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Swan Hellenic to name SH Diana in Amsterdam

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 24 February 2023 24 February 2023

Swan Hellenic has announced that the naming ceremony of its third and largest ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, SH Diana, will take place in Amsterdam on the 4th of May.

The SH Diana, a new purpose-designed vessel, will be named by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson 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

Valerie’s key role in the naming ceremony underlines the strong relationships the renascent Swan Hellenic has already built across the United States. Renowned not only as the Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel, Valerie is also Chairman Emeritus of the Global Member Advisory Board of the Virtuoso global network of luxury travel advisors, and Chairman Emeritus to the Virtuoso Hotels & Resorts Committee. Valerie has earned countless awards including “Lifetime Achievement” from Virtuoso and Travel Weekly. Valerie Wilson Travel is proud to be part of FROSCH, a Chase company.

With over 40 years of experience in the travel industry and serving on almost every travel related advisory board during her career, Valerie’s influence remains impactful around the globe and throughout her beloved travel community. Valerie is committed to her true belief that there is no greater power than providing first-hand knowledge and sharing experiences with clients and industry colleagues, while keeping the founding principles of integrity, trust and loyalty as the cornerstones of her business.

Following the high-profile events and entertainment after the naming ceremony, Valerie will remain on board as a VIP group host during SH Diana’s maiden cruise to Tromso, “Norway Explored,” sailing on the evening of May 4th.
Having visited Germany’s Heligoland archipelago, SH Diana will call at Mandal, the southernmost town in Norway, and start making its way up almost the entire Norwegian coast. Benefiting from expert insights throughout, her guests will explore its longest, deepest, and most dramatic fjords, remote lakes, historic stave churches and charismatic fishing ports on their way to Tromso, Gateway to the Arctic.

Dr Terje Leiren will be accompanying the maiden cultural expedition cruise throughout, sharing his expert knowledge, insights and company with the guests on board. Terje Leiren is Professor Emeritus of Scandinavian Studies and History at the University of Washington, Seattle, and was the University’s first holder of the Sverre Arestad Endowed Chair in Norwegian Studies (2007-2017). Terje gained his Ph.D. in history at the University of North Texas and taught at the University of Oslo before joining the University of Washington in 1977. He served as Co-General Editor of the University of Washington Press book series, “New Directions in Scandinavian Studies”, and is the author of four books and over 40 academic articles on Scandinavian history. He has also contributed to several television documentary programmes broadcast on PBS and the History Channel on topics ranging from the Vikings to World War II.

Having completed its Arctic Season of 7 cultural expedition cruises, SH Diana will make its way back down the western seaboard to the Mediterranean, marking Swan Hellenic’s historic return to the region for which the concept of cultural expedition cruising was originally created. Then it will go further, taking it worldwide as she continues through the Suez Canal to the Paradise Islands, Madagascar and Southern Africa on her way to Antarctica.

SH Diana is the third and largest in a series of three elegant, high ice-class, cultural expedition cruise vessels made for authentic discovery experiences worldwide, with a strong bias for extreme latitude areas. SH Diana features a 4.6-megawatt diesel-electric propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction and a PC6 ice-strengthened hull with extra-large stabilisers for exceptional passenger comfort. At 125 m, the 12,100 gross ton vessel has been specially designed to explore the most inspiring and inaccessible places on the planet.

SH Diana, like her sister ships SH Minerva and SH Vega, has been designed to meet the latest environmental regulations and is completely self-sufficient for up to 40 days or 8,000 nautical miles. Preparations have been made to implement zero-emission battery technology which would also make it possible to operate silently in port, marine reserves, and other sensitive natural areas. The vessels are equipped with exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater treatment systems and the waste storage facilities required for operating in sensitive polar areas.

Providing spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies, SH Diana is operated by an onboard team of 141 to provide the highest levels of personal service.
Distinguished by the same elegant interior design as her acclaimed sister ships, with open-plan interiors, unobstructed sea views and extensive deck areas, there are nevertheless certain key differences, salient among them a dedicated presentation and lecture theatre overlooking the lounge and on-board tender boats to take guests ashore in addition to the customary expedition zodiacs. Like her siblings, SH Diana will feature a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, superbly equipped restaurant and cellar, club room and swimming pool with poolside grill.

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito commented: “We're truly honoured to have Valerie as Godmother to this very special new ship, considering her iconic status in the US travel industry and the importance of the US market for Swan Hellenic. SH Diana proudly takes us back to where our story began, while also opening a new chapter that takes cultural expedition cruising worldwide in exceptional comfort and style.”

MSC Cruises to name MSC Euribia in Copenhagen

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 February 2023 23 February 2023

The Naming Ceremony for MSC Cruises’ newest ship, MSC Euribia, will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark on June 8, 2023, the company announced today. The ship symbolizes MSC Cruises’ commitment to protecting the oceans, which is why the cruise line selected the port of Copenhagen for the festivities. The port has a rich maritime heritage and Denmark is a country with a deep respect for the sea and commitment to sustainability.

MSC Euribia will be the cruise line’s second vessel powered by LNG, which is one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available at scale. The ship also features state-of-the-art environmental systems including a ‘Baltic Standard’ advanced onboard wastewater treatment system, waste management handling, energy efficiency measures, and shore power connectivity to enable zero emissions from the ship where onshore power is available.

This highly anticipated new ship will feature a striking mural painted on her exterior that represents MSC Cruises’ commitment to protect and preserve the marine environment. German graphic artist Alex Flaemig designed the artwork to convey the importance of protecting this delicate and complex ecosystem. MSC Euribia is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia, who harnessed the winds, weather and constellations to master the seas—just as MSC Cruises envisioned the ship to master the deployment of state-of-the-art sustainable technologies and protect the precious marine ecosystem.

Starting her inaugural season in Northern Europe on June 10, 2023, MSC Euribia will offer 7-night sailings from Kiel, Germany and Copenhagen, Denmark to the stunning Norwegian Fjords including Geiranger, Ålesund, and Flaam.

Atlas Ocean's new World Traveller to visit the Arctic and Iceland

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 February 2023 22 February 2023

For summer 2023 Atlas Ocean Voyages’ new expedition yacht World Traveller will visit the Arctic, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and Greenland on six, 8- to 13-night expeditions. The Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified vessel – which debuted in November 2022 – offers gourmet cuisine, luxurious staterooms and suites and gracious service. Prices start from $7,999 and the second guest sails free.

Depending on the itinerary, plans call for up to two outings daily, where guests can see wildlife and ice formations up-close via Zodiac boats, specifically designed for exploration use. The precise landing sites are based on weather and wildlife sightings and will be determined by the Expedition Leader in consultation with ship’s captain.

A 13- and 11-night expedition, Aug. 6 and Aug. 19 respectively, sails round-trip from Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost port. An 8-night expedition, Aug. 11, operates from Tromso, Norway, to the Svalbard archipelago. A 10-night expedition, Aug. 30, takes the ship from Spitsbergen to Iceland. World Traveller will then offer a 9-night Iceland circumnavigation, round-trip from Reykjavik, Sept. 9, before heading south Sept. 18 on an 8-night expedition to Edinburgh, Scotland, via the British Isles.

The expedition team comprised of naturalists, biologists, ornithologists, and scientists from other disciplines will be aboard to share insights and enrich the journey. With one field guide for every 20 people, guests are assured a highly personalized learning experience. Rubber boots, binoculars, and walking sticks are provided for guests’ use during the expedition.

“Our Arctic itineraries have been carefully planned so guests can immerse themselves in the destination,” said James Rodriguez, the line’s president and CEO. “As this is the first season for World Traveller, explorers have the opportunity to experience this remote region in comfort and at very appealing introductory fares.”

Whether visiting polar destinations such as the Arctic and Antarctica or calling at iconic ports in Europe, Atlas’ stylish and intimate expedition yachts World Traveller and World Navigator carry fewer than 200 guests and offer every five-star comfort, from luxurious accommodations and an all-inclusive onboard experience to immersive shore excursions.

Resorts World Cruises adds Kaohsiung as new destination and homeport

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 February 2023 21 February 2023

On January 13, Resorts World Cruises announced Resorts World One will commence high seas cruises from Hong Kong, starting 10 March 2023. With Taiwan lifting all travel restrictions on Hong Kong and Macao residents, Resorts World Cruises will add Kaohsiung as a destination. Beginning April 2, 2023, the Resorts World One will sail from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung offering 3-night cruises departing Sundays and 2-night cruises departing Wednesdays. The 2-night weekend high seas cruises departing Fridays will continue.

Besides the round-trip cruises, vacationers departing from Hong Kong on Sundays will have the flexible option to debark at Kaohsiung on Mondays to enjoy a 4-day/3-night land stay in Taiwan; and re-embark on Thursdays to arrive Hong Kong Friday, making this a 6-day/5-night holiday. Vacationers can make their own land accommodation arrangements in Taiwan or via travel agents.

Cruise fares from Hong Kong to Kaohsiung start from HK$1,299 onwards per guest (twin-sharing) with third and fourth guests paying HK$650 each for the 3-day/2-night cruise. An “Early Bird” discount promotion of HK$300 is also now available for each of the twin-sharing guest with an additional HK$150 off for each of the third and fourth guest. The promotion is only valid for bookings made before end March 2023 for sailing dates in April and May 2023 (excluding sailings from 5 – 15 April 2023). Port charges will be HK$500 per guest per sailing with a daily service charge of HK$150 per guest (balcony category and below).

Kaohsiung will also become a double homeport for the Resorts World One. Vacationers from Taiwan can embark the ship in Kaohsiung from 4 April 2023 onwards, starting with a special 3-Day/2 Night cruise to Hong Kong. Subsequently, the Resorts World One will offer weekly round-trip cruises to Hong Kong that include the 4-day/3-night cruise departing on Mondays and the 5-day/4-night cruise departing on Thursdays.

Vacationers departing from Kaohsiung on Thursdays for the 5-day/4-night cruise will also have the option to debark at Hong Kong on Fridays for a 3-day/2-night land stay in Hong Kong. Vacationers will re-embark the ship on Sunday to arrive in Kaohsiung on Monday. Similarly, vacationers can also make their own weekend accommodation arrangements in Hong Kong or via travel agents. These cruises from Kaohsiung will support the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign by the Hong Kong government to increase the number of tourists.

Cruise fares from Kaohsiung to Hong Kong start from NT$6,900 onwards per guest (twin-sharing) with third and fourth guests paying NT$3,500 each for the 4-day/3-night cruise. An “Early Bird” NT$1,000 discount promotion is also now available for each of the twin-sharing guest with an additional NT$500 off for each of the third and fourth guest. The promotion is only valid for bookings made before end March 2023 for sailing dates in April and May 2023 (excluding sailings on 4 and 5 April 2023). Port charges will be NT$2,000 per guest per sailing with a daily service charge of NT$600 per guest (balcony category and below)

“Resorts World Cruises pioneered the dual homeport ship model for Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (via Port Klang) with the Genting Dream, bringing increased tourists and economic benefits to both destinations,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Executive Chairman of Resorts World Cruises. “Similarly, Hong Kong and Kaohsiung will both benefit from increased number of passengers carried by Resorts World One and increased Fly-Cruise and Rail-Cruise passengers, who will have pre and post cruise stays in either destination,” he added.

With a capacity of over 1,856 passengers, the Resorts World One is set to contribute and open-up a new stream of potential inbound tourists, reigniting the cruise sector and the various tourism industries in Taiwan and Hong Kong. With 2 sailings a week to Kaohsiung, there will be 78 calls in 2023, which is a substantial increase compared to approximately 20 cruise ship calls pre-COVID in 2019. And with 3 sailings a week from Hong Kong, Resorts World One will make 126 calls in 2023, which will be 60% of the calls that Hong Kong had pre-COVID in 2019.

The homeport deployment in Kaohsiung is timely as the Kaohsiung Cruise Terminal has developed an integrated shopping, dining and entertainment district that is being completed with a waterfront boardwalk, connecting it with the Maritime Cultural and Pop Music Center. A new futuristic cruise terminal is also being completed.

“We would like to thank the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Tourism Bureau, the Kaohsiung
Government, the Port of Kaohsiung and the relevant authorities in Taiwan for extending their support towards Resorts World Cruises. The homeport deployment is a clear testament of our unwavering commitment in rejuvenating the cruise tourism sector in Taiwan and the region,” said Michael Goh, President, Resorts World Cruises.

Costa Group and Proman join forces towards decarbonisation of the cruise industry

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 February 2023 18 February 2023

Costa Group, part of Carnival Corporation and Europe's leading cruise operator with its two brands Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises, and the leading methanol producer, Proman, have signed an MOU to drive further the implementation of methanol as a marine fuel for the cruise industry.

The partnership aims to accelerate the energy transition and decarbonisation of the existing fleet by enhancing the supply of sustainable methanol, paving the way for the retrofitting of existing vessels to operate on clean fuel, as well as investment in further methanol-fueled new builds.

MOU, signed on February 16, reaffirms methanol’s potential to play a key role in the ongoing reduction of GHG emissions of the cruise sector and other shipping segments. It is a cleaner-burning fuel which virtually eliminates airborne pollutants such as particulate matter and sulphur oxides and is widely available and increasingly produced via lower-carbon, biogenic or hydrogen-based pathways. When used in fuel cells, methanol has the potential to allow for lifecycle zero emissions in the near future.

Methanol is emerging as a leading alternative fuel to meet GHG reduction goals due to its easy-to-handle properties, making it attractive for both new builds and for refitting existing ships. As one of the most widely traded chemical commodities, the infrastructure for ship supply could be adapted from existing infrastructure. All forms of methanol, whether natural-gas based, low-carbon or renewable, can be blended regardless of production pathways. It therefore enables a reliable transition pathway from today to fully GHG neutral cruise ships in near future.

“The technology to retrofit a vessel to accept methanol as a fuel is available today. Our methanol products can facilitate the transition to low carbon intensity fuels. Methanol-powered vessels have a proven track record of reducing and eliminating major greenhouse gas emissions, delivering immediate air quality improvements around major ports and shipping lanes. We are excited to bring our expertise along the full methanol value chain to help deliver on Costa Group’s bold ambitions," said Tim Cornelius, Proman’s Managing Director of Corporate Development.

Over the years, Costa Group has been leading sustainable innovation in the global cruise industry by steadily pioneering advanced technologies on board its new and existing ships. The company was the first to introduce liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion for emission reduction with four ships already in service in the Costa Group fleet. The majority of Costa Group ships are equipped with shore power capabilities to be zero emissions in ports where the technology is available, and the Company has also performed the first tests on biofuels. By this and the likes o partnership with Proman, Costa Group has proven that fuel transition in the marine industry is possible by strong industry collaboration and shared visions for a sustainable future.

“We are reducing the carbon footprint of our fleet while at port and at sea, investing in advanced environmental technologies and partnering with companies such as Proman who share a passion for sustainable energy transition. By enabling cruise ships to use methanol as a propulsion fuel, Costa follows the ambition to take the next big step towards GHG neutral operations of our fleet by 2050," said Dr. Christoph Schladoer, VP Decarbonisation Costa Group.