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Celebrity Cruises announces three partnerships ahead of Celebrity Flora's debut

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 27 April 2019 27 April 2019

With just 66 days until the official debut of Celebrity Flora, Celebrity Cruises has unveiled three new partnerships for the revolutionary new ship: A world-renowned conservationist turned Godmother, a one-of-a-kind designer with an unmatched vision, and a leading university specializing in marine and atmospheric sciences.

“We are also thrilled to unveil three one-of-a-kind partnerships, which help underscore our passion for protecting this beautiful archipelago,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “Each of these new partners are helping shape a better tomorrow for our planet in one way or another – whether it’s through the research, sustainable material sourcing or conservation – and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this sea change.”

Lutoff-Perlo also added: “These new partnerships are accentuating the already incredible work we’ve done with our other partners, including the amazing Francesca Bucci of BG Studio International, a New York City hospitality design firm – who designed every aspect of this stunning new ship – and the world-renowned marine scientist and regional destination expert Dr. Ellen Prager – who crafted new and exciting science- and discovery-based programming exclusive to Celebrity Flora.”

A godmother with purpose

"Naturally, sharing Celebrity’s passion for environmental stewardship was the most important factor in choosing a godmother for one of the most eco-friendly ships of its size in the Galapagos Islands. No one was a better match than Yolanda Kakabadse," Celebrity said.

Recognized as a prominent environmental leader and a global champion of sustainable development and biodiversity preservation, Kakabadse is a former Minister of Environment for the Republic of Ecuador and a former president of both the International Union for Conservation of Nature and World Wildlife Fund International. Kakabadse is passionate about reducing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of food waste, and is a member of Champions 12.3. She has dedicated her career to leaving the world a better place.

“The Galapagos Islands are an ecological treasure and I am excited to showcase its one-of-a-kind biodiversity through Flora,” said Kakabadse. “I am proud to partner with a company that is committed to sustainability in the Galapagos and showing leadership on an issue critical to sustain this beautiful ecosystem, food waste.”

As part of Celebrity’s more than 20-year repertoire of environmental efforts and inspired by the work of Celebrity Flora’s Godmother, the brand is pleased to partner with Kakabadse to further focus on continued efforts to further reduce the any food waste and to create passionate advocates for conservation in every guest who sails.

Unraveling mystery of the ocean

Located at the intersection of five ocean currents are the lush Galapagos Islands, with their world-famous ecology featuring some of the most diverse flora and fauna anywhere in the world. Understanding how those currents and weather patterns have impacted development of the unique island environment and wildlife is a key part of conserving the one-of-a-kind archipelago for years to come.

With the launch of their newest ship, Celebrity Cruises had the opportunity to blend exploration and research by making Celebrity Flora the first vessel in the Galapagos to be equipped with cutting-edge oceanographic research equipment, known as Oceanscope. The program builds on a more than 20-year relationship with University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science that benefits from a cruise ship’s consistent itinerary to create a perfect and cost-effective way for scientists to gather and measure ocean circulation dynamics.

The system will track and map the region while measuring sea-surface temperatures and gathering data critical to research prediction of El Niño and La Niña. All findings gathered by Celebrity Flora will become open source data – globally accessible to research – a first for scientists around the world and anyone with a passion for this information.

"Celebrity Flora's repeated circumnavigations of the Galapagos Archipelago will not only yield data essential to understanding the physical system that has created and maintains the unique Galapagos ecosystem but will be an invaluable contribution to our understanding of the effects of global weather and climate upon eastern equatorial Pacific circulation and regional ocean acidification,” said Peter B. Ortner, Research Professor, University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.

Destination inspired design

When Celebrity set out to build the first ship designed with the Galapagos in mind, the brand knew it needed to bring on a designer whose aesthetic not only drew inspiration from the region, but who also had a personal connection to this one-of-a-kind destination and would complement the stunning ship design by BG Studio.

Ecuadorian-native Adriana Hoyos was the perfect choice. A renowned interior and furniture designer, Hoyos pulls inspiration from her heritage and her extensive travels and highlights sustainable materials when crafting a new collection. Her one-of-a kind pieces can be found throughout the Discovery Lounge, Penthouse Suites and the Marina, complementing the ship design with local elements that connect to the destination organically.

“The Galapagos have always been a great inspiration for my work. Each island has different elements like the sand, the volcanic ashes, the leaves and all of those textures put together have a place in my furniture. That is why we chose selected pieces to complement the ship’ design with local elements that will connect organically to the design of the cruise,” said Hoyos. “The ship is unique and Galapagos is a unique place as well!”

Evolution of travel in the Galapagos

One of the most energy-efficient ships of its size in the diverse archipelago, the 100-guest Celebrity Flora is the first ship of its kind designed specifically for the Galapagos. The cutting-edge new ship will feature Celebrity’s signature outward-facing design concept, giving guests 360-degree views of the islands, and all-suite accommodations – including an unprecedented 50% Sky Suites with Infinite Veranda – equipped with personal attendants. Unique to Celebrity Flora are the first-ever glamping experience at sea, new dining venues, an open-air stargazing platform, expert-led ecological seminars, and custom-designed Novurania yacht tenders, which create a seamless sea-to-shore experience for guests.

Celebrity Flora will sail from Baltra year-round, making her first sailing on June 30, 2019. Bookings are now open at www.celebritycruises.com/galapagos/ships/celebrity-flora or through a travel advisor, for the ship’s alternating seven-night inner and outer loop itineraries and selection of 10-, 11-, and 16-night packages, which feature either pre- or post-cruise expeditions.

Asia Cruise Cooperation supports growth in cruising

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 18 April 2019 18 April 2019

Allan E. Jordan reports

Cruising in Asia continues to be one of the fastest growing segments of the industry, and despite a market correction in China, the outlook for the region continues to be strong. Marking its fifth anniversary, the Asia Cruise Cooperation (ACC) continues to support the development and growth of cruising in the region.

Started in 2014 as a partnership between Hong Kong and Taiwan, the ACC has grown to include Hainan, Hong Kong, Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Xiamen, and today encompasses a total of 21 ports in the six destinations. Working collaboratively, the partners are seeking to support the development of cruising in the region with infrastructure investments, efforts with the cruise lines, and a new direct-to-consumer television marketing program to build awareness and interest in cruising.

The ACC highlights that cruise tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Asia. Between 2012 and 2018, the ACC estimates a 33 percent average annual growth in cruise tourists to nearly 4.26 million in 2018. Each of the partners has participated in this growth. In the past five years, Hong Kong, for example, has experienced a 140 percent increase in ship calls with passenger throughput up 360 percent. The Philippines had an increase up to 178 cruise calls, including major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines, Genting, as well as Oceania Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Seabourn Cruise Line. Xiamen, which has been receiving cruise visitors for over 30 years, expects to double its cruise calls in 2019 with over 200,000 passengers.

While a number of ships have recently been repositioned away from China, long-term the market will continue to add new ships. Costa Cruises, for example, took delivery of the new Costa Venezia at the end of February and starting in May, the new ship will be dedicated exclusively to Chinese guests, offering cruises departing from Shanghai. In addition, in April Genting’s rechristened the 20-year old SuperStar Virgo as the Explorer Dream, while Royal Caribbean International took delivery of its first Quantum Ultra Class ship, the Spectrum of the Seas, which starting in June will be homeported in Singapore.

The members of the ACC are working to make the cruise lines aware of the attractiveness of the region and each destinations’ appeal. The six destinations within the ACC are well positioned to meet the consumers’ focus on new experiences and the desire to explore local cultures. The six destinations offer a broad range of cultural experiences and diversity from the lush nature to beautiful beaches, history and major cities. These messages for the consumer will all be highlighted as part of a new regional TV program the ACC is launching cooperation with the Discovery TLC channel.

Supporting the long-term positive outlook for cruising in the region, the six destinations are each working to expand their cruise infrastructure. Hong Kong, which has traditionally been one of the homeports for cruise ships in the region, points to the opening of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in 2013 as its tipping point. A state-of-the-art facility, it can handle the world’s largest cruise ships. Hong Kong has continued to make major investments in its infrastructure, such as the recently opened high-speed rail link that connects Hong Kong with 44 rail stations in mainland China. Making China more accessible for cruise passengers, it also makes it easier for people living in central and western China to travel to the cruise ships sailing from Hong Kong. In addition, the world’s longest sea crossing, a bridge that links Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao, was recently inaugurated.

With cruise lines anxious to provide their passengers with new destinations, the ACC members are working to increase the diversity of their ports. The Philippines, which for example has over 700 islands, is expanding ports in the Northern Philippine and Subic Bay, once home to the U.S. Navy, is also becoming a popular cruise destination. Similarly, Hainan has also made it more convenient for foreign tourists with visa-free and visa-on-arrival policies.

Around the region, the destinations are working to expand their port facilities to support cruising, including offering modern dedicated facilities able to handle the world’s largest cruise ships up to 225,000 GT. In April, Korea will be opening an international passenger terminal at the Port of Incheon with a shopping and resort complex and access to Seoul. Xiamen has also accelerated its cruise infrastructure development with a new terminal due in mid-2019. Taiwan will also be completing a modern port terminal in Kaohsiung by 2020 that will handle the world’s largest cruise ships and provide more convenient access to Taiwan’s local culture. Additionally, facilities are also being enhanced in Taiwan’s Port of Keelung. The Solaire Cruise Center, expected to be completed by 2021, will be the first cruise-dedicated terminal in Manila.

The destinations are also working with the cruise lines to build regional itineraries and expand Asia as a cruise destination. They are collaborating to support the cruise lines with shorter regional itineraries that appeal to Chinese travelers who typically take short holidays and working to build their homeport programs. In 2016, and again in 2018, The Philippines, for example, was the homeport for a successful three-port cruise program and in 2018 Taiwan was homeport for a fly/cruise program from the UK operated by Noble Caledonia. Xiamen will also be homeport for a new Chinese cruise program, Piano Island, launching in the fall of 2019, and the China State Shipbuilding Corporation is expected to launch its cruise joint venture, CSSC Carnival Cruise Shipping Limited, late in 2019.

As it marks its fifth anniversary, the ACC is continuing to expand its efforts to support and develop the regional cruise market. The partners are excited by the opportunities and look forward to welcoming a broad range of travelers to their countries.

SunStone contracts Infinity ship number six, sees further four contracted by end May

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 April 2019 15 April 2019

SunStone Ships, the Miami based cruise ship tonnage provider, said it has signed an agreement to build the sixth Infinity class expedition cruise ship at China Merchants Heavy Industries; yard in Haimen in China.

“The sixth vessel now ordered already has a long-term charter agreement in place, and this vessel will be delivered September 2021. In addition to the six vessels already ordered, SunStone is in negotiations for four additional vessels where it is expected that Infinity Vessel No. 7 will be signed within May and the remaining three options will be signed within 2019,’ SunStone said in a statement.

The vessels are designed by Ulstein in Norway and feature their X-Bow design that enhances seakeeping wqualities. The latest contract came five months after Sunstone had contracted ships number four and five.

The ships are 104 meters long, and 18 meters wide, having a draft of 5.1 meters. They feature a passenger capacity between 130-200 and a crew capacity between 85 and 115. The Vessels are Ice Class 1A, Polar Code 6 and are being built with Safe Return to Port,Dynamic Positioning and Zero Speed Stabilizers. and facilities such as a swimming pool, bar and restaurants, lounges, boutique, gym and spa.

UK cruise market just exceeded 2.0 million passengers in 2018

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 April 2019 15 April 2019

The number of ocean cruises taken by UK and Irish passengers increased by two percent to 2,009,000 in 2018 and thus exceeded the two million mark for the first time, figures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) show.

The market had recorded 1.96 million passengers in 2017 and 1.95 million in the previous year. The UK and Ireland market became the second one after Germany to reach 2.0 million passengers. In 2010, senior Carnival UK officials forecast that the 2.0 million mark would be reached by 2020, which eventually did happen two years earlier.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland director, said: “2018 was an impressive year for the UK and Ireland cruise industry. Surpassing the two million mark is a significant milestone, as it illustrates how cruise has become a major player within the UK and Irish travel sector.”

“As only the second European market to reach over two million cruises and the fourth globally, this figure demonstrates the continued strength of cruising as a mainstream holiday choice in the UK and Ireland and is a testament to the industry’s resilience to economic and political changes, ” he said a statement.

European cruise market growth accelerated to 3.3% to 7.17 million passengers in 2018

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 15 April 2019 15 April 2019

The European ocean cruise passenger market grew by 3.3% to 7.17 million in 2018, marking an acceleration of expansion from 2.0% in 2017 on the previous year,. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) figures show.

Strong growth was seen in cruise passengers travelling to the Eastern Mediterranean, up 8.5% to 746,000 passengers, which illustrates a beginning of a return to confidence in the region. Other areas seeing significant growth, from a smaller base, include the Canary Islands, up 9.6% and the Baltics, up 9.0%

The central and western Mediterranean region remains the number one destination for European cruise passengers, and saw growth up by 1.2%, equivalent to 2.27 million passengers. Northern Europe was up 4.8% in 2018, to 1.43 million passengers, CLIA said in a statement.