Mid-Size Newbuildings Take On New Importance – Other Cruise News: Small Ship Fleets Continue To Evolve – Carnival To Charge For Live Concerts

by Kevin Griffin
The recent delivery and orders for several new midsize ships signify a change in cruise ship development, one that harks back to the traditional days of cruising and make the big new ships begin to look like circuses. At the same time, the small ship market continues to evolve, with the smallest Seabourn ships soon to go to Windstar Cruises. Meanwhile, elsewhere, Carnival Cruise Lines continues the trend of adding extra charges to mainline cruises, with the addition of live concerts at a charge on board eight of its ships in the Caribbean and Mexico.




THIS WEEK’S STORY

Mid-Size Newbuildings Take On New Importance

The delivery of Oceania Cruises’ 66,048-ton Marina and Riviera (1,250 passengers each) in 2011 and 2012 and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ 42,830-ton Europa 2 (516 passengers) last year, together with orders for a pair (with options for four more) of 47,800-ton ships, capable of carrying 925 passengers each, by Viking Ocean Cruises, of which the first, Viking Star, is to enter service in May 2015, have begun what we hope is a new trend in the market.

Prinsendam in New York
photo credit Andy Newman/Holland America Line

This trend is to more vessels in the more traditional size sector between 40,000 to 60,000 tons.
This trend has been reinforced recently by the latest order from Seabourn, which calls for a vessel of 40,350 tons capable of carrying 604 cruisers.
This is one-quarter more tonnage and one-third more passengers than the largest existing Seabourn ship, meaning a slightly lower passenger space ratio, about 9.55 less than the most recent ships.
What is interesting about the new ship, especially since Holland America took over management of the Seabourn brand, is that in tonnage terms she will actually be larger than Holland America’s 38,100-ton Prinsendam, with her 835 passengers.
Interestingly, Prinsendam once operated as Seabourn Sun and was actually the first mid-size Seabourn ship, especially when compared with the original 212-passenger trio of Seabourn Legend, Seabourn Pride and Seabourn Spirit.

Seabourn Pride in Malaga

Within the same general bracket is Douglas Ward’s measure for midsize cruise ships at Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships (750 to 1,750 passengers), and although some of the ships cited carry fewer in numbers, they are of about the same tonnage.
Whatever the exact measure, there is a clear increase in the number of ships being built in this range.
The simple comparison is

The days of megaships such as the 5,408-passenger Oasis of the Seas are not over of course, as while Royal Caribbean has more recently come up with the more moderate 4,180-passenger Quantum size, it continues to experiment with the Oasis in Europe and has indeed ordered another Oasis class vessel from STX France.
But the latest rumour is that Royal Caribbean will not exercise its option for yet another of the class.

Oasis of The Seas

In the long run, however, it is quite possible that ships of this size may find another home in the Far East market.
What is key about the new mid-size fleet, however, is that they mark a return to the traditional style of cruising and are clearly differentiated from the megaships that are so popular today, so much so that on an architectural scale, the new mid-size ships can be compared concert halls, as opposed to the football stadium-scale of the big ships, just as in their day, the small luxury ships once called themselves boutique.
Clearly the market for cruising is now dividing itself between the megaships and a resurgence of mid-size ships. This is interesting when it is noted that the public can pay for a day on one of the new midsize ships, where things are both more exclusive and more inclusive, what one might pay for a week on a megaship, where many of the extras cost money and the cruise line seems constantly to be trying to dip its hand into one’s wallet.
As one commentator put it some time back, it’s not what it costs to get on the ship, it’s what it costs to get off.
Essentially, the new midsize ships are developing into the First Class of 21st Century cruising while the megaships are becoming the Tourist Class.

OTHER CRUISE NEWS

Small Ship Fleets Continue To Evolve

With Seabourn’s sale of its three smallest vessels, the 212-berth Seabourn Legend, Pride and Spirit to Windstar Cruises, will soon join the 148-berth sailing ships Wind Spirit and Wind Star and 312-berth fleetmate Wind Surf, likely as Star Legend, Star Pride and Star Spirit.

Wind Star out of Portofino

Indeed, Star Pride enters service for Windstar this spring. Following renovation, she will set sail this May in the Mediterranean. The Legend will follow a year later, in April 2015 and the Spirit a month after that, in May 2015. After a summer season in the Mediterranean, the Star Pride will move to the Arabian Gulf and then to Southeast Asia for the winter.
One interesting prospect is that, although nothing yet has been said about this and itineraries have so far been announced only for the Star Pride, Windstar could well decide to bring one of the former Seabourn trio into the Alaska trade.

former Spirit of Oceanus, now Sea Spirit

In the Alaska market, while Un-Cruise Adventures has filled part of the gap created by the demise of Cruise West in 2010, the replacement has not been complete. The Un-Cruise fleet consists of seven ships of 22 to 88 berths each, with the s.s. Legacy as flagship, while Cruise West also had seven vessels, but in the range of 60 to 114 berths, with the Spirit of Oceanus as flagship.
The role that was once played by the Spirit of Oceanus has not yet been filled in the Alaska trade, and one wonders if this might not happen in 2015 when Windstar will have its next two former Seabourn vessels coming available.

Carnival To Charge for Live Concerts

Over the past several years, in order to try to keep ticket prices down, the cruise lines have added more and more in the way of extra-tariff amenities, services and facilities. Among the best-known of these are extra-tariff restaurants and coffee shops, bridge, galley and engine room tours that used to be free of charge but now must be paid for and now, with this latest move, some elements of the entertainment.
Last week, to set themselves apart, Carnival Cruise Lines announced that it had started recruiting name entertainment to appear on its ships in port, under the banner of Carnival Live. Tickets will cost $20 to $40 per passenger while they will range from $100 to $150 for the VIP experience, which includes an artist meet and greet, photo opportunity, seating in the first three rows and a commemorative laminated concert pass.

Carnival Liberty: the Theatre

Tickets can be purchased through Carnival’s online shore excursion reservation system.
Performers and bands scheduled to perform in this new program include Chicago, Daughtry, Foreigner, Gavin De Graw, Jennifer Hudson, Jewel, Kansas, Lady Antebellum, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Olivia Newton-John, REO Speedwagon, Styx, Trace Adkins and 38 Special.
In all, fifteen artists will perform some forty-nine concerts on eight ships while docked in Cozumel, Nassau and Catalina Island. Artists will join the ship while in port, perform in the main theatre and then depart after their shows. Bands have been chosen through a survey of Carnival’s own passengers concerning their music choices.
Styx will kick off the series with an April 7 show on board Fantasy in Nassau.
It is estimated that this series alone will net Carnival several million dollars a year in extra revenues. A full list of 2014 Carnival Live concert dates can be found on Carnival’s website.

(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)

Silversea Cruises for solo travellers in 2014

 

 

 Solo guests now have the opportunity to take advantage of exceptional savings when travelling onboard a selection of Silversea Cruises throughout 2014.  The luxury cruise line is offering an extensive array of single supplements across both its Classic and Expedition fleets.

As a result, single occupancy guests can experience the delights of independent luxury cruising, complete with Silversea's signature butler service which is available onboard every Silversea voyage.

Karen Christensen, General Manager and Director of Sales & Marketing, Australasia, says that Silversea Cruises is ideal for those travelling by themselves.

"Many of our guests enjoy the social connection with likeminded, well-travelled people.  Often the friendships that are made onboard our ships last a lifetime.  At Silversea, it's our priority to ensure that our intimate luxurious ships are available to singles as well as couples, therefore we are offering single supplements across a wide range of voyages in 2014," says Christensen.

"For solo travellers, our cruises offer the perfect way to meet people along the way. They are of course all-inclusive, which provides peace of mind when meeting new friends at the many bar and restaurant venues onboard as there is no tab or bill to be concerned with.  We also offer a range of independent traveller options including Gentlemen Hosts on select sailings to accompany guests during onshore excursions, as dinner companions, or as dance partners," says Christensen.

SILVERSEA'S 2014 HIGHLIGHT VOYAGES FOR SOLO GUESTS

MARCH:

Callao, Peru to Cristobal, Panama, on board Silver Explorer, 11 days, 27 March – 7 April. Highlights: Sail through the Panama Canal, visit remote islands and ancient Mochica temples, prepare Ecuadorian cuisine with a local chef and discover Colombia's Pacific coast.  Solo Traveller fares start from AU$8,063. Voyage 7408.

APRIL:

Monte Carlo, Monaco to Istanbul, Turkey on board Silver Wind, 11 days, 14 – 25 April. Highlights: overnight stays in Sorrento, Italy and Istanbul, Turkey.  Solo Traveller fares start from AU$6,438. Voyage 2410.

MAY:

Lisbon, Portugal to Southampton, UK on board Silver Whisper, 9 days, 7 – 16 May. Highlights: Overnight stay in Bordeaux, France and guest lectures from the esteemed author and broadcaster, Brian Hoey. Solo Traveller fares start from AU$6,313. Voyage 4409.

OCTOBER:

Athens (Piraeus), Greece to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy on board Silver Spirit, 14 days, 17 – 31 October.  Highlights: Overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt allowing time for an optional overnight excursion to experience the splendour of the Great Pyramids. This voyage also includes Gentlemen Hosts.  Solo Traveller fares start from AU$8,313. Voyage 5433.

DECEMBER:

Singapore to Hong Kong, China on board Silver Wind, 11 days, 1 – 12 December. Highlights: Overnight stays in Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This voyage also includes Gentlemen Hosts.  Solo Traveller fares start from AU$6,313. Voyage 2436.

For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com

 

Follow Silversea on Twitter, Facebook and the Silversea Blog.

 

5-STAR CRUSOES – THEY’RE SEADREAMING

 

David Ellis

with

Frank Linn

 

ASK the all-knowing Mr Google how many islands there are in Asia, and you'll get an answer akin to asking how long is a piece of string?

 

So when SeaDream Yacht Club decided to embark on a first-ever season in Asia with its luxury SeaDream II, and knowing past guests' fondness for the serenity of remote islands away from the rat-race, they took to their charts and the tens of thousands of islands from India to Indonesia (plus for one itinerary across to Far North Queensland, PNG and the Trobriand Islands,) with a fervour akin to that of planning a Moon Landing.

 

For here they found islands with no more than a handful of subsistence farmers-and-fishers, others with a couple of thatch-roof "resorts" beachside for more-adventurous holidaymakers, plenty with flashy 4- and 5-star hotels, and some others simply devoid of any human life whatsoever.

 

"We had the perfect scenarios for all occasions," says the company's Director of Business Development in Asia, Richard Jones who was a driving force behind the decision for this first-ever venture, and who scouted-out the best of island offerings with the help of local tourism offices, tour guides, village chiefs, resort owners and anyone else who could give him input.

 

And their choices have proven winners with the hundreds of guests who've sailed so far on mega motor-cruiser SeaDream II, including colleague Frank Linn who, with a handful of fellow travel scribes, recently did a week from Phuket in Thailand to Yangon in Myanmar (Burma,) and another from there back to Singapore.

 

So this week it's Frank's turn to do the writing, and here's his story:

 

WHILE always a thrill to re-visit cities and towns across the region we've a fondness for from past meanderings – like frenetic Phuket, ever-delightful Langkawi, always-spotless Singapore, and Yangon (Rangoon) for a mind-blowing first-time experience – it was our days ashore on smaller and remoter islands that won our hearts.

 

For here were specks on the maps we'd in many cases never heard of, or if we had, never had the opportunity to visit previously: rarely-visited places like the Similan Islands in Southern Thailand, Nyang Wee and 115 Island amid the remote Mergui Archipelago of Myanmar, Ko Lanta Yai in Thailand…

 

And while there may have been only our fellow SeaDreamers and crew on their sands, rather than confronting on-the-knees picnic tucker for the day, we were ferried ashore by the yacht's inflatable Zodiacs to find roaring gas barbecues under shady trees, prawns (and locally-caught lobsters on one occasion,) steaks, chicken, sausages and lamb chops already sizzling away, nearby trestles loaded with salads… and just off the beach, a surfboard "bar" from which crew were dispensing Champagnes, wines and caviar to guests thigh-deep in the water.

 

All this 5-star Robinson Crusoe stuff having been ferried ashore from SeaDream hours earlier.

 

And on tiny Nyang Wee the company's first-ever Night-time Beach Party, complete with a serenading guitarist who had us toe-tapping the sands to John Denver and Beatles' numbers as we tucked into a gourmet barbecue under flickering flares… the night ending with the lighting of traditional Lucky Lanterns that drifted heavens-ward with our secret wishes (apparently for most, for another week aboard SeaDream…)

 

Back onboard, the indulgences continued: 5-star dining with breakfast and lunch under shade on deck, no stuffy jackets or ties in the Dining Room for dinner (only "Country Club Smart Casual",) no-charge drinks from the open bars, nightly cocktail gatherings, use of a 30-course golf simulator, a free state-of-the-art fitness centre, all staterooms with either a picture window or twin portholes…. and more crew (95) than guests (just over 70 on our sailing.)

 

And on two full-days at sea surprise midday poolside snack pass-around's with Bloody Mary's, afternoon movies (including The Lady, the story of Aung San Suu Kyi and her fight for Democracy in Burma….)

 

Subsequent sailings have taken-in Thailand's Ka Tarutao, believed to have been a first by any ship to this-now National Park that in the 1930s was a penal settlement for political prisoners, and Ko Lipe with its extraordinarily sparkling green waters.

 

SeaDream II stays in Asia until April when she'll sail 15-days from Mumbai to Athens; for still-available Asia itineraries and the sailing to Athens, see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

 

                                                       ……………………….

 

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

 

[] SEADREAM looks ideally at home off Phuket Beach. (Richard Jones)

[] NICE touch: Steward Severin polishes a guest's sunglasses during a SeaDream day ashore's Beach Party. (David Ellis)

[] BAR'S open! Guests head for the Beach Party's Surfboard Bar and Champagne and caviar. (David Ellis)

[] FIRST-ever SeaDream Night Beach Party on a remote Thailand island. (Roderick Eime/Travography.com)      

[] TRADITIONAL Lucky Lantern sets off heavens-ward to join others already well into the sky. (Richard Jones)

[] BACK onboard: lunch on deck under shade-cloths – 5-star indulgence at its best.  (SeaDream Yacht Club)

 

Voyager of the Seas - 15 nights - less than $2000

15 NIGHTS OF RELAXATION FOR LESS THAN $2000

CRUISE specialist ecruising.travel has released a 15-night fly/cruise package from Singapore to Sydney on board Voyager of the Seas  for less than $2000 per person including one-way airfares.

Spend two nights at the five star Shangri La hotel in Singapore before boarding your cruise and heading south to the top end of Australia. Spend a few days at sea before enjoying full days on-shore in Darwin and Brisbane before your reach your final destination of Sydney.

With plenty of time at sea, passengers will have ample time to experience the numerous activities and  facilities on board Voyager of the Sea. Those looking for active pastimes can take part in a huge range of sporting activities such as ice-skating, or on the nine-hole miniature golf course, golf simulator, rock-climbing wall, in-line skating, and a full sized basketball court. For those looking for more relaxing activities there are many restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges as well as day spa and the Casino Royale.

Departing November 25, the package is now priced from only $1929, it includes return economy airfares from Sydney, 13 nights cruise accommodation with main meals and entertainment, two night's accommodation at the Shangri La in Singapore, entry to the Singapore Flyer and transfers in Singapore. Prices are subject to change due to the airfare portion of the package.

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

 

Luxury Seabourn Quest voyage to Antarctica

Luxury Journey to the Seventh Continent

Cruise from colourful Valparaiso in Chile to the flamboyant Buenos Aires in Argentina on board the elegant  Seabourn Quest, part of a luxury expedition cruise package now available from cruise specialist ecruising.travel.

The voyage departs on December 20 and includes extensive scenic cruising through Reloncavi Sound, Gulf of Corcovado, Chilean Fjords, Amalia Glacier, Canal Sarmiento, Glacier Alley and Beagle Channel.

A highlight of this special cruise is the five day Antarctica experience, which consists of five planned Antarctica landings via Zodiacs that hold a maximum of 100 people. This ensures guests receive an up close and personal experience ashore exploring the spectacular landscape and wildlife.

On-shore visits will also be made at Puerto Mont, Castro and Punta Arenas in Chile, Ushuaia in Argentina, Grytviken in South Georgia and Montevideo in Uruguay. Whilst on board you can take part in special guest lectures, photography workshops and other exclusive amenities and activities to enhance your cruising experience.

The package also includes return economy air fares from Australia, three nights at the Ritz Carlton Santiago, three nights at the Alvear Palace Buenos Aires, 24 night Seabourn suite accommodation, all gourmet meals and complimentary open bar on board, Santiago and Buenos Aires city tours, air and port taxes as well as all airport transfers.

Prices start from $21,799 per person twin share for Sydney, Gold Coast and Perth passengers, from $22,129 from Adelaide and from $22,149 for Melbourne passengers. Prices are subject to change due to the airfare component of the package.

The voyage is on sale until February 28. For more details contact ecruising.travel on 1300-369-848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

Rock the Boat cruise with Molly Meldrum

 

 

Cruiseco, the leading supplier of cruising options in Australia and New Zealand, is pleased to announce the return of Rock the Boat which is scheduled to depart from Sydney on 12 October 2014 for its fourth consecutive year.

Amber Wilson, National Marketing Manager at Cruiseco, explains that music cruises are more popular than ever before.

"Due to overwhelming popularity, Rock the Boat 4 returns again in October this year, it and will feature the very best of Australian and international rock n' roll artists including our homegrown legend Molly Meldrum plus Daryl Braithwaite, The Angels and  many more, "says Wilson.

"Guests can enjoy music from the 50's, 60's right through to the 80's and 90's. There will be non-stop entertainment from live performances, daily dance lessons with expert dance instructors and the opportunity to meet and greet with artists."

"Rock the Boat will visit an array of exotic islands. With its beautiful white sandy beaches, the Isle of Pines is always a hit with our guests. We also port at Mystery Island which is uninhabited and is one of the most southern of the Vanuatu group," says Wilson.

Your rock n' roll cruise includes: nine nights aboard the luxurious Rhapsody of the Seas; all meals; entertainment; and gratuities; as well as port and government charges.

Prices start from $2,729 based on per person, twin share for an Interior Stateroom cabin.

Visit www.cruising.com.au or call (02) 9492 8520 for further information and to find details of your local Cruiseco agent.

 


 

 

 

 

 

Get On Board with Qantas Cruises, Powered by Cruise Guru

Qantas and Cruise Guru have today announced a partnership that will launch Qantas into the fast-growing cruise market.

Qantas customers can now book cruises online through Qantas.com, using the unique technology of Cruise Choice, powered by Cruise Guru.

The integration of cruising onto Qantas.com will allow Qantas to leverage the largest and fastest growing market in the travel industry, as well as one of the fastest growing cruise markets in the world*.

Unique to Qantas Cruises is the ability for customers to access to a full range of cruise lines and ships, with live cabin availability and prices, and instant confirmation.

Cruise Guru Joint Managing Director Justin Montgomery said that he was thrilled to be able to use Cruise Guru's unique technology to create new opportunities and services for the growing number of Australians choosing to holiday by cruise.

"With 17 international cruise lines, 162 ships and over 10,000 cruise itineraries, Cruise Choice technology leads the way for the Australian consumer. We are delighted to partner with Qantas to provide efficiently serviced and competitively priced cruise offers," he said. "This partnership also provides Qantas Frequent Flyers with new ways to earn Qantas Points," he added. "Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to earn 1 point for every A$1 spent on any Qantas Cruise booking".

Qantas Cruises are available to book from tomorrow at qantas.com/cruises.

About Cruise Guru:

Cruise Guru is a specialist cruise website that offers a unique, one-stop shop for Australian cruise customers. Cruise Guru provides consumers with the best prices, the most up-to-date deals, a wealth of knowledge, unbiased experience and support, and the convenience of full live online booking for major cruiselines. Cruise Guru began operation in January 2012, and in just two years has revolutionized the cruise market with its unique technology and unrivalled service levels.

Cruise Guru is part of the Travel the World Pty Ltd group of companies, which has been involved in the cruising sector for over 30 years. It is 100% Australian owned and operated. The Cruise Guru team has a combined number of days at sea of well over 1,000, which ensures that the customer experiences expert service levels. 

Since Cruise Guru's Facebook page launched two years ago, it has grown to well over 60,000 active fans, making the Cruise Guru Facebook page the largest in the Australian retail cruise community, and giving fellow cruisers and new-to-cruise clients the ability to interact and discuss all things cruise.

Cruise Guru is the leader in the online cruise space offering the ability for consumers to book search, book and review over 17 different cruise lines 24/7.

About Cruise Choice

The technology that sits behind Cruise Guru and Qantas Cruises is Cruise Choice, a platform that opens up a gateway for the consumer to book their cruise holiday online, 24/7 with up-to-the-minute live pricing, and availability. With 17 international cruise lines, 162 ships and over 10,000 cruise itineraries, Cruise Choice technology leads the way for the Australian consumer. Cruise Choice allows the consumer to be in control of their cruise holiday from start to finish, with the ability to choose the latest specials and prices, cabin type, cabin number and confirm their cruise without lengthy delays or interference.  They see exactly what the cruise lines are seeing in the comfort of their own home.

*About the Australian Cruise Market

Cruising is becoming ever-more popular for Australian tourists. In 2011 the number of passengers grew by 34 per cent, and in 2012 they grew by an additional 11 per cent. This trend has been sustained over the past decade: with nearly 700 000 passengers in 2012, Australian cruising is now almost six times the size it was in 2002. Remarkably, the Australian cruising industry has now had eight consecutive years of double-digit growth, and growth is expected to continue.

*Cruise Lines International Association Australasian Cruise Industry Report 2012