Raising the Costa Concordia - the largest, most expensive salvage plan ever undertaken

Here's The Ingenious $400 Million Plan To Deal With The Wrecked Costa Concordia.
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In January, the cruise ship Costa Concordia struck a rock off the shore of Isola del Giglio, in the Mediterranean.

30 people on board the largest passenger wreck of all time lost their lives; two are still missing.

Nearly a year later, the wreck is still sitting off the Italian coast, mostly submerged.

Because the Costa Concordia is in a nationally protected marine park and coral reef, it must be removed from the area before it can be dismantled, posing countless difficulties.

In a report on the efforts to remove the wreck, 60 Minutes' Leslie Stahl visited the site and recounted the remarkable salvage operation, which has a $400 million price tag.

Not only is it the riskiest, most complicated, and most expensive salvage plan ever undertaken, but no one is sure if it will work.

The ship weighs 60,000 tons and is filled with seawater.



It is sitting on two underwater mountain peaks.

65 percent of it is below the surface.



The wreck is an official crime scene.



The operation, which will cost about $400 million, is being paid for by insurance companies.



The plan is to rotate the ship upright, and onto an underwater platform.



Then it will float up, leaving more of its structure above the surface.



And it can be towed away.



Before getting on the inclined ship, workers must take a 4-day mountain climbing course.



The underwater platform is being built in northern Italy.

The steel must be transported through the Adriatic Sea, around the boot of Italy, and up to the wreck.



The steel that makes it up weighs three times as much as the Eiffel Tower.

It will be embedded in the seafloor.



The drill bit will be enclosed in a large tube, to keep debris from contaminating the protected area.



For now, the ship is held in place by steel cables, but strong storms could dislodge it.

Then it would sink to the seafloor, making the salvage operation near impossible.



111 salvage divers are currently working on the salvage operation around the clock, in 45-minute shifts.

They attached the cables holding the ship where it is.



They all live in floating barracks, next to the wreck site.



How exactly will workers rotate Costa Concordia onto the platform?

The plan essentially involves "weld[ing] a new ship onto the shipwreck," Stahl reports.



That new "ship" will consist of huge, hollow steel boxes.



Called sponsons, the biggest are 11 stories tall.



9 will be welded onto the exposed side of the ship, with just 2 inches between them.



Then steel cables will connect the sponsons to the steel platform.



Hydraulic pulleys will pull the 'Costa Concordia' upright.




More sponsons will be welded onto the other side of the ship.



Once the ship is upright, the extra buoyancy should make it float.



The ship will be floated next summer.

Once the process begins, there is no way to stop it, even if something goes wrong.



The backup plan is to break it up where it lies, it a huge cost to the local environment.



If all goes well, the 'Costa Concordia' will be cut up for scrap, far from Giglio.

It is so large, the process will take 2 years.

Grandeur of the Seas fire. Sailing cancelled.

Royal Caribbean International announced earlier the May 31st, 2013 sailing of Grandeur of the Seas from Baltimore, Maryland, will be cancelled to allow for repairs to damages sustained as a result of a fire.

Guests booked on the sailing will be provided a full refund of the cruise fare paid for their sailing.

Royal Caribbean also will provide these guests with the opportunity to sail in the future by providing a future cruise certificate for 50 per cent of the cruise fare.

Guests who booked air transportation through Royal Caribbean International will receive a full refund for air costs.

If they did not purchase air transportation through Royal Caribbean International, the cruise line will pay for their airline change fees.
Grandeur of the Seas was en route to CocoCay, The Bahamas, when the ship experienced a fire in the mooring area in the aft of the ship.

The ship was redirected to Freeport, The Bahamas, where it remains.

Grandeur of the Seas is part of Royal Caribbean International's fleet of 21 cruise ships.

The ship was launched in December 1996 and recently refurbished in May 2012.

Diamond Princess to Sparkle Around Australia as Princess Cruises Announces New Circumnavigations

Princess Cruises' stunning Diamond Princess is set to add some sparkle to the Australian coastline, with the cruise line announcing the 116,000-tonne ship will sail on its first circumnavigation of the country in November next year.

With features ranging from more than a dozen restaurants and bars to its very own wedding chapel, the 2670-guest Diamond Princess will have heads turning during its inaugural voyage around the country, departing Sydney on November 18, 2014.

Priced from $4679* per person twin share, the 28-night voyage will include visits to all state and territory capital cities, as well as the picturesque towns of Airlie Beach and Port Douglas in Queensland, Bunbury and Albany in Western Australia and Indonesia's Bali to the north.

The voyage, which will be repeated in February 2015, marks the largest Princess Cruises' ship to sail around Australia and is a highlight of the cruise line's new 2014-15 Australasian program, now on sale.

Launching the program, Princess Cruises Commercial Director Alan Stuart said the cruise line offered the biggest choice of ships, homeports and itineraries in Australia, with four ships deployed in local waters over the 2014-15 season.

8 Blissful Bites Of Brazil With Crystal Cruises

With 11 Brazilian ports on its fall cruise calendar, luxe Crystal Cruises has set dozens of cool ways to explore the country's hot culture, culinary arts, and landscape. 

Sugar Loaf, samba, and snorkeling may be most famous, but guests can take in such varied Crystal Adventures as:

1.  Learning the secrets of making Moqueca, a traditional Brazilian seafood stew, from a local instructor in Rio de Janeiro.
2. 4x4-ing to swim in waterfalls and lagoons otherwise only accessible by foot, followed by cachaca- tasting at a local Paratydistillery.
3. Reveling in the charms of  Buzios, know as Brazil's St-Tropez, via foot, land trolley or ocean schooner. ( Brigitte Bardotfamously fell in love with this charming old fishing village!)
4. Strolling the cobblestone walkways of Paraty's pedestrian-only historic core, an UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture.
5. Sampling multiple varieties of caipirinhas while sailing along beaches and an ecological preserve in Ilha Grande , local forro and samba band in the background.
6. Attending a private, Crystal clergy-led Mass at the base of Rio's famous Corcovado: Christ the Redeemer statue.
7. Marveling at the magic of capoeira, an African-Brazilian mix of martial arts and dance, in Natal.
8. Hiking through the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest to a hidden waterfall, in Ilha Grande .

Crystal begins its South American cruise season with a 16-day, November 23, Miami-to-Rio voyage, followed by a 12-day,December 9, Rio-to-Buenos Aires sailing.   To savor more South America, as well as Crystal's delicious, award-winning experience, travelers can combine the two voyages for an additional 5% savings.  In all, Crystal Symphony's Brazilian calls include Belem, Fortaleza, Natal (maiden call), Maceio, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro (overnight), Buzios, Ilha Grande , Paraty, Santos/Sao Paulo, and Rio Grande du Sol.  Depending on the departure, the cruises also include ports in the Caribbean,Uruguay and Argentina.

"Our itineraries are designed to showcase the many flavors of Brazil," says John Stoll , vice president of land and port operations.  "On the December cruise, Rio and Sao Paulo may be familiar star destinations, while Buzios is a less familiar delight.  What makes this cruise itinerary even more unique is that we stay in Buzios into the night because of its wonderful evening cafe scene."

All-inclusive fares start at $3,990 and $3,555 per person, for November 23 and December 9's voyages, respectively.  Travelers can save 5% off cruise fares when combining the two cruises.  Travelers also have a choice of Crystal Getaways carved from each voyage: 12 days starting November 27 from Barbados to Rio de Janeiro, or seven days starting December 14 from Santos to Buenos Aires.

Crystal Cruises' passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travelers for two decades.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Royal Caribbean International announces Quantum of the Seas’ first Caribbean sailings

Groundbreaking New Ship Opens for Sale on May 28, 2013 and Inaugural Voyage Set for November 23, 2014

 

23 May 2013 – With more game-changing "firsts at sea" being introduced on Royal Caribbean International's new Quantum class of ships, holidaymakers will be hard pressed to find another experience that delivers the "WOWs" like Quantum of the Seas. The cruise line known for introducing incredible signature onboard offerings, such as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, FlowRider surf simulator, zip-lining and a park with more than 12,000 plants and trees, today unveiled Quantum of the Seas' first 18 Caribbean sailings, ranging from seven to 12 nights, with the official inaugural voyage set for November 23, 2014. Bookings will be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members beginning May 28, 2013 before opening to the general public on June 4.

 

The groundbreaking new ship will sail roundtrip from Cape Liberty Cruise Port near New York City, USA to the most popular Caribbean destinations.  Guests can choose among Bahamas (seven and eight nights) and Caribbean (eight, 11 and 12 nights) itineraries aboard Quantum of the Seas. Cruises will be on sale through to April 2015 and the ship will debut new unprecedented features, such as a skydiving experience; a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line's largest and most advanced staterooms ever. To view the reveal film which introduces Quantum of the Seas' innovative at-sea "first", please see http://tinyurl.com/avdzrws.

 

"Royal Caribbean is proud to partner with some of the Caribbean's premier destinations for the inaugural season of Quantum of the Seas," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "The Quantum class of ships will combine a new set of truly exciting and first-at-sea innovations that can only be found on Royal Caribbean, with some of the most incredible destinations in the region. We can't wait to WOW vacationers with the new Quantum class."  

 

On the Bahamas cruises, guests call at Port Canaveral, Florida; Nassau and CocoCay – Royal Caribbean's private tropical island paradise. Caribbean cruises will include port calls to San Juan,  Puerto Rico; Samana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; St. Kitts; Martinique, Barbados and St. Maarten – as well as Labadee, Royal Caribbean's very own private beach paradise on the north coast of Haiti.

 

Building on a legacy of more than 40 years of innovation and creative design, Royal Caribbean's Quantum class of ships will take a dramatic leap forward, introducing more game-changing "firsts at sea," such as RipCord by iFly (http://tinyurl.com/af3o2qf), the first skydiving experience at sea, which allows everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled and simulated environment. North Star (http://tinyurl.com/bp22mwy), an engineering marvel, will take guests to new heights – literally – with a jewel-shaped, glass capsule, transporting them on a spectacular journey more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver awe-inspiring 360-degree views.

 

The new Quantum class also will introduce new cutting-edge, transformative venues, including Two70° (http://tinyurl.com/b99ob8n), a multi-level great room aptly named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views through three-deck high, floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the stern of the ship; SeaPlex (http://tinyurl.com/cwpmlvg), the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and circus school with trapeze; and Music Hall (http://tinyurl.com/bdw3myd), a two-story performance hall, inspired by the spirit of rock and roll, and the hottest live music venue on Quantum class. 

 

Quantum class also will offer Royal Caribbean's largest and most advanced staterooms ever, including the industry's first interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies, ensuring that every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view. For multi-generational families, Family-Connected staterooms deliver more flexibility, using three different stateroom categories that connect to form a special layout that provides separate bedrooms and bathrooms for all. Royal Caribbean also will introduce new Studio staterooms – some featuring balconies – for single travelers, three new Junior Suite categories, and larger Loft Suites. For an informative overview of Quantum of the Seas' new stateroom concepts, please see http://tinyurl.com/a2obdob.

 

Quantum of the Seas will debut in October 2014, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in early 2015.  Quantum Class ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms.  More information on Quantum of the Seas is available at RoyalCaribbean.com/Quantum.

 

 

For additional information or to make reservations, contact your travel agent, call 1800 754 500 or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au or www.celebritycruises.com.au. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit www.cruisingpower.com.

 

Windstar Cruises Introduces New Yacht and Voyage Collection

 
Windstar Cruises, a leader in yacht-style cruising, has announced the debut of its new all-suite yacht, Star Pride, and the 2014 Pride Voyage Collection. The new voyages are now open for sale and feature four new itineraries exclusive to the all-suite yacht, including Windstar's new itinerary through the Black Sea. Star Pride's nine distinctive voyages highlight small-ship ports throughout the Mediterranean seas and French Riviera, tucking into tiny harbours and hidden coves that others cannot reach. The collection features voyages from May 5 to October 21, 2014.

"

We are thrilled to welcome Star Pride to our fleet in Spring 2014, enabling Windstar to cruise a global set of itineraries to new destinations including our new Black Sea Tapestry voyage," said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises' chief executive officer. "With a maximum of 212 guests on board, Star Pride delivers our promise of the private yacht experience in a casually elegant setting, all while exploring some of the world's most legendary destinations and hidden harbours."

The four exclusive Star Pride 2014 European voyages include:

Black Sea Tapestry

For the first time, Windstar offers the enigmatic, once hidden, wonders of Europe's Black Sea in signature Windstar yachting style. This seven-day, roundtrip voyage from Istanbul, Turkey departs June 13, 20; and September 8, 2014, and visits five new ports including Yalta, Sevastopol, and Odessa, Ukraine; Constanta (Bucharest), Romania; and Nessebar, Bulgaria. Highlights include: Istanbul's elegant Blue Mosque; Swallow's Nest Castle in Yalta; the intriguing Potemkin Steps in Odessa; Sevastopol's beautiful beaches; and medieval Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its impressive collection of historic churches.



Pride of the Aegean

Explore the breadth of the Aegean Sea, from the southernmost azure tip of Crete to the soaring spires of Istanbul, in one comprehensive nine-day sailing departing from Athens, Greece or Istanbul, Turkey on June 4, and 27; August 30; September 15 and 24; and October 3, 12, and 21, 2014. Star Pride visits Monemvasia, Chania, Santorini, and Rhodes, Greece; and Bodrum, Kusadasi, and Cesme, Turkey. Highlights include: Chania's beautiful Venetian mansions and churches; the whitewashed buildings and blue domes of Santorini; the ancient Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes; Cesme's 14th century Genoese castle, as well as the marble, myths, and magic of Athens and Istanbul's world-famous Grand Bazaar.

Riviera Enchantment

Discover the glamour, the enchantment, the excitement, and the exquisite élan of the world's most famous yachting playgrounds on this seven-day voyage roundtrip from Rome, Italy departing May 21; and August 6, 2014. Rome sets the stage for this exciting cruise which visits some of the world's most glamorous ports along the French Riviera including Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Portoferraio, Portofino, and Portovenere, Italy. For an added thrill, guests sailing on the May 21 departure can add Windstar's Grand Prix Cruise Package and experience the perfect combination of luxury cruising and Formula One racing.

Venetian Passageways

Uncover the wonders of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, as Windstar overnights in this magical city on this nine-day voyage along the ancient trade routes through the narrow Corinth Canal, to the ancient oracle of Delphi, and into the majestic fjords of Montenegro. Star Pride departs July 6; and August 21, 2014 from Athens, Greece or Venice, Italy visiting Hydra, Corinth Canal, Delphi/Itea, and Zakynthos, Greece; Butrint, Albania; Kotor, Montenegro; and Dubrovnik and Hvar, Croatia.

Also new for 2014, is Windstar's Sicilian Splendors voyage. Sail around the Isle of Sicily and discover wonders from the ruins of Pompeii and Capri's Blue Grotto to Baroque marvels and the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast with this 10-day sailing roundtrip from Rome, Italy departing May 11, 2014. This new 2014 voyage visits five new ports including Catania, Porto Empedocle, and Trapani, Italy; and Valletta and Gozo, Malta; as well as Lipari (Sicily), Sorrento, and Capri, Italy, and also spends one romantic night at sea. Highlights include: the ancient city of Syracuse in Catania; historic tapestries and armor in Valletta's Palazzo Parisio; and some of the world's best-preserved Greek ruins at the Valley of the Temples in Porto Empedocle.



In addition, Star Pride will offer many Windstar favourites including:

·         Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast: Discover the magic of Venice, the grandeur of Rome and the captivating island of Capri before cruising the privileged waters of the Ionian Sea with visits to the breathtaking fjords of Montenegro and the sundrenched shores of Croatia on this eight-day cruise departing from Rome or Venice on July 15 and August 13, 2014.

·         Glitter & Glam of the Rivieras: From the sparkling cities of Marseille and Portofino to the chic style of Monaco and Cannes, Star Pride explores the legendary ports of the world's most privileged yachts on this seven-day voyage departing from Rome or Barcelona on July 23 and 30, 2014.

·         Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast: This seven-day cruise departing May 28, 2014, explores the idyllic islands, charming cobbled villages, spectacular scenery, and intriguing history of the heart of the Mediterranean.

·         Star Pride, with a guest capacity of 212 in 106 suites, will undergo several upgrades and changes in styling and décor to align with Windstar's brand. Star Pride will showcase many signature Windstar experiences, including the line's famous Sail Away party, Yacht Deck Barbecue gala and Open Bridge policy.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships known for their intimate yacht-style experience and unique voyages to the world's best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three recently renovated sailing yachts carry just 148 to 310 guests and cruise to 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and Central America. In February 2013, Windstar entered into an agreement to purchase three all-suite motorized yachts with a capacity of 212 passengers each. Under the project name Global Windstar, the expansion will double the size of Windstar's fleet, making the company the market leader in small-ship cruising with 300 or fewer passengers, with a total of 1,230 berths.

For bookings please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or www.traveltheworld.com.au

   
 

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