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Costa Crociere teams up with STB, Changi Airport to promote cruises from Singapore

Details: Published on Tuesday, 18 September 2012 10:32; Written by Kari Reinikainen

Costa Crociere says it is partnering with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) to tap on the growth potential in Asia. By working together, Costa, STB and CAG expect to increase their impact on the Asian cruise industry.

Costa Atlantica will sail into Southeast Asia for the first time in May 2013 with Singapore as its homeport. In addition to these new offerings, Costa Cruises is now offering extended cruise itineraries from Singapore with Costa Victoria in 2012 and Costa Atlantica in 2013.

"Plans are in place to conduct marketing initiatives in the Asia Pacific region to promote Costa's voyages from Singapore. To heighten the awareness of cruising as a desired travel option, advertising, product seminars for travel industry partners and brochures will be launched in markets across the region including Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and India," Costa said.

As the first international cruise company to enter the Asian market, Costa Cruises recognises Asia as an important growth market. Singapore in particular holds a key position in the region and in recent years has been gearing up to become a major cruise hub in Asia.

“Singapore is a unique world city, famous for its blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. We are excited to have this world-class Asian partner on board,” says President of Costa Cruises, Gianni Onorato. “We are committed to a long-term partnership, which will allow our companies to pursue our future growth in the cruise industry across the Asian region”.

According to Singapore Tourism Board sources, Singapore welcomed 394 ship calls and 942,000 passengers in 2011. From 2002 to 2011, the compounded annual growth rate in cruise passengers was 3.6%. During 2012-2013, the cruise landscape is set to become even more exciting with major cruise lines either increasing their presence in Southeast Asia or deploying new vessels to Singapore.

“STB’s vision to grow the Asian cruise industry is shared by regional governments, industry partners and major cruise lines, including Costa Cruises. The simultaneous presence of Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica adds further credibility to the growth potential and Singapore’s position as a homeport of choice for cruise lines. Supported by the opening of Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore and a rejuvenated Singapore Cruise Centre, Singapore is well equipped to serve as the gateway to Southeast Asia,” offers Mr Lionel Yeo, Chief Executive of STB. “STB looks forward to working with Costa Cruises and CAG in offering new cruise experiences and introducing these exciting choices to travellers in the region.”

“This tripartite collaboration between CAG, Costa Cruises and STB represents the united efforts of the key stakeholders to work together to grow the Fly-Cruise segment in Singapore. Changi Airport's strong connectivity to more than 200 cities worldwide not only serves to complement STB's vision of developing Singapore into an Asian cruise hub, but also supports Costa's new cruise offerings in Singapore. Looking ahead, CAG is keen to partner Costa Cruises and STB on similar future collaborations, in order to develop and grow the Fly-Cruise segment together,” adds Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group.

Having seen the strong potential in the Singapore market, Costa Cruises has recently launched three, four, seven and fourteen night itineraries to Malaysia and Thailand on board Costa Victoria from Singapore, offering excellent hospitality services and an ‘Italy at Sea’ experience throughout the journey.

Furthermore, Costa Cruises will deploy a second cruise ship, Costa Atlantica (85,700 gross tonnage, 2,680 total guest capacity), to the region from May 2013. The dual positioning of Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica in Asia demonstrates the continued commitment of Costa Cruises in the region, boasting a combined daily passenger capacity of 5,074, which represents a 90% increase in Costa’s ‘Italy at Sea’ inspired cruises.

Two Classic International Cruises' ships arrested in Marseille

Details: Published on Monday, 17 September 2012 18:14; Written by Kari Reinikainen

Two ships of Classic International Cruises, the Lisbon based company, have been arrested in the port of Marseille in France on the order of a local court, a Portuguese media report said.

The Princess Danae and Athena, both of about 17,000 gross tons, have been stopped in the Mediterranean port since Saturday due to alleged unpaid fuel bills and wages, a report on presstur.com says.

In addition to these two ships, Classic International Cruises has operated the 17,000 gross ton Princess Daphne and Arion, which is of about 6,000 gross tons. All vessels were built from the 1940s to the 1960s.

Middle Eastern unrest returns to haunt cruise lines

Details: Published on Monday, 17 September 2012 09:41; Written by Kari Reinikainen

Renewed turmoil in the Middle East has returned to haunt the cruise industry after the Arab Spring resulted in major itinerary changes for many operators in the course of last year. However, so far major operators have not unveiled changes to their programmes in the affected regions.

The events touch the southern and eastern Mediterranean, where unrest has taken place from from Libya to Egypt following the publication of a film on Youtube that disgraced the Prophet Mohammed. These events may also have consequences on cruises in the Red Sea that mainly depart from the Egyptian port of Sharm El Sheikh.

Continued tensions between Iran and the west over the muslim country's nuclear programme that is raising worries in particular in Israel appear also to be intensifying, with potential effects on cruises operated out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Daily Telegraph newspaper in London reported on Sunday that a major 12 day naval exercise that includes three US aircraft carrier battle groups plus ships from the UK, France and some two dozen other countries has started the Arabian Gulf.

Meanwhile, an Anglo-French naval exercise that will include the French carrier Charles de Gaulle and the British carriers HMS Illustrious with Apache helicopter gunships, is about to start in the Eastern Mediterranean, the paper said.

UK National Cruise Week kicks off

Details: Published on Monday, 17 September 2012 09:29; Written by Kari Reinikainen

National Cruise Week, a major effort of the cruise industry in the UK to fuel trade, started last weekend and will run until 23 September. Several cruise operators, big and small, have unveiled specual offers that will run for the duration of the week.

Royal Caribbean International to offer "Barbie premium experience"

Details: Published on Wednesday, 12 September 2012 15:05; Written by Kari Reinikainen

Royal Caribbean International, in partnership with Mattel, is bringing the signature style of Barbie, the world's most popular doll, to the world's most innovative cruise line, the company said in a statement.

"The pop culture icon will hit the high seas for the very first time with the all-new Barbie™ Premium Experience, available exclusively on Royal Caribbean International ships. Making its stylish splash onboard starting in January 2013 on select ships and rolling out to the remainder of the cruise lines global fleet by March 2013."

"Barbie remains the most popular doll of all time and a powerhouse brand among girls of all ages," said Lisa Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "She is everywhere girls are today, so it only makes sense that we can now find her at sea exclusively on board Royal Caribbean International's fleet of world-class ships."

The partnership with Barbie will encompass a host of activities in the cruise line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programme as well as a Barbie™ Premium Experience. Barbie fans participating in the cruise line's award-winning Adventure Ocean youth programme can also be part of the complimentary version of the Barbie programme. The experience offers Barbie Movie Night, Barbie Story Time and other complimentary themed activities, plus Barbie movies on their stateroom televisions.

The Barbie™ Premium Experience is the ultimate indulgence for Barbie enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy staterooms decorated in the iconic doll's signature style as well as exclusive, themed activities throughout the duration of their cruise – from an invitation-only tea party and mermaid dance class to a fashion design workshop and Barbie Girls fashion show. Highlights of the Barbie™ Premium Experience include:

A Barbie stateroom, adorned in the doll's signature style and featuring keepsakes such as a Barbie^® doll and fashions, blanket and pillowcase, tote bag, toothbrush and toiletries bag. From the moment they step into their staterooms, guests will be drawn into Barbie's distinct world of style
Tiaras & Teacups party, an invitation-only affair, featuring a selection of pink pastries and pink lemonade served on dainty dishes all while having fun learning tips on table etiquette
Mermaid dance class where guests can shimmy and shake while learning the latest dance moves from the hit movie Barbie™ in a Mermaid Tale 2
Fashion Designer workshop where guests can channel their inner fashion designer with Barbie inspiration boards and sketch materials including the chance to sketch and create their very own Barbie doll fashions
Fashion Show, dress up to walk a pink carpet to the admiration and applause of family and friends. Guests will also have the chance to perform their dance routine as well as display their Barbie fashion creation. It's the ultimate celebration of a truly memorable experience with Barbie and Royal Caribbean International

"Barbie is truly a lifestyle brand that is part of a girl's world from her bedroom to playroom, computer to closet," said Lori Pantel, Vice President Barbie Global Marketing. "We're excited to extend that brand experience to family cruise vacations with a fantastic partner – Royal Caribbean International."