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MSC Cruises and Fincantieri announce two newbuilds plus one option

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 22 May 2014 22 May 2014

Today MSC Cruises signed a contract with Fincantieri for the construction of two new cruise ships, with an option for one more. The two ships will join MSC Cruises’ fleet, currently counting 12 ships.

The signature took place at the Palazzo Chigi in Rome between MSC Cruises and Fincantieri in the presence of the Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises Pierfrancesco Vago, the CEO of MSC Cruises, Gianni Onorato, and the CEO of Fincantieri, Giuseppe Bono.

The new prototype will be named “Seaside” and will be the largest cruise ship ever built by Fincantieri. Its innovative features will make it unique in the shipbuilding industry. The two ships will lead the way for a new generation of cruise ships that will be completely different from an architectural point of view.

"From the moment we started talking with Fincantieri, we had in mind to design and build two completely new ships, revolutionary in their structure, unlike anything that exists on the market today," said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises. "Seaside is a futuristic prototype because of its structure, shape and versatility. Working closely with Fincantieri we are getting ready for the new and compelling challenge that the construction of these ships represents. It will be a real revolution in the world’s cruise market, an excellent product for its unique and innovative architectural features and cutting-edge technology.”

The two new ships will cost €700 million each, and will be funded with the support of the insurance and financial company SACE. The two ships will be delivered to Gianluigi Aponte’s company at different times: the first in November 2017, the second in May 2018. With a length of 323 metres, a width of 41 metres and a height of 70 metres, the new ships will have a gross tonnage of 154,000 tons and will accommodate up to 5,300 passengers plus 1,413 crew members. The ships will boast 2,070 guest cabins, 759 for crew members, and 43,500 square metres of public areas available. Innovative in design and versatility, the new ships will be able to dock in any port around the world.

Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri declared "This is a special day for us. Today is the start of an ambitious and new adventure with our friends from MSC, a group that prides itself on its quality and Mediterranean style. These ships, which represent a genuine design challenge, will be developed entirely by Fincantieri, confirming our technological supremacy over other shipbuilders globally. Our commitment to innovation covers all high value-added sectors, thanks to the involvement of more than 2,000 technicians and 160 employees dedicated to basic research, as well as a partner network of Italian and European centres of excellence. This core asset is what makes our group unique in its kind in the world, and allows us not only to reaffirm our leadership in a sector as complex as the cruise one, but also to count on a substantial order backlog that bodes well for a full recovery in our business."

"Today, MSC Cruises adds the last piece to its new industrial plan that will allow us to double the capacity of our fleet by 2022. With the arrival of the new ships we will reach a capacity of about 80,000 passengers a day" said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. "As of today we have launched an investment plan of over €5 billion that includes new builds, ordered in Italy and France, and the conversion of four ships already in the fleet."

The Seaside prototype presents unique features such as a sea-level promenade that circumnavigates the sides of the ship with outdoor spaces, shops and restaurants. In addition, Seaside will also feature a splendid and spacious theatre, a terraced balcony and panoramic lifts with sea views.

Furthermore, the ship will boast numerous technological innovations that will, among other things, further reduce fuel consumption by 25% and advanced safety systems that go beyond what is required by international regulation.

STX Finland delivers Mein Schiff 3

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 22 May 2014 22 May 2014

Photo credit: Jouni Saaristo

On Thursday May 22, 2014, STX Finland Oy's Turku Shipyard handed over the first newbuild to TUI Cruises. Mein Schiff 3 is a sophisticated and highly innovative cruise ship, designed for the German premium-class cruise market. With the production started in November 2012, the environmentally friendly Mein Schiff 3 was floated out in November 2013. The ship provided some 5,500 man-years of labour to the shipyard and the network. Mein Schiff 3 will start operating on 13 June 2014, with the maiden voyage starting from Hamburg and heading for Palma de Mallorca. Her sister ship, Mein Schiff 4, will be launched in September 2014 and delivered to TUI Cruises in spring 2015.

Innovative and efficient ship building concepts, with a high block outfitting ratio and modularisation, have been successfully utilised more than ever in the building process of this approx. 294 metres long and 36 metres wide ship. Maximum use of state-of-the-art technology supports environmentally-friendly operation of the ship. With a gross tonnage of 99,500, Mein Schiff 3 consumes around 30 per cent less energy compared to cruise ships of similar sizes. In the construction of Mein Schiff 3, STX Finland and TUI Cruises are also taking a giant leap by integrating the most innovative emission-reducing technology. The result sets new standards with a combined exhaust gas treatment system specifically aimed at reducing emissions. Mein Schiff 3 pushes the limits of what is currently technically viable. A desulphurisation plant will reduce toxic sulphur emissions by up to 99 per cent, while particulate emissions will decrease by 60 per cent.

Photo credit: Jouni Saaristo

The glass facade at the stern of the ship, approximately 167 m2 in size and in the shape of a diamond, is the design highlight of the third well-being ship. The diamond extends over two decks on the outside and imparts an unmistakable character to the new TUI Cruises' ship. Yet this jewel of Mein Schiff 3 offers a great deal more than that. Nestling in the light-flooded inner section of the diamond is the Große Freiheit (Great Freedom). Here, guests are welcomed by a unique world of pleasure with speciality restaurants, such as the fine dining Richard's - Feines Essen and the Steakhouse Surf & Turf, as well as a modern coffee house and an exclusive bar. Apart from that, the ship offers an additional wide variety of different types of restaurants, bars and lounges, as well as a night club.

Additional amenities include various areas for sports and relaxation, including a large Spa & Sports area, the first 25-metre pool to be found on a cruise ship (Deck 12), and an outdoor arena supplied with a large LED screen, providing plenty of space for sporting activities and outdoor cinema events (Deck 14). Entertainment facilities include a theatre extending over three decks, equipped with the very latest light, sound and image technology, and the Klanghaus (sound house), the first concert hall at sea.

Photo credit: Jouni Saaristo

The ship has 1,253 passenger cabins of which some 90 per cent are outside cabins and 82 per cent balcony cabins. By providing more than 80 per cent of the cabins with a balcony, the ship offers its guests the opportunity to enjoy many hours in private on their own balconies. Furthermore, the wide variety of cabin categories for families and SPA-lovers among others enables to cater for the individual needs and well-being of the guests on board. One highlight are the ten Himmel- und Meer Suiten (sky- and sea suites) which cover two levels and have a 29 m2 roof terrace of their own. The cabins are produced by STX Finland Cabins Oy.

"The building period of this cruise ship was record-breaking tight. With good co-operation, high motivation and a lot of hard work performed by thousands of people representing numerous different companies we were able to execute this project successfully. We are very satisfied as we are handing over this magnificent ship to TUI Cruises, and we are confident that this ship will be a great success on the German cruise market," says Jari Anttila, Deputy CEO of STX Finland Oy.

"It is a great pleasure to see how our ideas have turned into reality. Thanks to the great collaboration of the yard, the newbuilding -team, all companies involved, and, last but not least, our own people, we are now the owner of a brand-new cruise ship which sets standards within our industry. I must say, we are happy and very proud to welcome this new member to our fleet," comments Richard J. Vogel, CEO of TUI Cruises. "Within the context of our planned fleet expansion, we would highly appreciate the ongoing discussion by the Government about the future of STX Finland to come to a positive outcome in the near future securing the yard's ongoing operation", Vogel adds.

TUI AG’s cruise operations stage strong recovery

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 21 May 2014 21 May 2014

The cruise operations of TUI AG, the German travel to shipping group, have staged a strong recovery in the second quarter of the group’s financial year.

Revenues from cruise operations that include a 50% stake in TUI Cruises, the Hamburg based premium market operator, and 100% of Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten, the destinational to luxury market operator, rose to €94.1 million from €69.1 million in the same period a year earlier.

EBITA turned positive by €5.1 million compared to negative by €44.8 million in the corresponding period a year earlier. Unlike in the past, TUI AG did not provide closer details about the performance of its two brands.

“Following two dry-dock periods of the cruise vessel Europa, which impacted earnings, and a decrease in load factors, Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten is again focusing on delivering consolidation in the luxury segment. In the completed quarter it managed to increase turnover, the average rate per day and passenger and the number of passenger days,” TUI AG said.

Thomson Cruises, which operates five ships on the British market, is part of TUI travel plc, a London based company that is listed there. TUI AG is its biggest shareholder.

TUI Cruises may order more ships, enter UK market

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 21 May 2014 21 May 2014

TUI Cruises, the Hamburg based premium cruise market operator jointly owned by TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited (RCCL), may order more ships and enter the UK source market, TUI AG said in a statement.

“Further fleet growth is conceivable to achieve the planned internationalisation of TUI Cruises within the TUI Group, in particular through a potential entry into source market UK. The Group is currently evaluating long-term options for an expansion of its fleet. However, here, too, capital discipline remains the priority,” TUI said in a statement.

TUI Cruises has two ships in service and two 99,300 gross ton newbuildings on order at STX Finland in Turku. The first one is due to enter service shortly and the second in the spring of 2015. They all cater for the German spaking market.

Thomson Cruises, which is part of the London based TUI travel plc group in which TUI Ag is the biggest shareholder, operates five ships on the British market.

“TUI is assessing the outlook for the cruises business as particularly positive. The Executive Board of TUI AG is confident that the Sector will achieve the turnaround by the end of the financial year. Following the commissioning of the third vessel by TUI Cruises in June 2014, Mein Schiff 4 is to be delivered in 2015, as scheduled,” TUI said.

TUI Cruises has been highly profitable, whereas the destinational to luxury brand Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten has experienced difficult times.

Norwegian Cruise Line investing $250 million for fleet enhancement program

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 20 May 2014 20 May 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it is investing more than $250 million in "Norwegian NEXT," a program focused on bringing "new enhancements, experiences and transformations" across the fleet, with the goal of elevating the guest experience and building on the success of the line's two new ships: Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.
Norwegian NEXT encompasses ship revitalizations, dining enhancements, new experiences in entertainment and guest activities, along with innovations in technology, new tropical destinations and the line's continued commitment to the environment. Through 2015, the company has plans to revitalize a number of vessels, including Norwegian Jewel, which just re-entered service following dry dock, along with Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Spirit, which were also recently refurbished.

"The youngest fleet at sea continues to get even better with our robust enhancement program taking place over the next two years," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "We want to continue to provide fresh and relevant experiences to our guests every time they sail with us. We are investing significantly in making sure that our guests have the vacation of a lifetime and fully experience what it means to Cruise like a Norwegian."

Norwegian reinvented the dining experience at sea with the line's Freestyle Dining concept, which it is taking to the NEXT level with the introduction of new menus in complimentary dining rooms and Garden Cafes that offer more variety and choice, including numerous new dishes crafted by expert chefs using the finest ingredients. New food and beverage venues are also being introduced across the fleet. Norwegian Jewel is the first to be retrofitted with the popular, complimentary dining venue, O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill. The line is also adding the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, first introduced on Norwegian Getaway, to Norwegian Jewel, adjacent to the new location of the Moderno Churrascaria restaurant. In addition, treats from the wildly popular Carlo's Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC's Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, will be featured on all ships.

Along with dining, Norwegian is also making enhancements to its beverage program. A partnership with the world-renowned Michael Mondavi Family has already introduced a new wine menu across the fleet and the family is curating wine concepts for Norwegian's upcoming new ships. A new destination-based handcrafted beverage program, developed in partnership with James Beard Award-nominated mixologist Gabriel Orta of Miami-based Bar Lab Cocktails, is bringing guests seasonal specialty cocktails with a local twist. There will also be further fleet wide beverage training of bartenders, wine stewards and restaurant managers, providing guests with an even more knowledgeable staff to further enhance the dining experience onboard.

Norwegian is an innovator in entertainment and there are a wide range of new guest activities that will be introduced across the fleet. The line's exciting new H2GLOW Party, first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, will also be rolled out fleet wide. Speaking to the quality of entertainment on board, the line is producing a series of new shows at its recently opened 45,000 square foot rehearsal facility, Norwegian Creative Studios, in Tampa, Florida. From soaring acrobats in "Elements," to the 15-foot revolving showgirl staircase in "Paradis" to rocking out with the full rock band in "Rock of Ages," Norwegian's award-winning entertainment will be customized for every ship and itinerary with line-ups that will constantly stay fresh. With a focus on family, Norwegian's five ships that feature exclusive Nickelodeon entertainment will offer new activities, dining experiences, and more ways to interact with Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants.

The line is focused on introducing advanced technologies and innovations that bring more freedom and flexibility to its guests' cruise vacation from start to finish. Enhanced pre-cruise planning experiences give guests the opportunity to easily design their vacation. Once on board, there is wireless internet access from bow to stern along with interactive digital displays that are being added fleet wide. These touch screen signs will allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining and shore excursions simply with a scan of their stateroom key. Guests can also take advantage of Norwegian's groundbreaking iConcierge mobile application to manage their cruise experience and stay in touch with fellow cruisers and family at home.

The line is also making a substantial effort to reduce its impact on the environment through its Eco-Smart Cruising programs and will install exhaust gas scrubbers on six ships, in addition to those that are already being fitted on Pride of America and the company's two new builds, Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss.

Enhancements continue on the line's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, with the opening of the Bacardi Bar. In addition, the line is developing a new eco-friendly cruise destination, Harvest Caye, in southern Belize. The 75-acre experience is planned to open in fall 2015 and will offer guests the option to take shore excursions on the mainland or enjoy the authentic shopping village, water sports or relaxing beach area on the island.