Thursday, July 23, 2009
QE2 to sail again and again!
After all the hype about QE2’s final voyage from Southampton to Dubai before ending her days at a ultra luxury floating hotel in the Palm Jumeirah leisure complex in the Emirate, it is now almost certain that the most famous passenger ship in the world will undertake another ‘final’ voyage – this time from Dubai to Cape Town. Troubled Dubai-based property and leisure company Nakheel is believed to have received permission from South Africa’s Minister for Environment & Tourism to berth the vessel in the commercial docks in Cape Town, next door to the Victoria & Albert Waterfront development. The latest excuse from Nakheel, sorry reason, for not going ahead with its ambitious conversion plans for QE2 in the Gulf and moving the liner from the Arabian Gulf to the southern hemisphere is that Cape Town, with its ready-made berthing facilities, provides the best opportunity to open the vessel to visitors as quickly as possible. Nakheel says that QE2 could stay in Cape Town for 18 months and that one reason for moving the ship south was the business opportunities provided by up coming 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa. It remains to be seen what the next ‘final’ voyage is for QE2 – Cape Town back to Dubai or anywhere else that Nakheel can find a berth for her!
Sphere: Related Content
Celebrity gears up for Celebrity Equinox launch and biggest ever week in the UK and Ireland
Celebrity Cruises is gearing up for its biggest ever week in the UK as the final preparations are made for the arrival of its newest ship Celebrity Equinox. Over 5,000 travel agents, travel industry big-wigs, consumers and media will get a taste of the ship during two weeks of launch celebrations.
Arriving in Southampton on 19 July, Celebrity Equinox will open her doors to the UK and Ireland travel industry and consumers on 25 July and will then be officially christened and named in the city on 29 July.
Hundreds of travel industry professionals from all over the world will visit the ship at the British port. As a prelude to the arrival of sistership Celebrity Eclipse in April 2010, the launch celebrations are designed to excite the UK cruise market in advance of Celebrity Eclipse being based in Southampton throughout the summer of 2010.
Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director, Celebrity Cruises and RCI, UK and Ireland explained:
‘The fact that the global launch of Celebrity Equinox takes place in the UK demonstrates the scale of the market that we now represent. We have an exciting future ahead of us and look forward to setting new standards in the luxury large ship market. The launch celebrations are set to be great fun, and a great showcase to the industry of exactly what Celebrity Cruises is all about.’
On 25 July celebrations include the first ever Pro-Am croquet tournament to take place on the high seas. Ten of world’s best mallet swingers will take part including the current world No.1, Chris Clarke, and British Open champion Stephen Mulliner. Also on 25 July, female classical super-group ‘All Angels’ will perform for VIP guests onboard as Celebrity Equinox sails away from Southampton on a one-night taster cruise.
Celebrity Equinox will host to thousands of UK and Ireland travel agents and cruise industry professionals at the annual Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) dinner onboard on 26 July. CTTG, Travel Counsellors, TUI and Thomas Cook will all base conferences onboard the new ship during the inaugural celebrations.
Celebrity Equinox will be officially christened and named in Southampton on 29 July by the ship’s Godmother, Nina Barough, the founder of the breast cancer charity ‘Walk the Walk’.
The first sailing with paying passengers onboard departs Southampton on 31 July, an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise. Sphere: Related Content
Arriving in Southampton on 19 July, Celebrity Equinox will open her doors to the UK and Ireland travel industry and consumers on 25 July and will then be officially christened and named in the city on 29 July.
Hundreds of travel industry professionals from all over the world will visit the ship at the British port. As a prelude to the arrival of sistership Celebrity Eclipse in April 2010, the launch celebrations are designed to excite the UK cruise market in advance of Celebrity Eclipse being based in Southampton throughout the summer of 2010.
Robin Shaw, vice president and managing director, Celebrity Cruises and RCI, UK and Ireland explained:
‘The fact that the global launch of Celebrity Equinox takes place in the UK demonstrates the scale of the market that we now represent. We have an exciting future ahead of us and look forward to setting new standards in the luxury large ship market. The launch celebrations are set to be great fun, and a great showcase to the industry of exactly what Celebrity Cruises is all about.’
On 25 July celebrations include the first ever Pro-Am croquet tournament to take place on the high seas. Ten of world’s best mallet swingers will take part including the current world No.1, Chris Clarke, and British Open champion Stephen Mulliner. Also on 25 July, female classical super-group ‘All Angels’ will perform for VIP guests onboard as Celebrity Equinox sails away from Southampton on a one-night taster cruise.
Celebrity Equinox will host to thousands of UK and Ireland travel agents and cruise industry professionals at the annual Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) dinner onboard on 26 July. CTTG, Travel Counsellors, TUI and Thomas Cook will all base conferences onboard the new ship during the inaugural celebrations.
Celebrity Equinox will be officially christened and named in Southampton on 29 July by the ship’s Godmother, Nina Barough, the founder of the breast cancer charity ‘Walk the Walk’.
The first sailing with paying passengers onboard departs Southampton on 31 July, an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise. Sphere: Related Content
Major management shake-up at Cunard and P&O Cruises
Two of the UK’s leading cruise lines have seen major management changes this week, with new bosses being announced for Cunard and P&O Cruises as part of the major management shake-up at Carnival UK. Carnival UK has announced that Nigel Esdale, previously managing director of P&O cruises, is to take over the newly created position of Commercial Director, Carnival UK. Esdale will be responsible for the commercial management of Cunard, ocean Village, Princess Cruises UK and P&O Cruises.
Meanwhile, Carol Marlow, previously president and managing director of Cunard is returning to P&O Cruises as managing director. She will be responsible for the leadership and development of the P&O Cruises brand onboard and ashore. Marlow was previously sales and marketing director of P&O Cruises in the late 1990s.
Peter Shanks, previously chief commercial officer of Carnival UK, becomes president and managing director of Cunard, as well as retaining his role as UK director of Princess Cruises.
Nigel Lighton, in addition to continuing as managing director of Ocean Village, takes up the new position of fleet product and services director, Carnival UK.
John Marden, previously fleet services director, Carnival UK, takes up the new position of director of corporate & international affairs, with a wide-ranging set of responsibilities including port and infrastructure development, shore programmes, fleet management development in Carnival Australia, risk management, medical and public health management and industry representation.
David Strawford, previously head of technical services at carnival UK, joins the board as marine & technical director, responsible for marine, technical, programming, security, environmental and safety matters. Sphere: Related Content
Meanwhile, Carol Marlow, previously president and managing director of Cunard is returning to P&O Cruises as managing director. She will be responsible for the leadership and development of the P&O Cruises brand onboard and ashore. Marlow was previously sales and marketing director of P&O Cruises in the late 1990s.
Peter Shanks, previously chief commercial officer of Carnival UK, becomes president and managing director of Cunard, as well as retaining his role as UK director of Princess Cruises.
Nigel Lighton, in addition to continuing as managing director of Ocean Village, takes up the new position of fleet product and services director, Carnival UK.
John Marden, previously fleet services director, Carnival UK, takes up the new position of director of corporate & international affairs, with a wide-ranging set of responsibilities including port and infrastructure development, shore programmes, fleet management development in Carnival Australia, risk management, medical and public health management and industry representation.
David Strawford, previously head of technical services at carnival UK, joins the board as marine & technical director, responsible for marine, technical, programming, security, environmental and safety matters. Sphere: Related Content
Largest ever world voyage programme meets with record level of demand
World voyage expert P&O Cruises is offering its largest ever programme for 2011. The four voyages went on sale on 1 July and more bookings were made in this one day than on any other world voyage launch day in P&O cruises history.
1,374 passengers made a booking and more than 1,000 of these were for the full world voyages. The 2010 programme made 1,123 on the comparative first day of sales in September 2008, of which around 800 were for the full world voyages.
The 2011 World Voyages brochure features four ships sailing round-trip from Southampton, visiting a total of 89 different ports in 46 countries:
• Oriana: 84-night world cruises departs 23 September 2010
• Artemis: 98-night Asian Grand Voyage departs 4 January 2011
• Arcadia: 82-night world cruise departs 5 January 2011
• Aurora: 95-night south America and Pacific Grand Voyage departs 9 January 2011
Oriana’s departure in September is P&O Cruises first ever autumn circumnavigation. The 84-night voyage offers an alternative to the customary New Year world cruise departure and will see the vessel call at 28 ports in 19 countries including: Acapulco, Mexico; Margarita Island, Venezuela; Kahalui, Hawaii; Phu My, Vietnam; Singapore and Ko Samui, Thailand.
Artemis will embark on her port intensive Grand Voyage in January 2011 taking in 35 ports during 98 nights. This unique voyage will explore the shores of the Mediterranean, Middle East, India, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Japan, before returning via the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Seychelles, Mauritius and south Africa.
Artemis will visit new ports such as Pusan in South Korea and Ujung Pandang and Semarang in Indonesia. This itinerary will see P&O Cruises returining to such ports as Bali, Manila and Hiroshima.
Arcadia will make her third circumnavigation in January 2011. Heading west Arcadia will sail across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal and out into the Pacific. During the 82-night voyage there will be calls along the coast of New Zealand and Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand before a transit of the Suez Canal and heading home via the Mediterranean. Highlight destinations include Port Denarau, Fiji; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Bangkok and Ko Samui, Thailand; and Mumbai, India.
Aurora’s 95-night South America and Pacific Grand Voyage will also depart in January 2011, heading off across the Atlantic where 24 nights will be spent exploring the coastline of South America including two days in Buenos Aires, Argentina and an evening in both Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Valparaiso, Peru.
Aurora will then continue on to the islands of the Pacific followed by an Australasian tour and six ports in New Zealand. This voyage also offers opportunities to visit the Falkland Islands, cruise by the Amalia and PIO X glaciers, Easter Island, Tahiti, San Francisco, Acapulco, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. Sphere: Related Content
1,374 passengers made a booking and more than 1,000 of these were for the full world voyages. The 2010 programme made 1,123 on the comparative first day of sales in September 2008, of which around 800 were for the full world voyages.
The 2011 World Voyages brochure features four ships sailing round-trip from Southampton, visiting a total of 89 different ports in 46 countries:
• Oriana: 84-night world cruises departs 23 September 2010
• Artemis: 98-night Asian Grand Voyage departs 4 January 2011
• Arcadia: 82-night world cruise departs 5 January 2011
• Aurora: 95-night south America and Pacific Grand Voyage departs 9 January 2011
Oriana’s departure in September is P&O Cruises first ever autumn circumnavigation. The 84-night voyage offers an alternative to the customary New Year world cruise departure and will see the vessel call at 28 ports in 19 countries including: Acapulco, Mexico; Margarita Island, Venezuela; Kahalui, Hawaii; Phu My, Vietnam; Singapore and Ko Samui, Thailand.
Artemis will embark on her port intensive Grand Voyage in January 2011 taking in 35 ports during 98 nights. This unique voyage will explore the shores of the Mediterranean, Middle East, India, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Japan, before returning via the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Seychelles, Mauritius and south Africa.
Artemis will visit new ports such as Pusan in South Korea and Ujung Pandang and Semarang in Indonesia. This itinerary will see P&O Cruises returining to such ports as Bali, Manila and Hiroshima.
Arcadia will make her third circumnavigation in January 2011. Heading west Arcadia will sail across the Atlantic, through the Panama Canal and out into the Pacific. During the 82-night voyage there will be calls along the coast of New Zealand and Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Thailand before a transit of the Suez Canal and heading home via the Mediterranean. Highlight destinations include Port Denarau, Fiji; Auckland, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Bangkok and Ko Samui, Thailand; and Mumbai, India.
Aurora’s 95-night South America and Pacific Grand Voyage will also depart in January 2011, heading off across the Atlantic where 24 nights will be spent exploring the coastline of South America including two days in Buenos Aires, Argentina and an evening in both Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Valparaiso, Peru.
Aurora will then continue on to the islands of the Pacific followed by an Australasian tour and six ports in New Zealand. This voyage also offers opportunities to visit the Falkland Islands, cruise by the Amalia and PIO X glaciers, Easter Island, Tahiti, San Francisco, Acapulco, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. Sphere: Related Content
Cold ironing for Brooklyn
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been awarded US $2.8m to install a shore power system at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal as part of federal stimulus money designated for the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).
The Brooklyn facility will be the first on the US East Coast to provide shore power and is expected to reduce emissions from berthed cruise vessels by 95.3 tons of NOx, 6.5 tons of fine particulate matter and 1,487 tons of greenhouse gases each year.
Meanwhile, Florida’s Port Everglades is also looking at the possibility of providing shore power at its new Cruise Terminal 18. Sphere: Related Content
The Brooklyn facility will be the first on the US East Coast to provide shore power and is expected to reduce emissions from berthed cruise vessels by 95.3 tons of NOx, 6.5 tons of fine particulate matter and 1,487 tons of greenhouse gases each year.
Meanwhile, Florida’s Port Everglades is also looking at the possibility of providing shore power at its new Cruise Terminal 18. Sphere: Related Content
Van Gogh bought by Salamis Cruises
Cypriot cruise line Salamis has bought the 1975-built cruise vessel Van Gogh, previously owned by bankrupt Club Cruise, for US $6.5m. Following a refit the 800 passenger capacity vessel will replace Salamis’ 1962-built Salamis Glory on short cruises from Limassol to Egypt, Israel, the Lebanon, Syria and the Greek islands.
The 600 passenger capacity Salamis Glory is being replaced because she is now SOLAS 2010 compliant. She was built originally as the Brazilian Anna Nery for service in South America, and then operated as Danaos, Constellation, Morning Star and Regency Spirit in the Mediterranean, Mexico and the Pacific. Sphere: Related Content
The 600 passenger capacity Salamis Glory is being replaced because she is now SOLAS 2010 compliant. She was built originally as the Brazilian Anna Nery for service in South America, and then operated as Danaos, Constellation, Morning Star and Regency Spirit in the Mediterranean, Mexico and the Pacific. Sphere: Related Content
Murder on Carnival Elation
An unnamed man has been arrested by the FBI following the death of his wife aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Elation. The vessel was on the last leg of a Baja Mexico cruise when the incident occurred. FBI agents boarded the ship in San Diego, California and arrested the man.
Sphere: Related Content
Last of three LNG powered ferries delivered by French shipyard
The Lorient shipyard of France’s STX Europe has just delivered the last of three LNG powered passenger ferries to Norwegian owner Tide Sjø. The 49.9m, 600 passenger capacity Tideprinsen joins sisters Tideronningen and Tidekongen on the service linking Oslo with the Nesodden peninsular in Oslofjord.
Sphere: Related Content
Wightlink’s new passenger catamarans working up
UK cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink’s two new passenger catamarans have arrived in the UK from their builder in the Philippines and are now working up with expected entry into service on 21 September.
Wight Ryder I and Wight Ryder II arrived in Portsmouth on the deck of the heavy lift vessel BBC Georgia after a 9,100 mile voyage from the FBMA Shipyard in Cebu, the Philippines.
Designed by Southampton-based BMT Nigel Gee, the new generation catamarans will provide greater stability during travel and improved berthing capabilities, crucial benefits for Wightlink and its passengers.
The design of the new 20 knot ferries with advanced electronic management systems is expected to result in fuel savings of around 1.3 million litres per annum compared with the existing two fast ferries on the Portsmouth-Ryde service, FastCat Ryde and FastCat Shanklin, making them more environmentally friendly with a reduction in emissions equivalent to over 3.4 million kg CO2. Sphere: Related Content
Wight Ryder I and Wight Ryder II arrived in Portsmouth on the deck of the heavy lift vessel BBC Georgia after a 9,100 mile voyage from the FBMA Shipyard in Cebu, the Philippines.
Designed by Southampton-based BMT Nigel Gee, the new generation catamarans will provide greater stability during travel and improved berthing capabilities, crucial benefits for Wightlink and its passengers.
The design of the new 20 knot ferries with advanced electronic management systems is expected to result in fuel savings of around 1.3 million litres per annum compared with the existing two fast ferries on the Portsmouth-Ryde service, FastCat Ryde and FastCat Shanklin, making them more environmentally friendly with a reduction in emissions equivalent to over 3.4 million kg CO2. Sphere: Related Content
Friday, July 17, 2009
Cape Town home for QE2?
The future of arguably the world’s most famous passenger ship, the former Cunarder QE2, remain in doubt for the global economic crisis impacting hard on the business plans of her new owners, Dubai World. Dubai World’s hotels and leisure operation Nakheel is scaling down its ambitious plans to transform the former Transatlantic liner into a seven-star hotel and leisure/tourism complex based at the Palm Jumeirah complex in Dubai and is now looking to use the vessel as a more modest hotel in Cape Town, South Africa!
Having bought QE2 for £50m and announcing plans to cut the vessel in two and lengthen her, things started going wrong when the vessel arrived in Port Rashid, Dubai at the end of her last passenger carrying voyage. However, the global credit crunch has seriously affected Nakheel’s business plans, not just for QE2, but also other ambitious land-based construction plans in Dubai. At the end of 2008 Nakheel laid off a total of 500 workers and a further 400 in recent weeks.
Dubai World has applied for permission from South Africa’s National Ports Authority of Cape Town to berth QE2 in the commercial port. A decision is expected any day now.
Dubai World, with other investors, bought the Victoria & Albert Waterfront development in Cape Town in 2006 and during the past two years Dubai World Africa and Nakheel Hotels & Resorts have been working to re-design the area. QE2 can’t berth at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront complex because of her draught, so the plan is the berth her next door in the commercial port as a hotel. So much so for QE2 being the jewel of Dubai as previously planned! Sphere: Related Content
Having bought QE2 for £50m and announcing plans to cut the vessel in two and lengthen her, things started going wrong when the vessel arrived in Port Rashid, Dubai at the end of her last passenger carrying voyage. However, the global credit crunch has seriously affected Nakheel’s business plans, not just for QE2, but also other ambitious land-based construction plans in Dubai. At the end of 2008 Nakheel laid off a total of 500 workers and a further 400 in recent weeks.
Dubai World has applied for permission from South Africa’s National Ports Authority of Cape Town to berth QE2 in the commercial port. A decision is expected any day now.
Dubai World, with other investors, bought the Victoria & Albert Waterfront development in Cape Town in 2006 and during the past two years Dubai World Africa and Nakheel Hotels & Resorts have been working to re-design the area. QE2 can’t berth at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront complex because of her draught, so the plan is the berth her next door in the commercial port as a hotel. So much so for QE2 being the jewel of Dubai as previously planned! Sphere: Related Content
Pimentel named as President and CEO of Azamara Cruises
As hinted at in last week’s ‘Off Radar’, cruise industry veteran Larry Pimentel has been appointed by RCCL to the newly created position of president and CEO of Azamara Cruises. He will have responsibility for the strategic direction and leadership of the deluxe brand to ensure its continuous growth and success. Pimentel will report directly to Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of RCCL.
‘It is time for Azamara Cruises to stand on its own, after a successful two years of operation,’ said Mr. Fain. ‘The onboard experience and brand recognition of Azamara Cruises is due to the leadership, dedication and commitment of Dan Hanrahan and his Celebrity Cruises team.’
Larry Pimentel has more than 25 years of travel industry experience catering to the high-end consumer. Most recently, he served as president, CEO and co-owner of SeaDream yacht Club. Previously he served as president and CEO of Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line. Sphere: Related Content
‘It is time for Azamara Cruises to stand on its own, after a successful two years of operation,’ said Mr. Fain. ‘The onboard experience and brand recognition of Azamara Cruises is due to the leadership, dedication and commitment of Dan Hanrahan and his Celebrity Cruises team.’
Larry Pimentel has more than 25 years of travel industry experience catering to the high-end consumer. Most recently, he served as president, CEO and co-owner of SeaDream yacht Club. Previously he served as president and CEO of Cunard Line and Seabourn Cruise Line. Sphere: Related Content
Celebrity takes delivery of Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Cruises has officially taken delivery of its latest ship, Celebrity Equinox from her German builder Meyer Werft in Eemshaven, The Netherlands. The 2,850 passenger capacity vessel is set to arrive in the UK port of Southampton on 19 July for inspection and then a series of promotional activities before being officially named on 29 July. Her maiden fare paying voyage is an eight night Norwegian Fjords cruise from Southampton on 31 July.
Passengers who sail on Celebrity Equinox will enjoy a resort-like experience at sea through the industry-first attributes also found on sistership Celebrity Solstice, including the industry’s first Lawn Club, a half-acre country club featuring real, growing grass; 10 dining venues including several created by noted hospitality designer Adam Tihany, and all featuring menus pairing classic and contemporary selections created by noted chef, restaurateur and Celebrity Cruises’ vice-president of Culinary Operations, Jacques Van Staden; AquaClass, the line’s spa inspired cabins offering exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced speciality restaurant Blu; the industry’s first hot glass show at sea; larger more intuitive cabins influenced by a panel of five women with unique travel and hospitality insights, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals.
Following her maiden cruise Celebrity Equinox will depart Southampton on 8 August on a 10-night ‘Best of Europe’ cruise to Civitavecchia, Italy, calling at ports in France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Italy. The ship will then sail a series of 13 and 14-night ‘Ancient Empires’ cruises until October, featuring two new ports of call: Haifa and Ashdod in Israel. These voyages also include an overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt.
On 5 November Celebrity Equinox will cross the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from where she will begin a series of alternating 10 and 11-night ‘Ultimate Caribbean’ cruises until April 2010. The 11-night voyages will call at Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 10-night sailings call at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Sphere: Related Content
Passengers who sail on Celebrity Equinox will enjoy a resort-like experience at sea through the industry-first attributes also found on sistership Celebrity Solstice, including the industry’s first Lawn Club, a half-acre country club featuring real, growing grass; 10 dining venues including several created by noted hospitality designer Adam Tihany, and all featuring menus pairing classic and contemporary selections created by noted chef, restaurateur and Celebrity Cruises’ vice-president of Culinary Operations, Jacques Van Staden; AquaClass, the line’s spa inspired cabins offering exclusive access to the Mediterranean-influenced speciality restaurant Blu; the industry’s first hot glass show at sea; larger more intuitive cabins influenced by a panel of five women with unique travel and hospitality insights, and widely varied entertainment, including spectacular new shows in partnership with Poet Theatricals.
Following her maiden cruise Celebrity Equinox will depart Southampton on 8 August on a 10-night ‘Best of Europe’ cruise to Civitavecchia, Italy, calling at ports in France, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar and Italy. The ship will then sail a series of 13 and 14-night ‘Ancient Empires’ cruises until October, featuring two new ports of call: Haifa and Ashdod in Israel. These voyages also include an overnight stay in Alexandria, Egypt.
On 5 November Celebrity Equinox will cross the Atlantic to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from where she will begin a series of alternating 10 and 11-night ‘Ultimate Caribbean’ cruises until April 2010. The 11-night voyages will call at Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. The 10-night sailings call at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas; Basseterre, St. Kitts; Bridgetown, Barbados; Roseau, Dominica; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Sphere: Related Content
P&O Cruises releases new magazine-style brochure for 2010
UK cruise line P&O Cruises has released a new magazine-style brochure, featuring destination articles as well as extensive product information, for 2010 which it hopes will command front position on the brochure racks in travel agencies this summer.
The 2010 first edition brochure includes the full first season of Azura, two round Britain cruises, free child places and eight new itineraries.
P&O Cruises’ managing director Nigel Esdale said: ‘The new P&O cruises 2010 brochure has blurred the boundaries between brochure and magazine to give our passengers an inspirational insight into the ships and destinations included in a P&O Cruises holiday – which you could not find in a traditional style brochure.
‘The brochure will compliment our website and the Complete Cruise Solution website, which give passengers much more factual information about destinations and cruising with P&O Cruises. Combined, these make a comprehensive sales tools for agents.’
The new brochure features travel articles on destinations visited in the programme along with an insight into life onboard the ships in the fleet.
‘As market leaders were are offering the widest choice of departures from Southampton during the summer season, with seven ships sailing we have a cruise to suit everyone from first-timers to the more experienced cruiser. Passengers sailing from Southampton can start their holiday within 30 minutes of arrival at the terminal to stepping onboard the ship of their choice.’
Highlights of the programme include:
• Cruise holidays on Azura – the newest superliner addition to the fleet
• Two round Britain cruises
• Six new ports of call
• A 28-night Caribbean Christmas cruise on Ventura
• Expanded Caribbean and Panama Canal season with six ships sailing to these destinations and three ships offering a fly-cruise programme
• Increase in Canada and New England voyages with two September sailings and the inaugural visit for Arcadia Sphere: Related Content
The 2010 first edition brochure includes the full first season of Azura, two round Britain cruises, free child places and eight new itineraries.
P&O Cruises’ managing director Nigel Esdale said: ‘The new P&O cruises 2010 brochure has blurred the boundaries between brochure and magazine to give our passengers an inspirational insight into the ships and destinations included in a P&O Cruises holiday – which you could not find in a traditional style brochure.
‘The brochure will compliment our website and the Complete Cruise Solution website, which give passengers much more factual information about destinations and cruising with P&O Cruises. Combined, these make a comprehensive sales tools for agents.’
The new brochure features travel articles on destinations visited in the programme along with an insight into life onboard the ships in the fleet.
‘As market leaders were are offering the widest choice of departures from Southampton during the summer season, with seven ships sailing we have a cruise to suit everyone from first-timers to the more experienced cruiser. Passengers sailing from Southampton can start their holiday within 30 minutes of arrival at the terminal to stepping onboard the ship of their choice.’
Highlights of the programme include:
• Cruise holidays on Azura – the newest superliner addition to the fleet
• Two round Britain cruises
• Six new ports of call
• A 28-night Caribbean Christmas cruise on Ventura
• Expanded Caribbean and Panama Canal season with six ships sailing to these destinations and three ships offering a fly-cruise programme
• Increase in Canada and New England voyages with two September sailings and the inaugural visit for Arcadia Sphere: Related Content
Celebrity launches new Captain’s Club
Celebrity Cruises’ Captain’s Club – the top rated premium brand’s three-tiered recognition and benefits programme designed exclusively for its most loyal passengers – has been redesigned and relaunched based on a series of member-inspired improvements. Several new features are being rolled out across the Celebrity fleet on sailing beginning in July, while others will be introduced in intervals over the course of the year.
New features launching this month include the Captain’s Club Celebration, a one-of-a-kind social and entertainment event available to all members; significantly improved Internet and laundry benefits for Select and Elite tier members; and a new onboard lounge exclusively for Elite members. Celebrity has even introduced a new theme for the club, which doubles as an ongoing commitment to members: ‘The centre of our attention.’
During the second half of 2009 Celebrity will expand the Captain’s Club with a variety of other new features, all of which will be announced prior to this taking effect.
A highlight of the onboard experience is likely to be the Captain’s Club Celebration. Soon available across the fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, all members will be invited to this exclusive event once per sailing.
Redesigned to be a highlight of every cruise, the spirited affair will provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow members, chat with the Captain and senior shipboard officers, experience interactive cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the new ‘CC Jams’ performance by a variety of shipboard musicians. Sphere: Related Content
New features launching this month include the Captain’s Club Celebration, a one-of-a-kind social and entertainment event available to all members; significantly improved Internet and laundry benefits for Select and Elite tier members; and a new onboard lounge exclusively for Elite members. Celebrity has even introduced a new theme for the club, which doubles as an ongoing commitment to members: ‘The centre of our attention.’
During the second half of 2009 Celebrity will expand the Captain’s Club with a variety of other new features, all of which will be announced prior to this taking effect.
A highlight of the onboard experience is likely to be the Captain’s Club Celebration. Soon available across the fleet, with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, all members will be invited to this exclusive event once per sailing.
Redesigned to be a highlight of every cruise, the spirited affair will provide the perfect opportunity to meet fellow members, chat with the Captain and senior shipboard officers, experience interactive cooking demonstrations, and enjoy the new ‘CC Jams’ performance by a variety of shipboard musicians. Sphere: Related Content
Unnamed charter for Swan Hellenic’s Minerva
UK cruise operator Swan Hellenic has received a ‘significant whole ship charter’ for its 320 berth Minerva from an unnamed client for the period end of January 2010 through to early April. The charter covers the period of the vessel’s return from her South America/Antarctic season.
Sphere: Related Content
Palma home port for Thomson Dream
UK cruise line Thomson Cruises’ newest vessel, currently sailing as Costa Europa, will be renamed Thomson Dream when her 10 year charter starts in April 2010, with the vessel being ‘homeported’ in Palma, Majorca and offering three seven-night routes including Civitavecchia (Rome), Florence, Barcelona, and, for the first time for Thomson, La Goulette, Tunisia.
Palma is an ideal ‘homeport’ for a vessel specifically aimed at the UK cruise sector, as it can be reached by flights from 22 UK airports. Plans for Thomson Dream’s winter 2010/2011 season will be unveiled shortly.
The 1,506 passenger capacity Thomson Dream, built in 1986 as Homeric for US operator Home Lines, will be the fourth and largest in the UK operator’s fleet, and the most luxurious. All cabins have recently been renovated, while passengers will be able to choose from five dining venues including a main dining room, an a la carte grill and a 24-hour buffet. Sphere: Related Content
Palma is an ideal ‘homeport’ for a vessel specifically aimed at the UK cruise sector, as it can be reached by flights from 22 UK airports. Plans for Thomson Dream’s winter 2010/2011 season will be unveiled shortly.
The 1,506 passenger capacity Thomson Dream, built in 1986 as Homeric for US operator Home Lines, will be the fourth and largest in the UK operator’s fleet, and the most luxurious. All cabins have recently been renovated, while passengers will be able to choose from five dining venues including a main dining room, an a la carte grill and a 24-hour buffet. Sphere: Related Content
New look Wightlink terminal opens for business in Fishbourne
Passengers using UK cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink’s Portsmouth-Fishbourne service can now get the benefit of enhanced facilities and a smoother, streamlined service to and from the Isle of Wight after the opening of the ferry operator’s revamped terminal at Fishbourne.
A fundamental redesign of the terminal was crucial to Wightlink’s future strategy for the busiest cross-Solent route. The modernisation plan not only involved replacing the old ticket office with a brand new customer reception centre, but also a streamlining of the terminal layout in order to bring greater efficiency to Wightlink’s day-to-day operation and offer enhanced customer service.
Further works are in the pipeline for this winter, including the re-profiling of the entry and exit lines, controlling these with traffic lights to ease congestion around the terminal. Sphere: Related Content
A fundamental redesign of the terminal was crucial to Wightlink’s future strategy for the busiest cross-Solent route. The modernisation plan not only involved replacing the old ticket office with a brand new customer reception centre, but also a streamlining of the terminal layout in order to bring greater efficiency to Wightlink’s day-to-day operation and offer enhanced customer service.
Further works are in the pipeline for this winter, including the re-profiling of the entry and exit lines, controlling these with traffic lights to ease congestion around the terminal. Sphere: Related Content
Marco Polo in hot water after norovirus outbreak
One passenger died and a further four have been hospitalised after more than 150 people were taken ill following a suspected outbreak of norovirus on Transocean Tour’s Marco Polo while the vessel was berthed in the Scottish port of Invergordon, while on a cruise from Tilbury. The dead man was British and is believed to have died of a heart attack.
Sphere: Related Content
V.Ships Leisure looses Windstar ship management deal
After using V.Ships Leisure for its ship management requirements for the past two and a half years, tall ship cruise line Windstar Cruises has decided to bring all ship management operations in house for its three-ship fleet. From September 2009 Windstar will assume control of all deck, engine and hotel operations, as well as all shore-based ship management operations.
Windstar’s in-house ship management team will be based in Seattle and headed-up by Capt. Nico Corbijn, Executive Vice President, Fleet Operations, assisted by Nick Burger, Vice President Marine Hotel Operations, and Huib van Leeuwen, Vice President Marine Operations. Sphere: Related Content
Windstar’s in-house ship management team will be based in Seattle and headed-up by Capt. Nico Corbijn, Executive Vice President, Fleet Operations, assisted by Nick Burger, Vice President Marine Hotel Operations, and Huib van Leeuwen, Vice President Marine Operations. Sphere: Related Content
End of year newbuilding decision for MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises has given itself until the end of this year to decide whether or not to proceed with its delayed €1bn (US $1.4bn) order for two more cruise ships from STX France’s Saint Nazaire shipyard. The company, which announced the order for the two vessels last September, said in December that it wanted to renegotiate their price to take into account of the global recession.
Six months later, however, the company is still not in a position to place a firm order. Last week MSC Cruises took delivery of MSC Splendida from the French shipyard and if this new contract is not finalised the yard faces laying off a large number of workers. Sphere: Related Content
Six months later, however, the company is still not in a position to place a firm order. Last week MSC Cruises took delivery of MSC Splendida from the French shipyard and if this new contract is not finalised the yard faces laying off a large number of workers. Sphere: Related Content
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Pimentel to return at Azamara?
As ‘Off Radar’ went to press, there were strong, unconfirmed reports, that luxury cruise industry veteran Larry Pimentel was to return to the industry as the head of RCCL’s deluxe brand Azamara Cruises. Pimentel most recently was the boss and co-owner of SeaDream Yacht Club, until standing down. We hope to report in more detail on this story in next week’s edition.
Sphere: Related Content
Thomson charters Costa Europa for 10 years
UK cruise operator Thomson Cruises, as of April 2010, will take Carnival Corp’s 1,488 passenger Costa Europa on a 10 year bareboat charter, with an option to purchase the vessel after five years.
Sphere: Related Content
Louis announces itineraries for Louis Majesty
Louis Majesty, Louis Cruise Line’s newest ship will initially undertake Coral’s Mediterranean itineraries from Genoa and Marseille when she enters service on 4 December 2009, through to 3 January 2010. She will then start her own Mediterranean schedule from these two ports.
Currently sailing as NCL’s Norwegian Majesty, the 1,790 passenger capacity vessel was bought from parent Star Cruises in July 2008 and then chartered back to NCL until the latter part of this year.
Commenting on the imminent arrival of Louis Majesty, Costakis Loizou, Louis Group’s Executive Chairman said: ‘Louis Majesty’s acquisition and imminent commencement of her cruise programme under the own brand operations form yet another solid step in materialising the company’s policy for the continuous upgrade of its products and services.’
The Louis fleet comprises 12 vessels sailing from the Mediterranean ports of Piraeus, Genoa, Marseille and Limassol. Three vessels are currently on charter to the UK’s Thomson Cruises. Sphere: Related Content
Currently sailing as NCL’s Norwegian Majesty, the 1,790 passenger capacity vessel was bought from parent Star Cruises in July 2008 and then chartered back to NCL until the latter part of this year.
Commenting on the imminent arrival of Louis Majesty, Costakis Loizou, Louis Group’s Executive Chairman said: ‘Louis Majesty’s acquisition and imminent commencement of her cruise programme under the own brand operations form yet another solid step in materialising the company’s policy for the continuous upgrade of its products and services.’
The Louis fleet comprises 12 vessels sailing from the Mediterranean ports of Piraeus, Genoa, Marseille and Limassol. Three vessels are currently on charter to the UK’s Thomson Cruises. Sphere: Related Content
Carnival Dream completes sea trials
Carnival cruise Line’s 130,000grt Carnival Dream has successfully completed sea trials and is set to be delivered from Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard in September, entering service in Europe on 21 September.
Sphere: Related Content
Oceanic resumes world cruise
Japan’s Peace Boat’s Oceanic, which was detained by the US Coast Guard in New York last week for a number of safety violations, has resumed her world cruise after carry out repairs at New York’s Bayonne Dry Dock. Passengers on the voyage were put up in a number of Atlantic City hotels while repair work was completed.
Sphere: Related Content
Interferry joins IMO Ro-Pax safety review
Trade association Interferry has nominated Stena Rederi technical director Harry Robertsson as its representative on an IMO expert panel formed to review Formal Safety Assessments (FSAs) of Ro-Pax and cruise vessels carried out under the European Commission’s recently completed SAFEDOR project.
Studies by SAFEDOR (Design, Operation and Regulations for Safety) are being scrutinised by a Group of Experts drawn from 14 member governments and five organisations with consultative status at the IMO – Interferry, IACS, Intertanko, the Oil Companies International Marine Forum and the Cruise Lines International Association.
Their brief is to review the validity of SAFEDOR’s methodology, assumptions, scenarios and input data and to consider the proposed risk control options, which focused on damage stability/survivability, fire protection, and evacuation arrangements.
The Group of Experts submitted an initial report to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee after meeting for the first time over 23 May-3 June during the MSC 86 session in London. A further meeting is planned in November, also at IMO headquarters, before reporting to MSC 87.
The IMO’s FSA process is designed to provide a proactive risk assessment and benefit-cost analysis to identify areas of future safety regulations. Interferry’s CEO Len Roueche, who attended the first meeting said: ‘We welcome this opportunity to speak on behalf of the global ferry industry at a crucial stage regulatory development.’
Fast growing Interferry has added a further three countries to its global membership base, which now extends to 226 companies in 30 nations. The first ever members in their respective countries are Nexus Ltd of Croatia, which runs the recruitment website Maritime Connector, the National Ferries Co of Oman, which operates new Austal-built fast ferries, and Thailand’s Chao Phraya Express Boat, which has a fleet of more than 80 commuter ferries in Bangkok.
Other notable new members joining Interferry this year include ferry operators ANEK Lines of Greece, Fjord Line of Norway, Gothong Southern Shipping Lines of the Philippines and Owen Sound Transportation of Canada.
Interferry membership has grown by 130% since 2002 and now represents more than 500 individuals in organisations ranging from owners and operators to shipyards and government agencies. Seven years ago the trade association had 98 members in 19 countries, with 49% based in North America and 34% in Europe. The current roll call includes 46% from Europe and 35% from North America. Membership is targeted to grow by 50% over the next eight years, with most newcomers expected to come from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Recruitment potential is a major factor in deciding the location of Interferry’s annual conference. Following Istanbul this October and New York in 2010, the 2011 venue is likely to be Barcelona, while Dubai and Singapore are contenders for the 2012 event. Sphere: Related Content
Studies by SAFEDOR (Design, Operation and Regulations for Safety) are being scrutinised by a Group of Experts drawn from 14 member governments and five organisations with consultative status at the IMO – Interferry, IACS, Intertanko, the Oil Companies International Marine Forum and the Cruise Lines International Association.
Their brief is to review the validity of SAFEDOR’s methodology, assumptions, scenarios and input data and to consider the proposed risk control options, which focused on damage stability/survivability, fire protection, and evacuation arrangements.
The Group of Experts submitted an initial report to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee after meeting for the first time over 23 May-3 June during the MSC 86 session in London. A further meeting is planned in November, also at IMO headquarters, before reporting to MSC 87.
The IMO’s FSA process is designed to provide a proactive risk assessment and benefit-cost analysis to identify areas of future safety regulations. Interferry’s CEO Len Roueche, who attended the first meeting said: ‘We welcome this opportunity to speak on behalf of the global ferry industry at a crucial stage regulatory development.’
Fast growing Interferry has added a further three countries to its global membership base, which now extends to 226 companies in 30 nations. The first ever members in their respective countries are Nexus Ltd of Croatia, which runs the recruitment website Maritime Connector, the National Ferries Co of Oman, which operates new Austal-built fast ferries, and Thailand’s Chao Phraya Express Boat, which has a fleet of more than 80 commuter ferries in Bangkok.
Other notable new members joining Interferry this year include ferry operators ANEK Lines of Greece, Fjord Line of Norway, Gothong Southern Shipping Lines of the Philippines and Owen Sound Transportation of Canada.
Interferry membership has grown by 130% since 2002 and now represents more than 500 individuals in organisations ranging from owners and operators to shipyards and government agencies. Seven years ago the trade association had 98 members in 19 countries, with 49% based in North America and 34% in Europe. The current roll call includes 46% from Europe and 35% from North America. Membership is targeted to grow by 50% over the next eight years, with most newcomers expected to come from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Recruitment potential is a major factor in deciding the location of Interferry’s annual conference. Following Istanbul this October and New York in 2010, the 2011 venue is likely to be Barcelona, while Dubai and Singapore are contenders for the 2012 event. Sphere: Related Content
Cunard and P&O Cruises 2011 world cruises open to record bookings
Bookings opened for the Cunard and P&O Cruises world cruises last week with a record-breaking start. On Wednesday, 1 July, 2,044 people booked voyages from the two programmes, 47% more than on the same day last year for 2010 world voyages, when a total of 1,385 bookings were made.
P&O Cruises is offering its largest ever world voyage programme in 2011, with four ships undertaking round the world cruises. For Cunard, the brand new ocean liner Queen Elizabeth is sailing on her maiden world cruise, with QM2 undertaking her fourth Grand Voyage.
P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said: ‘We hope that the figures for both companies are indicative of shoots of growth for the travel industry as a whole, and show the resilience of the cruise sector. The appetite to take that once in a lifetime voyage is far from in decline, and for many experienced cruisers a world voyage is becoming a regular winter holiday experience. This success of this launch day suggests that cruising is more immune to the current economic climate and that holidays are still a priority.
‘P&O Cruises is the world voyage expert and has used this wealth of experience to create this, the largest and most varied programme for 2011. With four ships sailing roundtrip from Southampton visiting a total of 89 ports in 46 countries we are able to offer more choice, more destinations and more holiday options than ever before.’
Cunard president and managing director, Carol Marlow said: ‘We are delighted to see this great response to the Cunard world voyage programme. We were the first to offer a world cruise back in 1922, and guests still seek out that civilised and authentic Cunard experience. Queen Elizabeth, whose keel was laid in Italy this week, will take her maiden world voyage in 2011.’ Sphere: Related Content
P&O Cruises is offering its largest ever world voyage programme in 2011, with four ships undertaking round the world cruises. For Cunard, the brand new ocean liner Queen Elizabeth is sailing on her maiden world cruise, with QM2 undertaking her fourth Grand Voyage.
P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said: ‘We hope that the figures for both companies are indicative of shoots of growth for the travel industry as a whole, and show the resilience of the cruise sector. The appetite to take that once in a lifetime voyage is far from in decline, and for many experienced cruisers a world voyage is becoming a regular winter holiday experience. This success of this launch day suggests that cruising is more immune to the current economic climate and that holidays are still a priority.
‘P&O Cruises is the world voyage expert and has used this wealth of experience to create this, the largest and most varied programme for 2011. With four ships sailing roundtrip from Southampton visiting a total of 89 ports in 46 countries we are able to offer more choice, more destinations and more holiday options than ever before.’
Cunard president and managing director, Carol Marlow said: ‘We are delighted to see this great response to the Cunard world voyage programme. We were the first to offer a world cruise back in 1922, and guests still seek out that civilised and authentic Cunard experience. Queen Elizabeth, whose keel was laid in Italy this week, will take her maiden world voyage in 2011.’ Sphere: Related Content
Stena Ro-Pax builder goes bankrupt
The in-service date of Stena Line’s two new large Ro-Paxs for its Harwich (UK) - Hook of Holland (The Netherlands) service is in doubt following the entering into bankruptcy of German shipbuilder Waden Yards MTW GmbH.
Both vessels were due for delivery in February and August 2010. Sphere: Related Content
Both vessels were due for delivery in February and August 2010. Sphere: Related Content
Wightlink catamarans on way to the UK
UK cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink’s two new passenger catamarans Wight Ryder 1 and Wight Ryder II have been delivered by their Philippine builder, FBMA Shipyard in Cebu, and are now on their way to the UK aboard the heavy lift ship BBC Georgia.
Specifically designed for the Wightlink service linking Portsmouth Harbour Station and Ryde Pierhead, the new 40m catamarans can each carry 260 passengers and have a service speed of 20 knots. They will replace the ageing Fastcat Ryde and Fastcat Shanklin when they enter service. Sphere: Related Content
Specifically designed for the Wightlink service linking Portsmouth Harbour Station and Ryde Pierhead, the new 40m catamarans can each carry 260 passengers and have a service speed of 20 knots. They will replace the ageing Fastcat Ryde and Fastcat Shanklin when they enter service. Sphere: Related Content
Red Funnel buys fast ferry from the US
Southampton-based cross-Solent ferry operator Red Funnel’s newest fast ferry has arrived in the UK from the US and is currently being refitted in Portsmouth, before enter service later this month on the company’s Southampton-Cowes run.
Red Jet 5 arrived in the UK from the US aboard the heavy lift ship CEC Meadow and was then towed to the former VT Halmatic shipyard at Portchester, near Portsmouth for refitting and painting by newly established Trafalgar Wharf. Built by the now closed Pequot River Shipworks in New London, Connecticut, in 1999, Red Jet 5 is a Solent-class fast ferry designed by FBM Marine, capable of carrying 187 passengers at a service speed of 35 knots.
Southampton-based outfitting specialist Trimline is carrying out the complete interior refurbishment of the fast ferry at Trafalgar Wharf’s covered facility, which also now boasts of a fully refurbished and operational 1,000 tonne Syncrolift shiplift and transfer system. The latter is managed by Southampton-based Testbank Shiprepair.
Red funnel recently sold its two 1991-built high speed passenger catamarans Red Jet 1 and Red Jet 2 to Caspian Mainport for operation as offshore crew boats in Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea. Sphere: Related Content
Red Jet 5 arrived in the UK from the US aboard the heavy lift ship CEC Meadow and was then towed to the former VT Halmatic shipyard at Portchester, near Portsmouth for refitting and painting by newly established Trafalgar Wharf. Built by the now closed Pequot River Shipworks in New London, Connecticut, in 1999, Red Jet 5 is a Solent-class fast ferry designed by FBM Marine, capable of carrying 187 passengers at a service speed of 35 knots.
Southampton-based outfitting specialist Trimline is carrying out the complete interior refurbishment of the fast ferry at Trafalgar Wharf’s covered facility, which also now boasts of a fully refurbished and operational 1,000 tonne Syncrolift shiplift and transfer system. The latter is managed by Southampton-based Testbank Shiprepair.
Red funnel recently sold its two 1991-built high speed passenger catamarans Red Jet 1 and Red Jet 2 to Caspian Mainport for operation as offshore crew boats in Kazakhstan on the Caspian Sea. Sphere: Related Content
Stena Discovery arrives in Venezuela
Although Stena Line has still to confirm its sale, the Swedish ferry operators’ HSS 1500 design fast passenger/vehicle ferry Stena Discovery has arrived in Venezuela to start operations for her new owners, travel and tourism company Albamar. Sistership Stena Explorer is also expected to follow to South America later this year.
Albamar will use both HSS 1500s on a service linking the port of Caracas, La Guaira, with the port of El Guamache, on the holiday island of Margarita. The 1997-built Stena Discovery and her sister can carry 1,500 passengers and 375 cars at a service speed of 42 knots. The vessels had become uneconomic to operate of late due to the fact that they are powered by Kvaerner-GE gas turbines and have high fuel consumption. This is now a problem in Venezuela, which is one of the world’s largest oil producers and marine fuel locally is a lot cheaper than elsewhere in the world.
Stena Discovery had been laid-up in Belfast, Northern Ireland since being withdrawn from the Harwich (UK) – Hook of Holland (The Netherlands) service in early 2007. Stena Explorer is one of two HSS 1500s that operate on Stena’s Irish Sea services and is expected to arrive in South America in early September. That will leave only one of the revolutionary HSS 1500 design still in service in Europe, Stena Voyager on the Irish Sea. Sphere: Related Content
Albamar will use both HSS 1500s on a service linking the port of Caracas, La Guaira, with the port of El Guamache, on the holiday island of Margarita. The 1997-built Stena Discovery and her sister can carry 1,500 passengers and 375 cars at a service speed of 42 knots. The vessels had become uneconomic to operate of late due to the fact that they are powered by Kvaerner-GE gas turbines and have high fuel consumption. This is now a problem in Venezuela, which is one of the world’s largest oil producers and marine fuel locally is a lot cheaper than elsewhere in the world.
Stena Discovery had been laid-up in Belfast, Northern Ireland since being withdrawn from the Harwich (UK) – Hook of Holland (The Netherlands) service in early 2007. Stena Explorer is one of two HSS 1500s that operate on Stena’s Irish Sea services and is expected to arrive in South America in early September. That will leave only one of the revolutionary HSS 1500 design still in service in Europe, Stena Voyager on the Irish Sea. Sphere: Related Content
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Nigerian Militants Seize Tanker Crewmembers
EMS Ship Management has confirmed that the chemical/oil tanker Sichem Peace was attacked Saturday (7/4) by Nigerian militants about 18 miles off Port KoKo, Nigeria. The pirates kidnapped 6 of 19 crewmembers and let the ship go. In statement to the BBC, the main militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, says it is holding three Russians, two Filipinos and an Indian.
Coast Guard Responds to Tanker Truck Spill on I-95 North of Boston
A tanker truck crashed on the northbound side of Interstate-95 just north Newburyport, Massachusetts Monday morning. The accident resulted in some 2,500 gallons of gas spilling from the tanker.
It is being reported that the highway is indefinitely closed northbound, and only 1 of 4 southbound lanes is open. The accident clean up could last until Tuesday (7/7).
It is being reported that the highway is indefinitely closed northbound, and only 1 of 4 southbound lanes is open. The accident clean up could last until Tuesday (7/7).
The Coast Guard (USCG) is on the scene because the accident happened near where I-95 crosses the Merrimack River, and according to the USCG, some gasoline has already entered the water there.
Sphere: Related ContentIMO Council Makes 2010 the "Year of the Seafarer"
"The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), meeting for its 102nd session in London (29 June to 3 July 2009), agreed that next year's theme for World Maritime Day will be '2010: Year of the Seafarer', endorsing a proposal from IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos."
Sphere: Related ContentShip Owner's Kidnappers Charged
Greek authorities have charged sixteen people with criminal offenses related to the January kidnapping of 74 year-old ship owner Periklis Panagopoulos. The same group also faces homicide charges in connection with a previously unsolved murder of George Gousion in 2008. Ten of the gang appeared in court, five are already in prison and one is still at-large. Panagopoulos was released unharmed after his wife paid a ransom. The ship owner's kidnapping was the second in a six-month period that involved wealthy businessmen.
Sri Lanka Gives New Powers to Coast Guard
Sri Lanka will give their Coast Guard Department new powers once legislation is enacted later this week. The new Department will now operate under the Ministry of Defense, Public Safety, Law and Order. This move will give the Coast Guard new powers that include the detection and seizure of contraband and weapons, prevention of trafficking of narcotics, exit and entry of immigrants and illegal fishing in Sri Lanka's territorial waters. The Coast Guard will also be empowered to carry all prescribed weapons necessary to carry-out their duties.
Sphere: Related Content
Sphere: Related Content
Yemen and Italy Cooperate on Coastal Security
As part of a cooperative program between the governments of Yemen and Italy, the countries have agreed to launch a radar station network in the Gulf of Aden. The program started three years ago is called the Ships Services Project and is part of Yemen's on-going efforts to reduce piracy, human smuggling and drug trafficking along its coastal regions.
The Italian Ambassador to Yemen commented, "The Italian government sees Yemen's stability and unity as key to security and stability on a regional and international level due to the geographical location the country enjoys."
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Costa Europa sold to TUI
We have been reliably informed that TUI Thomson have purchased the Costa Europa. This is a strategic move by TUI Thomson to purchase a vessel rather than charter. It was interesting to see that we can assume TUI Thomson will reject the possibility of chartering the Norwegian Majesty with Louis Cruises.
The Costa Europa is a sophisticated cruise ship that reflects the style and atmosphere of continental Europe and has enjoyed a great deal of popularity amongst Costa Crociere passengers.
Sphere: Related ContentWednesday, July 1, 2009
No such thing as a free lunch on Oasis of the Seas!
Passengers wishing to experience a cruise aboard the world’s largest cruise ship, RCI’s Oasis of the Seas, when she comes into service at the end of this year will be offered an unrivalled array of facilities and dining options. The dining options are many and varied. However, if passengers think that they are in for an all-inclusive culinary experience then they are in for a shock. Although many of Oasis of the Seas’ dining options are included in the cruise ticket price, many of the more alluring venues will have cover charges, while other dining options will have a la carte pricing. Cover charges will range from $3.95 for breakfast at the Johnny Rockets diner, $10/$15 for lunch/dinner at the Tuscan trattoria Giovanni’s Table to $35 for dinner at the ship’s most exclusive dining venue, 150 Central Park.
Sphere: Related Content
Geiranger restrictions pay off
Last year the Norwegian west coast cruise destination of Geiranger introduced restrictions on the number of cruise vessels calling at one time, a move which has received a positive response from both the local community and the cruise lines calling at the port.
Under the new restrictions the total number of gross registered tonnage (grt) allowed in Geirangerfjord at any one time is 200,000grt and/or approximately 5,000 passengers, irrespective of the anchorage capacity available and the number of vessels.
The cruise destinations of Geiranger, Stranda and Hellsylt are expecting 169 cruise calls this season (May-September), bringing an estimated 180,000 passengers plus 75,000 crew. The Stranda Port Authority has a new website with data on the three tender ports. When the daily limits have been reached the calls are marked in red so cruise lines can quickly identify which dates are unavailable.
Two new cruise berths are planned at Stranda and Hellsylt, both due in service in 2010. At Hellsylt a 120m quay is being built to accommodate ships up to 250m, with an alongside water depth of 11m,while at Stranda the new quay will be able to accommodate the largest cruise ships currently in service, or building. Sphere: Related Content
Under the new restrictions the total number of gross registered tonnage (grt) allowed in Geirangerfjord at any one time is 200,000grt and/or approximately 5,000 passengers, irrespective of the anchorage capacity available and the number of vessels.
The cruise destinations of Geiranger, Stranda and Hellsylt are expecting 169 cruise calls this season (May-September), bringing an estimated 180,000 passengers plus 75,000 crew. The Stranda Port Authority has a new website with data on the three tender ports. When the daily limits have been reached the calls are marked in red so cruise lines can quickly identify which dates are unavailable.
Two new cruise berths are planned at Stranda and Hellsylt, both due in service in 2010. At Hellsylt a 120m quay is being built to accommodate ships up to 250m, with an alongside water depth of 11m,while at Stranda the new quay will be able to accommodate the largest cruise ships currently in service, or building. Sphere: Related Content
Oasis of the Seas introduces the next generation of cruise ship dining
Launching in December, the world’s largest cruise ship Oasis of the Seas will set the stage for RCI’s culinary innovations. The world’s most revolutionary cruise ship will offer passengers more variety and flexibility than ever before, thanks to 24 distinct dining experiences, ranging from an exclusive signature restaurant, to neighbourhood-specific themed venues and new twists on the global brand’s traditions. However, many of the dining venues will incur additional cover charges per person.
The following are the highlights of Oasis of the Seas food and beverage options:
Central Park
• 150 Central Park: the most exclusive dining venue aboard Oasis of the Seas, which will provide an intimate dining experience that will combine leading-edge cuisine with modern design, creating a trendy upscale ambience. Signature features will include a tasting menu with customised wine pairings. Open for dinner with a $35 cover charge
• Giovanni’s Table: This Tuscan-influenced trattoria will be a more-accessible, casual Italian restaurant featuring both indoor and al-fresco seating. The venue will offer rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews, all served family-style. Open for lunch and dinner, $10 lunch and $15 dinner cover charge
• Park Café: A casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility, Park Café will be an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and made-to-order sandwiches, to paninis, crepes and soups, passengers can order directly from the chefs behind food stations. European pastries, chocolates and fudge will complement the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats
• Vintages: Always a popular hot spot for RCI passengers on Voyager and Freedom class ships, the Vintages wine bar will evolve into a larger space on Oasis of the Seas. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, Vintages will provide a selection of cheeses and a broad tapas menu to accompany a selection of fine wines. Open for lunch and dinner; a la carte pricing
The following are the highlights of Oasis of the Seas food and beverage options:
Central Park
• 150 Central Park: the most exclusive dining venue aboard Oasis of the Seas, which will provide an intimate dining experience that will combine leading-edge cuisine with modern design, creating a trendy upscale ambience. Signature features will include a tasting menu with customised wine pairings. Open for dinner with a $35 cover charge
• Giovanni’s Table: This Tuscan-influenced trattoria will be a more-accessible, casual Italian restaurant featuring both indoor and al-fresco seating. The venue will offer rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews, all served family-style. Open for lunch and dinner, $10 lunch and $15 dinner cover charge
• Park Café: A casual dining choice providing a high level of variety and flexibility, Park Café will be an indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters. From freshly prepared salads and made-to-order sandwiches, to paninis, crepes and soups, passengers can order directly from the chefs behind food stations. European pastries, chocolates and fudge will complement the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats
• Vintages: Always a popular hot spot for RCI passengers on Voyager and Freedom class ships, the Vintages wine bar will evolve into a larger space on Oasis of the Seas. Great for a pre-dinner rendezvous, Vintages will provide a selection of cheeses and a broad tapas menu to accompany a selection of fine wines. Open for lunch and dinner; a la carte pricing
• Chops Grille: Continuing the tradition, RCI’s popular signature steakhouse will offer premium cut, quality meats. Passengers can choose to enjoy the upscale, contemporary setting indoors with views of Central Park, or al-fresco. Open for dinner; $25 cover charge
Boardwalk
• Seafood Shack: The indoor/outdoor casual family restaurant will bring the surf style of beach side amusement parks to the Boardwalk, serving a variety of seafood, as well as an extensive beverage menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and over-sized deserts. Open for lunch and dinner; $7.95 for lunch and $9.95 dinner cover charge
• Boardwalk Bar: The main bar in the Boardwalk will offer on-the-go-snacks and a variety of pre-packaged sandwiches, fruit and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Donut Shop; Passengers can stop into the classically-styled shop for a casual snack any time of the day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Ice Cream Parlor: The 1950’s styled ice cream venue will sell classic sundaes and a variety of ice cream flavours and toppings to choose from and then mixed to order on a frozen slab. Open throughout the day; a la carte pricing
• Johnny Rockets: Extending the signature ‘eat-ertainment’ hours, a diner breakfast menu will be introduced. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; $3.95 for breakfast and $4.95 lunch and dinner cover charge
The Royal Promenade
• Mondo Café: This new addition to the Royal Promenade will feature coffee, sandwiches and pastries native to the countries such as Italy, Spain and Cuba. Close to Boleros and open round the clock, it is sure to be popular after an evening on the dance floor. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats
• Sorrento’s Pizzeria: The New York-style pizzeria will feature a more extensive menu with made to order pizza pies and slices, in addition to the ready-made selections introduced with the Freedom-class ships. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacks
• Café Promenade: Located on the opposite end of the Royal Promenade from the Mondo Café, the popular café will continue serving Seattle’s Best Coffee, fruit shakes, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and night. Open 24 hours; a la carte pricing
• Solarium Bistro: Located in the Solarium, the contemporary bistro will offer health-conscious dining for breakfast and lunch in a casual setting. In the evenings, Solarium Bistro will transform into a romantic and intimate dining setting for speciality health-fare dinner and dancing under the stars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner has a $20 cover charge
• The Wipe Out Café: The casual self-service buffet will offer a variety of options from pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches and fresh salads to quick snacks and desserts, for young passengers on the go. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre
• The Vitality Café: Located at the entrance of the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Centre, this café will feature healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps and fruit, in addition to refreshing juices and smoothies from the Vitality Spa menu for the calorie conscious passengers. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
New Twists on Fleet Fixtures
• Opus Dining Room: The three-level main dining room will revive the grandeur of the 1920s and feature French art deco design. Catering for passengers’ varying preferences, the newly introduced My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining, as well as the traditional main and late searing options will be offered. My Time Dining provides passengers with the option to enjoy the dining room ambience with RCI’s renowned Gold Anchor Service whenever they wish during dining hours. Passengers choosing My Time Dining will not have a pre-assigned table, but will be seated in the ship’s main dining room and will order from the same traditional dinner menu. My Time Dining passengers can make daily reservations for specific searing times or choose to walk in. My Family Time Dining accommodates parents and children by offering an expedited 40-minute dining service for young passengers, ages 3-11. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Windjammer Marketplace: Offering the utmost flexibility for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this next generation of the brand staple will feature multiple islands, each serving a variety of casual buffet fare
• Izumi: The new Asian cuisine restaurant will feature a sushi bar and hot rock cooking, as well as other Asian fare in a more formal setting. Open for lunch and dinner; a la carte pricing
• In-Cabin Service: Passengers wanting to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their cabins will be able to choose from the complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, as well as the recently introduced Dine In Delights menu, which offers name-brand culinary options ranging from the Original Johnny Rockets hamburger to Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookies. Open 24 hours; a la carte pricing for Dine in Delights and $3.95 service charge is for in-room deliveries between 24.00 (midnight) and 05.00 in the morning.
P&O Cruises Azura floated out
P&O Cruises’ latest vessel, the 115,000grt Azura was floated out at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard last week. The vessel is scheduled to be officially named in Southampton in April 2010 and sail on her maiden fare paying passenger voyage on 12 April.
At the float out ceremony P&O Cruises’ managing director Nigel Esdale said: ‘Azura is designed with traditional cruise values of service and quality combined with the flexibility and choice that today’s contemporary customer expects and the high level of early bookings proves this demand.
‘For Azura we’ve gone back to the future. We’re looking at how travelling at sea really should be; sophisticated, relaxing, indulgent and exciting, whilst we are also looking forward at the same time. Firsts for P&O Cruises will include an open-air cinema-at-sea, an open-air spa terrace and single staterooms.’
The 3,118 passenger capacity Azura will feature an Indian fine dining restaurant, Sindhu, which will offer a fusion of fine British and Indian cuisine, as well as a new wine bar and restaurant concept – The Glass House. Sphere: Related Content
At the float out ceremony P&O Cruises’ managing director Nigel Esdale said: ‘Azura is designed with traditional cruise values of service and quality combined with the flexibility and choice that today’s contemporary customer expects and the high level of early bookings proves this demand.
‘For Azura we’ve gone back to the future. We’re looking at how travelling at sea really should be; sophisticated, relaxing, indulgent and exciting, whilst we are also looking forward at the same time. Firsts for P&O Cruises will include an open-air cinema-at-sea, an open-air spa terrace and single staterooms.’
The 3,118 passenger capacity Azura will feature an Indian fine dining restaurant, Sindhu, which will offer a fusion of fine British and Indian cuisine, as well as a new wine bar and restaurant concept – The Glass House. Sphere: Related Content
Mariotti delivers Seabourn Odyssey
Italy’s T.Mariotti shipyard in Genoa has delivered the luxury cruise vessel Seabourn Odyssey, the first of three sisters building at the yard at a cost of €550m for The Yachts of Seabourn.
The delivery of Seabourn Odyssey heralds the introduction of the cruise industry’s first new luxury cruise ship in over six years – and Seabourn’s first newbuilding for more than 15 years.
Designed by Norway’s Yran & Storbraaten, Seabourn Odyssey features the highest levels of sophistication and innovation in the cruise industry, blending luxury and elegance with advanced technologies and new materials. Safety and the environment are the foundations of the project for the three new ships.
Seabourn Odyssey and her sisters are very much Green Ships. She has been awarded the Green Star designation; the highest rating for ships employing advanced wastewater treatment technology to minimise pollution and protect the air and sea environments. The Mariotti newbuilding is powered by two fully independent propulsion systems and complies with the latest IMO safety standards for damage stability that come into force this year.
‘Building Seabourn Odyssey required us at T. Mariotti to be creative and to seek out new ways to build a new kind of vessel,’ said Marco Bisagno, chairman of the Italian shipyard. ‘I think Seabourn Odyssey is a further step ahead in the cruise shipbuilding field; she is listed as a Yacht of Seabourn, in fact this ship features the same allure and comfort required to a yacht, and a technical complexity expected of a ship.’
The hull of Seabourn Odyssey was built at the new Adriatic shipyard CI.MAR at San Giorgio di Nogaro, as is the hulls of the other two sisters, and towed to Genoa for final outfitting. The hull of the second vessel, Seabourn Sojourn will arrive in Genoa in mid-July for completion in less than a year’s time.
The new 32,000grt Seabourn Odyssey is 198m in length and can carry 450 passengers in 225 luxury suites, 90% of which have private verandas. She offers one of the highest space-per-passenger ratios in the industry.
Princess to review role of stabilisers
Following an incident aboard Pacific Sun last year when 77 passengers and crew were injured, Princess Cruises has been recommended by the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) to review the role of active stabilisers in ensuring passenger safety.
The MAIB report found that by deferring maintenance to the stabilisers at the vessel’s previous drydocking, there was an increased likelihood of the cruise ship being without working stabilisers in heavy weather, as happened during the incident.
The cruise line has been asked to review the risk of injury from moving furniture ad objects and ‘develop suitable means of securing such items in heavy weather.’ The MAIB also recommended that Princess Cruises develop heavy weather guidance and instructions to ‘include actions to reduce the risk of injury to personnel.’ Pacific Sun was on the final leg of an eight day cruise of the South Pacific when the vessel rolled heavily in gale force winds and high seas, resulting in 77 passengers and crew being injured, seven seriously. As conditions deteriorated during the day, the Master had hove to into the wind and swell. As a result of this action, the vessel’s speed fell below the level where the stabilisers would work effectively. Sphere: Related Content
The MAIB report found that by deferring maintenance to the stabilisers at the vessel’s previous drydocking, there was an increased likelihood of the cruise ship being without working stabilisers in heavy weather, as happened during the incident.
The cruise line has been asked to review the risk of injury from moving furniture ad objects and ‘develop suitable means of securing such items in heavy weather.’ The MAIB also recommended that Princess Cruises develop heavy weather guidance and instructions to ‘include actions to reduce the risk of injury to personnel.’ Pacific Sun was on the final leg of an eight day cruise of the South Pacific when the vessel rolled heavily in gale force winds and high seas, resulting in 77 passengers and crew being injured, seven seriously. As conditions deteriorated during the day, the Master had hove to into the wind and swell. As a result of this action, the vessel’s speed fell below the level where the stabilisers would work effectively. Sphere: Related Content
Star Pisces laid-up pending sale
Malaysia’s Star Cruises has withdrawn its 1990-built Star Pisces from the overnight Hong Kong gambling cruise market and laid the vessel up in Port Klang, pending sale. The 1,800 passenger capacity vessel, converted from a Swedish ferry, is believed to be on the market for prices in the region of US $120m.
Sphere: Related Content
Oceanic held in New York by US Coast Guard
The veteran cruise ship Oceanic was detained in port in New York last week by the US Coast Guard due to a number of deficiencies. The 1965-built vessel was stopped from sailing to Venezuela with 838 passengers onboard because she was, according to the USCG, in an unseaworthy condition.
A routine safety inspection revealed minor hull damage in way of the bow and several maintenance deficiencies.
Oceanic is owned by Malta’s Japan Grace Co and operated by Florida-based Seahawk North America. Sphere: Related Content
A routine safety inspection revealed minor hull damage in way of the bow and several maintenance deficiencies.
Oceanic is owned by Malta’s Japan Grace Co and operated by Florida-based Seahawk North America. Sphere: Related Content
Deilmann’s river cruise division insolvent
Germany’s Peter Deilmann Reederei is to focus operation in future on ocean cruises following its decision to seek protection from creditors for its eight ship river cruise division which is insolvent. The German line said that the remaining river cruise programme for 2009 would go ahead.
Deilmann says that it has been badly hit this year in declining sales for its river cruise programme, especially from the US and the UK, as well as being hit by currency exchange factors. The company said that the collapse of its river cruise division was ‘inevitable’, after banks called-in loans and requests for assistance with liquidity were denied. Sphere: Related Content
Deilmann says that it has been badly hit this year in declining sales for its river cruise programme, especially from the US and the UK, as well as being hit by currency exchange factors. The company said that the collapse of its river cruise division was ‘inevitable’, after banks called-in loans and requests for assistance with liquidity were denied. Sphere: Related Content
Rhapsody of the Seas to return to the South Pacific
RCI has announced its 2010-2011 Australia and Hawaii cruise and cruise tour season which offers a choice of 50 different ports of call across eight countries in the region. The new season will offer 12 distinct itineraries, more variety in cruise lengths and itineraries than ever before across 17 different sailings, 14 of which depart from Sydney, Australia. Rhapsody of the Seas will sail round-trip from Sydney on a range of new itineraries, with passengers being able to choose from two sailings of an 11-night Queensland itinerary that will depart in October 2010 and March 2011, which will feature a maiden call at Newcastle. A 12-night Fiji sailing will mark RCI’s return to the island nation after a year’s absence and will depart in October 2010 and February 2011.
Five new South Pacific itineraries will range from seven to 12 nights and feature a second maiden call of the season at Champagne Bay, Vanuatu on the 8 November 2010 sailing.
The option to combine two itineraries for a grand 29-night trans-Pacific crossing aboard Rhapsody of the Seas is also available, including a 12-night Vancouver-Honolulu leg departing on 17 September 2010, and a Honolulu to Sydney cruise departing on 29 September 2010. Sphere: Related Content
Five new South Pacific itineraries will range from seven to 12 nights and feature a second maiden call of the season at Champagne Bay, Vanuatu on the 8 November 2010 sailing.
The option to combine two itineraries for a grand 29-night trans-Pacific crossing aboard Rhapsody of the Seas is also available, including a 12-night Vancouver-Honolulu leg departing on 17 September 2010, and a Honolulu to Sydney cruise departing on 29 September 2010. Sphere: Related Content
Moby boss forecasts Mediterranean ferry casualties
The boss of leading Mediterranean ferry operator Moby Lines, president Vincenzo Onorato has warned that there will be casualties before the year is out in the western Mediterranean ferry trades , as the economic recession continues to hit consumer demand.
‘There are too many companies in the western Mediterranean and the law of the jungle is at work. I think a number of companies will not survive the year,’ said Mr. Onorato. Sphere: Related Content
‘There are too many companies in the western Mediterranean and the law of the jungle is at work. I think a number of companies will not survive the year,’ said Mr. Onorato. Sphere: Related Content
LD Lines boss blasts SeaFrance’s unions for ‘attack’ on British flag ships
French cross-channel ferry operator LD Lines has issued a scathing response against SeaFrance (CFDT) unions for their latest demonstration against British Flag vessels operating on the recently introduced fast ferry service between Dover and Boulogne and other LD Line’s cross-channel ferry routes.
SeaFrance (CFDT) unions have twice recently, but unsuccessfully, attempted to disrupt tourist and freight traffic travelling to and from the Port of Boulogne, with demonstrations against the British Flag fast ferry Norman Arrow.
LD Lines managing director Christophe Santoni said: ‘The latest behaviour of SeaFrance (CFDT) unions is totally irresponsible by claiming the British Flag to be a ‘Flag of Convenience.’ This totally discredits and work and representation of the two English unions – RMT and Nautilus – the very unions with whom the salaries of crew on our British Flag vessels have been negotiated and approved.
‘We are a company that believes in free and unrestricted competition and find the attitude of the SeaFrance (CFDT) unions utterly disgraceful and totally misguided. These are the same unions who have been instrumental in creating the dire financial situation over many years that their own company, SeaFrance, finds itself in today, and are now trying to deflect their own created problems as being caused by LD Lines, as the newest operator across the Dover Straits.’
LD Lines has confirmed that any further attempt to disrupt ferry services between Dover and Boulogne will not remain unpunished and the company will exercise its right to take legal action against those responsible.
‘LD Lines parent company, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, is France’s largest employer of French officers. The company therefore does not accept any kind of judgment with the fact that we operate some of our ferries trading between the UK and France under the British Flag,’ added Santoni.
‘British customers represent more than 80% of our passengers and we are certain that they and many others who make up the overall cross channel tourist and freight market, which is also around 80%-2-% UK to France traffic, will have their own opinions of the SeaFrance (CFDT) unions and their latest anti-British Flag attempted action. These are the very customers who will ultimately choose with whom they prefer to cross the channel.’ Sphere: Related Content
SeaFrance (CFDT) unions have twice recently, but unsuccessfully, attempted to disrupt tourist and freight traffic travelling to and from the Port of Boulogne, with demonstrations against the British Flag fast ferry Norman Arrow.
LD Lines managing director Christophe Santoni said: ‘The latest behaviour of SeaFrance (CFDT) unions is totally irresponsible by claiming the British Flag to be a ‘Flag of Convenience.’ This totally discredits and work and representation of the two English unions – RMT and Nautilus – the very unions with whom the salaries of crew on our British Flag vessels have been negotiated and approved.
‘We are a company that believes in free and unrestricted competition and find the attitude of the SeaFrance (CFDT) unions utterly disgraceful and totally misguided. These are the same unions who have been instrumental in creating the dire financial situation over many years that their own company, SeaFrance, finds itself in today, and are now trying to deflect their own created problems as being caused by LD Lines, as the newest operator across the Dover Straits.’
LD Lines has confirmed that any further attempt to disrupt ferry services between Dover and Boulogne will not remain unpunished and the company will exercise its right to take legal action against those responsible.
‘LD Lines parent company, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, is France’s largest employer of French officers. The company therefore does not accept any kind of judgment with the fact that we operate some of our ferries trading between the UK and France under the British Flag,’ added Santoni.
‘British customers represent more than 80% of our passengers and we are certain that they and many others who make up the overall cross channel tourist and freight market, which is also around 80%-2-% UK to France traffic, will have their own opinions of the SeaFrance (CFDT) unions and their latest anti-British Flag attempted action. These are the very customers who will ultimately choose with whom they prefer to cross the channel.’ Sphere: Related Content
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
