Newly refurbished Seven Seas Mariner sets sail

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 09 April 2014 09 April 2014

Regent Seven Seas Cruises completed a multi-million dollar refurbishment and upgrade to the all-suite, all-balcony ship Seven Seas Mariner. The ship has re-entered service and is in the midst of a 10-night sailing from Monte Carlo to Venice. The newly renovated Seven Seas Mariner will call the Mediterranean home for the remainder of the season.

The refurbishment of Seven Seas Mariner added a fresh, elegant and luxurious new look, while retaining the warmth and charm for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises is acclaimed. The ship's suites and lounges are resplendent with elegant new furnishings, rich upholstery, custom-milled carpeting and hand-selected accents. Seven Seas Voyager recently underwent a similar refurbishment and Seven Seas Navigator was similarly upgraded in 2012.

"Regent Seven Seas Cruises sets the benchmark for luxury in the cruise industry and after witnessing the transformation on Seven Seas Mariner it's clear we once again raised the bar. She is simply breathtaking," said Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "This investment in our fleet underscores our commitment to providing our guests with the ultimate, ultra-inclusive experience on the most luxurious and stylish ships," he added.

Highlights of the Seven Seas Mariner transformation include:

– The ship's Grand, Master, Mariner, Seven Seas, Horizons and Penthouse Suites received all-new furniture, upholstery, lighting and wall coverings. Each features sophisticated, timeless décor with new sofas and chairs, new dining tables, new lamps and accent lighting that exudes Park Avenue elegance. Rich, luxurious fabrics were chosen to give each category of suites their own unique look and character. Soft tones of mint green, dove grey, fawn and wheat will play off of a palette of rich, dominant hues of espresso, chocolate, gold, burgundy and silver.

– The ship's two-deck high, state-of-the-art show theatre was renovated with a new LED wall to enhance the on-stage productions, and new carpeting, upholstery, wall coverings, cocktail tables, wall sconces, banquettes and chairs to provide additional comfort for our guests. Inside the theater, Regent Seven Seas Cruises mounts its largest and most ambitious production to date. Titled "Cirque Rock 'n Roll" this stunning spectacle is filled with aerial theatrics choreographed to music from Michael Jackson, Pink, Queen and more.

– The Stars Lounge features a dramatic new décor and ambiance. A new stone-topped bar anchors the room and the décor of plum, smoky-grey, gold, black and cream creates a subdued yet elegant atmosphere. Rich woolen carpets, supple leather, dark hardwood paneling and hammered-copper accents create an air of distinction, taste and elegance.

– The Horizon Lounge received a distinctive new stone-fronted bar, chic new furnishings, tony carpeting, lustrous wall coverings, and new lighting. While the Mariner Lounge was reconfigured with a spacious "open" floor plan and features a new bar, new stone flooring, lamps and tables.

– The Observation Lounge sports a stunning new décor of rich ivory, ebony and wine tones. A dramatic new back-lit bar serves as the room's centerpiece which offers sweeping 270 degree views.

– The Canyon Ranch Spa received new steam rooms, new stone flooring in the reception area, refurbished changing rooms and the Fitness Center was equipped with brand new state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

– The exterior decks and al fresco lounges received a makeover as well. New teak was installed on the balconies of all 350 suites and the teak decking in common areas was resurfaced and refinished to brand-new condition. The Pool Deck, as well as the ship's outdoor relaxation areas were furnished with brand new resort-style sofas, chairs, and loungers. The Pool Grill and La Veranda also received eye-catching upgrades with new mosaic tiling, new wall coverings draperies, lighting and awnings.

Fourth annual Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific set for November 20-21, 2014

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 09 April 2014 09 April 2014

UBM plc, organizers of the annual Cruise Shipping Miami event, are set to stage the fourth annual Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific conference and trade show November 20-21, 2014 in Hong Kong.

WHAT: The two-day annual Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific conference, organized in partnership with Seatrade Communications, provides an opportunity to assess the pace and direction of growth in the world’s newest and growing cruise sector. The conference is led by a panel of regional and international industry experts covering essential topics and providing valuable insights into the burgeoning Asia cruise market.

The conference program features cruise line executives, tourism officials, port operators, maritime suppliers, tourism organizations and cruise industry consultants discussing the opportunities and potential of the entire Australasia region for the cruise business.

In addition, the trade show will feature the fastest emerging sectors in the Asian cruise industry including information technology, entertainment, food and beverage, ship design and refurbishment, and destinations.

Returning to the event will be the second annual Rama Rebbapragada Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Cruise Industry in Asia. Awarded to Ms. Ong Huey Hong, Director, Cruise with the Singapore Tourism Board in 2013 for her contribution to the Asian cruise industry, this year it will once again be awarded to one who has played a significant role in developing the cruise industry in the region.

The award was established in memory of Rama Rebbapragada, formerly of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. who was instrumental in helping bring recognition of the potential of the Asia-Pacific cruise market to Western cruise companies.

Star Cruises celebrates maiden call in Kuantan, Malaysia

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 09 April 2014 09 April 2014

Since the recent homeport relocation of SuperStar Gemini in Singapore, Star Cruises now offers seven regular itineraries starting from 2nd April to 31st October 2014. These include the 6Day/5Night to Kuantan, Redang and Tioman, the 6Day/5Night to Penang, Langkawi and Malacca, the 4Day/3Night cruise to Penang and Langkawi, the 4Day/3Night cruise to Kuantan and Pulau Redang, the 3Day/2Night cruise to Malacca, the 3Day/2Night cruise to Pulau Tioman, and the 3Day/2Night high seas cruise.

Star Cruises celebrated SuperStar Gemini’s inaugural voyage to Kuantan April 7, making it the first international cruise line to call at port in the capital state of Pahang this year. Both local and international passengers were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a spectacular cultural dance performance staged by the National Department for Culture & Arts, Pahang. Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Mohamad Sharkar bin Haji Shamsudin, Chairman of Pahang State Tourism and Culture Committee was also present to welcome the disembarking passengers with special souvenirs as a token of remembrance.

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Haji Mohamad Sharkar bin Haji Shamsudin, Chairman of Pahang State Tourism and Culture Committee said “We are delighted to have Star Cruises’ SuperStar Gemini to call at 2 wonderful destinations in Pahang, namely Kuantan and Pulau Tioman. I would like to thank Star Cruises for their continous support and commitment in promoting the state of Pahang as well as Malaysia to the world.”

Jukka Silvennoinen, Captain of SuperStar Gemini said “On behalf of Star Cruises, we are proud to have Kuantan as one of the new destinations for SuperStar Gemini. Today’s welcoming ceremony in Kuantan is truly a testament of Pahang’s commitment and hospitality towards its guests. I am sure the passengers will have a wonderful and memorable experience here in Kuantan. We will continue to work closely with the relevant local authorities to make new destinations like Kuantan a popular tourist destination”.

With new holiday itineraries and destinations now available on SuperStar Gemini, Star Cruises remains passionate and committed in offering the best cruise experience with the ultimate freestyle cruising holiday concept, accentuated by world-class service with a warm touch of Asian hospitality. SuperStar Gemini passengers can enjoy a wide variety of onboard activities such as the must-see internationally acclaimed LIVE performances, sports and recreational activities, shopping at luxury stores or cdf Duty Free shops, or even embark on a gastronomic journey with our international and authentic Asian cuisines from our top award-winning chefs, and many more. In addition, Star Cruises offers top-notch facilities and amenities for pure rejuvenation and relaxation including spas, swimming pools, Jacuzzis and the gym, just to name a few.

Costa Cruises to broadcast 2014 FIFA World Cup matches across fleet

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 09 April 2014 09 April 2014

During the 2014 FIFA World Cup soccer championships taking place in Brazil June 12 to July 13, Costa Cruises plans to show live television broadcasts of matches onboard its fleet of 14 ships around the world. The line also has designed a variety of themed activities to celebrate the festive atmosphere surrounding the world's most popular sporting event.

Depending on the timing of matches and the nationalities playing, games will be broadcast in different shipboard venues, such as the big screen located on the Magrodome pool deck and in the main show lounge.

Costa Cruises also has planned a range of themed activities to engage football fans and guests who want to support their national team and enjoy championship soccer in the company of friends and new acquaintances from around the world.

During the day, creative guests will be encouraged to customize T-shirts or create banners with their favorite team's colors and slogans. There also will be group activities like soccer tournaments.

Sports enthusiasts also can enjoy a game of freestyle soccer ball dribbling or take samba lessons with a Brazilian dance teacher to learn how celebrate their team's goals with an enthusiastic gesture. For those who prefer to cheer while sitting by the pool, Costa Cruises has created a series of fun World Cup trivia quizzes with exclusive prizes.

Costa Cruises' rich entertainment program includes flash-mob Brazilian dances to the tune of the official World Cup anthem, Brazilian-style appetizers with a Caipirinha -- Brazil's national cocktail -- and election of "Mister World Cup 2014."

For more than 65 years Costa Cruises' ships have showcased Italian-made excellence throughout the world with their quality of service, variety of entertainment, range of fine food and wine, and exclusive onboard art collections.