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Swan Hellenic orders 12,000 gross ton expedition ship at Helsinki Shipyard

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 21 October 2020 21 October 2020

Swan Hellenic, the UK based expedition cruise operator, and Helsinki Shipyard in Finland announced that the cruise company has contracted a 12,000 gross ton Vega class that is due for delivery at the end of 2022.

The now contracted vessel will have a length of 125 metres and it will be able to accommodate 192 passengers. This means it will be slightly larger than the previous two ships, which will be of 10,700 gross tons, 110 metres in length and offer 148 berths. The latest vessel will have PC6 ice class and it will have a crew of 140.

“Featuring a 4.6 megawatt diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with selective catalytic reduction, 3-megawatt max. battery package and ice-strengthened hull, the new ship will not only be able to reach the most remote and inaccessible corners of the world, but also do so in almost total silence under battery power. Causing minimal disturbance to sensitive ecosystems and wildlife, Vega 3 will thus bring its guests a uniquely immersive experience seeing what others don't,” the two companies said in a joint statement.

With the three Vega ships scheduled for delivery in November 2021, April 2022 and year-end 2022, Swan Hellenic is demonstrating solid confidence both in the strength and resilience of the high-end cruise market and its own unique vision of cultural expedition cruising.

"The new order is significant for Helsinki Shipyard,” observed CEO Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch, “as it shows our customers' confidence in our operations and is a strong signal of the long-term nature of our operations".

Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito confirmed: “We see the increase in demand for experiences that are truly out of the ordinary and are confident in the bounce back of our industry.”

Helsinki Shipyard to sign third expedition ship contract in next few days - report

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 20 October 2020 20 October 2020

Helsinki Shipyard Oy, the Finnish company that is building two expedition cruise vessels that will be operated by Swan Hellenic, the UK based expedition cruise operator, will sign a contract for a third ship in the next few days, Managing Director Carl-Gustaf Rotkirch told the Finnish broadcasting company YLE.

“We are in talks to build a sister vessel for the two ships already in production. Hopefully these talks will leaf to a good result,” he was quoted by YLE as saying and adding that a contract should be signed in the next few days.

Rotkirch said that the Helsinki Shipyard is in talks with potential customers in the US and in Europe about further orders. He did not elaborate what kinds of ships are in question.

SH Minerva, the first if the two ships currently on order, is scheduled for completion in August 2021 and the second vessel in January 2022. Both are of 10,700 gross tons and they will have accommodation for 148 passengers.

AIDA Cruises chooses Italy for its restart

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 17 October 2020 17 October 2020

AIDA Cruises, the German brand of the Costa Group, restarts from Italy for the resumption of its cruises. The AIDAblu will depart on October 17 from Civitavecchia for its first cruise after the pause for the Covid-19 emergency, with a 7-night itinerary visiting exclusively Italian ports, calling at Naples, Palermo, Catania, La Spezia and with an overnight in Civitavecchia/Rome. The first cruise is set to begin October 17, with voyages offered weekly until November 28.

AIDAblu is the fourth ship of the Costa Group to resume operations, after the three ships of the Costa Cruises brand – Costa Deliziosa, Costa Diadema and Costa Smeralda – which restarted in September and October. Costa Smeralda was also today in the port of Civitavecchia, together with AIDAblu, as part of her first cruise, which departed on 10 October from Savona with calls only in Italian ports.

“The restart of AIDAblu is an important milestone for Costa Group, as it marks the return to cruising after a long pause also for our German brand AIDA Cruises, joining Costa Cruises,” said Group CEO, Costa Group & Carnival Asia Michael Thamm. “We are very proud that the restart takes place from Italy, because all of our ships fly the Italian flag and our Group is headquartered in Italy. Currently, cruises are only operating in the Mediterranean and in Italy, which would not have been possible without the support of the Italian Government and authorities. Thanks to AIDAblu’s cruise program, we are contributing to the restart of international tourism in Italy, bringing our German guests to a destination they love in a safe and responsible way. We see this ship as a symbol of the long-lasting, solid relationships between Italy and Germany."

AIDAblu will bring further benefits for the recovery of the tourism ecosystem in Italy, in addition to the other three Costa ships that have already resumed operations in Italy. Thanks to the cruises departing tomorrow from Civitavecchia, AIDAblu German guests will have the opportunity to visit five Italian destinations in a single holiday. The economic contribution coming from cruises represents important support for Italian tourism and economy. According to a study conducted by Deloitte & Touche, the University of Genoa and the University of Hamburg, the Costa Group generated in Italy a total economic impact in 2018 of 3.5 billion euros, creating around 17,000 full-time equivalent jobs and work for 4,700 Italian suppliers and partners.

The resumption of sailing from AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises is part of a phased-in approach by Costa Group to resume operations gradually, with enhanced health protocols developed in coordination with government and health authorities. Based on health and mitigation guidelines in Germany and Italy, the AIDA health protocols implemented on all of the brand’s cruises include measures encompassing the entirety of the cruise experience, from booking to disembarkation. Developed with leading medical experts, the program has been audited and confirmed by the renowned independent auditing company SGS Institut Fresenius and the classification society DNV-GL. The measures include guests and crew being tested for COVID-19 with negative results required prior to boarding. Other protocols include regular temperature and health checks for guests and crew, physical distancing guidelines, facial coverings when physical distancing is not possible, capacity controls and increased sanitization measures, as well as guided shore excursions managed by AIDA to maintain health protocols.

Hurtigruten prepares for further growth – establishes separate expedition cruise entity

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 October 2020 15 October 2020

Hurtigruten reports strong demand for 2021 and 2022 cruises. Preparing for post-Covid-19 expansion, the company announces it will redefine its growing cruise operations by establishing a separate expedition cruise entity.

As the rest of the global travel industry, Hurtigruten is currently experiencing the challenges of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

"2020 is a tough year for everyone in the travel industry. But the set back is only temporary. For second half of 2021 and beyond, we are seeing a strong demand across all markets and all destinations, including the Norwegian coast, the Arctic and Antarctica," Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam says.

"The demand reflects our predictions that expedition cruises, with all our advantages such as smaller ships, more flexibility and fewer guests, will prove even more popular post-COVID-19," Skjeldam says.

Small ships – big demand

Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam oversees Hurtigruten’s 15 ship operation that has grown significantly over the past years, both in number of ships, guests and destinations – including some of the most spectacular destinations on our planet.

Hurtigruten recently launched selected 2022/2023 voyages – including Antarctica and the Arctic – and reports a strong global demand.

"We have only seen the beginning of what’s to come. Hurtigruten see great demand and equally great opportunities in the expedition cruise segment from 2021 and beyond. This is the growth we are preparing for," Skjeldam says.

Hurtigruten is announcing that the global travel group is preparing for further growth, reorganizing their cruise operations in two different entities: Hurtigruten Expeditions and Hurtigruten Norway.   

Hurtigruten Expeditions

Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises includes more than 250 destinations from pole to pole, ranging from the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Norway, Svalbard, British Isles to Caribbean, South America and Antarctica.

As Hurtigruten consolidates the position as the world’s largest expedition cruise line, Asta Lassesen is appointed CEO of Hurtigruten’s global expedition cruise operations.

"As Hurtigruten continue to grow our expedition cruise offering, we will keep doing what we do best: Combining almost 130 years of exploration with cutting-edge innovation and our unparalleled commitment to sustainability to deliver unique experiences in some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations," Lassesen says. 

Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise entity will operate a fleet of 8 small size, custom built and greener expedition cruise ships. Starting in 2021, Hurtigruten is offering several new itineraries – including new year-round departures from United Kingdom and Germany, as well as a full Alaska season.

"We go where the big ships can’t, taking you far beyond the ordinary and closer to communities and nature, while exploring the true beauty of our planet in a more sustainable way," Lassesen says.

Hurtigruten Norway

Operating the Norwegian coast continuously since 1893, Hurtigruten has longer and more in-depth experience on the spectacular Norwegian coastline than any other cruise line. 

Hurtigruten’s iconic 2500 nautical mile between Bergen in the south to Kirkenes at the Russian border offers a unique combination of local travelers, goods and cruise guests, visiting and serving 34 communities along the rugged Norwegian coastline.

From 2021, Hurtigruten’s coastal operation will consist of 7 custom built ships, and operate under a separate entity with a yet to be named CEO.

"The Norwegian coast is our home. No one knows Norway like Hurtigruten, and from northern lights, the midnight sun, wildlife and local communities, there is no better way to experience authentic Norway than with Hurtigruten. We’ve pioneered the Norwegian coast for more than a century. But the best is yet to come," Skjeldam says.

Aris Batsoulis appointed as the new President of MedCruise

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 October 2020 15 October 2020

Aris Batsoulis is the new President of MedCruise, effective from mid-October 2020. Since 2017, Aris Batsoulis has held the position of SVP of MedCruise representing the port of Corfu, Greece. The announcement follows the decision of outgoing President Airam Díaz to leave his office as Commercial Director of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Following his nomination, Aris Batsoulis said: “It is with great honor to assume responsibility of the Presidency of the largest cruise ports association of the world, MedCruise. I would like to express my gratitude to Airam for his outstanding work throughout his term. Wishing him every success in his new position. I am committing and looking forward to working along with my skillfull colleagues, members of the MedCruise BoD and the Secretariat, to serving the needs of the members ports and associate members and collaborate with all the stakeholders of the cruise industry towards a responsible and sustainable growth. #PortsTogether and #WorkTogether are meaningful today, more than ever”.

“I would like to congratulate Aris Batsoulis on his appointment. I am confident that he will develop a great job. I would like also to thank all Board of Directors members for their commitment and excellent work during the last three years. Finally, I would like to recognise the dedication of the Secretariat team, Jordi Caballé, Anja Lohrum and Sara Valls, and encourage them to keep working hard," said Airam Díaz, now MedCruise Honorary President.

Aris Batsoulis is a Mechanical Engineer MSc. Since 2007 is the Head of Cruise Department, Port Facility Security Officer (since 2003) and the last ten years Development Director of Corfu Port Authority S.A.