Viking River Cruises christening ceremony in Amsterdam. The company christened a total of 12 new river vessels, including 10 of its award-winning Viking Longships(R) and two custom vessels for the Elbe River.
Cruise Addicts is heading to Basel, Switzerland to attend the naming ceremony of Viking River Cruises newest river ships this week. We are excited to bring you along with us as we attend the ceremony and a mini-cruise afterwards. Please follow me for live updates on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Viking will be naming six new Viking Longships® which will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, and Viking Hegrim which is inspired by the Longships and custom designed to sail Portugal’s Douro River.
Here is a complete list of Viking’s new river ships:
8:45 a.m. – 12:00 noon: Mannheim, Germany (Heidelberg walking tour (castle and city tour)
4:00pm: Arrive in Mainz, Germany.
Saturday, March 23
Disembarkation and return flight home.
Once again please stay tuned and follow us on our social media channels and look for live updates as they happen. We are expecting some nice sunny skies and chilly weather during our visit. So I’ll be the one wearing the jacket and hat. Stay Tuned! Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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In just a few short months it will be July 2019 and Cruise Addicts will celebrate our Twenty Year anniversary. In 1999 I was working on my family’s business website hoping to sell Police Uniforms and Equipment online. We were very successful and were one of the first Uniform sites to be listed on Yahoo!. I remember how hard it was buy a domain name and website back then. We soon took online orders. It was exciting to see the orders show up in our Inbox. I remember making a big purchase of a handheld image scanner to scan images from the catalogs to add products to the website. We had a nice run and sold items all over the world. It was very rewarding. These were the days before Gall’s, Amazon or even online betting sites. To get away from my “real job” I fell in love with cruise travel like so many others. I searched for all the ship reviews and wanting to learn every little detail before my cruise. This led me to learn the best resources online.
How We Started
I was always working on the uniform store’s website. So with my girlfriends urging we created Cruise Addicts for fun. The name came from our table mate’s on our previous cruise who nicknamed us the “Cruise Addicts”. We honestly just knew too much about the ship and would share things with them over Dinner’s together. Little did I know that I would sit here almost twenty years later telling you about it. Our little idea has grown up and has left a legacy. On once small online forums soared and was considered one of the top three in the cruise travel world. Thousands of users from all over the world visited each day. I remember it cost thousands of dollars a month just to keep our website working. The community reflected life. Our members met each other “in real life” regularly. One couple even got married. Our members would often open their homes and host “meetings”. Forum members flew-in just to meet each other at these events. It was fantastic and the people wonderful. Many are still friends today and still visit our forums. Unfortunately we also mourned the loss of several key members over time. We shared each other’s lives with cruise travel being what brought us all together. These memories are special.
The Future
Today we continue to evolve our media offerings with industry news, ship reviews and travel tips. Always trying to innovate we created the first cruise travel ROKU Channel for Cruise Addicts of course. We also jumped on the social media bandwagon and have a social media following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Just like in back in 1999, things continue to grow and change on the internet. It is always exciting to see what changes we can offer our users in the future. We even dabbled in offering our users a Podcast which we hope to begin updating regularly in the future. For a short time we even had an online radio station streaming music to the website. We played a nice mix of reggae music and other hand-picked songs. What’s exciting to me is creating something that people enjoy and share. It has been very rewarding and has allowed me to indulge my passion for creating, cruise travel and learning so much about the cruise industry.
Here is a recent Ship Review we produced:
This year we hope to offer even more features on our website and even bring back things we did in the past. Though we gambled in the early days, we are not the best online casino but, we always strive to be a great cruise travel resource. I hope you stay tuned for another twenty years. I think we are just hitting our stride. Thank you for joining me for this journey. Your encouragement and support have made many of my dreams come true.
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort has a cruise package that offers lower rates, breakfast and transfers.
To make your cruise vacation even better, it helps to get off to a smooth start. This begins with a great experience at your pre-cruise hotel.
Wise cruisers like to arrive at their Florida cruise port city a day ahead of their voyage in order to explore the city, enjoy the weather and ease into the start of their trip without the worry of missing the ship because of snags in the schedule for their flights.
We’ve narrowed our list to these best Miami cruise hotels.
Holiday Inn Port of Miami-Downtown – The hotel is located right across from the cruise port and next to the Bayside Market Place shopping mall, and its “Sail Away” package offers a complimentary breakfast buffet and shuttle service to your ship. Also, kids up to age 11 eat free at the property’s restaurants. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness center and laundry facility. Rooms feature a microwave and fridge.
Intercontinental Miami – Located near Bayfront Park, the hotel is steps away from the waterfront and a seven-minute drive to Port Miami. Amenities include a rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center and a spa. It offers a “Pre and Post Cruise” package that features transfers to and from the port, daily breakfast buffet and two welcome drinks.
Courtyard Miami Airport – The Marriott property offers an “Extend Your Miami Cruise Experience” package that includes breakfast for two and transportation to your cruise ship. The hotel has low rates and is located two miles from the airport (shuttle is complimentary). It features a sports bar, fitness center and gym. Rooms offer mini-fridges and coffee makers.
Hampton Inn Coconut Grove – With its “Stay and Cruise” package, travelers get a hot breakfast and a shuttle to Port Miami. Located about five minutes from downtown, the hotel features an outdoor pool and hot tub, gym, business center and complimentary fruit and fresh-baked cookies in the lobby. The rooms are noticeably spacious and have a microwave and mini-fridge.
Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale 17th Street – This hotel offers an inclusive cruise package that includes transfers from the airport and to the cruise port. Other goodies included with a stay here: cooked-to-order breakfast appetizers and drinks at an evening reception, pool and fitness center. Every room is a two-room suite.
Hampton Inn and Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/South Cruise Port – The hotel offers complimentary transportation to and from the airport and cruise packages with free breakfast and transfers to your cruise ship. Amenities include a fitness center and outdoor swimming pool.
Quality Inn and Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port South – This Quality Inn offers transfers from the airport and to and from the cruise port with its cruise packages. Prices start around $100 a night, and cruisers also enjoy free hot breakfast, outdoor pool and business center. Rooms have a refrigerator and microwave.
We’ve found a batch of hotels that offer nice features that appeal to cruise travelers in Tampa.
Embassy Suites Tampa Downtown Convention Center – This all-suite facility is within walking distance to the Florida Aquarium and other attractions. Suites offer a separate living room, fridges, wet bar and microwave. The hotel has an included made-to-order breakfast, complimentary nightly cocktail hour with snacks, outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. Your stay includes a port transfer.
Hampton Inn and Suites Tampa/Ybor City/Downtown — The hotel offers a free hot breakfast, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, and rooms with refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. The hotel is one mile from the cruise port, and it offers a complimentary shuttle within a three-mile radius of the property. (No airport shuttle, however.)
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina – This hotel is steps from the Tampa Riverwalk and features spacious rooms and a rooftop pool. Amenities include a 24-hour gym and rooms with mini-fridges. The cruise package includes breakfast and shuttle service to the cruise port.
Courtyard by Marriott Tampa Downtown – Located right in the middle of numerous shopping and dining options, this hotel has a slew of nice amenities, including a hot tub, barbecue facilities, tropical pool and 24-hour fitness center and free shuttle to and from the port (as well as within a two-mile radius).
In Port Canaveral
This cruise port is in the Greater Orlando area, so you have a chance to visit Disney parks or other attractions when you arrive a day earlier or extend your stay.
Holiday Inn Express Orlando Airport – This hotel has and outdoor pool, gym and laundry services. Each room is equipped with a mini-fridge and microwave.
Staybridge Suites Orlando Airport – Each guest room can sleep up to six people and offers a full kitchen. The hotel features an outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center and laundry room. A complimentary shuttle service operates within a three-mile radius of the hotel.
Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center – Located in Titusville, this hotel is 25 minutes from the port. It offers an outdoor pool and sundeck. Each room sleeps up to four and has a microwave and mini-fridge.
Embassy Suites Orlando Airport – The property features a pool, hot tub, 24-hour fitness center, shuttle operating in a two-mile radius and business center. Rooms have separate living area, mini-fridge and microwave.
Today Viking® received a new set of accolades from the popular online cruise resource, Cruise Critic®, including 11 First Place awards in the 9th Annual Cruisers’ Choice Awards. Cruise Critic presented First Place awards to four of Viking’s 930-guest ocean sister ships:Viking Star®, Viking Sky®, Viking Sun® and Viking Orion®, which debuted in 2018. Cruise Critic also added a new river ship category for the 2019 awards, and Viking Vidar®, part of the Viking Longship fleet, took First Place as Best for River Cruises.
Viking Ocean Cruises” width=”1024″ height=”768″ /> The Main Pool view and loungers aboard Viking Ocean Cruises – Photo By Viking Cruises.
Viking’s fleet of five eligible ocean ships won the top placements in nearly every category in which they competed – a small to mid-sized ship that carries between 400-1,199 passengers. Viking Sky received First Place placements in six award categories within the small to mid-size ship group: Best Overall Ship, Best Cabins, Best Dining, Best for Public Rooms, Best Service and Best Value-for-Money. Viking Sky also beat ships of all sizes to receive a seventh First Place award as Best for First-Timers. Additionally, Viking Orion was awarded First Place as Best for Fitness & Recreation; Viking Sun was awarded First Place for Best Entertainment; and Viking Star was awarded First Place for Best Shore Excursions. Cruise Critic is the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, with more than 350,000 cruise reviews, covering approximately 700 cruise ships across the globe. The Cruisers’ Choice Awards name the best cruise ships in the world, based solely on ratings submitted with member reviews published on the Cruise Critic website in the last 12 months.
In addition to the First Place wins, all of Viking’s eligible ocean ships beat most competitors to take the Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Places in many of the same categories, meaning Viking overwhelmingly commanded the upper half of the top 10 rankings across the board. Viking Sun, Viking Sea, Viking Star and Viking Orion took top places behind Viking Sky in five categories: Best Overall, Best Value, Best Service, Best Dining and Best Public Spaces. In Best Fitness & Recreation, Viking Sun, Viking Sea, Viking Star and Viking Sky took top places behind Viking Orion. And Viking’s ocean ships took top 10 placements in all remaining eligible categories: Best Cabins, Best Shore Excursions, Best Entertainment and Best Embarkation.
Today’s announcement from Cruise Critic adds to an impressive list of recent accolades for Viking. Most recently, Cruise Critic 2018 Editors’ Picks Awards honored Viking with five awards in the luxury ocean and river categories. Though the category has historically been dominated by the traditional, formal cruise lines, Cruise Critic awarded Viking three prestigious luxury ocean awards – including Best Luxury Value for Money, Best Spa and the highly-coveted Best New Luxury Ship. The company was also recognized in two river categories: Best for First-Timers and Best Itineraries. In addition, Viking was again named the #1 River Cruise Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2018, Travel + Leisure readers voted Viking to the top of its categories in the 2018 World’s Best Awards, named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line for ships carrying 600–2,199 guests and one of the World’s Best River Cruise Lines. Viking has also been honored as “Best Cruise Line for Luxury Ocean Cruises” and “Best Luxury River Cruise Company” in Luxury Travel Advisor magazine’s 2018 “Awards of Excellence” for a second consecutive year.
“The Thinking Person’s Cruise”
Designed for discerning travelers with interests in history, art, music and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port and more overnights. On board, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is both beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. With the most al fresco dining opportunities whether on the rivers or at sea, featuring regional cuisine and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences on shore and on board. And only The Viking Way® of exploration provides guests with itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.
From now through March 31, 2019, Viking is offering U.S. residents special cruise fares on select 2019, 2020 and 2021 ocean itineraries, as well as on select 2019 and 2020 river cruises, with additional discounts on air.
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Carnival Cruise Line has partnered with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Emeril Lagasse on his first-ever seagoing restaurant aboard Carnival’s newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, setting sail in summer 2020.
Located in the heart of Mardi Gras’ French Quarter zone, Emeril’s Bistro 1396 will showcase the chef’s signature dishes that earned him the reputation as one of New Orleans’ most acclaimed and respected chefs.
“Mardi Gras is designed as the ultimate vacation experience, and that extends to the food and beverage offerings,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Emeril Lagasse has brought the uniqueness and fun of New Orleans dining to foodies all over the world, and we’re thrilled that he’ll now bring that same experience to Carnival. There is no one better suited than Emeril to add a level of authenticity to the Mardi Gras experience that will give our guests another way to Choose Fun.”
31, 2020″ width=”1024″ height=”398″ /> Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe Aug. 31, 2020
“I’ve developed restaurants all over the country, but to create my first restaurant at sea – on a ship named Mardi Gras with its own French Quarter, no less – was an opportunity I simply could not pass up,” said Lagasse. “I’m excited to be a part of this brand new ship and bring a taste of the flavors of New Orleans cuisine to the guests sailing on Mardi Gras.”
Named after Mardi Gras’ hull number at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland, the bistro will celebrate New Orleans’ rich culture with Creole favorites and daily specials.
The menu will include: oyster and cochon de lait po-boys, muffaletta sandwiches, Emeril’s signature barbecue shrimp, fresh seafood ceviche, roasted duck & Andouille sausage gumbo, jambalaya, and complements such as Creole potato salad with diced scallions, and red beans and “jazz-man” rice. Breakfast offerings will feature shrimp and grits and a shrimp Creole omelet. The New Orleans classic Bananas Foster and lemon ice box pie will be available for dessert.
Emeril’s Bistro 1396 will take center stage in Mardi Gras’ French Quarter, one of the ship’s six themed zones where guests will find fun, memorable ways to create their own personalized vacations. The French Quarter will capture the festive spirit of Louisiana with food, cocktails and, of course, live jazz.
Currently under construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, Mardi Gras is slated to enter service in Europe Aug. 31, 2020, before repositioning to New York for a series of voyages then shift to Port Canaveral for year-round seven-day Caribbean cruises beginning in Oct. 2020.
To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visitCarnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.
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A cruise in Lysefjord is one of the fantastic shore excursion options available on Viking Ocean Cruises voyages in Norway.
Who in the world would sail into the Arctic Circle in winter time?
Brrrrrrr.
This is not exactly the escape from cold and snow that we might typically think of when we look at a cruise vacation.
Well, Viking Ocean Cruises offers a new kind of adventure that really appeals to those of us seeking to go to new places and check a few items off our lifetime wish list.
The cruise line this winter began sailing an itinerary it has dubbed “In Search of the Northern Lights.” For the inaugural season, Viking scheduled six 12-day cruises between Bergen, Norway, and Tilbury, England, on the 930-passenger Viking Sky. The cruises have been extremely popular, selling out and drawing passengers from all over the world.
Viking announced that it will use its Viking Star ship in 2020 for these sailings.
We joined in mid-February for the fourth voyage of the season. Our trip began in Bergen, and we were joined by large numbers of passengers from the United States, England and Australia. Travelers from these countries notoriously love to escape to warmer climates for their holidays, but the chance to see the Northern Lights on a cruise proved enticing, many of them said.
We found several things during our unique trip that stand out about a Viking cruise in Norway during the winter.
Would you go hot tubbing in the Arctic? You can do it at Aquavit Terrace on Viking Sky when you sail on the “In Search of the Northern Lights” itinerary.
Passing into the Arctic Circle
No doubt about it, the temps are cold this time of year in the northernmost part of the country. You have to pack your winter coats and some thermal socks and under layers for when you go out on the decks or ashore for excursions.
The cruise visits Bergen (overnight), Narvik, Alta (overnight), Bodo, Tromso (overnight), Stavanger and Tilbury (England).
In fact, Tromso boasts that it is the world’s northernmost city, some 250 miles above the Arctic Circle. Temps throughout our cruise typically ranged from 10 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It was unseasonably sunny and warm by the time we got back down south into Stavanger.
Upon passing in the Arctic Circle, Viking holds a fun “Order of the Blue Nose” ceremony to welcome passengers into the rugged region. About 100 brave cruisers took a morning plunge into an icy bath (set up in the ship’s hot tub on the main pool deck. The ceremony includes the plunge, a shot of Aquavit spirits and a dab of blue coloring to the nose to mark your inclusion in the club.
The waffles at Mamsen’s are favorites on all Viking Ocean Cruises.
A Taste of Norway
During the cruise, we got the chance to try some of the flavors and cuisines associated with Norway and the Scandinavian region. During a shore excursion to visit with the Sami indigenous people of Norway in Narvik, we cooked fresh reindeer sausages on an open flame inside a tent.
In Tromso, we enjoyed a hearty reindeer stew, and on the ship, we were served all kinds of regional specialties. Viking’s program includes several poolside grill events for lunch or dinner.
Reindeer steak, venison and lutefiske were all featured during our voyage. Some foods tasted much better than others to my palate. I much preferred the tender and juicy steaks to the traditional Norwegian fermented fish.
Also, you will be tempted to have one of the traditional Norwegian waffles each day. They are available at Mamsen’s in the Explorers’ Lounge, and make sure to get them with fresh fruits and brown goat cheese.
Along the way, it was nice to be able to wash all the meals down with the ship’s stock of Norwegian beers. (These are available all the time, regardless of itinerary or season, by the way.)
Our dog sledding experience in Tromso was a highlight of the Norway cruise.
Outdoors Fun and Adventure
We bundled up and enjoyed the true sense of a Norwegian winter and what the residents in these frosty parts like to do for a bit of fun.
During our visit with the Sami family in Narvik, we learned about the tradition of working with reindeer (husbandry) and how they raise the animals and utilize them for food, clothing, crafts and transportation. We also got to interact with the animals.
In Alta, we enjoyed a sunset session of cross-country skiing in the wilderness. The temps were chilly, but we quickly heated up in our warm gear provided by the excursion company Paekastun as we skied a well-groomed track in a forest. We had a great time learning the proper techniques to get up and down the gentle hills.
Expect these kinds of views throughout your voyage.
Sailing in Fjords
A definite highlight of coastal cruising in Norway is the enjoyment of the nation’s stunning physical features along the coastline of western Norway.
Cruisers on Viking’s “In Search of the Northern Lights” itineraries are treated to breathtaking views all along the way. During times of sailing and on sea days, you can see snow capped cliffs and mountains from the comfort of the ship’s Explorers’ Lounge at the top bow area.
Passengers also took daily walks on the top deck or on Viking Sky’s promenade that encircles Deck 2 to be out in the fresh air while gazing out at the seascape, which could be filled with rocky islets, small lighthouses, hillside homes, fishing villages or even oil platforms.
Every stateroom on Viking ocean ships features a balcony, so we also frequently popped out for a bit of sightseeing, especially when first waking up in the morning to check the sunrise.
I was able to snap this photo while we sailed on Viking Sky on one of the first evenings of the cruise.
Viking offers several Northern Lights hunting excursions that take passengers out in coaches with specially trained guides to head off to spots where the skies are clear and offer the best chance to get great sightings and photo opportunities.
You also can be fortunate enough to spot the lights while on the ship, and we had a great show during our third night of sailing, from Narvik on our way to Alta. The skies were clear overhead around 11 p.m., when the show began. Passengers scrambled to the top decks with cameras and cell phones ready. Gasps of “ooh” and “ahhh” and exclamations of “This is amazing” could be heard almost in unison as the Northern Lights danced overhead for about 20 minutes.
This was why most of us had taken this voyage, and special moments like this made it worthwhile to cruise in Norway in the dead of winter.
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This evening MSC Cruises will officially welcome the latest addition to the Company’s modern fleet – MSC Bellissima. The Company’s new flagship will be named in a glamourous and traditional maritime Naming Ceremony in the port of Southampton. Present will be host of stars, VIPs, key travel partners and international media as well as top management from MSC Cruises and its parent company MSC Group. Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman as well as the ship owner, will attend together with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families. MSC Cruises’ Godmother Sophia Loren will officially name her 14th ship, and it is only fitting that the glamourous Hollywood legend who is renowned for her style and elegance, should name this beautiful ship.
MSC Cruises announced today a new partnership with one of the finest chefs in the world, Raymond Blanc, OBE. The two-Michelin-starred chef has had a profound influence on Britain’s culinary landscape and to kick-off the relationship, VIP guests at the Naming Ceremony will enjoy an exquisite menu that chef Blanc has designed for the Yacht Club Gala Dinner. This marks the start of a new collaboration with MSC Cruises and the celebrated chef who will go on to devise a dish for the Elegant Dinner menu.
“I am truly looking forward to collaborating with MSC Cruises on some exciting projects, including the development of one of my signature dishes for the Elegant Dinner menu. I believe we have a shared passion for the guest experience, and together we will create some truly memorable moments for diners on board.” – commented Raymond Blanc.
Hosting the evening’s celebrations will be English TV presenter and star of ITV, Holly Willoughby. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers will perform some of his most danceable hits with his band Chic. Also taking to the stage will be world-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli. The Bocelli family have a long-standing relationship with MSC Cruises dating back over 10 years when Andrea first performed for the Naming Ceremony of MSC Poesia in Dover, UK. Guests will also experience a very special performance from Cirque du Soleil at Sea. This will be the first time that the world-leader in live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, has performed at the launch of a ship.
MSC Bellissima is the second Meraviglia class ship to come into service, designed as the ship for all seasons and rich in guest features, including the very latest guest-centric technology with the introduction of the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE. Another key highlight will be the two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, exclusive to MSC Cruises’ guests. SYMA – Sail beyond Imagination takes you on the epic journey of a young sailor, brimming with imagination. VARÉLIA – Love in Full Colour puts a futuristic twist on a traditional medieval tale.
Ship Highlights Include
12 dining venues and more than 20 bars and lounges, guests will be spoiled for choice including a new French specialty restaurant L’Atelier Bistrot. The ship will also feature acclaimed pastry chef Jean-Philippe Maury’s Chocolate & Café, dedicated entirely to unique and elegant chocolate creations and desserts — a delight for anyone with a sweet tooth
An award-winning family offering with kids’ activities and services from partners LEGO and Chicco with a dedicated family deck area
The MSC Yacht Clubwith luxurious accommodations spanning three decks, private facilities and butler service round-the-clock
Comfortable and innovative accommodations to meet every need demonstrating the way that MSC Cruises puts the guest at the heart of its designs and ship building and with 10 different types of staterooms to choose from, there really is something for everyone.
MSC Bellissima will spend her inaugural season in the Mediterranean offering 7-night cruises to some of the region’s most popular ports before moving to the Emirates for Winter 2019/2020. Following that she will be deployed in Asia in 2020.
To learn more or to book your cruise visit MSC Cruises at www.msccruises.com
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MSC Cruises taken delivery of MSC Bellissima from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, a world leader in cruise ship construction. With three Meraviglia generation ships under simultaneous construction at the shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, the two parties marked a double celebration with MSC Virtuosa’s Coin Ceremony.
MSC Bellissima’s Delivery Ceremony took place in the presence of Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s Founder and Executive Chairman. Also present were Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Cruises, Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique, as well as other regional and local authorities and dignitaries.
“Today’s delivery marks another chapter in the story of our partnership with Chantiers de l’Atlantique. Together, we have already brought to life 14 highly-innovative cruise ships, paving the way for our Company’s initial growth. Many more will be built together over the coming years to further deepen the reach of our fleet. Furthermore, MSC Bellissima’s elegance and beauty, as well as focus on the best and latest maritime and environmental technology at sea, bear testament to our restless pursuit for innovation.” – Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman
As other ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet, MSC Bellissima pushes the boundaries of ship building and design. Bearing testament to the Company’s commitment to protect the environment, she has been equipped with some of the latest environmental technologies available. These include, among others, a cutting-edge exhaust gas cleaning system, an advanced wastewater treatment plant, systems for the prevention of oil discharge from machinery spaces, a ballast water treatment system, and various energy-saving improvements – from heat recovery systems to LED lighting.
MSC Bellissima is also equipped with cutting-edge guest technology. She is the first MSC Cruises’ ship to feature ZOE, the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, which has been added toMSC for Me. The voice-enabled virtual personal assistant will be found in every cabin and can answer hundreds of questions about the cruise.
With this delivery, MSC Bellissima has become the fourth ship to join MSC Cruises’ fleet in less than two years. As part of MSC Cruises’ unprecedented new builds program, another 13 next-generation cruise ships are due to join its fleet by 2027. These include four World Class mega cruise ships capable of welcoming nearly 7,000 guests as well as four smaller ships that will serve the ultra-luxury segment.
MSC Bellissima is the second Meraviglia Class ship to join MSC Cruises’ fleet. As MSC Meraviglia, she is the ship for all seasons, with plenty of outdoor and indoor public spaces. With a length of 1,036 ft., she has been designed to be able to access most of the world’s cruise ports.
To learn more or to book your cruise visit MSC Cruises at www.msccruises.com
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With the debut of Carnival Sunrise just a few weeks away, Carnival Cruise Line has announced the senior leadership team for the totally transformed vessel, which will operate a diverse inaugural schedule of four- to 14-day cruises from Norfolk, Va., New York and Fort Lauderdale, beginning April 29, 2019.
The vessel, currently sailing as Carnival Triumph, will depart later today for Cadiz, Spain, to undergo a 38-day, $200 million dry dock and emerge as Carnival Sunrise featuring all of the line’s culinary, beverage and entertainment experiences. The transformation of Carnival Sunrise is part of the line’s comprehensive $2 billion fleetwide enhancement program, the largest in the cruise industry.
Carnival Sunrise’s senior leadership team comprises some of the most talented and experienced mariners in cruising:
A native of Trapani, Italy, Renda joined Carnival as a second officer in 2000 and, after moving up through the ranks, was promoted to captain in 2014, commanding a number of vessels in the fleet. A graduate of the Nautical Academy ITN Marino Torre in Italy, Renda began his career working aboard oil tankers in Europe.
A 25-year veteran of Carnival, Fabbrini joined the company as a second engineer and was named chief engineer in 2003. He graduated from the San Giorgio Maritime Academy in Genoa, Italy, and prior to joining Carnival started his nautical career with an Italian-based shipping company.
Tonelli began his career as an engine cadet working aboard bulk carriers and ferries after graduating nautical college and serving in the Italian Navy. He joined Carnival in 2001as a third engineer and was named chief engineer last year. Fabbrini will serve as chief engineer during Carnival Sunrise’s dry dock with Tonelli taking over once the ship begins service in the U.S.
These experienced mariners will lead a team of more than 1,000 crew members who traveling to Cadiz to prepare Carnival Sunrise for her inaugural voyage – a seven-day Caribbean cruise from Norfolk, Va., departing April 29. The ship will spend the summer in New York operating cruises to Bermuda, Canada and the Caribbean then reposition to Fort Lauderdale for a winter season of Caribbean and Bahamian voyages beginning in October 2019.
Guests sailing aboard Carnival Sunrise will enjoy a wide range of unforgettable dining and entertainment options, along with open-air attractions like a new WaterWorks aqua park and SportSquare, featuring a suspended ropes course. New dining offerings include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse developed in tandem with Food Network star and longtime Carnival partner Guy Fieri, the Cucina del Captiano family-style Italian restaurant and the Caribbean-themed Red Frog Pub.
All of the ship’s staterooms will be updated with island-inspired interiors featuring bright colors and soothing pastels inspired by the line’s Caribbean itineraries, along with new choices such as luxurious Captain’s Suites adjacent to the navigational bridge offering floor-to-ceiling windows and extended balcony grand suites.
Cunard has announced the team of designers recruited to create the interiors for its eagerly anticipated new ship set to launch in 2022. Working in concert with the project’s world renowned Creative Director, Adam D. Tihany, will be award-winning designers Simon Rawlings of David Collins Studio, Terry McGillicuddy of Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie from her eponymous design company.
“Cunard has amassed the most talented interior designers in the industry to bring our new ship to life. Each member of the team brings a unique skill set to the project and working in symphony with legendary Adam D Tihany will ensure a product that is one-of-a-kind and uniquely Cunard,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America.
Adam D Tihany, creative director, added: “We have assembled a dynamic, passionate team of talented creatives whose unique design sensibilities and innate understanding of the Cunard brand will move the dial forward while recapturing the beloved spirit of Cunard travel in this next generation cruise liner.”
While design details of the new ship are still under wraps, Cunard can confirm some of the key spaces that the expert design teams will be bringing to life:
Luxury interior design team, David Collins Studio, whose projects have included Kerridge’s Bar and Grill, Corinthia London, The Apartment at The Connaught and Bob Bob Ricard will be responsible for a show– stopping atrium, the Grand Lobby, the Queens Grill Suites and the main dining room. This will be Simon Rawlings and his team’s very first interior afloat.
Richmond International, which counts The Langham London and the award winning Four Seasons Budapest among its clients, will be responsible for the theater, new and exciting entertainment spaces and the outside deck space.
Renowned French interior studio, Sybille de Margerie Paris, whose projects have included The Mandarin Oriental Paris and Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, will be responsible for the retail spaces, the spa and the flagship event space – the Queens Room. This will also be Sybille de Margerie’s first ship interior.
The new ship will be the 249th vessel to sail under the Cunard flag and will bring the luxury line’s fleet up to four, for the first time since the 1980s. The ship will be built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. She joins Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and flagship Queen Mary 2.
A Cunard Line New York to Liverpool Poster in 1875
Simon Rawlings – Established in 1985, David Collins Studio is an award-winning London-based interior design practice with a worldwide reputation for creating iconic hospitality spaces, high-end retail outlets and truly opulent private homes. Led by Creative Director Simon Rawlings, The Studio’s credits include The Wolseley restaurant in Piccadilly London in collaboration with Corbin & King, Gleneagles resort hotel in Scotland and the Delaire Graff wine estate in South Africa, together with signature Alexander McQueen in collaboration with Sarah Burton and Jimmy Choo. Rawlings and his team are past winners of the Prix Versailles 2016 for Alexander McQueen, Paris, and The Best Bar in the World award three years running for Artesian at The Langham, London.
Rawlings, who joined the practice in 1997 after gaining an MA in Interior Design at Birmingham University, believes in blending innovation with a commitment to traditional craft skills. Factor in The Studio’s forensic attention to detail and virtuoso use of colour, and the result is a genius for creating interiors that blend luxury and refinement with effortless functionality. This is why Rawlings believes Cunard and David Collins Studio are perfect partners.
He says: “Cunard’s vision for this new ship is an evolution of its classic luxury style. Our mantra is creating luxury through quality, which we do by using the finest materials and working with the best artisans. So it’s a perfect synergy. Because clarity of purpose ensures design’s longevity; I’m thrilled to be creating interiors for what is sure to be one of the greatest ships
Terry McGillicuddy – Richmond International, an illustrious name in hospitality design since 1966. Their prize-winning work can be seen in some of the world’s most prestigious hotels, including the Beaumont Hotel in London’s Mayfair, the Four Seasons Moscow, the London West Hollywood, the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace Versailles and the legendary Sandy Lane in Barbados.
Drawing on a wide range of influences which might include the worlds of music, fashion and the arts Richmond is celebrated for creating designs with soul. And with materials and detailing always of the highest class, its work is also hallmarked by a quality of durability depth. Under the leadership of director Terry McGillicuddy, the studio will be creating exciting food and beverage areas and a state-of-the-art theatre aboard the new ship. He says: “We are very honoured to have been appointed as one of the key designers of the new ship for Cunard, widely considered to be the most distinguished name in cruising. We are creating interiors that fulfil the passengers’ aspirations, while also modernising this historic brand with an innovative design that we believe will continue to set Cunard apart from the competition for years to come.”
Trained at the esteemed Ecole Boulle, she leads a 30 strong team whose credits include Mandarin Oriental Paris, awarded Forbes Travel Guide 2016- Five Star Hotel, and Villegiature 2012 Best Hotel Spa in Europe, the Old Cataract Sofitel Legend in Aswan, Le Barthelemy Hotel & Spa in the French Indies, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in the Champagne vineyards near Epernay, and the luxury Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences in Dubai. Her work is celebrated for its balance of tradition and modernity, and for combining intellectual rigour with feminine elegance.
A believer in being creative with simplicity, Sybille de Margerie sets a style of luxury that is never showy but always harmonious. As the mastermind behind the new ship’s retail spaces, restaurants and spa, she says: “I am thrilled to be involved in such a great project, working alongside designers who bring expertise from all over the world. My ambition for this new vessel is to find the perfect balance between Cunard’s iconic brand and today’s expectations, while adding a touch of French style and a dimension of timeless luxury.”
For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
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