MV Werften receives loan commitment from the Economic Stabilisation Fund

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 06 June 2021 06 June 2021

During the past few months, MV Werften, together with representatives of the federal and regional government as well as its partner, have been engaging in discussions concerning the possibilities for obtaining interim aid from the Economic Stabilisation Fund (ESF) of the federal government and negotiating the general conditions. This Thursday a positive decision was taken by the ESF. Carsten J. Haake (Managing Director MV WERFTEN, CFO): “We are pleased with the outcome and would like to express our sincere gratitude to the ministries of the federal and regional governments, the KfW investment and development bank and the other banks for their commitment, and also for the hard, but fair negotiations during the course of the past few months. This gratitude is likewise extended to our partner, who trusts and supports us.”

Proceeding from the ultimate decision by Hermes concerning federal guarantees for the post-delivery financing of the Endeavor as well as the granting of ESF funds, the restructuring measures will then be implemented on the basis of the negotiated transfer collective agreement.

Peter Fetten states in this respect: “So far, we have succeeded in dealing with the Corona crisis to the best of our ability, my heart-felt thanks go to our colleagues – each and every one of them. With our partner by our side, we will now, as a shipyard group, successfully manage our orders – initially with a smaller team – and further develop new, innovative ships at the same time.” Carsten J. Haake adds: “The Management and our partner are simultaneously endeavouring to obtain funding for further shipbuilding products in order to secure subsequent employment.”

In the wake of a challenging 14-month period of the pandemic and the Corona-related standstill in cruise shipping and in shipbuilding, there are indications that things are returning to normal and that it will thus be possible to return to the customary level of efficiency in production. The progress currently being made in terms of vaccinations in Europe and in Germany is enabling supply chains to revert to the just-in-time mode, in addition, the travel industry is showing good signs of recovery. The number of bookings received by cruise ship companies is on the rise and these reservations already demonstrate a demand for safe cruises. Peter Fetten remarks in this regard: “We are looking ahead to the future with a mix of optimism and confidence. We shall continue to build innovative and, above all, safe ships.”

Azamara Onward to cruise in Europe summer 2022

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 04 June 2021 04 June 2021

Azamara, the boutique cruise line describing itself as dedicated to Destination Immersion experiences, said it will offer 22 European itineraries and three new land explorations for the brand’s fourth ship, Azamara Onward. 

“Scheduled to set sail in spring 2022 for its inaugural season, Azamara will offer guests the opportunity to join Azamara Onward’s maiden and christening voyage, starting in Monte Carlo and concluding in Venice,” the company said in a statement.

Azamara Onward, which is a sister ship of the three existing vessels of the company,  will push forward the future of Destination Immersion experiences with half of its voyages being Country-Intensive℠ itineraries, allowing more time to explore a single country’s hidden gems, and 85 late nights and 21 overnight stays in multiple cities across Europe, the company said.

 “We are thrilled to introduce our fourth ship to our guests and travel partners next year and welcome them to join us for the christening of Azamara Onward on her maiden voyage,” says Azamara President, Carol Cabezas. “As the leader in Destination Immersion, we look forward to connecting our guests with people and cultures of the world and bringing guests to smaller, unique ports which are only accessible to smaller ships.”

The ship’s inaugural deployment will unveil a series of voyages ranging from seven to 15 nights, covering the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the company said.

Photo: Azamara Onward is a sister ship of the three present vessels of the company. Previously called Pacific Princess and operated by Princess Cruises, the ship will undergo a major refit before enteringbservicewith Azamara

Costa Crociere and MSC Cruises bring more ships to service in Mediterranean

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 04 June 2021 04 June 2021

Costa Crociere, which is part of the Carnival Group and the Geneva based MSC Cruises have unveiled plans to bring more ships in service in the Mediterranean.

Costa Firenze, the latest ship to join Costa fleet and dedicated to the Florentine Renaissance, will enter service this July 4 from Savona and will operate in the Mediterranean until the end of November.

Costa Toscana, currently under construction that will be powered by LNG will debut in December 2021. “Throughout 2022, Costa Toscana will be dedicated to seven-day cruises in the Western Mediterranean, which will enable visits on the same vacation to two fascinating Spanish destinations -- Barcelona and Valencia in spring, or Ibiza and Valencia in summer,” the company said in a statement

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises, said it will restart its sailing operations in Spain with the deployment of MSC Grandiosa to Barcelona from 26 June for a Saturday embarkation. Valencia will then be added as an additional port of call as of 30 July.

This follows recent announcements by the line that its ships are restarting operations in Germany, France and the Baltics in addition to its current and other Summer 2021 confirmed itineraries in the West and East Mediterranean as well as UK. 

Barcelona is also a major international travel hub with a leading airport that international guests can now fly to and join their cruises directly, the company said in a statement.

Silversea continues restart of ultra-luxury cruising in Alaska and Iceland

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 03 June 2021 03 June 2021

Silversea Cruises, the first cruise line to return to global ultra-luxury cruising with voyages in Greece and the Galápagos from June, has announced new summer voyages in Alaska and Iceland, starting in July 2021. With the passage of the U.S. Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, which enables cruises to Alaska without required stops in Canada, Silver Muse will resume round-trip sailings from Seattle starting July 29, making Silversea the first ultra-luxury cruise line to operate in Alaska this summer. Silver Shadow will circumnavigate Iceland with the launch of new all-Icelandic itineraries, returning to Northern Europe with three 10-day voyages from Reykjavik, beginning July 30.

"We proudly continue to lead the ultra-luxury cruise industry’s healthy return to service and commend the leadership of Alaska and Iceland for taking steps to advance the safe resumption of global travel,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea's President and CEO. “The return to service is fast gaining momentum, and we’ve seen exceptional demand for travel in Alaska and Iceland. We’re eager to welcome back our guests to unlock unforgettable experiences aboard Silver Muse and Silver Shadow while contributing to the local economies of the incredible communities we visit.”

Made possible by the passing of the U.S. Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, Silver Muse will set sail on round-trip voyages from Seattle as the first ultra-luxury cruise ship to visit Alaska this summer, following a varied series of 10- and 11-day itineraries. These extended voyages will enable Silversea’s guests to journey to some of Alaska’s most breathtaking ice structures, including the Sawyer Glacier and the Mendenhall Glacier, as well as experience the state’s remarkable landscapes, wildlife, and remote communities, such as Ketchikan, Juneau, Wrangell, Skagway, and Sitka.

A diverse array of experiences are available for an additional fee in each destination in Alaska, including the following highlights. From Juneau, Silversea guests can board a helicopter to experience the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier from the air, before touching down in special glacier boots to walk across this immense ice structure, accompanied by a tour guide who will impart their knowledge on glaciers. Offering an alternative experience of the Mendenhall Glacier, travelers can also participate in a three-hour whale quest from Auke Bay, admiring the vast glacier from the comfort of a catamaran while looking out for marine animals. An onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of the wildlife guests may encounter – from humpback and killer whales to Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and Bald Eagles. From Skagway, guests can board a vintage train for an exclusive adventure through Skagway's White Pass and Yukon Route, learning about Alaska’s gold rush past while taking in the state’s natural beauty.

Iceland – burgeoning demand

According to the Icelandic Tourist Board, cruise travelers arriving in Iceland peaked at approximately 549,000 in 2019, which indicates a burgeoning demand. Responding to exceptionally strong guest feedback, Silversea Cruises had previously announced its largest-ever collection of voyages in Iceland as part of its voyage collection for 2021/2022. A revised collection following the pandemic, the three round-trip voyages from Reykjavik include calls in Grundarfjordur, Isafjordur, Siglufjordur, Akureyri, Husavik, Seydisfjordur, and the island of Heimaey. Circumnavigating a land of jaw-dropping natural beauty and geological wonders aboard Silversea’s intimate, ultra-luxury Silver Shadow, the cruise line’s guests will have the chance to marvel at volcanoes and glacier-sculpted fjords, walk across lava fields, witness magnificent waterfalls and bubbling hot springs, and so much more.

During Silversea’s voyages in Iceland, guests will enjoy immersive shore excursions that are included in the fare. Highlight experiences include an insightful half-day tour from Akureyri, during which travelers will discover Iceland’s vast lava fields, bubbling hot pools, hissing fumaroles, breathtaking waterfalls, and internationally-acclaimed birdlife; an awe-inspiring Puffin Tour from Grundarfjordur, during which guests will board a small boat before sailing to an island renowned for its large colony of nesting Atlantic Puffins; an all-terrain vehicle adventure from Heimaey, on which travelers will witness the spectacular beauty of the Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago and the Eldfell Volcano; an unforgettable 4x4 glacier safari with an ice cave visit; and an authentic journey into Iceland’s herring tradition in Siglufjordur with a tasting.

Mandatory vaccinations

All guests and crew will be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before embarking Silver Muse in Alaska and Silver Shadow in Iceland, as part of Silversea's comprehensive, multi-layered set of science-backed protocols that will help to safeguard the health and safety of guests, crew, and visited communities. More information is available on Silversea's website. Silversea will continue to work closely with relevant governing bodies and health authorities to evolve its health and safety procedures, as new health recommendations are issued and as the fluid situation advances.