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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.

Cunard appoints Katie McAlister as President

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 May 2023 05 May 2023

Cunard has announced the appointment of Katie McAlister as President.

Katie will join Southampton-based Cunard in August after a 20-year career with TUI where she is currently Chief Marketing Officer, UK & Ireland.

Carnival UK President Sture Myrmell said: “We are delighted to have someone of Katie’s calibre join Cunard at this vital time of expansion.

“Her commercial and operational experience as well as digital transformation expertise and strategic oversight will build on the current team’s exceptional work to ensure that Cunard’s brand and growth opportunities are maximized as we look forward to the introduction of Queen Anne next year.”

McAlister said “This was an unrivalled opportunity to join an iconic travel company at a key point in its history. I am so looking forward to joining the team as it widens its appeal and expands its guest base whilst retaining its renowned luxury, signature touches.”

Katie started at TUI in 1998 and has held roles across most parts of the organisation, including overseas delivery, commercial, digital and marketing. Most recently as chief marketing officer, she is a member of the UK & Ireland board and leads sales channels and marketing in the UK & Ireland for TUI, First Choice and Marella Cruises, alongside a global responsibility for the TUI brand and digital marketing.

MSC Cruises extends Formula 1 global partnership deal

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 May 2023 05 May 2023

MSC Cruises announced today that the world’s fastest-growing cruise line has extended its global partnership deal with Formula 1. The announcement took place in Miami on the eve of the Formula 1 Grand Prix and will see MSC Cruises continue as Official Cruise Partner of Formula 1 through to the end of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

The continuing growth of interest in Formula 1 around the world, which has been particularly strong in key markets for MSC Cruises, has seen the existing global partnership agreement achieve strong results for the brand and its product portfolio. Encouraged by the success of bringing these two premium brands together, MSC Cruises will seek to further activate the partnership through an expanded program.

As part of the agreement, MSC Cruises will bring ships during select Grand Prix weekends to offer a unique hospitality experience from track to ship. The first of these will launch when MSC Virtuosa makes her way to Abu Dhabi for the final round of the 2023 Formula 1 season, offering unique all-access accommodation, hospitality and transportation packages for fans and VIPs. This initial product offering will grow under the extension of the partnership with more ships and races to come during the 2024 season and beyond.

MSC Cruises was also confirmed as the title sponsor of the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix and the brand will have an engaging activation for racegoers within the fan zone. Further title sponsorships will be revealed at selected Formula 1 Grands Prix during the 2024 World championship season.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman MSC Cruises commented, “Formula 1 and MSC Cruises are great partners on many levels and our successes are founded in teamwork. Not only this, but we are both driving towards sustainable change. We want to build the future of our industries and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. We are both working at the forefront of our industries and helping to make a real difference. And this is why we are committed to Formula 1 for the long term and have extended our sponsorship as Global Partner. We look forward to this special partnership going from strength to strength.”

Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said, “We're excited to extend our partnership with MSC Cruises, as both our brands share a commitment to innovation and excellence. This collaboration has brought exceptional results, and we look forward to enhancing our relationship further. Together, we'll continue pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in sports and hospitality.”

Meyer Turku Group reports slightly reduced net loss for 2022

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 May 2023 05 May 2023

Meyer Turku Group, the Finnish cruise ship and specialist vessel builder, said its revenues and operating profit increased significantly and net loss was reduced slightly last year compared to 2021.

Net loss narrowed to €15.6 million last year from €17.0 million in 2021, while operating result increased to €20.3 million from €10.8 million. Revenues rose to €1,295 million from €1,079 million.

Meyer Turku CEO Tim Meyer comments on the result by saying:"During 2022, we were particularly affected by the difficult availability of materials and overall increased costs, especially on materials and financing.”

“Despite the unexpected events of the last few years, we have been able to keep the shipyard fully operational, and we are currently preparing for the sea trial of the Icon of the Seas in mid-June. The situation has been made possible by an effective cooperation with all our stakeholders. Internally, our company's change program supports us in improving profitability.,” he said in a statement.

“We are continuing our efforts to stay the forerunner of the green transition in the cruise industry. It is a big challenge and at the same time a great opportunity for us. We are focusing also this year on new technologies and continuously searching for new talents to join us on our journey,” Me yer said

In November 2022, Meyer Turku last delivered to Carnival Cruise Line, the company's 50th anniversary ship Carnival Celebration. Currently, in the outfitting pier there is the Icon of the Seas, which will be the world's most advanced and largest cruise ship when delivered to the Royal Caribbean International in late 2023.

Mein Schiff 7, which will be delivered to TUI Cruises in 2024, and Icon 2, to be completed in 2025, are also under construction at the shipyard. In addition to these, Icon 3, that will be completed in 2026, is included in the Meyer Turku order book.

Meyer Turku will also be delivering two multi-purpose offshore patrol vessels to the Finnish Border Guard in 2025 and 2026, the company said.

Image: Icon of the Seas at the fitting out berth of Meyer Turku on 05 May 2023. Photo credit: Christer Gorschelnik

SH Diana sets sail for Arctic following Amsterdam naming ceremony

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 May 2023 04 May 2023

SH Diana, the third ship of the Nicosia based expedition cruise operator Swan Hellenicis now on its way to Tromsø for an 11-day cruise of fjord exploration that opens its Arctic season following a naming ceremony in Amsterdam.

The vessel was named by Valerie Ann Wilson, Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, in the presence of Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world, the company said in a statement.