Cunard and Royal Canadian Geographical Society enter in partnership
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 19 November 2022 19 November 2022
Cunard has announced a partnership with Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), at the nonprofit's annual College of Fellows Dinner last night at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Matthew Gleaves, VP of Commercial Development for Cunard in North America, made the announcement at the event saying, "both Cunard and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society have a deep history and share a dedication to travel and exploration, with a great desire for cultural understanding. This partnership is the perfect marriage of knowledge and discovery."
Experts from the RCGS will be featured on select 2023 voyages as part of Cunard's renowned InsightsTM onboard enrichment program. The RCGS headliners will be on every Cunard voyage in the 2023 Alaska season on Queen Elizabeth, from June through August, and on the Canada/New England voyage in September, from New York to Quebec, on flagship liner Queen Mary 2.
Cunard was founded by Canadian, Samuel Cunard, a pioneer in his time, who began a Transatlantic service between Europe and North America that continues today.
The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is dedicated to understanding and educating people about the diverse human and physical landscapes of Canada and beyond. With more than 26,000 full-time educators from across the country and a robust Fellowship of distinguished thought leaders and those committed to geographical literacy, the RCGS is one of Canada's largest non-profit geographical and educational organizations.
RCGS speakers include explorers, naturalists, geographical experts, and indigenous advocates who will custom curate exclusive programming for Cunard guests. The RCGS experts include:
- John Geiger, CEO, RCGS: best-selling author, speaker and adventurer who will speak about the history, heritage and expeditions which took place on the surrounding lands;
- Joseph Frey: Scuba diver and former officer with the Royal Canadian Navy who specializes in Anthropology and the migration of people on the land;
- Jill Heinerth, RCGS Explorer in Residence: Underwater diver, explorer, author and educator with a focus on coastal environments;
- George Kourounis, RCGS Explorer in Residence: Worldwide explorer and adventurer who contributes his expertise to the Discovery Channel and the Weather Network;
- Lynn Moorman, RCGS Fellow: Geographer and educator who speaks about the glaciers, fjords and geographic technologies that guests will encounter along the British Columbia Coast and Alaska;
- Perry Bellegarde, Honorary Vice President RCGS: Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous advocate, and educator on Indigenous people and their lands
Gleaves continued, "Cunard is committed to not only exploring the beauty and rich culture of the region, but also to educating guests during the time they spend with us. There is no better organization to help us succeed in this than the RCGS; we intend to make this a long-lasting partnership."
John Geiger, CEO for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society shares, "Our mandate to make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world will be furthered by this exciting partnership with Cunard. Through collaborative enrichment programming and providing Canadian Geographic content onboard, we hope each Cunard guest will come to appreciate and love the dynamic and diverse landscape and people of our country."
Two dead in Quark Expeditions’ zodiac accident - report
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- Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 19 November 2022 19 November 2022
Two passengers are reported dead after a zodiac launched from the expedition cruise ship World Explorer in the Antarctic capsized, media reports say.
Paxnews.com cited the Seattle based Quark Expeditions as saying in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to confirm that there has been a tragic accident during a zodiac excursion from the ship World Explorer, chartered by Quark Expeditions, near Elephant Island in the Antarctic on November 15.”
Meyer Group forms Meyer Wismar to complete Global Dream
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
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- Published: 17 November 2022 17 November 2022
Meyer Group will complete the cruise ship under construction at the former MV Werften in Wismar for Disney Cruise Line. Meyer Wismar plans to employ several hundred former team members of MV Werften and will equip the ship with the some of the greenest technologies available together with companies of Meyer Group. The ship is expected to set sail in 2025.
“There is a great passion for shipbuilding in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and we believe in the abilities and courage of both the team in Wismar as well as our Meyer team to complete this grand ship. That will mark another innovative chapter in the long and rich history of shipbuilding excellence here.” says Bernard Meyer.
“As passionate shipbuilders we are very happy to save the investments, which have already been made to complete the ship and modernize the shipyard in Wismar, and deliver an innovative vessel”, explains Aloys Meeman, Managing Director of Meyer Wismar.
Both Disney and Meyer are committed to reduce emissions, use and waste less, lower the impact of our product and build sustainably. “When Disney approached us to jointly complete the ship, we saw great opportunities. Meyer stands for innovation, so we are especially happy to deliver a ship that will be among the first in the industry to be powered by methanol,” says Thomas Weigend, Managing Director of Meyer Werft and Meyer Wismar.
That will require an elaborated transformation of the ship’s engines, additional tanks and many more measures that will make the ship one of the most future-proof. The ship can cruise climate neutral as soon as green methanol is available. In addition, the waste management onboard will be updated according to the newest technology available.
Meyer Werft has already delivered three cruise ships to Disney Cruise Line. Whilst Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy entered service in 2011 and 2012, Disney Wish was the latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet in summer 2022. Two sister ships are scheduled to be delivered in 2024 and 2025 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg.
Disney Cruise Line announces acquisition of partially completed Global Dream
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 16 November 2022 16 November 2022
Today, Disney announced the acquisition of a partially completed ship that will bring the magic of a Disney Cruise Line vacation to new global destinations. Disney will work with the esteemed Meyer Werft shipbuilding company to complete the cruise ship previously known as the Global Dream in Wismar, Germany. The ship will be renamed with certain features reimagined under the world-renowned expertise of Walt Disney Imagineers and is expected to set sail in 2025.
“Our cruise ships give us the unique opportunity to bring Disney magic to fans no matter where they are, and the addition of this ship will make a Disney Cruise Line vacation accessible to more families than ever before,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
The new ship, to be based outside the United States, will feature innovative Disney experiences along with the dazzling entertainment, world-class dining and legendary guest service that set Disney Cruise Line apart. The exterior will be adorned in the iconic, Mickey Mouse-inspired colors of the fleet, complete with signature red funnels.
The 208,000-gross-ton ship is expected to be among the first in the cruise industry to be fueled by green methanol, one of the lowest emission fuels available. Disney Cruise Line expects the passenger capacity to be approximately 6,000 with around 2,300 crew members.
Construction will be completed at the former MV Werften shipyard in Wismar, Germany, under the management of Meyer Werft, the Papenburg-based company that built the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish. The ship’s previous owner filed for bankruptcy before completing the vessel, enabling Disney Cruise Line to secure it at a favorable price and within the capital expenditure guidance The Walt Disney Company provided on its recent earnings call. The project also secures employment for hundreds of former MV Werften employees and will provide opportunities for numerous maritime industry suppliers in the region.
More details about the maiden voyage, itineraries and onboard experiences will be announced at a later date.
The Disney Cruise Line fleet sails to destinations in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii and the South Pacific, and recently announced first-ever vacations for guests in Australia and New Zealand beginning in late 2023.
Silversea strengthens its partnership with Puerto Williams
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: More News More News
- Published: 16 November 2022 16 November 2022
Silversea Cruises has bolstered its investment in the community of Puerto Williams, Chile, by sponsoring a physical education integration program for disabled children at the Puerto Williams School in the remote Chilean town. Silversea commissioned and donated the new mobility equipment as part of its comprehensive destination program, which aims to foster positive long-term relationships and champion local communities in the destinations to which the cruise line sails.
“An important gateway to Antarctica, Puerto Williams is a key destination for Silversea, and it is always our goal to positively impact the local communities we visit,” said Conrad Combrink, Senior Vice President of Expeditions, Destination and Itinerary Management for Silversea Cruises. “Building this facility is just the first step in our commitment to supporting the social needs of Puerto Williams. As the only cruise line to be operating out of Puerto Williams, providing a uniquely seamless journey to Antarctica for our guests, we are working hand-in-hand with local leaders and grassroots operators to not only showcase Puerto Williams in the most authentic way possible to our guests, but also to care for the needs of the community. We are incredibly grateful to Governor Jorge Flies; Delegada Presidencial María Luisa Muñoz; the Mayor of Puerto Williams, Patricio Fernández Alarcón; the Yagan Community; and the entire population of Puerto Williams for their continued support and partnership.”
Silversea has also donated four Zodiacs to the Cedena Nautical School in Puerto Williams, a non-profit organization dedicated to training and educating children and young people in nautical sports – a first step for many locals to learn the basic skills needed for a career in the expedition industry.
On November 15, Silversea held a blessing ceremony for its new ship Silver Endeavour at the Cape Horn Sub-Antarctic Center in Puerto Williams. Silversea Executives, Chilean tourism officials, local leaders, and clergy members attended the ceremony.
One of the world’s most advanced and luxurious expedition vessels, Silver Endeavour will welcome guests in Antarctica from November 21, 2022, broadening ultra-luxury cruising’s most diverse polar offering. Travelling aboard Silver Endeavour in her inaugural season – on voyages that range from five to 20 days and include Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise sailings, an extended ‘Deep South’ expedition, a 10-day Antarctic Peninsula voyage, and more – Silversea’s guests will journey in the cruise line’s trademark level of comfort, while enjoying some of the most immersive, personalized experiences available in Antarctica.
Photo from left to right: Governor Jorge Flies; Nicolás Pivcevic, DAP Antarctic Airways; Barbara Muckermann, Silversea; Captain Niklas Peterstam; Felicity Aston, Godmother of Silver Endeavour; Conrad Combrink, Silversea; and Mayor Patricio Fernández Alarcón.
Editor's note: We will be on the maiden voyage, which can be followed through our social media channels.
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