Cyber Cruises Cruise News - 9 December 2013

Starting to Sell Expedition Cruises: Tips From an Expert
December 9th, 2013
One of the hottest new revenue streams for travel advisors is "the expedition cruise," yet many agents are a bit leery of jumping into the market. (travelagentcentral.com)


Australia. Bratton appoints key staff to Ponant
December 8th, 2013
Sarina Bratton, who took up the position of Australasian chairman of Compagnie du Ponant last month, has lost no time in appointing key staff. (expeditioncruising.com)
Tags: Compagnie du Ponant

Celebrity Cruises Kicks Elderly Couple Off Millennium Cruise Ship
December 8th, 2013
The Cairns Post reports on the disturbing story of Celebrity kicking 78 year old cruise passenger Adry Arnold and her husband off the cruise ship while it was docked at Yorkeys Knob, Queensland, Australia. (cruiselawnews.com)
Tags: Celebrity Cruises

Indulge in the world of discovery and surprise Star Cruises' first onboard magazine launches this December
December 7th, 2013
Indulge magazine will add another dimension of discovery and surprise to a Star Cruises holiday, perfecting the entertaining, memorable, and informational experience. (travelandtourworld.com)
Tags: Star Cruises - Posted in Books / Publications / Websites / Blogs, News


Jean Bouffard Joins Adventure Canada As Senior Advisor, Business Development & Product Innovation
December 7th, 2013
After seeing three straight years of growth, and with a variety of new voyages set for 2014, this is the ideal time to welcome Bouffard aboard to support the family-owned company on this next stage of development. (odysseymediagroup.com)
Tags: Adventure Canada

Tampa Bay facing tough choices to keep cruise ship industry going
December 7th, 2013
The bay area faces three options that will decide the fate of its cruise ship industry. (tampabay.com)
Tags: Tampa

MSC Cruises Pays Tribute To Nelson Mandela
December 7th, 2013
The MSC Opera and MSC Sinfonia, which are both based in South Africa, will lower the South African flag to half mast out of respect for Mandela.(cruisecurrents.com)
Tags: MSC Cruises

Viking Cruises Launches New Children’s Book Series
December 7th, 2013
Viking Cruises announced the launch of the new book series , "The World of Finse," along with the first two installments titled, "Finse's First Journey" and "Finse Explores Europe." (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: Viking Ocean Cruises, Viking River Cruises - Posted in Books / Publications / Websites / Blogs, News


Viking River Cruises to Launch More Ships in 2015
December 7th, 2013
Viking River Cruises will match or exceed the record number of ships it is set to launch in 2014, yet again in 2015. (cruisecritic.com)
Tags: River - Inland Navigation / Barges, Viking River Cruises

MSC Becomes Official Sponsor of the Genève-Servette Hockey Club
December 7th, 2013
The new collaboration between MSC Cruises and GSHC embodies the growingly strong relationship between the cruise company and Geneva, where the MSC group has its headquarters. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: MSC Cruises

Give The Gift Of Paradise This Holiday Season With An Exotic Aranui 3 Cruise
December 6th, 2013
Unwrap a piece of paradise this holiday season by surprising a loved one with a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the seldom visited, lush Marquesas Islands aboard the Aranui 3, a well-appointed passenger-cargo vessel operating in French Polynesia. (joyoftravel.ca)
Tags: Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport Maritime, Freighter Cruises








Thomson Cruises Launches Innovative Menu Creator Competition 'Cruise Kitchen'
December 6th, 2013
Thomson Cruises has just launched a competition to give people the chance to show off their culinary creativity. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: Thomson Holidays / Cruises

SuperStar Virgo to Get Updated Cabins and Upgraded Shopping Experience in Drydock
December 6th, 2013
Star Cruises will up the luxury quotient of SuperStar Virgo's cabins and shopping area, widening the selection of comtempory cabins and duty free shopping on its Asian flagship. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: Star Cruises









Azamara appoints Richard Twynham Managing Director in UK
December 6th, 2013
He joins the company from Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Holidays, where he headed cruise business, Travel weekly said in a news bulletin. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: Azamara Club Cruises

Annual Full Metal Cruise on Mein Schiff 1 in April
December 6th, 2013
TUI Cruises will stage its annual Full Metal Cruise again next year, this time on board Mein Schiff1 that sail on a five night Mediterranean cruise from Palma de Mallorca on 11 April. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: TUI Cruises

Montreal's Cirque Fantastic will dazzle Cuba Cruise guests throughout the season
December 6th, 2013
Cuba Cruise has pulled out all the stops this season, inviting world-class entertainers from Montreal's Cirque Fantastic Concept, to share their talents aboard the 7-night sailing. (allthingscruise.com)
Tags: Cuba

Cruiseco Explorer announced for Burma
December 6th, 2013
Cruiseco, the leading provider of cruising options in Australia and New Zealand, is pleased to announce that work has commenced on its second custom-built ship, the Cruiseco Explorer. (expeditioncruising.com)
Tags: River - Inland Navigation / Barges

Indonesia Sees 40 Percent Spike in Cruise Ship Passengers in 2013
December 6th, 2013
Indonesian cruise tourism has experienced its highest ever growth with a more than 40 per cent increase in the number of calls and passengers during the year. (skift.com)







New for 2014 from AdventureSmith Explorations: Visionary Founder Explains Why These Small Ship Cruise Itineraries Stand Out
December 6th, 2013
Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations announces its favorite new-for-2014 itineraries from Bali and the Mekong River to Baja and Alaska.
Tags: AdventureSmith Explorations

European Waterways Launches Special Deals On Select 2014 Cruises
December 6th, 2013
European Waterways is offering special deals on select cruises launching during its 2014 season, including up to $2,000 off per cabin and 10 percent off whole-boat charters. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: European Waterways, River - Inland Navigation / Barges







Norwegian Announces Partnership with Michael Mondavi Family
December 6th, 2013
Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new partnership with the world-renowned Michael Mondavi Family to enhance the line's wine selection fleet-wide. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

MSC Cruises And Air France KLM Sign Letter Of Intent
December 6th, 2013
MSC Cruises and Air France KLM are proud to announce the signature of a letter of intent aimed at creating synergies between the two companies and improving their cooperation in common areas of business.
Tags: MSC Cruises

UK tourist dies on cruise ship
December 5th, 2013
A United Kingdom tourist died aboard the M/V Thomson Dream cruise ship while it was en route to Tortola, authorities said Tuesday. (bvibeacon.com)
Tags: Thomson Holidays / Cruises









Crystal Cruises. 19 Ways To “Getaway” To Asia In 2014
December 5th, 2013
Time-strapped travelers now have almost twice as many options to enjoy an ultra-luxe, all-inclusive, exotic cruise in Japan, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Mauritius, Africa, and Australia next year.
Tags: Crystal Cruises

American Cruise Lines Opening Salt Lake City Sales/Reservation Center
December 5th, 2013
American Cruise Lines announced today its expansion to the Salt Lake City area with the opening of a brand new sales/reservation center scheduled for mid-January 2014. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: American Cruise Lines

Shark Diver, Crocodile Hunter, And Global Yachtswoman Set To Tell Tales On Crystal ‘Extreme Thrill Seekers’ Cruise
December 5th, 2013
Crystal Cruises’ new “Extreme Thrill Seekers” Experiences of Discovery theme cruise will see guests hunting crocodiles, encountering “great whites,” and sailing in an around-the-world yacht race—figuratively—via stories from renowned “extreme” experts speaking on board.
Tags: Crystal Cruises

Cunard Line and P&O Cruises unveil new UK commission package
December 5th, 2013
P&O Cruises and Cunard Line have announced a new UK travel agent remuneration package following months of consultation with the trade. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: Cunard Line, P&O Cruises

Norwegian launches wave season promotion in UK
December 5th, 2013
Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its 2013/14 Wave campaign in the UK, offering big savings across a range destinations on board one of the youngest fleets in the cruise industry. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Hurtigruten Partners With Local Norwegian Businesses to Enhance Culinary Offerings
December 5th, 2013
Hurtigruten is partnering with small Norwegian businesses to support its culinary offerings, ensuring local produce is incorporated into the on-board dining experience. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: Hurtigruten

Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Explorer Offers Holland and Belgium Itinerary
December 5th, 2013
A new nine-day Exploring the Low Countries: Holland and Belgium voyage aboard the National Geographic Explorer is set to depart May 4, 2014. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: Lindblad Expedition

Thomson Cruises Announces New Itineraries, New Port and New Technology
December 5th, 2013
Thomson Cruises has added four new itineraries, an expanded cruise and stay programme, five one-off cruises and a brand new port of call — Porto — in its 2014/15 cruise itineraries. (cruisecritic.com)
Tags: Thomson Holidays / Cruises

Solo Cruise Travellers on the rise

'Solo Zone' Service Launched for Single Cruise Passengers

Luxury 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise from Only $1299 For Solo Passengers

The rising popularity of holidays at sea for single passengers has prompted leading Australian cruise agency, Cruise Express, to launch a service called 'Your Solo Zone' on its website – cruiseexpress.com.au.

The new webpage offers solo cruisers the best deals and ships for single passengers and tips for cruising on your own, with Cruise Express also highlighting its own regular, hosted cruise tours as ideal for singles keen to travel in a group.

To mark the launch, Cruise Express is offering special solo passenger fares from only $1299 for a seven-day Mediterranean in June or July, 2014, aboard the superliner, Norwegian Epic, which debuted in 2010 with 128 studio cabins for single travellers and priced for single occupancy. The round-trip cruise from Rome, departing on selected dates in June and July, 2014, visits Livorno near Florence, Cannes on the French Riviera, Barcelona in Spain and Naples for the Amalfi Coast. For details, visit the 'Your Solo Zone' at www.cruiseexpress.com.au.*

Cruise Express Managing Director, Meg Hill, said the ageing population and an increased confidence to travel, coupled with the boom in cruising, had seen increasing numbers of Australians boarding cruise ships as solo passengers, with many cruise lines meeting the demand via dedicated single cabins and fares with low single surcharges or no surcharges at all.

"We know even more Australians would be enjoying holidays at sea as single passengers if the cost of solo travel could be reduced either through lower fares for single passengers or suitable schemes that enable solo travellers to share a cabin with another single passenger so as one of Australia's leading cruise agencies, we have launched the 'Solo Zone' webpage to tackle this issue and get more solo sailors to sea," Ms Hill said.

"We are also liaising with cruise lines in Australia to obtain the best solo offers for our clients and we have just completed a major survey to explore what single people are seeking in cruise holidays. We will use this research to expand our 'Solo Zone' page and enhance our service to this increasingly important sector."

Call Cruise Express on 1300 764 509 or visit the 'Your Solo Zone' page at www.cruiseexpress.com.au/solo-cruising.

* Fares are cruise-only and subject to availability and change and may differ between departures. Conditions apply.

Seabourn Sojourn gastronomic tour of France and 10-night cruise

EXCLUSIVE gourmet wining and dining on a gastronomic tour of France precedes a 10-night cruise aboard the stunning six-star Seabourn Sojourn as part of a luxurious cruise/tour only available from ecruising.travel

 

This is a first time opportunity to join the 26-night holiday departing 21 May 2014, taking in several one-star Michelin and unique upmarket French restaurants as it travels from Paris through France's most beautiful wine regions -  Bordeaux, Dijon, Beaune, Burgundy, Chantilly and Reims.

 

Activities include cycling through the vineyards, wine tasting at Chateau Pommard, dinner in the Eiffel Tower, a private introduction to the Champaign Fraternity, a visit to Chateau Moet et Chandon and a two-hour boat ride around the Bay of Arcachon.

 

The cruise sector starts with a helicopter transfer from Nice to Monaco to join the luxuriously intimate Seabourn Sojourn. The cruise takes in fascinating, less-frequented ports in Corsica, San Remo, La Lavandrou, Sete, Ciutadella and Valencia.

 

It also make stops at Ibiza, Marseilles and has two nights in Barcelona as part of a superb overview of the Mediterranean region.

 

The pampering continues with a two night stopover at the renowned Raffles Hotel in Dubai as you make your way back to Australia.

 

Now priced from $20,119 (was $29,589) per person twin share, this unique experience includes return economy airfares from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth,  deluxe hotel accommodation, many meals and all transport in France, all meals on board Seabourn Sojourn, airport transfers and a two night stopover in Dubai.

 

For more details contact ecruising.travel on 1300-369-848 or check out www.ecruising.travel

 

Adelaide cruise ship season starts with arrival of Dawn Princess

 

South Australia's record cruise ship season kicks off today with the arrival of the Dawn Princess at Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal this morning.

This season, 29 cruise ships will visit South Australian ports, bringing 67,000 passengers and crew and contributing an estimated $14.5 million in direct expenditure to the state's economy.

This is a significant increase from the 2007/08 cruise season when the state received eight cruise ship visits.

Tourism Minister, Leon Bignell, said the State Government has been working closely with domestic and international cruise lines to attract more ships to the state and help develop shore-based tours for passengers.

"Developing a strong cruise ship industry is important for tourism in our state," Mr Bignell said.

"Each time we welcome a vessel to Port Adelaide, hundreds of tourists head to McLaren Vale and Barossa wineries, to Adelaide, Glenelg and the Adelaide Hills.

Mr Bignell said the number of visits to regional ports was also growing, spreading tourism and economic benefits across the state.

"This season ships will also visit Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln and, for the first time, Robe, which is great news for regional tourism," he said.

"Each time a cruise ship docks at Penneshaw, $200,000 is injected directly into the Kangaroo Island economy.

"This week travel bible Lonely Planet named Adelaide in the top 10 cities in the world to visit in 2014 which is sure to generate thousands of extra visitors to South Australia."

The number of cruise ships visiting South Australia is expected to grow even further, with 36 visits already scheduled for the 2014/15 season, bringing more than 97,000 passengers and crew.

"This means our goal to attract 30 ships and $11 million in passenger expenditure by 2014 has already been exceeded and we are well on our way to our 2020 goal of attracting 43 ships and $17 million in expenditure," Mr Bignell said.

The state will welcome the three largest ships operating in Australian waters this summer: the Voyager of the Seas, the Celebrity Solstice and the Queen Mary 2, which is returning to South Australia for its fifth consecutive year.

The State Government recently provided $170,000 for a new gangway at the Port Adelaide Passenger Terminal which will be completed by January when some of the larger vessels are due to arrive. The passenger terminal has also been given a facelift with South Australia's new logo featuring prominently.

Weekly Deals & News from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises

 

Royal Caribbean International Deal: Xmas & New Year Cruises

Forget the roast and fruit cake at gran's place! Most of us just want to get away from it all over the Christmas holidays. It's easy to get into the holiday spirit with special activities on board Royal Caribbean's cruises. The festive season comes to life with carol singing, Christmas parties, visits from Santa, holiday-inspired menus and Christmas treats such as gingerbread houses built by talented onboard pastry chefs.

Nine night cruise to Fiji on board Voyager of the Seas departing Sydney 18th December, 2013

Cruise from AU$1,599 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.*

Nine night cruise to the South Pacific onboard Rhapsody of the Seas departing Sydney 19th December, 2013

Cruise from AU$1,579 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.*

Nine night cruise to the South Pacific onboard Radiance of the Seas departing Sydney 20th December, 2013  Cruise from AU$1,839 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.*

* From price applies to lowest available interior stateroom. Other Conditions apply. Subject to availability. For full terms and conditions see: royalcaribbean.com.au

For more information about Royal Caribbean International or to book:

AUS:   royalcaribbean.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent.

Royal Caribbean Newsflash: #InstaFilmFest

Royal Caribbean International is hosting the world's first Instagram film festival. Everyone is invited to capture their "WOW moments" in 15 seconds of video footage and upload to Instagram via the hashtag #InstaFilmFest to go into the draw to have their film screened at a special VIP event and to win a cruise to the South Pacific.*

*For full competition terms and conditions, visit: instafilmfestival.com.au

For more details, visit the InstaFilmFest microsite:      instafilmfestival.com.au

Celebrity Cruises Deal: Cruise to New Zealand in Modern Luxury Style

Enjoy cruising in New Zealand with Celebrity Cruises onboard Celebrity Solstice, Australia's highest rated superliner.* Departing 3rd January, 2014 from Auckland, there is no better way to kick off a new year than sailing in Modern Luxury taking in the highlights of New Zealand. This itinerary includes Auckland, Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Wellington, Akaroa, Dunedin, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound in New Zealand and Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney in Australia.

Cruise from AU$1,649 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.**

*Based on the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2013.

** From price applies to lowest available interior stateroom on cruise departing Auckland 3/1/2014 only. Other Conditions apply. Subject to availability. For full terms and conditions see: celebritycruises.com.au

For more information about Celebrity Cruises or to book: celebritycruises.com.au, call 1800 754 500 (AUS) or contact your travel agent.

Celebrity Cruises Newsflash: Celebrity Cruises Bites into the Big Apple with Culinary Events

In October, Celebrity Cruises is taking its award-winning cuisine to New York City in a series of land-based events. The program has been designed to give food and wine enthusiasts a glimpse into its modern luxury approach to culinary innovation. Events include: a health food trends panel in NYC, dinner at James Beard House and a sponsorship of the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE. The James Beard House dinner and Food Network New York City Wine and & Food Festival are open to members of the public; tickets are for sale at www.jamesbeard.org and www.nycwff.org.

For more information about Celebrity Cruises, visit: celebritycruises.com

Azamara Club Cruises Deal: 14 Night Vietnam & Thailand Voyage

Azamara Club Cruises allow guests to be immersed in their destination. Discover the rich culture, lifestyle and food of Southeast Asia whilst cruising onboard Azamara Journey. This cruise includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including: Halong Bay, Hue and Hoi An. Plus, a unique AzAmazing evening event – a magical evening at Binh Quoi Village – including performances of traditional music, dancing and martial arts. This cruise departs Hong Kong on 9th December and concludes in Singapore.

Cruise from AU$2,999 per person twin share in an interior stateroom.**

* From price applies to the lowest available interior cabin on cruise departing 9/12/2013 only. Other conditions apply. Subject to availability. For full terms and conditions contact Azamara Club Cruises in Australia or speak to your local travel agent.

Contact your local travel agent to make a booking and for more information, visit: azamaraclubcruises.com

 

Take part in the world's first Insta Film Festival

Seabourn’s New Order Changes Balance With Silversea – Other Cruise News : QE2 On The Way To Asia – Anthem of the Seas For Southampton?

by Kevin Griffin
Last week Seabourn announced that it was ordering a fourth ship of the Seabourn Odyssey class, which will serve to replace most of the capacity lost by the sale of its original trio to Windstar Cruises, with deliveries over 2014 and 2015. Meanwhile, Silversea has increased its fleet of expedition ships to three. Elsewhere, QE2 Shipping has placed a contract with COSCO Shipyard Group for conversion of the Queen Elizabeth 2 into a 400-room floating hotel, to be based at an as yet unnamed major city in Asia. Meanwhile, rumours seem to indicate that Royal Caribbean International intends to base its new Anthem of the Seas at Southampton from 2015.
THIS WEEK’S STORY
Seabourn’s New Order Changes Balance With Silversea
Seabourn and Silversea have usually fought head-to-head for primacy in the smaller-ship ultra-luxury sector. But Seabourn’s pending sales of the three smaller ships and the latest letter of intent with Italy’s Fincantieri for a new ultra-luxury cruise ship for delivery in the second half of 2016 will change the overall balance.
After a five-year gap, the new ship will be a follow-on from the new 450-berth trio that the line introduced in 2009-11 with Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, and will be the fourth ship of this class.

Seabourn Quest

Arch-competitor Silversea seems to be going down a different road from Seabourn, however.
Unlike Seabourn, Silversea built only one ship of its latest class, the 540-berth Silver Spirit, and never ordered any more.
It will soon therefore be outgunned by Seabourn in the 450/550-berth ultra-luxury range four ships to one by Seabourn, although overall it will be able to offer a few more berths:

Also unlike Seabourn, however, Silversea has been investing in expedition ships, an area outside Seabourn’s area of expertise. Starting in 2007 with the 132-berth Finnish-built Prince Albert II, renamed Silver Explorer in 2011, it added the 100-berth Silver Galapagos three weeks ago and will introduce the 128-berth Silver Discoverer in March 2014.

Silver Explorer ex Prince Albert II

The Silver Galapagos was one of eight original Renaissance small ships, built in 1990 in Italy. The Silver Discoverer had been sailing as the Clipper Odyssey for Zegrahm Expeditions. She is one of a very small number of Japanese-built cruise and expedition ships, having been built for Showa Line by NKK Tsu (now Universal Shipbuilding) in 1989 as Oceanic Grace.
In all, this adds three ships but only 360 berths to Silversea’s inventory, brining the total number of lower berths to 2,268, or about 25% more than Seabourn.
While Silversea will be up to eight ships, including the three expedition ships, Seabourn’s fleet will be streamlined to just four Seabourn Odyssey class ships after it disposes of its smaller 212-berth trio to Windstar Cruises. Seabourn Pride is to become Star Pride in April 2014, Seabourn Legend will follow as Star Legend one year later and Seabourn Spirit will become Star Spirit in May 2015.

Seabourn Pride in Malaga. She will become Star Pride in April 2014

These timings also mean that Seabourn will be at three ships for a year before the latest newbuilding enters service in 2016.
Ironically, the three Seabourn ships will not be moving far as new owners Windstar Cruises are on Seattle’s Fourth Avenue, only a little over a mile away from Seabourn’s head office on Elliott Avenue, where they lodge with Holland America Line.
Windstar is a division of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, based in Greater Denver, in turn part of Denver-based Anschutz, while Seabourn is a subsidiary of Miami-based Carnival Corp & PLC. Silversea is still family-owned and based in Monaco.
OTHER CRUISE NEWS
QE2 On The Way To Asia
The Dubai-based QE2 Shipping LLC last week announced the appointment of COSCO Shipyard Group to refurbish the former Cunard Transatlantic liner Queen Elizabeth 2 into a luxury floating hotel. In this £62m conversion, her 900 cabins are to be converted into 400 larger suites ranging from 650 to 1,600 square feet in size.
While the transformation is under way, memorabilia is to removed from the ship and stored in a secure warehouse in Singapore, to be reassembled after the renovation is complete.
Ownership of the Queen Elizabeth 2 has meanwhile been transferred to a consortium of investors in QE2 Shipping, which will also oversee the ship’s management as a hotel. The chairman of the new company, Khamis Juma Buamim, is as well chairman of Dubai’s Drydocks World LLC.

The ship has been at Dubai, where an initial idea to convert her into a floating hotel locally never went ahead, since 2008.

The ship has been at Dubai, where an initial idea to convert her into a floating hotel locally never went ahead, since 2008.
The QE2 has now been brought back to class with Lloyd’s Register and it is intended that she will soon depart from Dubai under her own power for COSCO’s Zhoushan shipyard, south of Shanghai, for her conversion work. She is then scheduled to be delivered as a floating hotel in 2015.
It had been hoped QE2 would leave Dubai in a “gala sail off” on Friday, with stops at Singapore and Hong Kong before arriving at the Chinese shipyard. At the moment, however, she is still in Dubai and the company has not yet provided any new timetable.
The winning bidder, COSCO Shipyard Group, is a joint venture between China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) and Singapore’s Sembcorp Marine. The group specializes in ship repair and conversion, newbuilding and offshore unit construction. Three other Chinese shipyard groups were also invited to tender. Khamis Juma Buamim said: “No other ship can match the QE2’s prestige, or her legacy.
She is an absolute icon of maritime history, one of the best and most powerful ships in the world. Therefore, our decision on a partner was critical. We are pleased to be working closely with COSCO Shipyard for the technical repair and refurbishment process, which will be carried out with the utmost respect to the QE2’s heritage and splendour.”

Sun Princess

Although, this will be the first cruise such conversion project in a Chinese shipyard, Sembcorp has done similar work at its Sembawang shipyard in Singapore, one of Asia’s best-known shipyards for passenger ship work.
The recent modernization by Sembawang of Princess Cruises’ 1,950-berth Sun Princess for the Japanese market was successful enough that Princess Cruises has awarded a further project to Sembawang for modernization of its 2,674-berth Diamond Princess, work on which is to commence in March.
Meanwhile, under the title “Project New Life,” seven international firms have been invited to submit design proposals for the QE2’s interior refurbishment. Proposals from US companies BG Studio, Jerde Partnership and Wilson Associates, UK-based Benoy, the Finnish firm Dsign Vertti Kivi, Italy’s Santarossa and Singapore’s Ong & Ong will be showcased on the official QE2 website for public review between October 15 and November 15, 2013. The winning proposal will be announced on November 30.

QE2

Daniel Chui, president and chief executive of QE2 Shipping and managing director of Oceanic Group of Singapore, partners in the conversion, said: “The ship’s redevelopment is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any interior design professional to create what will become one of Asia’s major waterfront tourist attractions. The goal for the final design is to preserve the soul of the QE2 – many of the original furnishings and much of the décor will be incorporated – while creating a modern luxury hotel. The key to this project is to keep the essence of the QE2. It’s an iconic ship that still has a lot of emotion attached to it.”
Other work will see a revamp of the ballroom as well as the refitting of seven restaurants, ten lounges, a cinema, a maritime museum displaying QE2 memorabilia and a shopping mall. The future location of QE2 in Asia following the refurbishment has not yet been announced.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ ship in Long Beach. In the background the Queen Mary (Photo A. Newman)

The former 70,327-ton former Cunard flagship carried almost 2.5 million passengers and completed more than 700 Atlantic crossings during her forty-year career with Cunard Line. The 81.237–ton Queen Mary of 1936, is now a floating hotel at Long Beach, California, while the 83,673–ton Queen Elizabeth of 1940 burned at Hong Kong in January 1972 while being converted into a floating university.
Cunard Line’s present flagship, the 148,528-ton Queen Mary 2, which marks ten years in service in 2014, is the fourth Cunard Transatlantic Queen.
Anthem of the Seas For Southampton?
Rumours have been making the rounds for the past few weeks suggesting that the company may be about to unveil the employment of Anthem of the Seas, the second unit in its 167,800-ton Quantum class, from Southampton in the Spring of 2015, when she is scheduled for delivery from Meyer Werft in Germany.
If true this will give the UK its first North Star pod, whose design is apparently based on those on the Millennium Wheel in London.

Independence of the Seas

For a while, future berth reservations for the French port of Le Havre showed Anthem of the Seas arriving from Southampton in 2015 or heading for Southampton after calling at the French port. Not featuring in the same advance 2015 lists is the Independence of the Seas, the current Southampton-based ship, although the 3,114-berth Adventure of the Seas, which is also operating a series of cruises from the UK this year, is included.
It seems the Le Havre lists have now been switched back from Anthem to Independence but that may just be to keep a cover on the news.
The reported 2015 Anthem itineraries reflect those now being operated by the Independence of the Seas so it could well be that Royal Caribbean International is planning for the 4,100-berth Anthem to replace the 3,634–berth Independence, thus upping the berth capacity on its main UK-based ship by 12.5%.
At the same time, Royal Caribbean would be pipping out P&O’s new Britannia, which at 141,000 tons and 3,600 berths will be smaller than either Royal Caribbean ship, as the largest ship based in the UK. Britannia will also be slightly smaller than Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 at any rate, but Anthem of the Seas would definitely usurp both as the largest ship calling on Southampton.

Britannia. The new P&O flagship. The 141,000-ton 3,611-berth cruise ship is scheduled to enter service in March 2015

Nevertheless, it would be an interesting day when all of Anthem of the Seas, Queen Mary 2 and Britannia are all in Southampton together, as among them the three ships can carry in excess of 10,000 passengers.
On another point, the Quantum class vessels have been designed as “winter ships,” with what would be outdoor activities on most ships taking place instead under a glass roof. The class also features more multi-functionality of indoor areas than most other ships do.
This raises another interesting question, as while Independence of the Seas served year-round from Southampton at first, more recently her winter departures have been cut back. Perhaps the Anthem could be a return to year-round cruising from the UK for Royal Caribbean.
Quantum of the Seas, lead unit of the class, is scheduled to operate out of Bayonne, New Jersey, from late 2014, when she is due to be completed. New York too requires winterized ships for year-round service, something that has been developing in a number of areas over the past decade of so.
Without disclosing any details, meanwhile, Royal Caribbean International has scheduled a media event to be held in London on November 21.
(Kevin Griffin is managing director of specialist cruise agency The Cruise People Ltd in London, England. For further information concerning cruises mentioned in this article readers can visit his blog)