As we reported last week, Friday was a big day at the STX France yard in Saint-Nazaire (France) in more ways than one. The scheduled event was the keel laying for Royal Caribbean's third Oasis-class ship, but Royal Caribbean used the occasion to announce that they were expanding the order to include a fourth ship. This video shows some of the highlights of the day and includes comments from various Royal Caribbean and STX executives.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Norwegian Breakaway Celebrates First Year in NY
New York's Ship Celebrates First Birthday
NEW YORK – May 13, 2014 – Norwegian Breakaway, the ship that brings the best of NYC to sea, celebrates one year of sailing from New York City this week. Since arriving in New York in May 2013, the ship has carried nearly a quarter of a million guests from New York to sunny destinations in Bermuda, the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.
“Norwegian Breakaway has been hailed as a game-changer with in the cruise industry and we are so proud to celebrate this spectacular ship’s first year sailing from New York,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The world-class dining, exciting amenities and high-caliber Broadway entertainment onboard are all an extension of the incredible activities this great city has to offer. Norwegian Breakaway is truly New York’s ship and we invite those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to sail on her to come join us on a future voyage.”
Her anniversary signals the start of the summer season, as the ship is sailing the second of 22 weekly cruises to Bermuda through September 28. Norwegian Breakaway offers seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan each Sunday, with three days in port at King’s Wharf, Bermuda. Guests sailing to Bermuda this season have yet another amenity to look forward to onboard, as the casino will now be able to open while the ship is in port, opening at 9 pm each evening while the ship is docked at King’s Wharf.
“Norwegian Breakaway has provided a quarter of a million visitors a new and exciting way to experience and enjoy the best that New York City has to offer,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company’s President & CEO. “She’s been a great addition to our city and we’re excited to have her continue to share the best of NYC every week.”
Norwegian Breakaway’s birthday week sailing also coincides an exciting milestone for the ship: Cirque Dreams & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy, held in the ship’s Spiegel Tent, will host its 2,000th performance onboard.
Over the past year, Norwegian Breakaway has had a positive economic impact on the city, contributing to the $229 million generated across the industry and a 16% increase in guest and crew spending in the city.
“We congratulate Norwegian Cruise Line on Norwegian Breakaway’s one year anniversary sailing out of New York City, contributing to an industry that plays a critical role in New York City’s economy,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Kyle Kimball. “The City’s cruise operations supports thousands of jobs and is key to the City’s robust tourism and hospitality industry, and Norwegian Breakaway has been a valuable member of the City’s fleet.”
Norwegian Breakaway features 29 dining options, including restaurants from Food Network Star and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss”; three Broadway shows; an ice bar; a weekly fireworks show at sea; and the largest Aqua Park and ropes course at sea, including five water slides. Her signature hull art, designed by legendary artist Peter Max, brings the energy of the Big Apple to the ship wherever she sails.
For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com.
Norwegian Breakaway
Designed as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway brings the best of NYC to sea from her year-round homeport in Manhattan, offering the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. The ship’s groundbreaking design includes an open-air boardwalk, The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean. Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment includes three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen also perform on the vessel. Norwegian Breakaway features an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and is the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party.
Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian has also debuted his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, along with two additional venues, The Raw Bar and Ocean Blue on the Waterfront. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” opened an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo’s Bake Shop, onboard. The ship features a total of 29 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which is kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and features New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty to pay homage to New York City.
The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.
The ship also offers a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven™ by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
 |
| Norwegian Breakaway's godmothers, The Rockettes, along with the ship's officers mark one year of sailing from Manhattan. |
NEW YORK – May 13, 2014 – Norwegian Breakaway, the ship that brings the best of NYC to sea, celebrates one year of sailing from New York City this week. Since arriving in New York in May 2013, the ship has carried nearly a quarter of a million guests from New York to sunny destinations in Bermuda, the Bahamas, Florida and the Caribbean.
“Norwegian Breakaway has been hailed as a game-changer with in the cruise industry and we are so proud to celebrate this spectacular ship’s first year sailing from New York,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The world-class dining, exciting amenities and high-caliber Broadway entertainment onboard are all an extension of the incredible activities this great city has to offer. Norwegian Breakaway is truly New York’s ship and we invite those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to sail on her to come join us on a future voyage.”
Her anniversary signals the start of the summer season, as the ship is sailing the second of 22 weekly cruises to Bermuda through September 28. Norwegian Breakaway offers seven-day voyages from the heart of Manhattan each Sunday, with three days in port at King’s Wharf, Bermuda. Guests sailing to Bermuda this season have yet another amenity to look forward to onboard, as the casino will now be able to open while the ship is in port, opening at 9 pm each evening while the ship is docked at King’s Wharf.
“Norwegian Breakaway has provided a quarter of a million visitors a new and exciting way to experience and enjoy the best that New York City has to offer,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company’s President & CEO. “She’s been a great addition to our city and we’re excited to have her continue to share the best of NYC every week.”
Norwegian Breakaway’s birthday week sailing also coincides an exciting milestone for the ship: Cirque Dreams & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy, held in the ship’s Spiegel Tent, will host its 2,000th performance onboard.
Over the past year, Norwegian Breakaway has had a positive economic impact on the city, contributing to the $229 million generated across the industry and a 16% increase in guest and crew spending in the city.
“We congratulate Norwegian Cruise Line on Norwegian Breakaway’s one year anniversary sailing out of New York City, contributing to an industry that plays a critical role in New York City’s economy,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President Kyle Kimball. “The City’s cruise operations supports thousands of jobs and is key to the City’s robust tourism and hospitality industry, and Norwegian Breakaway has been a valuable member of the City’s fleet.”
Norwegian Breakaway features 29 dining options, including restaurants from Food Network Star and Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of TLC’s “Cake Boss”; three Broadway shows; an ice bar; a weekly fireworks show at sea; and the largest Aqua Park and ropes course at sea, including five water slides. Her signature hull art, designed by legendary artist Peter Max, brings the energy of the Big Apple to the ship wherever she sails.
For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com.
Norwegian Breakaway
Designed as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway brings the best of NYC to sea from her year-round homeport in Manhattan, offering the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. The ship’s groundbreaking design includes an open-air boardwalk, The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean. Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment includes three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen also perform on the vessel. Norwegian Breakaway features an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and is the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party.
Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian has also debuted his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian, along with two additional venues, The Raw Bar and Ocean Blue on the Waterfront. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” opened an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo’s Bake Shop, onboard. The ship features a total of 29 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which is kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and features New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge and Statue of Liberty to pay homage to New York City.
The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.
The ship also offers a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven™ by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 22 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.
Source: Norwegian Cruise Line
Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
George Takei to Speak aboard Queen Mary 2 this July
Guests will have the unique opportunity to hear from the famous actor at two scheduled presentations as a part of Cunard’s Insights speaker program
13 May 2014 – Cunard Line is delighted to announce that actor and social media superstar George Takei will join Queen Mary 2 on her 28 July Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton. Guests and fans on board the eight-day voyage will be treated to two presentations in the Royal Court Theatre, followed by a Q&A session with the multi-talented star and dynamic personality.
“We are thrilled to welcome George Takei aboard Queen Mary 2 this summer,” said David Dingle, CEO for Cunard Line. “Mr. Takei is considered an icon among Cunard’s guests, and we know they will thoroughly enjoy this unique opportunity to get to know him during the crossing. It’s another example of the exceptional programming we feature in our Insights enrichment programme.”
With a career spanning five decades, Takei is most well known internationally for his founding role in the original Star Trek television and film series, in which he played Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the starship Enterprise. These days, he bridges multiple generations of fans as one of the most influential personalities on Facebook with more than 6.9 million “Likes” to date. Takei and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga star in the Broadway-bound stage play, Allegiance – A New American Musical, based on the experiences of Takei and his family who, like more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans, were held in internment camps during World War II.
“I am really looking forward to sailing aboard Queen Mary 2 this summer,” Takei said. “This will be my first experience traveling Transatlantic via ocean liner and I’m excited to do it on such an iconic ship.”
Takei is scheduled to give two presentations for Cunard’s Insights programme on board:
“George Takei: Embracing Change” will focus on the many communities that have been central to his life and career: the Japanese-American internment camp of his childhood, the cast and creators of Star Trek, and the Asian-American and LGBT communities for which he has become a leader in the United States.
“George Takei in Hollywood” will be a trip down memory lane with the actor on his 50-plus years in show business, from his first feature film, 1960’s Ice Palace starring Richard Burton, to his many Star Trek memories, to his upcoming Broadway debut in Allegiance.
George Takei is part of Cunard’s illustrious history of hosting famed entertainers with peerless cachet. Legendary notables such as Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Cary Grant and Clark Gable frequently crossed the Atlantic on Cunard’s earlier Queens, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth; and since Queen Mary 2’s debut nearly ten years ago, the ship has welcomed film notables such as George Lucas, Uma Thurman, John Cleese and Angela Bassett. Later this year, Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor, will also join Queen Mary 2 on her 27 August Transatlantic Crossing.
For nearly 175 years, Cunard Line’s Transatlantic Crossing has appealed to a broad range of sophisticated travellers with a love of glamour, elegance and tradition. Each Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 features a series of Royal Nights themed balls on the largest dance floor at sea in the Queens Room; and the Royal Court Theatre presents West End-style musical revues and guest performers.
Stateroom and Grills Suites are still available for the 28 July 2014 Transatlantic Crossing (voyage #M414A) with fares starting from $1,599 per person.
More information about the voyage is available at www.cunard.com
About Queen Mary 2
Christened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 defines luxury travel for the 21st Century and continues an almost 175-year legacy of Transatlantic travel. Queen Mary 2 is the fastest passenger ship in the world and achieved her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in July 2013. Since becoming Cunard flagship on completion of her maiden Transatlantic Crossing in May 2004, Queen Mary 2 has remained unchallenged as the world’s largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive ocean liner ever built and the most famous and fastest passenger ship in operation today. To celebrate Queen Mary 2’s 10th Anniversary in 2014, special on board events are planned for her westbound Transatlantic Crossing on 9 May and her eastbound Crossing on 16 May. Famous names who have experienced this iconic voyage since 2004 include President George H.W. Bush, Desmond Tutu, James Taylor, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Uma Thurman, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cleese and Angela Bassett.
Source: Cunard Line
Photo courtesy of Cunard Line
“We are thrilled to welcome George Takei aboard Queen Mary 2 this summer,” said David Dingle, CEO for Cunard Line. “Mr. Takei is considered an icon among Cunard’s guests, and we know they will thoroughly enjoy this unique opportunity to get to know him during the crossing. It’s another example of the exceptional programming we feature in our Insights enrichment programme.”
With a career spanning five decades, Takei is most well known internationally for his founding role in the original Star Trek television and film series, in which he played Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the starship Enterprise. These days, he bridges multiple generations of fans as one of the most influential personalities on Facebook with more than 6.9 million “Likes” to date. Takei and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga star in the Broadway-bound stage play, Allegiance – A New American Musical, based on the experiences of Takei and his family who, like more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans, were held in internment camps during World War II.
“I am really looking forward to sailing aboard Queen Mary 2 this summer,” Takei said. “This will be my first experience traveling Transatlantic via ocean liner and I’m excited to do it on such an iconic ship.”
Takei is scheduled to give two presentations for Cunard’s Insights programme on board:
“George Takei: Embracing Change” will focus on the many communities that have been central to his life and career: the Japanese-American internment camp of his childhood, the cast and creators of Star Trek, and the Asian-American and LGBT communities for which he has become a leader in the United States.
“George Takei in Hollywood” will be a trip down memory lane with the actor on his 50-plus years in show business, from his first feature film, 1960’s Ice Palace starring Richard Burton, to his many Star Trek memories, to his upcoming Broadway debut in Allegiance.
George Takei is part of Cunard’s illustrious history of hosting famed entertainers with peerless cachet. Legendary notables such as Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Cary Grant and Clark Gable frequently crossed the Atlantic on Cunard’s earlier Queens, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth; and since Queen Mary 2’s debut nearly ten years ago, the ship has welcomed film notables such as George Lucas, Uma Thurman, John Cleese and Angela Bassett. Later this year, Grammy® Award-winning singer-songwriter James Taylor, will also join Queen Mary 2 on her 27 August Transatlantic Crossing.
For nearly 175 years, Cunard Line’s Transatlantic Crossing has appealed to a broad range of sophisticated travellers with a love of glamour, elegance and tradition. Each Crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 features a series of Royal Nights themed balls on the largest dance floor at sea in the Queens Room; and the Royal Court Theatre presents West End-style musical revues and guest performers.
Stateroom and Grills Suites are still available for the 28 July 2014 Transatlantic Crossing (voyage #M414A) with fares starting from $1,599 per person.
More information about the voyage is available at www.cunard.com
About Queen Mary 2
Christened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2004, Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 defines luxury travel for the 21st Century and continues an almost 175-year legacy of Transatlantic travel. Queen Mary 2 is the fastest passenger ship in the world and achieved her 200th Transatlantic Crossing in July 2013. Since becoming Cunard flagship on completion of her maiden Transatlantic Crossing in May 2004, Queen Mary 2 has remained unchallenged as the world’s largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive ocean liner ever built and the most famous and fastest passenger ship in operation today. To celebrate Queen Mary 2’s 10th Anniversary in 2014, special on board events are planned for her westbound Transatlantic Crossing on 9 May and her eastbound Crossing on 16 May. Famous names who have experienced this iconic voyage since 2004 include President George H.W. Bush, Desmond Tutu, James Taylor, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Uma Thurman, Richard Dreyfuss, John Cleese and Angela Bassett.
Source: Cunard Line
Photo courtesy of Cunard Line
Monday, May 12, 2014
Cruise News Daily Headlines for May 12, 2014
* China Heats Up
Carnival Corp said this morning they are going to grow again in China by basing a fourth ship in China, which the company said was the world’s fastest-growing cruise market.
Beginning in April 2015, the Costa brand will base the 114,500-ton Costa Serena (carrying up to 3,780 passengers) in Shanghai year round. It allows Carnival to say they are the first global cruise company with that many ships in the Chinese market.
* Fincantieri Delivers Regal Princess
There was cause for celebration in Italy on Sunday when Fincantieri, one of the “heavy industries” of the country, delivered a major product - a cruise ship, namely Regal Princess - to its buyer, one of only a handful of times it happens each year. (This is only the 65th cruise ship the company has ever built.) But in the weird, convoluted ways of the sea and shipbuilding, it wasn’t really handed over to Princess yet.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Carnival Corp said this morning they are going to grow again in China by basing a fourth ship in China, which the company said was the world’s fastest-growing cruise market.
Beginning in April 2015, the Costa brand will base the 114,500-ton Costa Serena (carrying up to 3,780 passengers) in Shanghai year round. It allows Carnival to say they are the first global cruise company with that many ships in the Chinese market.
* Fincantieri Delivers Regal Princess
There was cause for celebration in Italy on Sunday when Fincantieri, one of the “heavy industries” of the country, delivered a major product - a cruise ship, namely Regal Princess - to its buyer, one of only a handful of times it happens each year. (This is only the 65th cruise ship the company has ever built.) But in the weird, convoluted ways of the sea and shipbuilding, it wasn’t really handed over to Princess yet.
The complete articles appeared in the e-mail edition of Cruise News Daily delivered to our subscribers.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Fincantieri Delivers Regal Princess
Fincantieri delivered Regal Princess to Carnival Corp Sunday at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard. The ship, a sister to Royal Princess, will enter service on May 20 from nearby Venice.
The ceremony was low key, intended mostly for local consumption, with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in attendance. Regal Princess will sail in the Mediterranean this summer. It will be officially named when it is repositioned to the US this fall for its winter Caribbean season.
Photo courtesy of Fincantieri. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
The ceremony was low key, intended mostly for local consumption, with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in attendance. Regal Princess will sail in the Mediterranean this summer. It will be officially named when it is repositioned to the US this fall for its winter Caribbean season.
 |
| Regal Princess at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard. Note P&O's Britannia, the sister to Regal Princess, under construction at the next pier. |
Photo courtesy of Fincantieri. All rights reserved. May not be copied or used without permission.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)