Funchal Re-Enters Service On Sunday – Other Cruise News: American Cruise Lines Orders Four Riverboats – The Sunborn Gibraltar

by Kevin Griffin
This Sunday sees Portuscale Cruises’ rebuilt traditional liner Funchal depart Lisbon on her first cruise for her new owners in a revitalization of the Portuguese passenger fleet. Meanwhile, on the other side of the pond, American Cruise Lines have announced orders for four new riverboats to be delivered between 2015 and 2017. And in Gibraltar, final touches are being put to the 15,000-ton floating yacht hotel Sunborn Gibraltar.
THIS WEEK’S STORY
Funchal To Re-Enter Service
Portugal’s new cruise line, Portuscale Cruises, is about to place the 580-berth 1961-built Portuguese liner Funchal back into service next Sunday, when she departs Lisbon on a 7-night New Year’s cruise from Lisbon to Madeira and Morocco. Among the rebuilt veteran’s first passengers will be cruise ship guru Douglas Ward from the Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships, ready to give her his first rating under her new owners.

The whole Portuscale fleet has now taken on very traditional colours, with the ships now sporting black hulls and red boot-topping separated by a narrow band of white

The whole Portuscale fleet has now taken on very traditional colours, with the ships now sporting black hulls and red boot-topping separated by a narrow band of white, such as used by the North Atlantic liners of the Cunard Line and many others.
At the same time, Portuscale has introduced traditional yellow funnels capped with black tops and carrying the Portuscale logo.
As well as the Funchal, which has always been owned in Portugal, the Portuscale fleet includes the 600-berth Lisboa, known until recently as Princess Danae, the 554-berth Azores, built as Swedish American Line’s Stockholm and until more recently called Athena and the 334-berth Porto, which last operated as the Arion.
Portuscale has been successful in regaining a good bit of the business that was lost when predecessor Classic International Cruises went into receivership at the end of 2012. Much of this activity consists of charters to local operators in Sweden, Germany, Belgium, France, the UK and Ireland. The new line’s first cruises have also now been announced for the UK

Funchal with the old Classic International Cruises’ colours (Photo D.R.Carneiro)

Newell’s Travel of Falmouth will charter the newly-rebuilt Funchal for a series of four cruises from Falmouth, aimed at residents of the UK’s West Country.
The first, a 9-night cruise to Gibraltar and Tangier, will leave on April 22, with a 10-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords to follow on May 1. Later in the year, Funchal will return to Falmouth for a 12-night cruise to the Canaries, Madeira and Casablanca, leaving on August 11, and an 8-night cruise to the French wine country departing on August 23.
Between these dates, among others, the Funchal will be working for French charterer Terre Entière, which will offer a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise from Gothenburg on July 21 and a 13-night Baltic round voyage cruise from Zeebrugge departing on July 28. On October 10, the French tour operator will be offering an 11-night Mediterranean itinerary round trip from Marseilles.
OTHER CRUISE NEWS
American Cruise Lines Orders Four Riverboats
Last week American Cruise Lines announced ordered for four new riverboats destined for American waterways, the largest such order ever placed in North America.
With the first vessel expected to be delivered in 2015, the first two ships will be destined for the Mississippi River, where the line introduced its 150-berth Queen of the Mississippi last year, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers, where it operates the 120-berth Queen of the West.

Queen of The West

American Cruise Lines presently operates six ships, four of which are coastal cruisers that sail along the coasts of New England, Chesapeake Bay and the US South, as well as in Alaska’s Inside Passage.
The new additions will bring the fleet to ten vessels.
The first two new riverboats will carry between 150 and 200 passengers. Like the Queen of the Mississippi, they’ll feature larger cabins than other riverboats sailing in North America as well as private balconies with cabins. All four are due to be completed by 2017.
American Cruise Lines’ first riverboat, Queen of the Mississippi, was newly-built in 2012 and entered service in the same year that the American Queen Steamboat Company brought the 436-passenger American Queen out of lay-up to sail on the Mississippi. There had not been a vessel operating overnight trips on the river since 2008.
American Cruise Lines’ new orders are no doubt a “glove down” to Viking River Cruises, who have been talking about introducing two US-built and US-flag rive craft built to their Viking Longships design. Viking River now operates dozens of river ships in Europe and worldwide.
All four of the new riverboats have been ordered from Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, an affiliate of American Cruise Lines.
The Sunborn Gibraltar
Finnish-based Sunborn Marine’s 189-room five-star floating yacht hotel Sunborn Gibraltar is due to open in February, after she is delivered from the Gibraltar shipyard Gibdock for a full hull blasting and coating. The vessel arrived in Gibraltar on board a heavy lift ship in June. Originally intended for Barcelona, Sunborn more recently decided on Gibraltar, where she will become the territory’s first five-star hotel.

The 466-foot Sunborn Gibraltar

The 466-foot Sunborn Gibraltar, built by the Boustead Naval Shipyard in Lumut, Malaysia, resembles an ultra-luxury cruise ship or mega yacht. Although she can move under her own power, she has been designed for use alongside, and features her own heavy-duty mooring arms. She will be berthed alongside Gibraltar’s Ocean Village complex.
Currently being fitted out, the new vessel will have a casino, spa and fitness center, cocktail lounges, fine dining restaurants and a ballroom. Conference and event space will be available for up to 540 delegates. Some 90% of the 189 guest rooms offer outdoor space, while all will have full-height glazing to capture Mediterranean views.
Also due to open in 2014 is the Sunborn London II. Located next to the ExCel London exhibition centre this vessel will be an existing custom-built 400-foot Sunborn hotel yacht, equipped with 153 guest rooms including six larger Royal Suites.
With over 107,000 square feet of floor space spread over five decks, Sunborn London II will feature spacious hotel facilities including a large open reception area with lobby bar, excellent conference and event facilities, and a 200-seat restaurant with wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling windows giving impressive views of Canary Wharf.
The previous Sunborn London, a 354-foot unpowered vessel built in Finland in 1998, was the world’s first custom-built luxury yacht hotel, and was equipped with 103 suites and two Royal Suites. She was moved from Finland to London in the early 2000s but sold to Nigerian owners in 2008.
That vessel’s replacement, the Sunborn Princess, has been berthed at the Naantali Spa Resort in Finland since 2002 and will now move to London to become Sunborn London II. Her tenancy at London’s Royal Docks will be under a fifteen-year contract.
(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)

Viking Cruises keel-laying for new ocean line

 

Keel Laid for Viking Star, Company's First Ocean Ship

Viking Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.com.au) today announced the keel was laid for its first ocean cruise vessel, Viking Star, marking the next construction phase of the company's first-ever ocean product. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 18, at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard outside Venice, Italy. Viking Star is scheduled to be delivered in early 2015.

                "Our new ocean itineraries are selling at an unprecedented rate, and the enthusiasm we have seen from guests is truly remarkable," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. "There is undoubtedly interest in an ocean cruise experience that returns the focus to the destination, and Viking is actively planning to meet that demand."

                Steel was first cut for Viking Star in June 2013, and the laying of the keel is a formal recognition of the start of construction. The 930-passenger Viking Star features state-of-the-art design from experienced nautical architects and engineers. The company will also launch a record-breaking 14 new river vessels – Viking Longships® – in March 2014.

                Viking's ocean itineraries will include Viking Star's maiden voyages in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. Classified by Cruise Critic as a "small ship," the all-veranda custom-designed vessel allows travellers to get closer than ever to their destinations with maximum time in ports, while highlighting history, art and local culture through privileged-access excursions and onboard experiences that are truly designed for the experienced traveler.

For additional details, contact Viking Cruises toll-free at 1800 131 744 (Australia) 0800 447 913 (New Zealand).

 
About Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises offers destination-centric river and ocean cruising designed for experienced travellers with an interest in geography, culture and history. Featuring onboard cultural enrichment and included shore excursions, Viking's journeys are competitively priced for genuine value. Debuting its maiden season of ocean cruising in 2015, the sophisticated state-of-the-art Viking Star will host 930 guests on itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. As the world's leading river cruise line, since its 1997 inception the company has grown to a fleet of 35 river vessels (in 2013) offering scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, Ukraine, China, and Southeast Asia. Viking has been honoured multiple times in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Awards and Condé Nast Traveler's "Gold List" as well as recognized by the editors of Cruise Critic as "Best River Cruise Line," with the entire Viking Longships fleet being named "Best New River Ships of 2012" in the website's Editors' Picks Awards. The travel trade has ranked Viking as the "Best River Cruise Line" by Travel Weekly, Recommend and Travel Agent magazines, "Best Cruise Line for Luxury River Cruises" at the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards of Excellence and as "Best Overall Cruise Line for River Cruising" and "Best River Cruise Line for Travel Agent Support" in TravelAge West's WAVE Awards. For additional information, contact Viking Cruises at 1800 131 744 (Australia) 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) or visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au.

Last Voyage of the Saga Ruby Rerouted – Other Cruise News: Finland Secures Finance – Limit at Tampa – Cruising’s Slow Recovery

December 16th, 2013 by Kevin Griffin
Last week news broke that the Saga Ruby, on her very last cruise after a career spanning forty years, was stranded in the Canaries on her way to the West Indies, with generator problems that would preclude the operation of her air conditioning in the Caribbean. Instead, she will now cruise to the Mediterranean. In Finland, troubled STX Finland has secured the financing that will enable it to complete its second ship for TUI Cruises. Tampa reveals that it has an air draft limitation that will preclude it from accepting mega ships. And New York-based PhoCusWright reports on a slow recovery in the mainstream cruise market.
THIS WEEK’S STORY
Last Voyage of the Saga Ruby Rerouted
Friday the 13th seems to have taken its toll on Saga Shipping, which has been forced to reroute a 31-night cruise to the Caribbean on board the 655-berth Saga Ruby due to a faulty generator that would affect the ship’s air conditioning.

Saga Ruby – Photo courtesy cruises.co.uk

The ship left Southampton on December 7 and was in Tenerife when the news broke. Instead, she will complete her final voyage for Saga around the Mediterranean, where she can operate normally with her five good generators. On returning to Southampton on January 7, Saga Ruby is due to be sold to Asian buyers who plan to turn her into a hotel.
Saga Shipping managing director Robin Shaw flew to Tenerife to inform the 557 passengers on board of the itinerary change. Passengers who didn’t wish to carry on, understood to number fewer than thirty, have been flown back to the UK and given a full refund, while those that elected to continue have been given 40% refunds.
The diverted cruise is now expected to include Monaco on Christmas Eve, spend Christmas Day at sea and New Year’s Eve in Gibraltar and make a number of calls in Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

Saga Rose

Saga first entered the cruise market in the late 1980s, chartering a Russian ship, the 548-berth Russ, as well as taking group space for its own clients with other cruise lines.
For many years, Saga was one of P&O Cruises’ largest suppliers of cruise passengers but after the two companies fell out over terms, Saga began to concentrate more on operating its own ships.
In 1996, it acquired the 584-berth Saga Rose, which had been built in 1965 as Norwegian America Line’s Sagafjord, from Cunard Line, and in 2005, the Saga Ruby, the former Vistafjord, built in 1973 and by then operating as Cunard Line’s Caronia.

Cunard Line’s Caronia now Saga Ruby

The Saga Rose was retired in 2010 and sold for breaking up.
This leaves Saga with two more modern ships. The 706-berth Saga Sapphire was built in 1982 as Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ last Europa and was once the top scoring cruise ship in the world, while the 456-berth Saga Pearl II was built in 1981 as the first Astor, and spent many years working for DSR Deutsche Seerederei, predecessor to AIDA Cruises.
Both of the present ships were built in Germany, and while well-maintained are also now more than thirty years old. Before the present recession, Saga had actually been mooted, among others, as an eventual potential source of new orders for cruise ships of their own design.
OTHER CRUISE NEWS
STX Finland Secures Finance
STX Finland last week announced that it had secured the financing it needed to complete construction of the second new 2,500-berth cruise ship for German-based TUI Cruises. A sister ship to Mein Schiff 3, now under construction and scheduled for delivery in Spring 2014, Mein Schiff 4 will also be built at the Turku shipyard.

Mein Schiff 3

With no other orders on its books at the moment, STX Finland’s troubles began in 2012 when it lost the order for the third Oasis class ship for Royal Caribbean International to STX France.
STX Finland lost out to STX France when it was unable to come up with financing for the project from either the Finnish Government or its South Korean parent.
Following this, in September this year, STX announced that it would shut down its Rauma shipyard, with the loss of 600 jobs, by 2014. The financing for the second TUI ship will ensure that STX Finland will be able to keep the Turku yard open until 2015.
While MEIN Schiff 3 was floated out last month, her sister ship Mein Schiff 4, is now under construction for delivery in spring 2015. Both are sophisticated and highly innovative 99,000-ton cruise ships. They will measure 968 feet long and 118 feet wide and will have 2,500 lower beds and a crew of 1,000.

Allure of The Seas

The new ships will consume around 30% less energy then other cruise ships of a similar size. It has recently been announced that TUI Cruises will base Mein Schiff 3 in Malta.
Meanwhile, STX France in St Nazaire has announced that the third Oasis class ship is proceeding apace. Eighty huge blocks are now being assembled at St Nazaire at record speed due to a new crane that can lift much larger components. Assembly time with this new crane will be cut by 30% and delivery is scheduled for Spring 2016.
While Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas were completed by STX Finland, the St Nazaire ship will measure about 4,000 tons more than the first pair and will be about six feet longer.
Airdraft Limit at Tampa
Last month we ran a story on how the Port of Montreal is going to be able to accept larger cruise ships after Hydro Quebec raises a couple of power transmission lines that cross the St Lawrence River between Quebec and Montreal, bringing the permitted air draft to reach Montreal from 156 feet to 170 feet.
Now comes news from Tampa of a similar problem there but at a higher height.
According to the “Tampa Bay Times,” that port has a limitation of 181 feet for cruise ship access, caused by the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which was opened in 1987. This means that mega ships such as the Oasis of the Seas and Queen Mary 2 cannot pass beneath.
According to the Times, other than rebuilding the bridge, the port faces two options – to build a new cruise terminal west of the bridge or to watch Tampa lose any mega cruise ship business to other Gulf coast ports.
It will be up to the Tampa Port Authority, the Manatee County Port Authority and officials in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties to plan for the future.
Reportedly, a recent study by the State of Florida concluded that more than half the world’s cruise ship fleet would be mega ships by 2016-17, which could cause a problem for Tampa with its 181-foot limitation.
Miami and Fort Lauderdale having no bridges, this is not a problem for them. And although some states are raising bridges such as the Bayonne Bridge in New Jersey to accommodate the massive cargo ships of the future, Tampa’s Skyway would have to be totally rebuilt, ruling that out as an option.
By comparison to Tampa’s 181 feet, the maximum airdraft allowed under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York is 228 feet and under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco 220 feet.

Star Princess in San Francisco

Meanwhile, building a new cruise terminal for mega ships west of the Skyway would require funding and have to clear a number of environmental hurdles.
The alternative is Tampa Bay doing nothing, making the best of handling what will one day be older, smaller ships sailing around the Caribbean.
What is potentially worrying for Tampa is that, along with Key West, the port was for decades a main point of connection for sailings to Cuba and if that market reopens it might be shut out of being able to take mega ships cruising to Havana and other ports in Cuba. For now, however, the Tampa Port Authority is still expanding its cruise business, hoping to surpass a million passengers in 2015.
Cruising’s Slow Recovery
Major cruise line revenues have stagnated in the wake of the past two year’s incidents, but are expected to begin a slow climb again next year, according to a study by US travel research company PhoCusWright. At the same time, the growth in online cruise distribution is projected to slow dramatically, the study added.
Here are some key findings from the report:
Cruising continued a steady shift towards web-based channels with a 26% increase in 2012, when $2.4 billion in cruise revenue came through online channels. Online growth in 2013 is expected to slow dramatically to 6%.
In 2012, 16% of cruise sales were contracted online, compared with 13% the year before. Online penetration is forecast to grow just 1% in 2013 and to reach 20% in 2015.
Cruise fare revenue growth in 2012 was the lowest it’s been since 2010, with a 4% increase bringing revenues to $15 billion.
Cruise revenues are projected to stay at $15 million in 2013. The lack of growth is due to incidents like the loss of the Costa Concordia in 2012 and the Carnival Triumph fire in 2013.
Revenues are projected to increase at a faster rate in the next two years, with 3% growth in 2014 and 6% in 2015, to top $16 billion.
(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)

Cyber Cruises Cruise News - 16 December 2013

APT AmaBella Voted 'Best River Cruise Ship' by Cruise Passenger Readers
December 16th, 2013
APT's ms AmaBella has been named 'Best River Cruise Ship' in the 2013 Cruise Passenger Readers' Choice Awards. (australia.etbnews.com)
Tags: AmaWaterways, APT Group, River - Inland Navigation / Barges - Posted in Books / Publications / Websites / Blogs, News

Australian Cruise.com Awarded MSC Cruises 2013 Online Partner of the Year
December 16th, 2013
Cruise.com was awarded MSC Cruises Online Partner of the Year in 2013 for generating extraordinary growth in sales, continuous partnership support and innovative marketing efforts. (australia.etbnews.com)
Tags: MSC Cruises

American Cruise Lines Building Four New Ships
December 16th, 2013
American Cruise Lines today announced that it is building four new riverboats for American river cruising. Construction has already begun on the first two ships, with the first to begin cruising in in the spring of 2015. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: American Cruise Lines, River - Inland Navigation / Barges

Saga Cruises to offer voyage to South Africa and back
December 16th, 2013
The 18,800 gross ton Saga Pearl II will sail from Southampton on 7 January on a 26 night voyage to Cape Town and start a 22 night return voyage from there on 31 January, the company says on its website. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: Spirit of Adventure Cruises - Saga Cruises


Port of Cork Company appoint new Harbour Master
December 16th, 2013
The Port of Cork Company have announced the appointment of Captain Paul O’Regan as Harbour Master, Port Operations Manager and Superintendent of Pilots of the Port of Cork. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: Cork (Ireland)

Fincantieri to Build Two More Viking Ocean Ships
December 16th, 2013
Viking Cruises and Fincantieri announced today the signing of a contract for the construction of two additional ocean cruise ships. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: Fincantieri, Viking Ocean Cruises

Set sail for an endless summer: New Sea Cloud II - Caribbean itinerary
December 15th, 2013
Picture-book islands of the Lesser Antilles, dreamlike sandy beaches and a gentle pace of life are on offer on a new 7 night round trip Sea Cloud II sailing from 31 March to 07 April 2014. (expeditioncruising.com)
Tags: Sea Cloud Cruises, Tall Ships / Sailing Yacht



STX Finland secures much-needed financing
December 15th, 2013
The struggling shipbuilder STX Finland has secured the financing needed to construct a second cruise liner for the Germany-based shipping company TUI Cruises. (yle.fi)
Tags: STX Europe, TUI Cruises

Saga Holidays Cancels Caribbean Cruise Itinerary Due to Faulty Generator
December 15th, 2013
UK based Saga Holidays was forced to cancel its 31-night Caribbean itinerary aboard Saga Ruby, due to a faulty generator affecting the ship’s air conditioning system. (cruisecritic.com)
Tags: Spirit of Adventure Cruises - Saga Cruises

Assam Bengal Navigation. Launch of ABN Rajmahal
December 14th, 2013
The latest addition to our fleet, ABN Rajmahal, was launched in Calcutta last week.
Tags: Assam Bengal Navigation, River - Inland Navigation / Barges

P&O Cruises' Guests Take The Helm With Cruise Control
December 14th, 2013
P&O Cruises Australia has launched a fun, interactive portal allowing guests to take control of their cruise from the moment they log in. (australia.etbnews.com)
Tags: P&O Cruises Australia

Seabourn Arrives Down Under for a Long Ultra-Luxury Summer
December 14th, 2013
Seabourn Odyssey has arrived in Australia marking the start of the ultra-luxury cruise line's biggest summer down under. (australia.etbnews.com)
Tags: Seabourn Cruises

Cruise ship waiter injures back, seeks damages
December 14th, 2013
A waiter from Hungary has filed suit against a cruise ship claiming he suffered a back injury while working aboard a cruise ship earlier this year, recent court documents say. (setexasrecord.com)
Tags: Princess Cruises

Grimaldi Lines Announce Their Cargo-Passenger Line-Up For 2014
December 14th, 2013
Grimaldi Lines have made a number of changes to their South Atlantic services over the past year, while the Mediterranean services have been less affected.
Tags: Freighter Cruises, The Cruise People





New River Cruise Line: World Quest Cruises
December 13th, 2013
Russian Waterways cruise operators have partnered with Imperial River Cruises and Orthodox Cruise Company to form World Quest Cruises, the newest river cruise brand. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: River - Inland Navigation / Barges

Adventure Canada Offers Rare 25% Promotion On Back-To-Back Spring Sailings In Eastern Canada
December 13th, 2013
Adventure Canada passengers who book back-to-back spring sailings in Eastern Canada receive a 25% discount on their second voyage.
Tags: Adventure Canada

Aqua Expeditions Relaunches Website and Opens Bookings For Mekong Cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia
December 13th, 2013
With the upcoming launch of its third luxury vessel, the Aqua Mekong, Aqua Expeditions has unveiled a newly designed and dynamic website.
Tags: Aqua Expeditions, River - Inland Navigation / Barges - Posted in Books / Publications / Websites / Blogs, News

Book Now And Save On 2014 WLCVacations Cruises
December 13th, 2013
With the end of 2013 here, WLCVacations is excited to announce guests who book now will save on their 2014 cruises! (travelandtourworld.com)
Tags: World Luxury Cruise Vacations (WLCVacations)

Ponant 25 years on and looking toward Australia, Asia, Pacific islands and West Africa
December 13th, 2013
With 2013 revenue up 25% compared to last year, it has been another successful year for Compagnie du Ponant, ceo Jean-Emmanuel Sauvée, told Seatrade Insider during a one-to-one interview in Paris this week. (expeditioncruising.com)
Tags: Compagnie du Ponant - Posted in Interview / Video / TV, News

Costa and Baoshan District Join Forces for Development of Cruising in Shanghai
December 13th, 2013
Costa Cruises and Baoshan District are strengthening their alliance to promote the future development of cruising in Shanghai. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: Costa Cruises, Shanghai

Scenic Cruises Offers "Passau to the Danube Delta" Voyage
December 13th, 2013
Next spring, guests of Scenic Cruises can take part in a new cruising itinerary between the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Danube Delta and Germany's Passau, as well as spending two days exploring the Romanian capital of Bucharest. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: River - Inland Navigation / Barges, Scenic Tours





Leader in Alaska Small Ship Cruises Announces New-for-2014 Tour of Popular Ports and Alaskan History
December 13th, 2013
AdventureSmith Explorations reports that 27 unique cruise and land packages, including its new Gold Rush Legacy and Alaska's Golden History tours, are being readied for the 2014 season in its most popular destination, Alaska.
Tags: AdventureSmith Explorations, Alaska





MSC Cruises Releases Video Welcoming MSC Divina to North America
December 13th, 2013
MSC Divina recently completed a voyage to PortMiami positioning to become the first MSC Cruises ship to sail year-round from North America. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: MSC Cruises - Posted in Interview / Video / TV, News

Norwegian Launches Butler-Drawn Bath Menu
December 13th, 2013
Norwegian Cruise Line has added another element of luxury to the line's array of exclusive suite amenities by introducing a new, first of its kind in the cruise industry "Bath Butler" menu. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Carnival UK again allows some agents to hold customers' funds
December 13th, 2013
Carnival UK, which operates the brands of Carnival Corp & plc in the UK, is no longer insisting that all agents' customers make direct payments to the cruise line, Travel Weekly reports. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: Carnival Cruise Lines

Telegraph Cruise Show in London 10 to 12 January
December 13th, 2013
The annual Telegraph Cruise show will take place in the ExCel Centre in London from 10 to 12 January 2014. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: London - Posted in Event / Convention / Exhibition, News

Carnival Unveils New Wave Season Support for Travel Agents
December 13th, 2013
Carnival shared with travel agents details regarding a new "Wave Season" promotion offering discounts of up to $400 per stateroom on a variety of "Fun Ship" departures booked in the month of January. (travelagentcentral.com)
Tags: Carnival Cruise Lines

Port of San Diego Adopts Climate Action Plan
December 13th, 2013
The Port of San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners has adopted a Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on District tidelands. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: San Diego

CLIA And Cruise Industry A Major Presence For First Time At Site Global Conference
December 12th, 2013
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) partnered with the Society of Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) to educate and promote cruising during the network of meeting and event professionals' annual Global Conference which took place in Orlando this week.
Tags: CLIA - Posted in Event / Convention / Exhibition, News

Stellar Speaker Line-Up Revealed for Inaugural Cruise3sixty Australasia
December 12th, 2013
A stellar line-up of cruise industry professionals has been confirmed for the inaugural Cruise3sixty Australasia conference, including Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) President and CEO Christine Duffy. (australia.etbnews.com)
Tags: CLIA Australasia (Int. Cruise Council Australasia ICCA) - Posted in Event / Convention / Exhibition, News

Norwegian Cruise Line Selects Oceans TV as Russian TV Channel Provider for the 2014 Winter Olympics
December 12th, 2013
Oceans TV has announced that it will supply Norwegian Cruise Line with Russian TV channels on-board Norwegian Jade for the duration of the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi next year. (abc27.com)
Tags: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) - Posted in Interview / Video / TV, News

Oceania Cruises' Marina Returns to Australia in 2014

The Ship that has the Best Dining, Best Public Rooms and Best Cabins as Voted by Cruise Critic

Oceania Cruises' Marina is graciously returning to Australian shores in February 2014.  The first port of call is Brisbane – a new stop for Marina – followed by Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart before crossing the Tasman to New Zealand.

For those wanting to tempt the palate, limited space is available on the 16-day sailing from Sydney to Auckland on 23 February 2014.  On the 'Adventure Down Under' sailing, guests will cruise down the coast to Hobart and explore the magnificent Fjords of the Milford Sound before sailing up New Zealand's east coast to Auckland.  Prices start at $6,020 per person, twin share for an Inside Stateroom and $7,490 per person, twin share for a Veranda Stateroom.

Exclusively to Oceania Cruises are the multi-million-dollar Bon Appétit Culinary Centers.  The centres feature 24 fully equipped work stations with induction cook tops and convection ovens.  In 2014, more than 20 new innovative classes developed by acclaimed chef Kathryn Kelly and Bon Appétit magazine are being offered ranging from regional cuisines to secrets of homemade pasta, with each session expanding guests' knowledge and appreciation of local flavours.

"While many ships offer cooking demonstrations for guests to observe, what has set our culinary centres apart is the opportunity for guests to actually cook themselves, delivering a hands-on experience in a true state of the art classroom", says Kunal S. Kamlani, President of Prestige Cruise Holdings, Inc.

Contemporary in design with the touch of elegance in style and service, Marina is a mid-size ship carrying 1250 guests. Onboard features and facilities include 10 dining venues (six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, one of which is the first namesake restaurant at sea of Master Chef Jacques Pépin), an array of bars and lounges, the first Lalique grand stairway, Ralph Lauren Home furnished Owner's Suites, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub® and fitness centre, swimming pool and hot tubs.

For more information visit www.oceaniacruises.com. Guests can book through their preferred travel agent.

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