#new cruise ship – Cruise Ship Profiles

Princess Cruises Unveils Next Generation Ship

Introducing Sun Princess

Epic Sphere atrium, first-ever geodesic dome, innovative entertainment venues and premium suites headline the largest Princess ship ever built

Princess Cruises today unveiled details of its new and bespoke ship, Sun Princess. As the brand’s largest-ever ship, Sun Princess will accommodate 4,300 guests and boasts stunning views, innovative entertainment venues, multi-storey dining rooms and next level stateroom accommodations. Returning the venerable “Sun Princess” name back into operation, the ship remains true to the smooth clean lines and design aesthetics inspired by the Seawitch icon.

Rendering of Sun Princess (Courtesy of Princess Cruises)

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard and scheduled to debut in February 2024, the 175,500-tonne vessel is the largest Princess ship ever constructed and embraces Italian heritage by featuring the brand-iconic Piazza and new feature ‘The Dome’, a cutting-edge entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion that will extend Princess’ leadership position in delivering exceptional personalised experiences. Princess is unique in the ability to deliver incredible cruise ship amenities typical of the largest ships in the world while delivering personalised service found on the industry’s smallest ships.

Sun Princess will sail an inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean cruises from February 2024 followed by Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in autumn 2024.

“Sun Princess is a new and bespoke ship platform, designed to simultaneously embrace Princess heritage while boldly pressing into the future with iconic, elegant and pure lines unique to our brand,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “A show-stopping, first-of-its-kind Dome on the top deck and suspended glass Piazza in the centre of Sun Princess offer innovative designs showcasing expansive ocean views for incredible opportunities to connect with the sea.”

Innovative Guest Experience

Infused with light, the ship connects guests with dynamic views of the world and innovative experiences, with more than 29 dining and bar options. The line’s Piazza spans three storeys, forming an architectural feature offering guests an outward looking suspended space with comfortable seating and areas to enjoy the ocean views in every direction. An impressive LED screen is also showcased in the centre of the Piazza that can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment programming. Adjacent to the Piazza atrium will be a new coffee shop, Coffee Currents, along with Princess favourites like Crooners Bar, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

The other stand-out structure onboard Sun Princess is The Dome. Inspired by the terraces of Santorini, it is a multi-level covered deck and first-of-its-kind glass-enclosed dome to ever be constructed on a cruise ship. During the day, The Dome features an indoor/outdoor pool, and a unique water feature in a comfortable and relaxed space. At night, the pool becomes a stage, and The Dome completely transforms into an entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe, state-of-the-art lighting effects and the ability to deliver stunning aerial performances.

The ships overall interior design embraces the outside and celebrates the romance of the sea, offering outward views from morning to night. With brighter and lighter décor and finishes, Sun Princess delivers more memorable vantage points to take in the stunning destinations and ocean vistas that guests want to experience on a Princess cruise.

Newly Appointed Suites and Staterooms

With 2,157 total staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms, the 21-deck Sun Princess features more outdoor balcony space and all balcony accommodations feature an in-room sofa.

Also launching exclusively on Sun Princess will be a new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection. In addition to premium stateroom amenities, Signature Collection suites include access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge, and Signature Sun Deck, a private area of The Sanctuary.

Club Class accommodations onboard Sun Princess, and all other Princess ships, will now be called Reserve Collection, which are the best-located mini suite staterooms. Within the Reserve Collection will be Reserve Collection Cabana rooms, resort-style staterooms that offer a balcony and private cabana, an extra-large outdoor lounge space. These premium accommodations also include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.

In addition to the ship’s stunning design are the sustainable elements being engineered in the vessel. Sun Princess is part of Carnival Corporation’s green cruising focus and is one of 11 new ships in the corporate fleet powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) technology.

The inaugural season for Sun Princess begins in February 2024 with Mediterranean itineraries. The ship’s first three voyages will go on sale at 00:01 on Friday, September 16. Fares start from £1,789pp for a 10-night Grand Mediterranean voyage, departing 28 February 2024.

This is the third ship to be honoured with the Sun Princess name, adding to the legacy of the first ship sailing from 1974 to 1988 and the second ship sailing from 1995 to 2020. At that time, she had the largest number of balcony cabins, and the cruise line’s first 24-hour cafe.

About Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world’s leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognised as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.”  In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Holidays enabled by the Medallion device, the travel industry’s most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalised holiday, giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).     

In line with the latest advice from health officials about COVID-19, Princess Cruises is currently enhancing health and safety protocols with input from medical experts and government bodies and assessing how they may impact future itineraries. Actual offerings may vary from what is displayed in marketing materials. Click on the following links to stay updated oncurrent Cruise Updates and Health & Safety protocols.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest post, I plan to bring you more news on Sun Princess as is announced.

Norwegian Prima – UK debut in Pictures

Norwegian Cruise Lines newest ship Norwegian Prima made her UK debut when she arrived in the port of Southampton on 20th August.

Norwegian Prima is the first of 6 new “Prima-Class” cruise ships ordered from the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri under the project name “Leonardo-Class”. Theses are the first ships for NCL that are being constructed by the Italian shipbuilder.

Norwegian Prima was handed over on the 8th August and left the shipyard a couple of days later, she made brief stops in Civitavecchia and Barcelona before making her arrival in Southampton early 20th August.

Below are a series of images from arrival to sailing during her visit to Southampton.

Arrival

Alongside the Horizon Cruise Terminal

Evening Departure

Check out my 4K arrival video

All images/Video © Andrew McAlpine

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Global Dream Hull art revealed

Global Dream Hull Art Rendition.jpg

Singapore, 16 October 2019 – “Genting Cruise Lines officially announced the world premiere and unveiling of Global Dream’s brand new hull artwork, entitled “A Dream Through Time and Space” at ITB Asia in Singapore today. Building on the successful debuts of Genting Dream, World Dream and Explorer Dream, Dream Cruises’ new 208,000 gross tonne ship, Global Dream, is currently under construction at Genting Hong Kong’s very own MV Werften shipyard in Germany. Global Dream is set to enter into service in early 2021 and will invite more Asian guests to cruise worldwide on inspiring voyages on board the largest cruise ship to homeport in the Asia Pacific region.

With Global Dream’s sister ship to debut in 2022, Dream Cruises’ five ship fleet will be the youngest and most modern in the world. As the only global cruise line with all “Made in Germany” cruise ships, Dream Cruises’ fleet will feature the highest safety standards, build quality, speed, power and luxury finishes. A testament to Dream Cruises’ quality vessels and exemplary service, the latest edition of the well-respected Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships 2020 has again ranked Genting Dream and World Dream in the Top 10 ‘Large Resort Ship’ – the only two highly ranked cruise ships to homeport year-round in Asia. Dream Cruises’ latest addition, Explorer Dream, also made her debut in the Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships 2020 guide under the “Mid-Sized Ship” category, earning a Top 20 ranking.

In addition to the unveiling of the hull artwork, guests attending ITB Asia will have the chance to preview and experience Global Dream through a specially constructed, full-scale smart show cabin on display during the event for the very first-time in Southeast Asia, allowing guests to find out more about the outstanding features of the new ship.

Guest of Honour, Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Education, Singapore helped preside over the unveiling ceremony along with Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genting Hong Kong, Mr Hui Lim, Deputy CEO & Executive Director of Genting Hong Kong, Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines and Mr Michael Goh, President of Dream Cruises and Head of International Sales, Genting Cruise Lines.

“Singapore has been an important homeport for Genting Cruise Lines over the last 26 years and we are pleased to announce that Global Dream will celebrate her inaugural arrival in Singapore in Q2 2021 during her relocation cruise from Germany to Asia,” said Mr. Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines. “We greatly appreciate and look forward to the continued support from the Singapore Tourism Board and our partners from Singapore and across the region.”

“Having just celebrated our 25^th Anniversary in Singapore last year, we are excited to return with the unveiling of Global Dream’s hull artwork at this year’s ITB Asia in Singapore. As arguably the most identifiable feature of a cruise ship, the hull artwork is another important milestone in the development of any cruise ship and will set the personality of the ship when she launches,” added Mr. Zhu. “The new hull artwork provides a fresh take on our beloved mermaid and astronaut characters and captures the adventurous spirit and sense of modernity that will be the hallmarks of Global Dream’s essence.”

Shanghai native and London based Illustrator, Shan Jiang, was commissioned to create the latest chapter of the Dream Cruises hull art romance. Having worked with a variety of notable companies and publications, Mr Shan’s work is strongly influenced by his home city of Shanghai; its skyscrapers and bungalows, contemporary concepts and traditional superstitions and flourishing subcultures.

icc — London based Illustrator, Shan Jiang was commisioned to design the hull art *“A Dream Through Time and Space”*

“A Dream Through Time and Space” continues the epic journey of the mermaid and the astronaut as they seek to satisfy their boundless curiosity and explore an infinite universe – driven by the desire for the extraordinary. Embodying the independent and fearless spirit of a new generation of traveller, the two worlds of the mermaid and astronaut blend together, resulting in a new way to explore the seven seas– one that combines age-old maritime tradition with space-age technology.

Guests pose with Global Dream Hull Artwork.jpg — Image: Dream Cruises / ITB

Guests attending ITB Asia were also among the first in the Southeast Asian region to experience Global Dream’s specially constructed balcony show cabin, which was built in Germany. Featuring 20 square metres of space, the luxurious Global Class cabins will be the industry’s most spacious staterooms at approximately 15% larger than standard cabins found on most other cruise lines.

Global Dream’s cabins will also feature cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology, redefining the concept of cruising with Bluetooth locks and a new smart system, enabling passengers to control different functions such as the LED mood lighting and climate control with a smartphone app, voice recognition or through a touch-screen control panel. Smart sensors will also be able to detect occupants in the cabin to automatically adjust the lights and temperature for better energy efficiency and triple vent air-conditioning outlets ensure even air distribution for maximum comfort.

Accommodating over 9,000 passengers and with lower berth capacity of 4,700 passengers, Global Dream will be the largest cruise ships in the world by passenger capacity and brings affordable, high-end cruising to a wide range of passengers with 2,350 cabins consisting of a variety of categories including villas, penthouses, suites, themed suites, balcony cabins and inside cabins. Global Dream will also feature Dream Cruises’ signature 151-suite luxury “ship-within-a-ship’ concept, “The Palace”.

Featuring a variety of innovative new features and facilities, Global Dream will include the industry’s most spacious staterooms and most luxurious suites, the first-ever theme park concept at sea – “Dream Park at the Pier” highlighted by the “Space Cruiser”, the world’s longest roller coaster at sea – the largest cinema at sea with eight theatres to meet the leisure and entertainment needs of travellers and MICE guests, and more. Singapore’s homegrown and internationally renowned nightlife brand, Zouk, the 3rd best club in the world, will also have a presence on Global Dream while Dream Avenue will provide guests with a multi-purpose outdoor leisure and recreational space.

Below are artist impressions of some of the interior spaces onboard:

schiff_innen_global_1500_13

schiff_innen_global_1500_15 — Image: MV Werften

schiff_innen_global_1500_21 — Image: MV Werften

GLOBAL DREAM FACTFILE

IMO No.: 9808998

Launch: 2020

Shipyard: MV Werften (Wismar and Rostock, Germany)

Building Cost: EUR 940 million, (USD 1,1 billion)

Hull No.: 125

Steel Cutting: 8th March 2018

Keel laid: 11th September 2018

Class: Global Class

Sister Ships: second vessel in 2022

Length: 342 m

Width: 46 m

Draft: 9.5 m

Gross tonnage: 204,000 GT

Passengers: 4,700

Staterooms & Cabins: 2,500

Decks: 20

Cabin Decks: 11

Crew: TBC

Cruising speed: 23 knots

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MSC CRUISES UNVEILS FOUR NIGHTS OF GRAND CELEBRATIONS FOR THE HAMBURG CHRISTENING OF MSC GRANDIOSA

· The star-studded Christening events will feature big name presenters and artists presenter Michelle Hunziker, Jochen Schropp, Annemarie & Wayne Carpendale and Mousse T.

· The MSC Village on the banks of the Elbe will livestream the festivities to thousands of Hamburg residents

· 3 Michelin-star German chef Harald Wohlfahrt will design the menu for the Gala Dinner

MSC GRANDIOSA.jpg — MSC Grandiosa see on sea trials Image: MSC Cruises

With just one month until the Christening of the first Meraviglia-Plus generation ship, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Cruises has announced an exciting line-up for the star-studded four-night celebration. With international and German celebrities, the events have been designed for international guests from all around the world as well as special events for the city of Hamburg.

The celebrations will commence with the arrival of the ship in Hamburg on the November 6 and that evening will see the start of four nights of illuminations in the Blue Port by renowned international light artist Michael Batz. From 20 different locations, light installations will bathe the port in blue symbolising the colour of the sea and MSC Cruises’ commitment to the ocean. With respect for the environment and the climate, many small lights with low energy consumption will be used. In this way, a sympathetic ensemble image is created, crowned by the sparkling silhouette of the Elbphilharmonie and the illumination of the MSC Grandiosa.

Elbphilharmonie_Illumination_svensson_31423763713 — the stunning Elbphilharmonie hamburg’s opera house seen at night

Each night on board, MSC Grandiosa will also host German musical artists in the lead-up to the main event.

The traditional Christening ceremony will take place on board the ship, making MSC Grandiosa the true star of the show. With different celebrations taking place all over the ship, guests will have a chance to discover everything that the stunning ship has to offer. The proceedings will be hosted by Michelle Hunziker, who launched MSC Seaview in June 2018. Born in Switzerland and now a popular star in Italy, the talented actress, TV presenter, model and singer embodies the international spirit of MSC Cruises. She will be joined on board by co-host TV host & actor Jochen Schropp, one of the most likeable entertainers in Germany.

Michelle Hunziker

Jochen Schropp

On the banks of the River Elbe, the purpose-built MSC Village will welcome 5,000 people so that the city can join the celebrations from 5pm, enjoying food trucks and live music on the evening of the Christening. Presenters Annemarie & Wayne Carpendale, probably the most popular family on German TV, will be hosting the events ashore, linking live to the ceremony on board.

Oscars 2017 Motiv: Moderatorin Annemarie Carpendale © ProSieben/Nela König Dieses Bild darf honorarfrei bis Ende Februar 2016 fuer redaktionelle Zwecke und nur im Rahmen der Programmankuendigung verwendet werden. Spaetere Veroeffentlichungen sind nur nach Ruecksprache und ausdruecklicher Genehmigung der ProSiebenSat1 TV Deutschland GmbH moeglich. Nicht fuer EPG! Verwendung nur mit vollstaendigem Copyrightvermerk. Das Foto darf nicht veraendert, bearbeitet und nur im Ganzen verwendet werden. Es darf nicht archiviert werden. Es darf nicht an Dritte weitergeleitet werden. Bei Fragen: 089/9507-1167. Voraussetzung fuer die Verwendung dieser Programmdaten ist die Zustimmung zu den Allgemeinen Geschaeftsbedingungen der Presselounges der Sender der ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE.

MSC Grandiosa takes her place centre stage in the middle of the River Elbe for the culmination of the evening’s events with a special light show at the Elbphilharmonie concert halls as the ship passes by. The official naming of the ship will then take place by MSC Cruises’ Godmother Sophia Loren and a stunning fireworks display will be launched. The Port of Hamburg is known as “the gateway to the world” and so MSC Grandiosa will then pass through a spectacular gateway of blue night as she returns to her dock, symbolising the new ship’s entry to the world.

"Retouch_DSC6691_HD.jpg" — MSC Cruises Godmother Sophia Loren Image: MSC Cruises

No MSC Cruises Christening event would be complete without a glamourous Gala Dinner on board, with a gourmet menu created by German chef royalty, Harald Wohlfahrt. Chef Wohlfahrt was voted one of the Top 10 Chefs in the World and is the only German chef to hold a three Michelin Star rating for 25 years in a row.

Guests will round off the evening in the iconic 93-metre-long Mediterranean promenade, Galleria Grandiosa, dancing the night away to music from popular German DJ Mousse T. with live vocals from British singer Emma Lanford. The duo have toured together worldwide and will definitely get the party started!

About MSC Grandiosa

Not only will MSC Grandiosa become MSC Cruises newest flagship but she will also become the Company’s most environmentally advanced ship to-date. The new ship is setting the standard for the future as she is equipped with some of the latest cutting-edge environmental technology including a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and next-generation Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system and has been designed to meet the world’s strictest environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

MSC Grandiosa is the first Meraviglia-plus generation ship and will offer a richness of guest experiences, from world-class entertainment with two brand new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, a wide choice of international dining options, original activities for families to an enhanced MSC Yacht Club. MSC Grandiosa will become the second MSC Cruises ship to feature ZOE, the world’s first virtual cruise personal assistant and new updates to the innovative MSC for Me digital innovation program.

MSC Grandiosa will depart Hamburg on November 10^th to commence her inaugural cruise to Genoa. From November 23rd MSC Grandiosa will commence 7-night itineraries in the Mediterranean calling Genoa, Civitavecchia, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Valetta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France.

I will be on board MSC Grandiosa for two days while she is in Southampton so be sure to follow my social channels for updates and the latest from MSC largest ship to date.

To find out more about MSC Grandiosa visit here.

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