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Fjord Line sees doubling of passenger volume on two new ships

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 July 2014 23 July 2014

Fjord Line, the Norwegian ferry company that has introduced two lng powered newbuildings between Norway and Denmark, says it expects to transport nearly 1 million passengers aboard its four ships in 2014, more than twice as many as in 2013.

"We expect a 90% increase in passenger numbers for the January through July period of 2014 compared to the same seven month period of 2013, and believe we will more than double the number for the full year," said Fjord Line CEO Ingvald Fardal in a statement.

Last July, Stavangerfjord entered service as the first of Fjord Line's two large, eco-friendly cruise ferries, while an identical sister ship, the Bergensfjord, joined the fleet in March this year. Both ships were built at the Fosen shipyard in Norway. The ships serve the routes between the Norwegian cities of Bergen and Stavanger and Hirtshals, Denmark, as well as between Hirtshals and Langesund, Norway.

Stavagerfjord and Bergensfjord are of 32,000 gross tons and they are the only major passengers vessels that only use lng as fuel; other ships that use it can also operate on oil by using dual fuel engines.

"We had 109,000 guests on the Bergen-Stavanger-Hirtshals line in the first seven months of last year, a number that is expected to increase nearly 82% to 198,000 for the same period of this year. The Hirtshals-Langesund line opened last July, with more than 17,000 guests in its first two weeks of operation, while so far this year the number of passengers has hit about 125,000," says Fardal.

For 2014 so far, Fjord Line can also report that about 137,000 passengers have taken the company's express line between Kristiansand, Norway and Hirtshals, and that some 48,000 travelled on the new service between Sandefjord, Norway and Strömstad, Sweden. That means Fjord Line's total bookings for the period will be about 508,000, compared to 267,000 for the seven months ending in July 2013.

"Our projections suggest that, for 2014 as a whole, the passenger count for all four of our ships will exceed 950,000 guests, or more than double the number recorded for the full year of 2013. As a result, Fjord Line's share of the cruise ferry market between Norway and the European Union is expected to increase to about 15% in 2014 compared to 7% a year earlier, which we see as extremely satisfactory," underscores Fardal.

Costa Concordia begins tow to scrap yard

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 July 2014 23 July 2014

Wreck of the Italian cruise liner Costa Concordia is being towed to Genoa in Italy for scrapping from the island of Giglio, where the ship sank after running aground in January 2012, media reports say.

The wreck was rightened last autumn and refloated nine days ago.

At 114,147 gross tons, Costa Concordia that was delivered to Costa Crociere in 2006, is by far the largest passenger vessel that has ever been declared constructive total loss.

It took the title from Seawise University, formerly the first Queen Elizabeth of Cunard Line (1940-68), which sank after a fire in Hong Kong in January 1972. The ship was of 83,673 gross registered tons.

Star Cruises changes deployments in Hong Kong and Singapore

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 23 July 2014 23 July 2014

Star Cruises has announced its upcoming fleet itinerary in line with its strategic homeport deployment. The SuperStar Virgo will continue to homeport in Hong Kong and SuperStar Gemini in Singapore, as part of Star Cruises’ revised fleet schedule for 2014 – 2015.

From 4 Oct 2014, SuperStar Virgo will replace the existing destination cruise itineraries with the one night South China Sea cruise, which will depart from Hong Kong daily. With the new itinerary, our customers will have more flexibility and opportunities to experience cruising with a short getaway cruise itinerary, a wide array of entertainment choices coupled with luxury accommodation and world-class culinary.

From 2 November 2014 – 29 March 2015, SuperStar Gemini will introduce new cruise itineraries departing from Singapore including 3-night Penang/Langkawi, 3-night Penang/Port Klang, 2-night Port Klang, 2-night Melaka and 2-night High Seas cruise.

In view of the revised schedule, Star Cruises has made available options for pre-booked passengers who will be affected.

AmaWaterways debuts 2015 Europe, Russia, Asia & Africa brochure

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 July 2014 22 July 2014

AmaWaterways yesterday announced the debut of its 2015 Europe, Russia, Asia & Africa brochure. The new brochure introduces three new ships, a new destination, and unique new theme cruises, as well as the return of the line’s popular wine and Christmas markets sailings.

“Heading into 2015, the entire AmaWaterways team could not be more excited, as we prepare to roll out incredible new offerings for travelers seeking unforgettable river cruise adventures,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. "Ama is derived from the Latin word for love and in 2015, travelers will undoubtedly fall in love with our extensive lineup of new products, services, itineraries, ships, destinations and amenities.”

Highlights of AmaWaterways’ 2015 Europe, Russia, Asia & Africa brochure include:

Three New Ships:

– AmaSerena and AmaVista – These anticipated new sister ships will offer travelers the opportunity to sail Europe’s most desired waterways, including the Danube, Main and Rhine. The 164-passenger vessels will feature Twin Balcony Staterooms, heated swimming pools with swim-up bars, salon services, fitness rooms, elegant glass elevators and more.

– AmaDara – This innovative new 124-passenger ship joins AmaLotus in 2015, offering an exciting voyage along the fabled Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia. The itinerary features a once-in-a-lifetime overnight experience on an authentic yet contemporary junk, stops at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and time exploring the ancient Khmer empire.

New and Returning Theme Cruises:

– In Celebration of Wine Cruise – AmaWaterways’ wine cruises continue to grow in popularity each year and make their return in 2015. Traveling through Europe’s acclaimed wine regions, these select sailings will feature expert wine hosts, complimentary lectures, wine tastings and excursions to historic vineyards and cellars. (19 Departures in 2015)

– Beer Cruise – A first for AmaWaterways, 2015 will bring the all-new Beer Cruise. Hosted by beer expert Don “Joe Sixpack” Russell – author of a weekly beer column and three books – beer enthusiasts will enjoy beer pairing dinners, unique experiences, visits to famed breweries and local tastings. The new Beer Cruise will take place as part of AmaWaterways’ March 31 Tulip Time Cruise sailing and December 14 Christmas Time Cruise itinerary. (2 Departures in 2015)

– Art Illumination Cruise – Art aficionados and aspiring artists alike can channel their inner Monet during this inaugural journey through France’s legendary Normandy region onboard AmaLegro. After admiring the real-life backdrops of the world’s most celebrated works of art, guests may participate in complimentary painting classes led by expert instructors onboard. (Embarking August 13, 2015)

– Jazz Cruise – Conducted in partnership with Jazzdagen Tours, this 7-night cruise onboard AmaLyra will feature exclusive jazz performances by a global assortment of musicians and immersive tours of a variety of ports, including the grand capital Vienna and charming towns like Durnstein. Guests can explore magnificent cathedrals and Baroque abbeys and take in the stunning sights of Wachau Valley. (Embarking September 22, 2015)

– Jewish Heritage Cruises – These special itineraries dive deep into the legacy of Europe’s Jewish history and culture. Complimentary excursions include visits to well-known World War II sites, historic Jewish synagogues and sightseeing spots in some of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Countries visited include Germany, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia. Optional extensions in Prague on The Romantic Danube and Lucerne and Zurich on The Enchanting Rhine are also available. (4 Departures in 2015)

– Christmas Markets Cruises – AmaWaterways’ magical holiday cruises are a perfect way for people to spend quality time with family and friends. With sumptuous feasts, festive décor, onboard entertainment and visits to delightful centuries-old Christmas Markets in places such as Regensburg, Nuremberg and Vienna, a river cruise holiday promises extra special memories to savor a lifetime. Travelers will enjoy two itineraries in the Christmas markets, including Christmas Time Cruise (13 Departures in 2015); and Christmas on the Rhine. (11 Departures in 2015)

In addition to its regular program of sailings in 2015 – as outlined in the new brochure – AmaWaterways’ philanthropic arm, AmaCares, will offer a new way for travelers to give back. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the line will donate $500 per stateroom onboard its In Celebration of Life cruises on October 25 and October 28 to the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research, prevention and treatment.

In total, AmaWaterways will offer 25 distinctive itineraries onboard 20 ships visiting nearly 30 countries throughout 2015.

Nobel Peace Prize recipient Desmond Tutu to join Crystal spring 2015 South Africa voyage

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 22 July 2014 22 July 2014

World-renowned peace and human rights crusader Archbishop Desmond Tutu will bring an especially intimate perspective of South Africa – and the world – aboard Crystal Cruises’ March 13, 2015 voyage through Tutu’s African homeland. The 1984 Nobel Laureate was considered his country’s “voice of conscience” throughout its struggle against apartheid, and is still one of world’s leading voices for freedom and justice. Via a complimentary presentation and interactive Q & A session, the Archbishop will share personal insights about South Africa’s history and topics like “Bridging the Chasm between Black and White,” as well as speak to universal themes that can inspire all, such as the search for spiritual values in today’s world and the power of unity and goodness in business. The World Cruise segment sails from Perth to Cape Town, where Tutu is Archbishop Emeritus.

“Our inquisitive guests are engaged travelers who will relish the rare opportunity to experience South Africa through the eyes of one of the country’s most precious sons...and perhaps take some of his inspirational spirit home with them,” says Bret Bullock, vice president of entertainment.

The son of a schoolteacher and a domestic worker, service to others is part of Desmond Tutu’s heritage. Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Tutu has advocated for human rights and equality, acting as a spiritual and political leader during South Africa’s perhaps most tumultuous period in history. As General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the often controversial Tutu pursued his objective to end apartheid and achieve racial reconciliation vigorously, and became internationally renowned for his efforts toward the cause. He continued to bridge South Africa’s racial gap as Bishop of Johannesburg and Archbishop of Cape Town.

Still making headlines in the name of justice, Mr. Tutu now works to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS and Climate Change as chairman of the Elders, a nonpartisan group of statesmen from around the world. Most recently, he made headlines by joining Ireland’s President Mary Robinson in the fight for environmental justice at the world’s first International Conference for Climate Change. The Archbishop boasts some of the world’s highest honors for his contributions to humanity, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as honorary degrees from more than 130 worldwide universities.

Tutu is just one of 50 stimulating speakers planned for Crystal’s 25th Anniversary “Silver Celebration” World Cruise aboard Crystal Serenity. The 108-day voyage is comprised of six 16- to 21-day segments sailing between Miami, Lima, Auckland, Perth, Cape Town, and Rio.

This segment visits several South African cities central to Archbishop Tutu’s legacy, including Durban, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay (maiden call) and Cape Town (overnight). Other calls include Mauritius/Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius; St-Denis, Réunion, France; Ambodifotatra and Taolanaro, Madagascar (both maiden calls); Maputo, Mozambique, and the embarkation port of Perth, Australia. Until the August 29 “Book Now” deadline, all-inclusive cruise fares start at $9,785 per person.