Libya — It is being reported that as many as three boats carrying migrants capsized in recent days off the coast of Libya. Estimates put the number of people drowned at more than 300.
Sphere: Related ContentTuesday, March 31, 2009
Human Smugglers Shifting to the Sea
United States — The LA Times is taking a look at the shift human smugglers are making from land to sea routes along the U.S. west coast, and the concern this brings for the safety of the illegal immigrants who are trying to reach the United States from Mexico.
From LA Times:
From LA Times:
"Boats are often dangerously overcrowded. Immigrants sometimes are not provided with life vests. And they aren't permitted to bring backpacks with food and water."
Damage Assessments Begin on Two U.S. Navy Vessels
Bahrain — We've had a couple posts about the mid-sea collision on March 20 between the U.S. Navy submarine USS Hartford and amphibious ship USS New Orleans. Our last post noted the obvious extent of the damage to the Hartford's conning tower. And while the investigation continues into the circumstances of the incident, and the damage to both vessels, some more information is coming out of the Navy. For example, the Hartford is believed to have rolled about 85 degrees during the collision.
Sphere: Related ContentU.S. Moves Ships to Monitor N. Korea Launch
North Korea — The United States on Monday moved two guided missile destroyers from South Korea to the Sea of Japan in order to monitor North Korea's launch of what the North says is a communications satellite, but nearly everyone else believes is a ballistic missile.
Sphere: Related ContentGates Says U.S. Has No Plans to Shoot Down North Korean Missile
North Korea — Speaking today (3/29) on Fox News Sunday, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates addressed the issue of shooting down what the U.S. believes is a ballistic missile that North Korea is preparing to test-fire. Gates said, "I don't think we have any plans to do anything like that at this point."
He also said that the U.S. would consider taking defensive action towards the missile if "it was headed for Hawaii or something like that."
He also said that the U.S. would consider taking defensive action towards the missile if "it was headed for Hawaii or something like that."
Of course, North Korea claims that what it is preparing to do is launch a communications satellite, and not test fire a missile. The North said its "launch" would take place sometime in the timeframe of April 4-8.
Sphere: Related ContentRussia Building New Class of Submarines
Russia — A source in the Russian Defense Ministry tells Russian news agency ITAR-TASS that Russia is building at least six Severodvinsk-class multipurpose nuclear-powered submarines. These subs carry long-range cruise missiles designed to strike aircraft carriers. The first Severodvinsk is scheduled for service by 2011 and the remaining boats will be built by 2017, according to the source.
Russia currently is also preparing for sea trials of its newest Borey-class strategic nuclear submarine. The fourth-generation Yury Dolgoruky was supposed to ready to go to sea late last year, but trials had to be postponed until this spring. The Yury Dolgoruky is now in the water and being tested in port. Russia plans to build at least three Borey-class subs.
Sphere: Related ContentThursday, March 26, 2009
Today Marks 20 Years Since Exxon Valdez Spill
(U.S. Coast Guard) "Just after midnight March 24, 1989, the super tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Alaska’s Prince William Sound releasing 11 million gallons of heavy crude oil. Twenty years later the effects of the largest oil spill in U.S. history are still being felt. The toxic muck still clings to the Alaskan coast. Wildlife populations are still recovering. Law suits still drag on. Yet not all of the effects have been negative."
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Yemen: Refugees Drown After Being Towed to Port in Yemen
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has another report (link below) of a refugee boat capsizing off the Yemeni coast. Last Thursday (3/19) a French Naval frigate patrolling the pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aden discovered a boat carrying 104 people, adrift and taking on water. The sailors were able to save the leaky boat and towed it to port in Aden Saturday, however, as the boat reached the dock it capsized. Seven people are confirmed dead, and five are missing and presumed to have drowned. The Yemeni coastguard arrested four smugglers. According to UNHCR, this year a total of 260 boats and 13,250 people have made the Gulf of Aden crossing from Ethiopia and Somalia to Yemen.
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Bahrain: U.S. Navy Probes Mid-Sea Collision
The U.S. Navy submarine and amphibious ship that collided last Friday in the Strait of Hormuz both successfully returned to port in Manama, Bahrain Saturday (3/20). The incident and the damage to both USS Hartford and the USS New Orleans are under investigation. However, from these Navy photographs the damage to the USS Hartford's conning tower looks to be significant.
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Somalia: Three Piracy Attempts in One Day
Pirates attempted to hijack at least three cargo ships off the southern Somalia coast Sunday (3/22). Noel Choong, who heads the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reporting center in Kuala Lumpur, told the AP that the attacks took place about 500 nautical miles from the coast. According to Choong, it appears that the same pirate group attacked the Hong Kong, Greek, and Japanese vessels. According to our count (see Somalia Piracy Timeline) there hasn't been a pirate attack this far south since last December.
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Philippines: Cebu Port Tests Security Plan
A live simulation exercise of a terror attack on the Cebu International Port was held on March 19 to test various Philippine's organizations ability to respond. The simulation involved bomb explosions and the interception of terrorists whose mission was to blow-up an oil depot. The training event was conducted with the help of the Australian government and was part of the Philippines-Australia Port Authority Capacity Building Project. This project was funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and was part of a AUS $10 million Counter-Terrorism Assistance Package to the Philippines from 2003-2010.
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Thursday, March 19, 2009
66 Years Later Coast Guard Vet Recognized for Helping Save NYC
Vice Adm. David Pekoske, the Coast Guard Pacific Area commander, presented the Coast Guard Commendation Award to Walter G. Firestone, a Coast Guard veteran, during an award ceremony today (3/17) in Alameda, California. Firestone received the award for a little known incident in New York City history. He was one of the Coast Guard firefighters who in 1943 battled a fire aboard the S.S. El Estero. The ship was carrying 6,300 tons of munitions and had it exploded, lower Manhattan would have been devastated.
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Venezuela Military Seizes Sea and Air Ports
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered his military on Sunday (3/15) to seize control of some seaports and airports in states governed by opposition party governors. Some of the seaports have major petroleum-exporting installations.
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Spratly Islands: China Sends Patrol Ship to Disputed Islands
China is apparently ramping up its presence in a disputed area of the South China Sea. It is being reported that China has deployed its largest fisheries monitoring vessel to the area around the Paracel and Spratly islands, which are also claimed by Philippines.
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Canada: Bodies Recovered from Helicopter Wreckage
Recovery workers say that over the weekend they located "10 to 13" bodies in the wreckage of the helicopter that crashed off the southeast coast of Newfoundland last week. Of these, 9 were recovered, and efforts are continuing to retrieve the remaining ones before the aircraft is lifted from a depth of about 400 feet. So far, in total, 10 bodies have been recovered and the sole survivor remains in critical condition.
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Recovery of Lost Offshore Rig Continues in Gulf of Mexico
U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Galveston personnel are working with Ensco International to recover the submerged mobile offshore oilrig ENSCO 74, which was accidentally discovered last weekend after a 900-foot tanker ship carrying 41 million gallons of crude oil struck it. The SKS Satilla began taking on water March 6 about 65 miles south of Galveston, Texas. During the Coast Guard's inspection of the vessel a large gash was discovered in the hull, so an underwater submersible was used to retrace the SKS Satilla's course. And it found the ENSCO 74 rig submerged at a depth of about 24-feet, 70-miles south of Galveston. The rig went missing off the coast of Louisiana during Hurricane Ike on September 1, 2008.
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Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Arabian Gulf faces credit crunch pressures
Travel commitments last week meant that it was not possible to publish ‘Off Radar’, apologies to all of our readers. So this is a bumper combined issue.
The global economic downturn is taking its toll in many areas of the shipping industry, including the cruise and ferry sectors. One area of the world that was thought to be immune from the credit crunch was the Arabian Gulf. Not so! Dubai, for example, is really suffering with major construction projects shelved, many overseas workers leaving the Emirate and dumping their hire/leased cars at the car park at Dubai airport. There is a major question market about the planned conversion of the QE2 into a floating hotel and leisure complex. It remains to be seen if the global downturn will affect the cruise business in the Arabian Gulf, which has been growing each year with bigger and bigger vessels being deployed for the winter months cruising out of Dubai to other UAE ports, Oman and Bahrain The global credit crunch doesn’t seem to have impacted on Dubai’s ruling family too hard though! Members of the family have bought the two original Renaissance Cruises small cruise ships Renaissance One (ex Leisure World I) and Renaissance Two (ex easyCruise One) and are having them converted into Super Yachts at Dubai’s Platinum Yachts. Tough times ahead for some, but not others. Sphere: Related Content
The global economic downturn is taking its toll in many areas of the shipping industry, including the cruise and ferry sectors. One area of the world that was thought to be immune from the credit crunch was the Arabian Gulf. Not so! Dubai, for example, is really suffering with major construction projects shelved, many overseas workers leaving the Emirate and dumping their hire/leased cars at the car park at Dubai airport. There is a major question market about the planned conversion of the QE2 into a floating hotel and leisure complex. It remains to be seen if the global downturn will affect the cruise business in the Arabian Gulf, which has been growing each year with bigger and bigger vessels being deployed for the winter months cruising out of Dubai to other UAE ports, Oman and Bahrain The global credit crunch doesn’t seem to have impacted on Dubai’s ruling family too hard though! Members of the family have bought the two original Renaissance Cruises small cruise ships Renaissance One (ex Leisure World I) and Renaissance Two (ex easyCruise One) and are having them converted into Super Yachts at Dubai’s Platinum Yachts. Tough times ahead for some, but not others. Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
TEAM passenger boarding bridges for Marseille cruise terminal
In its first contract yet in France, Spanish cruise passenger access specialist TEAM is to design, manufacture and install this year two of its Hydra passenger boarding bridges at the cruise terminal on the Leon Gourret Pier in Marseille.
The contract has been placed by Marseille-Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT) with the two boarding bridges being used at the Gare Maritime du Croisiere du Mole Leon Gourret. MPCT, which is operated jointly by Costa, MSC Cruises and Louis Cruises, is currently upgrading the cruise terminal, employing Genoa’s Studio Vicini to lead the project, which includes the construction of fixed elevated walkways leading from the cruise terminal to the pier. After completion of these walkways, TEAM will install the two Hydra boarding bridges
In the design parameters for the new Marseille passenger boarding bridges set out by MPCT, the capability of the two bridges to move along the quay was an important factor, along with the adaptability of the units to connect with the elevated walkway and the various entrances of the cruise ships. Sphere: Related Content
The contract has been placed by Marseille-Provence Cruise Terminal (MPCT) with the two boarding bridges being used at the Gare Maritime du Croisiere du Mole Leon Gourret. MPCT, which is operated jointly by Costa, MSC Cruises and Louis Cruises, is currently upgrading the cruise terminal, employing Genoa’s Studio Vicini to lead the project, which includes the construction of fixed elevated walkways leading from the cruise terminal to the pier. After completion of these walkways, TEAM will install the two Hydra boarding bridges
In the design parameters for the new Marseille passenger boarding bridges set out by MPCT, the capability of the two bridges to move along the quay was an important factor, along with the adaptability of the units to connect with the elevated walkway and the various entrances of the cruise ships. Sphere: Related Content
Costa and RCCL win approval for direct China-Taiwan cruises
In a ground-breaking deal two of the world’s leading cruise lines, Costa Cruises and RCCL, have received approval from the Chinese government for a series of direct cruises linking China with Taiwan this spring. The special cruise ship charters have been undertaken by manufacturing and distribution company Amway (China) Ltd.
Costa has received approval from China’s Ministry of Transport to run three special seven day cruises this April and May, using its 1,680 passenger capacity Costa Classica. After departing Shanghai, the cruises call at the Taiwanese ports of Hualien, Jilong and Taizhong.
RCCL, meanwhile, has received approval to operate six cruises between Shanghai and Taiwan, using its Legend of the Seas, between 14 March and 19 April. The seven day cruises will call at Hualien, Keelung and Taichung. 1,700 Chinese passengers are expected to arrive in Taiwan on the first cruise, the largest single group of Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan since the establishment of the cross-straits ‘three direct links.’
Commenting on the new China-Taiwan cruises, RCCL’s managing director for China, Dr Liu Zinan said: ‘RCCL is very pleased with this chance to contribute to the peace and exchange between the people of both straits. Due to our global strategies and the strong demand from other markets, even though RCCL is not able to fully satisfy its customer’s needs for chartered cruises in China, this has shown us the huge potential for the Chinese market.’ Sphere: Related Content
Costa has received approval from China’s Ministry of Transport to run three special seven day cruises this April and May, using its 1,680 passenger capacity Costa Classica. After departing Shanghai, the cruises call at the Taiwanese ports of Hualien, Jilong and Taizhong.
RCCL, meanwhile, has received approval to operate six cruises between Shanghai and Taiwan, using its Legend of the Seas, between 14 March and 19 April. The seven day cruises will call at Hualien, Keelung and Taichung. 1,700 Chinese passengers are expected to arrive in Taiwan on the first cruise, the largest single group of Chinese tourists to visit Taiwan since the establishment of the cross-straits ‘three direct links.’
Commenting on the new China-Taiwan cruises, RCCL’s managing director for China, Dr Liu Zinan said: ‘RCCL is very pleased with this chance to contribute to the peace and exchange between the people of both straits. Due to our global strategies and the strong demand from other markets, even though RCCL is not able to fully satisfy its customer’s needs for chartered cruises in China, this has shown us the huge potential for the Chinese market.’ Sphere: Related Content
Sydney needs a large, modern cruise terminal
The problems facing the Australian port of Sydney with regard to handling today’s large, modern cruise ships was demonstrated the other week when four ships were in port at the same day, creating something of a log jam. Sydney is in urgent need of a large, modern cruise terminal.
The four cruise vessels in town the other week were P&O Cruises’ Australia’s 1,590 passenger capacity (696 crew) Pacific Dawn, alongside at Wharf 8 Darling Harbour, Crystal Cruises’ 1,100 passenger capacity (650 crew) Crystal Serenity, alongside at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney Cove, while Celebrity cruises’ 1,950 passenger capacity (999 crew) Celebrity Millennium was anchored in Athol Bay and P&O Cruises’ Aurora, 1,860 passengers (816 crew) was at anchor off Point Piper. Luckily for the two ships at anchor the weather was good for passenger transfer by tenders.
Carnival Australia’s CEO Ann Sherry is leading a campaign to get world-class cruise terminal facilities at Australia’s main cruise turnaround port. The single berth Overseas Passenger Terminal is unable to handle the number of ships too big to pass under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. She is also leading the fight for a more cruise ship-friendly location of the proposed new terminal at White Bay, which the New South Wales Government has chosen to replace the existing facility at Wharf 8, Darling Harbour.
Meanwhile, Carnival UK’s CEO David Dingle has added his weight to improved cruise ship facilities in Sydney. Dingle, responsible for P&O Cruises Australia, said that the decision to pull down Wharf 8, Darling Harbour, is ‘bizarre’ and that it ‘defies belief.’ Dingle believes that the local Government should include Wharf 8 in the proposed development of the East Darling Harbour precinct that has been named Barangaroo. He said that the proposed controversial plan to build a new cruiser terminal at White Bay is ‘financially irresponsible’ and would be ‘a waste of taxpayers’ money.’
Carnival would like to see a new cruise terminal built at the Royal Australian Navy’s Garden Island base in Sydney to supplement to Overseas Passenger Terminal. Sphere: Related Content
The four cruise vessels in town the other week were P&O Cruises’ Australia’s 1,590 passenger capacity (696 crew) Pacific Dawn, alongside at Wharf 8 Darling Harbour, Crystal Cruises’ 1,100 passenger capacity (650 crew) Crystal Serenity, alongside at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney Cove, while Celebrity cruises’ 1,950 passenger capacity (999 crew) Celebrity Millennium was anchored in Athol Bay and P&O Cruises’ Aurora, 1,860 passengers (816 crew) was at anchor off Point Piper. Luckily for the two ships at anchor the weather was good for passenger transfer by tenders.
Carnival Australia’s CEO Ann Sherry is leading a campaign to get world-class cruise terminal facilities at Australia’s main cruise turnaround port. The single berth Overseas Passenger Terminal is unable to handle the number of ships too big to pass under the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge. She is also leading the fight for a more cruise ship-friendly location of the proposed new terminal at White Bay, which the New South Wales Government has chosen to replace the existing facility at Wharf 8, Darling Harbour.
Meanwhile, Carnival UK’s CEO David Dingle has added his weight to improved cruise ship facilities in Sydney. Dingle, responsible for P&O Cruises Australia, said that the decision to pull down Wharf 8, Darling Harbour, is ‘bizarre’ and that it ‘defies belief.’ Dingle believes that the local Government should include Wharf 8 in the proposed development of the East Darling Harbour precinct that has been named Barangaroo. He said that the proposed controversial plan to build a new cruiser terminal at White Bay is ‘financially irresponsible’ and would be ‘a waste of taxpayers’ money.’
Carnival would like to see a new cruise terminal built at the Royal Australian Navy’s Garden Island base in Sydney to supplement to Overseas Passenger Terminal. Sphere: Related Content
New boss at Saga
UK cruise operator Saga Holidays has a new boss in the shape of Susan Hooper, formerly senior vice president at RCCL. She takes over from outgoing CEO Ian Coghlan.
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Fred Olsen to sail from Rosyth in 2010
As part of the company’s move to offer more cruises ex-UK from regional ports, Fred Olsen Cruise Line is to undertake a series of cruises from the Scottish port of Rosyth in 2010. The cruises, in July, will be undertaken by the 839 passenger capacity Boudicca, to Spitsbergen, the Baltic and Norway
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Emergency drydocking for Celebrity Millennium in Sydney
More propulsion problems aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Millennium have forced the cancellation of a 14-day cruise from Auckland to Sydney and the emergency docking of the 2000-built vessel in Sydney at Thales Australia’s repair facility at the Garden Island Naval Base.
Celebrity Millennium is expected to drydock in Sydney on 18 March for one week to repair the problem starboard Mermaid propulsion pod. Sphere: Related Content
Celebrity Millennium is expected to drydock in Sydney on 18 March for one week to repair the problem starboard Mermaid propulsion pod. Sphere: Related Content
Lisnave refit for SeaDream I
Following a scheduled drydocking and refit at Portugal’s Lisnave Shipyard in June, luxury small cruise ship SeaDream I, 108 passenger capacity, will boast a new 375 sq ft Admiral Suite. This new accommodation has been built where the previous ship’s boutique was and offers a living/dining area, master bedroom with a Queen-size bed and one and a half bathrooms.
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Oceanic sold to Japan’s Peace Boat
Spain’s Pullmantur has sold its classic cruise vessel Oceanic to an unnamed Japanese company, with the 1,124 passenger capacity vessel to be used immediately by Japan’s Peace Boat educational programme on its next world cruise. Passengers booked on Oceanic’s cruises this summer will be transferred to Pullmantur’s latest vessel Sovereign, formerly RCCL’s Sovereign of the Seas.
Oceanic was built in Italy in 1965 for US transatlantic operator Home Lines and was then converted into a cruise ship for Premier Cruise Lines, as its Big Red Boat I. Sphere: Related Content
Oceanic was built in Italy in 1965 for US transatlantic operator Home Lines and was then converted into a cruise ship for Premier Cruise Lines, as its Big Red Boat I. Sphere: Related Content
Fincantieri floats out Costa Deliziosa
The Marghera shipyard of Italy’s Fincantieri has floated out Costa’s 97,000grt, 2,260 passenger capacity Costa Deliziosa, which is due for delivery at the end of 2010. Sistership to Costa Luminosa, also building at the same shipyard and due for delivery in April this year, Costa Deliziosa is set to undertake a winter season, starting February 2010, operating seven-day cruises in the Arabian Gulf from Dubai, with calls in the UAE, Oman and Bahrain. In the summer of 2010 the vessel will redeploy to Europe, operating a series of seven day cruises from Copenhagen to the Norwegian Fjords and Baltic capitals.
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Martinolli joins NCL as President and COO
Industry veteran Roberto Martinoll has been appointed President and COO of NCL, responsible for all aspects of fleet operations.
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Disney names German newbuildings
Disney Cruise Lines two 128,000grt newbuildings under construction at Germany’s Meyer Werft are to be named Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Both ships are set for delivery in 2011 and 2012.
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Spain’s Vision Cruceros calls it a day!
The global credit crunch has claimed another casualty in the cruise industry with Spain’s Vision Cruceros ceasing business. Earlier this year the Spanish operator cancelled its summer cruise season, having chartered Clipper’s 19,100grt Vision Star (ex SuperStar Gemini) for five years in October 2008. Vision Cruceros then sub-chartered the vessel to Greece’s Mediterranean Classic Cruises (formerly Monarch Classic Cruises) until November this year, hoping to restart operations at the end of 2009. However, reports from Spain suggest that the cruise operator has called it a day!
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Dubai conversion for easyCruise One into Super Yacht
The small cruise ship which launched budget operator easyCruise into the industry, the 1990-built easyCruise One (ex Renaissance Two), is to be converted into a Super yacht in Dubai for a member of the Emirate’s ruling family.
The work will be carried out by Dubai World-owned Platinum Yachts at its Jebel Ali facility. This is not the first time that Platinum Yachts has carried out such a conversion. The Super Yacht specialist has already completed the conversion of a sistership to easyCruise One into another Super Yacht for another member of the Dubai ruling family. The original Renaissance One, ex Leisure World I, has now emerged from the Jebel Ali facility as the luxury yacht Dubwai, following her 18 month conversion. Sphere: Related Content
The work will be carried out by Dubai World-owned Platinum Yachts at its Jebel Ali facility. This is not the first time that Platinum Yachts has carried out such a conversion. The Super Yacht specialist has already completed the conversion of a sistership to easyCruise One into another Super Yacht for another member of the Dubai ruling family. The original Renaissance One, ex Leisure World I, has now emerged from the Jebel Ali facility as the luxury yacht Dubwai, following her 18 month conversion. Sphere: Related Content
Celebrity launches first ever Europe and Mediterranean brochure
Celebrity Cruises has launched its first ever dedicated Europe and Mediterranean brochure for the 2010 season that sees the newest ship, Celebrity Eclipse, operating out of the UK port of Southampton.
Highlighting that all three new Solstice-class ships; Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Eclipse, are sailing from European ports throughout the summer 2010, the new brochure also showcases an early-booking offer allowing agents to offer passengers up to £400 savings per cabin (£200 per person) on cruises booked before 31 July 2009.
Highlights of the new brochure include:
• Celebrity Solstice based from Civitavecchia, offering Eastern Mediterranean and Holy Land cruises.
• Classical Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Venice aboard Celebrity Equinox.
• The first ever season of Celebrity Eclipse from Southampton featuring five different cruise itineraries across 12 departure dates taking in the Canary Islands, Spanish Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia and short taster cruises to Cork.
• The return to Europe of Celebrity Constellation, currently the most popular ship with the British and Irish market in the Celebrity fleet. With sailings to Scandinavia, Russia and Arctic cruises from Amsterdam, and shorter Mediterranean options from Barcelona.
• Free car parking in Southampton for all Celebrity Eclipse sailings (excluding Transatlantic) for bookings confirmed before 31 December 2009. Sphere: Related Content
Highlighting that all three new Solstice-class ships; Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Eclipse, are sailing from European ports throughout the summer 2010, the new brochure also showcases an early-booking offer allowing agents to offer passengers up to £400 savings per cabin (£200 per person) on cruises booked before 31 July 2009.
Highlights of the new brochure include:
• Celebrity Solstice based from Civitavecchia, offering Eastern Mediterranean and Holy Land cruises.
• Classical Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona and Venice aboard Celebrity Equinox.
• The first ever season of Celebrity Eclipse from Southampton featuring five different cruise itineraries across 12 departure dates taking in the Canary Islands, Spanish Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia and short taster cruises to Cork.
• The return to Europe of Celebrity Constellation, currently the most popular ship with the British and Irish market in the Celebrity fleet. With sailings to Scandinavia, Russia and Arctic cruises from Amsterdam, and shorter Mediterranean options from Barcelona.
• Free car parking in Southampton for all Celebrity Eclipse sailings (excluding Transatlantic) for bookings confirmed before 31 December 2009. Sphere: Related Content
Monday, March 16, 2009
Chávez Tells His Navy to Take Over Key Seaports
Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered his military on Sunday (3/15) to seize control of some seaports and airports in states governed by opposition party governors. Some of the seaports have major petroleum-exporting installations.
Sphere: Related ContentFriday, March 6, 2009
Almost 80% Brits say its ‘spend, spend, spend’ on this year’s holiday
In a survey produced by Yougov, on behalf of Carnival UK for its annual Cruise Report, it was found that even during the ‘credit crunch’, 78% of British holidaymakers (45-54 year olds) were still planning on spending the same amount on a holiday as they did in 2008; in fact nearly a third are planning to spend more.
When asked what they would be willing to forgo to fund their annual holiday consumers only put buying quality food and saving ahead of the all-important two weeks away.
One of the biggest surprises from the survey came when holidaymakers claimed that whilst away they missed the comfort of their own bed – over friends, pets and even their family.
The report also highlights:
• The introduction of Ventura for P&O Cruises and the first full year’s operation of Cunard’s Queen Victoria, combined with strong performances from its other lines to secure 20% growth for Carnival UK brands in 2008
• With the British providing up to 30% of passengers sailing on Carnival Cruise Lines’ brand new Carnival Splendour last year, CCL successfully adapted its entertainment onboard and even made sure that it offered a proper cup of English tea
• The UK market exceeded expectations for Costa Cruises in 2008 and the British have proved the largest single market for Costa’s Asia cruises – ahead of the Italians and other Europeans who usually provide the majority of Costa’s passengers
• 30% of Cunard’s QE2 farewell passengers were new to Cunard and the final voyage to Dubai sold out in just 36 minutes. Those who had never sailed on QE2 were desperate to do so while they still had a chance!
• By the end of 2010, Holland America Lines will have spent about £300m on upgrading its fleet since 2003
• Ocean Village is now carrying 44% first-time cruise passengers (56% repeat cruisers) and has introduced the first activities specifically aimed at the 13-17 age group: the self-explanatory How to be a TV Presenter course and the Girls Night-In Spa pampering package
• P&O Cruises research has found that people go online to do most of their pre-booking research and that the brochure is becoming almost just a timetable
• 95% of those travelling with Princess Cruises say they would recommend the cruise to their friends
• With the informality and al fresco dining emphasised on Yachts of Seabourn cruises, the average age has lowered with many passengers in their 40s
Commenting on the survey, Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said:
‘The findings from YouGov have confirmed for us that there are still plenty of holidaymakers out there planning a holiday for 2009 despite the current economic situation. Considering a cruise holiday today includes accommodation, almost all food, entertainment and flights, it really does provide exceptional value at a time when the credit crunch is hitting out wallets in every aspect of our daily life – and our beds are very comfortable.’ Sphere: Related Content
When asked what they would be willing to forgo to fund their annual holiday consumers only put buying quality food and saving ahead of the all-important two weeks away.
One of the biggest surprises from the survey came when holidaymakers claimed that whilst away they missed the comfort of their own bed – over friends, pets and even their family.
The report also highlights:
• The introduction of Ventura for P&O Cruises and the first full year’s operation of Cunard’s Queen Victoria, combined with strong performances from its other lines to secure 20% growth for Carnival UK brands in 2008
• With the British providing up to 30% of passengers sailing on Carnival Cruise Lines’ brand new Carnival Splendour last year, CCL successfully adapted its entertainment onboard and even made sure that it offered a proper cup of English tea
• The UK market exceeded expectations for Costa Cruises in 2008 and the British have proved the largest single market for Costa’s Asia cruises – ahead of the Italians and other Europeans who usually provide the majority of Costa’s passengers
• 30% of Cunard’s QE2 farewell passengers were new to Cunard and the final voyage to Dubai sold out in just 36 minutes. Those who had never sailed on QE2 were desperate to do so while they still had a chance!
• By the end of 2010, Holland America Lines will have spent about £300m on upgrading its fleet since 2003
• Ocean Village is now carrying 44% first-time cruise passengers (56% repeat cruisers) and has introduced the first activities specifically aimed at the 13-17 age group: the self-explanatory How to be a TV Presenter course and the Girls Night-In Spa pampering package
• P&O Cruises research has found that people go online to do most of their pre-booking research and that the brochure is becoming almost just a timetable
• 95% of those travelling with Princess Cruises say they would recommend the cruise to their friends
• With the informality and al fresco dining emphasised on Yachts of Seabourn cruises, the average age has lowered with many passengers in their 40s
Commenting on the survey, Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said:
‘The findings from YouGov have confirmed for us that there are still plenty of holidaymakers out there planning a holiday for 2009 despite the current economic situation. Considering a cruise holiday today includes accommodation, almost all food, entertainment and flights, it really does provide exceptional value at a time when the credit crunch is hitting out wallets in every aspect of our daily life – and our beds are very comfortable.’ Sphere: Related Content
New Zealand calls for Antarctic cruise reform
The Government of New Zealand is calling for tighter controls on cruise ships operating in the Antarctic, following the latest incident of the recent grounding of Quark Expeditions Ocean Nova.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand is to convene a major safety conference on the issue of cruise ships in Antarctica later this year. According to New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ‘if nothing is done, it will only be a matter of time before there is a disaster in the Southern Ocean. The international community must take steps to ensure that never happens.’
The conference will focus on how to prevent a major maritime accident and what controls should be introduced to cover what Mr McCully described as a ‘currently inadequate regulated industry.’
Experts from the 47 countries that are party to the Antarctic Treaty will attend the conference, along with cruise lines, cruise operators, tour operators and non-governmental bodies.
The latest cruise line to offer Antarctic cruises is Seattle-based Cruise West, which is offering a 19-day Antarctic Expedition in February 2010 aboard the 114 passenger capacity Corinthian II from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Meanwhile, Ocean Nova has sailed from Ushuaia to Europe following repairs, to start a summer charter for Denmark’s Albatross Travel. She will return to Quark for the 2009/2010 Antarctic season. Sphere: Related Content
Foreign Minister Murray McCully has announced that New Zealand is to convene a major safety conference on the issue of cruise ships in Antarctica later this year. According to New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ‘if nothing is done, it will only be a matter of time before there is a disaster in the Southern Ocean. The international community must take steps to ensure that never happens.’
The conference will focus on how to prevent a major maritime accident and what controls should be introduced to cover what Mr McCully described as a ‘currently inadequate regulated industry.’
Experts from the 47 countries that are party to the Antarctic Treaty will attend the conference, along with cruise lines, cruise operators, tour operators and non-governmental bodies.
The latest cruise line to offer Antarctic cruises is Seattle-based Cruise West, which is offering a 19-day Antarctic Expedition in February 2010 aboard the 114 passenger capacity Corinthian II from Ushuaia, Argentina.
Meanwhile, Ocean Nova has sailed from Ushuaia to Europe following repairs, to start a summer charter for Denmark’s Albatross Travel. She will return to Quark for the 2009/2010 Antarctic season. Sphere: Related Content
Passengers evacuated from Costa Romantica
Around 1,400 passengers and most of the crew aboard Costa’s Costa Romantica were safely evacuated following an engineroom fire onboard the ship last week while on a cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. The vessel was a few miles offshore the Uruguayan holiday resort of Punta del Este when a fire started in one of the ship’s four diesel-generators, resulting in a total blackout. Passengers, mostly from Argentina and Brazil, and the crew were safely taken ashore to Punta del Este.
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Summer 2010 season in the Med for all of Star Clippers fleet
Tall ship cruise specialist Star Clippers is to base all three of its ships in the Mediterranean for the summer 2010 season. Spring 2010 will see Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer all reposition from the Caribbean, the Far East and Tahiti, to the Mediterranean.
Star Clipper will operate a series of round-trip cruises from Piraeus; Royal Clipper will operate round-trip cruises from Civitavecchia, as well as voyages between Civitavecchia and Venice, while Star Flyer will operate seven-day round-trip cruises from Monaco, as well as Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey cruises from Rhodes. Sphere: Related Content
Star Clipper will operate a series of round-trip cruises from Piraeus; Royal Clipper will operate round-trip cruises from Civitavecchia, as well as voyages between Civitavecchia and Venice, while Star Flyer will operate seven-day round-trip cruises from Monaco, as well as Eastern Mediterranean and Turkey cruises from Rhodes. Sphere: Related Content
Fincantieri launches its first luxury cruise vessel
Last week Fincantieri’s Ancona yard launched the 195m Silver Spirit for luxury operator Silversea, the shipbuilder’s first entry into the medium-size luxury cruise ship sector. Silver Spirit is scheduled for delivery at the end of this year.
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More exclusive shore excursions from Windstar
Tall ship cruise specialist Windstar Cruises is offering passengers a new series of exclusive shore excursions in Europe, with the launch of its ‘Concierge Collection.’ With prices ranging from US $109 up to $2,299, passengers can chose from a helicopter tour of Corsica’s Prunelli Gorges, a ‘Roman Holiday’ programme in Italy that visits landmarks featured in the Audrey Hepburn/Gregory Peck film, Corfu by seaplane, along with cave trekking, scuba diving, cooking classes and wine tasting.
The 28 new tours are available at ports of call in Corsica, Croatia, Greece, France, Italy, Monaco, Slovenia and Spain. Sphere: Related Content
The 28 new tours are available at ports of call in Corsica, Croatia, Greece, France, Italy, Monaco, Slovenia and Spain. Sphere: Related Content
Maxim Gorkiy arrives at the breakers
A last-minute attempt to save the classic 1969-built cruise ship Maxim Gorkiy from the shipbreakers torches has failed and the steam-turbine powered vessel was arrived at Alang to end her days.
A last-ditch bid to turn the ship into a floating hotel in Hamburg failed, following the decision by Wayne Heller to delay the re-launch of Orient Lines because of the global economic crisis. Maxim Gorkiy was to become Orient Lines Marco Polo 2.
Maxim Gorkiy has operated for a number of years on charter to Germany’s Phoenix Reisen. She was sold by her owners, Russia’s Sovcomflot, for scrap for a price in the region of € 4.2m. Sphere: Related Content
A last-ditch bid to turn the ship into a floating hotel in Hamburg failed, following the decision by Wayne Heller to delay the re-launch of Orient Lines because of the global economic crisis. Maxim Gorkiy was to become Orient Lines Marco Polo 2.
Maxim Gorkiy has operated for a number of years on charter to Germany’s Phoenix Reisen. She was sold by her owners, Russia’s Sovcomflot, for scrap for a price in the region of € 4.2m. Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Fred Olsen Statement on the "Balmoral incident in Gulf of Aden"
STATEMENT BY FRED. OLSEN
As made clear in our own statements, at no time was the vessel ‘under attack’, and there were no visual sightings of ‘armed pirates’.
During the daytime sailing through the Gulf of Aden on Tuesday 3rd March 2009, only fishing boats were sighted showing no sign of alarming activities. At 19.45 hrs that evening, two suspicious craft were observed on radar travelling towards Balmoral. As a purely precautionary action, the ship’s Master implemented aggressive manoeuvring, contact was made with the EU Coalition Task Force, and passengers were requested to assemble in safe havens. At 20.45 hrs that evening the EU warship confirmed that the area around the vessel was clear, and the alert was stood down at 21.23 hrs. This was a ‘suspicious incident’ and not an ‘attack’.
During the incident, searchlights were directed at the approaching craft and flares used to indicate that it had been observed. It is possible that this was interpreted as gunfire, but Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines can state categorically that there was no gunfire, and that although the approaching vessel got to within 400m of Balmoral it left the area without incident, and because of the darkness it was not possible to identify the vessel or its occupants.
The Master of Balmoral has reported that the mood on board was good throughout with no panic or adverse reaction from the passengers. The vessel is now continuing on its scheduled itinerary and is today in the port of Salalah in Oman.
- Ends –
5th March 2009
Wendy Hooper-Greenhill Jill Channing
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Bugsgang & Associates
Tel: 01473 292233 Tel: 01795 518200
E: wendy.hooper-greenhill@fredolsen.co.uk E: jill.channing@bugsgang.co.uk Sphere: Related Content
Stena Danica undergoes major Lloyd Werft refit
Germany’s Lloyd Werft, in Bremerhaven, is currently carrying out the major refit of Stena Lines’ 28,727grt ferry Stena Danica. Work on the 1983-built vessel involves fitting additional stabilisers and new steering gear, as well as the refurbishment of public spaces. Stena Danica maintains the company’s regular service between Gothenburg (Sweden) and Fredrikshavn (Denmark).
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Irish Ferries doubles fast ferry services to the UK
Falling marine fuel oil prices have enabled Irish Ferries to double its fast ferry service between Dublin and Holyhead, with the reinstatement of its early morning service from Dublin. The service, operated by 1999-built Jonathan Swift, departs at 08.45 and returns from Holyhead at 12.00 each day. A second return sailing by the Austal Auto-Express 86 catamaran operates in the afternoon and departs Dublin at 14.30. Crossing time is 1hr 49 min each way.
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Plans to re-open Latvia-Estonia ferry service
A new operator is being sought to re-open the summer ferry service linking the Latvian port of Ventspils with Montu, on Saaremaa Island, Estonia. Last year Estonian ferry operator Saaremaa Shipping, using the 1972-built ferry Scania, pulled out of the route because it was losing money. The service has traditionally run between May and August each year, mainly carrying tourists.
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March delivery for third Wightlink Croatian newbuilding
UK cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink’s third Croatian newbuilding, Wight Sun, is expected to sail from the Brod. Kraljevica shipyard on 27th March, arriving in the Solent around mid-April. The first two ships in this series, Wight Light and Wight Sky, were delivered last year, but only entered service on the Lymington-Yarmouth run last week, following protracted environmental objections.
The three ageing C-class vessels that the Croatian newbuildings replace, Caedmon, Cenred and Cenwulf, have all be laid up pending sale or scrapping. The latter is is though more likely to be their fate. Sphere: Related Content
The three ageing C-class vessels that the Croatian newbuildings replace, Caedmon, Cenred and Cenwulf, have all be laid up pending sale or scrapping. The latter is is though more likely to be their fate. Sphere: Related Content
Northlink Ferries refits in Denmark and the UK this year
Scottish ferry operator Northlink Ferries, which maintains the vital service linking the Scottish mainland and the islands of Orkney and Shetland, has decided on refitting its three ship fleet in Denmark and the UK this winter.
Sisters Hjatland and Hrossey have recently completed refits in Denmark’s Fredericia Shipyard, while the smaller Hamnavoe has just entered Cammell Laird’s Birkenhead facility for stabiliser repairs and annual survey. Sphere: Related Content
Sisters Hjatland and Hrossey have recently completed refits in Denmark’s Fredericia Shipyard, while the smaller Hamnavoe has just entered Cammell Laird’s Birkenhead facility for stabiliser repairs and annual survey. Sphere: Related Content
Pirate attack on the Balmoral
We have breaking news that the 715ft-long Balmoral operated by Fred Olsen experienced 4 separate attacks from Somali bandits according to reports from crew members. It is understood that approximately 1,300 Guests were on board for a round-the-world cruise, when it came under fire from Pirates armed with rocket launchers.
The Balmoral is a 43,000-ton cruise ship and was forced to desperate maneuvering (Zig-Zag style) in haste to evade its Pirate pursuers that chased the vessel in two small fishing type motor craft within the now well publicized ultra dangerous waters, off the Somalia coast, known as the Gulf of Aden.
We have learned indirectly from British Crew members that the Pirates actually came within 400 yards of the Balmoral as they circled their prey with AK-47 rifles and rocket launchers.
It appears that the Guests on board were in shock, panic and tears as they contemplated the worst case scenario of the imminent threat to their lives.
The US Navy were apparently alerted. The initial alert was raised on Tuesday morning when the boats appeared out of nowhere and closed in rapidly. Alarmed by the suspicious activity of the unidentified craft, the Balmoral's crew made emergency calls, the Cruise Operator, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines stated earlier today. They also sent up distress flares and astonishingly the ship's staff resorted to make a show of strength with fake guns (made out of pieces of wood), in the seemingly desperate hope that the pirates would be deterred if crew appeared to be armed, according to reports.
The ship's 1,300 Guests, the vast majority of which being elderly British, were rounded up to a Muster station on a lower deck mid-ships into a perceived safer area, with a lower risk of being victim to Gunfire. The attack was eventually only averted by the intervention of a U.S. Navy ship which escorted the cruise vessel through the notoriously perilous Gulf of Aden. The incident occurred just over 2 weeks into the Guests’ 3 month long cruise, during navigation from Jordan towards India.
This stretch on unruly waters in the North Western Indian Ocean is now monitored by an international military task force, as Pirates have attacked more than 130 merchant ships and extorted approx. 150 million USD as ransom in the Gulf of Aden last year (double the previous year).
Guests were warned that there may be a threat of attack and drills were carried out in advance. Nevertheless, no doubt Guests were of course shocked and panic sticken when they heard the Captain’s announcement, to go to the below deck, and this was NO drill! It does seem however that the officials on board handled the crisis in an orderly drilled manner.
The Balmoral world cruise left Dover on February 14 and despite the scare it is due to arrive tomorrow in Salalah, Oman.
Our man Mike Hood will comment on the incident in due course.
Grant Holmes
Off Radar, Publisher Sphere: Related Content
The Balmoral is a 43,000-ton cruise ship and was forced to desperate maneuvering (Zig-Zag style) in haste to evade its Pirate pursuers that chased the vessel in two small fishing type motor craft within the now well publicized ultra dangerous waters, off the Somalia coast, known as the Gulf of Aden.
We have learned indirectly from British Crew members that the Pirates actually came within 400 yards of the Balmoral as they circled their prey with AK-47 rifles and rocket launchers.
It appears that the Guests on board were in shock, panic and tears as they contemplated the worst case scenario of the imminent threat to their lives.
The US Navy were apparently alerted. The initial alert was raised on Tuesday morning when the boats appeared out of nowhere and closed in rapidly. Alarmed by the suspicious activity of the unidentified craft, the Balmoral's crew made emergency calls, the Cruise Operator, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines stated earlier today. They also sent up distress flares and astonishingly the ship's staff resorted to make a show of strength with fake guns (made out of pieces of wood), in the seemingly desperate hope that the pirates would be deterred if crew appeared to be armed, according to reports.
The ship's 1,300 Guests, the vast majority of which being elderly British, were rounded up to a Muster station on a lower deck mid-ships into a perceived safer area, with a lower risk of being victim to Gunfire. The attack was eventually only averted by the intervention of a U.S. Navy ship which escorted the cruise vessel through the notoriously perilous Gulf of Aden. The incident occurred just over 2 weeks into the Guests’ 3 month long cruise, during navigation from Jordan towards India.
This stretch on unruly waters in the North Western Indian Ocean is now monitored by an international military task force, as Pirates have attacked more than 130 merchant ships and extorted approx. 150 million USD as ransom in the Gulf of Aden last year (double the previous year).
Guests were warned that there may be a threat of attack and drills were carried out in advance. Nevertheless, no doubt Guests were of course shocked and panic sticken when they heard the Captain’s announcement, to go to the below deck, and this was NO drill! It does seem however that the officials on board handled the crisis in an orderly drilled manner.
The Balmoral world cruise left Dover on February 14 and despite the scare it is due to arrive tomorrow in Salalah, Oman.
Our man Mike Hood will comment on the incident in due course.
Grant Holmes
Off Radar, Publisher Sphere: Related Content
Trinidad and Tobago: Smuggling Rumor Leads to Port Closure in Trinidad
The port facilities in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad were completely shutdown on Tuesday (3/3) so authorities could search for a cargo container that was allegedly being used to smuggle people, possibly children. However, in the end the incident turned out to be a "hoax", and the authorities were actually reacting to local media reports about the suspected human smuggling operation.
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United Kingdom: Alliance to Combat Invasive Species in Ballast Water
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Monday (3/2) announced the launching of a Global Industry Alliance (GIA) "to tackle the threats of marine bio-invasions caused by the transfer of alien plants and animals in ships' ballast tanks." The GIA is a partnership between IMO, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and four major private shipping corporations. The biggest area that GIA is going to contribute to is research and development for ballast water treatment technologies that can be fitted onboard ships. Also, the Alliance will assist with exploring new ship design options such as "flow thru" ballast tanks and "ballast-free ships".
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Criteria Met for Implementation of New Land and Sea Ports ID Rules
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and State Departmenthave jointly certified to Congress that all 8 statutory criteria have been met prior to implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) at America's land and sea borders on June 1, 2009. So, on June 1, 2009 the same rules that apply for U.S. citizens returning by air to the U.S. from abroad, will also apply for land and sea ports of entry. That is you will have to show one of the approved documents that denotes identity and citizenship. For Americans 16-years and older this includes a passport, passport card, trusted traveler program card (NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST), or an enhanced driver's license (EDL).
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Yemen Coastguard Prevents Pirate Attack
The Yemen media is reporting that the Yemen coastguard prevented pirates from hijacking a Korean cargo ship today in the Gulf of Aden, about 40 miles south of Aden, Yemen. The coastguard responded to the ship's distress call and briefly engaged the hijackers. One pirate was killed.
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Workers on Strike at Main Kuwaiti Ports
Nearly 1,000 Kuwaiti port workers at Shuaiba, Shuwaikh and Doha began a series of work stoppages Monday over pay and work conditions. Union leaders say the protests are to continue daily until their demands are met.
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