Friday, August 23, 2013

Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 23, 2013

* Millennium Underway
RCCL confirmed to CND today that Celebrity Millennium is underway and en route to Freeport. The passengers finished disembarking in Ketchikan on Thursday, and the ship left shortly thereafter.

The ship is apparently sailing with just one of the two propulsion systems operating, something the Coast Guard said they wouldn’t allow with passengers aboard. The ship can safely operate with just one system, of course, but the reason for having two, besides more speed, is a back up, in case one goes out, the ship won’t be powerless in open sea.

RCCL said that they will replace the motor which has failed twice now, causing the disruption of two sailings in a row.

There are several things RCCL hasn’t talked about, however.


* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about a Dawn departure ... and rushin' to get shore power.


The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 22, 2013

* 175 Years of Experience
In 2015 Cunard will celebrate its 175th year in business, and to mark the occasion, the line has designed three special world cruises. They will kick off the year-long celebration.


* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about MSC Divina going blue ... and do you have a Pinterist in HAL? More


The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

HAL's Pinterest Sweepstakes

Enter the Holland America Line "Amazing Alaska" Pinterest Sweepstakes

Seattle, Wash., Aug. 19, 2013 — Holland America Line has launched a new “Amazing Alaska” Pinterest sweepstakes that will award five randomly selected winners an American Express gift card valued at $500.

Participants can visit the Pinterest Sweepstakes tab on Holland America Line’s Facebook page and choose their favorite Alaska excursion photo from a selection of six beautiful images. Entrants then provide the required information and click submit, which will pin the image to one of their personal Pinterest boards. In order to be eligible to win, entrants must also follow Holland America Line’s Pinterest Board (www.pinterest.com/halcruises).

“Our last Pinterest contest was very successful and it proved that the social media platform is a fantastic way for us to engage with our guests on a visual level,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Alaska is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, and Pinterest allows us to show off the incredible scenery our guests witness on every Alaska cruise.”

Entries are limited to legal residents of the United States (excluding Colorado) and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older. The sweepstakes runs through September 20, 2013.

Source: Holland America Line

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 21, 2013

* Princess Continues Asian Expansion
Princess announced this afternoon that they will push farther into Asia next summer when they expand into the Chinese-sourced market.

Princess will base the 116,000-ton Sapphire at Shanghai for a four-month season beginning in May 2014. Princess will offer several itineraries in the market ranging from three to seven nights.



* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about why you shouldn't cry for Vancouver (or Argentina) ... and about a new top chef at Windstar.  More


The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Sabourin Becomes Corp Exec Chef at Windstar

Chef Michael Sabourin Joins Windstar Cruises as Corporate Executive Chef

Seattle, August 21, 2013 – Windstar Cruises announced today that Michael Sabourin has joined the company as Corporate Executive Chef. In this role he is responsible for the creation of new dishes, galley training, menu design, and enhancing the local culinary experience so Windstar guests can 'taste' the ports of call the leading small ship line visits. Chef Sabourin will report directly to Alan McGrory, Vice President of Hotel and Marine Operations.

With more than 18 years in the culinary industry, Chef Sabourin brings a strong cruise background. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, including both Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. There he was responsible for directing all culinary and associated activities throughout the vessel, including the implementation of new dining room menus, chef table menus, and 5 star dining menus.

Chef Sabourin has global expertise, with a wide exposure to markets in Europe, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and North America. He trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, the world’s premiere culinary college. Prior to Royal, he worked for Sandals Resort, as well as Holland American Line.

“Chef Michael brings a wealth of culinary knowledge and an extensive amount of global experience,” said McGrory. “We look forward to Chef Michael’s contributions as we strive to provide the world’s best culinary experience on Windstar Cruises.”

Source: Windstar Cruises

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 20, 2013

* Celebrity Pulls Plug on Millennium Sailings
Yesterday we reported that Celebrity Millennium had returned to Ketchikan with a mechanical problem in the same propulsion unit that caused a problem for the line the week before. The ship has remained there while technicians were trying to determine the root cause behind the problem, but today, Celebrity determined this wasn’t going to be a quick fix, and decided to cancel the remainder of the cruise, which was to end in Seward on Friday. They also canceled the next four cruises, ending the ship’s Alaska season.

Celebrity is now in the process of arranging charter flights back to the Lower 48 for the approximately 2,200 passengers aboard Celebrity Millennium. The exodus will begin Wednesday and continue into Thursday.


* All Dressed up with No Place to Go
Those who have been following Princess Cruises’ photo blog know that Sun Princess has undergone a two-week dry dock at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore, and it left the drydock to return to service with today’s cruise to Fremantle.

Passengers were arriving at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore for boarding this morning, and the ship was alongside in position when it experienced a malfunction in the ship’s power switchboard resulting in limited power available to the hotel operations, and Princess made the decision to cancel the sailing.


* Norwegian Getaway Now Has Officers
Norwegian Cruise Line announced the appointment of Norwegian Getaway’s senior officer. They will be headed up by Captain Rune Myre, a longtime captain in the Norwegian fleet.  More


The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

NCL Appoints Norwegian Getaway's Senior Officers

Norwegian Cruise Line introduces senior officers for Norwegian Getaway's Inaugural Season

MIAMI – August 20, 2013 – Norwegian Cruise Line today announced that two seasoned captains, Rune Myre and Tommy Stensrud, will take the helm of Norwegian Getaway, the largest ship to homeport in Miami year-round launching in February. In addition, Norwegian announced the additional senior officers that will deliver the line’s newest ship: Staff Captain Niklas Persson, Chief Engineer Carsten Forsbo, Chief Engineer Oeystein Undrum and Hotel Director Sean Wumhoeringer.

“Norwegian Getaway’s arrival in Miami has a lot of significance for us a company since this is the first time in many years that we will have our newest ship based year-round in Miami,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We are confident that these seasoned officers have what it takes to ensure that Norwegian Getaway’s inaugural season is extremely successful.”

Capt Rune Myre
Captain Rune Myre is an experienced seafarer with more than 28 years at sea. Myre joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 1998 and served as First Officer on board Norwegian Wind and Norwegian Dream. He was then promoted to Staff Captain and worked on Norwegian Sea and Norwegian Dawn. In 2008, he was promoted to Captain on Norwegian Sun and has most recently served as Captain on Norwegian Pearl. Myre is responsible for all aspects of the ship, its guests and crew. He graduated from the Tromso Maritime Academy in 1993. Born in to a fishing family in northern Norway, Myre is an avid fisherman and during his time off, he enjoys sharing his favorite pastime with his two children.



Capt Tommy Stensrud
While Myre is enjoying his vacation, Captain Tommy Stensrud will take command of Norwegian Getaway. Stensrud began his nautical career 35 years ago serving in the Norwegian Navy. In 1993, he joined Norwegian Cruise Line as a Deck Cadet on board the Norway and shortly after was promoted to First Officer. In 1996, he was promoted to Chief Officer and Norwegian Getaway’s Captains and Hotel Director then in 1998 he became Staff Captain. In September 2002, Stensrud was appointed Captain of Norwegian Star and he is currently serving as Captain of Norwegian Pearl. He has also played a role in the launch of several Norwegian ships including Norwegian Star, Pride of America and Norwegian Jewel. When he is on vacation, he enjoys spending time at home in Saskatchewan, Canada with his wife and three children. Both captains are looking forward to this exciting and challenging new role.



Staff Capt Niklas Persson
Staff Captain Niklas Persson is responsible for the Deck Department and is versed in all of the responsibilities and duties of the Captain, so that he is prepared to assume command if necessary. Persson will also assist Norwegian Getaway’s Captain with all operational issues, and all matters involving the safety of guests, crew, the ship and the environment. Persson joined Norwegian in 1999 and since has served as Staff Captain on board Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Jewel and, most recently, on Norwegian Breakaway. When he is not on board, he enjoys spending time with his family in Sweden.




Chief Eng Carsten Fosbo
Carsten Fosbo will deliver Norwegian Getaway in the position of Chief Engineer and when on vacation he will be relieved by Oeystein Undrum. As Chief Engineer, Fosbo and Undrum have full responsibility of the entire technical operation of the Ship, play a key role on the ship’s Senior Management Team and work closely with the Staff Captain and Hotel Director. Fosbo joined Norwegian in 1998 and has served on board the Norway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel and as Chief Engineer on Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Breakaway. Originally from Denmark, Fosbo resides in Costa Rica with his wife and children. Undrum joined Norwegian in 1987 and has worked on board many Norwegian ships including the Norway, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Crown, Norwegian Sun and, most recently, on Norwegian Pearl, where he has served as Chief Engineer for the past four years. When he is not onboard, he spends his vacations at home in Norway with his family.



Htl Dir Sean Wurmhoeringer
Hotel Director Sean Wurmhoeringer began his career at Norwegian in 2002 on Norwegian Sun and has since held a variety of positions on numerous ships in the fleet. His previous positions have included Food and Beverage Director and Assistant Hotel Director. He was promoted to Hotel Director in 2007. As Hotel Director, he has led teams on Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Epic and, most recently, Norwegian Breakaway. When he is not on board, Wurmhoeringer spends his vacation with his family in Salzburg, Austria.




Norwegian Getaway
Being developed as “Miami’s ship,” Norwegian Getaway will embody the essence of her tropical hometown with hull artwork by Miami’s own David “LEBO” LeBatard, which features a whimsical mermaid holding the sun above the waves.

Featuring groundbreaking entertainment, the ship is the first to feature the GRAMMY® Experience at sea, which will include artifacts chosen and curated by the GRAMMY Museum® along with live performances by past GRAMMY winners and nominees, among others. Another first of its kind at sea, The Illusionarium is an all-new dining and entertainment experience that will envelop guests in the fascinating world of magic, inviting them to experience the astonishing illusions of world-class magicians and supernatural special effects. In addition, Norwegian Getaway boasts sizzling Latin-inspired dance productions by Broadway sensation, Burn the Floor; performances of the seven-time Tony Award nominated musical LEGALLY BLONDE; hilarious comedy headliners produced by Levity Entertainment Group; and the sing along fun of the dueling pianos of Howl at the Moon. To cap off a spectacular cruise experience, every sailing will feature a dazzling fireworks show at sea, set to music, as part of a dance party in the ship’s outdoor club, Spice H2O.

Similar to sister ship Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway will dazzle guests with the excitement of 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, a variety of interconnected indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that creates a multiplex of dining, activities and more and enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.

Foodies setting sail from Miami on Norwegian Getaway can feast in their choice of 26 incredible dining options, including one of Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian’s three dining concepts: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian; Ocean Blue on the Waterfront and The Raw Bar.

For families, Nickelodeon®, the number-one entertainment brand for kids, is on board and includes a variety of exciting interactive experiences, along with the opportunity to meet SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Dora the Explorer and Diego, among other favorites. Norwegian Getaway will offer the all-new “Name that Game,” an exciting combination of trivia, speed, skill and slime, where participants will hit the buzzer, race the clock and get extreme as they experience the best of Nickelodeon’s famous game shows live on one stage. Norwegian Getaway will also include an all new pirate-themed Nickelodeon Kids’ Aqua Park where children can cool off with colorful, whimsical and larger than life Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom.

The three-story Sports Complex will feature the Aqua Park with five thrilling water slides, two swimming pools and one of the largest multi-level elevated ropes course that will challenge guests to more than 40 different elements, including a zip track. For a thrill like no other, guests will confront The Plank, a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. A nine-hole miniature golf course is located beneath the ropes course, offering family fun with friendly competition. A rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline and spider web, a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage complete with a spiral slide, round out the activities. Norwegian Getaway offers a variety of flexible accommodations ranging from Studio staterooms specially designed for solo travelers, to balcony and family staterooms and opulent suites in The Haven, the ultimate in luxury accommodations.

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line

Monday, August 19, 2013

Cruise News Daily Headlines for August 19, 2013

* Celebrity Millennium Awaiting Repairs Again
No, you aren’t having a case of deja vu. Last week it was Seward; this week it’s Ketchikan.

Celebrity Millennium is again experiencing a mechanical problem with one of its two propulsion units. The problem manifested itself yesterday after the ship sailed from Ketchikan. The ship can safely sail with only one unit, but the captain decided to return to Ketchikan to evaluate the issue on Sunday, and it still there at least through Tuesday.


* MSC to Launch 13-Week Radio Show
MSC’s SVP of Sales and Marketing, Ken Muskat, is launching an online radio program beginning this Friday (August 23) talking about - what else - the cruise industry.

The show, Cruise Views, will run for 13 weeks on the VoiceAmerica Variety on Friday’s at 1pm (eastern time).


* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about RCCL getting OK to grow.

The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.

Meredith Lehr Promoted by Holland America and Seabourn


Meredith Lehr promoted to senior director, legal and assistant general counsel for Holland America Line and Seabourn

Seattle, Wash., Aug. 19, 2013 — Meredith Lehr has been promoted to Senior Director, Legal, and continues as Assistant General Counsel for Holland America Line and Seabourn. She reports to Kelly Clark, Vice President, Legal and General Counsel.

In this role, Lehr will assume additional responsibility for transactional, compliance and litigation matters for Holland America Line and Seabourn. Most recently, Lehr was Director, Legal and Assistant General Counsel where her responsibilities primarily included providing legal advice to the Human Resources, Risk Management, Guest Programs and Marketing departments.

“Meredith has been a steady and reliable resource for all who seek her legal expertise on a wide range of issues,” said Clark. “The title of senior director recognizes her expanded role and ongoing contribution to our department’s advisory and compliance efforts.”

Lehr’s relationship with Holland America Line began in 2006 when she joined the company as outside counsel with an onsite office, providing legal advice and services to various departments and work on special projects and contracts. In August 2010, she joined the company full-time as Director, Legal and Assistant General Counsel.


Source: Holland America Line

Silversea to host Recording Artists Paul Brown and Marc Antoine

Silversea Welcomes Acclaimed Recording Artists 
Paul Brown & Marc Antoine to Headline Music Series

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- August 19, 2013) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has tapped legendary contemporary jazz guitarists Paul Brown and Marc Antoine to perform on two special "Music under the Stars" voyages aboard its intimate, 540-guest Silver Spirit this year.

These unique music-themed sailings will each feature two concerts on stage in the elegant Show Lounge, as well as an outdoor performance during a sail-away cocktail party on the ship's pool deck (when departing Monte Carlo and St. Bart's), where the artist will have a chance to meet and mingle with guests. Plus autographed copies of the musician's latest CD will be delivered to each guest's suite.

Marc Antoine will perform aboard Silver Spirit's seven-day Mediterranean cruise (#5334), sailing November 2 from Rome to Barcelona with calls in Livorno, Monte Carlo, Marseille, Porto Mahon, and Palma de Mallorca.

Paul Brown will entertain guests on Silver Spirit's 10-day Caribbean cruise (#5338), sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on December 13. Destinations include Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Bart's, San Juan, Samana, and Grand Turk.

"We're excited and honored to have these two renowned artists performing aboard our beautiful Silver Spirit," said Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. "I know our guests will enjoy an extraordinary music experience."

Antoine, whose career is highlighted by numerous number-one hits on the contemporary jazz charts, has performed with such music royalty as Sting, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Cher, Queen Latifah and others, and has composed and performed for six major movie soundtracks. He tours regularly with contemporary jazz artists Dave Koz, Chris Botti, and Jeff Lorber.

In expressing his excitement about the upcoming voyage, Antoine said, "It will be great to perform in the Mediterranean and visit my beloved Spain and France with music lovers from around the world."

Double Grammy-winning Paul Brown has produced more than 50 number-one hits on the contemporary jazz charts. The guitarist, producer, and composer has worked on projects with such music legends as Al Jarreau, George Benson, Patti Austin, Luther Vandross, Kirk Whalum, Boney James, Larry Carlton, Rick Braun, and many others.

 "I'm looking forward to spending a week with my fans, playing the music I love in a great intimate setting, and making new friends," remarked Brown about his upcoming cruise.

To book these special "Music under the Stars" voyages, guests or their travel agents should call Silversea at toll-free (877) 569-8106 and reference the booking code MUSIC-MED for the Mediterranean cruise and MUSIC-CAR for the Caribbean cruise.

Source: Silversea