Azamara Journey emerges from dry dock
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 30 January 2016 30 January 2016
Departing Freeport, Bahamas for Miami, Azamara Journey, the first of Azamara’s two ships undergoing “major upgrades,” has been outfitted with new venues, public spaces and technologies to bring fresh services and amenities to guests.
“There is no area on the ship that has not been touched,” says Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Known for our land programs to provide our guests with the most personalized Destination Immersion experiences in the industry, Azamara needed to take our onboard product to the next level. Cruise ships are like fine hotels, after wear and tear, upgrades need to be made. We can’t wait to have our new and loyal guests onboard to see what we have done. It’s gorgeous and provides all the modern services and amenities that today’s traveler needs and demands. I think we have exceeded expectations.”
Azamara contracted several of the world's leading design consultants for the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries, to help transform its ships into modern oases at sea. As Azamara Journey comes out of dry dock, all stateroom and suites have had an overhaul creating an ambiance that is comfortable as well as timeless and elegant. Authentic materials were used, with beautiful stone and porcelain throughout and custom design. Two new Spa Suites have been built adjacent to the Sanctum Spa featuring an elegant look with organic and muted colors providing exclusive access to unique spa amenities that will be included in the price of these staterooms. And, the Club World Ocean and Owner’s Suites have also been fully redesigned.
Additionally, Azamara Journey’s new dining and entertainment enhancements throughout the entire ship are revealed including makeovers to The Patio, Windows Café, Discoveries Restaurant and Discoveries Bar, the Living Room and Cabaret Lounge:
The Patio
A guest favorite onboard, formerly known as the Pool Grill, The Patio was completely transformed into a sit-down al fresco dining experience. The area now features beautiful tablecloths and candles in the evening creating a fresh ambiance. New lighting, ceilings and fans added modern elements to the renovated look. The décor won’t be the only refresh as The Patio also serves up a new evening menu to be enjoyed amidst some of the most stunning oceanside backdrops in locales around the world. In the evening, interested dinner guests can occasionally enjoy live music alongside their meal. After dinner and a movie, travelers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can stop by the new Swirl & Top self-serve frozen yogurt station to indulge in a variety of flavors and choice of toppings.
Windows Café
Dining offerings indoors are not to be left out as Windows Café has been reinvigorated with contemporary furniture and place settings. Tables for two were added, allowing more options for couples or the ability to combine tables to accommodate larger parties, or to join a group of friends for a meal. For those looking to dine while watching the sunset, Windows’ outdoor dining area and Sunset Bar is right out the back door, with a rejuvenated look and the same stunning views.
Discoveries Restaurant and Discoveries Bar
Discoveries Restaurant is continuing the reimagination trend. The refreshed restaurant features a warm and inviting atmosphere with new décor, lamps, seating, and sheers. A variety of different sized tables are offered to accommodate groups of all sizes with ease.
Discoveries Bar received a modern makeover as well with new bar stools, sofas, chairs and tables, sheers, painting and wood trim. The bar provides a tranquil and friendly atmosphere with a rich blend of tailored and refined elements for guests.
Living Room
Guests will feel right at home in the new and improved Living Room (formerly the Looking Glass Lounge). The relaxing area offers guests the comfort of a well-furnished space, featuring cozy chairs and sofas and a handcrafted wooden wine table. Passengers can sample tastes and entertainment from morning until night with the following options:
– Daytime Fare: From 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. enjoy a selection of fine teas and coffees along with delicious breakfast pastries, finger sandwiches, and sweets.
– Afternoon Delight: From 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. each day guests may choose from a variety of tasty hot and cold tapas with a mix of Spain’s eclectic and sophisticated flavors. The onboard sommelier will be happy to suggest the perfect red, white, or rosé wine or champagne to pair accordingly.
In the evenings the Living Room livens up into a space for dancing, karaoke or live music from one of the ship’s onboard musicians followed by a house DJ, playing music to keep the party going well into the night. On occasion, specialty performances will entertain guests while other nights the Chef may surprise Living Room dwellers with delectable featured desserts. Whether stopping by for a light bite or staying for the entire evening, The Living Room serves up entertainment and culinary offerings for guests day and night.
Casino and Spirits
The Casino received new slot machines, sleek carpets, and reupholstered seating with custom-designed fabrics. And, of course, the Casino wouldn’t be complete without a proper location in close proximity for a cocktail, the transformed Spirits bar will available for guests just a stone’s throw away.
The Azamara Quest will enter dry dock in April 2016 in Singapore.
Baleària to build Spain’s first LNG-powered passenger ferry
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 29 January 2016 29 January 2016
Alan Lam reporting
Baleària, the Spanish ferry company, has just reached the final agreement with LaNaval, the Spanish shipbuilder, to build the first LNG-powered passenger ferry in the Mediterranean. The €175 million contract was signed on 28 February, with the option for a second vessel.
The eco-efficient “smartship,” scheduled to enter service in 2019, will also use solar energy in its day-to-day operations. The 1,600-pasenger, ,3,300-lanemetre dual fuel unit, according to the company, will be among the largest operating in Europe, and one of the largest in the world. “With the new ferry we will reinforce the idea of the pleasure of travelling and its compatibility with the environmental protection," said Adolfo Utor, Chairman of Baleària.
"We want to establish a before and after in maritime transport, incorporating the latest technology to make the trip a unique experience. The ship will also meet the needs of logistics operators, both in terms of service and capacity, which will be key to the viability of the project."
"The signing of the contract, after months of working together,” said Jose Ignacio Irasuegui, Managing Director of LaNaval, “confirms our strategy of working closely with our customers from the earliest conceptual stages, it’s a milestone that consolidates LaNaval’s position in the passenger ship market and, in general, in the design and construction of ships with high technological contents. We are convinced that this agreement will be the start of a long-term relationship between LaNaval and Baleària, one of Europe's largest shipping companies in the field of freight and passenger transport.
Besides including all manners of efficiency and sustainability features, such as solar panels, an optimised hull form design and energy-efficient propellers, the vessel will also be fitted with the latest communication technology, incorporating many design features of a modern cruise ship. It will be equipped with three dual fuel engines to cut Baleària’s CO2 and NOx emissions by 40%, as well as avoiding the discharge of sulphur and particulate matters when running on gas.
Baleària is among the forerunners in this field; it has been in partnership withRolls Royce in developing LNG engines for ferries. LaNaval is a leading eco-ship builder; it is already building an eco-ferry, powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) for TESO, the Dutch ferry company
Seatrade Cruise Global 2016 announces new format, moderator for State of the Global Cruise Industry Panel
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 27 January 2016 27 January 2016
Seatrade Cruise Global, the leading annual global business-to-business event for the cruise industry, in partnership with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), announces the 2016 State of the Global Cruise Industry participants. This year’s panel will take on a new four-one-three rolling panel format moderated by CBS News Travel Editor and PBS’s “The Travel Detective” Peter Greenberg.
“It is an extraordinary time in the cruise world, one of innovation across the global fleet,” shares Robyn Duda, Portfolio Director for Seatrade Cruise Global. “This year’s State of the Global Cruise Industry brings together the four leaders of the world’s largest cruise lines, who are innovating for the future, and concludes with three leaders executing innovative approaches that are transforming the industry.”
Peter Greenberg will moderate the State of the Global Cruise Industry Conference from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday 15 March, 2016. Setting the course of the cruise industry’s premier annual event, the four-one-three panel will commence with four key executives from the world’s leading cruise lines. The “Innovating FOUR the Future” panel is the following:
– Frank Del Rio, President & CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd
– Arnold Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation
– Richard Fain, Chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd
– Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises
During the midpoint of the session, a research analyst will provide an outside perspective. The State of the Global Cruise Industry will conclude with an additional three cruise line leaders. The “Innovative Approaches” panel is the following:
– Charles A. Robertson, Chairman & CEO, American Cruise Lines
– Edie Rodriguez, President & CEO, Crystal Cruises
– Tara Russell, President, Fathom and Global Impact Lead, Carnival Corporation
“The new State of the Global Cruise Industry format promises to deliver a thought-provoking conversation,” said Cindy D’Aoust, acting CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “These iconic industry innovators are sure to deliver an informative and engaging dialogue and will be a highlight of Seatrade Cruise Global.”
Costa Group appoints General Manager for Northern Europe
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 25 January 2016 25 January 2016
Ralph Remkes has joined Costa Group in the position of General Manager Northern Europe, reporting to Massimo Brancaleoni Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales.
In this position Ralph leads the recently created Northern Europe Region with a coordination center at the Costa offices located in Amsterdam. With the goal to provide even more support and unmatchable services to its business partners achieving a sustainable competitive advantage in the local marketplace, the Northern Europe Region has been created by Costa and AIDA joining forces for a new Sales & Marketing organization for Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.
The Northern Europe region combines the experience of 13 sales staff, putting at the service of trade partners their expertise and professionalism, providing a personalized approach to each agents’ needs to be able to support effectively their cruise sales with products specifically dedicated to the different types of consumers, both for Costa and AIDA brands.
The two Heads of Sales – Kay Sion, Head of Sales Benelux, and Giancarlo Tedesco, Head of Sales Scandinavia – are reporting to Ralph as well as the Business Intelligence Manager, Francesco Minerva.
Prior to join Costa Group, Ralph gained an extensive experience in marketing and sales in the tourism sector.
Ralph Remkes, 40 years old, is from Utrecht – The Netherlands, he is married and has two sons.
MSC Cruises appoints Antonio Paradiso UK Managing Director after Hawke
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 25 January 2016 25 January 2016
MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise shipping company, has announced the appointment of Antonio Paradiso as Managing Director for the MSC Cruises’ business in the UK and Ireland, effective 1 March 2016. Antonio will be replacing Giles Hawke, who will be leaving the Company in April. Hawke held the post for about three years.
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