More News

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection announces itineraries and shore excursions

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 March 2018 06 March 2018

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. today announced itineraries and shore excursion categories for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, unveiling routes and programming that will deliver one-of-a-kind experiences. Whether visiting a celebrated destination or one that is off the beaten path, guests will benefit from a dedicated Concierge Ashore in addition to five distinct categories of shore excursions, including Iconic Sights; Stirring the Senses; Cultural Connections; Active Explorations; and Epicurean Experiences.

“The itineraries and intimate shore experiences are not only unique and forward-thinking in their design, but illustrate our commitment to providing rare opportunities to today’s luxury traveler,” said Lisa Holladay, Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “Combining The Ritz-Carlton’s unparalleled service with journeys created specifically to offer immersion into the culture of the destination, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will set a new standard in sea travel and redefine the yachting experience.”

Designed to combine the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury resorts and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation, no two itinerary routes are alike. Stopping at both intimate and signature destinations, voyages will range from seven to ten days. The first ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Canada and Northeastern United States. Ports along the way range from Barbados, Cartagena, Bordeaux and Copenhagen, as well as ports that deliver a yacht-style sailing experience including Carriacou, Falmouth Harbour, Gustavia, the Balearic Islands, Mykonos, Portofino and more. Guests will have the opportunity to combine back-to-back voyages without repeating ports, allowing them to enjoy true exploration across a broad range of destinations.

“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection itineraries and programs on land were created with the yachting lifestyle in mind and will offer a relaxed pace and intimate, highly personalized experiences on shore,” said Douglas Prothero, Managing Director, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We are thrilled to share the curated voyages and look forward to introducing guests to the local cultures of each destination through our Shore Collection while offering the best luxury accommodations at sea.”

As a complement to these unique itineraries, shore excursion tracks have been thematically crafted so guests can easily pick a category that fits their interests and activity levels. All shore excursions take advantage of local guides who have been handpicked for their insider knowledge, ensuring a highly personalized, relevant experience while exploring a destination. With a relaxed pace that includes both overnight and daytime ports of call and an intimate ship size that allows the yachts to sail right into city harbors while others must anchor offshore, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection gives guests more flexibility and options when it comes to their time on land.

The Shore Collection excursion categories include Iconic Sights, which will offer guests the opportunity to discover the cultural, historical, and architectural marvels of a destination, perhaps by browsing a museum in Montenegro on an exclusive tour with its curator. Stirring the Senses is ideal for those wishing to focus on wellness and wellbeing and may include sunrise and sunset yoga in the Grenadines or an encounter with a spiritual shaman. For guests who wish to give back, Cultural Connections will offer the opportunity to spend a day helping protect wildlife or the natural environment, among other philanthropic activities. Active Explorations caters to travelers looking for outdoor adventure such as swimming with turtles in Tobago Cays or a private sea kayak tour off the coast of Reykjavik, Iceland. Guests can also sail into a world of culinary exploration through Epicurean Experiences by visiting a renowned winery in Bordeaux with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sommelier or learning to grow baby oysters in a private farm in Sete, France.

Meanwhile, for the discerning traveler seeking the most personalized way to explore a destination, a Concierge Ashore will be available to help craft a bespoke experience on land which will be meaningful and authentic. This may include insider access to a popular attraction or exploring a local community with a private guide.

The first of three lavish cruising yachts is scheduled to take to the sea in November 2019 and distinguishes Marriott International as the only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea. The specially designed yacht will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers and feature 149 suites, each with its own private terrace. The yacht will also feature two 158 square-meter lavish penthouse suites, each with its own private whirlpool, modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and leading design firm Tillberg Design of Sweden. The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and unparalleled level of individualized guest service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized, with one of the highest staff to guest service ratios in the cruise industry.

Reservations for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will open to the public in June 2018, following priority access booking in May 2018 for Ritz-Carlton and Marriott Rewards loyalty members.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection guests will enjoy an all-inclusive luxury sailing experience including spacious accommodations, onboard activities and entertainment, multiple dining venues, onboard gratuities and WiFi. Voyage prices will vary based upon the itinerary and season.

AIDA Cruises appoints Germany’s first female cruise ship Captain

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 March 2018 06 March 2018

Nicole Langosch (34) has been named the Captain of AIDAsol. This makes her the first female Captain in the AIDA fleet and highest-ranking woman on a cruise ship in Germany.

Nicole Langosch was born in Osterode and grew up in Herborn in Hesse. Sailing was her first introduction to seafaring. She completed her nautical science studies in Leer. During her subsequent study program in logistics, she worked for a container shipping company in Oakland (New Zealand) and for the EU parliament in Brussels. Her first nautical internship was on a container ship. Langosch has held various positions on AIDA ships over the past ten years.

“I’m proud to work at a company that promotes the careers of young women and that has made it possible for me pursue my dream profession. I look forward to my new role as captain on board AIDAsol and am aware of the great responsibility,” says Langosch.

With a length of 253 meters and width of 32 meters, AIDAsol is one of 12 ships in the AIDA fleet and currently travels between the Canary Islands and Madeira. On March 25, 2018, Captain Langosch will be navigating the ship to Hamburg. From here, the ship will depart on April 7, 2018, for Northern Europe and Norway.

AIDA Cruises currently employs 14 female nautical officers on board its fleet. With tailored, collaborative training and a dual study program in partnership with the University of Wismar, AIDA Cruises offers an innovative educational concept for nautical science in Warnemünde.

Queen Latifah to name Carnival Horizon

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 March 2018 06 March 2018

Grammy award-winning musical artist, acclaimed television and film actress, label president, author and entrepreneur – has been named the godmother to Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon.

Latifah will participate in the ship’s official naming ceremony as well as a special “Lip Sync Battle: Horizon” showcase that is part of the line’s authentic shipboard reproduction of the hit Paramount Network series. The event will be held during an invitation-only overnight gala onboard Carnival Horizon in New York City on May 23, 2018.

Currently starring in the FOX series “STAR,” Latifah is an incredible talent earning an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe nomination and a SAG Award nomination for her portrayal as Mama Morton in Chicago. She also received an Emmy nomination, a Golden Globe win and a SAG Award win for performances in both “Life Support” and “Bessie,” an HBO biopic on the legendary jazz artist Bessie Smith as well as accolades for her performance as the title character in NBC’s The Wiz Live!

The first hip-hop artist to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Latifah has earned six Grammy nominations and a Grammy Award for Best Solo Rap Performance. Her production company, Flavor Unit Entertainment, has quickly grown to prominence, producing award-winning television shows, blockbuster hits and independent films for a variety of Hollywood studios.

”With her fun-loving spirit and positive, can-do attitude, Queen Latifah embodies our brand and knows how to ‘Choose Fun’ in everything she does,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Knowing that she is a long-time supporter of St. Jude and has performed and won ‘Lip Sync Battle’ made her the ideal candidate to serve as godmother to our newest ship,” she added.
”Carnival is an iconic American brand and it’s an honor to be named godmother of Carnival Horizon and take part in the event on May 23, honoring the special children of St. Jude – a cause that is very near and dear to my heart,” said Latifah.

The May 23 gala will recognize long-time Carnival partner St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a check presentation from funds raised via various activities and events, both on board and ashore, leading up to the event. Additionally, Carnival will unveil special custom-designed artwork created by more than 30 St. Jude patients that will appear on the Carnival Horizon’s “Dreamscape,” a stunning three-deck-high LED sculpture that takes center stage in the ship’s atrium.

Following the event, Carnival Horizon begins her summer schedule from New York that runs through September followed by the launch year-round Caribbean cruises from Miami later that month.

As the line’s newest ship, Carnival Horizon will introduce a number of one-of-a-kind innovations, including Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse with BBQ favorites created by Food Network star Guy Fieri in addition to the first Dr. Seuss-themed water park, part of the line’s exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the groundbreaking bike-ride-in-the-sky attraction called SkyRide, an IMAX Theatre, and more.

A wide range of accommodations will also be offered, including spa cabins with exclusive privileges at the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, extra-roomy staterooms in Family Harbor, and tropics-inspired Havana staterooms and suites with exclusive daytime access to a Cuban-themed bar and pool.

MSC Cruises opens bookings for MSC Grandiosa, the first unit of the 'Meraviglia Plus' class

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 06 March 2018 06 March 2018

MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Grandiosa is now open for bookings. For her inaugural season, the first MSC Cruises Meraviglia Plus generation ship will set sail in the Western Mediterranean. Bookings open today for an initial two-week period exclusively for members of the MSC Voyagers Club — MSC Cruises’ guest loyalty rewards program — and bookings for all other guests will open on March 19, 2018.

“At launch, MSC Grandiosa will be the fifth brand-new MSC Cruises ship to have joined our fleet in only two and a half years,” said Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises. “She represents the further evolution of the already highly-successful Meraviglia prototype, first introduced only nine months ago. As such, she will also bring even more choices to MSC Cruises’ guests and other vacationers wanting to experience the ever-so-popular Mediterranean region on board one of the most highly-innovative MSC Cruises classes of ships that will welcome guests to the region in the Winter 2019/2020 season.”

The new ship will offer guests, among other features, two brand new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea, created exclusively for MSC Grandiosa guests. This is part of a long-term partnership between MSC Cruises and the world leader in artistic entertainment, Cirque du Soleil that will result in a total of eight original shows available on MSC Cruises’ four Meraviglia generation ships. MSC Grandiosa is the third ship to feature the exclusive entertainment concept. The four other Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, two for each ship, have already been created for MSC Meraviglia and MSC Bellissima.

MSC Grandiosa will showcase an even larger Mediterranean-style promenade, the ground-breaking feature unique to the Meraviglia and Meraviglia Plus prototypes. Serving as the social hub of the ship, the promenade features an array of shops and specialty restaurants as well as a new bar and lounge, L’Atelier Bistrot, which will offer lounge seating with a stage and a dance floor. Impressionist art will also be on display in this space and have "terrace” seating with Parisian Bistrot tables and chairs along the promenade. Throughout the day and the evening, the promenade will host surprise performances, including flash mobs and themed parties as well as awe-inspiring projections on an even longer 323 ft. LED Sky screen.

The industry-leading shipboard digital innovation program, MSC for Me, will allow guests to customize their vacation and enhance their cruise experience. As the Company continues to evolve and innovate the digital offering, guests can expect new features, offering a connected cruise experience to meet their individual needs.

Additional MSC Grandiosa highlights include:

– Seven nights in the stunning Western Mediterranean, calling at six beautiful Mediterranean ports including Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Valletta, Barcelona and Marseille. While in port, guests can enjoy a wide variety of shore activities, designed to meet the needs of a variety of cruise guests from families to adventurous couples, providing an immersive discovery of each destination’s distinctive culture and history.
– New family activities and entertainment, building on the already extensive and award-winning offering[i]. The DOREMI Lab will offer new themes each day, while the DOREMI Studio Lounge focuses on allowing children to have fun through the magic of music, with the possibility to record songs and star in their own music videos. This multitude of concepts ensure that children of every age will have an unforgettable vacation at sea.
– A choice of at least 12 different dining venues on board — ranging from specialty restaurants to the buffet — serving fresh, authentic food each and every day. In addition, a new restaurant concept, exclusively for MSC Aurea experience guests, will be introduced in the Promenade of the ship.
– The MSC Yacht Club, which will continue to offer the more discerning cruise guest a luxurious stay in the ship-within-a-ship concept with private areas and key features such as the stylish Top Sail lounge, stunning One Pool Deck, private restaurant and butler service.

Onorato added, “She will not only become the ‘richest in features’ in the MSC Cruises’ fleet to-date but also be fitted with ground-breaking environmental technology. She will, in fact, feature the latest and most advanced hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems, SCR-Catalysts, state-of-the-art waste management and recycling capabilities, emission-reducing energy and heat recovery systems, and highly advanced wastewater treatment. All of this in a ship that has been designed for all seasons and is able to call in most of the world’s international cruise ports.”

When booking MSC Grandiosa over the initial, exclusive two-week booking period — in addition to benefitting from being able to have the first selection of staterooms — MSC Voyagers Club members will receive a special 5% early booking discount in addition to their current MSC Voyagers Club 5% loyalty discount. All other guests will enjoy a 5% early booking discount until September 4, 2018. MSC Grandiosa will commence sailing from Genoa, Italy on November 16, 2019.

Stena Line introduces battery power

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 March 2018 05 March 2018

Stena Line now take the next step in the quest to test new environmentally friendly energy types for propulsion of vessels. Recently a contract was signed with Callenberg Technology Group for batteries with a capacity of 1 MWh which will be installed on Stena Jutlandica which operates between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn. Before the summer, battery power in port operation will become a reality.

The battery project is an important part of Stena Line's sustainability strategy. In the future our target with the ‘battery’ is to be able to navigate the vessel 50 nautical miles.

"Sustainability is very high on our agenda and we are constantly evaluating new ways to reduce our impact on the environment. From 2015, for example, methanol is part of the fuel mix on Stena Germanica, which operates between Gothenburg and Kiel, and we also run around 300 different energy saving projects. As both the size and cost of batteries decrease, battery operation becomes a very exciting alternative to traditional fuels for shipping, as emissions to air can be completely eliminated”, says Stena Line's CEO Niclas Mårtensson.

The battery project will commence now and will be completed step by step. In step one, it is about switching on battery power for bow thrusters and maneuvering when berthing in port. In step two, an extended battery operation is connected to the propellers, meaning that Stena Jutlandica can be operated on electricity within around 10 nautical miles, equal to the distance between Göteborg and Vinga Lighthouse.

In step three, battery capacity is further expanded and a vessel can operate about 50 nautical miles of electricity corresponding to the distance between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn.

The objective of accomplishing this in several steps is to test and gather knowledge about electrical operation along the way. If the project is successful, battery operation may also be applicable to other vessels in the Stena Line fleet of 38 vessels.

The technical solutions are being developed together with Stena Teknik, which cooperates with the academic world, authorities and various suppliers. The project has been received very positively, and the first phase is supported and financed by half by the Swedish Maritime Administration and the EU.