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Cruise & Maritime Voyages enters soft expedition market with Sea of Cortez itinerary

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 April 2019 15 April 2019

Cruise & Maritime Voyages, (CMV) the UK based destinational cruise operator, said it has introduced a ‘soft expedition’ programme of voyages of exploration in Mexico in the Sea of Cortez on the 16,000 gross ton Astoria.

The 11 night itinerary that is mainly targeting US and Mexican source markets, but also sold in the UK, will feature calls at eight ports in the region, which is one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet and described as a ‘living aquarium’ by the famous French explorer Jacques Cousteau. It will run in the winter of 2019-20.

“From exotic islands to world renown vacation destinations, it presents a chance to discover truly breathtaking nature, infused with distinctive Mexican culture. These ‘soft expedition’ cruises sail from Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) on the Mexican coast, conveniently located just over 200 miles from Phoenix, Arizona,” the company said in a statement

“This is an exciting project that we have been very much looking forward to announcing in close cooperation with the Mexican states of Baja California Sur and Sonora and the state of Arizona – the first opportunity to cruise from Puerto Peñasco.” said John Dennis, VP, Sales and Marketing for CMV USA.

“We are thrilled – not only to be Arizona’s de facto cruise line, but also to welcome guests throughout the country and internationally to experience this Sea of Cortez experience. With superb airlift into Phoenix and Tucson, we anticipate great interest from many international markets.”

Chris Coates, Group Commercial Director of CMV commented, “The largely undiscovered pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez present the Group’s first foray into the soft expedition cruise sector, inaugurating our new ‘Voyages of Exploration’ collection. In tandem, CMV’s Astoria that will perform the program offers a unique, classic boutique style and an authentic cruise experience, supported by an enrichment program and supplemented by classical and more popular themed entertainment.”

RCCL takes delivery of China bound Spectrum of the Seas

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 April 2019 12 April 2019

Royal Caribbean International (RCI), the contemporary market unit in the Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (RCCL) group, said it has taken delivery of Spectrum of the Seas in Bremerhaven, Germany, from Meyer Werft that built the ship.

The first in the Quantum Ultra class of ships, Spectrum of the Seas will homeport from Shanghai starting June 2019. It is the 26^thvessel in the fleet of RCI.

“We are excited to welcome Spectrum of the Seas, our first Quantum Ultra Class ship to the Royal Caribbean family,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We have once again combined revolutionary ship design with the latest technology to deliver a ship that will redefine the China cruise market. We are excited for our guests to make amazing family memories.”

The ship will feature first the line’s private enclave for suite guests, new stateroom categories, and innovative dining concepts, along with new features, experiences and technology.

Marella Cruises to replace remaining 1980s tonnage within five years - report

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 April 2019 12 April 2019

Marella Cruises, the UK focused deep sea cruise lne in TUI AG group, plans to retire its two remaining 1980s built vessels within five years and replace them by newer ships, Cruise Critic reports

Chris Hackney, Managing Director, was quoted by Cruise Critic as saying: "They've been in the fleet a number of years and the next stage will be looking at replacement plans for when we retire those ships further down the line. I would say they will retire in the next five years.”

“That's realistically the timeline. We haven't got concrete plans for when they leave and what replacement options will be -- clearly we are in the market to grow and not shrink.”

The line still operates the 1984 built 33,930 gross ton Marella Celebration that started life as Noordam of Holland America Line and Marella Dream of 54,763 gross ton, which was built in 1986 as Homeric of the no longer extant Home Lines.

Marella Dream is heading for a two month dry docking in January 2020 that will see the ship undergo a complete refurbishment, the report said.

Marella Cruises introduced the 1995 built Marella Explorer 2 earlier this spring and TUI AG said a UK focused new venture called TUI River Cruises would commence operations in 2020 with three ships that the group had acquired.

Irish Continental Group sells 1987 built Oscar Wilde to MSC for €28.9 million

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 April 2019 11 April 2019

Irish Continental Group plc (ICG), the Dublin based listed ferry company, said that it has entered into a bareboat hire purchase agreement for the sale of the 31,122 gross ton cruise ferry Oscar Wilde to MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company SA.

The total gross consideration for the sale is €28.9 million, payable in installments over six years, up to 2025. Delivery to the buyer is expected to take place during April 2019.

The Oscar Wilde, built in Finland in 1987 as Kronprins Harald for the now defunct Jahre Line, was acquired by ICG in 2007 and was operated by its subsidiary Irish Ferries on the Ireland – France route.

“The proceeds less the net book value of the Oscar Wilde (€7.7 million) and related disposal costs will result in a profit on disposal which will be reported as part of the 2019 financial results of ICG,” the company said in a statement.

TUI acquires three river ships for new UK focused venture

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 April 2019 11 April 2019

TUI AG, the German tour operator that has a significant foothold in the cruise industry, said it had acquired three river cruise ships for a new UK focused venture.

To be called TUI River Cruises and due to commence operations in the summer of next year, it will complement Marella Cruises, the group’s deep sea cruise offering in the UK.

“TUI River Cruises will offer adults the ultimate flexibility to create their perfect trip when it comes to river cruising, with the option to create bespoke packages to suit their every need,” TUI said in a statement

Customers would choose their board basis, whether that’s full board plus with wine, beer and soft drinks included with meals, or selecting the premium drinks package, cabin type and even their favourite cocktail in the lounge. “The cruise line will also boast a handful of private balcony suites for those seeking to add even more luxury to their package,” TUI added.

Excursions would range from ones for avid adventurers, sightseeing tours with a local expert for those looking to broaden their knowledge, relax and learn, and those looking to try something a little different can experience a bike tour. “The cruise line will also offer £120 credit to put towards any shore excursion bookings, allowing each customer the perfect opportunity to tailor their holiday to suit them,” TUI said, adding that tips and service charges would be included in the fare, as is the case with Marella Cruises.

Chris Hackney, Managing Director of Cruise for TUI UK &Ireland said in the statement: “We’re incredibly excited to be moving into the river cruise market, we’re always looking for new opportunities to offer our customers even more variety when it comes to choosing the perfect holiday and our river cruises will really take this to the next level as customers are able to personalise their package whether that’s board type, cabins, excursions and even cocktail choice.”