News

Celebrity Apex returns from sea trials

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 11 February 2020 11 February 2020

Celebrity Apex returned to the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, over the weekend following a very successful first sea trial. "As anticipated, the Celebrity Cruises ship followed in the footsteps of its Edge Series sister ship, the award-winning Celebrity Edge, far surpassing performance expectations," Celebrity said in a statement.

The trial, conducted between February 4 – 8, 2020, in the Bay of Biscay near the shipyard, was overseen by more than 50 crew members, including engineers and nautical experts. Despite the optimal trial conditions, including strong winds and waves, the second-in-series ship showcased a superior level of comfort and fuel efficiency thanks to the revolutionary design of the Parabolic Ultrabow.

“The purpose of a sea trial is to test the functionality of the ship, but this wasn’t just any sea trial – and Celebrity Apex isn’t just any ship,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “In typical Edge Series-fashion, the ship absolutely exceeded our expectations, performing perfectly in line with our above-and-beyond operating standards.”

“It was an absolute honor to stand at the helm of Celebrity Apex for her highly successful first sea trial,” said Celebrity Apex Captain Dimitris Kafetzis. “Celebrity Apex is truly a beautiful and highly advanced vessel.”

Celebrity Apex encores the transformational look and feel of the line’s first Edge Series ship, Celebrity Edge, with such distinctive features as the floating Magic Carpet cantilevered off the ship's side inviting guests to eat, drink and soar up to 16 decks above the sea; the all-exclusive experience for all suite guests in The Retreat; dramatically expanded staterooms with Infinite Verandas; soothing indoor and outdoor garden escapes; magnificent two-story Edge Villas with their own private terrace and plunge pool; and high-style spaces throughout public areas, keeping focus on the contemporary design elements that are a highlight of the Edge Series of ships.

It then adds new culinary, spa and wellness, and entertainment features and experiences guaranteed to make Celebrity Apex the industry’s “it” ship. Celebrity Apex will also debut new, all-inclusive amenities and pre-cruise concierge services in The Retreat for all suite guests.

Celebrity Apex will begin its inaugural season on April 1, 2020, with a mini-season of five sailings to Northern Europe destinations and then spend the summer sailing seven-to-12-night itineraries in the Mediterranean. In November, Celebrity Apex will reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a winter season of week-long Caribbean sailings.

[Celebrity Apex will be featured in the Spring issue of CruiseBusiness.com Magazine]

Dream Cruises suspends World Dream operations until 22 March

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 11 February 2020 11 February 2020

Dream Cruises, which is part of the Genting Hong Kong group, said it would cancel the itinerary of World Dream from Guangzhou in China until 22 March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“In view of the recent outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, Dream Cruises has been working closely with authorities and to support their various precautionary measures. As part of our continuous initiative, apart from cancelling our call to Guangzhou (Nansha) starting 26 January 2020, kindly be advised that Dream Cruises will suspend the operation of World Dream in Hong Kong and Guangzhou.”

“Hence, World Dream’s cruise departing from 9 February 2020 to 22 March 2020 from Hong Kong and Guangzhou will be cancelled,” the company said in a statement to passengers placed on its website

Charles A. Robertson, American Cruise Lines founder, passes away

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 10 February 2020 10 February 2020

The Board of Directors of American Cruise Lines, Inc. announced today that Charles B. Robertson will be appointed as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This appointment follows the recent death of Robertson’s father, Charles A. Robertson, who was the company’s founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive.

“My father was a visionary and pioneer of the cruise industry and it is an honor to lead the organization he created. My brothers and I have followed in his footsteps and will remember him as a tremendous leader, mentor, and father. We have prudently worked toward this transition, and with the support of our executives and employees, will continue our dedication to our guests and commitment to growth,” said Robertson.

Charles B. Robertson joined American Cruise Lines in 2003 and was named a Vice President in 2014. His direction at the company has been instrumental to American’s recent growth. Both his leadership and history with the Line make him ideally suited to the Chief Executive role.