Malta gets boost from Costa Cruises

Malta’s position as a major cruise destination has strengthened with the addition of new round-trip voyages from Costa Cruises.



Costa Allegra will be operating the cruises from the Maltese capital of Valletta in June and July 2010. Malta will also be receiving weekly calls from Costa Pacifica from March to November 2010 as part of a western Mediterranean itinerary.

The Mediterranean island hopes that the new voyages will make Malta a more attractive cruise-and-stay destination for visitors as well as targeting the local cruise market.

GPS tagging for children on Oasis of the Seas

A tagging system for three to 11-year-olds has been introduced on board the world's largest cruise liner.

Ships have become so big that cruise lines are encouraging parents to use GPS systems to keep track of their children.



Royal Caribbean International has introduced tagging system for three to 11-year-olds in a move that coincides with the launch this week of Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship. Using an electronic device built into the wristbands that all children on the ship must wear, the system enables parents to locate their offspring wherever they are among the ship's 16 decks.

Oasis of the Seas can carry up to 6,300 passengers and weighs more than 225,000 tons.

The system is linked to a new on-board phone system called Royal Connect which also enables guests to keep in contact with each other and view on-board activities.

The device costs $17.50 (£12) to hire for the duration of a cruise and can only be used on the ship and not for ship to shore calls.

If it is successful, the new system will be introduced on other ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Liverpool launches plan to become major UK cruise hub

Liverpool City Council has launched a masterplan aimed at tripling the number of cruise ships which call at the city within a decade.

The 10-year plan, which has been launched in partnership with Peel Ports and MerseyTravel, aims to turn Liverpool into one of the major cruise departure ports in the UK and rival Southamptons for cruise business.




15 cruise liners called at city during 2009 including the Queen Mary 2 which, when it visited last November, brought more than 23,000 passengers and provided a £5million boost to the local economy.

The council plan to raise this number to over 50 by 2020 with the new plan.

The announcement is good news for cruise customers based in the north of the UK, who traditionally have had to travel to Southampton to depart on many of the cruises which operate from the UK.

Councillor Gary Millar, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Lead for Enterprise, Tourism and Culture, said: ‘’Liverpool City Council’s commitment to develop the huge potential of the River Mersey’s economy has merely intensified.






“I am delighted our key partners have agreed to sit down with us and formulate this four-point cruise masterplan which I’m positive will have a huge impact for the city and wider region over the next few years.’’
Mersey Docks managing director Gary Hodgson, speaking for Peel Ports, said: “We still believe that there is opportunity in Liverpool for cruise market growth. We are committed to working together with our partners to allow the Mersey’s obvious potential in the cruise market to be fully realised."

The announcement comes after transport ministers ruled that using the current Pier Head terminal – which was build using a £9million of European funds – as a departure and arrival terminal for cruises would breach EU competition law.

Undersecretary of State for Transport Paul Clark said: "The proposed change of use would be likely to have an unfair and adverse effect on competition between ports."





"Liverpool City Council has had considerable success in developing its cruise terminal to attract some of the largest cruise ships in the world. I hope this business continues to thrive."

A spokesman for the Department of Transport said: “The UK ports sector is run on a private business model.

"People can put in planning applications without the need for government help to develop port facilities on an individual basis.”

P&O Cruises to add 710-berth ship

P&O Cruises is to add a small ship to its fleet that will accommodate 710 passengers and visit “off the beaten track” destinations off limits to bigger vessels.


The new ship, which replaces Artemis in the fleet, will be named Adonia and will join the fleet in May 2011, to become the smallest of P&O Cruises' seven ships. It will be an adult-only ship, along with Arcadia.

Adonia was built in 2001 and has previously been with Princess Cruises and Swan Hellenic. More than 75% of its cabins have balconies.

P&O said Adonia's public rooms will have a traditional feel and feature wood panelling, leather armchairs and fine artwork. There will be a library with more than 4,000 titles and a lounge with an wooden dance floor and stage.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said: “I am delighted to announce this great news in response to our passengers’ comments that some prefer smaller ships.

“She will offer a truly intimate and traditional cruise experience, yet with all the comforts you would expect from a modern vessel. With this size of ship our passengers will be able to get to know their fellow cruisers and crew easily as they travel to some of the most intriguing destinations on the map.

“While larger ships have their own appeal, with the spectrum of bars, dining and entertainment choices they can offer, others really enjoy a smaller ship, with its more intimate ambience.”

Adonia's itineraries and fares will be announced in spring next year.