Bert Hernandez named new President of Silversea, Barbara Muckermann steps down
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 12 April 2024 12 April 2024
Today, Royal Caribbean Group announced that Barbara Muckermann will depart Royal Caribbean Group after 14 years with Silversea to pursue other opportunities, and effective today, Bert Hernandez will succeed her as president of Silversea.
"I have had the pleasure of working with Barbara since 2018 when Silversea joined Royal Caribbean Group, first in her role as chief marketing and commercial officer and later as brand president,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Barbara has helped position Silversea as the world’s top ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, and the brand further solidified its leadership with the official inauguration of Silver Nova earlier this year, a ship hailed as ushering in a new era of luxury at sea.”
"I would also like to congratulate Bert on his appointment as the next brand president of Silversea," Liberty added. "With deep industry knowledge, experience in markets around the world, and past leadership of a luxury cruise line, I know Bert is well positioned to chart a smart course for Silversea’s continued growth and success. At Royal Caribbean Group, we are committed to delivering the very best experiences in the ultra-luxury and expedition space, and I am confident in Bert’s ability to find opportunities to take the brand to the next level.”
Most recently serving as senior vice president, international, Bert has been with the Royal Caribbean Group for the past 20 years and brings to the role tremendous commercial and operational experience. In his current role, Bert works with his team to further position Royal Caribbean International as the vacation brand of choice, across a wide range of travel preferences in more than 80 countries. He also served as president of China operations for Royal Caribbean International, where he built the brand into China’s leading cruise line. Notably, he was chief operating officer for the Group’s former luxury cruise line, Azamara, delivering the line’s most profitable year while it was part of the Royal Caribbean family of brands.
“I have long admired the wonderful brand that Barbara and team have built over 30 years and respect how they have been driven to create the most unique and memorable experiences in travel,” said Bert Hernandez. “The opportunity to lead and grow such a beloved brand is a great honor, and I couldn’t be more excited to work with the experienced Silversea leadership team. The future of the brand has never been brighter as we continue the tradition of delivering best-in class experiences with the arrival of Silver Ray later this year.”
Windstar Cruises to add two new ships to fleet, including first Star-class newbuild
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
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- Published: 11 April 2024 11 April 2024
Windstar Cruises, an expert in small-ship luxury cruising, has announced the expansion of its fleet with the addition of two all-suite motor yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer. The first of the two ships, new-build Star Seeker which is currently being constructed in the WestSEA shipyard, is expected to be delivered in December of 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December, 2026.
“Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” says Windstar Cruises’ President Christopher Prelog. “We are thrilled for this expansion, building on the success of our game-changing Star Class in small-ship cruising with guests and travel partners, while offering new experiences. This growth reflects the dedication of our incredible crew and team, allowing us to broaden our destination portfolio and even bring one of our Wind Class sail ships back to Tahiti.”
Each ship has 112 suites, featuring full private verandas and infinity windows, ensuring unparalleled views for every guest onboard. Additionally, two new Owner’s Suites with wrap-around balconies have been added to the aft of the ship, perfect for evening cocktails or a private dinner. With a capacity for 224 guests and a staff to guest ratio of 1:2, the ships maintain an intimate atmosphere, ensuring personalized service at every turn.
Guests will also enjoy access to several newly added Windstar guest favorites, including the brand’s iconic Watersports Platform with all-new staircase access, the cozy Yacht Club café and lounge, a two-story spa and fitness facility, an intimate forward whirlpool on the bow, and a spacious open deck perfect for sunbathing and Windstar’s famous deck barbeques.
As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation (JBF), Windstar’s commitment to exceptional cuisine will continue to be a priority for the guest experience. The re-imagined main dining room, Amphora, will serve a variety of upscale and inventive dishes, including rotating items from James Beard Foundation – affiliated guest chefs. Al fresco dining will now be available at both Amphora and the Star Grill. A no-charge specialty restaurant and 24-hr room service rounds out the four dining options.
Star Seeker and Star Explorer both have ice-strengthened hulls, unlocking access to new destinations. The ships are equipped with the latest technology in safety, propulsion, and navigation, including pump jet thrusters and forward-facing Sonar. To minimize their environmental footprint and uphold the brand’s commitment to sustainability, the ships have tier III Nox rated Rolls Royce engines and can connect to shore power minimizing port emissions. In addition, the ships have advanced wastewater treatment systems that meet all global standards. Every aspect of their design reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to preserving the environment while providing unforgettable experiences to travelers.
Andrew N. Todd, President & CEO of parent company Xanterra Travel Collection said, “As part of our company’s expanding portfolio, Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead. We’re excited about the possibilities of where Windstar will sail and the opportunities it brings our officers, crew and staff, and our guests.”
The expansion also allows Windstar to bring back one of its beloved Wind Class ships, Wind Star, to Tahiti, where it will join Star Breeze in 2027, adding more capacity to meet the growing demand for French Polynesian sailings. With more than 36 years’ experience operating cruises in French Polynesia and a longtime guest favorite, travelers will now have a choice between sailing among the islands on a Wind or Star Class ship.
Full itineraries and booking details for Star Seeker will be announced in late June 2024.
MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique mark two milestones for new World-class ships
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
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- Published: 10 April 2024 10 April 2024
MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l’Atlantique marked two important milestones today in the construction of the innovative World-class ships, MSC World America and MSC World Asia, during a press conference at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami.
MSC World America celebrated a major milestone with the completion of its float out ceremony at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Sunday, April 7, 2024. The ultramodern flagship is now in her final phase of construction and will be officially named on April 9, 2025 at MSC Cruises’ new state-of-the-art PortMiami terminal, followed by a celebratory sailing to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Ocean Cay is the cruise line’s private island in The Bahamas, is home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Program, and has been designated a 'Hope Spot' by Mission Blue.
Meanwhile, the steel-cutting ceremony for the company’s third World Class ship marked the start of that vessel’s construction. MSC Cruises revealed the name of the new ship – MSC World Asia – with anticipated delivery in 2026. Following the format of the other World Class ships that pay homage to different continents, MSC World Asia will symbolize the global nature of MSC Cruises. While details of where the ship will operate are yet to be revealed, MSC World Asia will feature signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by its continental namesake.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises commented, “MSC World America is another example of the incredible professional partnership between us and the Chantiers de l’Atlantique with whom we have designed five distinct and innovative prototypes – the most recent being the ground-breaking World Class platform. With each and every ship we strive to improve and enhance not only the environmental technology but also new features that enrich the experience for the guest as we design for the future holiday experience. MSC World Asia continues in this tradition and with this important milestone of the steel cutting we are pleased to confirm that she will offer even more advanced new features in terms of future-proof marine and onboard hospitality technologies as well as guest experiences.”
Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique commented, "We are very proud to begin construction on MSC World Asia. The third ship in the World Class series will feature cutting-edge technologies, making it one of the cleanest, most energy-efficient ships in the world. She embodies MSC Cruises’ and Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s long-term partnership and commitment toward the environment.”
The remarkable MSC World America will be MSC Cruises’ largest ship to serve the U.S. and its first in the region to be powered by LNG. MSC World America is the second of the line’s groundbreaking World Class ships and is specially designed with the North American guest in mind, featuring unique restaurants, bars and experiences that seamlessly blend European design with American comfort. Spanning 22 decks, measuring more than 150 feet wide and featuring 2,614 staterooms, MSC World America will be the centerpiece of the Miami skyline when she is named in 2025.
The World Class ships are distinguished by their eye-catching silhouette and signature plumb bow rising vertically from the waterline, with a stylish Y-shaped aft that opens onto an impressive outdoor promenade. These ships are an ultramodern urban metropolis at sea, offering a world of different experiences and spanning 22 decks, offering more than 2,600 cabins and suites, and providing more than 420,000 square feet of public space and featuring MSC Cruises’ largest Yacht Club to-date. The exclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept offers unparalleled levels of comfort, with a private lounge and restaurant, stylish suites and substantial outdoor areas with a sun-deck spanning two decks that offers panoramic views of the ocean.
MSC World Europa and MSC World America currently deliver one of the lowest carbon footprints in the cruise industry, as per the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). MSC World Asia will be an evolution of these high performing ships, with an even further reduced carbon footprint.
MSC World Asia will become the fourth Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) ship to join the MSC Cruises fleet, as LNG continues to be seen as a critical pathway toward maritime decarbonization. Fossil LNG offers immediate Green House Gas (GHG) emission reductions compared to conventional marine fuels, along with a direct pathway to drop in renewable substitutes like Bio and Synthetic LNG, which MSC Cruises’ LNG ships are ready to use as soon as the fuels become commercially available at scale.
New generation dual-fuel internal combustion engines will help to reduce emissions and reduce methane slip by 30 percent versus current technology. MSC Cruises is part of an EU-funded project called GREEN RAY, that is working to minimize methane slip by developing new technologies that can be installed onto new and existing ships. Initial tests of the new combustion concept have shown encouraging results.
MSC World America and MSC World Asia, as with all new MSC Cruises ships, will be fitted with shore power connectivity as standard. This reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off while calling at ports providing shore power. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low. A robust onboard recycling program minimizes waste, and even the propellers are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life.
Updated: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings unveils bold strategic long term fleet expansion
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 08 April 2024 08 April 2024
Fincantieri statement: Fincantieri has announced the receipt of a highly significant order from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd at the ongoing Seatrade, the world's largest cruise industry fair in Miami. This order entails the construction of four new next-generation cruise ships: two for the Regent Seven Seas Cruises and two for the Oceania Cruises brands respectively. These vessels represent the pinnacle of technological advancement, comfort, and onboard entertainment while also exemplifying environmental sustainability.
The ships designated for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, scheduled for delivery in 2026 and 2029, will boast a gross tonnage of 77,000 tons and accommodate approximately 850 passengers. Meanwhile, the vessels for Oceania Cruises, set for deliveries in 2027 and 2028, will feature a gross tonnage of 86,000 tons and accommodate around 1,450 passengers. The contract for these four new units is now in effect and has already been secured through financing.
Additionally, the Group has signed a Letter of Intent with the same shipowner to explore the construction of four additional units1. These vessels, slated for delivery in 2030, 2032, 2034, and 2036, will be the largest ever built for the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand, with a gross tonnage of approximately 200,000 tons and the capacity to accommodate around 5,000 passengers each. This strategic order will see each brand crafting its own class of new ships, prioritising size, efficiency, and innovation within their respective fleets. Aligned with the Company's sustainability commitments, these new ship projects are expected to significantly contribute to the journey towards decarbonisation.
This second agreement, subject to financing and other terms and conditions, marks a highly significant new phase in the long-term partnership between the two groups.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri stated: “We are particularly proud of this impressive new agreement and the partnership with a historic and prestigious client like Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, confirming a continuity of strategic relationships that we consider a great industrial value. An important milestone for our shipyards and a historic agreement for the Group, confirming the robust recovery of the market and the investments we had planned in our new industrial plan.”
“We are excited to continue our partnership with Fincantieri on this strategic new-ship order for the future of our company. This will ensure the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidify our long-term growth,” said Harry Sommer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “Our shared commitment to innovation and excellence will allow us to elevate the standards in our industry even further, enhancing our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”
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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. today unveiled the most comprehensive new build order in its history – a total of eight state-of-the-art vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths, with new classes of ships for each of its three brands – and the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the Company’s private island destination in the Bahamas and its top-rated Caribbean port of call. This unprecedented decade- long strategy enhances its product offering, guest experiences, and operational infrastructure, supporting the Company’s sustained leadership in delivering innovative cruise vacations.
The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036. Following the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, which are subject to financing1. Building on the success of its Allura Class ships, the last one being delivered in 2025, Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,450 guests in 2027 and 2029. Lastly, following the award-winning Explorer Class ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029. Details regarding the ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining, recreational, efficiency, sustainability and other features will be announced in the coming months.
"This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth. It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round.”
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. expects a four-ship Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) order to replace a separate, effective, two-ship order for Oceania Cruises initially placed to secure availability with the shipyard. The four-ship order for NCL is still being finalized and is subject to financing. Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may be delayed to 2029. All expected delivery dates are preliminary and subject to change.
In partnership with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, each brand will design their new ship class and focus on creating the largest, most efficient, and innovative vessels of their respective fleet. Aligning with the Company’s sustainability efforts, the new ship designs are expected to advance the journey towards decarbonization.
"Over the years, our long-standing relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been rooted in a shared vision for the future of maritime travel, consistently setting new standards for innovation, luxury, sustainability, and guest satisfaction in the cruise industry,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director at Fincantieri. “We are thrilled to work on these new build orders and deliver emblematic cruise ships that will embody our shared legacy of excellence for generations to come.”
New pier development at Great Stirrup Cay
The new pier development at the Company’s private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, is slated to break ground in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of approximately $150 million. The new pier will be constructed to simultaneously accommodate two large vessels of the Company’s current and future ship classes. The pier development will enhance the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay, and along with Harvest Caye, the Company’s private island in Belize, continue to provide guests with world-class destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
American Cruise Lines announces American Patriot and American Pioneer to join Project Blue fleet
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
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- Published: 08 April 2024 08 April 2024
American Cruise Lines has announced that two more new small ships coming in 2025, American Patriot and American Pioneer. These 125-passenger sister ships represent the 5th and 6th ships in the company’s Project Blue series of 12 new small ships for the U.S. market. The ships will be built at the company’s affiliated shipyard, Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland.
American Patriot will begin sailing in June 2025, and American Pioneer in November 2025 and both new ships will operate a host of American’s exclusive U.S. itineraries up and down the East Coast, including all-new 15-Day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruises, beginning in 2025. This new longer Florida itinerary follows the enormously successful 2024 launch of American’s 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys cruises, which are offered on several of the Line’s first four Project Blue ships, 100-passenger Coastal Cats: American Eagle and American Glory (2023), and American Liberty and American Legend (2024).
American Patriot and American Pioneer will feature 5 decks and 56 staterooms. They will offer a more traditional bow construction and slightly deeper draft with full stabilization, enhancing coastwise capabilities for smooth sailing. These new ships will further broaden the itinerary possibilities for the company’s growing array of U.S coastal itineraries. American Cruise Lines remains the only company in the world with a fleet of 100% U.S. flagged riverboats and small ships, enabling the Line to offer domestic cruises no one else sails across the U.S.A. – exploring both rivers and coasts.
American Patriot and American Pioneer will showcase elegant interior design and spacious 100% private balcony accommodations – including a range of large standard staterooms, suites, and singles. The ships’ 4th decks will offer all-suite accommodations ranging from 420 to 620 square feet, extraordinary for ships of this size.
Both new ships will feature an expansive Main Lounge and Restaurant on deck 1, offering guests water views from every seat. On the 5th deck, American Patriot and American Pioneer will offer sitting, dining, and fitness areas including a 360-degree Skywalk walking track, an indoor Sky Lounge, outside Sun Deck, and casual café. The new ships also offer a Bow Terrace and Horizon Lounge on deck 3, as well as indoor fitness center on deck 4.
When American Patriot and American Pioneer begin sailing in 2025, American Cruise Lines will operate 21 small ships across the country, sailing the largest collection of U.S. River and coastal itineraries ever offered before in America. All the company’s cruises operate like river cruises, remaining fully in the U.S.A throughout the entire itinerary, and exploring along protected waters in sight of land. Coastally, this category of cruise has never been available in so many regions of the country before. American continues to respond to the demand for 100% domestic itineraries by introducing new small ships with world-class amenities – unlocking amazing new opportunities for cruising closer to home year after year.