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Lindblad officially names its newest vessel in Galápagos

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 October 2022 28 October 2022

Lindblad Expeditions, the pioneering expedition cruise company that introduced international adventure expeditions to the Galápagos Islands more than 50 years ago, officially named their next generation, all-suite National Geographic Islander II this week in the awe-inspiring Galápagos Islands.

Honoring his visionary work, Angela Flaim – wife of the late longtime Lindblad leader and passionate Galápagos conservation advocate, Juan Flaim – presided over the intimate ceremony that reflected the ship’s spirit and soul as a vessel designed for deep discovery and supreme comfort. The ceremony took place in Black Turtle Cove, Santa Cruz Island – the center of the Galápagos archipelago and the gateway to its wonders – with the ship’s VIP guests, local dignitaries, company leaders and media surrounding the bow in zodiacs. Flaim and Lindblad Expeditions Founder, Sven-Olof Lindblad, symbolically smashed an environmentally friendly champagne bottle from the bow of the elegant 48-passenger National Geographic Islander ll, as guests cheered and raised a glass of champagne to toast to the occasion.

“May this ship be blessed with calm seas, curious minds, and caring hearts as her guests celebrate the beauty and wonder of these islands and Ecuador. I wish those lucky enough to sail with her, both crew and guests alike, experience the joy that is only possible when we explore life passionately,” said Angela Flaim.

The occasion was also an opportunity to highlight the pillars and legacy that distinguish Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, from its commitment to conserve the globe’s most critical and breathtaking regions, to its assurance of carbon neutrality, from supporting local communities to preserving culture.

“This incredible ship is our mission in motion, exciting guests to what we know about this wild place and even more importantly, to what is yet to be discovered,” said Sven-Olof Lindblad, Founder and Co-Chair of the Board. “As the pioneers in Galápagos tourism, our expertise and commitment to genuine engagement with this region’s natural wonders provides our guests with extraordinary, life changing experiences, and a lifelong passion to protect these incredible and fragile environments.”

Lindblad continued that he was especially delighted to be hosting local marine scientists from the Charles Darwin Foundation and Galápagos National Park Directorate, in partnership with National Geographic Society’s Exploration Technology Lab on this voyage. The research team is continuing a deep-sea monitoring campaign in the Galápagos Marine Reserve to assess the biodiversity and distribution of organisms and habitats on the largely unchartered underwater mountains that exist thousands of meters under the surface.

The last exploration campaign, conducted in 2019, uncovered two apex predator shark species that were previously unknown to be inhabiting the Galápagos Marine Reserve, as well as a kelp forest. This year, the team will regroup on National Geographic Islander II for ten days to re-survey the sites where key observations were made during the pilot study, as well as to explore new sites in search of yet unknown species.

Making it easy for guests to connect to the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic legacy of conservation and research, National Geographic Islander ll features a Science Hub outfitted with the capacity for underway oceanographic sensoring, an interactive video display, lab benches and seating for guests to observe this important work. Two suites are dedicated to Conservation and Community, and are designated for Galápagos community members, local and international researchers, educators, storytellers, and other experts on each voyage, providing guests with a deeper connection to people and place.

Named to honor the much beloved National Geographic Islander that she replaced and the remarkable islands where she sails, the all-suite National Geographic Islander ll expedition ship elevates the guest experience with teak decks that gracefully connect the indoor and outdoor spaces, a well-outfitted observation deck, indoor-outdoor dining options, 26 large and airy suites, and purpose-built expedition amenities including a marina for snorkeling gear storage and easy Zodiac embarkation. Designed for active exploration, National Geographic Islander II carries a fleet of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, a custom-built glass bottom Zodiac and flotilla of versatile Mark V Zodiacs to provide the adventures that are at the heart of every Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyage.

Celebrating Lindblad’s deep connection to the Galápagos islands, Ecuador and its people, National Geographic Islander ll offers a carefully considered food and beverage program that is a first-of-a-kind in the region, highlighting the four regions of Ecuador with ingredients sourced directly from local farmers. The ship further offers artwork, décor and music created by local artists and artisans, plus spa treatments infused with local ingredients, ensuring guests experience the beauty, warm hospitality and wonder of Ecuador on and off the ship.

Photo credit: Alex Daley-Clark

Brodosplit lays keel for a zero emission passenger sailing ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 October 2022 28 October 2022

The keel-laying of the zero-emission passenger sailing ship with electric motors as the main drive, has taken place at the Brodosplit shipyard.

"Electric sailing ship" – the so-called three-masted schooner will be 63.50 meters long and 10 meters wide, with a height of 5.35 meters to the main deck. The hull and superstructure will be made of steel and the masts of aluminum alloy. When not under sail, the ship will be powered by two 150 kW electric motors, each fed by a system of batteries continuously charged from different sources. When it reaches a speed of 6 knots, it will require only 70 kilowatts of power, which is fairly unobtrusive for a 500 gross ton boat. The vessel will be equipped with 15 tons of batteries with a maximum capacity of 1800 kWh, but due to legal requirements, it will also have two diesel generators that will be turned on only when needed or in emergencies.

The design and all technical solutions are entirely the work of Marine and Energy Solutions DIV Ltd. project designers, who through this project, have successfully confirmed their key role in positioning the DIV group high on the list of technical competency and architectural competitiveness.

There will be one vertical wind turbine at the bow and stern that will supply the ship with electricity when it is in port and the sails are lowered. A photovoltaic solar system will be installed on the roof of the superstructure. The ship will therefore be supplied with electricity and water from completely renewable sources and will obtain all its energy without any CO2 emissions. So not only is the ship 100% "green", but it also has virtually no costs for fuel and propulsion machinery.

What distinguishes this electric sailboat from similar vessels is the fact that the ship also charges its batteries while sailing, in a very sophisticated way. In addition to the system of wind turbines, water turbines, and solar panels, a system of ship propellers with variable pitch and a special blade geometry is used, which serves as a water turbine when sailing. This "reversible propeller" will charge high-power batteries in the lower deck. In addition, all information on board will be collected and controlled on the bridge.

This includes meteorological data so that the commander knows where the wind is most favorable, absolutely all ship and propulsion systems, power supply to the batteries, operation of the engines, solar panels, wind turbines, hot water, and energy consumption. At the same time, all energy "returns" and “expenses” on board are monitored.

The vessel will belong to a class of passenger ships that can sail indefinitely and sail all the seas of the world. During the domestic tourist season, it will sail the Adriatic along the coasts of Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece, and out of season in the Caribbean and other tourist destinations.

Work on the project started in February 2020 and was co-financed by the EU funds call " Increasing the development of new products and services arising from research and development activities – phase II ".

The project aims to research, develop and build an eco-innovation in the form of a sailing vessel for optimal 24 passengers, for which alternative propulsion technologies and energy sources have been developed based on an environmentally friendly design that aims to achieve sustainable mobility with zero emissions, supporting environmental sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air and noise pollution.

The project leader is the DIV Group, and collaboration has been established with scientific institutions to improve interaction and knowledge and technology transfer between industry and universities and public research institutes, benefiting both companies and public sector researchers.

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Information Technology in Osijek is responsible for the development of kinetic wind energy storage systems through hydrokinetic energy conversion (water turbines and reversible propellers) and battery management systems / integrated marine energy systems (energy storage, monitoring, and control, management, ...), while the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture in Split is working on sailing systems, sail automation (robotics), wind turbines and photovoltaic systems.

Princess Cruises unveils Sun Princess summer, autumn 2024 itineraries

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 October 2022 28 October 2022

Princess Cruises, which is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, has unveiled summer and autumn 2024 itineraries of the 175,500 gross ton Sun Princess that will debut in February 2024.

The European season aboard the Sun Princess includes 10-day itineraries visiting popular stops throughout the Western and Eastern Mediterranean and the cruise line's popular series of seven-day voyages departing from either Barcelona, Rome (Civitavecchia) or Athens, which can be combined for the ultimate 14-day or 21-day exploration of these sought-after vacation destinations.

"When you dream of the Mediterranean, you immediately think of sunshine, endless blue water views, colorful and distinctive architecture, incredible cuisine, engaging locals and romantic settings," said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president, said in a statement.

Highlights of the March through September 2024 inaugural cruise season of Sun Princess, include:

10-day Grand Mediterranean inaugural cruise between Barcelona and Rome departing March 9, featuring Mallorca, Sicily, Athens, Kusadasi, Santorini and Naples.

Seven-day Mediterranean with Greek Isles & Turkey between Rome and Athens, seven-day Mediterranean with Greece & Italy between Athens and Barcelona.

Seven-day Mediterranean with France & Italy between Barcelona and Rome, with over 20 departures to choose from between April and September 2024.

European Explorer voyages sailing between the Mediterranean and Southampton, UK, from nine to 23 days.

Nine-day Grand Mediterranean voyage sailing roundtrip from Rome.

10-day Grand Mediterranean voyages sailing roundtrip from Rome, or between Barcelona and Rome.

10-day Grand Western Mediterranean voyages roundtrip from Rome.

16-day Iberian Passage voyage sailing the Atlantic Ocean between Southampton and Fort Lauderdale.

Passenger business of two Baltic cruise ferry operators stages strong recovery

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 October 2022 28 October 2022

Two cruise ferry companies with operations in the northern Baltic have reported a strong increase in revenues for the third quarter of the year as passenger volumes soared after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tallink Grupp AS carried 1 893 603 passengers, which is 65.5% more than in the third quarter of last year. The number of cargo units transported increased by 13.1% in the same comparison. The company reported a net profit of €37.9 million for the thid quarter compared to just €5.5 million year on, while revenues increased to €255.6 million from €170.5 million

“The Group’s operations and operating results showed overall improvements in most home markets in the third quarter of 2022. Moreover, the number of passengers increased by a fifth in comparison to the third quarter and by 66% compared to the previous year. Although to a limited effect, the recovery in demand was negatively affected by the war in Ukraine that emerged at the end of February 2022,” the company said.

Viking Line – which should not be confused with the cruise operator Viking – saw revenues rise to €170.4 million from €97.5 million in the third quarter, which includes the key summer holiday period.

Net profit declined to €9.5 million from €22.7 million in the same period last year, when an asset sale gain had lifted the figure.

Passenger volume rose more than double to 3.73 million in the first nine months of the year from 1.48 million year on, boosted by the arrival of the newbuilding Viking Glory in March. CEO Jan Hanses said that the demand in the passenger business and yields per passenger had remained strong, but a 66% rise in fuel costs impacted the bottom line.

Royal Caribbean says Icon of the Seas triggers best booking day

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 October 2022 28 October 2022

Royal Caribbean International saw its single largest booking day in its 53-year history when reservations opened for Icon of the Seas, the cruise line's first Icon Class ship.

"The enthusiasm and excitement for Icon are undeniable in more ways than one," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in a statement.

"The incredible response we have received from our loyal guests, vacationers new to cruising, crew members and travel partners continues to come in, and this is just the beginning. We can't wait to share more of what Icon has in store in the coming months,” he stated.