News

What can be learned from post-pandemic luxury cruising?

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 06 October 2021 06 October 2021

Strategies often forced on luxury cruise companies as a result of the pandemic may well pave the way forward, from operational improvements to marketing efforts, leaders at top luxury brands shared yesterday at Seatrade's 2021 cruise conference in Miami. Discussions included four key areas of the business: The Pandemic Impact; Sustainability's Critical Role; and addressing luxury's current consumer mindset. Panelists were Christopher Austin, chief sales officer of Explora Journeys; Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president, managing director of Crystal River Cruises; Roberto Martinoli, president and CEO of Silversea Cruises, and Navin Sawhney, vice president of the America's for Ponant. The panel was moderated by Carolyn Spencer Brown, chief content officer, Cruise Media, LLC.

Key insights:

Pandemic's Impact on Luxury: Cruise lines became more efficient while ships were in layup status. "When it happens again..." was a recurring theme in that improvements made in HVAC systems, protocols, HEPA filters in common areas, and better use of shoreside power have been developed as a response to the pandemic and will serve the industry when...it's forced to confront another likely scenario.

How Has Sustainability Become a Critical Factor in the Luxury Space in the Ocean, River and Expedition Sectors: Two particularly potent points were made. One: "When it happens again..." was a prescient nod to the pandemic, and improvements that have been made in HVAC, protocols, Hepa filters and even more efficient use of layups (making shoreside power more affordable) are all enhancements that will stand cruise operators in good stead in the future, no matter what. Another key revelation: Financial institutions will not provide capital to cruise lines not addressing sustainability in a major way. As well, the charter and incentive market has made sustainability a requirement for doing business.

What is the Consumer Mindset Evolving as the Pandemic Goes On: The pandemic helps people reflect even deeper and further. It will make travel even more purposeful, particularly in the luxury space. People will sculpt themselves into the environment and will travel with greater intent. People are buying less watches and more experiences. And travelers are craving new indulgences and connections via programs and activities, onboard and onshore.

Watch Seatrade's Global Cruise Conference panel on luxury cruising here:

Lindblad Expeditions takes delivery of National Geographic Resolution

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 01 October 2021 01 October 2021

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc. yesterday took delivery of National Geographic Resolution from Ulstein Verft, marking the official completion of the line’s second polar new build. Present at the handover ceremony in Ulsteinvik, Norway for the official signing was Nikolaos Doulis, Senior Vice President, New Buildings and Kenneth Pettersen, Project Director at Ulstein Verft. The vessel is now ready to set off for her inaugural polar voyage on November 17, 2021 to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.

The state-of-the-art 126-guest ship has been designed by Ulstein Design & Solutions AS as the ultimate expedition platform with a focus on safety and comfort. A core feature is ULSTEIN’s X-BOW solution, a distinctive bow that provides fuel efficiency while significantly improving guest comfort in rough seas; and PC5 ice class for access deep into polar regions. The ship’s expanded fuel and water tanks provide for extended operations in remote areas; while the zero-speed stabilizers help to ensure stability underway, whether at zero speed when stopped for wildlife observation, or embarking/disembarking the ship.

“This is an extraordinary ship, and I am so proud as we continue our growth with the addition of another best-in-class polar vessel to our fleet. With the National Geographic Resolution and her sister ship, National Geographic Endurance, we have the elusive result of expedition excellence and elegance exquisitely combined,” stated Sven Lindblad, Founder and Co-Chair of the Board of Lindblad. “It is also remarkable that her delivery was on time during this difficult period. “We had an extraordinary team of engineers, designers and crew from Lindblad, Ulstein, Partnership Design and Crist⁠ – under the leadership of Nikolaos Doulis⁠ – and their collective talent and dedication are evident in every aspect of National Geographic Resolution.”

“We are very pleased to see Ulstein Verft once again delivering a newbuild polar vessel to Lindblad Expeditions at the contracted delivery date. It has been an amazing experience cooperating with Lindblad on this splendid new polar vessel. Lindblad is an experienced and innovative polar explorer and decided to also be a pioneer in introducing the X-BOW® into the cruise segment. We are grateful for the trust that Lindblad has placed in Ulstein, and we are eager to receive the feedback from the Resolution’s first adventures,” says Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, CEO at Ulstein.

Royal Caribbean's new Wonder of the Seas to sail from U.S. and Europe instead of China

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 September 2021 15 September 2021

Royal Caribbean International has announced the world’s largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas, will debut in the U.S. and Europe. The highly anticipated ship is set to sail from its home in Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean on March 4, 2022, before making its way to Barcelona and Rome to kick off summer vacations in May. Families and travelers alike have a new wave of possibilities across Wonder’s eight distinct neighborhoods, an Oasis Class first, that include all-new features such as the Suite Neighborhood, a cantilevered pool bar named The Vue, and Wonder Playscape – an interactive, open-air kids’ play area with awe-inspiring views. With returning favorites also on deck, like The Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea; Central Park, the neighborhood filled with real plants from end to end; and the vibrant Caribbean-inspired pool deck experience, the innovative, new ship invites adventurers of all ages to reimagine, explore and make memories once again.

“The momentum taking off across bookings and our returning ships in the U.S. and Europe is significant. With half of our fleet sailing again, we are encouraged by what we’re seeing. These regions are in the position to welcome a brand-new, innovative ship like Wonder of the Seas,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Wonder will shine bright as the world’s newest wonder in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. And what’s in store is the ultimate vacation experience that highlights the very best of Royal Caribbean, reimagines renowned favorites and introduces new adventures every guest, no matter their age, can enjoy.”

Originally Wonder of the Seas was to be deployed in China.