Victory Cruise Lines reveals sustainability practices on board the Ocean Victory for 2021

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 19 February 2020 19 February 2020

As part of an overall effort to promote sustainable travel, Victory Cruise Lines (VCL), operated by American Queen Steamboat Company, a Hornblower Families Company, will feature cutting-edge design, technology and operating efficiencies on board its 200-passenger Ocean Victory. Designed by Stunstone Ships as part of its Infinity-class, Ocean Victory will debut the newly announced Discover Beyond Alaska Expedition Adventure Cruise itineraries in May 2021.

“We are proud to provide our passengers with an immersive, educational and rare view of Alaska’s natural wonders while maintaining a conscientious attention to their protection,” shares John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Ocean Victory offers the unique combination of sustainable technology, exceptional expertise and indulgent comfort for the ultimate Alaska adventure.”

Meticulously planned to combine engaging and responsible travel, Ocean Victory’s sustainable practices and features include:

Design

Perfectly suited to its Alaskan environment, Ocean Victory’s distinction begins with its innovative X-Bow design. Immediately recognizable in the ship’s profile, the award-winning bow places the most forward point of the ship under the water rather than above it. This allows the hull to cut through waves, providing a soft entry into the sea and eliminating the typical up and down slamming common to other vessels. The smooth sailing that is a direct result of the ship’s patented X-bow design also translates to a higher, unmatched level of clean-burning fuel efficiency.

Operating efficiencies

Ocean Victory is part of a new generation of low-energy vessels, boasting four diesel and two electro engines that are electronically controlled to optimize speed, and most importantly, fuel consumption. This sophisticated focus on fuel consumption allows for the ship to maintain landmark “Zero Emission Day” capabilities that keep Alaska’s air and water pristine. In addition, brilliantly engineered stabilizers minimize the necessity of dropping anchor, further protecting the fragile seabed and wildlife that live below.

The expertise

Beyond its innovative operations and game-changing design, Ocean Victory will showcase the very best of responsible expedition cruising by working with the acclaimed Department of Marine Biology at California Polytechnic State University to include marine biologists, scientists and naturalists among the ship’s expedition team of 19. The 200 guests on board each sailing will benefit from being surrounded by like-minded passengers as they enjoy expert led excursions, educational lectures and onboard enrichment. Highlights include scientists from the Alaska Whale Foundation in partnership with the Five Finger Lighthouse research team coming on board to help guests discover the humpback whale population of Frederick’s Sound, as well as listening in to the whale’s communications through special hydrophones. Guests will also visit the Sitka Sound Science Center, where they can learn about the organization’s education and research efforts to protect the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Alaska.

Ocean Victory will begin its maiden season in May 2021 with a 10-night sailing from Vancouver, B.C. to Sitka, Alaska and an 11-night sailing from Sitka, Alaska to Vancouver, B.C. Equipped with a fleet of zodiacs and dozens of kayaks, the vessel will provide guests with in-depth explorations of Alaska’s natural, historic and cultural treasures.

The 104.4m Ocean Victory will feature 93 suites, of which, 68 will have balconies, nine with French balconies and 16 with panoramic windows. The vessel will carry a crew of 100 in 57 cabins and feature a 2-to-1 guest to crew ratio. Onboard venues include two restaurants, in addition to an open-deck dining area, piano bar, library, gym, heated outdoor pool, spa and jacuzzi, plus observation and lecture lounges and a dedicated expedition and adventures launching platform.

Singapore's MPA to give 50% port dues concession to passenger vessels

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 18 February 2020 18 February 2020

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be giving a 50% port dues concession to passenger vessels, to provide relief to vessel owners and operators who have seen a drop in passenger volumes due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) outbreak. The new concession, to be given from 1 March 2020 to 31 August 2020, will be on top of all existing port dues concessions.

All cruise vessels and regional ferries with a port stay of not more than five days, and passenger-carrying harbour craft will qualify for the new concession. It is expected to benefit more than 600 cruise vessels, regional ferries and passenger-carrying harbour craft, bringing total savings of over $1 million in the six-month period.

The new port dues concession for passenger vessels is part of the COVID-19 relief package announced today by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat.

National Geographic Endurance completes sea trials

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 17 February 2020 17 February 2020

National Geographic Endurance, a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation and the first polar new build for Lindblad Expeditions, has successfully completed her first sea trials in Storfjorden, which is the entrance of the iconic Geirangerfjord.

During the trials, the ship was put through a series of exercises which tested engines, azipods, navigation systems and emergency maneuvers.

"The first of two new polar vessels for the line, the 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is fully stabilized with the highest ice class (PC5 Category A) of any purpose-built passenger vessel, and features the distinctive X-Bow which will afford the smoothest, most comfortable ride imaginable, in all sea behavior, resulting in greater fuel efficiency and fewer emissions for reduced environmental impact," te company said in a statement.

National Geographic Endurance is back in the shipyard currently undergoing final outfitting before delivery set in March. She will embark on her maiden voyage, Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light and Epic Ice on April 2, 2020 followed by a series of expeditions exploring areas both familiar and new, presenting unprecedented opportunities to explore further, including the Northeast Passage.

Norwegian Spirit re-enters service after $100 million refurbishment

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 16 February 2020 16 February 2020

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled the "all-new" Norwegian Spirit following an over $100 million renovation as part of The Norwegian Edge program, which reaffirms the company’s commitment to elevating the standard of excellence across the fleet.

Norwegian Spirit emerged from a 43-day dry dock in Marseille, France is to arrive to Civitavecchia, Italy, boasting 14 new venues, additional and updated staterooms, enhanced public areas and new hull art. She will set sail on a series of immersive 17, 20 and 28-day exotic expeditions spanning three continents, departing from Civitavecchia, Italy on Feb. 14, 2020; Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 2, 2020; and Cape Town, South Africa on March 22, 2020, before homeporting in Athens (Piraeus), Greece for the first time on April 19, 2020.

She will offer a season of 7-night voyages to the Greek Isles, Turkey, and Israel through Nov. 8, 2020. Open for sale on Feb. 15, 2020, the new destination-rich itineraries, many which boast extended port times, will explore seven or eight ports in seven days, calling to sought-after destinations including Rhodes, Mykonos; Santorini and Corfu, Greece; Kusadasi and Istanbul, Turkey; Ashdod and Haifa, Israel; Limassol, Cyprus as well as two new ports of call for the brand, Patmos and Volos, Greece.

As the most extensive bow-to-stern revitalization of any ship in the Company’s history, Norwegian Spirit’s enhancements include a doubled-in-size Mandara Spa, complete with a new thermal suite and relaxation area; an expanded Pulse Fitness Center; and the second Onda by Scarpetta restaurant at sea. New complimentary dining venues include an additional main dining room, Taste; the 24-hour eatery, The Local Bar and Grill; the all-day dining outlet, Garden Café; the Great Outdoors Bar; and Waves Pool Bar. Making their debut are Bliss Ultra Lounge and Spinnaker Lounge, which features the Humidor Cigar Lounge, as well as the adults-only retreat Spice H2O, a daytime lounge featuring two new hot tubs and a dedicated bar, which transforms into an after-hours entertainment venue.

Norwegian Spirit will emerge from dry dock single-use plastic beverage bottle free as part of a significant effort towards providing guests with more sustainable options at sea. As of Jan. 1, 2020, Norwegian Cruise Line is the first major cruise line to eliminate single-use plastic beverage bottles across its entire fleet, an effort made possible through a recent partnership with JUST Goods, Inc.

“It is truly exciting to celebrate Norwegian Spirit’s sail out of dry dock to incredible destinations following her significant renovation,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Europe is the number one destination for international arrivals, and we are very proud to position Norwegian Spirit for her first post-dry-dock season in this high-demand region. Our brand has been recognized 12 times in a row by the World Travel Awards as ‘Europe’s Leading Cruise Line’ and we are thrilled to offer our guests even more great itineraries in the region, allowing them to explore multiple destinations while unpacking only once.”

The revitalized Norwegian Spirit further strengthens the Company’s presence in Europe, where the cruise line will position a total of seven ships in 2020: Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Epic and Norwegian Jade.