Celebrity Cruises to refurbish Celebrity Eclipse in spring 2015

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 01 August 2014 01 August 2014

Ahead of its sixth consecutive summer sailing from Southampton, Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Cruises' principal UK based will  be refurbished in early 2015, the company said in a statement.

"Celebrity Eclipse has offered modern luxury holidays from the UK port since its launch in the city in 2010 and is a firm favourite with British holidaymakers. When the ship returns for its 2015 season it will boast new signature spaces and experiences currently only available on sister ship, Celebrity Equinox, in addition to the array of guest-favourite features onboard. New food and drink venues will include:

• Gastrobar – A new premium craft beer and comfort food venue, Gastrobar will offer food and beer enthusiasts over 40 handcrafted boutique beers to choose from in addition to Celebrity Cruises’ collection of wines andcocktails, all perfectly paired with a menu of gastro-style fare. The menus will be presented on iPads which will also include an app for guests to select their ideal food and drink pairings. Gastrobar’s upscale casual surroundings will feature entertainment and music for the complete sophisticated lounge experience. Guests can find the new venue in the space formerly known as Cellar Masters.

• Slush – The poolside refreshments will get an overhaul and expand guests’ ‘cool’ beverage options with Slush –a vibrant and stylish frozen drinks bar. Guests will be able to relax by the pool and enjoy a variety of flavour-rich and fresh frozen cocktails. Slush will feature alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails with flavour options ranging from fresh pressed lemon juice, raspberries, cucumbers and mint, to Persian lime, Florida Valencia and Hamlin orange juice with organic agave nectar," Ecelebrity said
• .

The revamped Celebrity Eclipse will also feature The Studio, a new private portrait photo studio, offering guests a luxury holiday memento to remember their cruise by. In addition, guests will be able to enjoy a range of exciting upgrades to the onboard casino including a re-styled bar, new British themed slot machines and European-style roulette.

This refurbishment will coincide with the launch of Celebrity Cruises’ new Suite Class offering following the addition of the Canyon Ranch Spa Club this year. New luxurious offerings for guests booking to stay in a suite include a dedicated, suites-only restaurant, VIP lounge, and complimentary ‘all in’ benefits such as premium beverages, dining at any speciality restaurant and unlimited internet access. Suite guests will also receive priority check-in and embarkation and will enjoy the Celebrity Cruises butler service. Personal butlers will unpack luggage, book excursions and be on hand 24 hours a day to ensure guests receive a dedicated and personalised service.

Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, director of sales, Celebrity Cruises UK and Ireland, comments,

“The refurbishment of Celebrity Eclipse will offer guests the opportunity to experience an enhanced luxury offering onboard which is also a strong sales message for our agents and partners. The stylish, contemporary design and installation of new dining and entertainment options, coupled with the Suite Class and Canyon Ranch Spa offers also available will I am sure encourage guests to book time and again.”

From 9 May 2015 throughout the summer season, Celebrity Eclipse will offer sailings of seven to 15 nights from Southampton. The revamped ship will sail to a range of destinations including  Mediterranean countries including Portugal, Spain and Italy as well as Scandinavia and Russia.

Windstar Cruises launches new Cruisetours

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 31 July 2014 31 July 2014

Windstar is launching its first-ever series of Cruisetours, premiering in Asia and Arabia. For those wanting to extend their cruise vacation with a land experience, the Cruisetour collection allows guests to experience the wonders of the Far East without the stress of planning the travel. Starting at $5,299 Cruisetours include: the cost of the cruise, flights to the Cruisetour city, accommodations in a luxury hotel, excursions with an expert guide in each new city, select meals, and transfers.

Guests who book by August 29, 2014 will receive up to a $1,000 airfare credit per person, free hotel and transfers on arrival, a complimentary exclusive Private Event on the voyage crafted solely for Windstar guests, and savings of up to 50% of the cruise fare.

"We've applied our philosophy of exploring hidden harbors and secluded coves to our land experiences, handpicking the best excursions to taste the local culture," said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises' chief executive officer. "Our Cruisetours take care of all the logistics, so our guests can truly relax and enjoy the destination at hand in exclusive Windstar style, both on land and at sea."

Singapore, the Malay Peninsula, & Myanmar Cruisetour

–    Cruisetour Experience: Travel to a world long closed to western eyes to enjoy the mystical beauty of Myanmar on this 4-day journey Guests will visit Yangon and Bangan to explore one of the world's most revered UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Bagan Archaeological Zone. Highlights include a trip to Phwar Saw Village where locals welcome participants into their homes and share cooking secrets, using the markets fresh ingredients.
–    Cruise: Singapore & the Malay Peninsula, 10-day round trip voyage from Singapore
–    Hotels: 5-Star Sule Shangri-La and 5-star Bagan Lodge
–    Special Tip: For a limited time receive a FREE hot air balloon ride in Bagan.

Southeast Asia Unveiled & Angkor Wat Cruisetour

–    Cruisetour Experience: Journey to the ancient temples in Cambodia on this 3-day excursion. Guests will start in Siem Ream, with visits to Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Tonle Sap Lake, and Les Artisans d'Angkor. Highlights include a traditional Cambodian feast with a cultural dance performance and a guided tour on board a small shaded vessel moving between floating homes and small fish farms.  
–    Cruise: Southeast Asia Unveiled, a 10-day voyage from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City.
–    Hotels: Le Meridien Angkor in Siem Reap and Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
–    Special tip: The Angkor Wat Cruistour can be booked either pre- or post- cruise.

Wonders of Civilization Cruisetour

–    Cruisetour Experience: Explore the ancient city of Cairo on this 5-day excursion. Guests will leave the ship in Luxor before traveling to Cairo to tour the ancient Pyramids of Giza and the mysterious Sphinx. Local highlights include a tour of the Solar Boat, the ritual vessel believed to provide transport for the Pharoahs soul to the afterlife, as well as a camel ride through the desert.
–    Cruise: Wonders of Arabia, a 6-day voyage from Athens to Safaga
–    Hotels: Hilton Luxor, and 5-Star Mena House Hotel in Giza
–    Special tip: Join Windstar CEO Hans Birkholz as he hosts this Wonders of Arabia voyage.

Rolls Royce Power System reports stable first half 2014 revenues

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 31 July 2014 31 July 2014

Revenues generated by Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG, which is part of the London based Rolls Royce plc group, remained stable in the first half of 2014.

“The 2014 half-year report published today by the Rolls-Royce Group shows revenues for the “Power Systems” segment of £1.214 billion (€1.473 billion). This represents 17% of the total revenues generated by Rolls-Royce. The business activities of today’s Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG are now included in the “Power Systems” segment, which is made up of the former Tognum Group, including the Norwegian subsidiary, Bergen Engines AS,” the company said in a statement.

The order book in the first half-year was at £2.042 (€2.682 billion), the return on sales was at 5.1%. For the full year, at constant foreign exchange, Rolls-Royce expects underlying revenue to be in a range of plus or minus 2%.

The business figures of Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG have been fully consolidated in Rolls-Royce plc since the beginning of 2013. In March 2014, Daimler AG announced that it intended to sell its 50% shareholding in Rolls-Royce Power Systems to Rolls-Royce. The transfer of the shares is expected to take place this year, as soon as the regulatory authorities responsible have given their approval.

Online bookings continues rapid growth at Thomas Cook

Details

Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 31 July 2014 31 July 2014

Thomas Cook, the London based tour operator that is a major retailer of cruises, says that online bookings have continued rapid expansion of market share.

Year to date, the internet accounted for 38% of the group’s bookings, while the figure was just 35% a year earlier. The company intends to push it above 50% in 2015.

Bookings made by smartphones and tablets had driven the growth by a 73% increase in the review period.