MSC Cruises names second Meraviglia class unit MSC Bellissima

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 05 September 2016 05 September 2016

MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise shipping group, has unveiled the name of its second STX France-built Meraviglia-generation cruise ship. “She will be called MSC Bellissima and will come into service in the Spring 2019,” the company said in a statement.

“MSC Bellissima is a name that embodies the beauty and the magnificence of this entire next generation of MSC Cruises ultramodern mega-ships, so rich with new features and amenities for guests of all ages and interests,” said Gianni Onorato, chief executive officer of MSC Cruises, in the statement.

“We are so pleased to be able to make this announcement on the very day that her sister ship MSC Meraviglia is touched for the first time by water, a moment that symbolizes the real ‘birth’ of a ship.”

Carnival Imagination to undergo major refit

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 02 September 2016 02 September 2016

Carnival Imagination will undergo an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation that will add a variety of new food and beverage concepts.

The ship, which is part of the eight strong Fantasy class of Carnival Cruise Line, was built in Finland in 1995.

The new spaces will be added during a three-week dry dock taking place Sept. 4-25, 2016.   Following the makeover, Carnival Imagination will resume its year-round schedule of three- and four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach, Calif.   The new additions will include:

• Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries enjoyed amidst a décor that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture
• BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas, as well as an elaborate toppings and salsa bar
• RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside watering hole offering the quintessential Caribbean vacation vibe with refreshing Caribbean rum-based frozen drinks and beers, including Carnival’s own private label draught brew, ThirstyFrog Red
• Alchemy Bar, a “cocktail pharmacy”-themed lounge where mixologists “prescribe” concoctions from different elixirs and ingredients with creative monikers like Forty is the New Twenty and The Restorative Basil Drop
• BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a fun and festive outdoor bar offering a laid-back Mexican-themed atmosphere and tequila-based frozen drinks and beers, perfect for chillin’ by the pool
• Cherry On Top, the “sweetest spot on board” which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more

These new venues complement the ship’s array of on-board features that live up to the line’s motto of “Fun for All, All for Fun,” including a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long Twister slide, the Serenity adults-only retreat with oversized umbrellas and comfortable chaise lounges and the exclusive Seuss at Sea program in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

“Carnival Imagination provides a convenient, value-packed West Coast cruise option and with these new enhancements we’re making this fantastic ship even better,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “With three year-round cruise ships sailing from Long Beach, Carnival is the number one cruise line in Southern California and the investment we’re making to enhance the Carnival Imagination further bolsters our leadership position in this important market,” she added.

Carnival Imagination operates year-round three- and four-day Baja cruises from Long Beach. On this route, three-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Ensenada while four-day voyages depart Sundays and call at Ensenada and Catalina Island.

Ship Supply International launches unit to cater for vessels under 1,000 passengers

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 01 September 2016 01 September 2016

 Ship Supply International, a leading maritime logistics company that is based in Miami, says it has launched a new division called The Small Ship Group, which will further enhance its growing portfolio of marine services.

 “Formed to provide a dedicated focus on the specific needs of smaller ocean, expedition and river cruise operators, the Small Ship Group offers an integrated suite of ship management, passenger sales and cruise marketing services for vessels with capacity under 1,000 guests,” the company said in a statement.

Led by the experienced team of ship management veteran Jim Barreiro de Leon and cruise line executive Hans Rood, the Small Ship Group will provide turnkey ship management solutions and combine sales support with marketing services to the current small ship and tour operators.

The Group will partner with ship-owners to obtain viable charters, while working with charterers to address available cabin inventory needs and intends to be the driving force bringing new ships to market.

“Adding this new division strengthens Ship Supply’s organization and further demonstrates our commitment to being a leader in the maritime service sector,” commented Jim Barreiro de Leon, Managing Director of Ship Supply. “The Small Ship Group will utilize the full extent of the Ship Supply logistics network to offer competitive pricing and creative new ways to provide cruise management services.”

The Small Ship Group Managing Director Hans Rood commented, “What makes us so unique is the combination of ship management with the shared responsibility of marketing ships’ capacity. We will focus on providing these services in-line with operator branding requirements, while also creating a rewarding yet affordable experience for owners and operators of small size cruise vessels.”

P&O Cruises' Oriana to to receive three week refit in November

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 31 August 2016 31 August 2016

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit in the Carnival Corporation & plc group, says its 1995 built Oriana will undergo a three-week refurbishment in Hamburg at the end of November.

The adult-only mid-sized ship of 69,840 gross tons will receive a complete makeover of its cabins, restaurants, bars, entertainment areas and public spaces to provide a whole new elegant and sophisticated look, the company said in a statement.

Details of changes include Oriana’s main dining rooms, the Peninsular and Oriental restaurants, which will each be updated with rich new colour schemes, replacing the carpets, curtain fabric and upgrading the lighting. “The passenger cabins will also be transformed with a new palette of natural creams, soft greys and teal. Chairs, sofas, tables and lamps will also be updated with newer classic styles as well as upgraded bathrooms,” the company continued

P&O Cruises’ senior vice president, Paul Ludlow, said: “After listening to guests’ feedback, we are investing in updates to many areas of the ship, but what is key is that we are retaining her unique charm and traditional character. With her teak promenade and lido decks, we know that Oriana holds a special place in the hearts of many of our guests and so we will be keeping her most distinctive features, such as her Tiffany glass ceiling and other well-loved classic touches.”

P&O Cruises is collaborating with leading designers Richmond International, who also worked on the décor for Britannia and various luxury hotels across the continent, to provide a modern yet classic look and feel throughout. Oriana is the oldest vessel in the seven strong fleet of the Southampton based company.