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Royal Caribbean to debut the new Odyssey of the Seas in Israel

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 March 2021 01 March 2021

Israeli holidaymakers will set a new course for adventure this summer when Royal Caribbean International begins sailing from Israel for the first time in May. The global cruise line will offer Israelis a combination of 3- to 7-night escapes visiting the Greek Isles and Cyprus on board its highly anticipated, brand-new ship, Odyssey of the Seas. The new sailings will go on sale on Tuesday, March 9.

The itineraries, roundtrip from Haifa, Israel, will include visits to idyllic isles and destinations in the Mediterranean, including Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos and Athens, Greece and Limassol, Cyprus.

“We are thrilled to debut Royal Caribbean cruises from Israel with our newest and most innovative ship, Odyssey of the Seas. Israeli travelers will be looking to get away, relax with total peace of mind, and enjoy the travel experiences they are missing dearly; and that is what we do best,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Sailing from Israel is an opportunity we have had our sights on for quite some time. We greatly appreciate the government of Israel for their collaboration and confidence in us to deliver memorable cruise experiences to their residents, and look forward to delivering on that promise aboard our newest ship – the first ‘Green Island’ at sea.”

Residents of Israel will be the first guests to cruise on Odyssey during its inaugural season. The innovative ship is designed to make for a memorable holiday for every kind of traveler, with a variety of new and signature experiences from bow to stern. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, highlights on board include a two-level pool deck designed for downtime under the sun and stars, SeaPlex – the two-level indoor and outdoor activity complex that is a high-adrenaline playground for all ages, and a lineup of complimentary and specialty restaurants primed to please every palate with cuisine from around the world. And entertainment throughout the ship will be punctuated by high-tech signature productions in the Royal Theater and Two70, where art and multimedia merge for jaw-dropping performances found only on Odyssey.

“Thanks to the millions of vaccines we have brought, I am proud that Israel will be the first country in the world to launch Royal Caribbean’s new flagship. Royal Caribbean's decision to come to Israel is a significant expression of confidence in our policy. This is an important economic, touristic moment for the State of Israel,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Israel is a global model of success. We will continue our program – the ‘green passport’ – so that we can get out of the COVID-19 virus in peace. Just as we made Israel the world champion in vaccines, we will make it the world champion in economics and tourism in the post-Corona era.”

In conjunction with Israel’s health and tourism authorities, Royal Caribbean will be the first to offer fully vaccinated sailings, where both crew and guests above the age of 16 will be vaccinated against COVID-19. Details on the additional health and safety measures to be implemented by Israel and Royal Caribbean will be announced at a later date.

The Greek Minister of Tourism, Mr. Haris Theoharis, supports all the efforts for the resumption of cruising in Greece and the surrounding area. He said, “We are very happy with today’s announcement as our recent travel agreement with Israel is already bringing results, and more people will have the opportunity to have unique experiences in our beautiful destinations and islands.”

Savvas Perdios, the Deputy Minister of Tourism for Cyprus commented, “It is an honor to be featured in Royal Caribbean’s itinerary this summer, and we are delighted to welcome their newest ship to our island. Cyprus supports the cruise industry and is pleased to help the industry on its road to recovery. We are certain that guests will have a great time, both on board the ship and when visiting Cyprus, one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.”

Royal Caribbean Group release study on cruise ship HVAC system

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 26 February 2021 26 February 2021

Royal Caribbean Group in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), announced today the results of an independent study on the transmission of aerosol particles through a cruise ship’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

Royal Caribbean Group engaged UNMC and the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI) at the University of Nebraska with the support of the Healthy Sail Panel, a group of globally recognized experts assembled by Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., to guide the cruise industry’s way forward in response to COVID-19. The study by UNMC and NSRI scientists, conducted in July 2020 on Oasis of the Seas, helped inform the Healthy Sail Panel’s 74 detailed best practices to safeguard the health of guests, crew and communities cruise ships visit. The Healthy Sail Panel’s science-based recommendations were outlined in a 65-plus-page report submitted in September and is open sourced for others to incorporate in their protocols as well.

A team of five medical scientists specializing in bioaerosols, led by Josh Santarpia, PhD. – associate professor, pathology and microbiology, UNMC; and research director, chemical and biological programs, NSRI – were called on to understand in detail the role of HVAC systems in spreading airborne particles on cruise ships. The study specifically explored the effectiveness and efficiency of ship air management strategies – ventilation, filtration and supply – and examined air flow across different areas of the ship, including guest staterooms, crew staterooms, lounges and other public spaces.

Researchers found the transmission of aerosol particles between spaces, through the ventilation system, to be undetectable on surfaces and in the air. A leader in modern cruise ship design, Royal Caribbean Group has long been at the forefront of the industry’s latest innovations and advancements; and so, the existing HVAC systems were created to be robust and efficient in providing maximum ventilation, continual fresh air intake and layers of filtration for both incoming and outgoing air.

Based on the findings of the UNMC study and at the recommendation of the Health Sail Panel, Royal Caribbean Group is adopting new practices, incorporating additional layers of protection that further minimize the possibility of spread by adjusting shipboard settings to allow for the maximum air changes per hour and upgrading to MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) 13 filters throughout the system. In addition, Royal Caribbean Group already equipped its medical facilities with an independent ventilation system and has added HEPA filters for additional precaution.

An overview of the study, as well as full details on how the onboard HVAC system works, can be found at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/news/a-breath-of-fresh-air-science-leads-the-way-for-royal-caribbean-groups-hvac-system/. The findings of the UNMC study can be found at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/UNMC-Aerosol-study-findings.pdf. For more information on Royal Caribbean Group’s healthy return to sailing, visit https://www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/healthy-sailing/.

Royal Caribbean Group is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/cdcnotice or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

NCLH expects first quarter loss, rest of year to depend on operations

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 February 2021 25 February 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH), the world’s third lasted listed cruise shipping group, expects to report a net loss in the first quarter of the present year, while the rest would depend on its ability to resume operations, it said in a statement.

“As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, while the Company cannot estimate the impact on its business, financial condition or near- or longer-term financial or operational results with certainty, it will report a net loss for the first quarter ending March 31, 2021 and expects to report a net loss until the Company is able to resume voyages,” NCLH said.

NCLH’s overall cumulative booked position for the second half of 2021 remains below historical levels, driven by continued uncertainty around timing of the resumption of cruising and the shift of limited marketing investments to 2022 sailings. “Pricing for the second half of 2021 is in line with pre-pandemic levels, even after including the dilutive impact of future cruise credits (“FCC”),”it said.

“While still early in the booking cycle, 2022 booking trends are very positive driven by strong pent up demand. The Company is experiencing robust future demand across all brands with the overall cumulative booked position for the first half of 2022 significantly ahead of 2019’s record levels with pricing in line when excluding the dilutive impact of FCCs,” NLCH stated

At the end of 2020, NLCH had $1.2 billion of advance ticket sales, including the long-term portion of advance ticket sales, which includes approximately $0.85 billion of future cruise credits.

“For the first quarter of 2021, the Company expects the average cash burn rate to temporarily remain elevated at approximately $190 million per month, or approximately $170 million per month excluding non-recurring debt modification costs, as it ramps down relaunch-related expenses and repatriates crew,” it said.

NCLH has incurred approximately $60 million of one-time debt deferral and modification costs and fees in the first quarter of 2021 as a result of successful debt deferrals and covenant waivers and suspensions, which combined with newbuild payment extensions, have resulted in approximately $1 billion of additional liquidity over the next 12 months. “Once the ramp down of relaunch-related expenses are complete, the Company expects its average cash burn rate to decrease and remain at reduced levels until return to service preparations resume,” it added.

NCLH reports $4.0 billion loss for 2020

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 February 2021 25 February 2021

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH), the world’s third lasted listed cruise shipping group, has reported a deep loss for both the final quarter and full year 2020.

Net loss in the fourth quarter of 2020 amounted to $738.9 million compared to a profit of $121.3 million. Revenues dived to mere $9.6 million from $1.48 billion.

For the full year, the loss amounted to $4.01 billion compared to a profit of $930.2 million in 2019. Revenues decreased sharply, to $1.28 billion from $6.46 billion.

“While 2020 has been without a doubt the most challenging year in the Company’s 50 plus year history, our team responded to the unprecedented environment with swift and decisive action,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of NCLH, in a statement.

“Our Company demonstrated once again its adaptability and resiliency, underscored by the unwavering commitment and dedication from our team members across the globe,”. “Looking ahead, we are encouraged by the accelerating rollout of vaccines, the progress towards herd immunity and the strong demand for future cruise vacations,” he continued

At the end of 2020, NCLH’s total debt position was $11.8 billion and the its cash and cash equivalents was $3.3 billion. It was in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2020.

NCLH has taken the following additional actions to enhance liquidity since September 30:

Raised $824 million, net of underwriting fees, with an equity offering of 40 million ordinary shares in November 2020.

Issued $850 million of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2026 in an oversubscribed offering in December 2020.

Amended all export credit agency backed credit agreements to defer approximately $680 million of amortization payments through March 31, 2022 and received covenant waivers through December 31, 2022.

Deferred certain newbuild-related payments of approximately €220 million through March 31, 2022.

Provided additional near-term financial flexibility by amending the Pride of America and Norwegian Jewel credit facilities to suspend the testing of certain financial covenants.

Amended Senior Secured Credit Facility to defer approximately $70 million of certain amortization payments due prior to June 30, 2022 and suspend the testing of certain financial covenants through December 31, 2022.

Extended salary reductions and furloughs for certain shoreside team members.

Continued significant reductions or deferrals of near-term marketing expenses and non-essential capital expenditures.

Meyer Werft cuts first steel for Arvia

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 February 2021 23 February 2021

First steel has been cut at Meyer Werft in Germany for P&O Cruises’ newbuilding Arvia, the Carnival Corporation & plc group unit said in a statement.

Arvia is P&O Cruises’ second LNG-powered 184,700 gross ton Excel class ship and will join its fleet in December 2022. Holidays on Arvia go on sale next month. Iona, the first unit of the class, was delivered to P&O Cruises in the autumn.

In a speech at the virtual ceremony P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “The steel cutting marks an extraordinary milestone for the future of P&O Cruises. It is a future which will include two of the most environmentally innovative ships in the world today.”

“Iona is poised to join our fleet this summer as we return to service and is eagerly anticipated by our employees, crew and certainly by our guests who cannot wait to sail on her during her maiden season from Southampton.

“Whilst Arvia may have a different look and feel to Iona, being built to sail in the sun, the inherent DNA is the same. It is one which exemplifies design excellence, forward-thinking power generation and future-focused experiences. The hardware, technology and interior arrangement of spaces leaves nothing lacking.”

“ Every sheet of metal, every control panel, every cabin, light fitting and chair has been designed and debated to ensure that it provides a pinnacle holiday for our guests and the foremost working and living experience for our crew,” Ludlow said.