Top Headlines

Big day for Hong Kong's return of cruising

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 11 March 2023 11 March 2023

The local cruise tourism is reviving progressively. In one month from early March to early April, Hong Kong is welcoming a total of five cruise liners on their maiden trip to Hong Kong from around the world. In addition, Resorts World One of Resorts World Cruises, the first cruise ship homeporting in Hong Kong since travel fully resumes, is setting off for its inaugural tour from Hong Kong this evening (10 March).

Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “With the efforts of the Government and the HKTB, cruises from various markets are visiting Hong Kong one by one. This not only marks Hong Kong’s return to the global cruise market, but also plays a significant role in consolidating Hong Kong’s status as a regional cruise hub and international travel destination. The HKTB will continue to drive the relaunch of international cruise itineraries and arrange for more ship calls to Hong Kong, as well as stepping up our promotions in visitor source markets.”

Hong Kong will see an international line-up of maiden cruise calls from various markets around the world, including Mein Schiff 5 of TUI Cruises from Germany, Borealis of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines from the UK, and MSC Poesia of MSC Cruises from Italy.

Among the ship calls, Resorts World One, with Southeast Asia as its major market, called at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Wednesday (8 March) with Hong Kong as its homeport, bringing more than 1,000 visitors from Southeast Asia. The cruise liner will set off for its inaugural tour from Hong Kong, and is scheduled to make three departures per week in the coming year, to bring whole new cruise experiences to consumers.

Together with the above ship calls, the Government and the HKTB has successfully secured 16 cruise lines to Hong Kong with more than 150 ship calls. The HKTB will continue to support cruise companies in maintaining and increasing cruise calls to Hong Kong, as well as launching promotional campaigns and building partnerships in the Greater Bay Area.

Photo: Resorts World One and Mein Schiff 5 docked at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Credit: HKTB

Nassau Cruise Port sets new one day record of over 28,000 passengers

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 28 February 2023 28 February 2023

Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) welcomed 28,554 passengers on February 27 – a new record for the expanded cruise port, with six ships alongside simultaneously. The “new” Nassau Cruise Port, centering around a unique, Authentically Bahamian experience, will celebrate its grand opening at the end of May 2023 with a weekend of private events featuring local and international entertainment.

“We are extremely pleased to report another record-setting passenger day here at Nassau Cruise Port. The expanded berths are certainly delivering on the sizeable investment that we have made in them, creating the additional capacity required to achieve this extraordinary record today. Incredibly, this figure does not include the crew count, which adds an additional 10,302 people to our total visitor count. That’s thousands of visitors exploring downtown Nassau and learning about our island and culture through our restaurants, shore excursions, taxi rides, and tours, while making wonderful memories of their time in The Bahamas.”

The six ships in port today were Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of The Seas and Harmony of the Seas, Carnival's Mardi Gras, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Beyond and MSC Meraviglia.

Celestyal to acquire new cruise ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 23 February 2023 23 February 2023

Celestyal, the leading cruise operator of Greek origin with cruises around the Greek islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, confirms the acquisition of a new cruise ship.

Originally built as Ryndam for Holland America Line and most recently operating for P&O Australia, the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey will undergo a comprehensive €20 million renovation and technical maintenance check before entering service.

“Global events in recent years have put our growth plans on hold, but the positive outlook in the industry, coupled with increased bookings for the upcoming season, offer Celestyal the opportunity to resume the renewal process. of the fleet with the addition of new ships," said Chris Theophilides, CEO. "In addition to her spacious decks, numerous bar and restaurant options as well as her public areas and cabins, Celestyal Journey will offer our guests a significant increase in cabins premium and with a balcony, which continue to be in high demand on all our trips. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Celestyal fleet.''

Celestyal Journey will undergo its refurbishment program in the Piraeus ship repair zone. Details about the onboard experience and itineraries will be announced shortly.

Scenic Eclipse II enters final construction phase

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 18 February 2023 18 February 2023

Scenic's newest ultra-luxury discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, is now entering the final phase of construction with sea trials and final outfittings. All in preparation for its debut sailing on April 13 -- an 11-day Incredible Iberian Discovery, cruising from Lisbon to Barcelona and a summer season exploring the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland.

And several new guest experience-focused additions have been announced by Scenic’s owners Glen and Karen Moroney. These enhancements add to the ultra-luxury experience, as guests travel to nearly every corner of the globe -- from ice-laden polar regions to the world’s most sought-after warm destinations.

Scenic Eclipse II’s reimagined Sky Deck boasts 270-degree views and a brand-new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Along with six private cabanas, the Sky Deck is the perfect space to enjoy the stunning views with a drink in hand and converse with new friends. Lounges at the front of the Sky Deck come with convenience tables, while artificial turf underfoot allows for a truly natural feel.

A large, oval-shaped Vitality Pool on the Sky Deck comes in at 29ft by 11.5ft. Swim jets allow guests to swim ‘laps,’ massage jets and bubbles add to the atmosphere of ultimate relaxation, and the water temperature is set specific to the destination – warm for polar regions and cool for the tropics. Glass panels surrounding the pool have been raised higher to block any wind and maximize guest comfort.

Both ultra-luxury yachts host the expansive 5,920ft² Senses Spa with some added features on Scenic Eclipse II. In addition to the dedicated male and female wellness areas appointed with therapy rooms, saunas, steam room, temperature-controlled plunge pools, relaxation lounges, a manicure/pedicure studio, and outdoor terrace, found on both yachts, The Senses Spa on Scenic Eclipse II has an expanded steam room to accommodate aromatherapy, an integrated ice fountain and experience showers. A new KLAFS custom salt therapy lounge with heated beds and aromatherapy scents is designed to benefit mind, body and soul. Both yachts feature the only dedicated Yoga and Pilates studio on ships of their size.

Due to the success of the state-of-the-art KLAFS Infrared chairs on Scenic Eclipse, designed to relieve back pain and encourage muscle relaxation, an expanded dedicated infrared ‘ocean view' lounge with color light therapy to energize and reinvigorate skin cells has also been introduced into the wellness area on board Scenic Eclipse II.

Food on board the Scenic Eclipse fleet is a true highlight with 10 dining experiences set to impress the most discerning palate. Scenic Epicure has always been popular, showcasing dedicated cooking master classes and tasting events with on board chefs, and Scenic Eclipse II offers a new layout for a more immersive guest experience. Instead of individual stations, the newly named Chef’s Garden @ Epicure features a dining and presentation table able to accommodate up to 14 standing or seven seated guests, making a great space for groups and VIP gatherings, or even closed-door private dining. A hydroponic herb garden is just one of the elements making this venue special on both Scenic Eclipse yachts.

Just as sister yacht, Scenic Eclipse I, set new standards for both expedition sailing and warm water exploration when she launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse II builds on those standards and continues to raise the bar for ultra-luxury cruising as showcased in a recently released video from James Griffiths, Vice President of Marine Operations, Scenic Group.

With demand for its inaugural season very high, guests booking Scenic Eclipse cruises in 2023 and early 2024 by March 31st, can enjoy savings of up to $5,000 per couple on more than 125 departures. Additional savings, including free Economy/Business-class air or additional savings, are offered to guests paying in full 12 months or more before departure – or within 72 hours when within 12 months.

Royal Caribbean Group names Palle Laursen Executive Vice President, Head of Marine

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 09 February 2023 09 February 2023

Royal Caribbean Group named Palle Laursen as Executive Vice President, Head of Marine, effective May 1, 2023. Laursen will report to Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO Jason Liberty and will join the company’s Executive Committee.

With this newly created position, the company will centralize its global and brand marine operations functions under Laursen. He will oversee all marine operations for the company’s entire fleet, as well as strategic oversight of marine operations of its TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which it’s a 50% joint-venture owner.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Palle Laursen to the Royal Caribbean Group,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Palle has had a long and distinguished career with Maersk and is a recognized leader in the maritime industry. With more than 25 years of experience, his direct technical and operational knowledge will serve our company well, especially as we continually work to decarbonize our business.”

Most recently, Laursen served as chief fleet and technical officer at A.P. Moller – Maersk and was responsible for its entire fleet of more than 750 container vessels, 400 chartered vessels and 350 owned vessels as well as chartering, technical management, crew management, safety and compliance, newbuilding activities and engineering services. He also led Maersk’s effort to have the entire fleet operating fully carbon neutral by 2040.

Having joined the Maersk Group in early 1998, Laursen has spent his entire professional career at the Danish shipping company. Previously, he was vice president and head of Ship Management and also held several other roles with increasing responsibilities, including head of technical services, ship engineering and technical vessel operations.

“This is an exciting time for the Royal Caribbean Group, and I very much look forward to helping the company deliver the best vacations in the world, responsibly,” said Palle Laursen. “I look forward to joining the most innovative team in the industry at Royal Caribbean Group and lead the marine team alongside a team committed to operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.”

Laursen graduated from the Svendborg International Maritime Academy in Denmark as a marine engineer and has since completed several executive and leadership development programs.