Work Continues on Symphony of the Seas

A couple weeks ago, Symphony of the Seas was floated out of the dry dock at STX France in Saint-Nazaire, which means the construction phase is completed. They are now in the finishing phase, and Royal Caribbean has released a new video where some of their executives talk about the continuing work that will go on at the yard.

This story appeared in the June 23 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Ritz-Carlton Goes to Sea

The crowded luxury segment of the cruise industry got a little more crowded today when Ritz-Carlton decided to move from hotels into cruises with a line they are going to call the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

The complete story appeared in the June 22 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Rendering of one of three ships for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Rendering courtesy of Ritz-Carlton. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission. 

Waiting until the Stars Aligned

Even though it was delivered back in January and entered service at the end of February, Viking Ocean Cruises' third ship, Viking Sky, was christened today, on the Summer Equinox in Tromso, Norway. The port is north of the Arctic Circle, and that, of course, allowed the ship to be christened under the Midnight Sun.

Details appeared in the June 22 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

A Godmother with a Connection

P&O's newest ship, Pacific Explorer, arrived in Sydney on Monday, but until (Wednesday evening - Thursday morning in Sydney) no one knew the identity of her godmother who will her on July 2. Who more perfect than another explorer? Like, Dora the Explorer?

"In keeping with the ship's family appeal, it felt only fitting to invite a much loved household name like Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer to be godmother,” said P&O Cruises President Sture Myrmell. “She's a family favorite, enjoys adventure and trying new activities, and is a perfect fit to help showcase all that our ship has to offer.”

Details appeared in the June 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.

When Godparents Dribble

International basketball stars Yao Ming and his wife, Ye Li, will serve as inaugural cruise ambassadors for Princess Cruises in China and will officially name Majestic Princess.

The naming will take place in connection with a gala celebration for the ship in Shanghai on July 9.

The complete story appeared in the June 21 edition of Cruise News Daily.