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Artania to undergo three week refit at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 12 November 2019 12 November 2019

Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven said it is expecting Phoenix Reisen’s 213 metre long cruise ship Artania to arrive in its Kaiserdock II on 17 November for a stay lasting about three weeks The Phoenix Reisen flagship is scheduled to leave the shipyard around 6 December.

"This order suits us well" said yard head Rüdiger Pallentin, "and is, to boot, a fine recommendation for the good work we carry out at the Lloyd Werft".

Along with the maintenance and classification work being done by Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven, modernisation in the hotel and cabin sectors is being carried out directly by the owners.

That work, which includes the Pacific Lounge and Jamaica Club, has been put out to tender by the owners. In addition, carpets, furnishings, wallpapers and many other items are being refurbished and newly designed in more than 200 cabins and public areas. Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven is lending logistical support to this work

The 1984 built ship was acquired in 2011 by V Ships subsidiary Artania GmbH and it has been on charter since then with Phoenix Reisen, German company. Following the acquisition by its new owner the ship underwent a comprehensive conversion lasting four weeks in the spring of 2011 at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven. Five years ago, four new energy-efficient Wärtsilä main engines were installed on the Artania as part of a further comprehensive yard stay at Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven.

The upcoming new contract will mark the fourth occasion on which Lloyd Werft Project Manager Jochen Mehrtens has been involved with this particular cruise ship. "At peak times, I can see as many as 120 yard employees taking part in this project", he said, "added to them will be a colourful array of local supply companies. For those of our employees who are involved currently in a parallel yacht newbuilding project, this contract will come as a welcome change, because we are, after all, a classic repair and conversion shipyard", explained Mehrtens, himself a marine engineer.

"The greatest challenge now will be switching over from the well-organised structure of the newbuilding sector to the extreme flexibility of repair work, because the unexpected happens time and time again during a repair contract. It is my job as project manager to bring structure into tasks that change regularly from one moment to the next so that the contract can be completed for the customer with high quality and within the set time framework".

Elite Exhibitions launches Connected Cruise Ship Expo America

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 November 2019 11 November 2019

Connected Cruise Ship Expo (CCS) is the world’s first exhibition and conference to focus exclusively on the latest innovations within the cruise technology, communications, and connectivity sectors. This brand new, highly focused two-day exhibition and conference will provide a much-needed platform for the most innovative suppliers to network with qualified buyers from cruise line companies on a global scale.

Taking place in Miami, the heart of the cruise industry, the inaugural event will launch at the Miami Beach Convention Center on October 13–14, 2020. With a focus on emerging and established technologies, including satellite & antennas, VSAT, telecoms, and other technology which will positively impact guest experience, passenger and crew communication and internal operations like ship performance, CCS is an opportunity to meet with leading suppliers and learn more about the newest industry concepts, all under one roof.

The idea to launch CCS came shortly after Elite Exhibitions’ successful launch of Cruise Ship Interiors Expo America in Miami (June 2019). The words “guest experience” were used frequently by the attendees and exhibitors. It was apparent that the digital aspect of guest experience was a top priority for the cruise lines wanting to attract a younger audience – a demographic keen to remain online throughout their vacation. This new level of connectivity also allows for better crew communication, fleet performance, and increased opportunity for revenue generation.

Toby Walters, CEO at Elite Exhibitions explains the vision for the show further. “Elite Exhibitions have made it our mission to innovate in all industries that we operate in. Cruise Ship Interiors Expo was a resounding success, where for the first time in history we brought together all of the key decision makers. We plan to do exactly that for the technology and communications community. We cannot wait to build this brand-new platform for the industry which will be a refreshing opportunity for all stakeholders.”

The show launches with the full support and backing of an incredible Advisory Board, including Reza Rasoulian, executive consultant for connectivity at Carnival Corporation, Jan Erik Norli, CMO, Telenor Maritime, Jason Grant, VP fleet information technology, Holland America Group, John Polimenakos, VP of IT, Crystal Cruises and Vincenzo Galati, director of performance engineering, Carnival Corporation. Speedcast’s senior vice president, Brent Horwitz, also sits on the board, and had this to say about the show: “Connected Cruise Ship Expo is the first targeted event in the cruise industry, focused on connectivity and emerging technologies that are driving innovation. It is attracting all of the key players from the cruise sector.”

To stay up to date with the latest show news and be the first to know when registrations open, sign up to the newsletter at www.connectedcruiseship-expo.com

Edwin W. Stephan, founder of RCCL, passed away

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 November 2019 11 November 2019

Edwin W. Stephan, the founder, long time-president, and vice chairman of the board of Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, on Friday, November 8. He was 87.

Following the acquisition of Celebrity Cruises in 1997, the company changed its name to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) and its contemporary market unit became known as Royal Caribbean International.

“In 1969 Stephan founded the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and his contributions helped create the modern cruise industry we know today. Under his leadership in 1970, the company launched Song of Norway, the first ship purpose-built for warm-water cruising. Since that initial voyage, Stephan's fledgling company has grown into the world's second largest cruise line, a multi-billion-dollar global company of six brands, operating 63 ships across seven continents,” RCCL said in a statement.

“During Stephan's tenure, the company saw many industry firsts, including our wide, open-air decks, and it was Stephan's idea for the round, cantilevered Viking Crown Lounge that made Royal ships stand out from the crowd. Royal Caribbean was also the first to stretch a major cruise ship by inserting an additional mid-section into Song of Norway in 1978,” RCCL continued.

"Ed was an inspiration and a great friend to many in the company. He was an honorable man who loved his family, his work, and his community," said Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Tallink and Viking Line had better third quarter than in 2018

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 08 November 2019 08 November 2019

Two listed ferry companies in Northern Europe have reported an improvement in their third quarter interim results, a period that includes the key summer holiday season that plays a major role for their financial fortunes.

Tallink, the listed Estonian cruise ferry company that operates under the Tallink and Silja Line brands, increased net profit to €54.6 million from €46.1 million in the third quarter of last year. Operating income (EBIT) rose to €59.4 million from €51.3 million and revenues rose to €287.8 million from €283.6 million.

The company said common theme for the economic environment across all its home markets in the third quarter was slowing economic growth combined with a still robust labour market. The continued streak of weakening of Swedish Krona (SEK) continued to hurt our sales to the Swedish market.

“The developments in the economic environment reflected in the contraction of the cargo market while passenger operations, despite clearly lower demand from Swedish customers, remained more robust with the help of customers from outside home markets,” Tallink said.

“Given the economic environment and tight competition we consider the third quarter’s 1.5% revenue growth achieved on a mature market a good result. We are even happier about the fact that the improvement in the net result was not driven by lower fuel cost alone,” Tallink said.

Meanwhile, the Mariehamn based Viking Line also reported an improvement in its third quarter performance compared to the same period last year. Net icome rose to €19.9 million from €16.6 million, while operating income increased to €26.2 million from €21.3 million. Revenues, by contrast, only increased by a farction, to €152.8 million from €152.3 million.

During the third quarter passenger volumes were on the same level as for the same period last year, but thanks to better sales per passenger, the company achieved increased sales and higher net sales revenue. At the same time, operating expenses decreased, which resulted in higher operating income

Competition in Viking Line's service area entails continued pressure on prices and volumes, which will have an adverse effect on net sales revenue per passenger. “The currency trend for the Swedish krona affects the Group’s results. Fixed-price agreements related to a portion of the Group’s bunker consumption for 2019 mitigate the risk of higher bunker costs. Overall, operating income for 2019 is expected to be better than operating income for 2018,” Viking Line said. Its 2018 operating income was €9.3 million.

Crystal dedicates European river cruise ship to Asian market

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 November 2019 07 November 2019

Crystal International Asia, in collaboration with Crystal River Cruises, has launched a river cruise line using Crystal Mozart specifically for discerning guests from across China and Asia. “The experience will provide Asian-friendly features for the growing number of guests from the region who are interested in exploring the many wonders of Europe but who may feel more comfortable travelling with some of the comforts of home,” Crystal said in a statement.

The company, which has its headquarters in Los Angeles, is part of the Genting Cruise Lines unit of Genting Hong Kong.

“We are excited to be able to offer our guests the option to sail with Crystal River Cruises and experience the splendours of Europe without having to forgo the comforts of home,” said Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises, and head of international sales for Genting Cruise Lines, said in a statement.

“With the Asian cruise market currently enjoying unprecedented growth, our more experienced cruisers are looking for new and exciting destinations and adventures outside of local waters and Crystal Mozart is the ideal option for an intimate journey into the heart of Europe.”

Beginning in March 2020, Crystal Mozart’s voyages will be anchored by the cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest, Hungary and will feature a variety of 6, 7 and 10-night all-inclusive itineraries on the Danube River including special Christmastime Market cruises to truly embrace the festive holiday season.

The catamaran hull Crystal Mozart is Europe’s most spacious river ship, at twice the width of any other, and offers an unrivalled number of social spaces, restaurants and the largest spa on the rivers, Crystal said.

“As part of Crystal Mozart’s new focus on the Asian traveller, in addition to her all-inclusive elegance highlighted by a welcoming lifestyle on board along with immersive experiences ashore, a host of new Asian-friendly features will provide a comforting familiarity to guests from the region,” Crystal said.

“Dedicated English and Chinese speaking butlers will be available to pamper guests with world-renowned service while Michelin-inspired cuisine featuring the finest International and Asian dishes is sure to please even the pickiest of palates. To ensure that everyone can discover the beauty and charm of each port of call, enriching shore experiences will be led by professional English and Chinese language tour guides and designed to deepen the understanding of Europe’s iconic landscapes, historic cities and quaint villages.”