Scenic Eclipse II enters final construction phase
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines
- Published: 18 February 2023 18 February 2023
Scenic's newest ultra-luxury discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, is now entering the final phase of construction with sea trials and final outfittings. All in preparation for its debut sailing on April 13 -- an 11-day Incredible Iberian Discovery, cruising from Lisbon to Barcelona and a summer season exploring the Mediterranean, Iceland and Scotland.
And several new guest experience-focused additions have been announced by Scenic’s owners Glen and Karen Moroney. These enhancements add to the ultra-luxury experience, as guests travel to nearly every corner of the globe -- from ice-laden polar regions to the world’s most sought-after warm destinations.
Scenic Eclipse II’s reimagined Sky Deck boasts 270-degree views and a brand-new Sky Bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Along with six private cabanas, the Sky Deck is the perfect space to enjoy the stunning views with a drink in hand and converse with new friends. Lounges at the front of the Sky Deck come with convenience tables, while artificial turf underfoot allows for a truly natural feel.
A large, oval-shaped Vitality Pool on the Sky Deck comes in at 29ft by 11.5ft. Swim jets allow guests to swim ‘laps,’ massage jets and bubbles add to the atmosphere of ultimate relaxation, and the water temperature is set specific to the destination – warm for polar regions and cool for the tropics. Glass panels surrounding the pool have been raised higher to block any wind and maximize guest comfort.
Both ultra-luxury yachts host the expansive 5,920ft² Senses Spa with some added features on Scenic Eclipse II. In addition to the dedicated male and female wellness areas appointed with therapy rooms, saunas, steam room, temperature-controlled plunge pools, relaxation lounges, a manicure/pedicure studio, and outdoor terrace, found on both yachts, The Senses Spa on Scenic Eclipse II has an expanded steam room to accommodate aromatherapy, an integrated ice fountain and experience showers. A new KLAFS custom salt therapy lounge with heated beds and aromatherapy scents is designed to benefit mind, body and soul. Both yachts feature the only dedicated Yoga and Pilates studio on ships of their size.
Due to the success of the state-of-the-art KLAFS Infrared chairs on Scenic Eclipse, designed to relieve back pain and encourage muscle relaxation, an expanded dedicated infrared ‘ocean view' lounge with color light therapy to energize and reinvigorate skin cells has also been introduced into the wellness area on board Scenic Eclipse II.
Food on board the Scenic Eclipse fleet is a true highlight with 10 dining experiences set to impress the most discerning palate. Scenic Epicure has always been popular, showcasing dedicated cooking master classes and tasting events with on board chefs, and Scenic Eclipse II offers a new layout for a more immersive guest experience. Instead of individual stations, the newly named Chef’s Garden @ Epicure features a dining and presentation table able to accommodate up to 14 standing or seven seated guests, making a great space for groups and VIP gatherings, or even closed-door private dining. A hydroponic herb garden is just one of the elements making this venue special on both Scenic Eclipse yachts.
Just as sister yacht, Scenic Eclipse I, set new standards for both expedition sailing and warm water exploration when she launched in 2019, Scenic Eclipse II builds on those standards and continues to raise the bar for ultra-luxury cruising as showcased in a recently released video from James Griffiths, Vice President of Marine Operations, Scenic Group.
With demand for its inaugural season very high, guests booking Scenic Eclipse cruises in 2023 and early 2024 by March 31st, can enjoy savings of up to $5,000 per couple on more than 125 departures. Additional savings, including free Economy/Business-class air or additional savings, are offered to guests paying in full 12 months or more before departure – or within 72 hours when within 12 months.
Royal Caribbean Group names Palle Laursen Executive Vice President, Head of Marine
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines
- Published: 09 February 2023 09 February 2023
Royal Caribbean Group named Palle Laursen as Executive Vice President, Head of Marine, effective May 1, 2023. Laursen will report to Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO Jason Liberty and will join the company’s Executive Committee.
With this newly created position, the company will centralize its global and brand marine operations functions under Laursen. He will oversee all marine operations for the company’s entire fleet, as well as strategic oversight of marine operations of its TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, of which it’s a 50% joint-venture owner.
“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Palle Laursen to the Royal Caribbean Group,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “Palle has had a long and distinguished career with Maersk and is a recognized leader in the maritime industry. With more than 25 years of experience, his direct technical and operational knowledge will serve our company well, especially as we continually work to decarbonize our business.”
Most recently, Laursen served as chief fleet and technical officer at A.P. Moller – Maersk and was responsible for its entire fleet of more than 750 container vessels, 400 chartered vessels and 350 owned vessels as well as chartering, technical management, crew management, safety and compliance, newbuilding activities and engineering services. He also led Maersk’s effort to have the entire fleet operating fully carbon neutral by 2040.
Having joined the Maersk Group in early 1998, Laursen has spent his entire professional career at the Danish shipping company. Previously, he was vice president and head of Ship Management and also held several other roles with increasing responsibilities, including head of technical services, ship engineering and technical vessel operations.
“This is an exciting time for the Royal Caribbean Group, and I very much look forward to helping the company deliver the best vacations in the world, responsibly,” said Palle Laursen. “I look forward to joining the most innovative team in the industry at Royal Caribbean Group and lead the marine team alongside a team committed to operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.”
Laursen graduated from the Svendborg International Maritime Academy in Denmark as a marine engineer and has since completed several executive and leadership development programs.
Next-generation Sun Princess to feature exciting new spaces
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- Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
- Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines
- Published: 05 February 2023 05 February 2023
Princess! Princess Cruises has revealed a first glimpse of the most contemporary and state-of-the-art designs imaged yet onboard Sun Princess – “The Love Boat” line’s newest, largest and most innovative ship ever built and scheduled to debut in early 2024. With bright designs inspired by rays of sunlight and next-level expanded spaces, guests are in for an extraordinary cruise experience including a showstopping Arena theater and stunning three-deck dining venue – a first for Princess.
“With the construction of any new ship, we have the incredible opportunity to design standout spaces with our guests’ preferences in mind,” said John Padgett. “With the new platform and size of Sun Princess, we’re uniquely able to refresh venues we know our guests love and expand upon, redesign and elevate them to the next level. We know our sun-inspired designs will exceed expectations and elevate the entire Princess experience.”
A first for Princess, the Horizons Dining Room introduces a stunning three-deck dining venue. This newly envisioned space is open and flexible, featuring dining options to suit every mood. Stunning wake views and natural light highlight a decorative sculpture that stretches from deck 6 to deck 8. The three decks will each have their own personalities, offer different dining experiences and range in levels of formality.
Contemporary and versatile, the Princess Arena is an evolution and the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design. Upon entering, guests will be drawn to a stunning visual above the central stage which can become part of the show. A radical ceiling accentuates the Arena’s in-the-round configuration with soft curved walls that allude to the movement of the tide. With moveable seats and capacity of a little more than 1,000 people, three configurations will maximize sight lines, as technological capabilities deliver a truly captivating experience.
Additional signature favorites with new designs and décor scheduled to debut onboard Sun Princess in early 2024, include:
Alfredo’s Pizzeria – This charming favorite that has been named “Best Pizza at Sea” will once again have an open kitchen design, allowing guests to watch as the chefs create pizza by hand and serve them straight out of them oven. New to the kitchen is a professional, open-mouth oven that reaches 968 degrees, allowing chefs to create truly authentic contemporary Neapolitan pizza. Guests will enjoy an authentic experience comparable to one they would receive when traveling to Italy.
Princess Casino – The largest Princess casino in both size and number of gaming positions will be in the Piazza, giving guests easy access to their favorite betting games. The spacious floorplan ensures guest comfort and entertainment, and with over 200 of the newest and most popular slots and video poker games, there is something for everyone.
Crown Grill – A favorite of Princess guests who enjoy a perfectly grilled steak, Crown Grill on Sun Princess takes this iconic space and modernizes it with a classic steakhouse feel weaved with modern touches. Inviting leather booths, circular seating and modern artwork custom designed for this restaurant will welcome guests in for an unforgettable dinner experience. Plus, guests can enjoy views of their food being prepared in the largest show galley on a Princess ship.
Sabatini's Italian Trattoria – Serving a modern, casual but elegant Italian dining experience, the newly imagined Sabatini’s will appeal to families with unique handmade pasta courses prepared fresh daily. A crisp, tailored, geometric design that also will feature a pasta room for guests to marvel at the pasta-making process. The restaurant is designed with intimate bistro-style nooks and a dramatic circular main room.
Princess Live! – Combining the design elements of Princess Live! and guest favorite Explorer’s Lounge, guests on Sun Princess will enjoy participatory, signature cruise activities like game shows, trivia and the daily Wake Show. Luxurious textures and materials will be featured on a mixture of comfortable loose and fixed lounge seating with full beverage service, an inviting semi-open façade, and large LED screen on stage. Guests can easily move from Princess Live! to enjoy a meal or cocktail with the close proximity to restaurants and cocktail lounges, bridging a seamless integration of entertainment and bar concepts.
The Shops of Princess – With five retail locations, plus an art gallery, The Shops of Princess get a makeover on Sun Princess and guests can expect the same great experience, just more of it. Modern, elegant boutiques connect fluidly, featuring interactive experiences. Guests can shop easily from space to space featuring Princess logo merchandise, a lifestyle boutique, a new bazaar featuring destination-specific selections, plus jewelry, watches, cosmetics fragrances and a modern art gallery.
Additional spaces with new designs, signage and décor will include Crooner’s, Wheelhouse Bar, International Cafe, Good Spirits and Gelateria.
Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the largest Princess ship ever (175,500 gross tons) constructed, accommodating 4,300 guests, embraces Italian heritage by featuring a newly designed, brand-iconic Piazza and The Dome, a cutting-edge entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. While introducing a completely new class of ships for the cruise line, Sun Princess also remains true to the smooth clean lines and design aesthetics of the cruise line’s famous Seawitch icon and popularized in the original “Love Boat” TV series.
Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion experience that will extend Princess’ leadership position in delivering exceptional and custom experiences at unmatched scale, offering guests personalized service only previously found on the industry’s smallest ships.
Part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising focus, Sun Princess will be the first Princess ship and one of 11 new vessels in the corporate fleet powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest fossil fuel.
The 2024 Sun Princess inaugural cruise season in the Mediterranean is on sale now.
Photos, from top to bottom: Horizon Dining Room; Arena; Wheelhouse Bar
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