More News

Genting Hong Kong’s Global class to capitalise on Asians’ early adoption of AI and biometrics

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 04 April 2018 04 April 2018

Genting Hong Kong, the listed parent of Dream Cruises, Star Cruises and Crystal Cruises, says the 204,000 gross ton Global class ships of its Dream Cruise brand will capitalise on Asians’ early adoption of IT.

“Whilst the ships are similar in size to the latest generation of ships of other cruise lines, the Global Class ships will incorporate Asia’s early adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and biometrics such as facial recognition &voice activation, robotics, and other digital advancements,” Genting Hong Kong said in its 2017 result release..

The ships will also feature the world’s first Cineplex and theme park with roller coaster, Asian and Western spa facilities, multiple authentic Asian dining experiences, including fast-casual food alternatives, and affordable shopping facilities in addition to luxury retail boutiques.

They are designed with spacious standard staterooms, which are larger than other cruise lines and can accommodate 2, 3 or 4 passengers with a king bed and king sofa bed. Split (two) bathrooms are convenient as two persons can be using them at the same time.

For Asians who usually travel with families, the ability to offer free fares for the third and fourth passengers in the same cabin during the low season will be a great competitive advantage and the ability to price full fares for four passengers during the peak season will significantly improve yields. In order to cater for the peak season, sufficient lifeboats are provided for a peak capacity of 9,500 passengers. 8 sets of escalators will connect public areas for efficient traffic flow.

Columbia Cruise Services signs management contract with One Ocean Expeditions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 April 2018 03 April 2018

The Canadian expedition cruise vessel operator One Ocean Expeditions (OOE), a leading Arctic and Antarctic expedition expert, appointed Columbia Cruise Services (CCS) as Managers for their RCGS Resolute. As of October 2018, CCS will provide Full Management services on-board, signing responsible for the Deck, Engine and the Hotel Operations.

“We’ve done a great deal of homework in selecting a manager for the RCGS Resolute project. Ultimately, we settled on Columbia Cruise Services for their attention to detail and clear desire to be alongside with us every step of the way in trying to develop RCGS Resolute as a truly unique, high quality expedition cruise offering,” states One Ocean Expeditions Managing Director Andrew Prossin. “The merger of philosophy, and experience from both CCS and OOE is going to create something truly special – they’ve been equally determined as us to deliver on quality and integrity of our established brand,” Prossin continues.

The RCGS Resolute, named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, will arrive in Sydney, NS in October 2018 for its inaugural OOE polar voyage. The ship also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS).

CCS is proud to work with OOE. Managing Director Olaf Groeger adds “OOE, being true expedition experts, deliver extraordinary experiences to their clients primarily in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. We are proud to have been trusted with the full management of this prestigious project and are very happy to be part of the OOE adventure.”

SkySea Cruise Line to operate final voyage on August 29, 2018

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 March 2018 31 March 2018

SkySea Cruise Line, the first smart contemporary cruise line specifically developed for the Chinese market, has announced the final voyage of the brand’s flagship SkySea Golden Era will take place August 29, 2018. The 4-night cruise will depart Shanghai and visit Fukuoka, Japan before returning to Shanghai on September 2, 2018.

By the time of her final cruise, SkySea Golden Era will have hosted nearly 500,000 guests on close to 300 cruises from the homeports of Shanghai, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Qingdao and Zhoushan while visiting over 30 destination ports in Japan, Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam.

SkySea Golden Era currently sails from Shanghai offering 4 and 5-night cruises to Japan and will re-position as planned to homeport in Xiamen from April 19th through May 23rd offering 4 and 5-night cruises to Japan and the Philippines. SkySea will officially begin her final season festivities when she repositions back to Shanghai offering 4 and 5-night sailings to Japan from May 27th through the final voyage of August 29th.

SkySea will commemorate its major contribution to the China cruise market by offering a final season of unique theme cruises, promotions and special onboard activities and entertainment to its guests.

On every voyage from May 27th through August 29th, SkySea will treat guests to a SkySea ‘Golden Memories’ champagne reception, special farewell dessert made by the ship’s Executive Chef, a commemorative gift for each guest, a coupon book with special offers for purchases made onboard and a 10% discount on the cruise ticket for any past passenger of SkySea Cruise Line who books through the cruise line’s call center or website.

SkySea has lined up exciting themes and entertainment including the very popular 3rd annual SkySea Voice competition and interactive performance of SAMAJAM@SkySea which will take place on every cruise. SkySea Forums covering health and wellness, acting, sports and wine tasting will be offered as well as performances by the most popular entertainers who have taken the stage onboard SkySea Golden Era for the past three years.

The SkySea Voice finale will be held on the August 25th cruise where the winners from all previous cruises in 2018 will gather together to perform and the Master of SkySea Golden Era will crown this year’s SkySea Voice champion and provide a cash prize to the winner.

Ken Muskat, CEO of SkySea Cruise Line, has said the brand has established itself in the competitive cruise market in a short time and is known for providing the best culinary experience, service, theme cruises and taking a leadership position for MICE business.

“We will have a legacy of being remembered as a major contributor to the increased awareness and growing consumer demand for cruising in the China market as well as helping evolve the way cruises are marketed and sold” said Muskat. “We have introduced cruising to hundreds of thousands of consumers who have never cruised before and they walked away with incredible satisfaction which is now helping build repeat business. We look forward to continuing to provide the service and experience that makes SkySea special for the balance of our sailings and encourage those who haven’t sailed with SkySea to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Poseidon Expeditions to sponsor April 2018 Polar Symposium at Brown University in Providence, RI

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 March 2018 31 March 2018

Poseidon Expeditions, specialists in expedition cruising in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, has announced its sponsorship of an April 5-6, 2018, symposium at Brown University that will address issues impacting the polar regions.

Polar Opposites: Creative Interventions in the Arctic and Antarctica is under the auspices of The Brown Arts Initiative (BAI). Two days of panel discussions, presentations and exhibitions – all free and open to the public – will be held at the Perry and Marty Granoff Center for the Creative Arts on campus. Advance registration is required.

An exceptional group of innovators and practitioners including artists, scientists, activists, researchers and scholars will address issues impacting the polar regions. Polar Opposites is part of the BAI’s three-year Arts & Environment program addressing a diversity of topics related to natural and man-made issues with a focus on raising awareness of and creatively addressing the impact of climate change. The breadth of the symposium’s topics is designed to highlight collaborative experimentation, scholarship and problem-solving across disciplines.

“We are honored to sponsor this event,” said Nikolay Saveliev, president of Poseidon Expeditions. “A hallmark of our company is its long-term commitment to science and the arts as they relate specifically to the polar world. Frequently among our cruise guests are citizen scientists and international photographers and artists whose works continue to engage the greater public with these frozen environments.

“Like this symposium’s participants and attendees, we share the environmental imperative and responsibility for conservation of the Arctic and Antarctic habitats. A key part of our mission is to help our guests understand the importance of preserving polar regions for future generations,” he said.

Founded in 1999, Poseidon Expeditions is a recognized leader in icebreaker cruises to the North Pole and Franz Josef Land, expanding its products and services in recent years to include deluxe expedition cruises to the Arctic destinations of Svalbard and Greenland, and to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. The company operates two vessels, the 114-guest Sea Spirit and the 128-guest 50 Years of Victory, purpose-built as an icebreaker for venturing to 90º north latitude – the top of the world.

The company maintains offices in the US, UK, Germany, Russia and China and is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. It is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

AmaLea sets sail on maiden voyage

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 March 2018 31 March 2018

AmaWaterways' newest ship, the 156-passenger AmaLea, set sail this week on her inaugural Tulip Time voyage. The ship embarked on her first journey from Amsterdam and is currently sailing along the colorful canals of the Dutch and Belgian Waterways, returning to Amsterdam on April 1. AmaLea will begin her Danube itineraries starting May 6 with an official christening ceremony – led by AmaLea’s godmother and respected travel industry executive, Filomena Andre, taking place on May 26 in Vilshofen, Germany.

“We are thrilled to see AmaLea welcoming her first guests to enjoy her luxurious features, modern and spacious design and impeccable service as they sail an unforgettable Tulip Time cruise,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. “I am confident our guests will appreciate the warm, pastel colors of the interior decor that marry so beautifully with the blooming tulip fields around them.”

Sister ship to the award-winning AmaKristina, AmaStella and AmaViola, AmaLea also features connecting and triple occupancy staterooms that are perfect for the growing multi-generational travel group markets. The ship will also feature AmaWaterways’ unique signature twin-balcony in most staterooms – offering breathtaking views of the European scenery.

Additional amenities include a daily “Sip & Sail” complimentary cocktail hour (new for 2018); a heated sun deck pool with swim-up bar; hair and massage salons; a well-equipped fitness center; complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship; a fleet of bicycles carried on board for guests to use complimentary. In addition to the stunning Main Lounge providing an exhilarating backdrop for guests to meet throughout the day and enjoy nightly entertainment, the ship also offers multiple dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant with its wine-paired tasting menu.

AmaLea will sail six Tulip Time cruises before embarking on seven-night cruises on the Danube River between Vilshofen and Budapest, two of which are themed Wine Cruises hosted by Amelia Ceja, president of Ceja Vineyards Napa, CA and Frederick Frank, president of Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars, Finger Lakes Region, NY and take place in November. AmaLea will close out her inaugural 2018 season with four awe-inspiring Christmas Markets Cruises on the Danube.