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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 05 June 2018 05 June 2018

As part of its focus upon waste minimisation and recycling across its fleet, Fred. Olsen Cruise Line, the UK based destinational cruise line, said on ‘World Environment Day’ that it has introduced a ban on the use of plastic straws on its four ocean ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch. Plastic cutlery is also being removed throughout the Fred. Olsen fleet.

Fred. Olsen has also been implementing other waste-saving initiatives on board its ocean ships:

- Removal of single-use coffee cups from Bookmark Cafés

- Plastic jam, butter and milk portions to be replaced in restaurants, buffets, and Room Service orders

- Replacing plastic laundry bags with linen ones

- Reducing the consumption of cling film

- Using ropes to secure items during rough seas rather than plastic

Thomas Rennesland, Hotel Operations Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said in a statement: “As a cruise line, we make our living out of the sea. We need to do our utmost to conserve this precious environment and make sure that it is safeguarded for marine life and the enjoyment of generations to come. There are three key elements to the environmental measures that we are undertaking across our fleet: to reduce and – where possible – eliminate single-use disposable plastics; to reduce the amount of plastics used operationally; and finally, to influence our supply chain in their behaviours."

“We have been listening to guest feedback and asking our staff how we can work together to reduce, and wherever possible, remove our reliance upon single-use plastics. On board Boudicca, for instance, we have been able to reduce the use of cling film by 32%; this is being replicated across our other ships.”

Fred. Olsen is also considering measures that can be undertaken by its river cruise ship, Brabant, to reduce and eliminate single-use plastics on board. Fred. Olsen operates within a strict environmental framework, and is committed to ensuring that it meets, and where possible, exceeds, regulatory requirements on marine and air pollution. It monitors and regularly reviews its management systems, to ensure compliance with international requirements.

Fred. Olsen makes every effort to minimise any impact on the environment of its operation, both at sea and on land. It is always keen to work with port partners and other suppliers to ensure that its operations ‎and activities complement and bring mutual benefit to the destinations that it visits, the company said.

Meyer Turku floats out Mein Schiff 2

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 June 2018 01 June 2018

A month after the successful delivery of New Mein Schiff 1, the next ship in line, new Mein Schiff 2, has been today floated out at Meyer Turku shipyard. New Mein Schiff 2 will be delivered to the customer, German TUI Cruises, early next year. The timetable for the construction of the ship shows how Turku shipyard has already been ramping up the production volume to meet the increasing demands from the order book.

“Our block production capacity is already up on the level with previous high from 2010, when the shipyard was building Allure of the Seas. Ramping up the production at the same time as we are implementing an investment program of 200 million euros has not been a simple task. Still, as the saying at the shipyard says, if it was simple, anybody could do it and that would not be good either," CEO of Meyer Turku Jan Meyer comments.

The float out of New Mein Schiff 2 marks the beginning of the final stage of the ship’s construction. After the weekend she will float at the outfitting pier of the shipyard, where she will be finalized for delivery.

“Our new Mein Schiff 1 has successfully completed her first cruises and has been very well received by our guests. Our new generation of ships meets our expectations completely. We are looking very much forward to taking with new Mein Schiff 2 a sister ship into service very soon," says Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

New Mein Schiff 2 will be a sister ship to already delivered New Mein Schiff 1, with added length of 20 meters from the previous ships in the series. After the delivery of New Mein Schiff 2, TUI Cruise’s whole fleet will be built at Turku shipyard.

Celestyal Cruises appoints Mary Woody as Business Development Manager for the Central U.S. Region

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 May 2018 31 May 2018

Celestyal Cruises has appointed Mary Woody as Business Development Manager for the Central U.S. Region. Ms. Woody is a business development manager with more than 20 years’ experience in the cruise industry. Ms. Woody is based in Kansas City, KS, and will report to Gordon Dirker, Vice President, Business Development, Celestyal Cruises, Inc., beginning May 28, 2018.

Prior to joining Celestyal Cruises, Ms. Woody served as Business Development Manager for Royal Caribbean International (RCL), where she also represented Azamara Club Cruises. Before her tenure as Business Development Manager, Ms. Woody was a District Sales Manager with responsibility for key travel agent partners and incentive accounts in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Prior to joining RCL she was District Sales Manager for Kloster Cruise Line, where she represented Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Viking. Ms. Woody has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Sales & Achievement, the Central Region Sales Manager of the Year Award and the Largest Group Revenue Increase Award.

“We are delighted to bring on board a Business Development Manager with Mary Woody’s incredible pedigree,” said Leslie Peden, President, Celestyal Cruises, Inc. “Her many accolades and accomplishments speak volumes and we expect she will take our brand to new heights in the Midwest, where Mary has a longstanding relationship with key travel agency partners. Given her stellar track record, we anticipate Ms. Moody will make Celestyal Cruises’ ‘Premium Experience at Great Value’ a go-to product for travel professionals throughout the Central USA.”

Crystal Debussy christened in Amsterdam

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 May 2018 29 May 2018

Crystal River Cruises officially welcomed its newest ship to the fleet on May 28, as Crystal Debussy was christened in Amsterdam. Marking the occasion were Crystal’s president and CEO, Tom Wolber, Crystal River Cruises’ vice president and managing director, Walter Littlejohn, and Crystal Debussy’s godmother, Broadway star Rachel York.

The ceremony took place during the ship’s three-day stay in Amsterdam on its 10-day Splendors of the Rhine voyage, allowing guests aboard the sailing to participate in the traditional festivities, while Crystal crew members looked on from the decks of the ship.

“Crystal River Cruises has raised the bar of excellence with each new ship, and now again as Crystal Debussy joins the fleet, effectively redefining true luxury in the river industry,” Wolber said. “At the heart of this achievement are the crew and officers, all of whom are members of the Crystal team that ensure that every detail of our guests’ experience is seamless, from ship to shore.”

Littlejohn, who presided over the ceremony as emcee, added, “It is fitting that our crew and guests, as well as representatives from our parent company and the city and port of Amsterdam are all part of this milestone for Crystal Debussy and the Crystal River fleet. They each embody elements of the Crystal Family and our vision to create the most memorable luxury travel experiences in the world.”

Godmother Rachel York serenaded guests with her rendition of “Defying Gravity,” a nod to her esteemed career on the stages of the world, including those aboard Crystal’s ships as part of the Crystal on Broadway program.

“Crystal Debussy is an exquisitely-designed ship and her crew are so warm and welcoming,” York said. “I am truly honored to be the Godmother of this beautiful ship.”

Crystal Debussy joins Crystal River Cruises, which was voted “Best River Cruise Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure in the magazine’s 2017 World’s Best Awards.

Sailing itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel, the 106-guest Crystal Debussy embarked on her maiden voyage along the Rhine River on April 9. Guests visit ports in the Netherlands and Belgium on her seven-day itinerary, with 10-day voyages also calling in Germany. Throughout 2018 and 2019, the ship sails routes of seven and 10 days between Amsterdam and Basel along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, visiting Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.

Crystal’s new river vessels are the river cruising industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, all-butler vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the waterline. They offer Crystal’s acclaimed butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Panoramic Balcony-Windows, walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms in most categories, ETRO amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside.

AmaWaterways officially names AmaLea in Vilshofen, Germany

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 May 2018 27 May 2018

AmaWaterways yesterday christened its newest river cruise ship, AmaLea, with a joyful ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany. The festive event concluded a weeklong celebration, during which guests onboard were joined by AmaWaterways’ President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner, Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst, AmaLea Godmother Filomena Andre of AAA Travel, along with travel industry friends and international media.

Presiding over his eleventh AmaWaterways christening ceremony, Captain Jan de Bruijn assisted Godmother Andre with the traditional ship christening by champagne while over 200 international and local guests joined in the special afternoon event, which featured the raising of a traditional Bavarian maypole, a dockside cocktail reception, religious blessing, local entertainment and warm welcome by Vilshofen Mayor Florian Gams. Celebrations continued into the evening with a gala dinner and culminated with a surprise fireworks display.

“We are thrilled to have our industry friends and business partners here with us in Vilshofen, celebrating the arrival of AmaLea, and marking an extraordinary time for us at AmaWaterways,” said Schreiner. “We look forward to welcoming many guests onboard this beautiful ship as she sails through the charming towns that sit along the banks of some of the most beautiful rivers in all of Europe.”

The 154-guest AmaLea features AmaWaterways’ exclusive twin balconies– offering panoramic views from both a French and outside balcony. She also has four suites (350 sq. ft.), connecting staterooms and triple occupancy staterooms designed for multi-generational families. Guests will enjoy gourmet dining onboard, with free-flowing wines at multiple venues including The Chef’s Table; a heated sun deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar; a fitness center and spa; complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship; and in-room Entertainment-On-Demand. In addition, a fleet of bicycles is carried onboard for guests to enjoy complimentary, charting their own path or participating in guided tours.

Sister ship to AmaViola, AmaStella and AmaKristina, AmaLea will sail seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and fall before concluding her first season with four Iconic Christmas Market Cruises.

“I am honored to serve as Godmother of this breathtaking ship,” said Andre. “I have long admired Rudi, Kristin, the Murphy family and the rest of the AmaWaterways team for their commitment to delivering excellence in so many aspects of the business. AmaLea is evidence of their dedication to providing guests with an exceptional river cruise experience, and I will forever have fond memories of this very special moment, helping to officially welcome her to the company’s incredible European fleet.”