News

Big day for Hong Kong's return of cruising

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 11 March 2023 11 March 2023

The local cruise tourism is reviving progressively. In one month from early March to early April, Hong Kong is welcoming a total of five cruise liners on their maiden trip to Hong Kong from around the world. In addition, Resorts World One of Resorts World Cruises, the first cruise ship homeporting in Hong Kong since travel fully resumes, is setting off for its inaugural tour from Hong Kong this evening (10 March).

Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), said, “With the efforts of the Government and the HKTB, cruises from various markets are visiting Hong Kong one by one. This not only marks Hong Kong’s return to the global cruise market, but also plays a significant role in consolidating Hong Kong’s status as a regional cruise hub and international travel destination. The HKTB will continue to drive the relaunch of international cruise itineraries and arrange for more ship calls to Hong Kong, as well as stepping up our promotions in visitor source markets.”

Hong Kong will see an international line-up of maiden cruise calls from various markets around the world, including Mein Schiff 5 of TUI Cruises from Germany, Borealis of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines from the UK, and MSC Poesia of MSC Cruises from Italy.

Among the ship calls, Resorts World One, with Southeast Asia as its major market, called at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on Wednesday (8 March) with Hong Kong as its homeport, bringing more than 1,000 visitors from Southeast Asia. The cruise liner will set off for its inaugural tour from Hong Kong, and is scheduled to make three departures per week in the coming year, to bring whole new cruise experiences to consumers.

Together with the above ship calls, the Government and the HKTB has successfully secured 16 cruise lines to Hong Kong with more than 150 ship calls. The HKTB will continue to support cruise companies in maintaining and increasing cruise calls to Hong Kong, as well as launching promotional campaigns and building partnerships in the Greater Bay Area.

Photo: Resorts World One and Mein Schiff 5 docked at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Credit: HKTB

Nassau Cruise Port sets new one day record of over 28,000 passengers

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 28 February 2023 28 February 2023

Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) welcomed 28,554 passengers on February 27 – a new record for the expanded cruise port, with six ships alongside simultaneously. The “new” Nassau Cruise Port, centering around a unique, Authentically Bahamian experience, will celebrate its grand opening at the end of May 2023 with a weekend of private events featuring local and international entertainment.

“We are extremely pleased to report another record-setting passenger day here at Nassau Cruise Port. The expanded berths are certainly delivering on the sizeable investment that we have made in them, creating the additional capacity required to achieve this extraordinary record today. Incredibly, this figure does not include the crew count, which adds an additional 10,302 people to our total visitor count. That’s thousands of visitors exploring downtown Nassau and learning about our island and culture through our restaurants, shore excursions, taxi rides, and tours, while making wonderful memories of their time in The Bahamas.”

The six ships in port today were Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of The Seas and Harmony of the Seas, Carnival's Mardi Gras, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Beyond and MSC Meraviglia.

Celestyal to acquire new cruise ship

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines; Published: 23 February 2023 23 February 2023

Celestyal, the leading cruise operator of Greek origin with cruises around the Greek islands and the Eastern Mediterranean, confirms the acquisition of a new cruise ship.

Originally built as Ryndam for Holland America Line and most recently operating for P&O Australia, the 1,260-passenger Celestyal Journey will undergo a comprehensive €20 million renovation and technical maintenance check before entering service.

“Global events in recent years have put our growth plans on hold, but the positive outlook in the industry, coupled with increased bookings for the upcoming season, offer Celestyal the opportunity to resume the renewal process. of the fleet with the addition of new ships," said Chris Theophilides, CEO. "In addition to her spacious decks, numerous bar and restaurant options as well as her public areas and cabins, Celestyal Journey will offer our guests a significant increase in cabins premium and with a balcony, which continue to be in high demand on all our trips. We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Celestyal fleet.''

Celestyal Journey will undergo its refurbishment program in the Piraeus ship repair zone. Details about the onboard experience and itineraries will be announced shortly.