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Dream Cruises enhances The Palace to be the first Asian all-inclusive ship within a ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 January 2019 02 January 2019

Dream Cruises, Genting Cruise Lines’ luxury cruise brand, has announced a collection of new benefits and services to enhance the travelling experience of guests in its exclusive enclave, The Palace, to further align the brand as the Asian equivalent of international all-inclusive, high-end cruise lines.

“Inspired by our international, luxury sister brand Crystal Cruises, “The Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line in the world”, Dream Cruises’ The Palace concept delivers our Asian equivalent to this acclaimed level of cruising,” said Thatcher Brown, President of Dream Cruises. “Sophisticated Asian guests desire the excitement and energy of a large megaship but also demand the privacy and intimacy of their own exclusive facilities and Dream Cruises’ response was the creation of The Palace, the perfect solution featuring an “Asian Luxury ship within a Megaship” concept across our fleet. Combined with the confidence and elegance of international hospitality standards, The Palace will provide a luxury vacation experience unlike any other.”

Well received since its introduction on Genting Dream and World Dream two years ago, The Palace is a “ship-within-a-ship” concept with nearly 10,000 square metres of suites, private restaurant, gym, sundeck, swimming pool and other facilities and featuring priority embarkation, exclusive dining, dedicated butlers and additional comprehensive services. In response to demand and ease of reference that The Palace should be the Asian equivalent on par or surpassing international high-end cruise lines, The Palace will now feature an all-inclusive luxury experience with 5-star Asian food and beverage offerings in addition to other privileges found on international high-end cruise ships.

The Palace features and benefits

– The Palace features a pro-rated 25,000 gross tons of space within the approximately 151,000 gross ton Dream Class ships for a space ratio of over 80 gross tons per passenger, one of the highest space ratios in the cruise industry

– All-suite accommodations highlighted by approximately 150 luxury suites with access to a private restaurant, lounge, bar, gym, swimming pool, jacuzzi, children’s area and other facilities

– A 1 to 1 crew to passenger ratio for The Palace, also one of the highest in the cruise industry

– Flawless personal service and attention to detail, including 24-hour butler concierge service

– All-inclusive luxury fine dining featuring creative Asian and Western menus offering a wide selection of attractively presented herbal soups, seafood including abalone, bird’s-nest desserts and other delicacies all created with highest-quality ingredients

– All-inclusive branded premium teas, coffees, wines, champagnes, whiskey and other beverages

– Finest-quality bed linens, duvets, towels and bathrobes by Frette

– High-quality toiletries including Etro products

– Free shore excursions, movies, music and other services

– Priority embarkation and disembarkation at homeports and destinations

– Priority access to shows, restaurants, spa and other services

– Complimentary pressing service

– Complimentary welcome on board mini bar beverage and snacks

– Welcome on board surprise and delight amenity

– Fresh Flower arrangement in the room for Palace Villas and Penthouses

– Complimentary standard package Internet access throughout the cruise

– Complimentary city shuttle transfers (for eligible ports of call)

– Private shore excursions arrangement for fee

– Palace pre-programed phone to request butler concierge service with the touch of a button

To further enrich the travel experience, new services and benefits in The Palace will span food and beverage to activities and entertainment and shore excursions, delivering a holistic suite of privileges to discerning Dream Cruises guests.

New signature Palace benefits

– All-inclusive set meal entitlement at available specialty dining restaurants during meal-times

– Enhanced all-inclusive Seafood Buffet selection in The Palace restaurant during all cruises

– Complimentary Premium Beverage package at all bars and inclusive restaurants

– Exclusive Palm Court “Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party” with Officers

– Crystal Life Café – Expanded Healthy Breakfast and Vegetarian Lunch Options

– Dedicated Palace Kids’ Program, for Palace children 2yrs to 12yrs old

– Dedicated “Connoisseurs Circle” Bespoke Enrichment Program of talks, events and activities including complimentary well-being and fitness classes

– Complimentary choice of selected Palace shore excursions or general shore excursions per port

Six Holland America Line ships to sail in Europe in 2020

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 December 2018 21 December 2018

Guests looking to explore the fjords of Norway, castles of the British Isles, flavors of Italy and beaches of Greece can choose from six Holland America Line ships to discover a wide range of ports and regions on cruise itineraries for the 2020 Europe season. Anchored by the return of Nieuw Amsterdam to the Mediterranean, Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam, Veendam, Zaandam and Zuiderdam will offer cruises from March through early November.

In addition to transatlantic crossings to and from Europe, the ships will span the entire region on itineraries from seven to 35 days, including the Baltic; British Isles; French and Spanish rivieras; Iberian Peninsula; Iceland; the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, including Norway and the North Cape. Istanbul, Turkey, is back on the schedule with seven overnight visits, and Veendam will offer several distinct and unique European itineraries.

"European cruises are incredibly popular because they are the most affordable and convenient way to visit more cities and countries in one seamless vacation," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "With an expanded season and six ships offering itineraries that cover the entire region, our guests have a wide selection of cruises that showcase the best of each country with the most enriching and immersive experiences."

Roundtrip sailing options from a variety of port cities make for a convenient cruise vacation. Guests can embark at Amsterdam and Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Boston, Massachusetts; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Copenhagen, Denmark. Cruises also sail between Barcelona, Spain, and Venice or Civitavecchia.

To offer more in-depth experiences in some of Europe's most popular cities, Holland America Line has scheduled overnight calls at 13 ports, including Antwerp, Belgium; Amsterdam; Barcelona; Dublin, Ireland; Funchal, Madeira; Istanbul; Lisbon, Portugal; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland; St. Petersburg, Russia; Venice; and Valletta, Malta.

Nearly every cruise can be combined with the nonrepeating itinerary coming before and after, allowing guests to see more of Europe with a Holland America Line Collectors' Voyage. Ranging from 14 to 35 days, these artfully crafted longer journeys offer extra time so guests can discover the art, history and culture of different regions in Europe.

Three ships spend the summer season in Northern Europe

Due to strong demand, three ships will offer cruises in Northern Europe from April through September, giving travelers more ways to explore the Norwegian fjords. Nieuw Statendam, Holland America Line's newest ship, will return to Northern Europe on seven- and 14-day roundtrip cruises from Amsterdam, while Rotterdam sails seven- and 14-day roundtrip cruises from Rotterdam. Veendam's roundtrip Amsterdam itineraries allow for a more in-depth exploration of the region, with itineraries ranging from 14 to 21 days in length.

The ships will take guests to the most stunning fjords in Norway including Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord, Olsofjord, Eidfjord, Liefdefdfjord, Lilliehöökfjord, Trondheimsfjord and Sognefjord.

When not in Norway, Nieuw Statendam will cruise the Baltic, the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean; Rotterdam will visit the Baltic, British Isles and Iberia; and Veendam will feature memorable cruises to the Baltic, British Isles, Iceland, Iberia and the Holy Land.

In 2020 Zaandam sets sail on the epic 35-day Voyage of the Vikings roundtrip Boston cruise departing July 18. The legendary journey calls at 18 ports in the U.S., Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands and Ireland, making it easy to visit Europe without international air. Two shorter segments from Boston to Amsterdam (17 days) or from Amsterdam to Boston (18 days) are available.

Four ships offer Mediterranean cruises in 2020

Holland America Line's Mediterranean cruises are anchored by Nieuw Amsterdam in 2020, which will spend a full season in the region. The ship will offer the popular 12-day Mediterranean Romance, Mediterranean Tapestry and Mediterranean Empires cruises to Greece, Turkey and Italy roundtrip from Venice or between Venice and Barcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome), as well as the 12-day Adriatic Dream and Greek Odyssey itineraries between Venice and Civitavecchia.

Nieuw Amsterdam will be joined by Zuiderdam from May through June on 12-day itineraries, followed by Nieuw Statendam and Veendam in September and October on cruises ranging from 10 to 14 days. Zuiderdam, Nieuw Amsterdam and Veendam all feature overnight calls to Istanbul and a combined 14 overnights at Venice.

Veendam itineraries span Europe, explore the Holy Land

Veendam's season spans April through October and features longer European explorations from 14 to 21 days to a variety of regions. In addition to Norway, highlights of the ship's summer include a European Rivers Explorer cruise to the Scheldt River, Gironde Estuary and Tagus River; the "Holy Land" itinerary to Greece, Croatia, Turkey and Israel; and cruises to Spitsbergen and Iceland.

Spring and fall Transatlantic crossings, Viking Passage Adventure

Guests who enjoy leisurely sea days combined with enriching ports of call have a 19-Day Viking Passage cruise in August and several transatlantic crossings between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Northern Europe or the Mediterranean in the spring and fall. Ranging from 13 to 17 days, the transatlantic cruises feature six or seven consecutive days at sea, where the ships become the destination.

Travelers looking to take in the beauty of the North Atlantic in peak summer can embark Zuiderdam's Viking Passage itinerary from Copenhagen to New York, New York. The ship visits some of the most picturesque ports in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada, retracing the route the Vikings sailed centuries ago.

Cruise fares for Europe 2020 cruises begin from a range of $999 to $4,799 per person, double occupancy, depending on the itinerary. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

EXC programming brings European cultures on board

Throughout the voyages, EXC programming brings the traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences of Europe to life onboard. Through EXC Encounters, guests can participate in activities such as learning to braid a Viking cord using a lucet, a tool dating from Viking times, or reveling at a German bierfest with a live "oompah" band.

The EXC Team will provide further customized guidance for the European calls, and online EXC Port Guides provide exclusive handbooks for each destination. For guests who enjoy exploring on their own, printed EXC Port Maps present a simple view of the best each port has to offer. The in-stateroom EXC Channel will feature a selection of curated films, documentaries and TV shows exploring destinations on the ship's itinerary.

Shares in Carnival dive 11% in London on weak first quarter outlook

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 December 2018 20 December 2018

Shares in Carnival plc, the UK listed and domiciled holding company in the Carnival Corporation & plc group, fell close to 11% in London after the company had forecast a fall in first quarter earnings per share.

Carnival said the company expects adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter 2019 to be in the range of $0.40 to $0.44 versus 2018 adjusted earnings per share of $0.52.

Shortly before the market’s close, shares in Carnival plc traded at £38.77, a fall of10.83% since the opening, information on the London Stock Exchange website shows. This was also the session’s low.

At the same time, shares in Carnival Corporation, which is a Panama domiciled and US listed company, traded 10.02% lower at $49.80, Yahoo.com finance data stream shows.

Leading share indices of both London and New York had fallen sharply during the day as the markets continue to reel from a rise in interest rates in the US, a weakening outlook for the global economy and a continued fall in the price of oil.

Silversea to take Silver Wind for a second extensive drydocking in summer 2020

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 December 2018 20 December 2018

Silversea Cruises announces plans for a second extensive refurbishment of Silver Wind, completing the major refurbishment project started in December 2018. The second dry dock period, which is scheduled for summer 2020, will give the ship ice-class classification and improved cruising versatility, as well as a number of improvements to the vessel’s interior. As a result, Silver Wind will unlock a broader range of deep travel experiences for guests in ultimate comfort, cruising both classic and expedition itineraries.

Part of Project Invictus – a long-term plan to grow and improve Silversea’s already luxurious fleet of ships – the second extensive refurbishment of Silver Wind will begin in August 2020. As well as benefitting from a strengthened ice-class hull, new state-of-the-art equipment for cruising in remote regions, a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks for on-water exploration, and an upgraded theatre, the second extensive refurbishment will enhance the ship’s comfort and Silversea’s hallmarks of luxury: all suites will undergo another full upgrade; the Spa & Salon will each be completely refurbished; the Reception/Atrium will be overhauled; and additional improvements will be made to La Dame, La Terrazza, the Main Bar, the Observation Lounge, the Panorama Lounge, the Pool Bar, public bathrooms, and the Theatre, among other spaces. Accommodating fewer guests (just 254) and retaining her characteristic sense of small-ship intimacy, Silver Wind will offer higher space ratios, a higher crew-to-guest ratio, and more upper suites, among other enhancements.

Silver Wind will continue to take guests closer to the authentic beauty of the world’s iconic destinations, such as the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. In the Caribbean, the ship will continue to visit renowned ports, such as San Juan, Barbados and St. Barthelemy, while her intimate size will also enable her to unlock smaller ports, including Bequia, Anguilla and Les Saintes. Mediterranean favourites, such as Venice, Monte Carlo and Barcelona, will also continue to feature on the ship’s sailed itineraries, along with more secluded destinations like Syros, Mljet, and Antibes.

Silver Wind will also journey to extraordinary expedition destinations, including the Arctic and Antarctica. The enhanced ship will resume service on November 10, 2020, embarking on her inaugural season in Antarctica.

Carnival Corporation's newest ship, AIDAnova arrives in the Canary Islands

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 20 December 2018 20 December 2018

Carnival Corporation & plc has celebrated the start of its operation of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Cruise Terminal in the Canary Islands with the maiden call of AIDAnova. The newest ship from Carnival Corporation's AIDA Cruises brand, Germany's leading cruise line, AIDAnova is the world’s first cruise vessel to be powered at sea and in port by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel.

In advance of the celebration, Carnival Corporation recently announced an agreement with the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife to be the first concession-holder to operate the Canary Islands’ and Mid Atlantic's newest cruise terminal.

Directly following the arrival of AIDAnova on the afternoon of Dec. 18, AIDA Cruises’ president, Felix Eichhorn, welcomed Fernando Clavijo Batlle, president of the Canary Islands, and Pedro Suárez López de Vergara, president of the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife as one of the first guests on board to participate in the cruise industry’s traditional plaque exchange, marking a ship’s first visit to a port.

“We are looking forward to a successful premiere season in the Canary Islands,” said Eichhorn. “AIDAnova is a milestone for our company and the entire cruise industry by offering entirely new vacation experiences. With our new ship, we will contribute to further economic growth of the local tourism and maritime industry. With an extraordinary variety of individual vacation options on board and ashore, we are providing new and exciting reasons for people to enjoy a cruise vacation, one of the vacation industry's fastest-growing sectors. Furthermore, with our pioneering LNG technology, we start a new era of even more environmentally friendly cruising."

The new Santa Cruz de Tenerife Cruise Terminal concession in the Canary Islands operated by Carnival Corporation offers passengers a comfortable experience and modern conveniences, and can accommodate next-generation "green" cruise ships powered by LNG, including AIDAnova. The first LNG supply for AIDAnova at the port took place upon its arrival, made possible by a supply agreement signed in 2016 between Carnival Corporation and Shell Western LNG B.V. (Shell) to contribute to a robust and reliable LNG fuel supply chain.

"We at Carnival Corporation are strongly committed to leading the way in the implementation of innovations to help protect the environment and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and we are proud to be on the forefront of advancing LNG as a fuel source for the cruise industry," said Tom Strang, senior vice president of maritime affairs for Carnival Corporation. “One of the keys to establishing LNG as an industry standard for powering cruise ships is building an extensive, safe and reliable infrastructure for the fuel across the globe, and we look forward to working closely with Shell to support that effort. The first LNG supply of AIDAnova here in the Canary Islands, only achieved with the active support of the local port authorities, is the start of building a strong foundation for the future of LNG fuel supply for cruise ships across the globe."

In total, following AIDAnova, Carnival Corporation has an additional 10 next-generation "green" cruise ships on order that will be powered by LNG in port and at sea, with expected delivery dates between 2019 and 2025, leading the cruise industry's use of LNG to power cruise ships.

“We are proud to be supplying LNG for the world’s first LNG-powered cruise ship,” said Tahir Faruqui, general manager, Shell global downstream LNG. “This milestone is a further demonstration of our strength in providing the expertise and infrastructure required to encourage greater use of lower emissions fuels in marine transport. Carnival Corporation has led by example and put itself at the forefront of the sector by using LNG. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the industry to demonstrate a robust and reliable LNG fuel supply chain in the years to come.”

AIDAnova today welcomed its inaugural guests in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, for the first seven-day holiday cruise around the Canary Islands and Madeira.

Carnival Corporation guests who visit Tenerife can take advantage of a variety of popular shore excursions, including whale and dolphin watching, visiting the historic district of La Laguna – the only UNESCO World Heritage City in the Canary Islands – and exploring natural attractions such as the Gardens of La Orotava Valley, the Anaga Biosphere Reserve or the Mount El Teide in the National Park, home to Spain's highest peak and the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

‘’We have a long history of working with Carnival Corporation and its cruise line brands," said Clavijo. "We appreciate their strong commitment to our great port, city and the Canary Islands, and we are pleased about the new concession in the cruise terminal and the maiden call of AIDAnova, which is already establishing new ground as the first LNG ship. We appreciate the opportunity to work closely with Carnival Corporation and its leading cruise brands, including AIDA Cruises, and we look forward to growing this partnership further in the years to come.”

“The arrival of Carnival Corporation and its cruise lines to the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the materialization of a momentous advancement to bring the city to the port,” said Suárez. “The tourist development of Santa Cruz will be possible during the next years thanks to the activity of her port. In this sense, thanks in part to Carnival Corporation ships, the cruise market generated an economic impact to the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the city of Santa Cruz of €24 million ($27.1 million) in the 2018 cruise season, an increase of €6m from the 2017 cruise season.”

Suárez continued: “The policy of environmental respect is one of our pillars and the arrival of next-generation ‘green’ cruise ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) is among the priorities of our roadmap for the next years.”

Welcoming 617,987 cruise passengers in 2017, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Canary Islands, the seven-island Spanish archipelago off the coast of Africa and Spain, and the first to attract an investment by a major cruise company. The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) member, is a very active member of MedCruise, the leading cruise port association worldwide, and it has been a Cruises Atlantic Islands founding member since 1994.

Seven brands from Carnival Corporation – AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and P&O Cruises UK – make port calls to Tenerife during the course of the year. Carnival Corporation expects to bring more than 300,000 passenger visits to the port in 2018 – half of all cruise passenger visits – with 130 calls by 31 different ships from the company's cruise line brands.