with Turks & Caicos including Nassau, Grand Turk and either Amber Cove or San Juan
– Combine any of the 8-day and 6-day itineraries for a 14-day vacation

"The combination of a vibrant Central Florida community, exceptional flight options into Orlando International Airport and great pre-cruise and post-cruise experience options makes Port Canaveral an easy choice," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "Princess is unique in its ability to deliver incredible cruise ship amenities typical of the largest ships in the world, while delivering personalized service found on the industry's smallest ships."

The exclusive Princess Medallion powers a personalized, customized and simplified experience for each and every guest. The connected guest experience maximizes guests' vacation time by delivering a host of onboard conveniences including contactless payment for anything on board as well as in select shops and restaurants in ports; expedited embarkation; keyless stateroom entry; muster anywhere; friends and family locator; and ordering food, drinks, retail items or requesting service from their smart phone or stateroom TV and having their order delivered directly to them…even if they are moving.

Establishing Port Canaveral as a homeport is part of the expansion of Princess Cruises' North America presence to offer exciting new voyage options that guests can conveniently access from major drive markets like Central Florida.

"Our collaboration with Princess Cruises marks an exciting milestone for us," stated Capt. John Murray, Port CEO. "The fleet of ships homeported at Port Canaveral continues to grow with next year's arrival of Caribbean Princess. We're looking forward to providing a high-quality experience for our new cruise partners and their cruise guests."

Caribbean Princess features 1,571 staterooms and a total capacity of 3,140 guests and 1,200 crew. It has 19 decks, including 15 passenger decks, and encompasses 112,894 gross tons. It launched in 2004.