A new cast of characters will stroll the decks and visit with guests aboard the Disney Wonder as Mr. Incredible, Remy, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear and other memorable characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ award-winning films make their shipboard debut during four special Pixar-inspired seven-night California Coastal cruises Sept. 16 through Oct. 14, 2012.
During these voyages, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to interact with and explore the world of Pixar and their beloved films while the Disney Wonder sails to popular port cities along the coast of California. Special entertainment and offerings designed for both children and adults include:
Pixar Presentations and Sneak Peeks: Artists and filmmakers from Pixar Animation Studios will provide guests with an inside look at the creative process used in the development of an animated feature or short. Guests will go behind the scenes and explore the making of Pixar’s newest release “Brave” and get a look at footage of future Pixar films.
The Art of Pixar: Storyboards, character sketches, environment paintings, maquettes and other inspiring concept art used to design Pixar films will be on display in a special art exhibition at sea. This collection of art has only been seen outside of Pixar Animation Studios when it has been displayed at leading art museums around the world. This time the art will truly be a “traveling” exhibition as the Disney Wonder sails up and down the California coast.
Pixar Film Fest: Guests will be able to enjoy the entire Pixar library of films while onboard, including a selection of delightful animated shorts. Viewing opportunities will take place in the Buena Vista Theatre, Walt Disney Theatre, at the jumbo LED screen on deck or on in-stateroom televisions. The voyages coincide with the theatrical premiere of “Finding Nemo 3D,” which guests can enjoy at either of the two theatres equipped with state-of-the-art Dolby 3D projection systems.
Pixar Character Encounters: More than a dozen Pixar characters will meet with and greet guests throughout the cruise. There will be a special Pixar-themed dance parties in the Atrium Lobby and a host of other opportunities for guests to reconnect with their favorite Pixar pals.
Guests sailing on the Pixar-themed voyages will also receive a commemorative lithograph created by Pixar artist and “Brave” co-director/screenwriter, Steve Purcell.
The Disney Wonder will sail out of Los Angeles and visit San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico during the four Pixar-themed voyages. Rates for the seven-night voyages start at $799 per person for a deluxe inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Thursday 31 May 2012
Tuesday 29 May 2012
World’s Largest Bumper Sticker Arrives in New York
Disney Cruise Line’s flagship vessel, the Disney Magic, arrived in New York Harbor donning the world’s largest bumper sticker.
Usually found on the back of family minivans, the 50-foot-long by 11-foot-wide super-sized sticker is larger than a city bus. The ship departed NYC on Sunday 27th May 2012, marking the beginning of Disney’s first-ever consumer sailings out of Manhattan – allowing local residents to experience a Disney vacation in their own backyard.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Usually found on the back of family minivans, the 50-foot-long by 11-foot-wide super-sized sticker is larger than a city bus. The ship departed NYC on Sunday 27th May 2012, marking the beginning of Disney’s first-ever consumer sailings out of Manhattan – allowing local residents to experience a Disney vacation in their own backyard.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Friday 25 May 2012
Cunard Celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Cunard will bring Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations to a close on the 5th June 2012 with the first-ever Cunard Royal Rendezvous in the fleet’s home port of Southampton, England. Here, the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria and the Queen Elizabeth will approach the port soon after first light, sailing up Southampton Water, with a flotilla of small boats expected to welcome them in.
As the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria tie up at their berths, the QM2 will follow on, passing each ship in turn, with crew lining the foredeck of all three vessels, and the ships’ whistles sounding in salute.
The celebrations will culminate in an evening spectacular where all three ships will be brought within close proximity of each other, and a fusillade of fireworks and special effects will light up the evening sky.
The QM 2 will then lead Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria in single file down the Solent as all three ships set out on their celebratory Jubilee voyages.
On board, Cunard’s renowned Insights enrichment programme will feature lectures by former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond (QM2), Professor Herbert Kerrigan QC, one of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Counsel in Scotland (Queen Victoria); and ITN royal commentator Robert Jobson (Queen Elizabeth).
Additionally, a highly distinguished and rare collection of Royal art, including eight original watercolors by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, 31 lithographs by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and 20 limited edition boxed sets of photographs by Lord Snowdon will be displayed on all three Queens, with limited edition prints available for purchase. This will be the only time that these prints are available for purchase outside the Belgravia Gallery in London.
Guests sailing on board Cunard ships will enjoy the Diamond Jubilee spirit into June 6, when special activities throughout the day will culminate in a Commemorative Dinner with a souvenir menu highlighting the 74-year relationship between Cunard and Her Majesty The Queen, followed by a Grand Ball.
Guests sailing aboard the voyages ending on 5 June will not miss out on any of the historic events taking place in London, or indeed Southampton, as Cunard will screen live BBC World News coverage of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, across the fleet, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (GMT).
The QM2’s Jubilee Voyage is five-nights calling at Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre (5 – 10 June). The Queen Victoria’s 17-night (5 - 22 June) “Adriatic Explorer” voyage will call at La Coruna, Cephalonia, Dubrovnik, Venice (overnight), Split, Corfu and Oporto; and the Queen Elizabeth’s 14-night (5 - 19 June) “St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer” will call at Hamburg, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you
As the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria tie up at their berths, the QM2 will follow on, passing each ship in turn, with crew lining the foredeck of all three vessels, and the ships’ whistles sounding in salute.
The celebrations will culminate in an evening spectacular where all three ships will be brought within close proximity of each other, and a fusillade of fireworks and special effects will light up the evening sky.
The QM 2 will then lead Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria in single file down the Solent as all three ships set out on their celebratory Jubilee voyages.
On board, Cunard’s renowned Insights enrichment programme will feature lectures by former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond (QM2), Professor Herbert Kerrigan QC, one of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Counsel in Scotland (Queen Victoria); and ITN royal commentator Robert Jobson (Queen Elizabeth).
Additionally, a highly distinguished and rare collection of Royal art, including eight original watercolors by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, 31 lithographs by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and 20 limited edition boxed sets of photographs by Lord Snowdon will be displayed on all three Queens, with limited edition prints available for purchase. This will be the only time that these prints are available for purchase outside the Belgravia Gallery in London.
Guests sailing on board Cunard ships will enjoy the Diamond Jubilee spirit into June 6, when special activities throughout the day will culminate in a Commemorative Dinner with a souvenir menu highlighting the 74-year relationship between Cunard and Her Majesty The Queen, followed by a Grand Ball.
Guests sailing aboard the voyages ending on 5 June will not miss out on any of the historic events taking place in London, or indeed Southampton, as Cunard will screen live BBC World News coverage of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, across the fleet, beginning at 9:00 a.m. (GMT).
The QM2’s Jubilee Voyage is five-nights calling at Rotterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre (5 – 10 June). The Queen Victoria’s 17-night (5 - 22 June) “Adriatic Explorer” voyage will call at La Coruna, Cephalonia, Dubrovnik, Venice (overnight), Split, Corfu and Oporto; and the Queen Elizabeth’s 14-night (5 - 19 June) “St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer” will call at Hamburg, Tallinn, St Petersburg, Stockholm and Copenhagen.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Norwegian Cruise Line - limited time offer
Norwegian Cruise Line is launching a “Freestyle Dash” limited time offer today, between Tuesday, 22nd May & Friday 25th May, 2012. Available fleet-wide, this offer provides guests the opportunity to save on any of Norwegian’s cruise vacations to popular destinations around the world, including Europe, Alaska, Bermuda, Hawaii, Bahamas & Florida, the Caribbean, and Canada & New England.
Guests who book a Norwegian Cruise vacation by Friday, May 25, 2012, will receive up to $250 per stateroom to spend on board (based on cruise length and stateroom category), to pamper themselves in Norwegian’s award-winning spas; treat themselves to dinner in one of the line’s many delicious specialty restaurants or towards exciting shore excursions in amazing ports of call.
The offer, available for just four days, also provides reduced deposits on all of Norwegian’s sailings of three days or longer. In addition, there is up to a $500 air credit offer available on select sailings to Europe, Alaska and Bermuda.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Guests who book a Norwegian Cruise vacation by Friday, May 25, 2012, will receive up to $250 per stateroom to spend on board (based on cruise length and stateroom category), to pamper themselves in Norwegian’s award-winning spas; treat themselves to dinner in one of the line’s many delicious specialty restaurants or towards exciting shore excursions in amazing ports of call.
The offer, available for just four days, also provides reduced deposits on all of Norwegian’s sailings of three days or longer. In addition, there is up to a $500 air credit offer available on select sailings to Europe, Alaska and Bermuda.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
Noro-Like Illness Strikes Cruise Ship
Noro-Like Illness Strikes Ship, Affecting 20 Percent of Cruise Passengers.
A Norovirus-like outbreak on Fred. Olsen's Boudicca left a reported 170 of its 1,176 people (828 passengers, 348 crew) ill over the course of a 13-night cruise.
The report from United Kingdom's Daily Mail says the ship was greeted by National Health Service (NHS) staff and ambulance crews on Sunday (20/05/12) in Greenock, Scotland, where it concluded a Canary Islands and Portugal cruise.
Boudicca underwent an intensive fumigation Sunday before embarking on its next scheduled voyage (a 21-night Adriatic cruise) 90 minutes later than scheduled. The deep cleaning was overseen by local health authorities, including Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS.
In a statement, Fred. Olsen stated that no more than 35 people were "in isolation at any one time."
Still, according to the report by Scotland's Daily Record, an unnamed female passenger said "passengers were offered £150 discounts on their next cruise."
In spring 2010, the line cut short a cruise on Boudicca because of a suspected Norovirus outbreak, even though only six passengers remained in isolation at the time of the decision to do so.
Norovirus is the second most common illness next to the common cold and is highly contagious, spreading easily in confined spaces like hospitals, hotels, dormitories and cruise ships. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, and millions are infected each year.
A Norovirus-like outbreak on Fred. Olsen's Boudicca left a reported 170 of its 1,176 people (828 passengers, 348 crew) ill over the course of a 13-night cruise.
The report from United Kingdom's Daily Mail says the ship was greeted by National Health Service (NHS) staff and ambulance crews on Sunday (20/05/12) in Greenock, Scotland, where it concluded a Canary Islands and Portugal cruise.
Boudicca underwent an intensive fumigation Sunday before embarking on its next scheduled voyage (a 21-night Adriatic cruise) 90 minutes later than scheduled. The deep cleaning was overseen by local health authorities, including Greater Glasgow and Clyde NHS.
In a statement, Fred. Olsen stated that no more than 35 people were "in isolation at any one time."
Still, according to the report by Scotland's Daily Record, an unnamed female passenger said "passengers were offered £150 discounts on their next cruise."
In spring 2010, the line cut short a cruise on Boudicca because of a suspected Norovirus outbreak, even though only six passengers remained in isolation at the time of the decision to do so.
Norovirus is the second most common illness next to the common cold and is highly contagious, spreading easily in confined spaces like hospitals, hotels, dormitories and cruise ships. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, and millions are infected each year.
Monday 21 May 2012
Southern Caribbean Base For Monarch of the Seas
Pullmantur to Base Monarch of the Seas in Southern Caribbean.
Pullmantur will be taking over the Monarch of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International in 2013, and with the ship comes a stronger Latin America strategy, according to company executives.
The Monarch will join Pullmantur's Zenith, Empress and her sister, the Sovereign.
The 2,744-passenger, 1991-built Monarch of the Seas will not follow the rest of the Pullmantur fleet from Brazil to Europe, but instead be deployed in the Southern Caribbean year-round, on eight-night itineraries, poised to grab customers and revenue from an emerging Latin American market.
This year, the Ocean Dream left the fleet, for a new home with Peace Boat, while sister-company CDF took over the Horizon, leaving Pullmantur with three ships, as opposed to having to fill five in a difficult Spanish market.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Pullmantur will be taking over the Monarch of the Seas from Royal Caribbean International in 2013, and with the ship comes a stronger Latin America strategy, according to company executives.
The Monarch will join Pullmantur's Zenith, Empress and her sister, the Sovereign.
The 2,744-passenger, 1991-built Monarch of the Seas will not follow the rest of the Pullmantur fleet from Brazil to Europe, but instead be deployed in the Southern Caribbean year-round, on eight-night itineraries, poised to grab customers and revenue from an emerging Latin American market.
This year, the Ocean Dream left the fleet, for a new home with Peace Boat, while sister-company CDF took over the Horizon, leaving Pullmantur with three ships, as opposed to having to fill five in a difficult Spanish market.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Saturday 19 May 2012
Removal Plan for Concordia Wreck
With the Costa Concordia Emergency Commissioner Franco Gabrielli in attendance, Costa Crociere and Italo-American consortium Titan-Micoperi, the winner of the tender tasked with performing the work, today presented their plan to remove the wreck of the Costa Concordia.
The work, following the decisional Services Conference convened by the Commissioner on May 15th during which the authorities have provided the necessary permits, will begin in a few days’ time and last about 12 months.
Titan Salvage is an American-owned specialist marine salvage and wreck removal company, part of the Crowley Group, and is a world leader in its field. Micoperi is a well-known Italian marine contractor with a long history as a specialist in underwater construction and engineering.
The plan to re-float the hull in one piece gives top priority to minimising environmental impact, to protecting Giglio’s economy and tourism industry, and to maximum safety of the work.
Environmental protection will have top priority throughout this monumental salvage operation, the likes of which have never been attempted before anywhere in the world. Once removal is complete, the sea bottom will be cleaned and marine flora replanted.
The plan also includes measures to safeguard Isola del Giglio’s tourism industry and wider economy. Salvage workers’ presence will not have any significant impact on the availability of hotel accommodation for the summer season. The operating base will be located away from the island, on the mainland near Piombino, where equipment and materials will be stored, thereby avoiding any impact on the island’s port activities.
Operations will be divided into four basic stages:
● after stabilising the ship, an subsea platform will be built and caissons that can be filled with water will be fixed to the side of the ship that is out of the water;
● two cranes fixed to the platform will pull the ship upright, helped by the caissons which will be filled with water;
● when the ship is upright, caissons will also be fixed to the other side of the hull;
● the caissons on both sides will then be emptied, after treating and purifying the water to protect the marine environment, and filled with air.
Once floated, the wreck will be towed to an Italian port and dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Italian Authorities.
The plan was selected by an evaluation team with specialist representatives from Costa Crociere, Carnival Corporation & plc, London Offshore Consultants and Standard P&I Club, with the collaboration of RINA and Fincantieri, because it best fulfills the main objectives of the operation: removal of the wreck in one piece, minimal risk, minimal environmental impact, protection of Giglio’s economy and tourism industry, and maximum safety of the work.
“Right from the early stages of the accident, Costa Crociere has been fully committed in terms of its resources, professional expertise and organisation to minimising the impact of the shipwreck on the environment and on Isola del Giglio in particular," said Gianni Onorato, Costa Crociere S.p.A. president.
“As was the case for the fuel removal operation, we have always worked to find the best possible and safest solution to protect the island, its marine environment and its tourism industry. We are now launching a salvage operation with characteristics and technical complexities that have never been faced before. There will inevitably be some unknowns in a project of this scope, but we are sure we have made the right decision and will continue to work to our best ability and on schedule”.
“We are very pleased to have been chosen to perform this incredible operation to remove the wreck of Costa Concordia. Our quality engineering and the experience we have gained in this area allowed us to present a project that met expectations," said Richard Habib, president of Titan Salvage. "From now on we will work with the aim of preserving the environment and the natural habitat”.
“We were confident from the outset that the professionalism of our company and our proven experience in underwater rescue and recovery operations could be of service to this salvage operation," said Silvio Bartolotti, general manager of Micoperi. "Being chosen is also powerful demonstration of the quality and capabilities of Italian companies to manage such delicate and unprecedented projects”.
The work, following the decisional Services Conference convened by the Commissioner on May 15th during which the authorities have provided the necessary permits, will begin in a few days’ time and last about 12 months.
Titan Salvage is an American-owned specialist marine salvage and wreck removal company, part of the Crowley Group, and is a world leader in its field. Micoperi is a well-known Italian marine contractor with a long history as a specialist in underwater construction and engineering.
The plan to re-float the hull in one piece gives top priority to minimising environmental impact, to protecting Giglio’s economy and tourism industry, and to maximum safety of the work.
Environmental protection will have top priority throughout this monumental salvage operation, the likes of which have never been attempted before anywhere in the world. Once removal is complete, the sea bottom will be cleaned and marine flora replanted.
The plan also includes measures to safeguard Isola del Giglio’s tourism industry and wider economy. Salvage workers’ presence will not have any significant impact on the availability of hotel accommodation for the summer season. The operating base will be located away from the island, on the mainland near Piombino, where equipment and materials will be stored, thereby avoiding any impact on the island’s port activities.
Operations will be divided into four basic stages:
● after stabilising the ship, an subsea platform will be built and caissons that can be filled with water will be fixed to the side of the ship that is out of the water;
● two cranes fixed to the platform will pull the ship upright, helped by the caissons which will be filled with water;
● when the ship is upright, caissons will also be fixed to the other side of the hull;
● the caissons on both sides will then be emptied, after treating and purifying the water to protect the marine environment, and filled with air.
Once floated, the wreck will be towed to an Italian port and dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the Italian Authorities.
The plan was selected by an evaluation team with specialist representatives from Costa Crociere, Carnival Corporation & plc, London Offshore Consultants and Standard P&I Club, with the collaboration of RINA and Fincantieri, because it best fulfills the main objectives of the operation: removal of the wreck in one piece, minimal risk, minimal environmental impact, protection of Giglio’s economy and tourism industry, and maximum safety of the work.
“Right from the early stages of the accident, Costa Crociere has been fully committed in terms of its resources, professional expertise and organisation to minimising the impact of the shipwreck on the environment and on Isola del Giglio in particular," said Gianni Onorato, Costa Crociere S.p.A. president.
“As was the case for the fuel removal operation, we have always worked to find the best possible and safest solution to protect the island, its marine environment and its tourism industry. We are now launching a salvage operation with characteristics and technical complexities that have never been faced before. There will inevitably be some unknowns in a project of this scope, but we are sure we have made the right decision and will continue to work to our best ability and on schedule”.
“We are very pleased to have been chosen to perform this incredible operation to remove the wreck of Costa Concordia. Our quality engineering and the experience we have gained in this area allowed us to present a project that met expectations," said Richard Habib, president of Titan Salvage. "From now on we will work with the aim of preserving the environment and the natural habitat”.
“We were confident from the outset that the professionalism of our company and our proven experience in underwater rescue and recovery operations could be of service to this salvage operation," said Silvio Bartolotti, general manager of Micoperi. "Being chosen is also powerful demonstration of the quality and capabilities of Italian companies to manage such delicate and unprecedented projects”.
Friday 18 May 2012
Costa Victoria Maiden Voyage from Shanghai
Costa Cruises held a launch ceremony yesterday May 17, 2012 for the long-awaited Costa Victoria at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.
The event was hosted by Shanghai Baoshan People’s Government, Sinotrans & CSC Shanghai Changjiang Shipping Corporation, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal Development Co., Ltd and Costa Crociere S.p.A. Ms. Zhao Wen, Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal Government, Mr. Xue Chao, Deputy Secretary General of Shanghai Municipal Government and many members of Shanghai People’s Government and Baoshan District People’s Government were in attendance.
Renowned fashion designer, Mary Ma, considered to be China’s first international supermodel and famed for promoting Chinese fashion on the global stage, was onsite as the ship’s Godmother; an apt choice for what is Asia’s first fashion cruise.
Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal will be the home port for Costa Victoria, which will provide 33 itineraries a year, making Costa Cruises the biggest international operator at the terminal.
“We are thrilled to see Costa Victoria launch from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal” said Mr. Pier Luigi Foschi, the Chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “She embodies our commitment to the China and Asian market. We were the first international cruise company authorized to operate in the China market and so it’s with great pride that I can attend today to see one of our finest cruise ships leave from this remarkable port in this spectacular city. Costa Cruises has long held a special relationship with this region and we’re pleased to confirm that next year we’ll be increasing our investments here still further.”
Costa Victoria will have a unique to-the-region onboard designer boutique concept, selling top brands at duty-free prices. The cruise will set sail on 18 May, the day after the event, when its passengers will be able to sample its varied onboard delights. There’s a large array of high-end fashion stores plus a fashion show modeling onboard wares. The boutique concept will be developed from its maiden call so passengers in the future can fully enjoy this new take on a cruising holiday.
With the explicit support and encouragement from the Chinese government Costa Cruises has been running cruises from Shanghai since 2006. At the end of this year it’s estimated that Costa will have operated more than 300 cruises and holidayed over 300,000 people from China. 300,000 happy customers - last year 98% of passengers were satisfied with their cruise. The growth of the market means that the Asia Pacific region is one of the most important for Costa Cruises, particularly the China market. It has increased its investment locally as a result, the latest embodiment of which is Costa Victoria. This marries well with the local government’s plan to boost the shipping industry and tourism in the region.
“This latest launch of Costa Victoria’s maiden voyage in China unveils the journey of Wusongkou as the main port of Shanghai,” said Ms. Wang Hong, the Chief of Baoshan District. “It becomes the first theme event of the 2012 Wusongkou Cruise Tourism Culture Festival in Shanghai."
As is common for the launching of cruise ships, the event was marked by the ship’s Godmother, Mary Ma, who won international acclaim for her unique and luxurious collections, gave her blessings and launched Costa Victoria with Mr. Foschi and the representatives of Shanghai People’s Government and Baoshan District People’s Government. Ms. Ma, Designer and Founder of Beijing Maryma Haute Couture Ltd., is widely acknowledged as China’s first contemporary supermodel and now ranks as one of China’s top designers. She has been a standard bearer for Chinese fashion on the international stage for decades and as the heart and soul of China’s fashion world she personifies Costa Victoria’s fashion theme.
The Wusongkou Cruise Tourism Culture Festival was also launched at the event. Speeches by government officials and Mr. Foschi were followed by a video display recounting the 150-year history of Costa Crociere, its recent achievements and concluding with a clip on the joy of taking a cruise holiday.
Costa Victoria will stop at several destinations in Japan including the tropical paradise Hososhima/Miyazaki, Wakayama, which boasts the largest hot spring resort, in Japan’s second largest city, Osaka, and the popular sightseeing cities in the Kanto Area Yokohama and Tokyo, the capital city. In the South Korean part of the itinerary destinations include ‘island of the Gods’ Jeju, the picturesque harbor town of Yeosu and South Korea’s second largest city, Busan.
The first voyage is a five-night itinerary that departs from Shanghai to Jeju then Fukuoka then Hososhima/Miyazaki before returning to Shanghai.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
The event was hosted by Shanghai Baoshan People’s Government, Sinotrans & CSC Shanghai Changjiang Shipping Corporation, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal Development Co., Ltd and Costa Crociere S.p.A. Ms. Zhao Wen, Vice Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal Government, Mr. Xue Chao, Deputy Secretary General of Shanghai Municipal Government and many members of Shanghai People’s Government and Baoshan District People’s Government were in attendance.
Renowned fashion designer, Mary Ma, considered to be China’s first international supermodel and famed for promoting Chinese fashion on the global stage, was onsite as the ship’s Godmother; an apt choice for what is Asia’s first fashion cruise.
Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal will be the home port for Costa Victoria, which will provide 33 itineraries a year, making Costa Cruises the biggest international operator at the terminal.
“We are thrilled to see Costa Victoria launch from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal” said Mr. Pier Luigi Foschi, the Chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “She embodies our commitment to the China and Asian market. We were the first international cruise company authorized to operate in the China market and so it’s with great pride that I can attend today to see one of our finest cruise ships leave from this remarkable port in this spectacular city. Costa Cruises has long held a special relationship with this region and we’re pleased to confirm that next year we’ll be increasing our investments here still further.”
Costa Victoria will have a unique to-the-region onboard designer boutique concept, selling top brands at duty-free prices. The cruise will set sail on 18 May, the day after the event, when its passengers will be able to sample its varied onboard delights. There’s a large array of high-end fashion stores plus a fashion show modeling onboard wares. The boutique concept will be developed from its maiden call so passengers in the future can fully enjoy this new take on a cruising holiday.
With the explicit support and encouragement from the Chinese government Costa Cruises has been running cruises from Shanghai since 2006. At the end of this year it’s estimated that Costa will have operated more than 300 cruises and holidayed over 300,000 people from China. 300,000 happy customers - last year 98% of passengers were satisfied with their cruise. The growth of the market means that the Asia Pacific region is one of the most important for Costa Cruises, particularly the China market. It has increased its investment locally as a result, the latest embodiment of which is Costa Victoria. This marries well with the local government’s plan to boost the shipping industry and tourism in the region.
“This latest launch of Costa Victoria’s maiden voyage in China unveils the journey of Wusongkou as the main port of Shanghai,” said Ms. Wang Hong, the Chief of Baoshan District. “It becomes the first theme event of the 2012 Wusongkou Cruise Tourism Culture Festival in Shanghai."
As is common for the launching of cruise ships, the event was marked by the ship’s Godmother, Mary Ma, who won international acclaim for her unique and luxurious collections, gave her blessings and launched Costa Victoria with Mr. Foschi and the representatives of Shanghai People’s Government and Baoshan District People’s Government. Ms. Ma, Designer and Founder of Beijing Maryma Haute Couture Ltd., is widely acknowledged as China’s first contemporary supermodel and now ranks as one of China’s top designers. She has been a standard bearer for Chinese fashion on the international stage for decades and as the heart and soul of China’s fashion world she personifies Costa Victoria’s fashion theme.
The Wusongkou Cruise Tourism Culture Festival was also launched at the event. Speeches by government officials and Mr. Foschi were followed by a video display recounting the 150-year history of Costa Crociere, its recent achievements and concluding with a clip on the joy of taking a cruise holiday.
Costa Victoria will stop at several destinations in Japan including the tropical paradise Hososhima/Miyazaki, Wakayama, which boasts the largest hot spring resort, in Japan’s second largest city, Osaka, and the popular sightseeing cities in the Kanto Area Yokohama and Tokyo, the capital city. In the South Korean part of the itinerary destinations include ‘island of the Gods’ Jeju, the picturesque harbor town of Yeosu and South Korea’s second largest city, Busan.
The first voyage is a five-night itinerary that departs from Shanghai to Jeju then Fukuoka then Hososhima/Miyazaki before returning to Shanghai.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Thursday 17 May 2012
Dover Cruise Port Welcomes Two Inaugural Visits
Dover Cruise Port welcomed inaugural visits from Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas and the Azamara Club cruise ships on May 11 and 12 respectively.
The Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, accommodating 2,500 passengers with all cabins allocated, arrived in Dover on its penultimate disembarkation call at Amsterdam the following day. All tours for this cruise took place in Kent and Sussex. Kate O’Hara, Head of Business Delivery at Dover Harbour Board, presented the Captain Henrik Sorensen with an inaugural plaque.
The following day saw the arrival of the Azamara Club, a 5-Star brand of Celebrity Cruises and part of the Royal Caribbean International group.
The ships in this group are smaller than many other cruise ships, measuring 180m in length offering room for just 710 passengers, and 390 crew. Their size gives them the advantage of being able to visit smaller harbours, giving experienced cruise guests an alternative cruise experience. Arriving on the seventh day of an 11 day cruise, the voyage, which started in France included visits to the UK, Eire, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, Belgium and Holland. Clare Newman, Manager of Business Delivery at the Port of Dover presented Captain Jason Ikiadis with a plaque to commemorate the inaugural call.
Clare Newman, Manager of Business Delivery, said: “we were delighted to welcome both ships on their inaugural visits to Dover. We have worked hard to develop the relationship with Royal Caribbean and are pleased with the increased number of calls that we have welcomed year on year.”
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
The Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas, accommodating 2,500 passengers with all cabins allocated, arrived in Dover on its penultimate disembarkation call at Amsterdam the following day. All tours for this cruise took place in Kent and Sussex. Kate O’Hara, Head of Business Delivery at Dover Harbour Board, presented the Captain Henrik Sorensen with an inaugural plaque.
The following day saw the arrival of the Azamara Club, a 5-Star brand of Celebrity Cruises and part of the Royal Caribbean International group.
The ships in this group are smaller than many other cruise ships, measuring 180m in length offering room for just 710 passengers, and 390 crew. Their size gives them the advantage of being able to visit smaller harbours, giving experienced cruise guests an alternative cruise experience. Arriving on the seventh day of an 11 day cruise, the voyage, which started in France included visits to the UK, Eire, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, Belgium and Holland. Clare Newman, Manager of Business Delivery at the Port of Dover presented Captain Jason Ikiadis with a plaque to commemorate the inaugural call.
Clare Newman, Manager of Business Delivery, said: “we were delighted to welcome both ships on their inaugural visits to Dover. We have worked hard to develop the relationship with Royal Caribbean and are pleased with the increased number of calls that we have welcomed year on year.”
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Wednesday 16 May 2012
Brilliance of the Seas for Tampa
The Tampa Port Authority welcomed today’s announcement by Royal Caribbean International of its plans to replace its current cruise ship serving Tampa, Jewel of the Seas, with Brilliance of the Seas beginning with the 2013-2014 season. Both belong to the Radiance Class of ships, with 2,112 passenger capacity.
In May 2013, before Brilliance of the Seas is deployed to Tampa, she will enter dry dock to undergo a major revitalization as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage program, and re-emerge almost as if she were a new ship. This will involve introducing the highest guest-rated features from its award-winning Oasis Class of ships, to include a greater variety of new onboard dining and entertainment options, revitalized staterooms, and many other amenities including pervasive Wi-Fi, digital way-finding systems and an outdoor LED video wall.
Vacationers can choose four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries aboard Brilliance of the Seas, sailing round-trip from Tampa and calling at Cozumel, Mexico on the four-night, and George Town, Cayman Islands and Cozumel on the five-night cruises. Aboard select five-night sailings, guests call at Key West, Fla., instead of George Town. Vacationers also can select a 13-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, departing on Oct. 27 from Boston, Mass. to Tampa. These sailing will open for sale on Thursday, May 17.
“We look forward to welcoming Brilliance of the Seas to Tampa and believe the ship’s exciting new features will create a fresh buzz in Tampa’s robust cruise market and with the travel agent community,” Richard Wainio, port director and chief executive, said.
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In May 2013, before Brilliance of the Seas is deployed to Tampa, she will enter dry dock to undergo a major revitalization as part of Royal Caribbean's Royal Advantage program, and re-emerge almost as if she were a new ship. This will involve introducing the highest guest-rated features from its award-winning Oasis Class of ships, to include a greater variety of new onboard dining and entertainment options, revitalized staterooms, and many other amenities including pervasive Wi-Fi, digital way-finding systems and an outdoor LED video wall.
Vacationers can choose four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries aboard Brilliance of the Seas, sailing round-trip from Tampa and calling at Cozumel, Mexico on the four-night, and George Town, Cayman Islands and Cozumel on the five-night cruises. Aboard select five-night sailings, guests call at Key West, Fla., instead of George Town. Vacationers also can select a 13-night Southern Caribbean itinerary, departing on Oct. 27 from Boston, Mass. to Tampa. These sailing will open for sale on Thursday, May 17.
“We look forward to welcoming Brilliance of the Seas to Tampa and believe the ship’s exciting new features will create a fresh buzz in Tampa’s robust cruise market and with the travel agent community,” Richard Wainio, port director and chief executive, said.
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Tuesday 15 May 2012
Costa to Double Asia Capacity in 2013
Encouraged by the positive response to its Asia cruises, Costa Cruises, plans to position a second cruise ship in the region in May 2013. So far, the company operated the 1,680-guest Costa Classica in Asia, and the deployment of two larger ships will mean a combined daily guest capacity of 5,074.
The 75,200-ton, 2,394-guest Costa Victoria is slated to start operations in Asia May 17, 2012, from Shanghai. In May 2013 the 85,700-ton, 2,680- guest Costa Atlantica, a wonderful ship dedicated to Italian cinema and arts, also will be deployed cruises in Asia.
With the debut of Costa Victoria in May 2012 and Costa Atlantica in May 2013, Costa Cruises will offer a unique product for the Asian market called “Italy at Sea,” with Italian-style hospitality, design, shopping, art and cuisine.
The double positioning of Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will further expand the number of Costa’s Italian Style inspired cruises, with a 90 percent increase in the offering.
“Since 2006 when Costa Cruises started to market its cruise product in Asia, we have further strengthened and tailored our product to our local clients’ needs and wishes,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “The successful results we have obtained until now are encouraging our Company to further expand in the region. Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will bring a piece of ‘Italy at sea’ to Asia as Costa has successfully done in all other countries, throughout its 64 years of history."
As the first international cruise company to enter the Chinese market, Costa has become one of the best recognized and most popular tourism brands in Asia. Since the company began operations in Asia, Costa has carried more than 350,000 Guests in the region.
Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica will offer a variety of short and longer itineraries departing from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong that should appeal to both Asians and Europeans.
Costa Atlantica’s interior design celebrates Italian cinema and the arts: Fellini and La Dolce Vita, Madame Butterfly, the historic Caffè Florian in Venice, Via della Spiga, the 18th-century Tiziano Restaurant. The ship has 1,057 cabins, including 54 suites with private balcony, 620 cabins with private balcony and 40 Wellness cabins and four Wellness suites, with exclusive furnishings and maximum comfort, offering a customized spa experience.
From May to June 2013 Costa Atlantica will depart from Singapore on seven-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and on three- or four-day cruises to Malaysia. The three itineraries also can be booked together as a 14-day itinerary, including Kuantan (Malaysia), Laem Chabang/Bangkok (Thailand), Koh Samui (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Port Klang (Malaysia), Malacca (Malaysia). From June through October 2013, Costa Atlantica will depart form Shanghai on short cruises to South Korea and Japan, calling at Cheju (South Korea), Pusan (South Korea), Fukuoka (Japan), Hososhima (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan).
Costa Victoria will debut in the region at Shanghai May 17, 2012, replacing Costa Classica. Costa Victoria will offer, for the first time, 246 cabins with balconies, enabling Guests to enjoy the splendid scenery of Asia from the privacy of their own cabins. Costa Victoria is furnished and designed in an Italian, elegant style, and each deck is named after an Italian opera. The Spa pool was inspired by the splendor of Pompeii and the Capricco Bar is tiled with the Italian artist Emilio Tadini’s mosaics. The natural beauty of the ocean can be savored by walking along the panoramic walks on either side of the ship on deck 12. Costa Victoria also will debut its unique on-board designer boutique concept, selling top brands at duty-free prices.
From May to October 2012 Costa Victoria will offer short cruises and seven-day cruises to Japan and South Korea from Shanghai, calling at Cheju (South Korea), Yeosu (South Korea), Fukuoka (Japan), Osaka (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan), Wakayama (Japan), Hososhima (Japan). From November 2012 to January 2013 the ship will be based in Singapore to offer seven-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and three- or four-day cruises to Malaysia. The three itineraries can be combined into a 14-day cruise, including Kuantan (Malaysia), Laem Chabang/Bangkok (Thailand), Koh Samui (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Port Klang (Malaysia), Malacca (Malaysia).
Until October 2013 Costa Victoria will depart from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin for short cruises to Taiwan or South Korea, Japan and Vietnam, with calls at Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Da-Nang (Vietnam), Haling Bay (Vietnam), Sanya (China), Keelung (Taiwan), Taichung (Taiwan), Fukuoka (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan), Cheju (South Korea), Pusan (South Korea).
Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will be supported in China by Costa Crociere’s WOFE. In November 2011 Costa established the cruise industry’s first wholly owned foreign enterprise (WOFE) in China.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you
The 75,200-ton, 2,394-guest Costa Victoria is slated to start operations in Asia May 17, 2012, from Shanghai. In May 2013 the 85,700-ton, 2,680- guest Costa Atlantica, a wonderful ship dedicated to Italian cinema and arts, also will be deployed cruises in Asia.
With the debut of Costa Victoria in May 2012 and Costa Atlantica in May 2013, Costa Cruises will offer a unique product for the Asian market called “Italy at Sea,” with Italian-style hospitality, design, shopping, art and cuisine.
The double positioning of Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will further expand the number of Costa’s Italian Style inspired cruises, with a 90 percent increase in the offering.
“Since 2006 when Costa Cruises started to market its cruise product in Asia, we have further strengthened and tailored our product to our local clients’ needs and wishes,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, Chairman and CEO of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “The successful results we have obtained until now are encouraging our Company to further expand in the region. Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will bring a piece of ‘Italy at sea’ to Asia as Costa has successfully done in all other countries, throughout its 64 years of history."
As the first international cruise company to enter the Chinese market, Costa has become one of the best recognized and most popular tourism brands in Asia. Since the company began operations in Asia, Costa has carried more than 350,000 Guests in the region.
Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica will offer a variety of short and longer itineraries departing from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong that should appeal to both Asians and Europeans.
Costa Atlantica’s interior design celebrates Italian cinema and the arts: Fellini and La Dolce Vita, Madame Butterfly, the historic Caffè Florian in Venice, Via della Spiga, the 18th-century Tiziano Restaurant. The ship has 1,057 cabins, including 54 suites with private balcony, 620 cabins with private balcony and 40 Wellness cabins and four Wellness suites, with exclusive furnishings and maximum comfort, offering a customized spa experience.
From May to June 2013 Costa Atlantica will depart from Singapore on seven-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and on three- or four-day cruises to Malaysia. The three itineraries also can be booked together as a 14-day itinerary, including Kuantan (Malaysia), Laem Chabang/Bangkok (Thailand), Koh Samui (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Port Klang (Malaysia), Malacca (Malaysia). From June through October 2013, Costa Atlantica will depart form Shanghai on short cruises to South Korea and Japan, calling at Cheju (South Korea), Pusan (South Korea), Fukuoka (Japan), Hososhima (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan).
Costa Victoria will debut in the region at Shanghai May 17, 2012, replacing Costa Classica. Costa Victoria will offer, for the first time, 246 cabins with balconies, enabling Guests to enjoy the splendid scenery of Asia from the privacy of their own cabins. Costa Victoria is furnished and designed in an Italian, elegant style, and each deck is named after an Italian opera. The Spa pool was inspired by the splendor of Pompeii and the Capricco Bar is tiled with the Italian artist Emilio Tadini’s mosaics. The natural beauty of the ocean can be savored by walking along the panoramic walks on either side of the ship on deck 12. Costa Victoria also will debut its unique on-board designer boutique concept, selling top brands at duty-free prices.
From May to October 2012 Costa Victoria will offer short cruises and seven-day cruises to Japan and South Korea from Shanghai, calling at Cheju (South Korea), Yeosu (South Korea), Fukuoka (Japan), Osaka (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan), Wakayama (Japan), Hososhima (Japan). From November 2012 to January 2013 the ship will be based in Singapore to offer seven-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and three- or four-day cruises to Malaysia. The three itineraries can be combined into a 14-day cruise, including Kuantan (Malaysia), Laem Chabang/Bangkok (Thailand), Koh Samui (Thailand), Langkawi (Malaysia), Penang (Malaysia), Port Klang (Malaysia), Malacca (Malaysia).
Until October 2013 Costa Victoria will depart from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin for short cruises to Taiwan or South Korea, Japan and Vietnam, with calls at Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Da-Nang (Vietnam), Haling Bay (Vietnam), Sanya (China), Keelung (Taiwan), Taichung (Taiwan), Fukuoka (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan), Cheju (South Korea), Pusan (South Korea).
Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will be supported in China by Costa Crociere’s WOFE. In November 2011 Costa established the cruise industry’s first wholly owned foreign enterprise (WOFE) in China.
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Thursday 10 May 2012
Two ‘New’ Ships Underway for Saga Cruises
Saga Cruises' Saga Sapphire has finally embarked on a much-delayed maiden voyage –- if it can still be called that -- after two previous attempts at an inaugural cruise had to be scrapped due to engine trouble.
The 706-passenger, 33,819-ton ship left Southampton on Sunday (06/05/12), bound for the Baltic, after emergency repairs had to be carried out in Valencia in April. The original maiden voyage was cut short and passengers flown home when an engine failed, and the revised second itinerary was cancelled when repairs took longer than expected.
The inauguration of Saga Sapphire isn't the only change for the company. The ship that arrived in Southampton at the weekend as the 446-passenger, 18,591-ton Saga Pearl II was rapidly converted into Quest for Adventure, its new name painted onto the ship's dark blue hull before the vessel embarked on Sunday on a round-Britain and Ireland voyage.
Quest for Adventure replaces the old Spirit of Adventure, a smaller, aging ship that, after six years of service for Saga, has been sold to a German company. Both vessels are the side of Saga's cruising product it calls ‘Adventure Cruising' (as opposed to the ‘Classic Cruising' offered by Saga Sapphire and Saga Ruby).
Quest differs slightly from the ‘Classic' ships in that the minimum age for passengers is 21, not 50, and a selection of shore excursions, which varies according to the length of cruise, is included in the price. Many of the crew from Spirit have transferred to Quest, including the captains, cruise director and some hotel staff. But essentially, it's Saga Pearl II with a new name and new itineraries; we haven't heard of any plans for changing the interiors, and in any case, the ship underwent a £14 million refurbishment when Saga acquired it in 2009.
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The 706-passenger, 33,819-ton ship left Southampton on Sunday (06/05/12), bound for the Baltic, after emergency repairs had to be carried out in Valencia in April. The original maiden voyage was cut short and passengers flown home when an engine failed, and the revised second itinerary was cancelled when repairs took longer than expected.
The inauguration of Saga Sapphire isn't the only change for the company. The ship that arrived in Southampton at the weekend as the 446-passenger, 18,591-ton Saga Pearl II was rapidly converted into Quest for Adventure, its new name painted onto the ship's dark blue hull before the vessel embarked on Sunday on a round-Britain and Ireland voyage.
Quest for Adventure replaces the old Spirit of Adventure, a smaller, aging ship that, after six years of service for Saga, has been sold to a German company. Both vessels are the side of Saga's cruising product it calls ‘Adventure Cruising' (as opposed to the ‘Classic Cruising' offered by Saga Sapphire and Saga Ruby).
Quest differs slightly from the ‘Classic' ships in that the minimum age for passengers is 21, not 50, and a selection of shore excursions, which varies according to the length of cruise, is included in the price. Many of the crew from Spirit have transferred to Quest, including the captains, cruise director and some hotel staff. But essentially, it's Saga Pearl II with a new name and new itineraries; we haven't heard of any plans for changing the interiors, and in any case, the ship underwent a £14 million refurbishment when Saga acquired it in 2009.
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Wednesday 9 May 2012
Titanic replica to be built in China
An Australian billionaireClive Palmer, who already owns a luxury holiday resort and is reportedly Australia’s fifth-richest person, expects the vessel – named Titanic II – to make its maiden voyage in 2016, sailing from Britain to New York.
“It will be every bit as luxurious as the original Titanic, but will have state-of-the-art 21st-century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems,” said Mr Palmer. He described the project as “a tribute to the spirit of the men and women who worked on the original Titanic.”
More than 1,500 people died when the original Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912. This year’s 100th anniversary has seen dozens of events to remember those who perished, including the opening of a new visitor centre in Belfast and the sailing of a memorial cruise on Fred Olsen’s Balmoral.
Mr Palmer said he has commissioned the state-owned Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to build the replica, as well as three other luxury cruise ships.
He added that he is working with a team of historical researchers to ensure the ship’s design is as close as possible to the original. has announced plans to build a replica of the RMS Titanic, 100 years after the original ship sank.
The diesel-powered vessel will have four funnels, although they will be purely decorative. There will be 840 cabins, nine decks and it will measure 270 metres long and 53 metres high.
“Titanic II will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury with on-board gymnasiums and swimming pools, libraries, high-class restaurants and luxury cabins,” added Mr Palmer.
Changes will be made below the waterline, however. It will use welding and not riveting, and will have a more fuel-efficient design and an enlarged rudder for greater manoeuvrability. Construction is due to begin next year.
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“It will be every bit as luxurious as the original Titanic, but will have state-of-the-art 21st-century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems,” said Mr Palmer. He described the project as “a tribute to the spirit of the men and women who worked on the original Titanic.”
More than 1,500 people died when the original Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912. This year’s 100th anniversary has seen dozens of events to remember those who perished, including the opening of a new visitor centre in Belfast and the sailing of a memorial cruise on Fred Olsen’s Balmoral.
Mr Palmer said he has commissioned the state-owned Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to build the replica, as well as three other luxury cruise ships.
He added that he is working with a team of historical researchers to ensure the ship’s design is as close as possible to the original. has announced plans to build a replica of the RMS Titanic, 100 years after the original ship sank.
The diesel-powered vessel will have four funnels, although they will be purely decorative. There will be 840 cabins, nine decks and it will measure 270 metres long and 53 metres high.
“Titanic II will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury with on-board gymnasiums and swimming pools, libraries, high-class restaurants and luxury cabins,” added Mr Palmer.
Changes will be made below the waterline, however. It will use welding and not riveting, and will have a more fuel-efficient design and an enlarged rudder for greater manoeuvrability. Construction is due to begin next year.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you
Costa Cruises announces new safety procedures
Costa Cruises has introduced a number of new safety measures in the wake of the Concordia disaster.
At the launch of its newest vessel, the $510-million Costa Fascinosa, the company said it is implementing seven new procedures to ensure “the highest safety standard before departure and during the cruise”.
They include emergency training for all guests before the ship leaves port, and the introduction of a real-time route monitoring system.
Changes have also been made to encourage greater shared responsibility, with more crew members allowed to issue orders. The ship’s navigational plan will also be shared with staff during a pre-departure briefing.
They follow new regulations announced last month by the European Cruise Council and the US-based Cruise Lines International Association, restricting visits to the bridge and requiring ships to carry more lifejackets.
Costa Cruises faced criticism following the Concordia disaster on January 13, which resulted in the deaths of at least 32 passengers. The ship ran aground after sailing too close to the island of Giglio, off the coast of Tuscany. Francesco Schettino, the captain, deviated from the ship’s approved route to “salute” the residents on the island.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, it also emerged that safety drills had not taken place prior to the ship’s departure from Civitavecchia.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of Costa, Pier Luigi Foschi, has said that the company is prospering, despite the disaster. He said this weekend's launch of Costa Fascinosa was "an important stepping stone on our company’s road to recovery". He added that booking volumes were at the same level as last year.
Fascinosa will spend the summer sailing from Venice and Bari to Greece and Croatia, before heading to South America in the winter.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you
At the launch of its newest vessel, the $510-million Costa Fascinosa, the company said it is implementing seven new procedures to ensure “the highest safety standard before departure and during the cruise”.
They include emergency training for all guests before the ship leaves port, and the introduction of a real-time route monitoring system.
Changes have also been made to encourage greater shared responsibility, with more crew members allowed to issue orders. The ship’s navigational plan will also be shared with staff during a pre-departure briefing.
They follow new regulations announced last month by the European Cruise Council and the US-based Cruise Lines International Association, restricting visits to the bridge and requiring ships to carry more lifejackets.
Costa Cruises faced criticism following the Concordia disaster on January 13, which resulted in the deaths of at least 32 passengers. The ship ran aground after sailing too close to the island of Giglio, off the coast of Tuscany. Francesco Schettino, the captain, deviated from the ship’s approved route to “salute” the residents on the island.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, it also emerged that safety drills had not taken place prior to the ship’s departure from Civitavecchia.
Meanwhile, the chief executive of Costa, Pier Luigi Foschi, has said that the company is prospering, despite the disaster. He said this weekend's launch of Costa Fascinosa was "an important stepping stone on our company’s road to recovery". He added that booking volumes were at the same level as last year.
Fascinosa will spend the summer sailing from Venice and Bari to Greece and Croatia, before heading to South America in the winter.
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Norwegian Breakaway to Feature Ropes Course, 5 Waterslides, For-Fee Club
Norwegian Cruise Line have announced the sun deck amenities to be found on its under-construction Norwegian Breakaway, set to launch April 2013. The 144,017-ton, 4,000-passenger ship will feature an unprecedented five top-ship waterslides, a three-story sports complex with a ropes course, an adults-only deck space and a for-fee beach club.
Here's what passengers can expect to find atop the ship:
Waterslides. Breakaway will feature five waterslides, two more than any other cruise ship. "Free Fall" comprises two side-by-side slides, atop which passengers will stand up and have the floor drop from underneath them -- a concept first introduced by Carnival Cruise Lines on Carnival Spirit, which will begin sailing Australia itineraries in October. Two additional side-by-side twisters (called "The Whip") are designed to pit passenger against passenger. The more tame "open-flume body slide" rounds out the offerings.
Adults-only deck space. The obligatory adults-only sun deck space is Spice H20, a stern-situated enclave that debuted on Norwegian Epic in 2010. Like the version on Epic, Breakaway's Spice features a movie screen, bar, hot tubs and plush loungers. Breakaway's Spice also has a dual waterfall feature under which passengers can cool off. At night, the space turns into an outdoor dance club.
For-fee beach club. Passengers 18 and older can access the Vibe Beach Club by purchasing an "access pass." The club features ocean views, an oversized hot tub, chaise loungers and a water feature. A full-service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels will also be available. The entry cost -- and what that cost will include -- are yet to be determined, said spokeswoman AnneMarie Mathews.
Sports complex. Borrowing another page from Carnival's playbook, Breakaway's three-story sports complex will feature a ropes course, a concept introduced on Carnival Magic. Breakaway's version, the largest at sea, will have 40 different elements, including a "zip track" and "The Plank," a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. Younger cruisers will have their own mini-version. Other sports complex features will include a rock-climbing wall, basketball court, bungee trampoline and "spider web," a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage with a spiral slide.
Kids' activities. For the younger sun deckers, the Kids' Aqua Park features Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick and Squidward; a kiddie pool and mini-slide; and the requisite water-spraying aparati. Other Nick-branded kids' activities will include a Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora's Dance Party, character meet-and-greets and impromptu games utilizing pies and slime.
Top-ship dining. The Garden Cafe, Breakaway's "action station" buffet venue will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving seafood, pizza, fruit, soups, pasta, ethnic specialties, burgers and desserts.
Norwegian has been revealing a steady stream of information on the Breakaway, including its solo cabin-and-lounge complex, Haven suite complex, kids' activities, restaurants and itineraries (the ship will homeport in New York).
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
Here's what passengers can expect to find atop the ship:
Waterslides. Breakaway will feature five waterslides, two more than any other cruise ship. "Free Fall" comprises two side-by-side slides, atop which passengers will stand up and have the floor drop from underneath them -- a concept first introduced by Carnival Cruise Lines on Carnival Spirit, which will begin sailing Australia itineraries in October. Two additional side-by-side twisters (called "The Whip") are designed to pit passenger against passenger. The more tame "open-flume body slide" rounds out the offerings.
Adults-only deck space. The obligatory adults-only sun deck space is Spice H20, a stern-situated enclave that debuted on Norwegian Epic in 2010. Like the version on Epic, Breakaway's Spice features a movie screen, bar, hot tubs and plush loungers. Breakaway's Spice also has a dual waterfall feature under which passengers can cool off. At night, the space turns into an outdoor dance club.
For-fee beach club. Passengers 18 and older can access the Vibe Beach Club by purchasing an "access pass." The club features ocean views, an oversized hot tub, chaise loungers and a water feature. A full-service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels will also be available. The entry cost -- and what that cost will include -- are yet to be determined, said spokeswoman AnneMarie Mathews.
Sports complex. Borrowing another page from Carnival's playbook, Breakaway's three-story sports complex will feature a ropes course, a concept introduced on Carnival Magic. Breakaway's version, the largest at sea, will have 40 different elements, including a "zip track" and "The Plank," a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. Younger cruisers will have their own mini-version. Other sports complex features will include a rock-climbing wall, basketball court, bungee trampoline and "spider web," a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage with a spiral slide.
Kids' activities. For the younger sun deckers, the Kids' Aqua Park features Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick and Squidward; a kiddie pool and mini-slide; and the requisite water-spraying aparati. Other Nick-branded kids' activities will include a Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora's Dance Party, character meet-and-greets and impromptu games utilizing pies and slime.
Top-ship dining. The Garden Cafe, Breakaway's "action station" buffet venue will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving seafood, pizza, fruit, soups, pasta, ethnic specialties, burgers and desserts.
Norwegian has been revealing a steady stream of information on the Breakaway, including its solo cabin-and-lounge complex, Haven suite complex, kids' activities, restaurants and itineraries (the ship will homeport in New York).
Looking for the latest FABCruise offers on a wide range of cruise holidays let FABTHINGS2do help you.
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