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UK market shows resilience despite rising cost of living

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 September 2022 06 September 2022

The UK cruise market has shown resilience so far despite rising cost of living, although households are expected to face another significant increase in energy prices from the autumn onwards.

Princess Cruises has reported customer demand for 2023 sailings is “well outstripping” previous years – two months after the line achieved its record booking day in the UK, Travel Weekly reports.

Eithne Williamson, the line’s vice-president of UK and Europe, explained how the biggest-ever booking day in late June had been a key driver for the current 2023 cruise booking volumes Princess was seeing.

She said there was “great interest” from UK passengers for fly-cruises in the Mediterranean as well as highlighting how demand was returning for destinations such as the Caribbean and Alaska.

However, she added that her team should never take things for granted and highlighted how the line had recently cancelled 11 Diamond Princess sailings over staffing challenges, she pointed out.

Meanwhile, research by the online agent cruise.co.uk has shown that cruise enthusiasts are still prioritising their holidays at sea despite the current increases in cost of living.

A survey of 1,015 people by the company found that almost 70% have booked or will book a voyage this year. Of this number, around three-quarters will travel on their first-choice sailing, with the final quarter still cruising but opting for a lower-priced option than they would usually book.

The results were published on 19 July, which was about a month before news of significant further increase in energy prices that households would face from the autumn onwards.

Of the remaining survey respondents, 20% stated they would go on a non-cruise holiday this year, either in the UK or overseas. The final 10% have postponed their holiday plans until 2023 or beyond. Nearly 20% of the overall respondents have at least one sailing lined up in both 2022 and 2023.

There is an even 50/50 split between cruisers either sailing from the UK or flying overseas to meet their ship, with little sign the ongoing issues at airports have affected plans.

For those yet to book this year, the Mediterranean is the favourite destination, with the Caribbean second and Norwegian Fjords / North Scandinavia third. The growing popularity of river cruises continues, as sailing a European waterway is in fourth place.

Photo: Ambiance is the first ship of new UK cruise operator Ambassador Cruise Line that started sailing in the spring.

P&O Cruises' Arvia to feature more than 30 bars and restaurants

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 September 2022 05 September 2022

P&O Cruises newest ship Arvia, arriving in December 2022 will feature more than 30 places to eat and drink and new menus by Local Food Heroes, Shivi Ramoutar and José Pizarro. Arvia is also set to be home to new restaurants created exclusively for the ship including Green & Co feat. Mizuhana and 6th Street Diner.

P&O Cruises is collaborating with queen of contemporary Caribbean cooking, Shivi Ramoutar and acclaimed Spanish chef, José Pizarro, to bring local food experiences to Arvia's holidays in the Caribbean and Mediterranean respectively.

At The Beach House Shivi will celebrate her passion for Caribbean cuisine with a range of dishes including her vibrant Jerk Chicken Supreme with rice and peas, coleslaw, shallow-fried plantain and a Jamaican cornmeal speciality known as festivals.

In The Glass House and Cellar Door guests will be able to try tapas created by José Pizarro, paired with wines selected by Food Hero Olly Smith. Dishes will include José Pizarro Tapas with grilled whole tiger prawns, mango, chilli and garlic salsa; lamb cutlets, crushed potatoes, olives, dried cherry tomatoes and romesco sauce; and tuna tartare with avocado, tomato and chilli dressing.

Green & Co feat. Mizuhana will be a new restaurant exclusive to Arvia and will offer guests exquisitely crafted fish and plant-based dishes. Guests will be able to dine at the sushi bar and watch the expert chefs at work or be seated at tables to enjoy the views out to sea. Dishes will include:

– Chakalaka Wellington with a South African inspired spiced, smokey tomato sauce, red cabbage gel, corn relish, warm green bean salad, crispy corn kernels and a side of spiced sweet potato pakoras, coconut labneh, pea and mint dip
– Moriawase Platters Nigiri with yellow fin tuna, Highland salmon, yellow tail, sea bass, maki and tuna uramaki
Chocolate Earth Plate with dark chocolate and beetroot pebbles, chocolate mushrooms, tarragon jelly, chocolate soil and non-dairy vanilla gelato

6th Street Diner is new for Arvia and is an all-American diner serving breakfast, brunch, dinner and sweet treats, accompanied with great music and ice-cold cocktails. Dishes will include:

– Pennsylvania Dutch Waffles with fried chicken and spicy maple syrup
– New York Strip Steak with grilled asparagus, crispy shallows, garlic butter and fries
– Red Velvet Whoopie Pie with cream cheese frosting
– Roast at The Quays is also new for Arvia with traditional lunches served with a modern twist, including a jumbo Yorkshire pudding filled with Sunday roast favourites.

Other highlight on board include:

– Amber Lounge – situated in the Grand Atrium, guests will be able to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails while watching artists perform aerial vignettes above. New cocktails for Arvia include a Barberousse (with a mixture of 3 different rums, apricot and pomegranate juice) and a Tortuga Cobbler (with Aperol, grapefruit, raspberry juice and rum from The Tidal Rum).

– Anderson’s Bar – boasting a boutique distillery and a menu of craft rums and gins, this intimate bar is a cosy spot for drinks by day and night. During the winter season, the on-board still will create unique rum, created exclusively by The Tidal Rum and in the summer, we make bespoke Marabelle Gin.

– Infinity - the new swim-up bar on board Arvia will be the perfect place for guests to enjoy a cocktail or two.
Fresh and informal

– Vistas Café Bar - Café serving pâtisserie and sweet treats with Costa coffee, teapigs™ tea and ocean views.
Ripples - Gelateria, in partnership with Snowflake Luxury Gelato, serving gelato cones, cakes, and sundaes, including a rum & raisin gelato and a special Caribbean-inspired sundae.

– Taste 360 - Serving burgers, hot dogs, oven-baked pizza, authentic street food and special dishes from Local Food Heroes, Shivi Ramoutar and José Pizarro.

Contemporary flavours

– The Olive Grove - Mediterranean restaurant with a menu featuring the region’s iconic dishes, from Greek mezze to Moroccan lamb tagine. On Celebration Nights, the restaurant will offer an exclusive menu from José Pizarro.

– The Keel and Cow - Gastropub serving dry-aged steaks, British classics and signature burger, The Prime Minister.
Sindhu - Guests can dine amidst stylish surroundings whilst chefs take them on a journey that celebrates the best of contemporary Indian cuisines.

Chic and special

– Epicurean - Classic British ingredients are given a modern twist and are served with fine wines, flawless service, elegant surroundings and stunning ocean vistas.

Served with entertainment

– The Limelight Club - a ticketed event exclusively for adults, guests will be able to settle back for entertainment provided by some of Britain’s best-loved performers while eating a three-course dinner.

– The 710 Club - a sophisticated live-music bar that’s been crafted to Music Director Gary Barlow’s creative vision, guests will be able to immerse themselves in an array of musical genres while enjoying stylish cocktails and negronis hand-picked by Gary.

Example itineraries

Arvia maiden, Canary Islands, 14 nights from £1,449pp
14-night cruise on Arvia (K203) for £1,449 per person for an inside cabin. Departing December 9, 2022, the price includes kids' clubs, full board meals and entertainment. Departing from and returning to Southampton ports of call are Madeira, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Cadiz and Lisbon.

Mediterranean, 14 nights from £1,049pp
14-night cruise on Arvia (K307) for £1,049 per person for an inside cabin. Departing April 2, 2023, the price includes kids' clubs, full board meals and entertainment. Departing from and returning to Southampton ports of call are La Coruna, Mallorca, La Spezia, Marseilles, Barcelona and Cadiz.

Photo: Green & Co feat. Mizuhana Credit: Partner Ship Design

Kim Salmi appointed CEO of Helsinki Shipyard

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 September 2022 03 September 2022

As of September 1, Kim Salmi, M.Sc. (Tech.), has been appointed Managing Director of the Helsinki Shipyard. Kim Salmi will take over as managing director from the position of production director of the shipyard. Kim Salmi has long experience in shipbuilding at the Helsinki shipyard, as well as in shipping companies and in the roles of consultant in other cruise shipyards in Europe. Simo Rastas, who has served as acting CEO since October 2021, will continue in his position at CFO until the end of September, after which he will leave the company to face new challenges. Helsinki Shipyard would like to thank Simo for the excellent work done and for informing the personnel in this challenging global political situation.

“I am thankful for the trust I have received, which was facilitated by the exemplary stretch and professionalism that the entire organization showed in connection with the handover of SH Vega. In my new position, in addition to acquiring new profitable ship projects, I will focus on developing our organization in terms of personnel, infrastructure and processes.”

The Helsinki shipyard is currently building the third vessel in the Vega series (SH Diana) and preparing for its launch. Changes in the company’s ownership are also still being studied, and more information on long-term views will be provided once these matters have been confirmed. The Helsinki shipyard has returned as a cruise ship builder after a long break, and the delivery time and quality of the Vega series have been well received in the market. In line with its strategy, the company continues with an operating model in which critical expertise is built into the organization and thus ensures the efficient implementation of complex and demanding projects. The Helsinki shipyard is widely known for the icebreakers we have built and other vessels suitable for Arctic conditions. The shipyard’s strengths also include the only covered pool hall of its kind in Finland, which enables the efficient construction of vessels in top conditions.

Cruise Planners announces new consortia affiliation with Signature Travel Network

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 September 2022 01 September 2022

After a lengthy and careful research process, Cruise Planners announced they will join the Signature Travel Network effective September 29, 2022. Cruise Planners previously was affiliated with American Express’s Travel Representative program for 18 years, which was set to end in December 2022. With over six-decades in the travel industry, Signature continues to attract the travel industry's most successful and prominent retailers. The decision to join Signature came down to shared values that Cruise Planners believes will enhance the travel experience for clients of their 2500-strong home-based travel agent franchise network.

“This is welcome news and we feel strongly that this is the right direction for our company,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners. “Signature’s programs are impressive and we felt the essence of the pillars we hold ourselves to are reflected in their company as well. There are many complementary programs that Signature offers that will elevate the Cruise Planners brand and give advisors an extra edge to propel their business.”

While Cruise Planners stands on its own when it comes to technology, Signature focuses heavily on industry-leading technology, marketing and training programs that Cruise Planners will be able to leverage to augment their offerings.

Finnlines’ Superstar ro-paxes celebrate launching and keel laying

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 September 2022 01 September 2022

Finnlines is building two Superstar ro-pax vessels. The first vessel, Finnsirius, was launched on 30 August 2022 and the keel laying of the second one, Finncanopus, was celebrated on 1 September 2022. The two freight-passenger vessels will start to operate from Finland to Sweden and Åland Islands in 2023.

Finnlines has successfully completed the launching of the first Superstar ro-pax vessel, Finnsirius, construction on water will now continue. Construction of the second Superstar ro-pax vessel is also proceeding and a keel laying ceremony took place at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) to officially mark the start of the construction, i.e. hull erection.

Finnsirius and its sister vessel Finncanopus will operate on the Finland–Sweden route where Finnlines has sailed since 1997. The ports of call are Naantali in mainland Finland, Långnäs on the Åland Islands and Kapellskär in Sweden.

The combined freight-passenger vessel will have capacity for about 300 lorries, 200 cars and 1,100 passengers. The vessels are 235 metres long and they utilise the latest innovative technologies.

“Superstar ro-paxes will be larger than the existing Star class and they will be Finnlines’ flagships both in terms of size and technology, scaling up the connection and raising the standard offered to our customers,” says Antonio Raimo, Line Manager Finnlines.

Compared with the Star class vessels, the cargo carrying capacity of the Superstar ro-paxes will increase by 20%. Finnlines has designed cargo handling procedures so that they will be highly efficient for the Finland-Sweden route.

With comfortable cabins, large public spaces and upgraded services the vessels offer a new travel experience for passengers. “We offer the most convenient schedules for crossing the Baltic Sea,” says Raimo.

“We are proud to introduce the next generation of ro-pax vessels, which will enter service in 2023. With the latest technologies and sustainable innovations, these large vessels will not only bring economies of scale to our customers, but also a lower environmental footprint. Our drive to continuously improve both operational and financial efficiency ensures that we can continue to invest in our fleet and grow with our customers,” says Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines.

The next milestone for the Finnlines EUR 500-million Newbuilding Programme will be launching of the Finncanopus in January 2023. The ro-pax vessels are expected to be delivered in the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2023. The Newbuilding Programme also includes three hybrid ro-ro vessels already operating on Finnlines’ routes.