Cruise News Daily Headlines for January 31, 2014

* Validation
It always makes you feel good when things work out right, especially when it’s a decision you made. That has to be the way they’re feeling at Princess tonight. The decision to bring Caribbean Princess home a day early to avoid the predicted fog is proving to be the right thing to have done.

* It’s Personal
Silversea has enhanced their website so that customers can log into it with a personal log-on, and that facilitates a host of services available through the portal.

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

The latest view, taken this week, of Quantum of the Seas under construction at Meyer Werft

Photo courtesy of Meyer Werft. All rights reserved. May not be used or copied without permission. 

Cruise News Daily Headlines for January 30, 2014

* Carnival Schedules Return to Baltimore
Well, that was fast. Last fall, Carnival Cruise Lines announced they would suspend their cruises from Baltimore indefinitely, beginning in the fall of 2014, due to the economics of operating in the new North American Emission Control Area. Today they announced a date for their return in the spring of 2015, essentially meaning they will only be out of the market for the winter 2014-2015 season.
   The will return with a ship with a lot of new features, one of them, making it possible to return to Baltimore.

* Caribbean Princess - Hurrying to Beat the Fog
Princess was faced with an interesting situation with regard to its turnaround at Houston this weekend.
   In the end, they decided that, due to predicted fog Saturday morning, Caribbean Princess would return to Houston a day early, arriving after midnight Friday morning. Unfortunately, the early return necessitated canceling the last port call in Belize. 
   Ah, but there's more to the decision than just the fog.

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

Norwegian Getaway is currently in New York acting as the Bud Light Hotel.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.

Carnival Schedules Return to Baltimore

Carnival Cruise Lines has scheduled a return to Baltimore in the spring of 2015.

The line originally announced they would suspend cruises indefinately beginning this fall.  As it works out, they will now only be out of the Baltimore market during the 2014-2015 winter season.

Carnival Pride will return to Baltimore beginning March 29, 2015.

The complete story will appear in today's edition of Cruise News Daily.

Holland America Hosts Fundraiser Luncheon aboard Westerdam

Holland America Line hosts fundraiser luncheon for Symphony of the Americas aboard ms Westerdam


Seattle, Wash., Jan. 29, 2014 — On Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Holland America Line hosted a fundraiser luncheon aboard ms Westerdam for Symphony of the Americas, one of the company’s community partners.

During the annual event, Symphony of the Americas guest artists provided musical entertainment for attendees in the ship’s main show lounge. Following the luncheon, guests were invited to tour the ship before disembarking.

“We’re proud to support an organization like the Symphony of the Americas that uses music to educate youth and foster a passion for the arts,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, sales, marketing and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Music is an integral part of the Holland America Line cruise experience, which makes the Symphony an ideal community partner.”

Symphony of the Americas is the professional orchestra of Broward County in South Florida. Founded in 1987, the orchestra has experienced continuous growth, bringing the best of classical music to the multi-cultural population of South Florida. The Symphony has presented its International Guest Artist Series in its performance home at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts since 1991.

The Symphony is dedicated to improving the lives of children through the magic of musical investigations, both in South Florida and the Americas. The organization is proud of its partnerships to expose young at-risk students to the arts, architecture and environment, as exemplified by its continuing programs with the Bonnet House.

“Thanks to generous community partners like Holland America Line, we’re able to continue making a difference in our community and across the country,” said Renee LaBonte, Executive Director, Symphony of the Americas. “Our annual luncheon aboard one of the beautiful Holland America Line ships is a highlight of our fundraising season.”

Learning programs such as instrument workshops and open rehearsals for school age and older students, and master classes with international guest artists, offer a wide range of experiences to stretch growing minds and senses. Symphony educational and outreach programs have reached more than 35,000 people.

Source: Holland America Line

Cruise News Daily Headlines for January 29, 2014

* The Epidemic Continues - Another Person Overboard
A crew member has gone overboard from Celebrity Constellation in the very early morning hours, as the ship was sailing off the west coast of Cuba, and the US Coast Guard is searching the area.
   The ship’s command became aware someone was missing early this morning when a crew member reported finding a pair of shoes by the railing on Deck 10. An investigation was launched to see if anyone was missing.

* Quantum Buzz
It seems a lot of Royal Caribbean’s focus now is on the Quantum-class. In Monday’s conference call to discuss the quarterly earnings, a good chunk of the executives’ time was devoted to talking about Quantum.

* Smell Like a King
Cunard is enhancing its in-cabin amenities with royal perfumers Penhaligon’s Quercus line of products - body lotion, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.

British diver Tom Daley dives aboard Allure of the Seas in a promotion for the UK market.

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

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

Crew Member Overboard from Celebrity Constellation

A crew member went overboard from Celebrity Constellation this morning.

Investigation began when a crew member found a pair of shoes by the railing on Deck 10. A man was later seen going overboard on a CCTV recording.

The US Coast Guard is searching for the 45-year-old man.

Details will be in today's edition of Cruise News Daily.

Carnival Mixologists Create Custom Cocktails For Sunday’s Super Bowl

This Sunday is the “big game” and the master mixologists at Carnival Cruise Lines have created two refreshing custom cocktails for guests to enjoy while checking out all the exciting gridiron action aboard the “Fun Ships.”

The hand-crafted libations – The Blue Blitz and The Green Machine – are inspired by the two squads competing for the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy this weekend.

Those who want to create these beverages at home for their own big game watch parties can follow these easy step-by-step instructions:

Blue Blitz

Ingredients:
1.25 ounces Sauza Tequila
.75 ounces Blue Curacao
1.75 ounces lemonade
1.75 ounces simple syrup

Directions:
Pour all ingredients in a blender, add one large scoop of ice and blend until smooth. Pour into daiquiri glass and garnish with a lime and a cherry.

Green Machine
Ingredients:
1.25 ounces Skyy vodka
1 ounce Midori melon liqueur
2 ounces pineapple juice
.5 ounces pina colada mix
.25 ounces lemonade

Directions:
Place ice in a shaker, pour in all ingredients, shake vigorously and pour into daiquiri glass. Garnish with pineapple slice, cherry and mini-parasol.

In addition to these two delicious custom-designed concoctions, “Fun Ship” guests can enjoy discounts on buckets of beer while enjoying the game on the massive poolside LED screens or in the line’s festive sports bars throughout the fleet.

Enjoy the game!

Source: Carnival Cruise Lines

Cruise News Daily Headlines for January 28, 2014

* Royal Caribbean Commits in Galveston
Galveston’s Board of Trustees approved a new five-year agreement with Royal Caribbean that will see them operating year round service from the port as well as increasing the size of the ship in the next couple of years.
   To accommodate it, the port will expand Terminal 2 to 150,000 square feet by the spring of 2015.

* Howard Frank to Costa
Just a couple of weeks after announcing that he would move from Carnival Corp’s COO and Vice Chair to an advisory role with Carnival Corp, today the company said he would replace the recently-retired Pier Luigi Foschi as Chairman of the company’s Costa division. That division includes the Costa, AIDA and Iberocruceros brands, which operate in continental Europe, Asia and South America.
   Mr. Frank has spent 25 years at Carnival Corp, and Carnival revealed he will receive a nice payday as he heads for Italy.

* How’s Business? Really Good.
Most cruise lines report business is good, following that with a bunch of figures, but then tell you about promotions they are offering to fill up some sailings. Crystal, on the other hand, tells us business is good, but instead of telling us about discounts to keep the bookings coming in, they reported today they are raising rates by dizzying 94% on all 2014, 2015 and 2016 sailings.

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

Jim Colwell Becomes Director of Risk Management for Holland America and Seabourn

Holland America Line and Seabourn promote Jim Colwell to Director, Risk Management

Seattle, Wash., Jan. 28, 2014 — Holland America Line and Seabourn have promoted Jim Colwell to director, risk management. In this role, he will be responsible for leading the cruise lines’ maritime risk management and claims adjustments.

Colwell will report to Larry Calkins, senior vice president, finance and information technology and chief financial officer for Holland America Line and Seabourn.

“Jim has an impressive background with both our lines and our sister company, Holland America Princess,” said Calkins. “We welcome and support Jim as he applies his extraordinary experience and skills in leading our risk management group.”

With the formation of Holland America Princess Alaska in 2009, Colwell most recently worked as part of the Health, Environment, Safety and Security (HESS) team for Holland America Line and Princess Alaska land operations where he managed driver, facility and marine safety compliance. He also was director, driver safety and training for Holland America Line’s transportation divisions in Seattle, Alaska and Canada. As manager, risk management, Colwell handled crew and passenger claims for Holland America Line and Windstar. He began with the company in 1990 as a seasonal driver and guide in Juneau, Alaska, with Gray Line of Alaska.

Colwell is a graduate of Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., a Certified Accident Investigator and a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers.


Source: Holland America Line

Howard Frank to Chair Costa Crociere

Longtime Carnival Executive Howard Frank Named Chairman Of Costa Crociere S.p.A

MIAMI, Jan. 28, 2014 -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) today announced Howard Frank has been named Chairman of Costa Crociere S.p.A, the largest Italian travel group and a major force in cruising throughout Europe, Asia and South America.

In this role, Frank will support Michael Thamm, CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A.

Last November, after 25 years with Carnival Corporation which included serving as Chief Operating Officer and Vice Chairman since 1998, Frank stepped down to serve as special advisor to the CEO and to the Chairman of Carnival Corporation.

Frank currently serves as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world's largest cruise industry trade organization.

Costa Crociere (www.costacruises.com), which operates Costa Cruises, AIDA and Iberocruceros brands, is Europe's number one cruise company and the only Italian-flagged cruise line. For 65 years, the ships of Costa Cruises have plied the seas of the world, offering the best in Italian style, hospitality and cuisine and providing dream holidays with the utmost in terms of fun and relaxation.  Its fleet, the largest in Europe, has a total of 14 ships in service, flying the Italian flag, and one new ship to be delivered in October 2014. All the ships in the Costa fleet have been assigned RINA's Green Star notation certifying that they are operated in compliance with the highest environmental protection standards.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 101 ships totaling 208,000 lower berths with eight new ships scheduled to be delivered between May 2014 and June 2016.  Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon.  Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.


Source: Carnival Corp

Cruise News Daily Headlines for January 27, 2014

* Royal Caribbean Cuts Explorer OTS Sailing Short
Amid a suspected norovirus outbreak, Royal Caribbean decided yesterday to drop the last port call on Explorer of the Seas’ 10-day itinerary and bring the ship back to Cape Liberty (NJ) two days early so it can be thoroughly cleaned with no passengers aboard, and before the next passengers come aboard.
   The latest numbers from the CDC show 595 passengers (out of 3050) have reported norovirus-like symptoms (“norovirus-like” because norovirus itself can’t be confirmed until lab tests are back) and 50 crew members (out of 1165). Earlier figures (around 300) were underreported, since the CDC stopped updating the number, after initial reports, until their personnel boarded the ship. Royal Caribbean says that the number of new cases has peaked, with fewer new cases now being reported each day. Many passengers only experience symptoms for a couple of days, so many who reported symptoms early, are now up and about.
   Norovirus has a 48-hour incubation period before symptoms appear. It is believed passengers brought the disease aboard with them since some passengers were reporting symptoms within the first two days of the cruises.

* And Finally ...
Over the weekend we added a couple of sets of photos to our blog that we think you’ll find interesting. The first was of Navigator of the Seas getting its FlowRider in dry dock We also have some photos of Britannia’s funnels - in their new blue livery - being attached. We have photos at http://goo.gl/Cjc98B

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

Royal Caribbean Shortens Voyage for Explorer of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas (January 21 sailing) will return to Cape Liberty two days early on January 29 to allow time for deeper cleaning of the ship following the norovirus outbreak on the current cruise.

The line's statement is below:

Royal Caribbean International Statement Regarding Explorer of the Seas
January 26, 2014
6:45 p.m.

Explorer of the Seas will return home from its 10-day cruise two days early, after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness that spiked over the weekend. New reports of illness have decreased day-over-day, and many guests are again up and about. Nevertheless, the disruptions caused by the early wave of illness means that we were unable to deliver the vacation our guests were expecting. After consultation between our medical team and representatives of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we think the right thing to do is to bring our guests home early, and use the extra time to sanitize the ship even more thoroughly. We are sorry for disappointing our guests, and we are taking several steps to compensate them for their inconvenience.

After returning to home port on Wednesday, Jan. 29, we will perform a thorough “barrier” sanitization program on the entire ship to make certain that any remaining traces of the illness are eliminated. It will be the third aggressive sanitizing procedure the ship has undertaken since we became aware of the issue, and will additionally provide a window of more than 24 hours where there are no persons aboard the ship, which is a significant help. Guests scheduled for the next cruise on Explorer of the Seas can be confident that all possible measures will have been taken to prevent further problems.

At this point, it appears that reported illnesses among guests and crew peaked during the first few days of the cruise – though, as is common with many illnesses, some additional cases are to be expected over the course of the week. Our doctors tell us symptoms are consistent with that of norovirus, but that they are awaiting the results of tests to confirm that diagnosis. Our response included flying additional medical personnel and equipment to meet the ship, and conducting additional sanitizing procedures at two of the ship’s stops.

In the end, the number of cases was still higher than any of us want to see. We will be cooperating with authorities and conducting our own internal assessments to make sure we are doing all we can to promote the health and safety of our guests and crew.



Source: Royal Caribbean International

Britannia's Funnels in New Livery Installed

Earlier this month, P&O Cruises revealed the new livery for their ships. It includes a new blue funnel with a rising sun icon on it. Britannia is currently under construction at Fincantieri in Monfalcone, and the funnels in the new blue livery were installed this week.

Photos courtesy of P&O Cruises. May not be used or copied without permission. All rights reserved.