Miami-based Studio DADO lead design architects for OceaniaNEXT campaign

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 16 August 2018 16 August 2018

Studio DADO, a Miami-based hospitality design firm, is announcing its partnership with Oceania Cruises’ OceaniaNEXT initiative, a $100 million re-inspiration of the line’s four 684-guest ships, Insignia, Sirena, Regatta and Nautica. Beginning with Insignia, the OceaniaNEXT campaign is a sweeping initiative that includes a dramatic, comprehensive redesign of staterooms and suites, as well as a luxurious renewal of public spaces.

The DADO design team led by Yohandel Ruiz, June Cuadra, and Jonathan DaCruz have used the line’s 450 ports of call as inspiration to reinvent the majority of Insignia’s public spaces, including the Reception Hall, Upper Hall, Grand Dining Room, as well as lounges and bars, including Martini’s, Toscana, Polo and Horizons.

Studio DADO is the exclusive architect of the redesign and re-inspiration of Oceania’s remaining Regatta-class ships, scheduled to be completed by 2020. As a relative newcomer to the industry, DADO is the only cruise ship design firm in Miami that is helping to create the total transformation of an entire line of luxury ships.

Bob Binder, President and CEO of Oceania Cruises, states, "The Studio DADO team was initially commissioned to completely redesign just the public rooms onboard the Oceania Insignia. They blew us away during our first meeting. Experiencing their energy and passion was delightful, and exactly what we needed for OceaniaNEXT. We immediately enlisted them to also design 342 staterooms and suites that were stripped down to the steel. They nailed the designs within the first shot, and in only two weeks.”

Yohandel Ruiz, founding partner of DADO, and project design lead says, “We’re really proud of the design our studio has created for Oceania Insignia. The ships are a smaller scale, giving us the opportunity to explore design in a more intimate way. Our approach started with highlighting the exquisite architectural elements found throughout the ship and using them as our backdrop to introduce a more contemporary language in the furnishings and finishes. We envisioned a residential environment for the guests with the ship being an extension of their lifestyle, filled with all the luxuries they have come to expect from Oceania. Guests will never want to leave the ship.”

Insignia will debut on December 17, 2018 followed by Sirena in May 2019, Regatta in September 2019, and Nautica in June 2020.

Iona to cruise to Norway spring and summer 2020, introduce new cabin grade

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 14 August 2018 14 August 2018

P&O Cruises said that Iona, the first of two 180,000 gross ton newbuildings it has on order, will cruise to Norway in the spring and summer of 2020, the start of its inaugural year.

 The ship will also offer a new cabin grade, in which indoor and outdoor spaces can be easily combined.

“Iona begins her inaugural season in this incredible region. With departures throughout the spring and summer of 2020, you’ll have even more opportunities to explore one of the world’s most iconic destinations,” P&O Cruises said, referring to the cruises to Norway.

Meanwhile, the UK focused contemporary market unt of Carnival Corporation & plc said a new cabin grade called

Conservatory Mini-suite would bring the outdoors in with a personal and versatile conservatory-style room that forms an extension to the cabin.

"It offers great flexibility and creates a distinctive relaxation and socialising zone. This space, which includes stylish L-shaped seating, can be closed off or left open according to the time of day or mood."

"By day or in the evenings, the room opens out fully onto the balcony. With a direct connection to the sea, the space is cool and shaded - and perfect for chilling out in. In the evenings, it transforms into a spacious environment for private celebrations and socialising over pre-dinner drinks with friends and family. Leading directly onto the balcony, all configurations of this flexible space offer glorious seascape views," the company said.

P&O Cruises has appointed Richmond International, the London based design company, to work on Iona. The same designers were also responsible for the interiors of the 2015 built Britannia, the latest ship of the line.

 

NCLH raises full year EPS forecast to $4.70 to $4.80 range

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 09 August 2018 09 August 2018

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH0, the world’s third largest cruise shipping company has raised its full year 2018 earnings per share (EPS) forecast to $4.70 to $4.80 from a previous forecast of $4.45 to $4.65 on strong demand, the company said in a statement.

The company said its 2018 full year net yield growth guidance on a constant Currency basis increased 75 basis points from prior guidance to approximately 3.25%, or 125 basis points from the company’s initial full year outlook provided in February.

“The strong demand environment is expected to continue driving higher pricing in the back half of the year, leading to an increase of our full year 2018 Adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $4.70 to $4.80, well above the initial guidance range set at the beginning of the year.” Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of NLCH.

Carnival Triumph’s $200 million refit to cost a third more than Carnival Destiny transformation in 2013

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 02 August 2018 02 August 2018

Carnival Cruise Line, the US focused contemporary cruise unit in the Carnival Corporation & plc group, has unveiled plans for a nearly $200 million bow-to-stern makeover for Carnival Triumph in the spring of 2019.

This would be the most expensive refit of a ship in the fleet by the world’s largest cruise shipping group, exceeding the $155 million spent in 2013 to transform the 1996 built 101,353 gross ton Carnival Destiny to Carnival Sunshine.

Work on Carnival Triumph that was built in 1999 and which is of 101,509 gross tons will include renaming the ship to reflect its significant transformation. “The ship will join Carnival's Sunshine Class and will be named Carnival Sunrise after a two-month-long refurbishment that will take place in Cadiz, Spain, starting March 1. The dry dock makeover will add all of Carnival's wildly popular branded food, beverage and entertainment innovations, as well as update all staterooms in a broad spectrum of new accommodations providing guests fresh and exciting seagoing vacation choices,” Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement.

Following a renaming ceremony, Carnival Sunrise will re-enter service with a series of five- to seven-day voyages from Norfolk, Va., beginning April 29, 2019, a summer schedule of four- to 14-day departures from New York commencing May 23, 2019, then move to Fort Lauderdale in October.

"The introduction of Carnival Sunrise will provide our guests with an array of exciting dining, bar and entertainment choices. The new Carnival Sunrise is part of our multi-billion-dollar ship enhancement program that is transforming our fleet on an unprecedented scale," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival Sunrise enhancements include the redesign of two luxurious Captain's Suites adjacent to the navigational bridge offering floor-to-ceiling windows and extended balcony grand suites.  All of the ship's staterooms will be updated to offer island-inspired interiors with bright colors and soothing pastels inspired by the line's Caribbean itineraries.  Other new features will include:

Cucina del Capitano: offering delicious Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in an engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home.

JavaBlue Café: this expanded version of the line's popular coffee bars will offer lattes, cappuccinos and other caffeinated favorites, as well as "spiked" coffees made with liqueurs, and decadent confections.

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse: a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks, gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, with impeccable service and understated ambiance.

Bonsai Express: the success of the full-service Bonsai Sushi restaurants has spawned this casual spot, featuring a mouth-watering array of sushi, sashimi, rolls and more.

The Chef's Table: a new multi-course dining experience hosted in a special glass-enclosed venue in the forward dining room.

Cherry on Top: The "sweetest spot on board," an expanded Cherry on Top features bulk candy, fanciful gifts, custom apparel and a Carnival Adventures shop.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse: a casual open-air eatery featuring "real deal" BBQ favorites created by Food Network star Guy Fieri.

Lido Marketplace: A casual poolside eatery boasting favorites like Seafood Shack offering lobster rolls and other New England-inspired fare; The Deli with sandwiches and paninis; Pizzeria del Capitano serving hand-tossed artisanal-style pies free of charge 24/7, and an expanded Swirls venue with complimentary ice cream and frozen yogurt.

RedFrog Pub: Featuring the Caribbean's best rums and beers – including Carnival's own ThirstyFrog Red – enjoyed in a distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West atmosphere.

Piano Bar 88: A new twist on Carnival's popular piano bar concept that amps up the excitement with themed nights, engaging new décor and spontaneous sing-along fun

Limelight Lounge: Home to the Punchliner Comedy Club featuring a hilarious line-up of comics which later transforms into a sizzling night club where guests can dance the night away.

New Multi-Purpose Liquid Lounge: an expansive theater that's home to captivating daytime and nighttime entertainment, including the line's high-tech Playlist Productions revues and audience participation favorite Hasbro, The Game Show.

SportSquare: A suspended ropes course offering heart-racing views to the sea 150 feet below, basketball court, jogging track, ping pong, foosball, pool tables, and a nine-hole miniature golf course highlight this open-area recreation complex.

WaterWorks: Featuring a 203-foot-long AquaTunnel slide and Carnival's signature 212-foot-long Twister slide along with a 75-gallon PowerDrencher tipping bucket and kiddie area.

Serenity Adult Only Retreat: An adult only oasis offering plush chaise lounges, whirlpools and oversized umbrellas, enhanced by dramatic sea views.

Expanded Cloud 9 Spa and More Cloud 9 Spa:  Designed as the ultimate refuge for rest and relaxation, the health and wellness center offers an elaborate thermal suite, private treatment rooms, and the latest cardio and weight-training equipment.

Modern, Spacious Facilities for Kids and Teens: including a new Camp Ocean, a colorful marine-inspired play area designed for kids ages 2-11, along with new spaces for Circle "C" aimed at 12- to 14-year olds and Club O2 geared to those 15-17.

The Warehouse:  promising fun for all ages with a variety of the latest video and arcade games.

Expanded Retail Spaces:  a mall-style shopping area lined with retail outlets offering fine jewelry, watches, fragrances, and more along with the line's own branded spaces like Hip Fish and The Carnival Store.

"These new dining spaces and features complement many of Carnival's signature food and beverage outlets that were added during previous renovations, including Guy's Burger Joint developed in tandem with Guy Fieri," said Gus Antorcha, Carnival's chief operating officer, who has led the reimagination of Carnival Sunrise and many other ships in the fleet. "Carnival's investments are part of an overall plan that is raising the bar on ship amenities and features, itineraries and offshore excursions that our guests are loving."

Carnival Sunrise's inaugural schedule from Norfolk kicks off with a seven-day cruise departing the Half Moone Cruise Center visiting Grand Turk, the private island of Half Moon Cay and Freeport departing April 29, 2019.   A pair of five-day voyages departs May 12 and 17, 2019 calling at Nassau and Freeport and three six-day cruises departing May 6, and Oct. 14 and 20, 2019, visiting Half Moon Cay, Nassau and Freeport. 

The ship will then reposition to New York for a series of four- to 14-day voyages beginning May 23, 2019. The program includes four- to eight-day Bermuda cruises, including long weekend sailings to the island departing Thursdays and returning Mondays, along with seven-day fall foliage cruises to New England and the Canadian Maritimes, and two different eight-day Caribbean itineraries with stops at the region's top destinations. Several longer voyages will also be offered, including a 10-day exotic eastern Caribbean itinerary and a 14-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise highlighted by local dining and entertainment experiences and unique shipboard enrichment activities.

Carnival Sunrise will then reposition to Fort Lauderdale for four- and five-day cruises beginning Oct. 28, 2019.  Four-day long weekend cruises will call at tropical ports like Half Moon Cay, Princess Cays, Grand Turk and Nassau, while five-day cruises will visit Cuba, as well as seaside destinations in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Grand Turk.