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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection announces its first Asia-Pacific season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 July 2024 01 July 2024

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced its expansion into the Asia-Pacific region with Luminara, offering 10 new journeys between December 2025 and May 2026. These voyages will explore 28 ports across 10 countries, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, and beyond.

“As luxury travelers continue to seek unforgettable, personalized experiences around the world, we are thrilled to introduce voyages in the Asia-Pacific region,” commented Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “These new itineraries exemplify our steadfast commitment to continually raising the bar in luxury cruising, offering innovative ways to experience our superyachts and explore vibrant local cultures across the globe.”

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is dedicated to inspiring guests by creating experiences that fuel curiosity and foster genuine connections. The 10 enchanting journeys, ranging from 10 to 15 nights in length and departing from either Tokyo, Hong Kong, or Singapore, provide guests with the opportunity to discover the ancient treasures, modern marvels, and the exotic, off-the-beaten-path locations the region has to offer. Itineraries will include stops in coveted ports such as Hạ Long Bay, Vietnam; Puerto Princesa, Philippines, and access to lively city centers such as Seoul, South Korea; Osaka, Japan; Bangkok, Thailand, and more.

“As the first luxury hotel brand to venture into the cruise space, we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our yacht voyages into Asia’s most sought-after destinations. This milestone underscores our commitment to providing exclusive and immersive experiences that cater to the discerning tastes of luxury travelers,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bulgari Hotels and Resorts. “Today’s sophisticated adventurers seek intimate, authentic, personalized journeys that go well beyond traditional hospitality, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers guests unparalleled access to the world’s most exquisite destinations, all while enjoying the hallmarks of luxury and personalized service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned.”

The debut of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection marked the first time a luxury hospitality company expanded into the cruising category. Since its debut with Evrima in October 2022, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has welcomed travelers to embark on extraordinary journeys of discovery. With the upcoming launch of Ilma, the collection’s second luxury superyacht, slated for this September 2024, and the debut of Luminara, the third luxury superyacht, slated to set sail in July 2025, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection continues to redefine the category, delivering unforgettable explorations at sea.

Luminara will offer 226 spacious suites, accommodating up to 452 guests. The onboard experience will feature world-class dining, an extensive wine collection, a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa, and an expanded dynamic marina providing direct access to the sea. Upholding The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s commitment to enriching experiences and legendary service, Luminara ensures an intimate journey with one of the highest staff and space ratios in at sea. Luminara will also offer itineraries in the Mediterranean during its inaugural launch season.

Photo: Luminara will be a sister for the Ilma, which recently conducted its sea trials

Stena RoRo places order for two new multi-fuel E-Flexer ropax vessels

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 29 June 2024 29 June 2024

Stena RoRo has ordered another two E-Flexer ropax vessels from the Chinese shipyard CMI Jinling (Weihai). The vessels will be delivered in 2027 to the Greek shipping company Attica Group and will operate in the Adriatic Sea. This is Stena RoRo's fourteenth and fifteenth vessel in the E-Flexer series.

The two vessels will be on long-term charter agreements to the Attica Group with an option to purchase and a potential option for two more vessels.

The E-Flexer series is based on a concept with larger vessels than today's standard ropax ferries and is very flexible. Each ship is tailored to the customers' needs, both commercially and technically. Optimized design of the hull, propellers and rudders, together with possibilities to incorporate new environmentally friendly technologies, help to ensure that the E-Flexer vessels are at the forefront when it comes to sustainability, performance and cost effectiveness.

The vessels' engines are of the multi-fuel type and can run on conventional marine fuel (HFO or MGO) or biodiesel. In addition, the engines are methanol ready. The E-Flexer concept has been designed in line with future environmental requirements and, through its technical design, can meet both existing and future international requirements by a wide margin. The vessels will be designed with the classification society notation “Battery power” which means that in the future the vessels will also be able to utilize batteries as a means of propulsion, partly or completely, depending on the battery development.

Panos Dikaios, CEO, Attica Group commented: ”For three decades, the Attica Group has been renewed through the design and construction of new vessels. The Superfast series redefined the Adriatic ferry market in terms of quality and speed, the sister vessels Blue Star Patmos and Blue Star Delos significantly upgraded the travel experience on the Aegean Sea routes and the latest addition, the three state-of-the-art Aero Highspeed, have already contributed substantially to the increase of visitors to the Saronic Islands. Our agreement with Stena RoRo for the charter of two new state-of-the-art vessels, sets new standards for the entire Greek ferry industry. It drastically reduces our environmental footprint, redefines the travel experience and responds dynamically to the challenges of tomorrow.”

Per Westling, VD Stena RoRo stated: ”The E-Flexer vessels to Attica have been jointly designed and ordered as the most bespoke E-Flexers so far. The design is extremely versatile, and the ships will, with their inherent flexibility of different fuels, battery hybrid operation and many other fuel saving features, play an important role in the green transition of the Attica Superfast Adriatic RoPax service.”

Stena RoRo currently has 15 confirmed orders for E-Flexer vessels, as well as two so-called "New Max" roro vessels, at CMI Jinling, Weihai shipyard. Ten ships have been delivered.

Specification of Stena E-Flexer orders:

1. Stena Line: Stena Line network in the Irish Sea; delivery 2019
2. Stena Line: Stena Line network in the Irish Sea; delivery 2020
3. Brittany Ferries: Brittany Ferries network; delivery 2020
Long charter agreement
4. Stena Line: Stena Line network in the Irish Sea; delivery 2021
5. DFDS; DFDS network; delivery 2021
Long-term charter agreement
6. Brittany Ferries: Brittany Ferries network; delivery 2021
Long-term charter agreement; LNG operation
7. Stena Line; Stena Line network, delivery May 2022 from the shipyard
Extended version
8. Stena Line; Stena Line network, delivery September 2022 from the shipyard
Extended version
9. Brittany Ferries: Brittany Ferries network; delivery December 2022
Long-term charter agreement; LNG operation
10. Marine Atlantic; Marine Atlantic network, delivery February 2024
Long charter agreement; LNG operation with battery-hybrid installation
11. Brittany Ferries: Brittany Ferries network, delivery 2024
Long charter agreement; LNG operation with battery-hybrid installation
12. Brittany Ferries: Brittany Ferries network, delivery 2025
Long charter agreement; LNG operation with battery-hybrid installation
13. Corsica Linea, Corsica Linea network, delivery 2026
LNG operation with battery-hybrid installation
14. Attica Group, delivery April 2027
Methanol ready, battery-hybrid installation
15. Attica Group, delivery August 2027
Methanol ready, battery-hybrid installation

About E-flexer No. 14 and 15:
Length: 240 m
Draught: 6.4 m
Beam: 27.8 m
Capacity: 1500 passengers and 3320 cargo meters freight
Passenger cabins: 256
Speed: 24 knots

Spirit of Tasmania IV conducts first sea trials

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 June 2024 25 June 2024

As the newbuild of Spirit of Tasmania IV nears completion, the ship took to the open seas for the first time on a five-day trial run from Rauma Marine Constructions in Finland.

During the sea trial, the ship was put through a series of rigorous tests to check performance capabilities such as speed and maneuverability as well testing all of the key systems including the onboard safety and emergency systems.

Bernard Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Spirit of Tasmania, said he was very pleased with the performance of the vessel during the trial.

“The ship performed well against every measure and we’re just really excited to see the ship sailing for the first time,” he said.

“Although there is still quite a lot to do before the ship is ready for service, this successful sea trial brings us one step closer to bringing the ship home to Tasmania.”

Celestyal to add second ship in the Arabian Gulf

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 25 June 2024 25 June 2024

Celestyal has unveiled its cruise program for 2025, 2026 and early 2027, which will be on sale starting tomorrow, June 26, 2024.

The cruise line's newest ship, Celestyal Discovery, will sail the Arabian Gulf winter season beginning in 2025. Celestyal Discovery will join Celestyal Journey in the region, beginning with the previously launched 7-night itinerary 'Amazing Desert' later this year.

Celestyal Discovery will operate rotating 3- and 4-night itineraries from November to March:
– Three-night "Iconic Arabia" cruise, departing from Abu Dhabi and stopping in Doha (Qatar) and Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE). Prices from €279pp.
– Four-night "Iconic Arabia" cruise, departing from Abu Dhabi and stopping in Fujairah (UAE), Muscat and Khasab (both in Oman). Prices from €349pp.
– Guests can also combine itineraries on the seven-night Treasures of the Gulf cruise. Prices from €629pp.
Celestyal Journey will homeport in Doha for the “Amazing Desert” itinerary, in a three-year partnership with this region. The ship will make inaugural calls in Khasab, Dubai, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. These itineraries include the popular overnight option in Dubai, and guests can also begin and end their cruise in Dubai.

This itinerary begins November 9, 2024, with special sailings including holiday cruises and sailings to the Qatar Grand Prix and Abu Dhabi.

In addition to winte trips to the Arabian Gulf, Celestyal's summer Greece and Mediterranean itineraries are also on sale. Also included are eight additional Sublime Adriatic cruises in 2025 and thirteen in 2026 - due to overwhelming demand for this new 2024 itinerary - through Greece, Croatia (Split or Dubrovnik), Montenegro (Kotor) and Italy (Venice (Marghera) or Bari).

– Celestyal Journey will sail two 7-night itineraries during its Mediterranean and Aegean season:
– The 'Adriatic Sublime' cruise, departing from Athens and late stay in Dubrovnik, and full-day stops in Kefalonia, Kotor, Bari and Corfu, as well as Katákolon. Prices from €789pp.
– The "Sublime Adriatic with Venice, Marghera" cruise, a variant of the Sublime Adriatic, departing from Athens and full-day stops in Kotor, Split, Venice (Marghera) and Katákolon. Prices from €789pp.
– The "Idyllic Aegean" cruise, in 2025 and 2026, departing from Athens and one-day stops in Kusadasi (Ephesus), Rhodes, Crete, Santorini and Milos, plus a late-night stopover in Mykonos. Prices from €789pp.
– 'Idyllic Aegean' cruises can also be combined with 'Sublime Adriatic' cruises on selected dates to form 14-night voyages.

– Celestyal Discovery will continue to offer shorter rotating itineraries during the summer season:
– The three-night 'Iconic Aegean' cruise, departing from Athens and stopping at Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Patmos, Crete and Santorini. Prices from €309pp.
– The four-night "Iconic Aegean" cruise, departing from Athens and stopping at Mykonos, Kusadasi (Ephesus), Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini. Prices from €389pp.

Celestyal Discovery began operations with Celestyal in March 2024 and Celestyal Journey in September 2023. Both ships can accommodate 1,260 passengers.

Lee Haslett, Commercial Director of Celestyal, commented: "86% of our passengers tell us that they want to sail with Celestyal again, so we are fulfilling our commitment to expand our programs. We are known as specialists in cruises to the Greek islands and the Mediterranean."

New delivery date for Explora II

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 21 June 2024 21 June 2024

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of MSC Group, and ship builder Fincantieri have announced a joint decision to set a new date for the delivery of Explora II. After careful and detailed reviews of Explora II, it was decided that more time is needed for the final finishes to the ship to guarantee the highest quality luxury standards and to ensure that the new ship delivers to the fullest on the brand’s promise of an unmatched luxury ocean experience.

Explora II will be delivered on September 12, 2024 and the maiden journey of the new vessel will take place on September 16, 2024 departing from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy with a 7-night journey to Sorrento, the island of Lipari, Trapani and Siracusa in Sicily, Valletta in Malta and Tarragona, Spain. Journeys start at 7 nights and can be extended to 14 or 21 nights with all departures from easily accessible ports such as Civitavecchia, Italy and Barcelona in Spain, while avoiding repetitions of ports during the combinable voyages.

Explora Journeys is contacting guests booked on the voyages affected, either directly or through their travel advisors, to arrange an alternative journey on Explora II or sister ship, Explora I which is also sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.

Explora II will sail this summer in the Western Mediterranean with visits to many less-explored destinations such as Portofino, Porto Cervo, Saint-Tropez, Calvi, Mahon and Monte Carlo with sailings including overnight and longer stays in port.