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Seatrade Cruise Global returns to Miami 27-30 September

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 June 2021 15 June 2021

Seatrade Cruise Global the cruise industry’s leading annual business-to-business event, is returning to the Miami Beach Convention Center, 27-30 September for its first in-person gathering since 2019, the organisers said in a statement.

Expected to be unlike any other, the conference will bring together cruising powerhouses and fresh new voices to share indispensable insights and blueprints for the reimagined post-pandemic cruise journey. In tandem with its traditional expo, enriching panels and networking offerings, this year’s edition will feature virtual programming giving the cruise community more options to participate.

“After more than a year of navigating uncharted waters in a virtual world, this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global experience will reconnect our community to share knowledge, actionable solutions and our collective vision for the future of cruising in this pivotal moment,” says Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise.

“Our programming – including the highly anticipated State of the Industry Keynote – will deliver the latest in cruising innovations, rising trends and industry outlook for 2022.”

The two-part experience will feature live conference sessions and exhibitors showcasing their most recent innovations in the expo hall as part of the in-person show, while the virtual platform will give attendees access to live-streamed sessions, online matchmaking and one-on-one virtual meetings with exhibitors across all sectors. Attendees registered for the in-person event will also have access to the virtual experience.

Keeping safety at the forefront, Seatrade Cruise Global will be guided by Informa AllSecure standards that ensure a safe, hygienic, productive and high-quality organised event experience. More specific measures related to health and safety will be provided ahead of the event and protocols will adhere to all city and state regulations.

Helsinki Shipyard starts production of the third expedition cruise vessel

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 June 2021 12 June 2021

The production of the third vessel of the luxury expedition cruise ships ordered from Helsinki Shipyard began on June 10th. The project NB518 has progressed as expected, and now we have started cutting steel parts.

"The order for the third ship in this series of expedition cruise ships was one of the few cruise ship orders placed in the pandemic situation during 2020, and therefore significant for all of us. The order reflects our customers' solid trust in our expertise and abilities and the good spirit of our cooperation," says Esko Karvonen, CEO of Helsinki Shipyard.

The third vessel to be delivered to Swan Hellenic, like the two ships already in production, represents a new generation of expedition cruise ships and is designed for the global cruise market, with an emphasis on cruises at high latitudes. The vessel will be delivered to its customer at the end of 2022. NB 518 is bigger than its sisters and designed to sail to all continents.

Unlike the previous two ships in the series, the steel blocks of ship the 518 are manufactured at CRIST shipyard in Poland. The blocks are transported to Helsinki by sea. Production work in Helsinki will start during the Autumn, and the ship's hull assembly will begin with a keel laying in the end of year 2021.“

The start of production is a milestone for us and the customer about the partnership that works well. We will continue on this solid basis,building a high-quality vessel for the customer," commented Ville Korpela, project manager of ship 518 and the yard's new sales director.

The newbuilding 518 has a 4.6 MW diesel-electric hybrid machine with exhaust cleaning, max. 3 MW battery capacity and PC6 ice class hull. The 125-metre and 12,000 gross ton ship is specially designed to explore the most interesting and inaccessibleplaces on Earth. The ship offers spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 cabins and suites, most with large balconies. The ship will be operated by a crew of 140 to provide the highest level of personal service.

Aurora Botnia conducts sea trials

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 June 2021 11 June 2021

The car and passenger ferry Aurora Botnia is nearing the end of the construction phase at Rauma Marine Constructions’ shipyard. The ferry, which will operate on the route between the Finnish city of Vaasa and the Swedish city of Umeå, completed its first sea trial last weekend. The three-day sea trial was conducted with strict safety measures in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Only essential experts from RMC, Wasaline, and the equipment manufacturers attended the trial.

The sea trial represents a major milestone in the shipbuilding process to both RMC and Wasaline.

“This was definitely a highlight for us, a culmination of several years of effort. We were able to meet the expectations of our work, ensuring that the ship we built can operate as intended,” says Johanna Kaijo, Project Manager for Aurora Botnia at Rauma Marine Constructions.

“The event was important to Wasaline, too, as we had the opportunity to get to know our new ship and its operations in marine conditions for the first time with the project’s key personnel,” says Peter Ståhlberg, Managing Director of Wasaline.

Performance and environmental sustainability under review

The sea trial was conducted to assess the performance of the vessel, which will be the world’s most environmentally friendly passenger car ferry when completed. The ship’s equipment were adjusted to operate as efficiently and economically as possible.

“We adjusted the power plant and tested the ship’s speed, propulsion and steering, among other things, during the sea trials. We ran the ship’s fuel-efficient main engines with different settings and fine-tuned the automation to further improve the vessel’s environmental sustainability. In addition, we were able to ensure in practice that the ship’s design meets the strict criteria of the Clean Design class notation,” Kaijo summarises.

Both RMC and Wasaline consider the first sea trial a success.

“The ship performed well, meeting the requirements set for it. It was a pleasure to witness the successful outcome of years of work,” says Kaijo, with Ståhlberg concurring.

A model example of a new generation car and passenger ferry

Aurora Botnia will be the first car and passenger ferry in the world with a Clean Design class notation. In practice, this means that the ship has been designed and built to significantly exceed the requirements of the MARPOL Convention for the prevention of pollution from ships.

The ship’s main engines operate primarily on low emission liquefied natural gas, which reduces sulphur, nitrogen and carbon dioxide emissions. In the future, the ship can be powered by biogas. In addition to the fuel solution, Aurora Botnia has an electric power system that can be used when operating to and from ports.

“Our goal is to be a pioneer in environmentally sustainable technology in shipbuilding. Our ship for Wasaline is a prime example of what we can achieve by combining years of experience from building dozens of previous ships with the latest innovations. We are grateful to the customer for the opportunity to build such a great vessel,” says Jyrki Heinimaa, CEO and President of Rauma Marine Constructions.

“We are very pleased to leverage RMC’s shipbuilding expertise. We want to be one of the most environmentally sustainable shipping companies, and Aurora Botnia is the most significant concrete step towards this goal,” says Ståhlberg.

Preparations are underway for the handover of Aurora Botnia in Vaasa, Finland. The date of the handover, the maiden voyage and the start of ticket sales will be announced next week.

In the photo Aurora Botnia pictured in the archipelago during the sea trials. Photo: Sammeli Korhonen

MSC Cruises to resume cruises from US ports in August

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 June 2021 08 June 2021

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping company, has announced its restart plans for cruising from US ports beginning this August with one ship, with a second ship joining it in the following month.

The announcement follows CDC approval of the Company’s Phase 2A Port Agreements for PortMiami and Port Canaveral as well as the provisional approval of its request to conduct a simulation cruise, to be held on MSC Meraviglia from PortMiami on July 17.

“MSC Meraviglia will kick off MSC Cruises’ restart starting August 2, with 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami to The Bahamas and featuring MSC Cruises’ exclusive new private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve,” the company said in a statement.

Then, starting September 18, MSC Meraviglia will add 7-night cruises from Miami to The Bahamas and Caribbean, including Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

Meanwhile, MSC Divina will resume cruising from Port Canaveral on September 16, 2021, offering 3-, 4- and 7-night cruise options from to The Bahamas and Caribbean, also including stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.

NCLH publishes additional US cruise resumption plans

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 June 2021 08 June 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) a leading global cruise company which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, has announced additional voyages as part of its U.S. voyage resumption plan.

Norwegian Cruise Line plans to set sail beginning summer 2021 with voyages from New York, Los Angeles, Port Canaveral and Miami and the line announced that its newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore will debut in Alaska this summer in place of Norwegian Bliss.

Voyages expected to operate in the US are contingent on obtaining a Conditional Sailing Certificate from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All initial voyages will operate with fully vaccinated guests and crew in addition to the Company’s robust, multi-layered SailSAFETM health and safety program.

“I am pleased to continue our Great Cruise Comeback with plans already announced for 23 of our 28 ships across our three brands beginning in July 2021 and phasing in through early 2022,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of NCLH

The group’s Norwegian Cruise Line contemporary market unit has announced further details on its phased voyage resumption plan for additional ships beginning summer 2021. Newly announced expected deployment plans include the following:

Norwegian Gem will cruise seven-day itineraries to the Caribbean beginning August 15, 2021 and a four-day voyage to the Bahamas in November from Miami;

Additional itineraries on Norwegian Breakaway are open for sale to Bermuda starting September 26, 2021 from New York;

Norwegian Bliss will sail on October 24, 2021 to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles;

Norwegian Escape will sail on November 13, 2021 to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral;

In addition, Norwegian Encore, the newest ship in the line’s fleet, will make her debut on the West Coast, taking the place of the previously announced Norwegian Bliss for the 2021 summer Alaska cruise season.

The Alaska itinerary will include visits to Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point, while also offering guests majestic views of Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier or Glacier Bay. Guests and travel partners with impacted reservations will be contacted directly.

NCLH said it continues to expect a phased-in approach to reintroducing additional vessels while taking into account the public health environment, global travel restrictions, regulatory restrictions and port availability, among other considerations.

“All voyages will operate with the Company’s comprehensive SailSAFETM health and safety protocols which were developed with leading public health and scientific experts including the Healthy Sail Panel and the SailSAFE Global Health and Wellness Council. The Company’s SailSAFE protocols will be continuously evaluated and modified with the latest science and technology,” NCLH said.