The complete story appeared in the December 29 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
A Familiar Name Returns to the Industry
The Palm Beach Post reports that short-cruise line Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which operates Grand Celebration (which was formerly Carnival's Celebration) on two-night cruises from Palm Beach to Freeport, has been sold. The new owner is Paradise Cruise Line Operator, and its chief investor is a familiar name in the cruise industry.
Early Arrival
AIDA said today their next ship, AIDAperla, will enter service two months earlier than announced. It will begin sailing a Western Mediterranean itinerary on July 1 from Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona.
The complete story appeared in the December 29 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 29, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- the first major international line to homeport at Manila.
- a medevac from Harmony of the Seas
Details appeared in the December 29 edition of Cruise News Daily
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| Medevac from Harmony of the Seas |
Photo courtesy of US Coast Guard. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Norwegian Comes Clean
Norwegian Cruise Line announced they have completed the installation of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (scrubbers) on two additional ships, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Gem.
Earlier this year, Norwegian Jewel was the first to be retrofitted with the technology while the ship was in service. Five scrubbers were placed on each ship, one to handle each engine. It's a two-year project that takes approximately 100,000 man-hours to complete.
Earlier this year, Norwegian Jewel was the first to be retrofitted with the technology while the ship was in service. Five scrubbers were placed on each ship, one to handle each engine. It's a two-year project that takes approximately 100,000 man-hours to complete.
The complete story appeared in the December 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
More Money than They Know What to Do With
In case you don't have your calendar marked, next Monday is the deadline for organizations in Juneau to submit their proposals for how to spend the city's head tax that was collected last year from cruise passengers visiting the city.
Details appeared in the December 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Overboard from Queen Mary 2
A 74-year-old British woman went overboard from Queen Mary 2 sometime early Friday morning (December 23) while the ship sailed from New York to St. Maarten.
Details appeared in the December 27 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Search Suspended
The US Coast Guard suspended their search at 5:44pm on Friday for a 22-year-old man who went overboard from Independence of the Seas on Thursday morning.
Details appeared in the December 27 edition of Cruise News Daily.
One Bidder Left
Korean shipbuilder STX was ordered to liquidate its overseas assets by Korean courts when it filed bankruptcy last spring. One of those assets is STX France, the former Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard at Saint-Nazaire.
Earlier there were rumored to be three or four interested bidders for STX France. Today, South Korean newspapers were reporting that the court had revealed they have received only one bid.
Earlier there were rumored to be three or four interested bidders for STX France. Today, South Korean newspapers were reporting that the court had revealed they have received only one bid.
The complete story appeared in the December 27 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Seeing Stars
When Dawn Princess joins the P&O Australia fleet next year as Pacific Explorer, it will have a brand new livery - even for P&O.
The new livery will feature the Southern Cross, a national symbol in both Australia and New Zealand, and one of the brightest constellations in the southern sky.
Details appeared in the December 27 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photo courtesy of P&O Australia Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
The new livery will feature the Southern Cross, a national symbol in both Australia and New Zealand, and one of the brightest constellations in the southern sky.
Details appeared in the December 27 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photo courtesy of P&O Australia Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
You Won't See This in the United States
Costa has a new advertising campaign featuring supestar pop singer/songwriter Shakira - and she has a new love.
The complete story appeared in the December 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Special Added Attraction
Fathom Travel said today they have obtained approval to add the Cuban port of Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba, to six of its upcoming Dominican Republic sailings.
Yes, this will reduce time in the Dominican Republic by a day, but it will add a stop that should create a lot more interest in the Dominican program.
Yes, this will reduce time in the Dominican Republic by a day, but it will add a stop that should create a lot more interest in the Dominican program.
The complete story appeared in the December 22 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Passenger Overboard from Independence of the Seas
A 22-year-old American man went overboard from Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas early this morning at 1:45am when the ship was approximately 33 miles southeast of Key Largo.
Details appeared in the December 22 edition of Cruise News Daily.
* Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 22, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- Port Everglades receiving approval to move forward widening and deepening their channels to accommodate larger ships.
- Royal Caribbean opening an eye-popping new show, “The Fine Line,” in the AquaTheater aboard Harmony of the Seas. (a video is below)
Details appeared in the December 22 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
When Meraviglia Just Isn't Big Enough, There Will Now Be Meraviglia-Plus
MSC and STX France have finalized the contract converting two options for Meraviglia-class ships to firm orders. The two ships will actually be “Meraviglia-plus-class” ships, progressions from the design of the original two.
These ships will grow from 167,000-grt of the original two, to 177,000-tons. They will also balloon from 2,250 staterooms to 2,450 with a maximum capacity of 6,300 passengers. They will be 1,086 feet in length.
These ships will grow from 167,000-grt of the original two, to 177,000-tons. They will also balloon from 2,250 staterooms to 2,450 with a maximum capacity of 6,300 passengers. They will be 1,086 feet in length.
Details appeared in the December 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.
So Good You'll Want to Do It Again
Occasionally, you come across a commercial that's so good, you want to watch it again, so you do. And maybe even a third time. Cunard just released one like that.
The video supports their new campaign entitled, “Everything you wanted, nothing you expected.”
The video supports their new campaign entitled, “Everything you wanted, nothing you expected.”
The complete story appeared in the December 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Norwegian Has It Right
Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled their May series of cruises to Cuba today and opened them for sale, and it looks like they have the program most travelers probably have in mind when they think about a cruise to Cuba - at least at this point.
Details appeared in the December 20 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Virgin Finalizes Three-Ship Order
Virgin Cruises had a splashy announcement that they were going to order, but today, they quietly signed on the dotted line to finalize the order for three ships from Fincantieri.
The builder said they would be built at their Sestri Ponente yard near Genoa for delivery in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The complete story appeared in the December 20 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The builder said they would be built at their Sestri Ponente yard near Genoa for delivery in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The complete story appeared in the December 20 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Save the Waves Heading Toward Zero Landfill
Last year marked ten years of Royal Caribbean's (RCCL, the parent company) Save the Waves program which focused on reduction of emissions and waste.
The complete story appeared in the December 19 issue of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 19, 2016
CND subscibers also read about:
- The extreme itinerary for lovers of sea days
- Bringing the shoreside shopping aboard in a pop-up shop
Details appeared in the December 19 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Friday, December 16, 2016
In Case You Didn't Get Enough Voting in November ...
A few weeks ago we told you about Carnival Corp's sponsorship of “The New Celebrity Apprentice.” This week the company announced the Celebrity Apprentice Charity Challenge that will allow home viewers to win cruises while supporting the charities chosen by the celebrity contestants.
Now, through the February 13 season finale of "The New Celebrity Apprentice," you can visit ApprenticeCruiseChallenge.com to learn about the celebrities and charities involved in the show. Then cast a vote in support of your favorite. You could be richly rewarded.
The complete story appeared in the December 16 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Now, through the February 13 season finale of "The New Celebrity Apprentice," you can visit ApprenticeCruiseChallenge.com to learn about the celebrities and charities involved in the show. Then cast a vote in support of your favorite. You could be richly rewarded.
The complete story appeared in the December 16 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 16, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- TUI Cruises setting the date and place where Mein Schiff 6 will be named
- MSC's new Wellness Experience and special Weight Watchers sailing
Details appeared in the December 16 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Another Viking in the Water
Stop me if you've heard this one before. Fincantieri has launched another Viking ship. This one, Viking Sun, is the fourth in the series of six ordered, and it was floated today at Fincantieri's Ancona yard.
The complete story appeared in the December 15 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 15, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- Carrie Underwood joining Carnival Live's spring concert series
- A fifth arrest was made in the case of four women who tried to smuggle cocaine into the US aboard Freedom of the Seas last May.
Ovation of the Seas Arrives at Sydney
Watch Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas arrive at Sydney yesterday - a bit faster than it really happened.
Carnival and P&O Australia Swap Ships
P&O Australia today announced that Carnival Splendor would be joining the P&O Australia fleet in late 2019.
But it's not all joyous news. The Australian brand is giving what was to be their first newbuild ever to the Carnival brand for use in North America.
But it's not all joyous news. The Australian brand is giving what was to be their first newbuild ever to the Carnival brand for use in North America.
Details appeared in the December 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Crow's Nest to Fly the Coop
Beginning in April aboard Westerdam, the Crow's Nest on Holland America ships will take on a new role and become Explorations Central.
The lounge will still be there, and so will the bar and coffee bar and the library, but with its new name, Explorations Central, or EXC for short, is going to help customers explore their destination in more depth.
The lounge will still be there, and so will the bar and coffee bar and the library, but with its new name, Explorations Central, or EXC for short, is going to help customers explore their destination in more depth.
The complete story appeared in the December 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.
It's Not Us, It's Them
The latest Carnival brand to realize that customers just aren't comfortable going to Turkey is Princess Cruises.
But before there was Cunard and P&O, and before Holland America, there was Norwegian Cruise Line, but we just didn't know it.
But before there was Cunard and P&O, and before Holland America, there was Norwegian Cruise Line, but we just didn't know it.
The complete story appeared in the December 13 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 13, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- Norwegian Star's propulsion problem
- P&O being very big in produce circles
- A murderer caught on a cruise ship being sent up the river
Details appeared in the December 13 edition of Cruise News Daily
Monday, December 12, 2016
Know Your Booze
Actually at Cunard's level, just as water became wine, booze becomes fine wine and spirits. If you'd like to study the product of that transformation, wine and spirits, Cunard has launched a program with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) to allow Cunard passengers on select voyages to obtain a WSET Level 1 or Level 2 Award (diploma) in one of their certified courses.
The programs are recognized in more than 70 countries and participants range from interested enthusiasts to industry professionals. The partnership with Cunard marks the first time WSET courses will be available to passengers on a transatlantic or round-world cruise line.
The programs are recognized in more than 70 countries and participants range from interested enthusiasts to industry professionals. The partnership with Cunard marks the first time WSET courses will be available to passengers on a transatlantic or round-world cruise line.
The complete story appeared in the December 12 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Do - December 12, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- P&O Australia's new onboard app for passengers
- Crystal's 2017 president cruise
Details appeared in the December 12 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Azamara Includes Havana Call on Existing Voyage
RCCL's Azamara brand also was approved for one sailing to Cuba, and today they opened it for sale and provided some details.
Given Azamara's focus and way of crafting itineraries, this cruise and the limited number of sailings (one) oddly seem to fit Azamara's clientele better than any of the other lines' programs in this recent group of approvals by the Cubans.
Given Azamara's focus and way of crafting itineraries, this cruise and the limited number of sailings (one) oddly seem to fit Azamara's clientele better than any of the other lines' programs in this recent group of approvals by the Cubans.
The complete story appeared in the December 9 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Royal Caribbean Moving Empress of the Seas to Tampa for Cuba Cruises
Royal Caribbean International today detailed the initial limited program the Cuban government approved for their cruises to the island nation. The first will be from Miami, and the other two from Tampa. All, as anticipated, will be aboard Empress of the Seas.
The line said they would position Empress at Tampa for at least the balance of the summer season for four- and five-night cruises. This will be the first time Royal Caribbean has operated from Tampa during the summer season.
The line said they would position Empress at Tampa for at least the balance of the summer season for four- and five-night cruises. This will be the first time Royal Caribbean has operated from Tampa during the summer season.
Details appeared in the December 9 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Cuba as a Port of Call
Until now, most of the talk about cruising to Cuba has been about cruising to Cuba: Taking a cruise that goes to Cuba and seeing Cuba. The assumption has been that once you see Cuba you come home. The single option that has been out there so far, Fathom, has sailed from Miami to three Cuban ports and then returned to Miami.
Yesterday, Oceania's program was one of several approved by the Cuban government, and today they detailed it publicly and opened it for sale. Oceania is the first US-based line to treat Cuba as simply a port of call like they do any other Caribbean port.
Yesterday, Oceania's program was one of several approved by the Cuban government, and today they detailed it publicly and opened it for sale. Oceania is the first US-based line to treat Cuba as simply a port of call like they do any other Caribbean port.
Details appeared in the December 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Holland America Talks Turkey
Holland America Line has made the decision to cancel all port calls in Turkey through 2017.
The move follows a similar announcement by Cunard & P&O Cruises, also owned by Carnival Corp.
While the European-based brands attributed much of their decision based on advisories of the British Foreign Office and US Department of State, Holland America attributed their decision to “guest preferences for alternate ports.”
The complete story appeared in the December 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The move follows a similar announcement by Cunard & P&O Cruises, also owned by Carnival Corp.
While the European-based brands attributed much of their decision based on advisories of the British Foreign Office and US Department of State, Holland America attributed their decision to “guest preferences for alternate ports.”
The complete story appeared in the December 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Everybody to Cuba
This morning, the government in Cuba approved programs to the island by three NCLH brands and two RCCL brands.
Even though these limited programs are the beginning of changing the game in the Caribbean, Cuba didn't fling the doors wide open, and the US rules are still in place.
Updated 3:48pm
Both Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced this afternoon they have received approval from the Cuban government to begin cruises to the country from the US.
NCLH says their Oceania brand will be the first to call on Cuba with Marina on March 7. Seven Seas Mariner of their Regent band will be next with two cruises in April 2017. Norwegian Sky will follow up with a selection of four-day cruises that will overnight in Havana in May.
RCCL said their Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises brands will operate cruises from Florida to Cuba. The company said details will be announced soon.
The cruise itineraries will comply with U.S. Department of Treasury rules that permit travel companies to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in people-to-people activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Even though these limited programs are the beginning of changing the game in the Caribbean, Cuba didn't fling the doors wide open, and the US rules are still in place.
The complete story appeared in the December 7 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Updated 3:48pm
Both Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced this afternoon they have received approval from the Cuban government to begin cruises to the country from the US.
NCLH says their Oceania brand will be the first to call on Cuba with Marina on March 7. Seven Seas Mariner of their Regent band will be next with two cruises in April 2017. Norwegian Sky will follow up with a selection of four-day cruises that will overnight in Havana in May.
RCCL said their Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises brands will operate cruises from Florida to Cuba. The company said details will be announced soon.
Details will appear in today's edition of Cruise News Daily.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Another Year without Turkey
Cunard said today there will be no Turkey on Thanksgiving in 2017 - and no Turkey any other day of the year on any of their ships. The line has again canceled all calls to all Turkish ports in 2017 due to safety concerns.
Sister line P&O agreed and did likewise.
Sister line P&O agreed and did likewise.
The complete story appeared in the December 6 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Sticking with Tampa Bay
Carnival Corp brands will continue to operate from Port Tampa Bay for another five years. The port last week signed an agreement with the world's largest cruise company that covers their Carnival and Holland America brands to continue sailing from the Florida port through 2021.
The complete story appeared in the December 6 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Just a Sample
Carnival's German brand, AIDA, has a program that the its sister lines should consider. People living near Hamburg, Kiel or Warnemunde who have always wanted to go on a cruise have an opportunity to see what it's like without committing to going on a whole cruise. Likewise there might be other cruise fans who just want to see what a megaliner (AIDA's newest ship, AIDAprima) is like.
Details appeared in the December 6 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The Way to Start the Holidays and New Year Off Right
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd has declared a 48-cent-per-share dividend. The quarterly dividend is payable on January 5, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 21, 2016. Payments should arrive just about the same time as the holiday bills.
This item appeared in the December 6 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Don't Pull That Han....
Grand Princess' current voyage is being cut short because of an unusual incident aboard the ship last week during a Hawaiian cruise.
The ship had departed Maui en route back to the Mainland when a tender platform on the starboard side unexpectedly opened and was damaged. The damage prevented the platform from being reclosed, and it also caused minor damage to the hull.
The ship had departed Maui en route back to the Mainland when a tender platform on the starboard side unexpectedly opened and was damaged. The damage prevented the platform from being reclosed, and it also caused minor damage to the hull.
Details appeared in the December 5 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Costa Is Getting Cheesy
Last May we told you about the first fresh mozzarella being made aboard Costa Diadema as part of a pilot project that would see the Italian specialty being made fresh aboard all Costa ships by the end of next year. Since then, the project has expanded to Costa Favolosa, and they have a partner, Italian cheesemaker Latteria del Curatino.
Now the cheesemakers aboard the two ships are popping out enough balls of exquisite fresh buffalo mozzarella each day to satisfy the appetites of all the passengers, and the cheesemaking is ready to ooze out onto the other six Costa ships as fast as mozzarella oozes on a hot grill in the sun.
Now the cheesemakers aboard the two ships are popping out enough balls of exquisite fresh buffalo mozzarella each day to satisfy the appetites of all the passengers, and the cheesemaking is ready to ooze out onto the other six Costa ships as fast as mozzarella oozes on a hot grill in the sun.
In the (silent) video below you can watch Costa cheesemakers at work aboard a Costa ship making the fresh buffalo mozzarella.
The complete story appeared in the December 5 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Anniversary Surprise
2017 is going to be the twentieth anniversary of Holland America's private island in the Bahamas, Half Moon Cay. To celebrate, the line has opened the Lobster Shack, a new premium outdoor restaurant on the island.
Details appeared in the December 2 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Additional photos on our Pinterest board
Photo courtesy of Holland America Line. All rights reserved.
Details appeared in the December 2 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Surprise! The Lobster Shack serves only lobster. |
Photo courtesy of Holland America Line. All rights reserved.
Not Everything that Pops aboard Celebrity Is a Weasel
Just in time for the holidays, there's a new shopping experience aboard a couple of Celebrity ships. Online shopping retailer Gilt.com is opening pop-up shops aboard Celebrity Silhouette and Celebrity Reflection. The shops will be operating from December 3 to January 29.
The complete story appeared in the December 2 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - December 2, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- The first steel being cut for MSC Bellissima
- The keel being laid for Seaboun Ovation
Details appeared in the December 2 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Employee Actions Cost Princess $40 Million Fine
Princess Cruises has agreed to plead guilty to seven felony counts related to Princess crew members deliberately polluting and then covering it up. Princess will pay a $40 million fine, but all Carnival brands calling at US ports (eight lines) are being required to take remedial action to ensure it won't happen again, and they will be monitored by the government for five years.
The fine is the largest ever imposed for intentional polluting by maritime vessels. The acts were performed by crew members apparently believing they were being directed by other mid-level management employees to save the company money. Carnival had policies in place prohibiting the practices in which the employees were engaging, and there were procedures in place to monitor what was being discharged from the ships. The problem for Princess and Carnival was that the employees were circumventing these, and management's actual oversight was insufficient to catch the violations.
The fine is the largest ever imposed for intentional polluting by maritime vessels. The acts were performed by crew members apparently believing they were being directed by other mid-level management employees to save the company money. Carnival had policies in place prohibiting the practices in which the employees were engaging, and there were procedures in place to monitor what was being discharged from the ships. The problem for Princess and Carnival was that the employees were circumventing these, and management's actual oversight was insufficient to catch the violations.
The complete story appeared in the December 1 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Readying a Home
Earlier this week we told you that Fincantieri had floated out MSC Seaside over the weekend. Now MSC and PortMiami have begun expanding and upgrading what will be the ship's new home at its Miami home port.
In a major event today, ground was broken at PortMiami today for the new construction.
This video shows a bit of the construction of MSC Seaside as well as last weekend's float out, a bit of the ship and some of the plans for the new Terminal F at PortMiami.
Warning: This video contains several flashes and fast cuts to other scenes. Those who are sensitive to such things should consider this before viewing it.
In a major event today, ground was broken at PortMiami today for the new construction.
This video shows a bit of the construction of MSC Seaside as well as last weekend's float out, a bit of the ship and some of the plans for the new Terminal F at PortMiami.
The complete story appeared in the November 30 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Warning: This video contains several flashes and fast cuts to other scenes. Those who are sensitive to such things should consider this before viewing it.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 30, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- Fincantieri delivering Seabourn Encore
- Carnival Corp sponsoring the two-part finale or the New Celebrity Apprentice hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger
- P&O Australia inviting their passengers to "have one for the Reef."
Details appeared in the November 30 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
There's Something You Haven't Seen in a Long Time
If you've been sittin' on the dock of the bay, as the song says, and that bay is in the Caribbean, it's been a long time - four years - since you've seen a big, white Princess ship in the summer. But in the summer of 2018, you'll keep seeing Caribbean Princess coming over the horizon all summer long.
With many Americans wanting to vacation closer to home, this is the time for Princess to stay in the Caribbean year round again.
With many Americans wanting to vacation closer to home, this is the time for Princess to stay in the Caribbean year round again.
Details appeared in the November 29 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Checking Things Out
It's only a few days until delivery of Seabourn Encore, and Carnival Chairman Micky Arison was spotted aboard yesterday checking things out.
One of the places he saw was the recently-announced restaurant named Sushi. It's Seabourn's first dedicated sushi restaurant. (What are the chances?)
The complete story appeared in the November 29 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photos courtesy of Seabourn Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
One of the places he saw was the recently-announced restaurant named Sushi. It's Seabourn's first dedicated sushi restaurant. (What are the chances?)
The complete story appeared in the November 29 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Carnival Chairman Micky Arison congratulates Seabourn President Rick Meadows on the completion of Seaboun Encore. |
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| Sushi will be Seabourn's first dedicated sushi restaurant. |
Monday, November 28, 2016
Fathom Ending Cuba Program
Last Wednesday, Carnival Corp let it be known that there are going to be changes coming to their highly touted Cuban cruises, but Carnival isn't ready to put all the details out there yet. The main point they put out there is that the Cuban cruises will be operated by another Carnival brand beginning in the second half of 2017, subject to Cuban approval. Adonia will return to P&O and resume programs for them similar to what it was doing before it was “loaned” to Fathom.
That's about all Carnival was willing to say on the record, but it tells us lots, and it shouldn't be that surprising, because it seems to have been setting up for months.
That's about all Carnival was willing to say on the record, but it tells us lots, and it shouldn't be that surprising, because it seems to have been setting up for months.
The complete story appeared in the November 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
MSC Seaside Floated Out
Fincantieri floated out MSC Seaside at their Monfalcone yard on Saturday. The event marks the end of the construction phase of the 160,000-ton ship.
When the valves were opened in the dry dock, the ship touched water for the first time. Once it was floating, it was towed to finishing dock where it will remain until it goes on sea trials.
Details appeared in the November 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
When the valves were opened in the dry dock, the ship touched water for the first time. Once it was floating, it was towed to finishing dock where it will remain until it goes on sea trials.
Details appeared in the November 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photos courtesy of MSC Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Going Big(ger) in Alaska
It's official. If you go to Alaska in 2018, don't bother trying to take a picture of anything, because there will be a Princess ship in the way. Wherever you look, Princess ship. The state will be full of Princess ships, because it will be the line's largest deployment ever there, and it all goes on sale December 1.
For 2018, Princess is posting a whopping 15% capacity increase in Alaska.
For 2018, Princess is posting a whopping 15% capacity increase in Alaska.
Details appeared in the November 22 issue of Cruise News Daily.
Dangerous Day for Shore Excursions in New Zealand
In an unusual occurrence today, two people died within 45 minutes of each other in separate accidents on separate shore excursions from the same ship.
The incidents occurred while Celebrity Solstice was docked at Tauranga, New Zealand.
The incidents occurred while Celebrity Solstice was docked at Tauranga, New Zealand.
The complete story appeared in the November 22 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Work Begins on Celebrity Edge
The first steel was cut today for another new ship, but not just any new ship. This will be the fist of the new Edge class for Celebrity, named Celebrity Edge, scheduled for delivery in the fall of 2018.
The event took place at the STX France yard at Saint- Nazaire. At today's steel cutting it was revealed that the second ship in the Edge class will be named Celebrity Beyond. It will enter service in the spring of 2020.
The event took place at the STX France yard at Saint- Nazaire. At today's steel cutting it was revealed that the second ship in the Edge class will be named Celebrity Beyond. It will enter service in the spring of 2020.
The complete story appeared in the November 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photo courtesy of Celerity Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
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| Shown from left to right: Jean-Yves Jaouen, Operations Senior Vice President, STX France; Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President Newbuild and Innovation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.; Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.; Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises; Laurent Castaing, General Manager, STX France |
Photo courtesy of Celerity Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 21, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
- Norwegian Cruise Line chose Chinese pop star Wang Leehom as godfather of Norwegian Joy which will be based in China.
- MV Werften chose MAN Diesel & Turbo to supply the engines for Star Cruises' two World-class ships.
Details appeared in the November 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| NCLH China President, David J. Herrera and Norwegian Joy Godfather, Wang Leehom |
Friday, November 18, 2016
Remodeled Terminal 10 Ready to Open at Canaveral
Port Canaveral is having a record-breaking month. In the first two weeks, 35 cruise ships have visited the port. Those include ships both turning around, which are homeported there, and ships just on port-of-call stops.
This weekend the port is reopening Cruise Terminal 10 after an extensive expansion and renovation which enlarge it enough that it can handle Norwegian Epic, which made its debut at the port last week, and will be homeported there for the next two winter seasons.
This weekend the port is reopening Cruise Terminal 10 after an extensive expansion and renovation which enlarge it enough that it can handle Norwegian Epic, which made its debut at the port last week, and will be homeported there for the next two winter seasons.
Details appeared in the November 18 edition of Cruise News Daily.
You May Not Actually Be Cruising to Amsterdam Much Longer
You know how sailing into Amsterdam is such a great experience? You dock right in the middle of things near Central Station. Well, that experience may soon be going away. The city may move the cruise terminal somewhere outside the center.
The complete story appeared in the November 18 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Worth Waiting For
Today was a big day on Harvest Caye because after more than a year delay, Norwegian Dawn was the first cruise ship to call today, opening the island for a steady stream of Norwegian passengers sailing in the western Caribbean.
The complete story appeared in the November 17 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
The complete story appeared in the November 17 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Magaritaville LandShark Bar & Grill and Harvest Caye pool |
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| The vast 15,000-square-foot Harvest Caye pool |
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| The huge beach at Harvest Caye |
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| FlightHouse and lagoon |
A Special Welcome for Emerald Princess
Early Tuesday morning, Emerald Princess glided into Sydney Harbor, but she wasn't unnoticed. She was greeted by a row of green flames (connecting with Emerald Princess and the Emerald City, get it?) as she slid by the iconic Sydney landmarks.
This wasn't just a port call. Emerald Princess will be homeported at Sydney all summer (in Australia) long - until April during which time she will sail 13 times to New Zealand, the South Pacific and Tasmania.
The 113,000-ton Emerald Princess is the largest of the five ships Princess has based in Australia this year. Giving her special appeal is that aboard is the new SHARE restaurant created by Australian celebrity chef Curtis Stone.
Check out the Australian welcome for Emerald Princess.
This wasn't just a port call. Emerald Princess will be homeported at Sydney all summer (in Australia) long - until April during which time she will sail 13 times to New Zealand, the South Pacific and Tasmania.
The 113,000-ton Emerald Princess is the largest of the five ships Princess has based in Australia this year. Giving her special appeal is that aboard is the new SHARE restaurant created by Australian celebrity chef Curtis Stone.
Check out the Australian welcome for Emerald Princess.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
New Orleans Again Tops 1 Million
During his annual State of the Port Address today, New Orleans Port president Gary LaGrange said, “The Port is on target to top one million passengers for the third straight year. Cruise lines are investing in bigger and better ships in New Orleans and we’re attracting more and more unique cruise ship calls to New Orleans as a destination city on a cruise itinerary.”
Details appeared in the November 16 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Sarah Brightman to Name Seabourn Encore
“Encore” is a word soprano Sarah Brightman is used to hearing often. She will use it herself when she names Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Encore, in Singapore on January 7. The evening naming ceremony will take place just before the ship departs on its 10-day inaugural voyage to Indonesia.
Details are in the November 16 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Details are in the November 16 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Sarah Brightman |
Genting Dream Arrives Home
Genting Dream arrived at its home port of Hong Kong on Monday, ready to begin its pattern of two-night weekend cruises and five-night voyages to Vietnam. The event marked the first time a ship of this size (151,300 tons) has been homeported at Hong Kong.
The complete story appeared in the November 16 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Genting Dream arriving Hong Kong |
Photo courtesy of Dream Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied o used without express permission.
The One-Minute Tour of Harmony of the Seas
Harmony of the Seas is now homeported at Port Everglades. Take a quick look around.
(Caution: There are many quick cuts and flashing images in this video.)
(Caution: There are many quick cuts and flashing images in this video.)
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
AIDA Adds Winter Ice Rink to AIDAprima
AIDA is doing things a bit differently than most cruise lines. Their big, new AIDAprima is homeported at Hamburg, where it's cold in the winter. Its seven-night itinerary remains in northern Europe where it's cold throughout the whole cruise during the winter season. Passengers enjoy the ship's varied indoor resort features and the major cities at which it calls (Southampton, La Havre, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam, and two sea days).
Since the top deck isn't going to get any usage this winter, AIDA has built a 2,100 square foot ice rink up there, 40 meters above the sea. Not only that, but they've partnered with the Holiday on Ice ice show for all sorts of events on the rink.
Since the top deck isn't going to get any usage this winter, AIDA has built a 2,100 square foot ice rink up there, 40 meters above the sea. Not only that, but they've partnered with the Holiday on Ice ice show for all sorts of events on the rink.
Details appeared in the November 15 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photos courtesy of AIDA Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
Monday, November 14, 2016
Coming in January
Carnival Corp CEO Arnold Donald will give the opening keynote address at CES 2017 in Las Vegas on January 5. He'll be telling attendees about an entirely new experience coming for customers of Carnival's brands.
The complete story appeared in the November 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The complete story appeared in the November 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Bringing the Ship to the Customers
Crystal said today they will redeploy their ultra-luxury yacht, Crystal Esprit, to the Caribbean in late 2017 and all of 2018.
Crystal made the decision based on customer feedback that said they would prefer to have the ship in a more easily accessible location rather than exotic locales.
Details appeared in the November 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Crystal made the decision based on customer feedback that said they would prefer to have the ship in a more easily accessible location rather than exotic locales.
Details appeared in the November 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Crystal Esprit and its submarine |
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Norwegian Returns to Canaveral with Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Epic arrived at Port Canaveral on Saturday for a winter season of Caribbean/Bahamas sailing that will run though March, but Norwegian has committed to bringing the ship back again in November. At 155,873 grt, Norwegian Epic is one of the largest and most feature-rich ship ever to homeport at Port Canaveral.
The complete story will appear in the November 14 edition of Cruise News Daily
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
The complete story will appear in the November 14 edition of Cruise News Daily
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| Norwegian Epic at Port Canaveral |
Friday, November 11, 2016
Give Me Liberty, or Give Me ....
Apparently the word is “Valor.” Carnival has apparently decided that Carnival Liberty's mechanical problems are going to persist and will not be repaired as the ship sails during this cruise as advertised. The line announced the next three sailings from Galveston will sail at slower speeds on modified itineraries, and next month the ship will be swapped for the properly-functioning sister ship, Carnival Valor.
The complete story appeared in the November 11 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Giving the Queen Her Power
The New York Economic Development Corp announced that shore power is ready and waiting for the first cruise ship to dock at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal that has a big ole cord hanging out the side.
Brooklyn is only the second cruise terminal on the East Coast to have shore power capability.
Brooklyn is only the second cruise terminal on the East Coast to have shore power capability.
Details appeared in the November 11 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Does anybody care that they named the Something of the Seas?
The largest cruise ship in the world was named at Port Everglades yesterday, and it has received practically no media coverage.
It's either a colossal public relations failure, or nobody cares about big, new ships anymore.
It's either a colossal public relations failure, or nobody cares about big, new ships anymore.
The complete story appeared in the November 11 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.
Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean International.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Sailing Slowly Away
Carnival Liberty sailed from Galveston tonight after having to cancel two sailings due to technical difficulties with the ship's generators. The line previously announced that sailings through this one would have to operate with modified itineraries to accommodated the slower cruising speeds necessary while they were making repairs.
Details appeared in the November 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Azura Passenger Dies in Excursion Accident
One British cruise passenger died on Dominica yesterday when the excursion van in which he was riding with 11 others ran head-on into another car. Nine others were also injured in the van which was carrying a total of 12 people.
Details appeared in the November 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Thank You for Your Service
Princess Cruises is the Official Cruise Line of the Seattle Seahawks, and Monday night at the Seahawks game, they honored military veterans Matthew and Brittney Linville for their service in the Army by awarding the couple a free seven-day cruise. The couple's service to the United States includes deployment to Iraq.
The complete story appeared in the November 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Mobile's Fantasy
The city of Mobile had a fantasy, and that was the return of cruise ships to once again dock at their modern, purpose-built cruise terminal. Today Mobile's fantasy came true when Carnival Fantasy arrived at the Alabama Cruise Terminal for a year-long series of short cruises to Mexico.
The complete story appeared in the November 9 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
The complete story appeared in the November 9 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Carnival Fantasy at the Alabama Cruise Terminal at Mobile today |
Other Things You'll Want to Know - November 9, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- The first steel was cut for the fourth ship in the Royal Princess series.
- Two passengers from P&O's Oriana successfully fought off an armed gunman in New Orleans.
- Houston's former cruise terminal is about to take on a new role.
Details appeared in the November 9 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Carnival Will Know Who You Are
Carnival Corp has completed a successful test using INTERPOL's I-Checkit system to verify travel documents authenticity and verify they haven't been reported lost or stolen anywhere in the world. Approval was granted today by INTERPOL's General Assembly for Carnival Corp to be the first maritime company to use the system and expand use across the 10 Carnival brands and their 101 ships.
The complete story appeared in the November 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Under the Hood
MAN Diesel & Turbo has won the contract to provide engines for three ships being built by Fincantieri for Costa Asia and P&O Australia.
Details appeared in the November 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Common-rail MAN V48/60CR Tier-II compliant engines similar to those ordered by Costa Asia and P&O Cruises Australia |
Photo courtesy of MAN Diesel & Turbo. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Monday, November 7, 2016
It's Ready
Celebrity Xploration is back from dry dock, and the line is ready to begin accepting reservations for its Galapagos' program beginning March 25.
Celebrity Xploration is one of the premium line's acquisitions in Ecuador that will give passengers a quite different experience in exploring the protected habitat. The ship is a catamaran that accommodates just 16 passengers.
Celebrity Xploration is one of the premium line's acquisitions in Ecuador that will give passengers a quite different experience in exploring the protected habitat. The ship is a catamaran that accommodates just 16 passengers.
Details appeared in the November 7 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Seabourn Encore Nearing Delivery
This afternoon Seabourn Encore returned to the Fincantieri yard at Marghera after successfully completing its final three-day set of sea trials in the Adriatic off the coast of Italy.
Photo courtesy of Seabourn Cruises. All rights reserve. May not be copied or used without permission.
Photo courtesy of Seabourn Cruises. All rights reserve. May not be copied or used without permission.
Carnival Liberty Still in Galveston
Last week Carnival Liberty canceled Monday's sailing after developing a technical problem on the previous cruise that limited its cruising speed. An additional problem was discovered during the repairs, and it was hoped the ship would be repaired enough that it could sail on Saturday's cruise with a modified itinerary.
On Friday, however, the ship was still not able to sail and Saturday's sailing was canceled. It is now hoped the ship will be able to sail on Thursday (November 10). That will be a four-night cruise with a modified itinerary calling at Progreso rather than Cozumel.
On Friday, however, the ship was still not able to sail and Saturday's sailing was canceled. It is now hoped the ship will be able to sail on Thursday (November 10). That will be a four-night cruise with a modified itinerary calling at Progreso rather than Cozumel.
The complete story appeared in the November 8 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Harmony of the Seas Makes US Debut at Port Everglades
After meeting with her two sisters off the Florida coast on Friday, Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas came on into Port Everglades on Saturday to make her US debut on Saturday.
Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean International. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean International. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Friday, November 4, 2016
Carnival Vista Gets Its Name
After sailing the Mediterranean this summer, Carnival Vista is making a stopover in New York on its way to its new Miami home port. In addition to a couple of sailings from there the main reason for the New York visit is to be officially named today.
The naming ceremony was part of a larger gala event honoring Operation Homefront military families which featured a concert aboard for them by seven-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood.
The naming ceremony was part of a larger gala event honoring Operation Homefront military families which featured a concert aboard for them by seven-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood.
The complete story appeared in the November 4 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Carnival Vista captain Luigi De Angelis and Deshauna Barber pour champagne over the ship's bell signaling the release of the bottle of champagne against the hull.
And a blast from the past. Kathie Lee Gifford dropped in to help Carnival celebrate. Here she is shown with Micky and Madeline Arison, along with Carrie Underwood who performed a concert aboard the ship for Operation Homefront military families.
This photo was actually taken the day before. Carnival Vista's officers are all smiles after the ship received its US Coast Guard certificate. Of course, getting your picture taken with the boss helps too.
Photos courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Big Meeting
Meanwhile, today, off the coast of Florida, there was probably the biggest meeting in the cruise industry.
The three largest cruise ships in the world met for a photo op on the eve of Harmony of the Seas' first arrival in the US.
This story appeared in the November 4 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The three largest cruise ships in the world met for a photo op on the eve of Harmony of the Seas' first arrival in the US.
This story appeared in the November 4 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas lined up today off the south Florida coast. |
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| Harmony's crew turns out on the bow to see the event. Allure of the Seas can be seen ahead. |
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| The ships are beginning to line up for the family photo. Here the other two ships are seen from the bridge of Harmony of he Seas. |
Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean International. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Carnival Expands Year Round Capacity in Tampa and Long Beach
Carnival will upgrade their programs in two key markets, one on each side of the country, in early 2018.
The moves will expand Carnival's dominance in the Tampa and Long Beach markets. Both ships will offer lengthy repositioning cruises via the Panama Canal.
The moves will expand Carnival's dominance in the Tampa and Long Beach markets. Both ships will offer lengthy repositioning cruises via the Panama Canal.
The complete story appeared in the November 3 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Everyone Will Have a Chance to Do Good
Just a week after hearing the enormous impact Fathom Cruise Line has had during its calls at the Dominican Republic, Fathom's parent, Carnival Corp, has decided that Fathom's shore excursions in the DR should be opened to all their brands calling there.
Amber Cove has already become a popular leisure resort style call for passengers sailing on the Carnival brands, but this month, passengers will be able to purchase a social impact excursion similar to what Fathom offers there. Those brands include AIDA, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa, Holland America, Princess and P&O Cruises UK.
Amber Cove has already become a popular leisure resort style call for passengers sailing on the Carnival brands, but this month, passengers will be able to purchase a social impact excursion similar to what Fathom offers there. Those brands include AIDA, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa, Holland America, Princess and P&O Cruises UK.
The complete story appeared in the November 2 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Speeding through Port Everglades
Last summer we told you Port Everglades was testing it. Now it's in place, and you can use it to speed through Customs.
Port Everglades is the only seaport approved for passengers to use US Customs & Border Protection's Mobile Passport Control program.
Port Everglades is the only seaport approved for passengers to use US Customs & Border Protection's Mobile Passport Control program.
Details appeared in the November 2 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
The Best Little Bistro in China
When Majestic Princess heads to China, it will be filled with things Chinese people want when they go on vacation. Some of those will be doing things the way they're used to in the dining room, for example, but one thing they want is international experiences.
With that in mind, Majestic Princess will have the finest Parisian bistro east of the Champs-Elysees. Not only that but it comes as a result of a new partnership with three-Michelin-star French chef Emmanuel Renaut. The Chinese will eat it up - literally.
With that in mind, Majestic Princess will have the finest Parisian bistro east of the Champs-Elysees. Not only that but it comes as a result of a new partnership with three-Michelin-star French chef Emmanuel Renaut. The Chinese will eat it up - literally.
The complete story appeared in the November 1 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Carnival Liberty Troubles Grow
Passengers boarded Carnival Liberty last night after dinner, after being kept waiting all day in Galveston. The ship was arriving about twelve hours late due to “technical issues” that had it sailing way below its normal cruising speed. Along the way they were told a port was going to be dropped from their cruise, but they were getting a nice compensation package. All would be well though, because they would wake up Tuesday morning to a leisurely sea day, and they next day they would have the full day in Cozumel.
When they woke up this morning and pulled back the curtains to go out on their balcony and await their breakfast being delivered, instead of the wide-open sea, they saw the Galveston port around them. They also found a letter telling them to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then get off the ship, nicely worded, of course. Carnival Liberty wasn't going anywhere today.
When they woke up this morning and pulled back the curtains to go out on their balcony and await their breakfast being delivered, instead of the wide-open sea, they saw the Galveston port around them. They also found a letter telling them to enjoy a leisurely breakfast and then get off the ship, nicely worded, of course. Carnival Liberty wasn't going anywhere today.
Details appeared in the November 1 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Monday, October 31, 2016
There Will Be a Slight Adjustment
As you know, Crystal has been on a major run of expansion. They are expanding in many directions, and with that comes many new customers. As the line learns about those new customers, that knowledge is going to influence and change the way the company grows. Already today the company said they are making a change based on what they know about their new customers.
The complete story appeared in the October 31 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Carnival Limp-erty
The 11-year-old Carnival Liberty limped into Galveston this afternoon, almost twelve hours late, at the end of a four-night cruise to Cozumel with an unspecified “technical issue.” The issue is apparently affecting the propulsion system because Carnival said it is affecting the ship's maximum cruising speed, and it was assisted into port at Galveston by two tugboats.
Carnival said repairs are underway but they will take “some time” to complete. They will affect the voyage that will leave today, because Carnival issued a revised itinerary, but they could not say how many more will be affected.
Carnival said repairs are underway but they will take “some time” to complete. They will affect the voyage that will leave today, because Carnival issued a revised itinerary, but they could not say how many more will be affected.
Details appeared in the October 31 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Bliss in Germany
Last Friday, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Frank Del Ruso pushed the button at Meyer's Laser Center in Papenburg to start the computer-controlled plasma torch cutting the first piece of steel for newbuild S.707, which eventually be named Norwegian Bliss.
Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express pemission.
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| Meyer's computer-controlled plasma torch makes the first ceremonial cuts |
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| Bernard Meyer and Frank Del Ruso (left) hold the first ceremonial cutting |
Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express pemission.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Halloween Meets the (Carnival) Spirit World in Sydney
Carnival Spirit arrived Sydney this morning and in honor of the American celebration of Halloween, it was met by a group of witches and a giant spider.
Photos and video courtesy of James Morgan. Video produced and directed by Daniel Coolahan. All rights reserved.
Photos and video courtesy of James Morgan. Video produced and directed by Daniel Coolahan. All rights reserved.
Friday, October 28, 2016
China Will Wait - Again
Carnival Cruise Line has decided Carnival Spirit will now remain in Australia year round during 2018 due to the strength of Australian demand. The ship will not go to China during the northern summer.
Details appeared in the October 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Your Chance to Judge Others
It's that time of year again. It's the time when fans of top entertainment should mark their calendar and make a reservation on Princess.
Princess Cruises has chosen the four finalists in their Entertainer of the Year competition, and they will all perform aboard Ruby Princess' February 25th seven-night cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico. After seeing a show performed by each, the passengers will select the winner.
Princess Cruises has chosen the four finalists in their Entertainer of the Year competition, and they will all perform aboard Ruby Princess' February 25th seven-night cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico. After seeing a show performed by each, the passengers will select the winner.
The complete story appeared in the October 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
P&O Provides Details on New Ship
At a major presentation last night in London, P&O Cruises began to pull back the curtain slightly to give the world a small peek at the new 180,000-ton ship they will put into service in 2020.
Like when they introduced Britannia, it's obvious they've spent a lot of time considering what British travelers are going to want in the future, and to meet those desires, P&O adding new concepts and updating others. They've already partnered with top interior architects to create a striking new ship.
Details appeared in the October 27 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Like when they introduced Britannia, it's obvious they've spent a lot of time considering what British travelers are going to want in the future, and to meet those desires, P&O adding new concepts and updating others. They've already partnered with top interior architects to create a striking new ship.
Details appeared in the October 27 edition of Cruise News Daily.
A Whale of a Ship
Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled the hull artwork today for Norwegian Bliss, the 167,800-ton Breakaway Plus-class ship that will begin sailing from Seattle to Alaska in 2018.
Called “Cruising with the Whales,” the mural features the image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centerpiece of the design, created by marine life artist Wyland.
Called “Cruising with the Whales,” the mural features the image of a mother humpback whale and her calf as the centerpiece of the design, created by marine life artist Wyland.
The complete story appeared in the October 28 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Copyright Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied of used without permission.
Copyright Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied of used without permission.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Not Ready Yet
Norwegian Cruise Line has decided to delay the reopening of Great Stirrup Cay until November 20.
The island has been closed since August 25 for improvements that are part of the Norwegian Edge program.
The island has been closed since August 25 for improvements that are part of the Norwegian Edge program.
Details appeared in the October 26 edition of Cruise News Daily.
What Good Comes from the “Other” Itinerary?
Most all the focus these days on Carnival's Fathom brand is on their cruises from Miami to Cuba. Many people seem to have forgotten Fathom's roots before Cuba approved their every-other-week program to that island. On the other weeks Fathom still go to the Dominican Republic where passengers still do social impact programs and meet the people of the DR.
In 13 sailings to the DR, Fathom passengers have had a lasting impact on the people of the DR. The line has compiled some impressive figures.
In 13 sailings to the DR, Fathom passengers have had a lasting impact on the people of the DR. The line has compiled some impressive figures.
The complete story appeared in the October 26 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Disney Sets Early 2018 Programs
Disney will again keep their original ships on the move in 2018, basing them for short times in different cities to give their fans a broad range of itineraries and destinations.
The complete story appeared in the October 25 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 25, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- Royal Caribbean choosing a "hometown hero" as godmother for Harmony of the Seas.
- Royal Princess arriving on US shores as the first Princess ship to be painted in the line's new livery.
Details appeared in the October 25 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Royal Princess in the line's new livery |
Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
Sky Walking on Harmony
Royal Caribbean gives us a sneak peak at another eye-popping special effect that will be a feature of an upcoming show. This one will be aboard Harmony of the Seas.
Monday, October 24, 2016
The Coast Guard Works Even in the Middle of the Night
While most passengers were asleep aboard Carnival Imagination last night, the US Coast Guard was flying above it saving the life of an 87-year-old female passenger. Imagination's crew contacted the Coast Guard's watchstanders at San Diego about 12:45am Monday morning reporting the woman had a head injury sustained in a fall and she was experiencing seizures.
The Coast Guard flight surgeon recommended that the patient be medevaced and taken to a hospital for emergency care. A little more than two hours later, a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was above the deck of Carnival Imagination hoisting the woman aboard about 58 miles off the California coast. About an hour later she was on shore in an ambulance being taken to a San Diego hospital.
In the video below you can see the rescue swimmer being lowered to the deck, the patient being hoisted and the rescue swimmer coming up. Note how steady the Coast Guard pilot keeps the helicopter positioned over the deck.
This story appeared in the October 24 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The Coast Guard flight surgeon recommended that the patient be medevaced and taken to a hospital for emergency care. A little more than two hours later, a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was above the deck of Carnival Imagination hoisting the woman aboard about 58 miles off the California coast. About an hour later she was on shore in an ambulance being taken to a San Diego hospital.
In the video below you can see the rescue swimmer being lowered to the deck, the patient being hoisted and the rescue swimmer coming up. Note how steady the Coast Guard pilot keeps the helicopter positioned over the deck.
This story appeared in the October 24 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 24, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
Photos copyright AIDA Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.
- The crew of Holland America's Veendam was honored for the January 2015 rescue of a downed pilot 225 miles off the coast of Maui.
- Carnival Corp renewed Arnold Donald's employment contract for a year beyond his initial three-year contract. In the future it will be renewed automatically for one-year periods. Last year Mr. Donald's total compensation was a little more than $9.3 million.
- Princess Cruises confirmed to CND that Pacific Princess will return to service on Friday following the damage to the ship while arriving at Marseille earlier this month.
- The Sun Deck of AIDAluna was the setting for a fashion show by Jessica Minh Anh while it was docked in Manhattan Sunday. Later that evening the ship left on a 14-cruise along the East Coast of the US and Caribbean.
Details appeared in the October 24 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Fashion show by Jessica Minh Anh aboard AIDAluna in New York |
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| Jessica Minh Anh's and AIDA Captain Mey |
Friday, October 21, 2016
WPD Only Comes Once a Year
There will be pasta for dinner on Tuesday. I know because it's World Pasta Day, and it's required.
And somewhere it's going to be celebrated to the max is aboard all Costa ships worldwide. Would you expect less from a company who has partnered with Barilla, the world's leading pasta maker?
And somewhere it's going to be celebrated to the max is aboard all Costa ships worldwide. Would you expect less from a company who has partnered with Barilla, the world's leading pasta maker?
The complete story appeared in the October 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 21, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- Marvel Super Heros to sail aboard Disney Magic from New York next fall.
- Bar Harbor keeping their limit in place on the number of cruise passengers they accept on any one day.
- Holland America more than doubling the number of passengers they plan to bring to San Diego this year.
Details appeared in the October 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| Marvel Super Heros will sail aboard Disney Magic next fall |
Something's Cooking at HAL
When: Saturday, October 22, 2016 - 1pm Pacific time - 4pm Eastern time
Holland America is marking their new partnership with America's Test Kitchen with a live broadcast and cooking demonstration (just like you'll find on the HAL ships) on the Holland America Facebook page.
Shipboard hosts Carol Kitchen and Barbara Mills Schuchardt will join America’s Test Kitchen's Christie Morrison for a brief cooking demonstration and you can watch from the comfort of wherever you can access the internet. (Yes, even on your smart phone while you're in the grocery store.)
Holland America is marking their new partnership with America's Test Kitchen with a live broadcast and cooking demonstration (just like you'll find on the HAL ships) on the Holland America Facebook page.
Shipboard hosts Carol Kitchen and Barbara Mills Schuchardt will join America’s Test Kitchen's Christie Morrison for a brief cooking demonstration and you can watch from the comfort of wherever you can access the internet. (Yes, even on your smart phone while you're in the grocery store.)
Thursday, October 20, 2016
P&O Sets Oriana Refit Plans
P&O Cruises has released details of the extensive work they plan to do aboard Oriana when it goes into a three-week dry dock at Hamburg at the end of November. The trick will be to rejuvenate the ship's decor while staying true to its elegant and traditional design.
The complete story appeared in the October 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The complete story appeared in the October 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 20, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- Four women who thought they were getting a free cruise aboard Freedom of the Seas but were actually supposed to carry drugs into the US were sentenced today in US federal court.
- When AIDAluna called at Norfolk, like in every port, many of their passengers set off on bicycles to see the sights, and it was surprising what they wanted to see in Norfolk.
- Investors will get their quarterly dividend from Carnival Corp just in time for holiday shopping.
Details appeared in the October 20 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Silversea Reveals Dining Options aboard Silver Muse
With only six months to go before it enters service, Silversea today began detailing some of the dining that will be available aboard their new flagship, Silver Muse.
In the cruise industry, Silver Muse is seen as a small ship, but by culinary offerings, Silversea says it is probably the largest ship in the world. Eight restaurants will offer an array of culinary experiences, some favorites of Silversea passengers and some brand new offerings.
In the cruise industry, Silver Muse is seen as a small ship, but by culinary offerings, Silversea says it is probably the largest ship in the world. Eight restaurants will offer an array of culinary experiences, some favorites of Silversea passengers and some brand new offerings.
The complete story appeared in the October 19 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 19, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- A former cabin steward convicted of a brutal attack on a passenger getting his sentence explained and being sent back to jail.
- Pacific Princess going in for repair
- Royal Caribbean working on a new signature event for Anthem of the Seas code-named "Flash Bang." It will be a 3D virtual reality event where you won't have to wear any glasses. A video tease is below.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Well, This Is Going to Be Different
Not many cruise line corporate announcements feature two bathing-suit-clad girls dancing on deck chairs, but it's a sign this cruise line is going to be different. The still-to-be Virgin Cruises had summoned the media to a swanky Miami Beach hotel today to update the industry on the progress the line is making in becoming a reality.
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| A different type of corporate event with Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin, and friends |
Carnival Maritime Expands
Carnival Maritime's Hamburg Fleet Operations Center has expanded by taking on responsibility for the P&O (UK) and Cunard fleets. Until this week, the FOC has been responsible for the26 ships in the fleets of AIDA, Costa and Costa Asia. With the additional two brands, the center now manages 37 Carnival ships.
The complete story appears in the October 18 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The complete story appears in the October 18 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Harmony by the Numbers
Just five more days and Harmony of the Seas will be leaving Europe for Port Everglades, her new home port. (She arrives on November 4.) The third Oasis-class ship, Harmony is slightly larger than the others, making her the world's largest cruise ship. Packed with new and interesting experiences, this video will show her to you like you've never seen her before - by the numbers.
(Please note: For those of you who are susceptible, there are many flashes and quick cuts in the video.)
(Please note: For those of you who are susceptible, there are many flashes and quick cuts in the video.)
Monday, October 17, 2016
Dome Sweet Dome
Carnival Cruise Line signed an agreement to take over use of the entire geodesic dome in Long Beach that they have been partially renting for use as their cruise terminal in the Southern California city.
The agreement and remodeling will more than double their current space and allow the line to bring larger ships into the Long Beach port.
The complete story appeared in the October 17 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The agreement and remodeling will more than double their current space and allow the line to bring larger ships into the Long Beach port.
The complete story appeared in the October 17 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Other Things You'll Want to Know - October 17, 2016
CND subscribers also read about:
- Restrictions being lifted on bringing Cuban cigars and rum into the US.
- Excitement abounding in Mobile
- Captain Albert being back at sea
Details appeared in the October 17 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Scrape of the Hull Sidelines Pacific Princess
Two breaches below the waterline in Pacific Princess' hull have caused Princess to cancel the balance of the ship's current 12-day Med cruise and the ship's next sailing on Sunday.
As Pacific Princess was arriving Nice this morning about 6:30am in normal wind and sea conditions, there was an unexpected change in wind which caused the ship to scrape a breakwater wall causing damage to the port side of the hull under the waterline.
As Pacific Princess was arriving Nice this morning about 6:30am in normal wind and sea conditions, there was an unexpected change in wind which caused the ship to scrape a breakwater wall causing damage to the port side of the hull under the waterline.
The complete story appeared in the October 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Long Time Listener, First Time Caller
Viking Cruises began their first North American program yesterday when Viking Star made its maiden call at New York. The day before, it made the line's first ever call at a US port when Viking Star visited Boston en route to the Big Apple.
The ship will be homeported at San Juan for the winter season and sailing a series of Caribbean itineraries from there.
Photos courtesy of Viking Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
The ship will be homeported at San Juan for the winter season and sailing a series of Caribbean itineraries from there.
Details appeared in the October 14 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photos courtesy of Viking Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
Like the Italian Version of Maaco for Ships
We noted earlier this week that when Royal Princess emerged from dry dock in Palermo, it was the first Princess ship to have its hull painted in the new Princess livery.
The time lapse video below shows how it was done.
The time lapse video below shows how it was done.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Norwegian Commits to Seattle/Alaska
At a press conference today in Seattle, Norwegian Cruise Line said their next ship, a Breakaway Plus-class ship, Norwegian Bliss, will be custom-built for cruising in Alaska.
At the same time, the line announced a 15-year agreement to remain at the Port of Seattle and invest $30 million to upgrade the facilities at Pier 66, the terminal Norwegian uses for their Alaskan cruises.
At the same time, the line announced a 15-year agreement to remain at the Port of Seattle and invest $30 million to upgrade the facilities at Pier 66, the terminal Norwegian uses for their Alaskan cruises.
The complete story appeared in the October 13 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Do You Think We're Going to Fit under That Br-scrhhhhhhh
The Army Corps of Engineers is investigating after Viking Cruises' Viking Star scraped the underside of a bridge Wednesday as it passed through the Cape Code Canal.
Viking Star was sailing into Boston from Halifax. The ship is on its maiden trip to North America and the Caribbean when an aluminum mast with a light on it made contact with the underside of a railroad bridge about 7:08pm Wednesday evening.
Viking Star was sailing into Boston from Halifax. The ship is on its maiden trip to North America and the Caribbean when an aluminum mast with a light on it made contact with the underside of a railroad bridge about 7:08pm Wednesday evening.
Details appeared in the October 13 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Nicole Aims for Bermuda
We haven't paid much attention to Hurricane Nicole since she has been meandering out at sea, not threatening any land and staying out of most cruise ships' way, but Bermuda is now braced for a direct hit by the category 3 storm on Thursday.
Because this is nearing the end of the Bermuda season, Nicole is having little impact on cruise itineraries.
Because this is nearing the end of the Bermuda season, Nicole is having little impact on cruise itineraries.
Details appeared in the October 12 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Genting Dream Delivered
Meyer Werft handed over Genting Dream to Genting's Dream Cruises brand today at Bremerhaven, and began a new era in the cruise industry.
We say “new era” because this is the first ship of the first premium/luxury cruise brand created specifically for the Chinese market. The ship will be based in China, and the company is headquartered there.
The complete story appeared in the October 12 edition of Cruise News Daily.
We say “new era” because this is the first ship of the first premium/luxury cruise brand created specifically for the Chinese market. The ship will be based in China, and the company is headquartered there.
The complete story appeared in the October 12 edition of Cruise News Daily.
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| The special lighting installed aboard Genting Dream can not only create graphic patterns but also put them into motion. |
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| Genting Dream has the magnet resonance tomography at sea installed in its spa. |
Photos courtesy of Meyer Werft. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Have You Voted Yet?
This has nothing to do with early voting. Actually, you're very late and just about to miss your opportunity to cast your ballot. The election we're talking about is the election of a godmother for Harmony of the Seas, and voting closes October 14.
As you may remember, Royal Caribbean is seeking an educator from the South Florida area to name the largest cruise ship in the world. They are looking for “an educator who is inspiring the next generation to dream big, think differently and challenge the status quo.”
As you may remember, Royal Caribbean is seeking an educator from the South Florida area to name the largest cruise ship in the world. They are looking for “an educator who is inspiring the next generation to dream big, think differently and challenge the status quo.”
Details appear in the October 11 edition of Cruise News Daily.
A Matter of Perspective
Carnival Legend arrived at Sydney this morning after a 17-night South Pacific cruise from Hawaii. The strange thing is that the Australians think she is home, but when she returned to the US this summer, Americans welcomed her home.
The complete story appeared in the October 11 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The complete story appeared in the October 11 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Royal Caribbean “Gassing Up” for New Class of Ships
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd said today they have signed a memorandum of understanding with Meyer Turku to build two new ships for the Royal Caribbean brand, and they will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG).
The ships will be delivered in the second quarters of 2022 and 2024 and represent the beginning of a new class for the company with a project name of “Icon.”
The Project Icon ships will introduce the use of fuel cell technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Until the first Icon ship is built in 2022, Royal Caribbean will be testing fuel cell technology on other ships. The tests will begin on an Oasis-class ship next year.
Details appeared in the October 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.
The ships will be delivered in the second quarters of 2022 and 2024 and represent the beginning of a new class for the company with a project name of “Icon.”
The Project Icon ships will introduce the use of fuel cell technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Until the first Icon ship is built in 2022, Royal Caribbean will be testing fuel cell technology on other ships. The tests will begin on an Oasis-class ship next year.
Details appeared in the October 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Cleaning up after Matthew
Once it left North Carolina, Hurricane Matthew dissipated and never made that predicted turn toward the Bahamas or back to Florida leaving the cruise industry in the Southeast US to get back to normal. Still many ships are sailing modified itineraries this week to compensate for turning around a day late while they waited for ports to reopen.
Some of the most popular ports of call in the Caribbean are the cruise lines' private islands and several are in the Bahamas, and we are starting to get reports in about their conditions.
Some of the most popular ports of call in the Caribbean are the cruise lines' private islands and several are in the Bahamas, and we are starting to get reports in about their conditions.
Details appeared in the October 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Royal Princess Shows Off New Livery
Royal Princess was seen leaving the Fincantieri dry dock in Palermo on Friday, the first of the Princess ships to get the new livery. The iconic white hull is out, replaced by a large, blue, flowing Princess logo on the bow. Stunning.
Royal Princess was headed to Civitavecchia to begin her 14-day crossing on Saturday from there to Port Everglades, where she will be homeported for her winter Caribbean season.
This story appeared in the October 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photos courtesy of Princess Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied o used without permission.
Royal Princess was headed to Civitavecchia to begin her 14-day crossing on Saturday from there to Port Everglades, where she will be homeported for her winter Caribbean season.
This story appeared in the October 10 edition of Cruise News Daily.
Photos courtesy of Princess Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied o used without permission.
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