A “Flood” of Excitement in Finland

Meyer-Turku celebrated the float out of Costa Smeralda today at their yard in Finland, marking the first time the ship has touched water, when Meyer and Costa officials opened the valves that let water into the dry dock.

Actually, it was more of a float up because it will take about 24 hours to fill the giant dry dock and tow the ship to an outfitting pier where its interior will be completed in time for delivery in October.

This is also an important milestone because Costa Smeralda is the first Costa ship, and the first to be sold globally, that will be powered both at sea and in port by clean-burning liquified natural gas (LNG).

The complete story appeared in the March 15 issue of Cruise News Daily.

Note: Additional photos still being added to this item. 

Water begins to flood the dry dock

Photo courtesy of Meyer-Turku and Costa Crociere. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without express permission.

Other Things You'll Want to Know - March 15, 2019

CND subscribers also read about:

• The Port of Seattle considering an additional cruise terminal
• The Port of Dublin considering cutting cruise capacity

Details appeared in the March 15 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Splendor in Australia

When Carnival Splendor arrives in Australia in December, it won't be the same ship it was when it leaves Long Beach in October. A lengthy stop in Singapore for refurbishment will change a lot.

We've already told you about the new waterslides that will be added. Now Carnival is announcing four new restaurants that are being added to the ship, specifically to appeal to Aussie tastes.

The complete story appeared in the March 14 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Tandori Chicken at the new Masala Tiger Restaurant aboard Carnival Splendor

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise 'Line. All rights reserved. 

Other Things You'll Want to Know - March 14, 2019

CND subscribers also read about:

• MSC finalizing their order with Fincantieri for four small luxury ships to be delivered beginning in 2023.
• Meyer Werft schedules Spectrum of the Seas' river transit to begin March 19. 

Details appeared in the March 14 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Spectrum of the Seas ready for river conveyance

Photo courtesy of Meyer Werft. All rights reserved. 

Where You'll Live on Mardi Gras

Carnival Cruise Line today introduced a new cabin design for Mardi Gras by DCA Design International. Now before you panic, it's nothing radical like the wavy walls Norwegian tried out on Norwegian Epic. Mardi Gras' new design seems to be mostly centered around new features passengers will find convenient rather than a new shape or concept.

Beyond that, the design seems to employ features to make the stateroom feel bigger, and it has cleaner lines and lighter colors - but no wavy walls.

The complete story appeared in the March 13 edition of Cruise News Daily. 

Video courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line. All rights reserved.