Cruise News Daily Headlines for February 21, 2014

* Carnival Vista Construction Begins
Fincantieri cut the first steel for the 135,000-ton Carnival Vista this week.
   A photo is below.

* Making It Official
On Wednesday morning, an event that was months in the planning, was completed aboard Queen Mary 2 in Sydney Harbor.
   It was an official portrait of representatives of her crew to mark the ship’s tenth anniversary, and the ship’s special connection with Sydney.
   But this wasn’t just any photo of the crew. It was special. (more)

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First steel cutting for Carnival Vista

Photo courtesy of Fincantieri. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Cunard Marks Tenth Anniversary of Queen Mary 2

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has turned 10, and to mark the occasion, the line commissioned a very special portrait of representatives of her crew. The photo shoot was held when the ship visited Sydney this week and was months in planning. The photo and some behind the scenes shots are below.

Queen Mary 2's official tenth anniversary photo

Noted photographer James Morgan was commissioned to shoot the special photo.

Sydney's most famous landmark isn't in the official photo, but it is just off camera to the right.

Photos courtesy of Cunard Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for February 20, 2014

* Two Lines Set Major Expansion at Port Canaveral
At yesterday’s Board Meeting at Port Canaveral, the port’s CEO, John Walsh, announced they have reached multi-year agreements with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line to expand their presence at the port.

* Other Things You’ll Want to Know
CND subscribers also read about Royal Caribbean becoming "autism-friendly" ... and Canada's largest labor union boycotting Carnival.

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

Cruise News Daily Headlines for February 19, 2014

* Norwegian Offers First Look at Accommodations on Norwegian Escape
When a cruise line is in a growth mode, it seems like just as one ship is delivered, they start getting excited about the next. That’s the case with Norwegian Cruise Line. Just days after Norwegian Getaway’s inaugural activities end, the line is today excitedly talking about the accommodations on Norwegian Escape.
   And well they should. The ship won’t be delivered until the fall of 2015, but in less than a month they will be announcing its home port and itineraries, and at the same time, they will be opening it for sale. It’s hard for people to buy it if they don’t know what there is to buy.  (More)

* Cruise Lines Lining Up to Call at Banana Coast
Banana Coast, the new port of call on the Honduran Caribbean coast, added another series of calls to their reservation book today when Norwegian Cruise Line scheduled 16 calls at the port for the coming winter season.

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

Norwegian Offers First Look at Norwegian Escape Accommodations

Norwegian Cruise Line just put Norwegian Getaway into service a couple of weeks ago, but already they are gearing up for the launch of Norwegian Escape, a larger version of the Breakaway-class. The line will open it for sale and announce its itineraries next month. Meyer Werft has scheduled delivery of the 163,000-ton vessel for the fall of 2015.

Today, the line is offering a first look at Norwegian Escape's accommodations.

One of the 1,168 Balcony staterooms

There will be only 407 inside staterooms, so those preferring this option will need to book early.

Deluxe Owner's Suite Bedroom

Deluxe Owner's Suite Living Room

The Haven pool

The Haven restaurant

Renderings courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be used or copied without specific authorization.

Cruise News Daily Headlines for February 18, 2014

* Man Says Insult Triggered Attack on Holland America Passenger
Last Friday we told you about an alleged assault by a crew member on a passenger aboard Holland America’s Nieuw  Amsterdam on Thursday night. Details were sparse, but they came out today in US District Court when the attacker made his first appearance after being arrested when the ship arrived in Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday.
   The story which the FBI agent told in his complaint seemed more like it was taken from a television police action thriller than what we usually see in shipboard assault cases. When the man’s admission is included though, it seems this story may have had its roots in a simple cultural misunderstanding that sparked his rage.

* MSC Achieves Record Bookings
MSC Cruises said they achieved a worldwide booking record over the last 30 days when they booked 208,262 passengers.

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

Frank Weber Joins NCL as Product Development VP

Norwegian Cruise Line Welcomes Frank Weber as Vice President, Product Development

Frank Weber

MIAMI – February 17, 2014 – Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Frank Weber, a seasoned cruise industry executive, rejoined the company as vice president, product development. In this new role, Weber will lead various product development and enhancement projects on the hotel operations team, including the development and implementation of new menus, food upgrades, service and culinary training for Norwegian’s complimentary dining venues; development of new restaurant, bar and entertainment concepts; and expansion of existing brand partner relationships.

Norwegian’s unique Freestyle Cruising proposition has been at the forefront of the industry for more than a decade; and in his new role, Weber will be responsible for ensuring Norwegian’s legacy is taken to the next level. Weber plans to introduce a variety of new innovative dining concepts, enhanced menus and distinct culinary alliances in a strong effort to enhance the on-board experience and increase guest satisfaction.

“Frank Weber brings a wealth of experience, entrepreneurial spirit and drive for innovation to our team,” said Michael Flesch, senior vice president, hotel operations. “He has rejoined our team at the right time and will fully support our growth and drive business and product improvements moving forward.”

“I am very excited to be a ‘Norwegian’ again,” Weber said. “Norwegian Cruise Line is truly the most exciting and most progressive cruise company in the industry.”

For the past 10 years, Weber served as Vice President Food & Beverage Operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., where he built an award-winning Food & Beverage operation. In addition, he was responsible for developing many new, innovative dining concepts. Weber also built significant brand relationships including the first fully licensed ‘Starbucks at Sea’ in the cruise industry.

Weber began his cruise line career at Norwegian Cruise Line in 1992, serving shipboard and shore side as Executive Chef and Hotel Director, through 1999. From there, he held a variety of hotel operations positions at Radisson Seven Seas and Pan Hotel Services.

Weber has been recognized in the hospitality industry for his dedication to quality and innovation and has received several awards including the Ivy Award in 2010 and the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Silver Plate Award in 2012 in the Hotel and Lodging category, the first time that the IFMA recognized a cruise line executive.

Source: Norwegian Cruise Line