#newships – Cruise Ship Profiles

MSC cruises to become the world’s first global cruise line to go carbon neutral

All of CO₂ emissions from MSC Cruises’ fleet to be offset as of 1 January 2020 through high-grade that will increasingly rely on Blue carbon credits

Announcement comes as part of a broader vision to support UN Sustainable Development Goals and in tandem with continued investments in the accelerated development of advanced environmental technology that will allow for zero-emissions ship operations

MSC Grandiosa in Rotterdam Image MSC Cruises

The environment is something very close to my heart and as I work in the shipping industry any news of companies working to reduce the impact on the environment is of great interest to me, so I was very pleased to see the announcement by MSC Cruises yesterday that it is to become the first global cruise line to go carbon neutral.

How does a company become Carbon Neutral?

Becoming carbon neutral is achieved by calculating a carbon footprint and reducing it to zero through a combination of in-house efficiency measures and funding an equivalent amount of carbon savings elsewhere in the world through carbon offsetting projects.

17247 COM Infographics SM FA

What is carbon offsetting?

Each and everyone of us has a carbon footprint, from individuals to organisations, and quite simply our carbon footprint is defined as the total emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, or product, expressed as carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent. If a cruise line was to reduce its carbon footprint then the easiest steps could be to stop using single use plastics, invest in ship-shore power technology while in port and use power saving technology onboard its ships. Once these steps have been taken carbon offsetting is the way for the company to take full responsibility for its residual carbon emissions, e.g. by paying or investing into projects that aim to reduce the amount of C02 in the atmosphere with schemes like planting trees, renewable energy etc.

MSC Cruises announced that it will will offset all direct carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from its fleet marine operations through a blend of carbon offset projects developed according to the highest standards by leading international entities that take immediate action on greenhouse gas emissions. All costs for the offsets as well as any other associated items will be covered directly and in full by the Company.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman said: “Our focus on innovation since we built our first cruise ships only in 2003 ensures that we have one of the most modern fleets at sea as well as one of the highest environmentally performing. And, thanks to our long-term planning, this will allow us to already achieve a fleet-wide 29% reduction in carbon intensity (rate) by 2024 vs. 2008, well on our way to meet the 40% reduction target set for 2030.

“Additionally, last week we announced that the LNG-powered fuel cells PACBOAT project will be hosted on board MSC Europa – the first of 5 LNG-powered cruise ships that are due to join our fleet. This is not only a world-first for a technology that promises to be most efficient for high-power maritime operations but also yet another concrete example of our firm commitment to partner and support the accelerated development of the next-generation technologies that will lead us and this industry to zero-emissions ship operations.”

“As we recognize that today’s even most advanced maritime environmental technology alone is insufficient to immediately reach carbon neutrality, the further commitment we make today ensures that our fleet makes no negative contribution to climate change, starting 1 January 2020. We are a company with over 300 years of maritime heritage and an historical focus on the long-term that is especially typical of family-owned businesses like ours. For us, this is another step forward in our long-standing commitment to protecting the oceans, the destinations we visit and the port communities we touch.”

All new ships that have joined the fleet since 2017 MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa have been fitted with ship-to-shore power, also known as “cold ironing” this technology allows the ship to plug directly into the ports electrical supply rather than keep their generators running.

Mr Vago added: “We will work with leading providers in carbon credits able to offset CO₂ emissions with the highest level of integrity. Our vision is to also invest in projects that provide quantifiable community benefits, protect the environment and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”

In particular, MSC Cruises aims to develop a carbon offset portfolio that incorporates projects which protect and restore Ocean and coastal habitats while also absorbing more CO₂ than currently occurs. As Blue Carbon projects focused mainly on coastal habitats are currently scarce, MSC Cruises will itself support the development of what aims to become the first carbon credits to be generated from the earth’s vast ocean, constituting an important new means for protecting and enhancing marine biodiversity and to support communities that rely on the highly pressurized resources of the sea.

Mr Vago concluded: “Blue carbon offsets will be a specific area of focus of our commitment to ensure carbon neutrality with immediate effect. We will put our people and our resources to work to also support the development of the specific type of projects, and the enabling certification processes, that can generate this innovative form of offsets which directly benefit the oceans and communities that live by the sea. As more of these become available, we will steadily increase our reliance on them as an additional area of focus within our overall long-term commitment to achieving zero-emissions operations.”

MSC Cruises’ commitment to delivering zero-emissions operations also includes a specific focus on energy efficiency and other aspects of its end-to-end operations beyond emissions. In particular, since 2017 all MSC Cruises new ships come equipped with ship-to-shore power facilities, a feature that would allow cruise ships to immediately go “zero-emissions” in any port that is ready for this technology. And this will provide even greater overall benefit when the ultimate source of shore power is renewable.

Currently, MSC Grandiosa and 10 other ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet of 17 ships are equipped for cleaner emissions with hybrid EGCS’ (Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems) which remove 98 percent of sulphur dioxide from a ship’s exhausts.

The line’s six other ships will be retrofitted with the technology by the end of 2021, the company said, and until then will rely on the use of low sulphur fuels to always fully comply with the strictest current and new maritime regulations.

MSC Grandiosa arrives in Hamburg (3).jpg — MSC Grandiosa arriving in Hamburg ahead of her naming ceremony Image: MSC Cruises

Details of MSC Cruises’ carbon neutral initiative was revealed at a dedicated media briefing on board MSC Grandiosa, MSC Cruises’ newest flagship and one of the most environmentally-advanced ships at sea yet. MSC Grandiosa was delivered to the Company only last week. On the same day, MSC Cruises started construction on MSC Europa, its first of five liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered cruise ships that will come into service between 2022 and 2027.

msceuropa1

MSC Europa first World Class ship Image: MSC Cruises

MSC Grandiosa and MSC Europa together represent significant additional progress in terms of delivering against MSC Cruises’ objective to minimize and continuously lowering its fleet environmental footprint.

I am excited to be joining MSC Grandiosa for an overnight stay on board in Southampton on Tuesday so be sure to follow my social media channels for updates.

you for taking the time to read my latest post.

GERI HORNER TEST DRIVES ROCKSTAR SUITES ABOARD VIRGIN VOYAGES’ SCARLET LADY

· Exclusive partnership with Virgin Voyages sees Geri Horner give RockStar seal of approval on the ship’s Mega RockStar Suites

· The brand expands offerings for Mega RockStar Suite Sailors

· Lavish Mega RockStar Suites package will now include a dedicated hair and makeup crew, unlimited complimentary alcoholic and specialty beverages*, personalised in-room bar* and more

Mega RockStar_Geri Guitar.jpg — **Geri Horner Test Drives RockStar Suites Image: Virgin voyages**

Virgin Voyages is upping the game for its top suites aboard the highly anticipated Scarlet Lady, with new offerings to ensure that Mega RockStars won’t have to worry about a thing during their voyage.

In celebration of the expanded offerings, the brand has today released exclusive video content of the suites, which features Virgin Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, and legendary British pop star, Geri Horner, of the hugely successful girl group, the Spice Girls.

The video documents Horner test driving the Virgin Voyages ‘Gorgeous Suite,’ one of the ship’s most glamorous cabins, as a favour to her longtime friend, Branson. Following Horner’s journey through the suite, the footage chronicles her full RockStar experience, as she’s seen spinning records, reading Branson’s book, rocking out with a guitar, indulging in champagne and partying the night away in true Rebellious Luxe fashion.

Expanded Mega RockStar Offering

With only 78 RockStar Suites designed by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio aboard the Scarlet Lady, among them are 15 Mega RockStar Suites, aptly named the Massive Suites, Fab Suites, Posh Suites and Gorgeous Suites. Mega RockStar Suites offer the ultimate VIP experience for anyone looking to live their best life at sea.

As announced today, to ensure that Mega RockStars always look red-carpet-ready, Virgin Voyages will now have a dedicated hair and makeup crew available for them upon request.

Mega RockStar Suite Sailors will now be able to indulge in beverages to their heart’s content thanks to access to unlimited complimentary alcoholic and specialty beverages* in all bars and eateries onboard, plus a free personalised bottomless in-room bar*.

Should they seek time to unwind, Mega RockStar Suite Sailors can head to Redemption Spa’s thermal suite, the ship’s mermaid and merman hideaway complete with a hydrotherapy pool, mud room, salt room, cold plunge pools, quart` beds– where they will now receive complimentary access throughout their voyages.

What’s more, Mega RockStar Suite Sailors will receive complimentary laundry service, plus the option to curate bespoke activities in any port-of-call, tailored to fit individual needs and requirements. Be it foodie experiences or private tours of local landmarks, no ask is too big for the RockStar Agents. RockStar Agents will tend to their rockstar rider list, digging up whatever their heart may desire to make their voyage perfect– all red gummy bears, an electric guitar and beyond.

The Mega RockStars Suites are primely located on deck 15 of the ship and feature a Peek-A-View outdoor shower. Designed by Tom Dixon’s leading design research studio and inspired by mega yachts and rock and roll style icons like Grace Jones, the Mega RockStar and RockStar Suites offer an unrivalled on board experience.

How All RockStars Will Sail

While all Sailors enjoy unlimited WiFi on board, as part of Virgin Voyages’ new expanded offerings all RockStar Suite Sailors will now enjoy upgraded premium WiFi with streaming.

The new offerings will complement the robust existing benefits of all RockStar Suite Sailors, which include:

RockStar Agent support from time from time of booking, to sail away and throughout the voyage
Backstage access at every corner, with early access to onboard entertainment, restaurants, Shore Things and more
Luxe private transfers to and from the ship in Miami
An exclusive express pathway to the ship during embarkation
Access to Richard’s Rooftop – RockStar Suite Sailor’s very own VIP private club, a secluded place for them to bask under the sun or have a drink under the stars
Access to an exclusive VIP area at The Beach Club at Bimini
A fully stocked in-room bar with the first round on the house
Wardrobe team to help unpack and repack
Complimentary pressing service
Nightly express swimsuit drying service
Premium linens and a plush European king bed
Upgraded bath amenities for pampering

For more information on the Mega RockStar and RockStar Suite offerings, future Sailors and travel partners are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visitingwww.virginvoyages.com.

Aye Aye Captain Virgin Voyages announces female captain for Scarlet Lady

CANADIAN CAPTAIN WENDY WILLIAMS TO LEAD FIRST VIRGIN VOYAGES SHIP

● Sir Richard Branson’s new cruise line appoints first Canadian woman to captain a ship for a major cruise brand

● Company replaces Cuba sailings with new Riviera Maya voyages and new four-night Fire and Sunset Soirées voyages to Key West with enhanced Beach Club programming in Bimini

● New seven-night holiday sailings featuring Puerto Rico now available for booking

Sir Richard Branson and Capt Wendy — Richard Branson with Captain Wendy Williams Image: Virgin Voyages

TORONTO- June 11, 2019 – Virgin Group Founder Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Voyages President and CEO Tom McAlpin announced the appointment of Captain Wendy Williams as Master of Scarlet Lady. When Captain Williams takes the helm of Scarlet Lady in spring 2020, she will become the first Canadian woman to be captain of a ship for a major cruise brand. The company also announced a brand-new lineup of itineraries for their premier 2020 season.

“Captain Wendy’s extensive maritime background makes her an excellent choice to lead the Scarlet Lady, but it is her spirit and drive to approach life at sea differently that make her the perfect fit to join the Virgin Voyages family,” said Tom McAlpin, president and chief executive officer for Virgin Voyages.

Originally from the coastal city of Sept-Îles, Quebec on the Northeastern coast of Canada, Captain Williams now resides on her hobby farm on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Captain Williams has more than 28 years of experience working on ships at sea. Her extensive background includes more than a decade as a deckhand in commercial fishing off the western coast of Canada as well as working as a ferryboat captain. Although she has spent more than 15 years working on the bridge of mega cruise ships, her role with Virgin Voyages will be her first promotion to Master of a cruise ship.

“I have salt water in my veins and nothing brings me more joy than being at sea,” said Captain Wendy Williams. “It’s a dream come true to be working with Virgin Voyages, a company that is focused on creating an incredible experience not only for our Sailors but for our Crew as well; while also taking action to minimize our footprint on our oceans.”

Just last year, Virgin Voyages announced its Scarlet Squad program, an initiative dedicated to bridging the gender gap in leadership roles across the maritime industry, where women represent less than three percent of the workforce. The program aims to recruit, support and mentor female shipboard talent, and to grow opportunities for leadership roles in marine, technical and hotel management positions on board.

While Virgin Voyages is still in the early stages of the crew for Scarlet Lady, the company has already recruited Captain Williams as well as nearly a dozen other female officers, including Jill Anderson as hotel director, Christin Wenge as safety officer, Lindsay Kerber as environmental officer, among other incredibly talented female engineers as well as second and third officers.

Virgin Voyages’ intention is to create an onboard environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential.

New Voyage Offerings

In response to the U.S. government’s new restrictions on travel to Cuba from the United States, Virgin Voyages has also developed an exciting lineup of new itineraries featuring destinations that its Sailors expressed interest in exploring while on a voyage aboard Scarlet Lady.

Continuing the company’s mission to provide its Sailors with epic day and nighttime experiences, the all new itineraries will feature multiple late-night sail aways, including a midnight departure on all new sailings.

Virgin Voyages will now offer five-night Riviera Maya sailings to Cozumel/Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Cozumel and Playa del Carmen offer opportunities for Sailors to experience some of the world’s best diving, as the area is home to 26 coral species. Sailors will also have the opportunity to explore ecological and archeological treasures, including Mayan ruins, or even opt to explore neighboring Tulum, the elevated Bohemian sanctuary with picturesque beaches and diverse nightlife.

For those who just want a quick getaway, Virgin Voyages’ four-night sailings will now become Fire and Sunset Soirées including a sunset departure from Key West and a midnight departure from Bimini. Sailors will experience the cultural and boating paradise of Key West, paired with a day of rejuvenation in Bimini, Bahamas that’s topped off by an exclusive late-night beach bonfire soiree. This celebration under the stars is exclusive to these sailings, and the artistic fire installations draw inspiration from the fireball sculptures on Branson’s Necker Island and the alluring communal nature of a traditional beachside bonfire.

In response to Sailor demand for longer voyages aboard Scarlet Lady, Virgin Voyages has developed special seven-night sailings for the 2020 festive holiday season. Those looking to get a jump start on their holiday planning can opt for the all-new Holidaze and Nights and New Year’s Ahoy voyages, which fall over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays respectively, and feature stops in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and late-night sail aways in both Bimini, Bahamas and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

All voyages will feature a stop in Bimini, Bahamas, home to The Beach Club, a private club for Virgin Voyages Sailors while Scarlet Lady is on the island.

For more information on Scarlet Lady, future Sailors and First Mates (travel partners) are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog

SPECTRUM OF THE SEAS CELEBRATES INAUGURAL SEASON IN CHINA

First Quantum Ultra Class Ship is Royal Caribbean’s Third New Ship to Homeport in Shanghai

1559228148_SC-first-arrival-in-HK-3 — Spectrum of the Sea arrives in Hong Kong Image: Royal Caribbean

June 4, 2019 – Spectrum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, made its highly anticipated debut in China yesterday. The first Quantum Ultra Class ship sailed into Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Shanghai after completing a 46-night Global Odyssey that spanned 17 cities. In honour of Spectrum arriving to her new home, the cruise line held a grand naming ceremony with Chinese celebrities and Royal Caribbean brand ambassadors, Xiaoming Huang and Angelababy, in attendance. Honoured with the lifetime role of Godparents, the popular couple were on hand to name the ship and bestow a blessing of safekeeping over all those who sail on her.

Spectrum’s historic milestone is on the heels of Royal Caribbean’s 10^th anniversary in China. Building on years of success with Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, the arrival of the largest and most expensive cruise ship in Asia will continue to raise the bar and lead the Chinese cruise industry into a new era.

“Royal Caribbean has always been known for innovating and pushing the boundaries and Spectrum of the Seas is a great example of this,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Spectrum brings to life the best of Royal Caribbean along with specifically designed and curated experiences for our Chinese consumers.”

Custom built for the Chinese market, Spectrum of the Seas features bold and unexpected experiences, including the cruise line’s first private enclave for suite guests, new stateroom categories, innovative dining concepts, and stunning features and experiences – many of which have never before been seen at sea.

Transformational Spaces

Spectrum features a two-level, 2,809-square-foot Ultimate Family Suite, accommodating up to 11 guests. The three-bedroom suite features a master bedroom and a bathroom that extends over the side of the ship for unparalleled ocean views, along with two additional suites for grandparents and other family members. Kids have their own kid-friendly space on the upper level, complete with an in-suite slide that will transport them to the living area below. Everyone in the family can enjoy time together in the recreation room, featuring surround-sound equipment for a night of karaoke, movies or video games.

Glowing on the aft of the ship is Sky Pad, a virtual reality, bungee trampoline experience, where guests can strap in, don a virtual reality (VR) headset and be transported to another time and planet with three new games: Jump Rally, Sugar Leap and Bass Bouncer. The out-of-this-world experience is for guests of all ages and can be enjoyed without headsets, for those who prefer to look out over the ocean as they leap toward the sky.

Exclusive Suite Club

The Suite Club on decks 13 through 16 offers Royal Caribbean’s first exclusive suites-only area, which features 36 Golden Suites and 106 Silver Suites. The Golden Suites and Silver Suites have exclusive access, elevator, as well as a private restaurant and lounge. In addition to a range of amenities, Gold Suite guests may access The Balcony, a private outdoor space with the best views of the sea; and The Boutique, which can be reserved for private shopping, intimate parties and wine tastings. Travellers in suites are also provided with a dedicated team of Royal Concierges who provide excellent value-added services, including concierge services, Royal embarkation, enhanced food and beverage experiences and exclusive room service.

Diverse Dining Options

Onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship are 33 dining options to meet the diverse preferences of its guests. The lineup includes innovative dining concepts such as: Sichuan Red, a brand-new restaurant debuting on Spectrum that features authentic cuisine from the Sichuan province of China; a traditional tea room and café parlour known as Leaf and Bean, where guests can enjoy a range of authentic Chinese teas, classic coffee drinks as well as freshly baked Chinese and Western desserts and pastries; Teppanyaki, offering authentic oriental flavours cooked in Japan’s traditional teppanyaki style; Splashaway Café, near the kids’ pool area; and the Noodle Bar, which serves up freshly made noodles and live chef demonstrations.

Introduced on the Quantum Ultra Class, the main dining room has been combined into one awe-inspiring, three-level dining room with 1,844 seats. The complimentary venue also serves a variety of Chinese and Western a la carte options that rotate every day of an itinerary. For holiday-makers looking for a more casual dining venue, the Windjammer Marketplace on Spectrum has been designed to be 20% larger than those on Quantum Class ships. The laidback option offers a wide selection of Chinese and Western dishes.

Multidimensional Entertainment Experiences

Three new production shows developed in-house by Royal Caribbean – The Silk Road, The Effectors and Showgirl! Past. Present. Future. are taking the stage. Each full-scale production features unrivalled talent, immersive technology and unparalleled special effects to create spectacular entertainment experiences. The entertainment doesn’t end on stage. Spectrum offers guests a thrilling lineup of activities including Battle for Planet Z, an epic glow-in-the-dark laser tag adventure for the whole family; Star Moment, a lively and energetic karaoke venue where family and friends can sing like stars;Expedition Two70, where guests can test their adventuring skills in four fully immersive augmented reality (AR) games; SeaPlex, the multipurpose indoor sports and entertainment complex that offers activities from various parts of the world including various indoor ball games as well as fencing and archery – activities never before seen at sea in the Asia market.

Cutting-edge Technology

Spectrum of the Seas features a bold lineup of new digital experiences, from digital room keys and automated stateroom controls, to immersive AR games. The Royal Caribbean mobile app is also available for the first time for guests in China and supports both Mandarin and English language. Designed to seamlessly deliver unprecedented holiday experiences at sea, technology is prevalent throughout the ship, substantially increasing guest convenience and efficiency while offering new experiences that entertain and amaze.

1559228153_SC-first-arrival-in-Hong-Kong — Image: Royal Caribbean

Itineraries

From Shanghai, 4 roundtrip itineraries:

7-day “Best Of Japan” (Kobe, Yokohama)
5-day “Kagoshima and Okinawa” (Kagoshima, Naha)
4-day “Best Of Okinawa” (to Naha)
4-day “Best Of Kagoshima” (to Kagoshima)

From Hong Kong, 3 roundtrip itineraries:

7-day “Japan and Philippines” (Naha, Salomague Island, Luzon Island/Subic Bay)
5-day “Best Of Vietnam” (Da Nang, Nha Trang)
4-day “Best Of Chan May” (to Da Nang, Vietnam)

You can find out more about Spectrum of the Seas and her 2019/2020 itineraries here:

http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/our-ships/spectrum-of-the-seas/itineraries/

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog

Costa Smeralda gets her hull livery

Costa

In the latest update from Costa Cruises, the line has revealed that its newest ship Costa Smeralda has received its tricolour hull livery.

A name that celebrates Italy, with the tricolour flag to underscore it: #CostaSmeralda is well on its way to being a true Flagship. Look at the images from Turku. #CostaSmeraldaIsComing pic.twitter.com/iFRXRv6Pud

— Costa Cruises (@CostaCruises) May 27, 2019

Currently under construction at Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland and named after a stretch of land along the northeast coast of Sardinia, Costa Smeralda is the second ship in Carnival Corporation’s “Excellence Class” all of which are LNG powered. Measuring 337 meters in length, 42 meters wide and a gross tonnage of 183,900 she will have a service speed of 17 knots. She will be the largest ship built for Costa Cruises and will accommodate up to 6,554 passengers and 1,646 crew. Due to be delivered at the end of October the ship will visit Hamburg and Rotterdam before heading to Western Mediterranean for its inaugural season.

Costa’s new livery was first seen in April 2018 on Costa Mediterranea and is a stylized Italian flag is painted under the ship’s name, which appears larger and in a new font. The new livery is designed to pay tribute to Italy, the cruise line’s homeland.

Costa Mediterranea seen Southampton May 2018

COSTA SMERALDA

Owner: Costa Cruises

IMO: 9781889

Shipyard: Meyer Turku OY, Finland

Hull No.: NB1394

Registered: Italy

Steel Cutting: 13th September 2017

Keel Laid: 4th July 2018

Launch: October 2019

Length: 337m

Beam: 42m

Design Draught:

Service Speed: 17 knots

Max Capacity: 6554

Crew: 1646

Decks: 15

Cabin Decks: 10

Find out more about Costa Cruises here: https://www.costacruise.com/B2C/EU/Ships/Pages/costa-smeralda.aspx

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog

VIRGIN VOYAGES EXPANDS EPIC ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

London – 21 May 2019,17:25 GMT– Today, Virgin Voyages announces a series of exciting updates for its irresistible 2020 sailings.

Expanded Partnership with Mark Ronson

With a heritage deeply rooted in music, Virgin Voyages announced an expanded partnership with Academy, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning artist and producer Mark Ronson. Ronson will join the company’s Creative Collective, a group of world-class tastemakers, artists and designers who are collaborating with Virgin Voyages to bring epic Sailor experiences to sea. In his role as the company’s “Minister of Music,” Ronson will be creating a series of pre-voyage and onboard playlists for Sailors, as well as curating the vinyl record selection in the RockStar Suites and the ship’s vinyl and music shop – Voyage Vinyl. What’s more, Ronson will be working with Virgin Voyages’ music teams, defining the brand’s sound at sea as well as at The Beach Club in Bimini, Bahamas– a private and luxurious beach club that is exclusively for Virgin Voyages Sailors while Scarlet Lady is on island.

As a part of Virgin Voyages’ On Deck residency program, Ronson has committed to four performances at The Beach Club at Bimini in 2020. Ronson’s July 9 poolside performance can only be experienced by those who book the July 5, 2020Mayan Sol sailing featuring stops in Costa Maya, Mexico and Bimini, Bahamas.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Virgin Voyages’ Creative Collective, helping lead the charge in music. Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin brand were legendary game-changers in the music industry and it’s a thrill to join them as they bring that same spirit to sea travel,” Ronson said.

“We see music as an essential element to a holiday, not just for parties but also as the soundtrack to laughter, relaxation and much more,” said Tom McAlpin, president and CEO for Virgin Voyages. “It’s an honour to have an outstanding artist like Mark Ronson helping us develop our Sailor experience, alongside an exciting lineup of DJ’s joining our On Deck residency program.”

Diplo Joins On Deck Residency Program

Continuing the expansion of its On Deck residency program, Virgin Voyages also announced that legendary DJ and record producer, Diplo, will perform at the Beach Club in 2020.

Virgin Voyages will carefully curate the mood at The Beach Club so that Sailors have opportunities to experience moments of relaxation and serenity as well as high-energy excitement. Mornings at the private club will begin with yoga and meditation, with the energy gradually amplified as the day progresses, reaching a crescendo of action in the afternoon where DJ-led pool and floatilla parties will be the centre of the club. The day will cascade into night with a calming fire ritual where Sailors will enjoy acoustic tunes over an open bonfire.

Scarlet Night- A Party to Remember

Scarlet Night is another occasion set to prove a highlight for Sailors, as Virgin Voyages reveals details of one its signature onboard parties, which will take Sailors on a journey around Scarlet Lady. Conceived, designed and produced by the award-winning producer behind Sleep No More, Queen of the Night, and The Donkey Show, Randy Weiner, Scarlet Night is a glamorous occasion of awe and mystique that pushes the boundaries of entertainment. Groundbreaking music will set the mood, as Sailors dance the night away at this out of this world experience, complete with art installations and performances throughout the ship as the night progresses. There will also be an after party created by Brooklyn, New York’s House of Yes, recently named the number two Best Thing To Do in the World by Time Out, and known for their theatre-infused nightclub where a fabulous outfit is a must and guests expect the unexpected, including circus spectacles, immersive cinema, cabaret performances and beyond.

Scarlet Night comes to London

Londoners will experience a taste of Scarlet Night on Tuesday 21 May, as the event comes from sea to land for one night only. The event will bring to life the energy of Scarlet Night with extraordinary music and performances along with a featured guest performance from Mark Ronson. The special event is set to be attended by VIPs, celebrities and more the likes of whom include Geri Horner and Holly Branson, among others.

Ladyship Touring UK Waters

There’s good news for budding travel advisors, whom the company affectionately refers to as First Mates – the Scarlet Lady, glamorously designed cabins and boasting over 20+ eateries, will be stopping in Dover and Liverpool in late February opening its doors to First Mates, media and VIPs, hosting a number of exclusive events before making her way across the pond to her new home of Miami. The news was announced by Geri Horner at the Scarlet Night London press conference today.

Future sailors and travel partners are invited to check out Virgin Voyages by visiting www.virginvoyages.com.

All images courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Stray the course with Virgin Voyages Part 1

On the day of Virgin Voyages Scarlet Night in London this is the first in a series of posts looking at what we know so far about the company who plan to change the way we cruise.

Things are changing in the cruise industry, the old clichés are being removed and cruising has never been so popular, in the UK alone 2018 saw a record 2 million British and Irish holidaymakers taking a cruise a number that the industry wasn’t expecting to reach until 2020.

Speaking just last week at what was a surprise visit to the CLIA Cruise conference in Portsmouth Sir Richard Branson revealed that he has wanted to set up a cruise line since the age of 27. Ever since he announced this new venture back in March 2014 the entire cruise and travel industry has been waiting to see just what he had in store.

Sir Richard Branson and CEO Tom McAlpin chatting to Lucy Huxley © Virgin Voyages

“Epic Sea Change for all”

As Virgin Atlantic previously vowed to change the way we fly, so Virgin Voyages has vowed to change the way we cruise, and from the very outset have looked to distance themselves from traditional cruise lines. According to the company this is an “Epic Sea Change” Throughout 2018, rather than revealing everything at once anyone following the story has been treated to regular updates, which the company has provocatively called a “shipTease” thus continuing the Virgin Groups cheeky marketing!

Ditch the jargon the buffet and formal wear!

One thing you are sure to notice when looking at Virgin Voyages website or through the marketing material is the lack of the usual cruise jargon, which has been ditched! And this starts with the word “cruise” itself, which you will only see crossed through on the website! Virgin Voyages make it quite clear that you are not on a cruise but a voyage, and if you are sailing with them you are not a passenger you are a Sailor!

However its not just the jargon thats gone as things are different when your a sailor. Firstly the ships crew will be paid a salary and won’t have to depend on tips for income, according the the company “they’ve taken care (of taking care) of your servers, so tipping is on us”! A cruising basic the buffet restaurant has been ditched, together with supplements and other add-ons that are found on so many cruise lines. Instead sailors will be able to enjoy free food at over 20 eateries on board, what about a formal wear night? they’ve ditched that too! onboard sailors will enjoy free Wifi and free basic beverages including soda, still and sparkling water, teas and Virgin’s own special blend of Intelligentsi coffee.

Theses aren’t cruise ships they’re Ladyships!

Float Out.JPG — Scarlet Lady floating out from the shipyard © Virgin voyages

Virgin Voyages has a total of four identical ships or “Ladyships” as it likes to call them on order with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. The order for the first three ships was announced in June 2015, with the fourth ship announced in October 2018 and with an estimated cost of $710 million each. The Italian shipbuilder is renowned for the construction of some of the world’s most beautiful cruise ships and by the time Scarlet Lady is delivered in April 2020 the shipbuilder will have built 77 cruise ships for many of the worlds top cruise lines.

Main propulsion is provided by the Swedish company ABB, and consists of its latest Azipod XO Propulsion system. This system is installed on most of the worlds latest passenger vessels. These are (electric drive motors with off-hull submerged azimuth thrusters / 360-degree rotating propellers).The two separate units provide the best manoeuvrability (allowing in-port navigation without tug assistance) with minimal vibration/noise. By placing the propulsion unites outside the hull, the Azipod system frees up space for lower-deck staterooms.

ABB Azipod installed on *MSC Bellissima* © Andrew McAlpine

Main power onboard is installed by Finnish marine technology firm Wärtsilä, with Scarlet Lady being powered by two 8-cylinder plus two 12-cylinder “Wärtsilä 46F” marine diesel engines. A hybrid scrubber system also supplied by the Finnish company is installed in order to meet with new IMO emission regulation. The system operates in whats called a closed or open loop and uses seawater to remove SOx (Sulphur Oxides) from the vessel’s exhaust, this system also significantly reduces NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emissions. Wärtsilä also supplied the navigation and automation control systems which are from is latest NACOS Platinum series.

Alternative power is provided by 4-stroke engines powering the 4 electricity generators, each equipped with TPL-C turbocharges (by ABB).

Scarlet Lady set to debut in April 2020, and will be followed by the other Ladyships in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

The Scarlet Lady name may sound familiar, as it pays homage to sister brand Virgin Atlantic with the name appearing on one of the earliest airliner’s to fly for the company. With a length of 278 m and at 110,000GT, Scarlet Lady will have room for 2,750 sailors together with 1,150 crew, and once delivered she will certainly stand out. Her ultra-modern design is more akin to a concept ship of the future, gone is the sweeping bow seen on so many cruise ships, instead she has a modern vertical “axe bow” shape, a design that is becoming increasingly popular and has most recently been seen on Celebrity Edge. Also gone is the popular white hull, seen on so many of the world’s cruise ships. Instead, Scarlet Lady features a two-tone light over dark grey colour scheme (no official name for it as yet!), while the the lower part of her stern is Virgin’s signature red with the Virgin logo emblazoned across it.

Her distinctive modern hull livery is broken up slightly near the bow which is adorned on both sides with the “Scarlet Lady” logo. The company approached award winning designer Toby Tinsley to design the logo. which is said to represent the ship’s ‘feminine spirits’ and reflects the brand’s mermaid image. Toby Tinsley had previously worked with Virgin Group in 2007 to design the Virgin Galactic logo.

Sustainable at Sea

One thing that excites me about Virgin Voyages is their commitment to the environment and I love the fact Sir Richard Branson has stated that “Success needn’t compromise sustainability” which is surely more important now than ever. From the very start Sir Richard and Virgin Voyages President and CEO, Tom McAlpin announced that the company is committed to having one of the cleanest fleets at sea. One of the biggest initiatives includes is being single-use plastic free and banning the use of all single-use plastics both on shore and on board the ships. The ban includes items such as plastic straws, tea & coffee cups, stirrers, bottled water and other beverage bottles, condiment packets, food packaging and shopping bags. Instead, the company will emphasise the use of recyclable and reusable materials with bottled water replaced by complimentary filtered still and sparkling water available in the bars and restaurants, together with specially designed Natura filtered water stations throughout the ship. Food and all other onboard items will be sourced from sustainable suppliers. All materials and products onboard are to be sourced with sustainability in mind. Skin care products and most importantly sun screen will be reef safe.

Virgin Voyages is has collaborated with two Scandinavian companies to reduce Scarlet Lady’s environmental footprint; the first is with Sweden’s Climeon, a world-renowned clean energy innovator. Virgin Voyages will be the first major cruise line to install Climeon Ocean system on board its ladyships.

Here’s the technical bit..

The system reduces carbon dioxide emissions by converting waste heat generated by the ships engine into clean electricity. One Climeon unit can produce enough energy to power 250 normal households and each Virgin Voyages ship will have six units, giving it the potential to power about 1,500 households. This will provide not only power for the cabins and suites but also the on board restaurants, casino and other venues.

Simplified cycle of the Climeon heat power module *© Climeon*

The second is with Scanship a Norwegian company specializing in waste management and wastewater purification. Scanship uses game-changing technology called microwave-assisted pyrolysis (MAP) to convert organic waste into clean energy.

All these initiatives give Scarlet Lady smaller carbon footprint which is estimated will eliminate 5,400 tons of carbon dioxide waste per year.

Want some Scarlet Lady facts and figures ?

IMO: 9804801

Shipyard: Fincantieri Sestri Ponente, Italy

Cost: US $710 million

Registered: Nassau, Bahamas

Steel Cutting: March 2017

Keel Laid: October 2017

Float Out: February 2019

Launch: April 2020

Length: 277 m

Beam: 38 m

Design Draught: 8.05 m

Service Speed: 20 knots

Sailor Cabins: 1,408

Max Capacity: 2,750

Crew: 1,150

Crew cabins: 813

Decks: 17

Cabin Decks: 9

Bookings on Scarlet Lady opened on 5th February this year (for customers with pre-sale deposits) and on 14th February (for the general public)

When she launches in April next year Scarlet Lady will head to her home port of Miami, however before she heads across the Atlantic she will, as revealed by Tom McAlpin at last weeks CLIA conference in Portsmouth, visit at least one port in the UK. I don’t know about you but my fingers are already crossed Southampton is one of those ports.

In my next post I will be looking at what Scarlet Lady will have to offer on board, and her itinerary.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post and would love to here your comments

You can check out Virgin Voyages here

https://www.virginvoyages.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyLGoqbOq4gIVorztCh38rQcZEAAYASAAEgJ0NvD_BwE

Celebrity Edge makes her Southampton debut

Anyone that knows me well is fully aware that I am an avid shipspotter and photographer always with camera in hand and living in Southampton gives me some great opportunities to see the ships up close. However this love does come with a down side as it often means a early start in order to watch them arrive and the 05:30 arrival of Celebrity Edge meant another one of those!

Celebrity Edge arriving with fire tug escort

I was especially keen to get quayside early as I was photographing her arrival for Southampton port operator ABP and they wanted arrival photos to share in their press release and on social media channels early that morning.

Welcome Celebrity Edge

In what is one of the most anticipated cruise calls of the year Celebrity Cruises newest and most technologically advanced ship made her Southampton debut early on 13th May. The visit follows a transatlantic crossing as the ship heads for the summer season in the mediterranean.

Delivered in October 2018 Celebrity Edge was constructed by STX France in Saint Nazaire which is the same shipyard as MSC Bellissima which was named in the port in March this year.

During her first visit nearly 2,000 VIP’s and specially invited guests boarded the ship ahead of a two day taster cruise which will allow the guests to get an exclusive first glimpse of the new ship, including the rooftop garden, plunge pools and Eden a stunning three-deck dining and entertaining space.

Other unique features are the Magic Carpet, a striking orange platform cantilevered from the side of the ship acts as a tender platform when in smaller ports and an outside dining venue 13 stories above the water. Celebrity Edge also has 1,500 suites designed by renowned British interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE.

Commenting on the maiden call to Southampton, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, Lisa Lutoff Perlo, said “Edge is redefining the cruise experience and today she makes her exciting debut in the UK, a really significant market for us‘ We can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction when she arrives in Southampton. Edge is changing how people view a cruise vacation, especially for those who are new to cruise/first-timers,’ she added.

Jo Rzymowska, vice president and managing director, Celebrity Cruises UK, Ireland and Asia, commented: ‘This is a ship that defies expectations, elevating cruise luxury to a whole new level. There are four more of these Edge-class ships on order and the next, Celebrity Apex, will be based in the UK when it launches in Southampton next year. This visit is the perfect preview of what’s in store.’

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Following the two night cruise Celebrity Edge arrived back in Southampton early this morning and will depart later today on a 10 night Iberian cruise.

While in Southampton today Celebrity Edge together with MSC Preziosa are the backdrop to the first day of the Cruise Lines Association (CLIA) 2019 conference with this year’s theme being the Next Generation.

I am excited to be attending the three day conference and visiting Celebrity Edge today, so be sure to follow me on twitter & instagram for live updates when possible.

Celebrity Edge’s unique profile overlooking City Cruise Terminal

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON: 182 DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE CHRISTENING OF MSC GRANDIOSA IN HAMBURG

First of the enriched Meraviglia-Plus ships to come into service

Inaugural season to be spent in the stunning Western Mediterranean

New flagship to feature two brand new Cirque du Soleil at Sea Shows

With exactly six months before the christening of MSC Grandiosa on 9^th November in the Port of Hamburg, MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Gulf, today revealed they would be welcoming back international TV star Michelle Hunziker to host the glamorous official naming ceremony of the Company’s newest and largest ship to date. Hunziker, internationally known as a TV presenter, actress and singer, also hosted the christening of MSC Seaview in Genoa in 2018. Growing up in Italy and of Swiss descent, Hunziker speaks five languages and embodies the international spirit and Mediterranean soul of MSC Cruises.

MSC Grandiosa will become the largest ship in the MSC Cruises fleet and the first of the Meraviglia-Plus class of ships. Enriched with more cabins, more public space and innovative new features, the highlights include:

· The iconic Mediterranean Promenade will be the heart of the ship. Under the 98.5-metre-long LED sky, guests can enjoy a varied entertainment programme as well as being able to indulge in shopping and world class food and drink.

· MSC Grandiosa takes the onboard shopping experience to a new level with the indoor promenade offering mall-style boutiques, where guests will find their favourite brands of clothing, jewellery, technology and more, all at unbeatable prices.

· The speciality restaurants located in the promenade include the new restaurant concept L’Atelier Bistrot, a French-inspired bar with lounge area, which also offers a stage and dance floor as well as a seated terrace.

· The entertainment highlight will be two brand new shows from Cirque du Soleil at Sea. The shows are created by world-leader in live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil as part of a unique long-term partnership with MSC Cruises.

· MSC Grandiosa will feature the world’s first virtual personal cruise assistant, ZOE. This artificial intelligence guest service will answer guest questions in the comfort of their cabin alongside a ground-breaking feature of connected cruise experience, MSC for Me.

· Designed as a ship for all seasons, MSC Grandiosa will spend winter in the Mediterannean. With less visitors and the perfect winter sun weather, this is the ideal time of year to discover some of the top destinations throughout Italy, France and Spain without the crowds.

Michelle Hunziker commented, “I am delighted to be part of the christening ceremony of MSC Grandiosa in Hamburg. Since the christening of MSC Seaview last year, I feel a part of the MSC family. I am particularly pleased that the christening is taking place in Germany. I have met great people here and celebrated many professional successes. For me, Germany means a piece of home and Hamburg has such a wonderful maritime heritage, it will be an honour to become a part of it. I am also looking forward to discovering everything that this new and stunning ship has to offer.”

A section of MSC Grandiosa’s hull seen at the shipyard © Andrew McAlpine

MSC Grandiosa is the third ship of the innovative Meraviglia generation and the first of the Meraviglia-Plus class. She will become the fifth new next-generation ship MSC Cruises has launched in just two and a half years as part of MSC Cruises’ investment plan of €13.6 billion spanning more than 10 years. MSC Grandiosa will be followed by a further 12 ships through to 2027 with her sister ship, MSC Virtuosa launching next October 2020.

Meraviglia generation ships have been designed to meet every need of today’s cruise guest. The extraordinary design, wide array of facilities and entertainment make these ships ideal for the whole family. Designed for all seasons, they are able to call at most of the world’s international cruise ports.

Last year I was fortunate to get a glimpse of MSC Grandiosa under construction at in Saint Nazaire when I visited the shipyard to see MSC Bellissima float out.

MSC Grandiosa seen under construction at Chantiers de l’atlantique in St.Nazaire

MSC Cruises have also announced that following her christening in Hamburg MSC Grandiosa will visit Southampton on 13th November, afterwhich she will sail on her maiden cruise to the Mediterranean with calls at Lisbon, Barcelona, Marseille and finally Genoa.

As always thank you for taking the time to read my blog

To find out more booking information www.msccruises.co.uk

Costa Cruises names newbuild for China Costa Firenze arriving October 2020

Cruises on the new ship, currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, will be available for booking starting from tomorrow. Before being positioned in Asia to serve the Chinese market, Costa Firenze will spend a whole month in the Mediterranean, offering 5 cruises from Trieste and Savona. These will be followed, on November 2, 2020, by a fantastic 51-day voyage from Savona to Hong Kong.

Genoa, May 6, 2019 – Costa Firenze is the new Costa Cruises ship due to come into service in October 2020. Currently being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera (Italy), Costa Firenze is a 135,500 gross tons ship with capacity for over 5,200 guests; she is the sister ship of Costa Venezia, which was launched in Trieste on March 1 this year.
Costa Firenze and Costa Venezia are the Italian company’s first ships specifically designed for the Chinese market. Before being positioned in Asia, Costa Firenze will spend a whole month in the Mediterranean, in October 2020, thus allowing all of Costa’s customers in Europe and around the world to be the first to experience a truly unique vacation on board the new ship. Cruises will be available for booking starting from tomorrow: there will be five 5-to-7-day cruises and one 51-day positioning cruise to China.
“Given the success of the inaugural cruises of Costa Venezia, we have decided to keep Costa Firenze in the Mediterranean for a whole month before its positioning in Asia” – says Neil Palomba, President of Costa Cruises – “Costa Firenze is part of an expansion plan for the Costa Group that includes a total of 7 new ships being delivered by 2023, for a total investment of over 6 billion euros. The next ship to come into service, in October 2019, will be Costa Smeralda, a real tribute to Italy’s finest and our excellence”.
Costa Firenze’s first cruise will sail from Trieste to Savona, departing on October 1, 2020, calling at Bari, Barcelona and Marseilles.

On October 8, 2020, the ship will leave Savona for a short cruise to Marseilles, Barcelona and Savona. On October 12, 19 and 26, Costa Firenze will depart from Savona for three 1-week cruises including Naples (replaced by Civitavecchia for the October 19 cruise), Messina (replaced by Palermo for the October 19 cruise), Valencia, Barcelona and Marseilles. The final cruise available will be the positioning cruise to China: a fantastic 51-day itinerary starting from Savona on November 2, 2020 and ending in Hong Kong on December 22, 2020. The journey will be a discovery of a host of different cultures, landscapes and flavours. From the Mediterranean, the ship will sail to Dubai, through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, calling at Naples, Messina, Greece, Israel, Jordan and Oman. From Dubai to Abu Dhabi, futuristic cities built in the desert, the ship will continue to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. The final part of the cruise will be devoted to the Far East: Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and finally China. The itinerary can also be subdivided into three separate legs, Savona-Dubai (19 days), Dubai-Singapore (20 days) and Singapore-Hong Kong (14 days), which can also be combined with each other.

Like its sister ship Costa Venezia, Costa Firenze will offer a series of innovations designed specifically for the Chinese market, where the Italian company was the first to operate in 2006 and is currently the leader, allowing guests to discover Italian culture and lifestyle.

“Costa Venezia and Costa Firenze are the proof of Costa Cruises’ long-term commitment to China market” –
stated Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Group Asia – “Costa Cruises is also dedicated to bringing the Italian
Aesthetic lifestyle to Chinese guests while delivering Italian culture and experience to them. Together with
Costa Venezia, the arrival of Costa Firenze will help boost the development of Chinese cruise industry.”
The ship is inspired by the city of Florence, representing centuries of Italian culture and history. During the
Costa Firenze cruises, guests together with their families and friends will have a chance to immerse
themselves fully in Italian beauty and aesthetic, which will take shape in various aspects of life on board:
from interior design to dining, from entertainment to hospitality.

The Costa Group is the leading cruise company in Europe and China, headquartered in Genoa (Italy). The 28 ships of the
brands Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises and Costa Asia together have a total capacity of more than 85,000 berths. The fleet
will be further strengthened by 5 new vessels by 2023. The company has a global workforce of 30,000 employees working
onboard and in its 20 offices in 14 countries.

Ship Data

Name: Costa Firenza

Namesake: City of Florence

Owner: Carnival Corporation PLC

Operator: Costa Cruises

Shipyard: Fincantieri Marghera

Class: Vista Class

Cost: $676 million (reported)

Length; 321.56m

Decks: 14 (Passenger)

Passenger Capacity: 5,200

Speed: 18 knots

Gross Tonnage: 135,500

As always thank you for taking the time to read my blog