Top Headlines

Triple celebration for Explora Journeys and Fincantieri

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 13 September 2024 13 September 2024

Explora Journeys yesterday staged a triple celebration at the Fincantieri shipyard in Sestri Ponente near Genoa, Italy as the new luxury brand continues to grow towards a total of six ships planned by 2028.

Explora II was delivered to become the second ship to join the luxury travel brand of the MSC Group’s €3.5 billion fleet of six vessels. The ship will set sail on itsr maiden journey on September 16 from Civitavecchia in Italy to Sicily, Malta and Spain.

The traditional maritime event when a shipbuilder delivers the new vessel to its owner was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division, the godmother of the ship Stefania Vago, as well as Fincantieri’s Chairman Biagio Mazzotta and the constructor’s CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, along with representatives of MSC's construction team together with managers and workers from the shipyard.

The 63,900 GT Explora II will operate in the Caribbean Sea in the winter and return to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2025. The new luxury ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six different restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, and a range of wellness venues.

A keel-laying ceremony for Explora III also took place today at the shipyard when commemorative coins were placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune in the future by the vessel’s two godmothers, Verena Koetzle, Global Head of Public Relations for Explora Journeys and Martina Giardina, Public Area Supervisor - Fincantieri Shipyard Sestri Ponente. The liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered Explora III will enter service in 2026. LNG is a direct pathway to renewable drop in substitutes like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG.

Explora Journeys’ third celebration was a steel cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard to start the construction of Explora IV, which will also be fueled by LNG, and will be completed in early 2027.Explora V will join the luxury fleet in 2027 and Explora VI in 2028, with a project underway for both to have large fuel cell capacity capable of transforming renewable LNG into hydrogen and significantly reducing emissions.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “The delivery of Explora II represents a significant milestone for Explora Journeys and the MSC Group, in our commitment to set new standards in global luxury travel at sea. This special day also sees us celebrate the coin ceremony for Explora III and the start of construction of Explora IV as we continue to deliver on our commitment to create a fleet of six best-in-class ships offering even more guests a luxury ocean travel experience like no other.”

Captain Serena Melani will be the Master of Explora II which marks an historic moment as a female captain to lead a ship for Explora Journeys for the second time following her role as Master of Explora I.

Explora II, designed and built under RINA Class, has earned several additional voluntary notations due to innovative design and construction focused on environmental sustainability and passenger comfort. It received RINA's "Green Plus" notation for comprehensive environmental performance. The ship was also awarded the "Comfort Noise and Vibration" notation for its low noise and vibration levels, enhancing onboard comfort. Additionally, it received the "Dolphin" notation for minimizing noise impact in ecologically sensitive marine areas and is certified under the Polar Code C, enabling safe navigation in Polar waters.

Explora II has been developed to further enhance the guest experience and, as with her sister ship Explora I, embodies a fusion of elegant Swiss precision and modern European craftsmanship. In collaboration with leading superyacht and hospitality designers, every aspect of the new ship was designed to evoke an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to reflect the Explora Journeys’ approach to luxury.

Explora II’s Journeys Lounge, casino and Fil Rouge restaurant have refreshed colors and materials while maintaining their original layouts and the Explora Lounge, Crema Café and Atoll Pool have all been enhanced with new design and furniture to create more space for guests. Bespoke Unopiu outdoor furniture has been added to the Helios Pool & Bar to elevate the outdoor ocean experience.

The Ocean Wellness Spa has a refined new concept with updated decor and materials throughout and Australian spa brand Subtle Energies has been added. The Anthology restaurant has been redesigned to offer exceptional Italian fine-dining and Explora II will also feature the first at sea Buccellati jewelry boutique to complement the luxurious onboard shopping experience.

Explora II will feature original artwork by Emilio Isgró and Prince Hussein Aga Khan`s ‘Marine Encounters’`, an exhibition of his marine photographs showcasing diverse underwater species and ecosystems. The exquisite collection of marine photography was gifted to the MSC Foundation as part of the partnership between the MSC Foundation and `Focused on Nature`, reflecting a shared vision to educate and inspire action on the need to preserve marine life and biodiversity.

Ilma, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's new super yacht makes its debut

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 08 September 2024 08 September 2024

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection recently introduced Ilma, its second newbuild luxury superyacht, to its fleet. The yacht embarked on its maiden voyage, a 7-night journey from Monte Carlo to Rome, on September 2. As the first and only luxury hospitality company at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection advances its position at the forefront of the industry with a second yacht now sailing, illustrating a future-focused vision that keeps pushing the boundaries of luxury travel at sea.

“It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Ilma to our growing fleet,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Since Evrima’s debut, we have been steadfast in our pursuit of excellence at sea. The addition of Ilma signifies a continuation of our mission to deliver legendary service and unparalleled enjoyment to our guests.”

Ilma measures 790 feet, offering 224 airy and intuitive suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. Stopping at signature and intimate ports of call, Ilma takes guests on enchanting itineraries to coveted destinations. Ilma’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean includes ports of call visiting the blue waters of Santorini, the iconic yachting playgrounds of Porto Cervo, and the historic sites of Valletta, before departing for the Caribbean, where experiences in the natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, the vibrant harbor of Gustavia, and the pristine beauty of St. John await. Ilma will additionally sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe—a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—during the 2025 summer season offering immersive itineraries in dynamic and culturally rich destinations like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.

“The launch of Ilma exemplifies the unwavering dedication of The Ritz-Carlton to setting new benchmarks in luxury travel, with the company’s commitment to thoughtful and transformative travel experiences guiding its mission,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts. “Ilma brings the exceptional luxury accommodations and personalized service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned to the sea, further redefining the standards in the luxury industry.”

The purposefully designed yacht accommodates up to 448 guests and offers among the highest space-to- guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea. Its sophisticated interiors are thoughtfully curated to enhance every aspect of the guest experience, showcasing expert craftsmanship and polished finishes by renowned London-based architectural and design firm AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer DPA. The exteriors reflect the vision of Helsinki-based design studio, Aivan.

A defining characteristic of Ilma is its seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces, inviting guests to intimately connect directly to the sea and destinations sailed. Ilma, named after the Maltese word for “water,” draws subtle design inspiration from Maltese mythology, coastline, history, and native fauna. The design narrative incorporates fresh, neutral tones juxtaposed by light and dark finishes, enhancing visual richness, while the adorned exterior nods to the sleek design of private yachts.

Ilma invites guests to discover five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, sevens bars, and a signature wine vault. Highlights include two dining venues conceptualized by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. Seta su Ilma by Chef Fabio Trabocchi is a modern Italian fine-dining restaurant reflecting his Italian heritage and culinary expertise. Seta su Ilma, named after the Italian word for “silk,” offers seasonal tasting menus with contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine, nodding to regional flavors and impeccably paired with fine wines, where Italian whites and reds form the core of the wine list.

The Beach House, designed by the Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, offers 180- degree views of the sea that seamlessly integrate with the coast, creating a daytime to nighttime experience where guests can relax and unwind. The beach club-inspired venue draws from Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine, blending globally influenced flavors in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. The menu, developed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, is inspired by the bold, fire-born flavors of South and Central America while highlighting ingredients from the Caribbean.

Additional world-class dining venues include Memorī, which brings a modern spin to authentic Pan-Asian cuisines in a sleek environment; Mistral, which presents Mediterranean fare located steps from the main pool on Deck 10; and Tides, which offers seasonal menus inspired by the diverse regional flavors and techniques of the destinations that Ilma explores, evolving throughout the voyage. Nestled behind Tides and Seta su Ilma, Dining Privée provides an intimate and elegant enclave for celebratory dinners and other special events. At the heart of Ilma sits The Living Room, a welcoming space where guests can greet the day with freshly roasted coffee and baked pastries at the espresso counter each morning. As the day progresses, The Living Room Bar serves specialty cocktails, fine wines, and Champagne accompanied by live music. In-Suite Dining menus encompass breakfast, all day, and evening selections featuring a variety of classics from the different onboard restaurants.

A signature space across The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, Ilma debuts an extensive Marina and Marina Terrace, featuring large glass windows that draw in natural light, side doors that open and float above the water, and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea when the yacht is at anchor. Deck 10 presents a dynamic open-air space for live entertainment and sunbathing, complete with the main pool, pool bar, and an outdoor LED screen. Additional experiences on board include The Ritz- Carlton Spa, a rejuvenating oasis with revitalizing treatments from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. The expanded spa boasts 11 rooms, with five equipped to offer outdoor treatment options, and three distinct fitness spaces: a Movement Studio, Cycle Studio, and Fitness Studio with weights and cardio machines.

Cruise shipping meets shipbuilding at SMM next week

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 01 September 2024 01 September 2024

The cruise industry is under enormous pressure to improve its sustainability fast. From 3 to 6 September 2024, SMM will deliver key input to support these efforts. Sustainability is a criterion in selecting ship interiors, as well, as the exhibitors at MARINE INTERIORS @SMM will prove. It is the foremost event for this segment of the European passenger shipping industry, and the only one that includes ferry interiors.

The Cruise Lines International Association’s latest statistic counted over than 31 million passengers, nearly seven per cent more than during the pre-Covid year 2019. But with these numbers comes increased responsibility: The cruise industry is faced with the challenge to reduce its emissions radically. Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General of CLIA Europe, considers SMM as the perfect platform to drive the industry’s sustainability goals. “CLIA is pleased to partner with SMM for the first time. This will be a key opportunity to network, share views about policy areas of common interest, and showcase the latest environmental advances in our industry that can benefit the entire sector,” says Laurent. With this in mind, CLIA will present an investment plan for decarbonising the entire cruise industry at the flagship fair, along with energy efficiency enhancement solutions that are already used by cruise vessels. Sustainability and cruising are compatible – attendees of the new interactive CLIA exhibition “The Voyage” are welcome to see for themselves (Central entrance, upper level). “SMM showcases everything companies need to build state-of-the-art passenger ships, from engines and bridge technologies to water treatment systems, and through to interior outfitting. Our trade fair shows the full breadth and depth of the industry’s know-how, lending fresh impetus to the discussion about forward-looking developments – you won’t find this anywhere else,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Business Unit Director Maritime and Technology Fairs at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

Ship interiors in focus: newcomers meet experts

At MARINE INTERIORS @SMM in Hall B5, more than 100 exhibitors from 20 countries will present their products and solutions for ship interior outfitting. This exhibition is the foremost event for Europe’s Cruise & Ferry Interiors segment. The MARINE INTERIORS @SMM exhibition area will be grouped around the Cruise & Ferry Stage, where around 15 speeches and panel discussions on ship interiors for ocean and river cruise ships as well as ferries will take place. This year, newcomers to the industry will for the first time be able to benefit from the MARINE INTERIORS Discovery Bay: “It is an icebreaker opportunity. This joint exhibition stand is an offer to companies that want to get a foot in the door of the maritime market,” says Christoph Lücke, Director of SMM & MARINE INTERIORS. Participants will include PASS-Medientechnik, 2Gamma, PANELPLUS and Guangzhou Xibo Chemical Technology, among others. Whether newcomer or well-established industry leader: The Cruise & Ferry Route will direct visitors to relevant exhibitors. They can also be found in the Online Exhibitor Directory and the Visitor Guide, as well as in the new Networking Platform app where they are marked with the Cruise & Ferry icon. Furthermore, the Wine o’ clock networking format will provide an excellent networking opportunity daily from 17:30 to 19:00. On Wednesday evening it will be titled Cruise & Ferry Wine o’clock powered by CLIA.

Innovation: future perspectives

The potential of advanced technologies for the cruise industry will be demonstrated by exhibitors such as Brombach+Gess. Headquartered in south-western Germany’s Black Forrest region, the company has developed photovoltaic window panes that generate electricity. What is more, this glass insulates both acoustically and thermally. It filters up to 99 per cent of damaging UV and infrared radiation from sunlight. Other smart products include those offered by the Finnish company Antti Marine (Booth B5-210) whose innovative e-hinges, while looking like conventional ones, are fitted with online connectivity to allow data transmission. This enables a multitude of smart remote control options. Metalcolour has been a specialist in the field of innovative, functional metal coil coatings. The company’s foil-coated steel and aluminium products are primarily used for ceilings, wall panels, doors, bathroom pods, luggage compartments, safety doors and lifts. On the new luxury liner Disney Destiny, the Company is installing 200,000 square metres of coated steel.

Sustainable refitting: always at the leading-edge

A cruise ship's operating life typically exceeds 20 years. Refitting these vessels at regular intervals allows owners to ensure the ships comply with the latest standards in terms of safety, efficiency and environmental compatibility. According to the supplier association VDMA, demand for ship upgrades is increasing: “The IMO carbon neutrality goal is certainly a strong driver of this trend,” says Martin Johannsmann, CEO of SKF Marine, and Chairman of the Board of VDMA Marine Equipment and Systems. Ship interiors are renovated regularly, as well. The Italian De Wave Group is one of the experts in this field. They recently gave a new look to the Arabian cruise ship Aroya and will showcase other projects in the MARINE INTERIORS @SMM area. In early 2024, the Danish owner DFDS invested 10 million euros in refitting their ferries King Seaways and Princess Seaways. “What I love most about refitting projects such as these is to see the metamorphosis of the ship,” says Teun-Wim Leene, Route Director at DFDS. “We begin with the product our customers have known for years; we take it apart, go back to the beginnings, and develop a new experience from it.” DFDS will also be featured on one of the SMM Ferry Panels. Its title: “Introducing eco-friendly fuels on passenger ships – retrofits and newbuilds”. Other members on the panel will include representatives of Stena Line, DNV and the German nature conservation society NABU.

The next biennial, stand-alone MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo will take place in Hamburg from 10 to 12 September 2025 as usual.

CruiseBusiness Magazine is one of the media partners. Our newest issue can be found from the Digital Media Lounge:

SMM Hamburg Digital Media Lounge: CruiseBusiness

Royal Caribbean Group signs agreement with Meyer Turku for the next ship in its Icon Class; adds options for additional Icon-class ships

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 27 August 2024 27 August 2024

Royal Caribbean Group announced today that it has signed an agreement with Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku to order a fourth Icon Class ship for delivery to Royal Caribbean International in 2027. The agreement also includes options to build a fifth and sixth Icon Class ship.

“Building on the incredible momentum and market response to the launch of Icon of the Seas and the excitement for its sister ship, Star of the Seas, coming in 2025, we’re thrilled to join with Meyer Turku once again to expand our roster of Icon Class ships and continue our future growth plans,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Since its debut, Icon has changed the game in vacation experiences and exceeded our expectations in both guest satisfaction and financial performance.”

“This is great news for Finland. Royal Caribbean Group’s long-term partnership will continue to have a positive impact on our employment and economy,” said Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland. “Their commitment and investment in Finland speaks volumes about the strength of our maritime cluster and our world class shipyards.”

The first ship in the Icon Class launched in January 2024 as a first-of-its-kind vacation and introduced an all-encompassing lineup of experiences that combines the best of every vacation – from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. The next ship in the lineup will continue to deliver revolutionary experiences as it joins Icon, Star of the Seas (launching in 2025) and the yet-to-be-named third Icon Class ship (launching in 2026). With this announcement, Royal Caribbean Group continues to drive its moderate capacity growth to help guests turn a vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations.

"This order is an important milestone for the future of shipbuilding in the maritime network in Finland,” added Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku. “With Icon of the Seas, our team, consisting of the shipyard and partners, have built an extraordinary ship in respect of naval architecture, energy efficiency and customer experience. This is yet another recognition of the professionalism of our personnel and of our leadership in the maritime industry's innovation and green transition. The options underline the strong outlook of our order book.”

Known for its history of delivering best-in-class ships, this also expands upon Royal Caribbean Group’s longstanding relationship with Meyer Turku. With this order, Meyer Turku will have built 21 ships for Royal Caribbean Group over 28 years.

The anticipation for Royal Caribbean Group’s newbuild pipeline continues to grow, with seven new ships on order, and two shipyard options. This year alone, the company welcomed four new industry-leading ships, including Royal Caribbean International’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, Silversea’s Silver Ray and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 7. This order also comes on the heels of the company’s announcement for a seventh Oasis Class ship, set to debut for Royal Caribbean International in 2028.

“Icon of the Seas is unlike anything the world has seen before, and we’re just getting started,” added Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We are leading the vacation industry in developing new experiences for our guests to create lifelong memories, and we continue dreaming and evolving to deliver more ways to chill and thrill.”

This agreement is contingent upon customary conditions, including financing.

Disney Cruise Line announces fleet expansion – four more ships to join the fleet

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 11 August 2024 11 August 2024

Disney Cruise Line — one of Disney Experiences’ strongest growing businesses — is setting course for an ambitious future.

Josh D’Amaro — Chairman of Disney Experiences — unveiled at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event Presented by Visa on Saturday that four new ships will be joining Disney Cruise Line’s fleet.

With five ships in the current fleet and four others already in development, the additional four ships announced on Saturday, which will be delivered between 2027 and 2031, will bring the total size of the fleet to 13.

“Disney Cruise Line is consistently the top-rated cruise line for families because it offers something for everyone. Expanding our fleet gives more people, in more parts of the world, the opportunity to experience a vacation at sea like only Disney can provide,” Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences, said at Horizons: Disney Experiences Showcase.

The ship names, designs, and itineraries are still in development.

“Disney Cruise Line is a shining example of the diversity and breadth of experiences that make up the Disney Experiences portfolio – bringing together our signature Disney service, storytelling and innovation,” Thomas Mazloum — president, New Experiences Portfolio and Disney Signature Experiences — said. “Our growing fleet will further strengthen Disney Cruise Line’s position as a leader in family cruising.”

“Disney Cruise Line has produced strong returns on capital investment, thanks to high quality experiences, generating strong guest satisfaction ratings and consistent demand: occupancy reached 97% across its five ships in Q2 2024.

The news of the fleet expansion also builds on an exciting series of announcements for Disney Cruise Line in recent months.

In July, it was revealed that Disney and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. (OLC) entered a new agreement that will bring year-round Disney cruise vacations to Japan, expected to commence by early 2029.

In June, Disney Cruise Line welcomed guests for the first time to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the newest destination on the island of Eleuthera, The Bahamas.

And just last week, new details were revealed about the Disney Destiny that will set sail in November 2025. At D23, Josh announced an all-new Broadway-style stage show, “Disney Hercules,” will debut onboard the Disney Destiny.

Fans also got a first look at a new rendering from “Disney The Tale of Moana” at D23.  The new stage show — which premieres on the Disney Treasure later this year — will bring Moana’s unforgettable adventure to life, including her courageous stand against Te Kā, the fiery lava-wielding foe who will appear on stage as an incredible fifteen-foot-tall puppet — the largest ever produced for a Disney Cruise Line show.