Fincantieri Floats Out Viking Sea

Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sea is one step closer to delivery today. The float out process began yesterday for the line’s second ship at Fincantieri’s Ancona yard.

This step marks the end of construction, the first time the ship touches water, and the beginning of the interior finishing process.

Details appeared in the June 26 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Viking Sea ready for the float out process to begin

Photo courtesy of Viking Ocean Cruises. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.

Wider and Deeper

Moving with all the speed a government agency can muster, the US Army Corps of Engineers has approved Port Everglades’ plan to widen and deepen their channels. The Corps’ study was authorized by Congress in 1996. The port can begin the next phase, subject to Congressional approval which is expected in 2016.

The complete story appeared in the June 26 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Eight Cruise Passengers in Alaska Seaplane Crash

A sightseeing plane carrying eight passengers from Holland America’s Westerdam was spotted this afternoon crashed onto the side of a cliff near Ketchikan.

The plane was operated by Promech Air which confirmed this evening that there were no survivors.

Details can be found in the June 25 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Holland America Expands McKinley Resort

Carnival is continuing to invest in Alaska. Just a few years ago, with the state increasing taxes, and the mood of many of the citizens not quite welcoming, Carnival was even questioning how far to draw down the number of ships they had sailing there. When the state showed Carnival they were interested in working with the company to increase the business Carnival could bring them, the ships started returning.

Today’s announcement says much more, however, because Carnival is investing in shoreside facilities, assets which can’t be moved should the relationship deteriorate again.

Holland America broke ground today McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali National Park for its new Base Camp complex. Base Camp will include a new 7,800-square-foot two-story restaurant, bar and lounge with musical dinner theater and a small amphitheater for presentations and demonstrations.

The complete story appeared in the June 25 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Finally at Home in China

Quantum of the Seas arrived at Shanghai this morning opening a new era for Royal Caribbean in Asia. Shanghai will be the new year round home port for Quantum where it will sail three- to eight-night itineraries for the China-sourced market, the largest market in the world.

The complete story appeared in the June 24 edition of Cruise News Daily.

Quantum of the Seas' maiden arrival at Hong Kong earlier in the week en route to Shanghai.

Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International. All rights reserved. May not be used or copied without permission.