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Iona commences sea trials

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 June 2020 01 June 2020

Iona, the first of two LNG powered newbuildings from Meyer Werft in Germany to P&O Cruises in the UK, has commenced sea trials in the North Sea.

Several video clips posted in YouTube show the ship that has a gross tonnage of some 185,000 putting out to the sea. The vessel is based on a common platform shared by AIDA Cruises, Costa Crociere, Carnival Cruise Line and P&O Cruises . The ships are to be built at Meyer's shipyards in Germany and Finland and Iona is the third unit in the series after AIDAnova and Costa Smeralda.

A second, yet unnamed vessel is due for delivery for P&O Cruises in 2022. However, Carnival Corporation & plc that owns P&O Cruises has indicated that deliveries of newbuildings could be postponed in an effort to cut capital expenditure.

The company has not stated whether or not this would affect the second P&O Cruises’ ship.

Meyer Werft to drydock Iona in Rotterdam

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 May 2020 28 May 2020

The cruise ship Iona is sailing to Rotterdam for inspection work. There, Meyer Werft's current new build ship for P&O Cruises, which is currently undergoing final outfitting in Bremerhaven, will enter dry dock. The arrival in Rotterdam is scheduled for 2 June.

The passage from Bremerhaven to the Netherlands will also be used for technical and nautical test runs in the North Sea. For this reason, Iona will be leaving the Columbus-kaje Pier as early as 30 May.

On board, everyone is working hand in hand to complete the 50th cruise ship built by Meyer Werft. The work has been going on since the ship was transferred over the river Ems. Nevertheless, the corona crisis is causing considerable restrictions in the final outfitting of Iona.

After work on board had to be temporarily interrupted due to the corona crisis in March, the Port Medical Service (German: Hafenärztlicher Dienst, HÄD), the Bremerhaven Port Authority and Meyer Werft were able to draw up a joint concept which allows the continuation of outfitting work under corona protection conditions.

Meyer Werft and P&O Cruises are currently in close coordination for a delivery date.

Costa extends pause for its cruises until July 31

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 May 2020 27 May 2020

Costa Cruises has announced a further pause for its cruises until 31 July 2020. The decision is linked to the uncertainty of a gradual reopening of ports to cruise ships and the restrictions that may still be in place for the movements of the people due to the Covid-19 global pandemic.

Costa is taking steps to inform both travel agents and guests affected by the changes. They will be guaranteed a reprotection in accordance with the applicable legislation, which offers the greatest guarantee in this contingency situation.

Artist to decorate part of Helsinki Shipyard main building with mural

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 May 2020 27 May 2020

Helsinki Shipyard, which is building two expedition cruise vessels to a Russian company, said it has commissioned an artist to decorate part of its main building with a mural.

“We have chosen an experienced and renowned Finnish artist, Jukka Hakanen, as the mural painter. We have been eagerly waiting for Jukka’s first ‘brush’ pull, and look forward to seeing the job finished! The painting project lasts for about a week,” the company said in a statement, adding that the work would cover the city side of its office and fitting out terminal building.

The company celebrated its first anniversary on 20 May and to celebrate the event, a Panomax 360 panoramic camera will be installed on the beak of one of its cranes within a week, the image of which can be followed via a link on the company’s website https://helsinkishipyard.fi/

Virgin Voyages postpones start of operation to mid-October

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 May 2020 23 May 2020

Virgin Voyages, the new cruise line in Sir Richard Branson’s virgin Group of companies, said it has decided to postpone the commencement of operations until mid- October.

Scarlet Lady, the first ship of the line, is now scheduled to sail on 16 October.

Following the announcement on Twitter, the Miami based company said in the same medium: “We are expecting an incredible amount of incoming calls and change requests. We appreciate your patience as we work to service every affected Sailor in the order they contacted us.”

“As we are dealing with a high volume of affected bookings and a variety of payment types, we kindly ask that you wait at least three weeks before following up on any expected refunds after you have been serviced,” Virgin Voyages said.

The company is offering a full refund or future cruise credit for passengers affected by the situation.