Carnival Corporation prices dollar and euro note offerings

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 16 July 2020 16 July 2020

Carnival corporation has priced its private offerings of dollarand euro denominated notes, Carnival corporation & plc said in a statement.

The company priced $775 million aggregate principal amount of 10.500% second-priority senior secured notes due 2026 of the Corporation and €425 million aggregate principal amount of 10.125% second-priority senior secured notes due 2026. “The offering of the Notes is expected to close on July 20, 2020, subject to customary closing conditions,’” the company said.

“The USD Notes and the Euro Notes will pay interest semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2021, at a rate of 10.500% and 10.125% per year, respectively. The Notes will mature on February 1, 2026,’ Carnival said.

Carnival Corporation is the US listed and Panama domiciled holding company in the Carnival group. Carnival plc is listed and domiciled in the UK.

Ponant takes delivery of Le Jacques Cartier – the final ship in the Ponant Explorer series

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 14 July 2020 14 July 2020

On July 10, Ponant took delivery of Le Jacques Cartier successfully concluding the company’s series of a new generation of ships flying the French flag over just two years.

“The delivery of Le Jacques Cartier is a success. It marks the completion of the Ponant Explorers series, which has revolutionised the concept of ocean voyages. These six vessels combining cutting-edge technology and respect for the environment are the symbol of a new generation of ships flying the French flag,” declared Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, CEO of Ponant.

With just 92 rooms and suites, all with balconies or private terraces, sleek and elegant exterior lines and a refined design, Le Jacques Cartier joins its sisterships featuring the latest technology and innovations while respecting the environment. Le Jacques Cartier also features Ponant’s pioneering concept the “Blue Eye.” This underwater multi-sensory lounge allows guests to discover and experience the underwater world through two giant windows resembling the eyes of a whale looking out to the seabed. Non-intrusive underwater spotlights reveal the views while hydrophones built into the keel capture the natural symphony of the sea and ‘Body Listening’ sofas offer sensory accompaniment by vibrating in unison with the sounds.

New on Le Jacques Cartier, the ship will feature a hidden work of art by Shuck One an acclaimed French graffiti artist known for TK. During the construction of the ship, the artist produced an allegorical diptych on the raw steel of the ship showcasing the oceans and nature. Shuck One’s piece was then covered up when then ship completed construction and is now only available for viewing via a porthole.

With the delivery of Le Jacques Cartier, Ponant completes the Ponant Explorer series and expands to a fleet of 12 ships. Ponant will continue its development strategy in 2021 with the launch of Le Commandant Charcot, the world’s first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to resume sailings August 28

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 13 July 2020 13 July 2020

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced an extended delay to the resumption of its sailing operations. The official statement, delivered by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, is as follows:

“Upon announcing that we would resume cruising in late July, we were thrilled to see a great deal of demand, demonstrating that there is a strong appetite amongst travelers for our unique short-cruise ‘microcation’ product. At this time, we remain the only cruise line in the country to have received a “green status” from the CDC on our No Sail Response plan, meaning we have met all requirements in providing a safe environment for our crew members to work and disembark via non-commercial travel.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve continued preparations to return to Grand Bahama Island while keeping an eye on the overall landscape, which continues to evolve. In recent days, amidst a spike in COVID-19 cases in many states across the country, we’ve seen mounting pressures to modify reopening plans and consideration of the return of stay-at-home orders. Additionally, new restrictions from the Bahamas have been announced, requiring travelers to present a negative swab test prior to entry. In an effort to provide the safest environment for our passengers and crew, we have no choice but to further postpone our sailing schedule.

Our current plan is to resume cruises on August 28th, 2020. This is incredibly disappointing to our entire team, but the decision was made after very careful consideration of all factors, and we believe this is in everyone’s best interest. We look forward to welcoming guests back onboard and appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this process.”

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to resume cruises with a ten-point health plan and new itineraries

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 11 July 2020 11 July 2020

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is planning to set sail again starting at the end of July 2020, with extensive hygiene and preventive measures. The cruise company will restart cruises from Hamburg with their luxury ship, the Europa 2, and their expedition ship, the Hanseatic inspiration. Passenger numbers will be reduced by 40%, with a passenger count of 150-300 guests on board. The basis for the resumption of cruise operations are the guidelines of the relevant authorities, which have been produced in coordination with CLIA Deutschland shipping companies and in collaboration with experts. The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises prevention and safety concept onboard will be based on these new guidelines. The most important measures are summarised in a ten-point plan, which will enable a safe and comfortable cruise on board, and will also meet the highest hygiene standards. More detailed information available at: hl-cruises.com/travel-safely In accordance with the German authorities, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has agreed to only welcome guests who are resident in Germany, Austria and Switzerland at this time. Thanks to the positive developments with regard to containing COVID-19 in these countries and the comparatively short distances to the departure point, it is assumed that the risk of infection from people resident in these countries is similarly low.

“We have taken extraordinary measures in preparation for this relaunch and are faced with a new travel reality with significantly stricter prevention and hygiene standards. We have taken our time because the safety of our guests and crew and the trust of those in charge of the German ports is very important to us,” says Karl J. Pojer, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. “For the relaunch, in accordance with the German authorities, we have agreed to exclusively welcome guests who are resident in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on board at first. In the next phase, we will evaluate whether we are able to allow guests who are resident in other countries to travel with us, depending on the development of the infection rate in those countries.”

“Our relaunch will be carried out in a controlled fashion, and we are going above and beyond the requirements set forth by the authorities. Between each cruise, we will purposely have a reset day without guests on board. Our reset day is for general cleaning and disinfection of the entire ship, and will help to establish the new procedure. Our aim is to make our guest’s time on board safe, care-free and enjoyable, by observing the necessary rules in regards to maintaining distance and providing personal and individual service. Our small ships offer ideal conditions for this,” says Pojer.

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ten-point plan

Before the cruises even begin, the mandatory disclosure of health information will be provided to guests and will need to be signed. Also, the use of thermal imaging cameras will be used upon embarkation, and there will be a staggered and controlled boarding process ensure that comprehensive prevention measures will be taken, and distance will be maintained from the start.

The crew will also undergo a thorough health check. They will complete a period of quarantine before they start their duties and will be given a PCR test. Crew members will have their temperatures checked each day before they start their shift. There is supervised medical team onboard, emergency and contingency plans in place, as well as a comprehensive training and safety programme for the crew as part of the new health and safety concept. The medical team has been expanded and there is a Public Health Manager, responsible for the implementation of preventive and hygiene measures.

The small luxury and expedition ships from the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet offer plenty of space, and therefore satisfy the rules regarding social distancing, with a minimum distance of 1.5 metres (5 feet) in public areas. For areas where this is not possible – such as during embarkation and disembarkation or in the elevators, guests on board will be given a care set which include face masks. All cabins are spacious outside cabins, mainly with balconies, providing private places to retreat to on board.

All ships are equipped with thermal imaging cameras and a mobile laboratory to provide rapid detection of viral diseases, such as COVID-19. Cold fogging devices will be used for area-wide deep cleaning of suites, cabins and public areas. In addition, the number of disinfectant dispensers on board has been significantly increased.

The new standards will be seamlessly integrated into life on board, so that the enjoyment of our guests is as unimpaired as possible: the crew–to-passenger ratio of 1:1 means individual and personal service. The number of seats available in the restaurants will be reduced, and the opening times will be extended. There will be no self-service in the restaurants, the buffets, or in the bars. All meals can also be served in cabins, with 24-hour room service available. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises also guarantees a 100% fresh air supply in the cabins and all public areas.