Edition 26 - June 2015
Membership News CLIA to host second Port & Destination Summit in Hamburg
Registration opens today for CLIA’s second Port & Destination Summit, which will take place from 8 to 9 September. Following a successful inaugural Summit in Barcelona last September, CLIA will host its 2015 edition in Hamburg, commencing one day before the city hosts the Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention, the largest cruise industry gathering in Europe, from 9 to 11 September. CLIA’s Port & Destination Summit will comprise a full-day session where delegates will have a chance to hold an open dialogue on a range of topics of relevance to the port and destination community and network at the highest level. A Business Exchange Session will follow on 9 September, where delegates will have the chance to pre-book 1-2-1 meetings with cruise line executives. 24 cruise line executives representing 21 diverse cruise brands have so far confirmed attendance, with more expected to follow over the next few weeks. These cruise decision-makers are working within the areas of port operations, port development, shore excursions, and itinerary planning. The Port & Destination Summit is a flagship event in CLIA’s Executive Partner Program calendar. The recently
enhanced international membership program provides targeted value and networking opportunities to various companies and organisations active in the cruise industry. CLIA’s Executive Partner activities focus on providing benefits to the stakeholders within the growing communities of Port & Destination, Travel Operators, Technical & Supply Chain Providers, and Business Services Providers. Earlier this year, CLIA hosted its first Technical & Regulatory Forum in addition to the first Port & Destination Forum, both held in London. Giora Israel, Senior Vice President for Global Port and Destination Development at Carnival Corporation and Chairman of CLIA’s Global Port & Destination Committee, said: “Following last year’s sold-out first Summit in Barcelona, we are delighted to host a second Port & Destination event this year in Hamburg. It will give us a precious chance to follow up on many of the issues that we discussed last September and, more importantly, to check on the progress that has been achieved since. We are also confident that this Summit will bring new opportunities for CLIA’s Executive Partners and cruise line members to network at the highest level.” Bo Larsen, Vice-President for Port Engagement & European Executive Partner Members at CLIA, said: “To bring value to businesses and stakeholders within the cruise industry or those wanting to access it, CLIA’s Executive Partner Program provides a platform where members drive the agenda through their participation in workshops, roundtable discussions, and other activities.” On 8 September, following the Port & Destination Summit, CLIA Europe will host 35 cruise line executives at its annual Executive Partner Cocktail Reception.
Unleash your inner scientist… in an interactive science lab in Antarctica
Tauck’s Ray Steward appointed to CLIA UK & Ireland’s Executive Committee
Avid watchers of nature programmes and wannabe polar scientists, can enjoy a new type of cruise with Hurtigruten next year, when they operate two ships in Antarctica, making them the largest and most diverse provider of active travels to and in the deep South. The MS Midnatsol, currently operating as part of Hurtigruten’s Norwegian coastal voyages programme, will head south to Antarctica and operate with an enhanced entertainment programme including an interactive science lab & dedicated programme for younger guests. The MS Midnatsol will be based in Punta Arenas & will explore the Chilean fjords, Strait of Magellan & Cape Horn – all before the incredible spectacle that awaits passengers in Antarctica. She will play host to 500 passengers and is large enough to offer an array of facilities on-board, but small enough to be able to offer landings in some incredible places in Antarctica. Those who have always fancied themselves as a polar scientist can experiment in a new interactive ‘science laboratory’ where they can participate in field experiments such as examining a 3 million year-old piece of ice through a microscope or studying meteors found on shore. They can also enjoy a series of lectures from the team of on-board scientists. Meanwhile, teenagers can join the ‘Young Explorers’ programme, a packed entertainment programme with a scientific theme but presented in a lively and fun manner, so they will learn while having a good time. There will also be an array of other activities on-board including film and photography workshops, wine-tasting sessions, barbecues and polar film festivals. While many cruises to this part of the world offer a very visual experience, with no landings included, the Hurtigruten experience is truly interactive. Go kayaking or snorkeling through the pristine waters or try hiking & snowshoeing on your own polar expedition across the white expanses. There is even the chance to sleep out on deck under the polar skies. Of course no holiday would be complete without a close encounter with the locals! With no permanent human inhabitants in Antarctica, expect to see an array of birds, dolphins, seals, whales and of course, thousands of penguins. The Midnatsol’s sister ship, the MS Fram will continue to be based in Ushuaia in Argentina and will offer a more intimate and adult-focussed programme. The MS Fram is the perfect choice for more adventurous travellers, as her size means she can travel further south than her sister ship, visiting places that very few people ever get to see, in fact she offers no less than 40 unique landing sites in Antarctica. She will offer more challenging & extreme excursions than her sister ship, for example longer and harder hikes and a brand new skiing expedition across the Antarctic Peninsula. Hurtigruten operate the only ships to focus completely on polar itineraries. Unlike other operations, the ship, Captain and crew do not deploy to the Mediterranean or South Pacific during the summer months, creating an exclusive level of dedicated expertise not found anywhere else. For more information call Hurtigruten on tel: 020 3582 6642 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk.
Tauck’s UK & Ireland Country Manager, Ray Steward, has been appointed to the Executive Committee of CLIA UK & Ireland. Ray takes on the role at a time of continued growth in the river cruise market, particularly in European river cruising with figures showing a 10 per cent increase in British passengers in 2014. On taking up his position, Ray said: “CLIA is an outstanding trade association that has played a central role in fostering the growth of cruise holidays. I am particularly interested in assisting the development of river cruising, which is increasingly being seen as a fantastic way to explore a destination - not only because the “hotel travels with you” but also because the top operators are pioneering wonderfully engaging land-based experiences guests will never forget.” Ray joins fellow Executive Committee members Gerard Tempest, Carnival UK; Nathan Philpot, Fred. Olsen; Lynn Narraway, Holland America Line and Seabourn; Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises; Stuart Leven, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line; Helen Caron, Thomson & Island Cruises, Jo Rzymowska, Celebrity Cruises, Philip Ordever, Crystal Cruises, Giles Hawke, MSC Cruises, Richard Twynam, Azamara Club Cruises and Kathryn Beadle, Uniworld. CLIA UK & Ireland director, Andy Harmer said: “We are delighted Ray has joined the Executive team at a time when the river sector is showing remarkable growth, particularly within Europe, so his insight will help the Association with its core aim of encouraging more people to take a cruise holiday – both river and ocean.”
RAF Red Arrows salute Cunard and its 175 years of history with spectacular aerial display in Southampton on Thursday 2 July 2015 The RAF Red Arrows will take to the sky over Southampton waters - on Thursday 2 July for a spectacular aerial display above Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2. The world’s leading premier aerobatics team will provide an unforgettable sendoff for Queen Mary 2 and her passengers as she prepares to depart her homeport and continue the company’s celebrations with her 175th anniversary crossing of the Atlantic. Queen Mary 2 will arrive in Liverpool on 4th July – 175 years to the day that Cunard’s first ship, Britannia, set sail from that port for Boston, via Halifax on 4 July 1840. Later that day Queen Mary 2 will follow in Britannia’s wake and head for Halifax and Boston before arriving in New York on 14 July. Cunard’s Marketing Director, Angus Struthers explained the significance of starting this historical voyage in Southampton: “Our 175th anniversary year has included some remarkable moments and amazing sights. On Thursday 2 July, these are sure to continue as we are treated by the sight of the iconic Red Arrows performing a full aerobatic display in the skies above arguably the world’s most famous ship. “Queen Mary 2 will be in her homeport of Southampton before embarking on a truly historical voyage as she sails to Liverpool to recreate the first scheduled Transatlantic Crossing 175 years ago, a service that has operated every year since. “This is Cunard’s opportunity to say thank you to Southampton and we hope everyone can join us for what promises to be an unforgettable event.”
The Red Arrows, who celebrate 50 years of precision flying this year, will take to the sky over Marchwood at 1505 hours. Flying nine British-built Hawk jets, the Red Arrows’ 2015 display features a first half of synchronised formation aerobatics followed by a more dynamic second half. For this season’s show, there are a number of new moves added, including the shape of a Spitfire. This is in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the Royal Air Force’s continued role in 2015 in securing the skies. In this manoeuvre, Reds 4 and 5 trail smoke to represent the wing tip vortexes seen in the intense battle over the United Kingdom. Squadron Leader David Montenegro, Red 1 and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “The departure of Queen Mary 2 and events marking the 175th anniversary of Cunard should provide a great occasion and backdrop for the Red Arrows’ display in Southampton. “I know, from our recent flypast over Liverpool and the company’s Three Queens event, how much the public enjoy seeing the combination of these ships and our jets overhead, trailing red, white and blue smoke. “As national ambassadors, the Red Arrows represent the United Kingdom and it is always a great honour to be a part of such a special event that will hopefully be seen by thousands of people.” Queen Mary 2 will leave Southampton at 1800 hours on July 2 before arriving in Liverpool in the early hours of Saturday, 4 July. Celebrating her return to Liverpool a series of free events have been organised across the City during American Independence Day weekend. Queen Mary 2 will leave Liverpool after an elaborate fireworks display at 2230 hrs on Saturday, 4 July. Queen Mary 2 will then make her way across the Atlantic to Halifax, Canada, the home of Sir Samuel Cunard, before heading south to Boston, before arriving in the Big Apple itself, New York.
The Sally Fox Water Taxi Seattle’s newest water taxi, Sally Fox, was launched on March 28th and now sails in Puget Sound. Named after Sally Willinger Fox, a long-time resident of Vashon Island who passed away in 2007, the vessel takes passengers from pier 50 in vibrant downtown Seattle to quiet and rural Vashon Island. Vashon Island is part of the San Juan Islands known for their beautiful sceneries, wildlife spotting and long stretches of coastline. The 20 minute journey offers its passengers wonderful views of the coastline and, during the whale-watching season, a chance to spot orcas and seals swimming around the bay. At 104-foot long, this brand new water taxi can carry more passengers than any of the other vessels currently in use and also features special amenities for disabled passengers such as special restrooms and wheelchair tie-downs. Soon the Sally Fox will be joined by a sister ship, the ‘Doc Maynard, currently under construction and expected to be delivered this fall. One-way tickets are $5.50 for cash-paying individuals and $4.75 for ORCA card holders.
Perfect Accord Between Ponant And Veuve Clicquot Champagne PONANT and Veuve Clicquot are joining forces to bring French excellence and savoir-faire to the four corners of the world. The famous French Champagne house and the only French cruise ship owner have signed an exclusive partnership to offer Veuve Clicquot champagnes aboard PONANT’s five yachts (32 to 132 staterooms and suites). An attractive partnership that seals the union of two labels that have always boldly focused on French experience and savoir-faire, a commitment that is deeply entwined in their respective stories and which finds an evocative echo in their logos: sails for PONANT and a ship’s anchor for Veuve Clicquot. According to this arrangement, the Veuve Clicquot house becomes PONANT’s exclusive special partner, for the greatest pleasure of PONANT’s passengers: • The Captain’s Cocktail - Veuve Clicquot: The traditional Captain’s Cocktail, organised at the beginning of each cruise, will exclusively serve Veuve Clicquot champagne; this will premiere on Le Lyrial, the latest jewel in the PONANT fleet, and then be extended to the company’s four other ships. • Aboard Le Lyrial, the Panoramic Lounge, located on Deck 6 at the bow of the ship, will soon play host to a Veuve Clicquot corner where PONANT passengers can enjoy a glass of champagne looking out over the ocean. This area will be progressively rolled out to the sisterships: Le Boréal, L’Austral & Le Soléal. • A new Premium Bar Menu (not included in the Open Bar) will offer an exclusive selection of Veuve Clicquot champagnes (Brut Carte Jaune Clicquot, Rosé, La Grande Dame) and spirits from the luxury drinks house Moët Hennessy. • Veuve Clicquot events will also be regularly organised aboard the ships allowing passengers to discover and sample the creations of this prestigious company.
When the biggest met the best The largest cruise ship ever to call at Dover arrived for its inaugural visit this morning, with the the world-renowned White Cliffs of Dover being silhouetted by the majestic cruiser as it came into Dover Cruise Port. As part of a 12-day round-trip to the British Isles and coastal European cities, Celebrity Silhouette arrived from Amsterdam with one of the Port’s dedicated pilots taking the helm to carefully guide the 319m long ship into port alongside Cruise Terminal 2. The Port of Dover’s growing reputation as the port of choice for luxury cruise liners has today been matched by a growing size of ship. With around 200,000 cruise enthusiasts enjoying the award-winning facilities at Dover each year and with a commitment to be the best port in the world for its valued cruise customers, Dover is perfectly placed for cruises around Britain, the Baltic Capitals, the beautiful Norwegian fjords, transatlantic trips, Mediterranean cruises and the Atlantic coast. Part of the impressive Solstice Class, Celebrity Silhouette boasts a considerable amount of new features, making the experience at Dover even more memorable. Barbara Buczek, General Manager - Business Development, Port of Dover, says: “It’s fantastic to welcome a ship as big as Celebrity Silhouette and demonstrate how the Port of Dover can accommodate this size of vessel. With bigger ships come more customers too and we are delighted to showcase our port facilities. With easy access to both the unique historic and natural delights of Kent - the Garden of England - and one of the global cities – London, they will get the best of British through the gateway to England.” The Celebrity Silhouette, owned and operated by Celebrity Cruises, was launched in 2011 and is 122,400 gross tons and can accommodate 2,885 passengers. Silhouette will continue on to Saint Peter Port, Cobh, Waterford, Dublin, Liverpool, Glasgow, Holyhead and Le Harve before returning to Amsterdam on the 21st June.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet comes together for the first time ever – in Bergen – on 28th July 2015
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ fleet of four ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – will all be coming together in Norway’s second city, Bergen, on Tuesday 28th July 2015, for an historic joint celebration! This ‘4Bs in Bergen’ event – named after the initial letter of each of the four Fred. Olsen ships – will be the first time ever that the fleet has converged in one place, anywhere in the world, and it is expected to be a very exciting day for both Fred. Olsen guests – of which there will be nearly 4,000 visiting that day – and the city of Bergen. All four ships will be arriving at the Port of Bergen at 8am on 28th July 2015, and will be departing at 6pm. They will be operating on the following schedules: • Balmoral – eight-night L1511 ‘Norwegian Fjords’ cruise, ex Southampton on 25th July 2015 – arriving at Bontelabo Terminal from Stavanger • Braemar – 14-night M1521 ‘Falls, Fjords & Faroe Islands’ cruise, ex Dover on 18th July 2015 – arriving at Festningskaien Terminal from Akureyri (Iceland) • Boudicca – seven-night D1517 ‘Glaciers, Fjords & Waterfalls of Norway’ cruise, ex Newcastle on 26th July 2015 – arriving at Skolten North Terminal from Newcastle • Black Watch – nine-night W1512 ‘Cruising the Fjordland’ cruise, ex Liverpool on 23rd July 2015 – arriving at Skolten South Terminal from Flåm Mike Rodwell, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “This is a very special occasion for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and we know that the city of Bergen is looking forward to welcoming our fleet on this unique day this Summer. “We are committed to the city of Bergen on our Norwegian cruise itineraries, and we have been calling at the Port every year since 1997. In fact, the number of days that Fred. Olsen ships have spent in Bergen from 2006 to 2015 is 176 in total, and we know that the city is a highlight to many of our guests on cruises to our historic homeland.” It is expected that the festivities on the day will include: - Norwegian-themed marching bands, drummers and singers on the quayside - a fantastic schedule of onboard entertainment – an afternoon show, deck party and live bands – to be co-ordinated so that all guests will have a chance to watch different shows across the different ships - the chance to visit all four ships as they are berthed along the quayside, with complimentary drinks and canapés - an inter-ship treasure hunt, where teams will compete against each other to complete the course around the beautiful city of Bergen in the fastest time and win a £200 gift voucher for a future Fred. Olsen cruise - an action-packed inter-crew ‘tug o’ war’ challenge on Festningskaien, as small teams of crew from each ship battle it out, spurred on by vocal support from guests! - a spectacular ‘water cannon’ send–off, as all four ships leave the Port in formation. Flagship Balmoral will depart first, followed by Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – all in size order! Guests will also be able to book the following shore excursions as part of this very special one-off experience: - a new walking tour, which will visit the Bergenhus Fortress, historic Bryggen and Ole Bull statue - a boat trip across the harbour, to the island of Lygra, which will allow guests to see all four ships from the water - a helicopter tour to see all four ships from above - a Mount Fløyen funicular tour, with the emphasis on the view of the ships from the impressive summit With its proud Norwegian heritage, Fred. Olsen has been visiting Bergen – the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’ – since 1997, and in 2015 will be celebrating a total number of 17 cruise calls for the year, comprising visits by nearly 17,000 guests. Balmoral, Boudicca and Black Watch will be making four calls each, and Braemar will be making five. From Bergen, Balmoral will be continuing to Flåm on 28th July 2015; both Braemar and Black Watch will be meeting up again in Eidfjord; and Boudicca will be continuing to Ålesund. For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com To find out more about Bergen, visit www.visitBergen.com
Passengers On Board European Waterways’ Magna Carta Hotel Barge Help Celebrate 800th Anniversary of Famous Charter With 2015 marking the 800th Anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta – or ‘Great Charter’ - the lucky passengers on board European Waterways’ hotel barge ‘Magna Carta’, which cruises the River Thames, are finding themselves in the middle of one of the U.K.’s most significant commemorative events. During its varied itinerary, the Magna Carta cruises right past the site of the sealing of the “Great Charter” at Runnymede, a bucolic water-meadow alongside the river. This weekend, Saturday and Sunday June 13 and 14, the River Thames will be the site of a grand pageant, with a flotilla of boats, led by the elaborately ornate Gloriana, the official royal row barge of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II. The boats will assemble on the River Thames and make their way from the village of Hurley to Runnymede. Runnymede is synonymous with the words ‘Magna Carta’, as this was the place that King John signed the famous document 800 years ago and currently marked by the American Bar Association memorial As part of the celebrations on Monday, June 15, a new bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II will be unveiled at Runnymede, showing the Queen dressed in full ceremonial attire of the Order of the Garter. The Queen and some 4,500 invited dignitaries willattend the ceremony and crowds of thousands will be there to join in the celebrations. The Magna Carta’s itinerary also includes a special excursion to Salisbury Cathedral to see the world’s best-preserved original copy of the famous charter that also served as the blueprint for the U.S. Constitution. “It’s an exciting time for our guests on the Magna Carta. They’re finding themselves cruising along the Royal River Thames past one of England’s most historic sites, witnessingexciting events commemorating ‘The Great Charter,.’” Actually, it’s all very appropriate, because many of our guests charter Magna Carta for their own family celebrations!”said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. For more information, pricing, cruise schedules, and brochures, visit www.gobarging.com. Follow European Waterways on Facebook and Twitter. You can also view their YouTube channel, http://bit.ly/19kQhbm.
SCH Secures Agreement To Handle Saga Cruises Ships In Southampton Port terminal operators Southampton Cargo Handling (SCH) have expanded their portfolio of cruise passenger work after being appointed by Saga Cruises to handle all their ships calling in the Port of Southampton. SCH, already a key player in helping to maintain Southampton’s position as Europe’s leading port for cruise ship turnaround operations, will provide Saga ships with all baggage, porterage and stores services. The two-year agreement will start immediately and, during the 2015 season, will see SCH service some 30 calls by Saga’s ships Saga Pearl II and Saga Sapphire. Destinations will include the Mediterranean, Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the Canaries, Canada and the Caribbean. SCH will handle turnaround calls for the Saga Pearl II, which accommodates some 450 passengers, and the bigger Saga Sapphire, which carries some 720 passengers. The latest success in expanding its cruise ship work builds upon SCH’s current activity in the sector, which also includes operations in Portsmouth, Liverpool and Leith through its sister companies Cruise and Passenger Services and Southern Maritime Services. SCH Operations Director Kevin Hulme commented: “Our knowledge and expertise in cruise ship operations will help to ensure that Saga passengers enjoy an efficient and seamless service when they board or disembark their ships in Southampton. We look forward to playing our part in maintaining Saga’s established reputation for providing a high quality cruise experience. “This latest success builds upon the portfolio of services that SCH and its sister companies now offer the cruise sector at various ports throughout the UK.” Richard Meikle, Saga Cruises Fleet Director added: “We look forward to working with SCH to ensure our passengers are provided with excellent service at the start and end of their cruise as well as ensuring that the ships are stored efficiently during busy turnaround days.”
Success Of Cruise Baltic Online Training Platform Exceeds Expectations Leading, UK-based online training provider OTT (Online Travel Training) has revealed this week that for the month of May 2015, network Cruise Baltic is ranked 2nd highest in its official statistics of the most popular online training courses, which they operate for their global clients. In total 363 travel agents have accessed and passed the Cruise Baltic online training course. It was on 22 April, 2015 when Cruise Baltic first launched its online e-learning platform and during the month of May, only American Airlines’ platform ranks higher in its performance than Cruise Baltic’s course, accessible at cruisebaltictraining.com. Says Claus Bødker, Cruise Baltic Director: “We are delighted with these results. Each of the 363 travel agents, having now completed the training modules, receive a diploma and become certified Cruise Baltic experts. By providing the agents with comprehensive training, they will greatly assist us in our aim of supporting the cruise lines which deploy ships in the Baltic Sea; and reflects our commitment to securing increased cruise business in our diverse region of the world.” The course provides travel agents worldwide with the necessary knowledge and tools to increase their sales of Baltic cruises. At the same time, they will be able to provide their clients comprehensive product information, combining details of the Baltic destinations and attractions, together with recommended hotel and airline services. The programme includes sales materials and quick facts on attractions and shore excursions for each destination. Cruise Baltic is a network of cruise destinations in the Baltic Sea offering easy access to 10 countries on a string with an ‘ocean of adventures’. The network - founded in 2004 with 12 destinations - has now grown in 2015 to 27 destinations.
MSC Cruises says ‘I do’ to primetime TV slot on Don’t Tell The Bride
London, June 11 2015: MSC Cruises is set for primetime television exposure next month with a starring role in hit BBC series Don’t Tell The Bride. The cruise line welcomed the cameras on board MSC Lirica in September last year as Manchester-based children’s entertainer Mark Kelly prepared a theatrical wedding for sweetheart Kelly Roughley. Having met on a cruise ship, MSC Lirica was the perfect venue in Mark’s eyes. But in true Don’t Tell The Bride style, Kelly doesn’t know what’s in store… and she is expecting something much more traditional.
“Don’t Tell The Bride has become a real cult classic and attracts fantastic viewing figures. The fact that it is switching to a primetime spot on BBC1 demonstrates how popular it has become,” he said. “MSC Cruises invests in marketing in a very different way from our rivals in the UK. We aim to maximise our exposure in clever ways and demonstrate what makes us different and special. An MSC cruise is for people who love life, don’t take themselves too seriously and want a real holiday rather than a more staid and stuffy experience. “We decided to take part because we have the utmost confidence in our onboard events teams and knew the staff on MSC Lirica would be able to handle any of the requests thrown at them. The programme highlights what a great job they do and what a great alternative wedding venue an MSC Cruises ship can be.”
The smash hit show – which sees grooms plan their wedding days without any input from their brides-to-be – returns with six new hour-long episodes on June 24 and makes the leap from its former home on BBC3 to a new primetime 8pm berth on BBC1. The MSC Cruises episode will be the third in the series, and is scheduled for broadcast on July 8.
MSC Cruises offers three different types of wedding packages – silver, gold and platinum – which all include the services of a dedicated wedding planner. The wedding planners work with couples to handle all the details of planning the wedding and ceremonial packages include options for everything from photography and video, music, fresh flowers, food and beverage and a cake.
MSC Cruises executive director UK and Ireland Giles Hawke said the show would introduce the brand to a new audience of younger, fun-loving potential clients.
To mark the occasion MSC Cruises is planning a weddingthemed party for trade partners with live screening of the show at a central London venue.
Carnival Magic Coming To Port Canaveral Earlier In 2016 Port Canaveral will become homeport to the Carnival Magic in April 2016 instead of December 2016, joining the Carnival Valor and Carnival Sunshine in sailing from Central Florida. Carnival Magic will take over Carnival Valor’s current sevenday day Port Canaveral cruise program starting April 23, 2016. Carnival Valor will offer a new series of five- and eight-day departures from Port Canaveral beginning June 4, 2016 instead of October 2016 as previously announced. “Port Canaveral continues to provide our cruise guests and travel agent partners with customer service and quality facilities for embarking on a Fun Ship vacation experience,” said Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president.
“We applaud Carnival’s decision to move up the arrival of Carnival Magic to join Carnival Valor and Carnival Sunshine so their passengers who sail from Orlando’s Port will have more options,” said Port Canaveral CEO John E. Walsh. Carnival Magic will offer weeklong western Caribbean cruises while Carnival Valor and Carnival Sunshine will sail a variety of five- and eight-day eastern, western and southern Caribbean itineraries. Carnival Valor will undergo extensive renovations to add a variety of Fun Ship 2.0 innovations. Carnival Victory will homeport at Port Canaveral in February 2016 and sail three- and four-day Bahamas cruises.
Carnival Breeze To Shift To Galveston, Carnival Magic To Port Canaveral In Spring 2016, Bringing Dynamic New Ships To These Markets Carnival Cruise Line’s today announced deployment changes designed to enhance its leadership position in two key homeports – Galveston and Port Canaveral, Florida, – while providing exciting ‘Fun Ship’ itinerary choices in time for next summer’s cruise season. Carnival Breeze will reposition to Galveston in May 2016 and Carnival Magic to Port Canaveral in April 2016, several months earlier than previously announced. Carnival Breeze will assume Carnival Magic’s year-round schedule of seven-day Galveston cruises beginning 8th May, 2016. Carnival Magic will take over Carnival Valor’s current seven-day Port Canaveral cruise programme 23rd April, 2016. In turn, Carnival Splendor will assume Carnival Breeze’s six- and eight-day Caribbean schedule from Miami 1st May, 2016. Carnival Valor will offer a new series of five- and eight-day departures from Port Canaveral beginning 4th June, 2016 instead of October 2016 as previously announced. Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president said: “Galveston and Port Canaveral are two important markets for ‘Fun Ship’ cruising and these deployment changes provide our guests and travel agent partners with exciting new options featuring a variety of on-board innovations and visiting top destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas and Florida.”
Carnival Corporation Finalizes Contract with Meyer Werft to Build Four Next-Generation Cruise Ships The four new cruise ships – part of a previously announced nine-ship strategic partnership for the world’s largest cruise company – will be the largest ever built based on guest capacity Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest travel and leisure company, today announced it has signed a multi-billion dollar contract to build four next-generation cruise ships with the largest guest capacity in the world. The contract with Meyer Werft is part of larger previously announced strategic memo of understanding with leading shipbuilders Meyer Werft and Fincantieri S.p.A for nine new ship orders between 2019 and 2022. The four new ships will also feature a revolutionary “green cruising” design. The ships will be the first in the cruise industry to be powered at sea by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) -- the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, representing a major environmental breakthrough. The company said two of the ships will be manufactured for AIDA Cruises at Meyer Werft’s shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Additional information about the ships, including which new ships will be added to each brand, will be made available at a later date. Based on Carnival Corporation’s innovative new ship design, each of the four next-generation ships will have a total capacity of 6,600 guests, feature more than 5,000 lower berths, exceed 180,000 gross tons and incorporate an extensive number of guest-friendly features. A major part of the innovative design involves making much more efficient use of the ship’s spaces, creating an enhanced onboard experience for guests. Pioneering a new era in the use of sustainable fuels, the four new ships will be the first in the cruise industry to use LNG in dualpowered hybrid engines to power the ship both in port and on the open sea. LNG will be stored onboard and used to generate 100 percent power at sea – producing another industry-first innovation for Carnival Corporation and its brands. Using LNG to power the ships in port and at sea will eliminate emissions of soot particles and sulfur oxides. In addition to the two ships being built in Germany, Meyer Werft – which had the capacity to accommodate these four ship-building orders in its production schedule -- will also build the two additional ships detailed in today’s announcement at its shipyard in Turku, Finland. Each new ship will be specifically designed and developed for the brand and the guests it will serve, underscoring the company’s goal to consistently exceed guest expectations and provide first-time and repeat guests with the vacation experience of a lifetime on each and every cruise. Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald said the contract is consistent with the company’s measured capacity growth strategy to replace ships with less efficient capacity with newer, larger and more fuel efficient vessels over time. “We are looking forward to executing on the next step in our fleet enhancement plan,” said Donald. “At a cost per berth in line with our existing order book, these new ships will enhance the return profile of our fleet. These are exceptionally efficient ships with incredible cabins and public spaces featuring a design inspired by Micky Arison and Michael Thamm and developed by our new build teams.” Arison is chairman of the board of directors for Carnival Corporation & plc and Thamm is CEO of the Costa Group, which includes AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises. Added Donald: “It will be exciting to see our shipbuilding team bring these new ships to life. Every step of the way, our focus is on designing state-of-the-art ships that provide a vacation experience our guests will love, and we are putting all of our creative energy and resources into making sure we achieve that goal.” “These ships will expand our leadership position for the Costa Group, the market leader in all the major European markets,” said Thamm. “These will be spectacular ships designed specifically for our guests who sail on our Costa Group brands.” Bernard Meyer, CEO of Meyer Werft, said: “In past years, we have built seven highly successful ships for AIDA Cruises. We are honored that Carnival Corporation has entrusted us with the implementation of this ambitious shipbuilding program, and we look forward to building these four magnificent ships.” The new ship order will allow the Costa Group to continue to build on its leadership position in the European cruise market – a market in which five out of 10 cruise guests in 2014 sailed onboard a Costa Group ship. The Costa Group – along with Princess Cruise Lines, also part of the Carnival Corporation family -- also occupies the leading position in the rapidly growing cruise market in China. As part of each shipbuilding company’s long-term strategic partnership with Carnival Corporation, additional new ship orders are being explored over the coming decade.
Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention 2015 The cruise industry remains positive and dynamic. Passenger numbers are beating records in many countries, with Germany now leading the European cruise market. The rapid growth of Europe’s cruise industry is expected to continue with passenger numbers on course to reach ten million by 2020.
Emerald Waterways Unveils New Itinerary For Southeast Asia Emerald Waterways is delighted to announce its brand new itinerary for the exciting destination of Southeast Asia. For the very first time, Emerald Waterways will combine the best of fully-inclusive river cruising and touring to take you on an unforgettable journey through the majesty of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.
Experience the beauty and intrigue of Hanoi, a city filled with culture, combining traditional customs and modern flair. Float into Halong Bay and behold the majestic sight of hundreds of limestone pillars engulfed by azure waters, a truly unique experience. Next, encounter the elaborate pagodas and temples lining the Perfume River, the mysterious palaces of the Former Imperial City of Hue, and the famous ruins of Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. Launched in 2014, Emerald Waterways has exclusively chartered the impressive Mekong Navigator, one of the most luxurious vessels on the Mekong. Breath taking five-star facilities include a spa, sundeck library as well as spacious and opulent suites decorated to blend the French Colonial style and rich culture of the region. A cruise on the Mekong with Emerald Waterways gives guests the chance to see secret pockets of Vietnam with its Enrich Experiences ensuring this is truly a trip of a lifetime. To celebrate the launch of this brand new itinerary, Emerald Waterways is offering an exclusive discount £1000 per couple until 31st August. So take the chance to soak up the sights of Southeast Asia for truly wondrous experience.
Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention brings together senior buyers, planners and key decision-makers from Europe’s ocean and river cruise lines with suppliers from all sectors of these industries. Don’t miss your chance to take part and register for free: seatrade-europe.com/register How to benefit from cruise industry’s growth course? As a leading platform for the exchange of industry know-how, Seatrade Europe Conference 2015 has been designed to provide participants with the knowledge needed to take their business forward within this growing economy. Industry peers and experts will debate the opportunities and challenges that go with this status during two and a half days of high-level conference, covering a broad spectrum of topics including: • • • • • • • •
The State of the Industry in Europe Europe’s River Cruise Industry Design for the Future Understanding the Industry Finance for Ocean and River Cruise Cruise Itinerary Development in Europe gmec Cruise: The Regulatory Framework for Cruise Operators in European Waters Shorex Round Table
Catch the early bird for Seatrade Europe Conference 2015 and register by 31 July: seatrade-europe.com/conference Free access for all Cruise Line Personnel Secure your free access to all events early, as complimentary places are limited: seatrade-europe.com/clp Superlative Cruise Week in Hamburg From 4 to 13 September 2015 Hamburg will serve as one big stage for grand cruise events: for the first time this year the City of Hamburg will bundle its cruise-themed events and invite industry experts as well as the broader public to join a ten-day programme of events. The Cruise Week combines not only Seatrade Europe Cruise & River Cruise Convention, the European flagship event for the cruise industry, but also various other events such as the consumer orientated Hamburg Cruise Days and a travel agent training by Germany’s leading tourism trade journal fvw. Visitors to the port and the city centre can also look forward to a varied programme by numerous cooperation partners from the retail, hospitality and port industries.
CLIA to hold its first ‘New to Cruise Summit’ CLIA is to hold its first ‘New to Cruise Summit’ aimed primarily at those travel agents who do not yet sell cruise holidays and also those who wish to increase their share of this lucrative market. With research showing that a very high percentage of first time cruisers go on to take another cruise, a key element of the day is providing help and support on how to convert yet to cruise holidaymakers as they are likely to become loyal cruise customers of the future. The event, run in association with Puerto Rico Tourism and CLIA member cruise lines, will provide a mix of training in cruise sales techniques, current industry trends, product training and how to capitalise on the resources available to reach new customers. CLIA UK & Ireland director, Andy Harmer says: “There are many travel agents who are keen to grow their cruise sales and our New to Cruise Summit will tackle head on some of the ways in which we can all grow our cruise sales using some to understand steps. The event will include workshops covering cruise products that are particularly designed to appeal to yet to cruise customers together with key trends within cruise that travel agents can use to maximise their sales.” The New to Cruise Summit, which is also open to those agents who want to increase their cruise sales, will take place in London on 15 September and is open to both CLIA and non-CLIA members. Further information and to book visit www.cruiseexperts.org
Andy Harmer Director aharmer@cruising.org Penny Guy PR Director pguy@cruising.org Adele Fitzpatrick-Foster Events and Training Manager afoster@cruising.org Alex Holubowicz Creative and Digital Co-ordinator aholubowicz@cruising.org Augustus Lonsdale Business Development Co-ordinator alonsdale@cruising.org Megan Saunders Office Manager & Support Executive msaunders@cruising.org
CLIA UK & Ireland www.cruiseexperts.org ukinfo@cruising.org t: +44 (0)20 3582 4378