Wednesday 17 September 2014

Holland America Line Announces Name For New Pinnacle Class Ship 2016

The following information has been provided by Holland America Line.

Earlier this week Holland America Line announced the name for its new Pinnacle Class Ship which is scheduled for delivery February 2016; ms Konningsdam. While the name is in honor of Holland America Line's rich heritage and deep roots in the Netherlands, it also reflects a new era with a bold name that is an original in Holland America Lines 141-year history.


Since 1883 every Holland America passenger vessel has borne the “dam” suffix, and ms Koningsdam carries on that tradition. The word koning means “king” in Dutch, and the name celebrates the majestic new ship. The name also pays honor to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander, the first king of the Netherlands in over a century.

“In choosing the name Koningsdam, we are honoring our rich Dutch heritage while reflecting that we’re entering a new era as a company,” said Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of the Holland America Group. “This new Pinnacle Class ship will be our largest, most contemporary vessel, and it was only fitting to give it a name that embodies great achievement for the future, while embracing timeless tradition.”


New design for a new class of ship
When it debuts in February 2016, ms Koningsdam will be a new type of ship for Holland America Line. At 99,500 gross tons and carrying 2,650 guests and 1,025 crew members, the vessel is the largest ever built for the company. The increased size provides more opportunities to add new public spaces and venues, and several innovative features will debut on ms Koningsdam. Familiar spaces and amenities currently featured across the Holland America Line fleet will also be found on the new ship.

To bring a fresh vision to ms Koningsdam, Holland America Line tapped Adam D. Tihany, one of the world’s pre-eminent hospitality designers. Tihany joins distinguished maritime designer and architect Bjorn Storbraaten who worked with Holland America Line on ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Eurodam. The two firms will create a modern and contemporary ambiance while incorporating Holland America Line’s classic hallmarks.  

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Monday 15 September 2014

Work Has Begun To Stretch MSC Cruises' Armonia

MSC Cruises has begun their multimillion euro programme to stretch all four of their Lirica Class ships. 


Work began on 31st August to stretch MSC Armonia, the first of the four ships to undergo the refit. The vessel was cut in two and separated early this month, at the Fincantieri shipyard, ready for the pre-fabricated section to be inserted and welded.

The 80ft section, which was welded into place on 10th September, will not only provide 193 new cabins, but also a new waterpark area for the children, an enhanced boutique and refitted restaurants.

The refit will take approximately 9 weeks from start to finish, with a completion date of 17th November 2014. Upon completion MSC Armonia will carry 480 additional passengers and increase the ship’s weight by an estimated 5000 tonnes.

The three remaining ships are scheduled for their refit on the following dates:
MSC Sinfonia: 12 January – 16 March 2015
MSC Opera: 2 May – 4 July 2015
MSC Lirica: 31 August – 9 November 2015

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Friday 5 September 2014

Seabourn Revise Dress Guidelines

The following information has been provided by Seabourn.

REVISED DRESS GUIDELINES
In general, the world is becoming less formal in terms of the attire people are expected to wear in a given situation. At the same time, Seabourn guests expect to encounter a level of elegance which is beyond that they would normally experience at home. In order to balance these two sets of expectations, the following guidelines have been implemented.

Daytime wear
During the day we request that swimwear is not worn in the interior public rooms. Further, brief shorts (such as jogging shorts and work-out apparel) are not considered appropriate attire in dining venues and lounges.  (Bermuda, or longer shorts and jeans are acceptable).

Evening wear
In the evening (after 6pm) there are two different dress codes:

     1.  Elegant Casual
          
Men: slacks with a collared dress shirt or sweater; Jacket optional
          Ladies: slacks / skirt, blouse, pant suit or dress
          This is the dress standard for all dining venues
          Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day
          Jeans are not appropriate in the Restaurant after 6pm
   
     2.  Formal
          In the Restaurant:
              Men: Tuxedo, suit or slacks and jacket required
              Ladies: evening gown or other formal apparel
          Dress in other dining venues is Elegant Casual
          Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day
          Jeans are not appropriate in any public venues after 6pm

The breakdown per cruise for the different dress codes is as follows:
        Up to 13 day cruise – 1 Formal night
        14-20 day cruise – 2 formal nights
        21 or more day cruise – 3 formal nights

Christmas & New Year Cruises will have two formal nights per week or four for the two-week cruise, with Dress Code on December 25 and December 31 Formal.

Formal Evenings in The Restaurant
A sign with the evening dress code will be posted in The Restaurant, the only area where the dress code will be strictly enforced on formal nights. On Formal nights, a selection of jackets will be available to be offered to gentlemen who arrive without one. Alternatively they may dine in their suites, or in the Veranda Café/Colonnade/R2/Patio/Sky Grill when open.


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Thursday 4 September 2014

Royal Caribbean International Sell Celebrity Century to Chinese Travel Company

Royal Caribbean International have announced that they plan to sell Celebrity Century, the 19-year-old, 1,814 passenger ship, to Ctrip, a Chinese travel company.


Royal Caribbean International and Ctrip have entered into a joint venture, both managing the operations of Celebrity Century. However the details of this agreement have not yet been announced.

Ctrip International, Ltd is one of China's leading travel agencies, with interests in accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel mamangement. they have sent more than 120,000 passengers on cruises and makeup more than 10% of the Chinese cruise market.

Celebrity Century will complete its scheduled sailings through to March 22, 2015 itinerary plus scheduled farewell cruises, including one with President and CEO Michael Bayley before leaving Celebrity Cruises fleet in April. It has also been rumoured that the vessel will receive a full renovation ensuring a great cruise experience for the Chinese market.


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