More News

MedCruise GA advances cruise development in the Med and the Black Sea, welcomes membership expansion

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 June 2016 29 June 2016

This June, the city of Odessa in the Black Sea turned into the centre of discussions regarding cruise development in the Mediterranean and its adjoining seas, as Odessa Sea Port Authority hosted the 48th MedCruise General Assembly, 22-25 June 2016.

Being part of MedCruise 20 years celebrations, this major cruise event offered its delegates a unique networking opportunity with more than 120 cruise industry professionals including cruise lines, port associations, journalists from all over the world, port executives, travel agents and other stakeholders, while at the same time enjoying an unforgettable travel experience in beautiful Odessa.

During specialised interactive Workshops, MedCruise members along with esteemed cruise line guests, discussed the best practices to 'Invest and Develop Cruise Terminals’ and searched for ways to 'Reach New Source Markets'. Plenary sessions focused on the prospects of cruising in the Black Sea and ways to unlock cruise potential in the Med.

Participants had also the chance to discuss the newly published Code of Good Practices for Cruise and Ferry Ports, that was published by the port network formed within ESPO, during a special session involving representatives of ESPO, Cruise Baltic, Cruise Europe, Cruise Norway and MedCruise.

In line with the MedCruise tradition, all port and associate members had also a first class opportunity to enjoy in total three sessions of B2B meetings with cruise line executives and international press representatives.

A special moment of the event was the gathering of all past MedCruise presidents, in celebrating the 20 years milestone, discussing the evolution of the Association and the ways forward. Intervening on behalf of CLIA Europe, Raphael von Heereman, Secretary General CLIA Europe, congratulated MedCruise for its 20 years celebration, praising the collaboration of the two Associations in educating travel agents in Europe and beyond.

MedCruise continues to expand as the 48th MedCruise General Assembly confirmed the admission of two new members, Varna and Ancona, and three associate members, Alfaship, Mediterranean Unique Experience and Var Provence Cruise Club.

The excellent organisation and the unique hospitality of Odessa Sea Port Authority added to the satisfaction of MedCruise members, who returned home looking forward to attending the forthcoming 49th MedCruise General Assembly to be held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, on 23 September 2016.

RCCL in €546.7 million loan deal to finance Edge newbuildings

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 June 2016 29 June 2016

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (RCCL), the world’s second largest cruise shipping group, said it has signed a €546.7 million loan agreement with its banks to finance the construction of two Edge class cruise ships at STX France.

The banks are Citibank Europe UK Branch, Citicorp Trustee, Citibank N.A. London branch and HSBC France. The two 117,000 gross ton vessels will be delivered to RCCL group’s Celebrity Cruises premium market unit in 2018 and 2020 respectively

Crystal to open new corporate regional office in Australia

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 June 2016 29 June 2016

Crystal Cruises will expand its reach in the Pacific region with the opening of new dedicated corporate office in Sydney, Australia. The office will represent Crystal Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal River Cruises, and serve as the central nerve for sales, marketing, finance and reservations for the Australia and New Zealand.

Leading the center is cruise industry veteran Karen Christensen, who most recently served as general manager and director of sales and marketing (Asia Pacific) for Silversea Cruises as part of her 10-year tenure with the company. During this time, she was integral in establishing the luxury cruise segment in Australia and New Zealand with the opening of the company’s regional office. Karen’s first official day with Crystal will be August 1.

“We are thrilled to further solidify our presence in Australia and New Zealand as our company grows and offers more options for travelers throughout the world,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s CEO and president. “Karen’s depth of knowledge of the Pacific market and its travelers’ wishes, habits and preferences will help ensure that our vast portfolio of luxury travel offerings is effectively communicated and expertly sold to the discriminating travelers in the region.”

The establishment of a dedicated sales and marketing center in the Pacific region marks the end of Crystal’s partnership with Wiltrans International Travel. Rodriguez added, “I want to thank Diane Patrick and the team at Wiltrans for their support and dedication to Crystal’s success over the course of 26 years.”

Christensen’s professional history in the cruise industry stretches more than two decades, including nearly 10 years as the general manager of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), having founded and served as chairman and board director of CLIA’s Australasia division. Christensen resides in Sydney, where she will lead a sales and marketing team and report directly to Rodriguez.

Costa Cruises' new suite perks include exclusive restaurant, unlimited drinks and more

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 28 June 2016 28 June 2016

In Italian, la dolce vita translates to "the sweet life," and that's what Costa Cruises guests will be living when they book suite or grand suite accommodations. Beginning this month, Costa is expanding its perks and amenities program so guests traveling in a suite can enjoy more of "Italy's finest" cruise line, including complimentary meals at the alternative Club Restaurant, unlimited drinks and special access to private events and activities.

"Suites aboard Costa's upscale contemporary ships are spacious and allow guests to travel in absolute luxury," said Scott Knutson, vice president sales and marketing, Costa Cruises North America. "With these added amenities, suite guests can enjoy a nearly all-inclusive experience with unlimited access to one of our most popular specialty restaurants with wine included, a free beverage package and a host of other perks throughout their cruise -- like reserved front-row seats in the theater and a day pass for the spa."

Costa's Club Restaurants are now reserved for suite guests for complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner, providing an intimate and exclusive dining experience. (Nonsuite guests are able to dine in the Club Restaurants for a fee, pending availability.) The Club Restaurant serves dishes from different regions in Italy and also features vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Suite guests also can choose to dine in the main restaurant, and those who want to dine in another specialty venue receive priority when making reservations.

Suite guests also receive a complimentary Intenditore beverage package, the highest-level beverage package offered by Costa. Intenditore includes unlimited drinks, priced up to 9 euros on bar menus, drinks from the mini bar or served in the cabin, and refined pairings of wines selected for Costa by the Italian Sommelier Association with meals in restaurants or at the buffet.

Throughout their cruise, suite guests can enjoy exclusive activities including wine tastings, a day pass to the thermal area of the spa, where available, private cocktail events and reserved front-row seats to every show in the ship's theater. A dedicated specialist will be available to assist with shopping and selecting shore excursions.

In their suite guests can indulge in complimentary room service and full in-cabin meals. Suite accommodations include a welcome bottle of Ferrari sparkling wine with canapés, an Illy Caffé coffee maker, fresh fruits replenished daily, bathrobes and slippers, a pillow menu and organic cotton sheets. A private butler will offer shoe-shine service and is available to book onboard services and tours as well as unpack luggage.

For guests sailing from Barcelona, Spain, or Savona, Italy, the special treatment begins as soon as they arrive at the cruise terminal. Suite guests will have access to a private VIP area where they can relax and enjoy Ferrari sparkling wine, Illy Caffé and a selection of snacks.

Costa Cruises adds Sir Bani Yas Island to Costa neoRiviera's United Arab Emirates itineraries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 27 June 2016 27 June 2016

Costa Cruises is enhancing Costa neoRiviera's 7-night winter cruises from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, by adding a call at Sir Bani Yas Island, a stunningly beautiful natural paradise with private beach located off the southwest coast of the western region in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

In addition to the summery feel of Sir Bani Yas Island, Costa neoRiviera will spend two nights at Dubai; one night at Muscat, Oman; and call at Abu Dhabi.

Guests will have a day to discover the wonders of one of the finest islands in the Arabian Gulf, featuring crystal-clear waters, white sands and private beaches. Special V.I.P. areas on the beach will feature cabanas, affording total comfort and privacy. Costa's excellent service and facilities extend to the guest experience ashore, with great hospitality, bars and buffets managed by Costa's own staff and serving a vast range of fresh food.

Guests can opt for sun and sand, try the thrill of a jeep safari in the island's wildlife park, go kayaking or snorkeling. For kids, Sir Bani Yas Island offers inflatable slides and shallow water to play in.

Costa neoRiviera is part of Costa's "neoCollection," featuring slow-cruising and extended time in port. These holidays are perfect for more experienced cruisers who are looking for places off-the-beaten-path and "premium" experiences, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more authentic tours in the heart of each destination.

To make the experience even more unique and memorable, Costa offers a large variety of shore excursions to suit everyone's tastes and preferences.

At Muscat, for example, guests can choose a four-wheel drive adventure to explore the rugged natural beauty of Wadi Al Arbeieen, with its crystal-clear ponds, followed by a visit to a local village. In Abu Dhabi, the attractions include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in the world and the largest in the U.A.E., a desert safari by jeep and camel, and a visit to Ferrari World theme park. Alternatively, guests can opt for an unforgettable overnight tour to the famous Arabian Nights Village, a desert retreat where they can gaze into the night sky and observe the crystal-clear view of the constellations, before returning the next day to Dubai. In Dubai Costa offers unique experiences like a seaplane tour, a helicopter tour of the city, a chance to swim with dolphins or a tour around Dubai's incredible skyscrapers, with iconic landmarks like the sail design of the Hotel Burj Al Arab.