CruiseBusiness.com CruiseBusiness.com REVIEWING CRUISE BUSINESS GLOBALLY Magazine Magazine SUMMER 2023 Alaska’s cruise-led ‘Green Corridor’ Alaska’s cruise-led ‘Green Corridor’ Cruise ship concepts set course to absolute zero NEWCOMERS AND COMEBACKS The ultra-luxury cruise market is experiencing a most eventful year, as there have been not only new ship launches but the debut of an entirely new brand. Part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys aims to become a major player in the segment with a fleet of six tailormade vessels, while Silversea Cruises just introduced its groundbreaking new Silver Nova. Emerald, Scenic, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas and Viking all have added new onnage to their fleets, while Crystal Cruises has returned under new ownership. summer kansi1-3 2023.indd 1 summer kansi1-3 2023.indd 1 1.9.2023 16.13 1.9.2023 16.13
Editor Teijo Niemelä Publisher Cruise Media LLC Chief Content Officer Carolyn Spencer Brown Copy Editor M.T. Schwartzman Sales and Production Christer Gorschelnik Art Director Julle Järvinen, Julle Oy COMPANY ADDRESS Cruise Media LLC 209 N Queen Street Chestertown, MD 21620 USA Telephone +1-609-751-2344 E-mail cruisemediallc[a]gmail.com SALES OFFICE FINLAND ChrisGo Consulting Pahtankatu 10 as 10 FIN-21200 Raisio, Finland Telephone +358-440-159 554 E-mail christer.gorschelnik[a]kolumbus.fi SALES OFFICE USA Teijo Niemelä 209 N Queen Street Chestertown, MD 21620 USA Telephone +1-609-751-2344 cruisemediallc[a]gmail.com FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR Peter Knego has been writing about ships for consumer, trade and web markets since 1995. In addition to being a freelance journalist, he is also a maritime historian and has a YouTube channel dedicated to cruise ships called MidShipCinema. PRINTED IN FINLAND – PUNAMUSTA OY, HELSINKI HOW TO FOLLOW US Twitter.com/cruisebusiness n facebook.com/CruiseBusinessUSA n Instagram.com/niemelateijo CruiseBusiness.com Magazine 6 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 EDITOR’S COMMENTARY Turkish delight I t is 33 years ago, when I did my first discovery trip to Turkey. The country was already renowned as an affordable package holiday destination, and that was the reason I was heading from Finland to Marmaris. The global travel market was very different then what is it today. The cruise market in the Mediterranean was still suf-fering of the effects of the first Persian Gulf war, the inbound travel market from the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries wasn’t formed yet and many of the hotels in Turkish Riviera were more family-owned establishments rather than huge all-inclusive resorts. Today the reality is vast different. Turkey is a global powerhouse of travel. This is immediately evident when you step in the new Istanbul airport, which was opened in 2019. This airport project is the largest in Europe for several decades and it pro-vides five runways and its single terminal 143 gates with passenger boarding bridges The flag carrier Turkish Airlines serves 340 destinations, which make it the largest airline in the world measured by international destinations. It has been also con-stantly voted as the best airline in Europe by Skytrax. Turkey, which recently changed its official name as Turkey, has also all the ingredi-ents to become an Eastern Mediterranean cruise capital. Istanbul, a major cosmopol-itan destination itself, is also a major cruise hub with the fascinating Galataport cruise terminal locating in the city centre. Bosphorus channel is the only waterway to reach the Black Sea, which itself offers a plenty of cruise destinations in various nations – naturally the Black Sea cruises have been halted by most of the cruise lines due to the war in Ukraine. But, organizations, such as MedCruise is looking forward as the next General assembly will be held in October in Burgas, Bulgaria. This would be a good opportunity for the cruise operators to learn the opportunities of the Black Sea. And speaking of ports, Global Ports Holding Plc, founded in Turkey, is the world’s largest cruise port operator, which continues to expand. Turkey has been in the frame of the cruise business for other reason, not as a desti-nation. One of the most read news stories in our website has been the formation of the Life at Sea, a subsidiary of the Miray Cruises, a Turkish cruise ship owner. The company plans to operate a 3-year World Cruise, and for the purpose, it recently acquired the AIDAaura, which will soon finish its 20-year career with German AIDA Cruises. The company already operates two second-hand ships both in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Most recently, the country has made inroads for state-of-the-art shipbuilding. You can read more elswhere in the issue on these upmarket Norwegian Coastal vessels, which were constructed at the Tersan shipyard. These Havila ships are designed to operate in the Norwegian fjords with battery power, thus creating zero emission. Teijo Niemelä 6-7 .indd 2 6-7 .indd 2 18.9.2023 12.14 18.9.2023 12.14
8 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 UPFRONT Deliver the cruise port experience preferred by discerning travelers, from e? ortless access through FLL and modern terminals to exceptional preand post-cruise diversions in Greater Fort Lauderdale. We’ll pamper you, too, with a warm welcome through our Harbormaster O? ce, concierge-style service by our dedicated cruise team and fully scalable amenities all available 24/7. We make it easy. A World-Class Welcome PortEverglades.net Carnival Cruise Line officially welcomed its latest addition, the Carnival Venezia, into its fleet in a naming ceremony in New York in June. Transferred from sister brand Costa Cruises, the 135,500 gross ton and 4,090-passenger vessel was originally delivered from Fincantieri in 2019 and designed specifically to serve the Asian market. The ship sails from New York until 2024, when it repositions to Port Canaveral for the winter season. Its sister ship, the Carnival Firenze, will join the fleet later this year. From left are Carnival’s Ambassador John Heald, President Christine Duffy, godfather Jay Leno and the ship’s master. INSET: Editor Teijo Niemela and godfather Jay Leno. Seabourn, the ultra-luxury and expedition brand of Carnival Corporation & plc, took delivery of its second expedition newbuild, the Seabourn Pursuit, from the Genovese shipyard T. Mariotti in late July. Shaking hands upon delivery were shipyard Managing Director Marco Ghiglione and cruise line President Natalya Leahy. Carrying 264 guests, the PC6 ice-classed Pursuit and identical sister the Seabourn Venture register 23,000 gross tons and offer all-suite/all-balcony accommodations. 8-15.indd 2 8-15.indd 2 12.9.2023 7.37 12.9.2023 7.37
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 9 Deliver the cruise port experience preferred by discerning travelers, from e? ortless access through FLL and modern terminals to exceptional preand post-cruise diversions in Greater Fort Lauderdale. We’ll pamper you, too, with a warm welcome through our Harbormaster O? ce, concierge-style service by our dedicated cruise team and fully scalable amenities all available 24/7. We make it easy. A World-Class Welcome PortEverglades.net 8-15.indd 3 8-15.indd 3 12.9.2023 7.37 12.9.2023 7.37
UPFRONT UPFRONT Disney Cruise Line, which recently acquired the unfinished, 208,000 gross ton Global Dream newbuild following the insolvency of Genting Hong Kong and MV Werften, announced its commitment to base the ship in Singapore beginning in 2025. This will be the first time that Disney Cruise Line will operate in Asian waters and tailor a cruise product mainly to Asian guests. The still unnamed newbuild will accommodate 6,000 guests. The five-year agreement was revealed by Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro and Singapore Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S. Iswaran. Festivities to celebrate Holland America Line’s 150th anniversary culminated in Rotterdam, the Netherlands (the company’s birthplace) on April 18. Helping to bless the anniversary bell are, from left, Holland America Line President Gus Antorcha, Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb and Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands – godmother of the Rotterdam, HAL’s newest vessel. Philip Gennotte, Portfolio Project Management Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering Germany, and Meyer Werft Managing Director Dr. Jan Meyer took part in the keel laying ceremony for the Disney Treasure at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. In a time-honored maritime tradition, a newly minted coin was placed under the keel of the ship for good fortune. The commemorative coin used featured an etching of Captain Minnie Mouse donning a new look that embodies the ship’s adventure motif. The Disney Treasure is the second Wish-class vessel ordered from Meyer Werft and will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) 10 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 8-15.indd 4 8-15.indd 4 12.9.2023 7.37 12.9.2023 7.37
UPFRONT 12 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 MSC Cruises officially welcomed the MSC Euribia – last in its Meraviglia-Plus class – to the fleet during a naming ceremony in Copenhagen on June 8. Godmother of MSC Cruises’ fleet and globally recognized screen legend Sophia Loren was in attendance to officially name the ship, continuing her longstanding relationship with MSC Cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the Norwegian Viva, the second ship in the Prima class, from Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard on August 3. From left to right are Dan S. Farkas, NCLH Executive Vice President General Counsel & Assistant Secretary; Patrik Dahlgren, NCLH Executive Vice President of Vessel Operations; Robin Lindsay, NCLH Executive Vice President of Newbuild & Refurbishment; Jeffrey Anderson, NCLH Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Claims; Marco Pastorino, Managing Director of Independent Maritime Advisors Ltd.; and Mark Kansley, NCL Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations. Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, officially took delivery of the Explora I, the first ship to join the brand’s fleet from the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, on July 20. The cost of the new ship amounted to over €500 million ($550 million), with a total investment of €2.5 billion ($2.78 billion) planned for the four ships on order. The traditional maritime event was attended by Gianluigi Aponte, Founder and Chairman of the MSC Group; Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division; the godmother of the ship Zoe Africa Vago, for Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero; as well as representatives of MSC's construction team together with managers and workers from the shipyard. 8-15.indd 6 8-15.indd 6 12.9.2023 7.37 12.9.2023 7.37
UPFRONT CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 13 Silversea Cruises and Meyer Werft celebrated the keel laying of the Silver Ray on March 23, hosting select travel advisors for a symbolic ceremony at the shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The second ship in Silversea’s pioneering Nova class, the 55,051 gross ton and 728guest Silver Ray is expected to enter service in summer 2024, joining her sister ship, the Silver Nova. Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s President and CEO, and Dr. Jan Meyer, Managing Director of Meyer Werft, were among the attendees as a commemorative coin, bearing the Silver Ray’s silhouette, was placed under a pre-assembled module as a symbol of good luck. Meyer Werft handed over its newest cruise ship, the Silver Nova, to Silversea Cruises on July 21. Thanks to its innovative fuel concept, the Silver Nova is one of the most environmentally friendly cruise ships in the world. Before the handover in Eemshaven, the Silver Nova proved its seaworthiness during technical and nautical sea trials and successfully completed extensive tests. From left, Meyer Werft’s Managing Director Bernard Meyer, Royal Caribbean Group’s President and CEO Jason Liberty, Silversea Cruises’ President and CEO Barbara Muckermann and Meyer Werft’s Managing Director Dr Jan Meyer. Swan Hellenic held an official naming ceremony for its third ice-class cultural expedition cruise ship, the 12,100 gross ton and 192-guest SH Diana, in Amsterdam on May 4. The purposedesigned new vessel was named by luxury travel visionary and icon Valerie Ann Wilson, Founder and CEO of Valerie Wilson Travel (pictured in the middle with the ship’s Hotel Director Philipp Reutener and Captain Kai Ukkonen), in the presence of Swan Hellenic Senior Management, local dignitaries, VIP guests, the media and members of the cruise and travel industries from around the world. 8-15.indd 7 8-15.indd 7 12.9.2023 7.37 12.9.2023 7.37
UPFRONT 14 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 Viking named its newest ocean ship, the Viking Saturn, with a celebration in New York City on June 6. As part of the event, the ship’s ceremonial godmother, Ann Ziff (third from right, along with the ship’s Captain and previous Viking godmothers and a godfather), the esteemed philanthropist and Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera, a longtime Viking cultural partner, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship. Viking Saturn is the 10th 47,800 gross ton and 930-guestocean ship Fincantieri has delivered for Viking since 2015. Viking named its newest river ship, the Viking Aton, with a special celebration in Aswan, Egypt, on August 19. The ship’s ceremonial godfather, Richard Riveire, designer of Viking’s award-winning river, ocean and expedition vessels and founding principal of internationally acclaimed interior design firm Rottet Studio, offered a blessing of good fortune and safe sailing for the ship. The Viking Aton, an identical sister ship of the Viking Osiris, is a state-of-the-art vessel specifically built to navigate the Nile and will sail Viking’s popular “Pharaohs & Pyramids” itinerary. Sea Cloud Cruises, which operates three sailing ships – the Sea Could, Sea Cloud II and Sea Cloud Spirit – is adding senior leadership in North America dedicated to growing the market. President Mirell Reyes has been appointed to Sea Cloud Cruises’ executive team overseeing all sales, marketing, and communications in North America. Joining her is Vice President of Sales Kevin Smith, focused on consortia, travel advisors, groups and new charter partnerships for the brand. Sea Cloud Cruises U.S, will operate out of South Florida. “The Sea Cloud experience is one steeped in history, sustainability and luxurious European service, which resonates with today’s traveler,” said Sea Cloud Cruises U.S. CEO Daniel Schaefer. 8-15.indd 8 8-15.indd 8 12.9.2023 7.37 12.9.2023 7.37
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 15 T he world’s first net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cruise proves that net-zero emissions cruising is possible today, significantly ahead of the 2050 target. The 184,011 gross ton MSC Euribia, the newest LNG-powered vessel of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, accomplished the feat using bio-LNG as fuel by applying mass balance. MSC Euribia’s landmark net-zero GHG emission maiden voyage from Saint Nazaire, France to Copenhagen, Denmark took place between June 3 and June 8, 2023, with key data and insight coming into focus following the sailing. During the 4-night voyage, MSC Euribia performed 11% better than its digital twin – a virtual ship reproducing the optimum energy flow and utilization on board – achieving an overall savings of 43 tons of fuel. Optimal speed profiles, routing, trim and engine configuration played important roles, along with strict optimization of hotel-related energy consumption, including HVAC, galleys, and lighting. Together the provisions ensured that MSC Euribia never had to use more than two of its four engines during the voyage. Additionally, all required heat for galleys, heating systems and hot water on board was recovered from the engines, meaning there was no need to use the boilers at any point during the voyage. SUSTAINABILITY MSC Group publishes data from net zero emission cruise Achieving net-zero performance was possible due to using bio-LNG as a fuel, which was accomplished under a massbalance system. Mass balancing is the most cost-effective and environmentally efficient method of delivering the benefits of renewable LNG, fully recognized by the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). Each batch of bio-LNG produced was certified by the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). The successful completion of this voyage sends a clear signal that net zero GHG emissions marine operations are possible today if alternative fuels are available. The data harvested and information gathered during the trip will be used to optimize the existing ships in the fleet, further driving down emissions intensity across MSC Cruises’ operations. Michele Francioni, Senior Vice President of Optimization for the Cruise Division of MSC Group, commented: “We are extremely proud of this achievement, that proves net-zero cruising is possible today. Our engineers on board and our crew led by Captain Battinelli did a fantastic job optimizing the ship's operation. MSC Euribia truly has the most energy-efficient cruise ship design to date, but we need greater availability of renewable fuels for the wider maritime industry to consistently repeat this feat. With the right level of support from governments and international institutions in incentivizing acceleration of technological advancements and renewable fuels availability, the industry can achieve net-zero emissions cruising by 2050.” The recent signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) between MSC Cruises and Gasum, a fuel supplier, will provide MSC with access to liquefied synthetic gas, or e-LNG, a renewable fuel produced using hydrogen, created by hydrolysis with renewable energy and captured carbon. Linden Coppell, Vice President of Sustainability and ESG for MSC Cruises said, “The partnership with Gasum will enable us to access new and cleaner fuels needed to make a significant step toward net zero cruising. We need more suppliers like Gasum to step up and support our industry. We are ready and waiting to buy more of these new fuels. In the meantime, we will continue to learn from the data from MSC Euribia’s net zero GHG voyage and use these findings as a benchmark for delivering our next LNG vessel.” n The 184,011 gross ton and 6,334-passenger MSC Euribia was delivered from Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in June 8-15.indd 9 8-15.indd 9 12.9.2023 7.37 12.9.2023 7.37
16 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 F ourteen ports, cruise lines, and other entities (see box) have banded together to create the groundwork for what is being billed as the world’s first zero-emission green corridor that includes cruise ships. Their aim is to decarbonize one of the industry’s most popular cruise shipping routes from Seattle and Vancouver north through the Inside Passage all the way to Skagway. More than a million cruise passengers transit these waters every summer. This past spring, the parties involved adopted a charter outlining their plan of DESTINATION UPDATE Stakeholders from the Pacific Northwest to Alaska are taking steps to establish a cruiseled, thousand-mile “green corridor” as part of an industrywide goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. By M.T. Schwartzman Alaska’s cruise-led ‘Green Corridor’ action, which will be divided into three phases: Phase 1 will be an evaluation period, including a determination of what conditions – technological, economic and regulatory – are needed to support a green corridor for cruise travel to Alaska. Phase 2 will be to develop a strategic plan by identifying what steps need to be taken to put such conditions in place. Phase 3 will be to implement the necessary changes as outlined in the previous phases. History and objectives The green corridor initiative stems from an international agreement called the Clydebank Declaration, signed in 2021 by 24 countries including the United States and Canada. In doing so, the signatories agreed to establish at least six green corridors worldwide by 2025. In May of 2022, the “First Movers” of the project announced their intention “to explore the feasibility of the world’s first cruise-led green corridor.” This announcement was made during the International Association of Ports and Harbors World Ports Conference, which took place in Vancouver. The group’s objective, according to the Port of Seattle (which chairs the project), is “to explore the feasibility of a maritime green corridor aimed at accelerating the deployment of zero greenhouse gas [GHG] emission ships and operations between Alaska, British Columbia, and Washington.” A green corridor, the port’s website further explains, “is a shipping route where zero greenhouse gas solutions are considered, demonstrated and supported.” The rationale behind the corridor includes four “powerful reasons” that include climate urgency, environmental justice and economic opportunity: “The transition away from fossil fuels can accelerate environmental justice for near-port communities that experience more exposure to air pollution and the effects of a changing climate,” the port notes. What’s more, the port says, “A green corridor creates potential for maritime jobs and industries to be at the center for the decarbonization transition.” The Port of Seattle will soon become the first in the world able to provide shore power to three cruise ships at once. The port currently has two shore power connected berths at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal at The Port of Seattle will soon become the first in the world able to provide shore power to three cruise ships at once Green Corridor 16-19.indd 2 16-19.indd 2 1.9.2023 16.06 1.9.2023 16.06
? Alaska’s cruise-led ‘Green Corridor’ Pier 91. A third electrical system is currently being installed at Pier 66 and is expected to be operational in time for the 2024 Alaska season. Challenges of Alaska Being the first cruise-led green corridor presents certain challenges, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which is another of the First Movers behind the project. “The First Movers recognize the cruise sector differs from the cargo-shipping sector, which has been the focus of green corridor efforts around the world,” said CLIA in a statement to CruiseBusiness.com Magazine. “Cruising to Alaska is seasonal, requiring decarbonization solutions that can meet not only the needs of the cruise industry over the cruise season, but that can also apply to the broader maritime sector throughout the year.” Successfully establishing a cruise-led green corridor could have wider implications: “While initially focused on cruise ships and ports in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, along with the necessary shoreside infrastructure for alternative fuels and shore power for ships, other industries may join this effort in future phases,” the association added. “The uptake of alternative fuels and energy sources remains critical to achieving international levels of ambition of net zero by 2050,” CLIA continued. “The cruise sector is part of a broader maritime industry which must compete for safe and compliant fuel alternatives and energy sources to meet existing commitments and regulatory requirements that are under development. While demand is high, availability is uncertain, and that uncertainty increases for forecasts that are further into the future.” ‘Duty to protect’ Yet another First Mover behind this pilot project is the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ), the state capital and most-visited cruise port in Alaska, which is expecting 1.67 million passengers on about 660 calls in 2023. “Many people come to Alaska to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and we have a duty to protect those resources,” CBJ Tourism Manager Alexandra Pierce told CBM. “Ports in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest have long been leaders in environmental policy and practice. Juneau and Seattle were the first two ports in the world to install shore power for cruise ships. We are now building on that tradition and defining what a green corridor for cruise entails.” As to whether zero emissions is possible, Pierce said: “There are many definitions of ‘zero emissions.’ The First Movers have agreed to define zero greenhouse gas emission solutions as ‘fuels and technologies that lead to zero greenhouse gases emitted on a lifecycle [well-to-wake] basis.’ We do think this is feasible. The cruise industry is making a massive push toward ships powered by a variety of alternative fuel types. The greatest challenges will be developing the supply chain and shoreside infrastructure to support conversion to alternative fuels, especially in a region where the cruise industry is seasonal.” Green Corridor Both Vancouver Fraser Port Authority and Carnival Corporation & plc are among the 14 stakeholders CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 17 16-19.indd 3 16-19.indd 3 1.9.2023 16.06 1.9.2023 16.06
18 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 The International Cruise Summit is a registered brand and product of 14 th / 15 th November MADRID • Hotel Meliá Castilla www.internationalcruisesummit.com 2023 The present and future of the worldwide cruise industry SAVE SAVE THE THE DATE! DATE! Anuncio ICS 2023 v2.indd 1 Anuncio ICS 2023 v2.indd 1 2/6/23 10:19 2/6/23 10:19 Under an agreement with CLIA, Juneau recently announced that starting next year the number of large ships allowed to visit would be limited to five a day. This will allow for four ships to tie up – two at the city-owned docks near Marine Park and two more at the private docks along South Franklin Street, plus another ship dropping anchor in the harbor and tendering people to shore. A fifth dock has been proposed for a site north of the city docks, previously owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and now the property of Huna Totem Corporation. New rules Meanwhile, new rules have been enacted that govern the discharge of wastewater into the seas. As reported by CruiseBusiness.com, the Government of Canada has made mandatory certain requirements for cruise ships that were introduced last year on a voluntary basis. These measures include prohibiting the discharge of greywater and treated sewage within three nautical miles from shore where geographically possible. Between three and 12 nautical miles, greywater and sewage must be treated with an approved treatment device before they are discharged in non-Arctic waters. Cruise lines must report compliance with these measures in Canadian waters upon request and will be subject to fines for noncompliance up to the maximum permitted ($250,000) under the Canada Shipping Act of 2001. “These measures apply to cruise ships transiting through Canada’s Marine Protected Areas and marine refuges and making them mandatory underlines our commitment to safeguarding our oceans for future generations as we support economic opportunities,” said Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra at the time of the announcement in late June. “With the threat of climate change and ongoing human activities impacting oceans, protecting them now has never been more urgent.” Earlier the same month, the Port of Vancouver recognized seven cruise lines with a Blue Circle Award for “outstanding efforts to reduce emissions and underwater noise.” The recipients were Disney Cruise Line, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking. Princess has won the award 12 times, and Disney has received a Blue Circle Award every year it has homeported in Vancouver, the port noted. You can read more about the proposed cruise green corridor online at the Port of Seattle’s website, portseattle.org, where interested parties can sign up for emails announcing the latest developments. Additional information can also be found online at the Port of Vancouver website, portvancouver.com. n n GREEN CORRIDOR STAKEHOLDERS The 14 stakeholders involved in the Pacific Northwest/Alaska green corridor project – representing ports, cruise lines, municipalities and environmental groups– thus far include: – Port of Seattle – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority – Greater Victoria Harbour Authority – City and Borough of Juneau – City and Borough of Sitka – Municipality of Skagway – Haines Borough – Carnival Corporation and plc (including Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Cunard Line) – Royal Caribbean Group (including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises) – Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (including Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) – Cruise Lines International Association – Global Maritime Forum – Blue Sky Maritime Coalition – Washington Maritime Blue Ph oto cre dit : Te ijo Ni em elä Ocean Victory and Norwegian Sun docked in Ketchikan 16-19.indd 4 16-19.indd 4 1.9.2023 16.06 1.9.2023 16.06
The International Cruise Summit is a registered brand and product of 14 th / 15 th November MADRID • Hotel Meliá Castilla www.internationalcruisesummit.com 2023 The present and future of the worldwide cruise industry SAVE SAVE THE THE DATE! DATE! Anuncio ICS 2023 v2.indd 1 Anuncio ICS 2023 v2.indd 1 2/6/23 10:19 2/6/23 10:19 16-19.indd 5 16-19.indd 5 1.9.2023 16.06 1.9.2023 16.06
20 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 N orway is not only a shipping powerhouse, but also a destination unto itself with its 17,991-mile (28,953kilometer) coastline that has many long fjords cutting deep inland. These offer spectacular experiences for passengers. Therefore, the second-longest coast after Canada is well served by coastal ferry and cruise ships. However, the Norwegian parliament has passed a law that all harmful ship emissions in heritage fjords must be eliminated as soon as is technically feasible and no later than 2026. Shipping in general – and the cruise sector in particular – is steering towards not only cutting harmful emissions but eliminating them altogether. Three companies offer case studies in the various ways of achieving the holy grail of zero-emission shipping. We have already discussed sustainability efforts of DFDS, Stena, Viking (Cruises) and Viking Line in our previous issues. By John Pagni Cruise ship concepts set course to absolute zero SUSTANABILITY This has catalyzed ship designers to meet these stringent regulations that for now are unique but will surely be a template for other nations to protect their coastal and marine environments. Accordingly, it is no surprise that two of the three companies showcasing reducedemission technologies are Norwegian. Havila Voyages (HV) already has four vessels up and running: The Havila Capella, Havila Castor, Havila Polaris and Havila Pollux, handed over in 2021-2023, are 124 meters long (407 feet) with 179 cabins for up to 840 passengers. “It’s a milestone for the company; we have reached our goal following a process that required time, resource and perseverance,” states HV CEO Bent Martini, referring to the effort needed by all parties involved from Norwegian authorities to customers, communities, partners and employees. The vital role played by the Tersan Shipyard in Türkiye must be highlighted, too, in delivering the four ships. “We want to thank Tersan for their excellent cooperation and understanding of our chal20-24.indd 2 20-24.indd 2 6.9.2023 9.59 6.9.2023 9.59
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 21 ? lenges over the years,” Martini adds. The four vessels employ a hybrid propulsion combination of 86-ton battery packs and liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines. The 6.1 MW battery packs can supply up to four hours of silent, emission-free sailing and can be recharged in a Norwegian port using OPS (onshore power supply) clean hydroelectricity. Havila spotlights the importance of this by pointing out that all four ships can visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjorden now – three years beHurtigruten’s Sea Zero Concept visualization by VARD Design Havila’s Bent Martini and Tersan’s Osman Nurettin Paksu 20-24.indd 3 20-24.indd 3 6.9.2023 9.59 6.9.2023 9.59
22 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 ? fore the legislated requirement. “For us, it is important to prove our commitment to the climate, environment and sustainability. This is not just a marketing stunt. From the first day that Havila Capella entered service, we have exceeded the requirements set out in our contract with the Norwegian Ministry of Transport,” Martini confirms. The ships’ advanced innovations include the use of technology to recycle heat from sea and cooling water for onboard hot water use to an energy-efficient hull design. In addition, they are futureproofed for advances in technology to use emission-free fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen while currently exploring the addition of biogas to cut CO2 exhaust further. “We have the capability today to be carbon-neutral by using biogas and battery power. It’s a matter of access and cost, but for now we are focusing on transitioning to biogas,” says Martini. The current genset cuts CO2 by 35% and NOx, SOx and PPM by at least 90% compared to fossil-fueled ships with similar set-ups. Hurtigruten aims for zero emissions Hurtigruten Norway (HN) has been operating a service along the country’s coast for 130 years connecting large and small communities alike, providing in some cases a lifeline to the outside world. From Bergen in the south to Kirkenes at the top adjacent to the Russian border, its seven ships call at 34 ports daily. The company’s better known cruise arm Hurtigruten Expeditions (HE) introduced the world’s first hybrid-powered ship using batteries – the Roald Amundsen, which has since been joined by two more vessels, the Fridtjof Nansen and Otto Sverdrup. Both Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen registers 20,889 gross tons and has 265 all-outside cabins for 530 guests plus 154 crew, while Otto Sverdrup (delivered in 2002) registers 15,690 gross tons. For its coastal fleet, which nowadays doubles as both a cruise and ferry service, it is busily upgrading three ships to make them greener still by installing battery packs, while the other four will get technologies to cut CO2 by 25% and NOx an impressive 80%. As this investment is under way, the company has embarked on its “Sea Zero” project to design and build the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ship by 2030 in partnership with 12 maritime enterprises including shipbuilder VARD and the SINTEF research institute. Their aim is simple: to achieve emissionfree marine travel. “When we announced ‘Sea Zero’ a year ago, we didn’t know what technologies would be available in 2030. So, our task is to pave the way for new innovations and enhance existing ones to align with our objectives,” explains Hedda Felin, CEO of Hurtigruten Norway. “We are, however, committed to delivering a ship that surpasses all others in energy efficiency and sustainability.” The company plans smaller, custombuilt ships that leave a positive footprint with zero emissions on land and at sea. After 2030, the company will transform its fleet to be completely zero emission. As it says, “Since only 0.1% of ships worldwide use ZO/ZOE/zero-emission technology, HN’s project aims to drastically improve the greater cruise industry’s sustainability record and the future of travel.” The ships will be all-electric, using batteries that will be recharged in port combining 60MW hour battery packages with wind power technology featuring many original features. These are foreseen as retractable sails with solar panels embedded, AI maneuvering, contra-rotating propellers, multiple retractable thrusters along with hull air-lubrication, coating and cleaning. Similar to an airplane cockpit, the bridge will shrink due to enhanced AI steering, drawing on its history of calling at all the ports for so long. AI will use its expanding data bank to produce the most efficient navigation in all conditions. Sails will be three retractable autonomous wing rigs comprising 16,000 square feet (1,500 square meters) of solar panels and another 8,000 square feet (750 square meters) of wind surface up to a maximum height of 164 feet (50 meters). The hull will be streamlined to lessen wind resistance and energy consumption while giving greater passenger comfort. Large outdoor areas and dedicated windows will afford unparalleled panoramas of the Norwegian coast – often marketed as “the world’s most beautiful.” Guests will play a key role in minimizing energy consumption via an interactive mobile app, where they can operate ultra-modern cabin ventilation while measuring their own water and energy use. The French connection Luxury small-ship cruise company PONANT announced in July that it was “committed to a uniquely designed transoceanic ship supporting the evolution towards carbon neutrality.” It will be a NAVIGATING THE ENERGY TRANSITION BUREAU VERITAS IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE CRUISE INDUSTRY ON ITS WAY TO NET ZERO EMISSIONS C op yrig ht: O rie nt E xp re ss S ile ns ea s, A cc or Contact our expert: andreas.ullrich@bureauveritas.com marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com A SUITE OF GREEN SERVICES Bureau Veritas supports the cruise and ferry industry with expertise and practical advice to build and operate safe, sustainable and high-performing ships. We help clients on their journey to decarbonize shipping and achieve emissions compliance, meeting EEDI, EEXI and CII requirements. BV RULES & GUIDELINES SUSTAINABLESHIP-1 INSPIRED BY THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS TO CONSIDER POLLUTION, EMISSIONS, ECOSYSTEMS RECYCLING AND ONBOARD WELLBEING. WPS–2 PROVIDES STANDING AND RUNNING RIGGING CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR MODERN WIND POWERED SHIPS INCLUDING FREE STANDING RIGS, WING SAILS, KITE SAILS AND WIND TURBINES. ? Hedda Felin Swap2Zero concept of PONANT 20-24.indd 4 20-24.indd 4 6.9.2023 9.59 6.9.2023 9.59
? NAVIGATING THE ENERGY TRANSITION BUREAU VERITAS IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE CRUISE INDUSTRY ON ITS WAY TO NET ZERO EMISSIONS C op yrig ht: O rie nt E xp re ss S ile ns ea s, A cc or Contact our expert: andreas.ullrich@bureauveritas.com marine-offshore.bureauveritas.com A SUITE OF GREEN SERVICES Bureau Veritas supports the cruise and ferry industry with expertise and practical advice to build and operate safe, sustainable and high-performing ships. We help clients on their journey to decarbonize shipping and achieve emissions compliance, meeting EEDI, EEXI and CII requirements. BV RULES & GUIDELINES SUSTAINABLESHIP-1 INSPIRED BY THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS TO CONSIDER POLLUTION, EMISSIONS, ECOSYSTEMS RECYCLING AND ONBOARD WELLBEING. WPS–2 PROVIDES STANDING AND RUNNING RIGGING CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR MODERN WIND POWERED SHIPS INCLUDING FREE STANDING RIGS, WING SAILS, KITE SAILS AND WIND TURBINES. 20-24.indd 5 20-24.indd 5 6.9.2023 9.59 6.9.2023 9.59
24 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 sailing ship to be in service by 2030 that aims to kick-start PONANT’s new energy solutions. “Our ship will have zero GHG emissions when sailing, maneuvering, in port or at anchor. Her carbon footprint will be reduced throughout her lifecycle. Renewable wind and solar energy will be combined with low-carbon non-fossil fuel cells,” according to PONANT CEO Hervé Gastinale. There will be about 100 staterooms on the 181-meter craft. To meet new and future European and international GHG regulations, the ship is adopting an unprecedented eco-design approach with the selection of materials and equipment based on analysis of their lifecycle through to recycling of waste. So, the aptly named “Swap2Zero” aims for zero CO2-eq emissions (well-to-wheel CO2 emissions taking into account CO2, methane and N20) in operation by being the first to use six major decarbonizing technology building blocks. First is employing a sail system and hull that provide 50% of propulsion using wind. This is supported by 1,000 square meters of photovoltaic panels with nextgeneration organic solar eco-designed devices integrated into both structures and sails. The next propulsion source is low-temp fuel cells using liquid hydrogen with the heat being recycled. A high-temp fuel cell will meet the ship’s hotel needs with heat again being recycled. The fifth sees onboard carbon-capture technology in tandem with the high-temp fuel cell. Lastly, an innovative energy management system will control and distribute power without any generators. Customer satisfaction Only Havila Voyages has really turned designs into hardware, while Hurtigruten has been involved in a stepping-stone development approach. It remains to be seen what PONANT will produce, though the graphics look wonderful. Each HV ship is valued at €150 million (USD165 million) and registers 15,812 gross tons with a draught of 5.3 meters (17.4 feet). Since the original two ships (Havila Capella and Havila Castor) have been in service about two years, HV has conducted extensive passenger surveys. Using the Net Promoter Score to gauge customer satisfaction, the result is near 80. “These are good numbers as an NPS score above 70 is considered world-class,” says Martini happily, “It shows that we are delivering a product our guests are satisfied with. The feedback relates to service, comfort and a unique food concept that is well-liked. At the same time, we have received invaluable feedback helping us to improve, so that future guests have an even better experience.” HV has also targeted waste – especially that of food. An ambitious target was to cut it to 75 grams (2.6 ounces) per-person a day. “With four ships, that means a reduction of 60 tons of food waste a year. In 2022, we achieved 71 grams (2.5 ounces) on the two ships, which is a fantastic achievement by everyone involved in developing, producing and serving our guests food. We don’t have a buffet, and we believe our food concept is the way to go to make the dining experience onboard flavorful, nutritious and above all sustainable, economically and environmentally,” Martini concludes. Food is sourced locally with the menu changing according to the region where the vessel is sailing to create traditional and modern dishes. However, the company stresses the main ingredient is sustainability. On offer are local apples, berries and other fruit, as well as seafood such as local cod, crab and Arctic char. For meat-eaters, there’s free-range pork or lamb and reindeer. Even seaweed is served. Around Bergen, the archipelago’s flavors include klipfish, herring, halibut and brown crab. Other green initiatives include the banning of single-use plastics and environmentally friendly excursions – these being just two components that will surely grow to ultimately envelop the whole cruise experience. But for now, cruise shipping seems to be on an e-mission. n Havila Castor and Havila Capella 20-24.indd 6 20-24.indd 6 6.9.2023 9.59 6.9.2023 9.59
SHIPBUILDING CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 25 O n May 24, 2023, Bernard Meyer celebrated his 75th birthday. Meyer has been responsible for the family business since he was 25 years old. He not only celebrated his birthday, but also his 50th anniversary of working at Meyer Werft. After graduating from high school, Bernard Meyer completed his university studies in Hanover and Hamburg from 1967 to 1973. He graduated with a degree in engineering, specializing in shipbuilding. In May 1973, he began his career at Meyer Werft and in 1976 became a member of the management board. He has been the managing partner of Meyer Werft since January 1982. Together with his father, he guided the company into the cruise shipbuilding market in the mid-1980s. This entry was the basis for the growth of Meyer Werft over the last 35 years. Completely contrary to the industry trend, the shipyard grew continuously, while many other shipyards had to close. Today, the German Meyer Group builds around 80% of German merchant shipbuilding. Since 2012 and 2016, his sons Dr. Jan Meyer and Tim Meyer have been seventh-generation managing directors of the company. In the last 40 years or so, two covered construction dock halls, a state-of-the-art laser center and a new logistics center have been built at the shipyard in Papenburg, to name just a few important innovations. Further technological leaps were made possible by the introduction of new CAD software in the design offices from the late 1980s. “This step and other consistent improvements then enabled a block construction method with extensive pre-equipment. For several years, we have also been building the blocks on the assembly line, and our IT has also made significant further progress. In addition to these process improvements, the ships were consistently further developed technically and architecturally,” Meyer says. Since 1981, Bernard Meyer has been on the board and executive committee of the German Shipbuilding and Marine Technology Association (VSM), of which he was chairman twice. He was also president of the European Shipbuilding Association twice. Today he is vice-chairman at SEA Europe, the European advocacy group for the maritime industry. In December 2009, Meyer was the first and only shipbuilder to be awarded the Werner von Siemens Ring, the highest German technology prize. In addition to his role at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Bernard Meyer is among those in charge of the fortunes of Neptun Werft in Rostock-Warnemünde and Meyer Turku in Finland – along with Jan Meyer, Tim Meyer and Paul Meyer (who is responsible for the group’s IT) and an experienced management team. Neptune Werft has belonged to the group of companies since 1997 and Meyer Turku to the family since 2014. Generational transition and transformation Bernard Meyer sees many companies and shipyards failing due to generational transition. With two family foundations, he secured the continued existence and succession for the three shipyard locations at an early stage: “When my sons joined the company, I gave up active responsibility,” Meyer says, although he continues to support his sons and the other members of management in an advisory capacity. “We grew tenfold as a result of cruise. At the same time, however, German shipbuilding has shrunk to a tenth,” Meyer says of the current situation. And the Meyer Group is changing again: “When the cruise market collapsed in the 2020 pandemic, we looked for alternatives. We have stretched our orderbook and thus adapted it to the special situation in order to be able to hand over fully completed ships to our customers in the usual Meyer quality, despite all the disruptions in the supply chains and material bottlenecks. But it was also clear to us that we had to become less dependent on the cruise market,” Meyer notes. Today there is another research ship in the orderbook, older ships are being converted to more environmentally friendly drives by the after-sales brand Meyer RE and there is a division for green superyachts. Bernard Meyer also sees a great future for the construction of floating buildings with Meyer Floating Solutions. At the same time, Meyer Werft is working intensively on transformation and improvement projects to achieve better annual and project results and to emerge stronger from this crisis in the medium and long term. "The current crisis caused by the pandemic and war in Europe has not yet been overcome, but I am confident that we will also master this and emerge from it stronger,” Meyer concludes. n Bernard Meyer celebrates 50 years at Meyer Werft 25.indd 1 25.indd 1 6.9.2023 10.10 6.9.2023 10.10
26 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 By Raki Phillips More than just your run-of-the-mill holiday, a cruise combines all the ingredients for adventure with the comforts of home. It’s no wonder that this segment of the global travel industry is charging full-speed ahead and is one of the biggest contributors to the post-pandemic travel recovery, with a projected 10.4% growth from 2022 to 2031. That said, Covid-19 marked a significant shift in the cruise industry. The pause sent operators and brands back to the drawing board, where they created more sustainable and personalized travel experiences for 2023. As the world embraces a new type of travel, here in Ras Al Khaimah we are poised to become a leading cruise destination in the region. Together with RAK Ports, we have invested in state-of-the-art facilities, including the transformation of the old ferry terminal into a modern and efficient boutique cruise passenger terminal and the development of marine transport infrastructure around it. We have also appointed industry experts Zaiton Consultancy to develop and market our growing cruise sector. Ras Al Khaimah: Offering an adventure of a lifetime OPINION 26-27.indd 2 26-27.indd 2 5.9.2023 8.46 5.9.2023 8.46
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 27 Ras Al Khaimah: Offering an adventure of a lifetime Our strategy is paying off. During the 2022-2023 season, we received six calls by four luxury cruise ships, including the Azamara Quest, one of the largest ships ever to arrive in the Emirate. Another key feat was receiving both the Emerald Azzurra and super mega-yacht The World (Residences at Sea) on the same day. This was a huge achievement for a relatively small port. For the 2023-2024 season, we have already confirmed 14 luxury cruise calls and expect to welcome 20 by the 2025-2026 season and 50 by 2030. The luxury cruise segment today epitomizes a paradigm shift that reflects several emerging trends. For example, luxury travel for its own sake is now fading, replaced by more curated experiences. Post-pandemic, well-heeled travelers are pursuing a conscious comeback, seeking places that resonate with their purpose – be it sustainable living, giving back to the community, or being amongst nature, culture, and history. In 2023, local cultural immersions and wellness are the new luxuries, and Ras Al Khaimah offers just that. Sustainability is another significant cruise trend in 2023. Travelers increasingly want to minimize their ecological footprint while simultaneously contributing to climate action. A recent study reveals consumers’ heightened appetite for sustainable tourism, with 69% actively seeking such travel options. Visitors today are heading to destinations that have positioned themselves as sustainable travel getaways, balancing the tourism sector’s economic benefits with environmental and social impacts, while ensuring that tourism supports liveability and enhances the quality of life of locals. Sustainability-focused destination Ras Al Khaimah is a sustainability-focused destination that stands out for its natural diversity, adventure choices and world-class infrastructure. It is perfectly suited to this segment, offering an experience of a lifetime across a range of landscapes from sea and beach to desert and mountain range. As such, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority has designed bespoke excursions to attract a larger segment of cruise passengers and welcome new audiences from around the world to the destination. These include “Hidden Gems of Ras Al Khaimah,” offering the chance to delve into the region's history by exploring its forts, museums and the much-loved Suwaidi Pearls, the only pearl farm in the UAE; a city tour to visit several historic sites including the museum and old souq; a half-day desert excursion to experience the beauty of Al Wadi desert with a four-wheel-drive dune bash, camel ride and sandboarding followed by dinner under the stars at one of the camps; an excursion to Jebel Jais mountain, where outdoor enthusiasts can take on the world’s longest zipline before relaxing at the UAE’s highest restaurant, 1484 by Puro; and day packages at hotels to swim and relax on pristine beaches. The resurgence in cruise travel is generating innovative approaches to outdoor activities with travelers eager to explore adventure pursuits that are in harmony with nature. Moreover, increasing demand for multi-activity adventure vacations allows thrill-seekers to combine several activities in the same trip. Such tours also support multi-generational travel, delivering more inclusive whole-family experiences that are more than just a holiday. n Raki Phillips is CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority 26-27.indd 3 26-27.indd 3 5.9.2023 8.46 5.9.2023 8.46
28 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 “O ur goal was to create a sense of luxury that values space and comfort over opulence,” Yohandel Ruiz of Studio DADO, the Miami-based team that designed the lion’s share of the interiors of Oceania Cruises’ Vista, recently told CruiseBusiness.com Magazine. Keeping space in mind, the new ship measures 67,817 gross tons versus 66,172 of the 2011-built Marina and the 2012-built Riviera, but carries fewer double occupancy guests at 1,200, versus 1,252, giving it a slightly higher passengerto-space ratio at 56.51 over 52.85. Registered in the Marshall Islands, the Vista’s technical stats are similar to the prior ships. It is 242 meters (793.5 feet) long, 32 meters (105.7 feet) wide and has a draft of 25.2 feet. The vessel is propelled by four MAN Diesels that produce 52,208 BHP to drive twin azimuth electric drives at a cruising speed of 19.5 knots (22 maximum). The ship’s state-of-the-art environmental enhancements include a catalytic reduction system that converts nitrogen oxide from the exhaust fumes into water and nitrogen; energy-saving LED lighting; microbiologic food processors that safely liquefy food waste and a low-friction hull coating that improves hydrodynamic efficiency. NEW SHIP REVIEW Savoring Oceania Cruises’ Vista Oceania Cruises’ first newbuild in eleven years – the Allura-class Vista – is, in most ways, an enlarged and refined version of the line’s previous Marina-class ships. By Peter Knego Although the Vista introduces some firsts for Oceania, those who are familiar with the prior ships will feel quite at home onboard. Externally, perhaps the most visible element is a unique new funnel that replaces the tall, conical funnels of the Marina and Riviera. The structure is composed of a wide, aft-up-slanting cylindrical base adorned and topped with a series of grills surrounding tubular uptakes. The design has elements of the futuristic uptakes on the high-speed ferry Finnjet of 1977, and – while maybe a little less sleek than those Marina-class “cones” – its sheer mass adroitly counterbalances the Vista’s enlarged forward superstructure. The result gives the ship a powerful presence that becomes all the more impressive when adorned in fiberoptic lighting effects. Similar layout Like the Marina-class ships, the Vista has 11 guest decks with a similar layout, albeit with some tweaks and additions. Externally, its hull form is based on the Marina’s, although the expanded superstructure has a wheelhouse with a protruding midsection, similar to those of parent company NCL’s fleet in a design that hearkens back to the Fred. Olsen Black Prince/Venus ferry-liners from 1966. There is also additional housing atop the fo’c’sle that encompasses part of the expanded crew recreation spaces, just below. As with the Marina class, the glass-fronted uppermost Deck 16 features a mini-golf course forward and, on the port side of the mast platform, a deck tennis/pickle ball court in lieu of open sunning space on the Marina and Riviera. On the starboard side, there is a driving range. The forward portion of Decks 15 and 14 on the two classes has basically been flipped. Ruiz attributed the change to Oceania’s former CEO Bob Binder, who felt that puts T I L L B E R G D E S I G N O F S W E D E N I S P A R T O F V I K E N G R O U P Design to enhance your business Executive Lounge Vista Ship, Oceania Cruises Vista sun deck at night Ph oto cre dit , all ph oto s: Pe ter Kn eg o 28-34.indd 2 28-34.indd 2 6.9.2023 10.15 6.9.2023 10.15
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2023 29 NEW SHIP REVIEW T I L L B E R G D E S I G N O F S W E D E N I S P A R T O F V I K E N G R O U P Design to enhance your business Executive Lounge Vista Ship, Oceania Cruises 28-34.indd 3 28-34.indd 3 6.9.2023 10.15 6.9.2023 10.15
30 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 ting the Aquamar Spa (an Oceania-coined name derived from the Latin words for “water” and “sea”) on the Vista’s Deck 15 allows it more space and privacy and also cuts down on noise in the accommodations below. On the Vista, the spa begins with an open sunning deck surrounded by tall glass screens and features two large Jacuzzis and an elevated, sheltered terrace with a thalassotherapy pool. The interior portion of the spa follows with dressing and thermal areas for men on the port side and women on the starboard side. In its center, there is a circular layout of treatment rooms surrounding a coed relaxation room that boasts a dramatic circular ceiling fixture. The beauty salon and barber shop are near the spa’s starboard entrance and the gym is on the port side, offering up a nice selection of free weights, weight and cardio machines. The aft portion of Deck 15 on both classes surrounds the funnel and has a running track (ten times around equals a mile) that encircles a croquet/bocce ball court on the port side and shuffleboard starboard. Deck 14 begins with the Horizons observation lounge, which on the Marina class is located on Deck 15. The layout of this lounge has been reconfigured with the bar in the center of the room and a dance floor and bandstand on the starboard side. “We wanted the bar to be front and center when you enter, nearer to the stage,” Ruiz emphasized. In addition to Horizons, Deck 14 has a few new spaces that follow on the starboard side, beginning with a dedicated smoking and cigar lounge. “For those who smoke, we wanted to provide a comfortable space where people can linger and enjoy themselves. The space is airtight and features Cuban tile work and a deep green color scheme that evokes Old Havana,” Ruiz added. Mid-century vibe Directly aft of the Smoking Lounge there is a conference room, which can be combined with the LYNC digital center, which has a mid-century modern Madison Avenue vibe with its wood paneling and 1950s/60s decor. “Very Don Draper,” noted Ruiz, citing the popular TV series “Mad Men” as its inspiration. LYNC is a newto-fleet concept and will be used for computer, smart phone and other cyber classes. The next space, the expanded Artist Loft arts and crafts center, which provides complimentary art classes, took its decorative cues from “a SoHo loft with open ceilings and wood beams,” according to Ruiz. The corresponding space on the port side, the popular Culinary Center, has been expanded with a classroom/lounge area up forward and a larger cooking demo room aft. Sun deck Library Penthouse Suite 28-34.indd 4 28-34.indd 4 6.9.2023 10.15 6.9.2023 10.15
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 31 On the Marina and Riviera, these latter two spaces can be found on forward Deck 12. Deck 14 continues with sunning terraces overlooking the pool that lead to Baristas, the specialty coffee venue with a stylish marble coffee bar offering views through full-length windows. This space was created by Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS), along with the adjoining Library and the Owners Suites (in tandem with Ralph Lauren Home), the Concierge and Executive Lounges and the public restrooms. Baristas has a small buffet up forward and adjoins a handsome lounge that buzzes throughout the day with frothing espresso machines and caffeinated chatter. In the aft portion of the room, there is a new Allura-class exclusive – an open kitchen counter offering up complimentary fresh baked pastries, sweets and savories. Thanks to its ideal location and its sleek Milan-esque black and white marbles, brass trim and handsome furnishings. Baristas is as popular as it is lovely to look at. Adjoining on the port side, the Library stands out for its size, fantastic book collection and layout that is broken up into cozy reading areas. Deck 14 concludes with a trio of specialty restaurants that echo those aboard the Marina class. On the starboard side, there is the Polo Grill steakhouse, which, like its port side counterpart, the Italian-themed Toscana, now boasts a small private dining room. Unlike many shipboard steakhouses that predictably feature maroon leather seating, dark paneling and vintage black-and-white Hollywood photos, Polo is a refreshing departure from the formula with its Charleston green and seafoam color scheme. Ruiz explained that the design for Polo went “deep” and was inspired by its namesake equestrian sport that originated in Islam before spreading to India and, eventually, Great Britain. This is immediately evident at the entrance, which features a mosaic floor that mimics an Islamic area rug. The dining area has grillwork inspired by horse stables and ceiling tiles that emulate the plaids of traditional horse blankets. Privé, the 12-seat exclusive private dining venue sandwiched between Polo and Toscana is one of the most fanciful rooms on the ship. “We had a lot of fun here – the walls are formed of petals and the chandelier is the pistils of a flower that envelops the space,” Ruiz shared. The especially enchanting Toscana has rich mustard colored seating that is offset with lighter wood tones, all inspired by the colors of Sienna. Its paneling and glass screens are a nod to the flags from Siena’s annual horse festival. s Wave Bar Embers 28-34.indd 5 28-34.indd 5 6.9.2023 10.15 6.9.2023 10.15
32 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 Since there is no Deck 13, the next level, Deck 12, begins with a block of suites and cabins, which without the Culinary Center and Artist Loft (both of which have been moved up to Deck 14), provides more guest privacy. The midships pool area follows with the Waves Bar on the port side and a lovely pool basin that is flanked by curvaceous seating alcoves surrounded in water. The resin decking here is impressively teak-like and the asymmetrical layout pleasing to the eye, making it one of the most inviting pool areas afloat. A nice touch in the Waves Grill, which follows on the starboard side, are the “parasols” that flow into the ceiling via the support columns. This al fresco sandwich and burger eatery becomes a pizzeria and trattoria at night. New to the Vista, the AquaMar terrace on the port side offers up smoothies, shakes and healthy cuisine with a California, Asian and Mediterranean slant. Fittingly, its white tile patterned grillwork and pale teal color scheme is a decorative nod to Greece. The far aft portion of Deck 12 is devoted to the Terrace Cafe, the casual, indoor/outdoor buffet-style eatery that has a sheltered al fresco terrace overlooking the ship’s wake. Emulating a seaside Palm Beach cafe, it features superb handcrafted Italian mosaics depicting tropical foliage on its inboard bulkheads. Guest accommodations Save for the Executive Lounge (for guests in suite-level accommodations) on Deck 11 and the Concierge Lounge (for guests in Concierge Verandah staterooms) on Deck 9 and self-service laundry rooms on each deck, Decks 11 through 7 are dedicated to guest accommodations. These quarters range from (up to) 2,400-square-foot Owners Suites that span the width of the ship and overlook the stern and (up to) 1,850-square-foot Vista Suites overlooking the bow and stern to 270-square-foot Solo Veranda Staterooms with concierge-level perks and amenities. Although I was not able to access the top accommodations, I was able to visit a 1,200-square-foot Oceania Suite and a 440square-foot Penthouse Suite, both of which are intelligently deGrand Dining Room Red Ginger entrance Toscana 28-34.indd 6 28-34.indd 6 6.9.2023 10.15 6.9.2023 10.15
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 33 signed, beautifully decorated and boast original artworks. In the Oceania Suite, which is meant to emulate a New York penthouse apartment, it was interesting to see rugs and wood laminates in lieu of carpeting in the living room and dining area. The use of boldly patterned Italian marble in the bedroom and bathroom was also very impressive. With all the accommodations, which have been completely redesigned, Ruiz emphasized how much Oceania’s founder Frank del Rio stressed the importance of more shelves, drawers and closet space and larger showers, as well as having convenient and easy-toaccess plugs and USB (and even USB-C) ports for phones and computer gear. “Our goal was to make it like home but better. At home, you don’t have multiple outlets where you want, but on the Vista, you do.” In our stateroom, a Concierge Verandah, all of this was evident with plugs adjacent to both nightstands and at the desk. An especially nice touch in the gorgeous marble-surfaced bathroom that fellow guests were raving about during the Vista’s inaugural cruise was the mirror with its flattering, built-in light “circle” that would also serve as a great night light. Another part of the ship that impressed for its sheer scale and opulence is the forward stair tower. Ruiz explained that the balustrades emulate cut diamonds to reflect and refract light and on the landings there are “totem poles” of lighting in addition to decorative sconces. On Decks 6 and 5, there are more public spaces, beginning amidships on Deck 6 with the Upper Hall, a circular balcony that overlooks the reception lobby with a grand staircase that curves downward, enveloping a towering chandelier centerpiece that was crafted in the Czech Republic by Lasvit Studios, then disassembled and rebuilt on the ship. The chandelier itself is a funnel shaped, twisted fiberoptic column of crystal elements that resemble fish swimming upwards and the staircase, which is made of marble and leather, flutes out in the shape of a nautilus. Ruiz highlighted that this was the first space Studio DADO created onboard, which in turn inspired the rest of the ship. The Upper Hall continues aft to Martinis, which is fronted with striking, golden-hued glass screens by Lasvit and is divided into s Grand Bar Men’s bathroom Founders Bar 28-34.indd 7 28-34.indd 7 6.9.2023 10.15 6.9.2023 10.15
34 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 three intimate sections with the port side bar, a piano lounge and a starboard gallery that leads aft to the Grand Lounge. Connecting Martinis with the Grand Dining Room on the starboard side, the Grand Lounge is like a long gallery from an ocean liner of the past with full length windows and partitioned alcoves of comfortable seating surrounded by vitrines with glass components curated by Oceania’s art consultant, Sarah Hall. It is topped with honeycombs of amber colored light fixtures that give it a sophisticated mid-century vibe. The port side of Deck 6 continues aft of Martinis with the Casino, which is accessed on the starboard side. Its L-shaped floor plan spans athwartships with roulette, card and games tables and stretches aft with a gallery of slots. “We gave the space an Art Deco vibe and wanted it to be spacious and elegant without the clutter and glitz of most shipboard casinos,” Ruiz noted. The Casino leads aft to the Founder’s Bar on the port side. Topped with a crystal-laced overhang and featuring soft fittings in soothing grays with gold highlights, the Art-Deco-inspired Founder’s Bar introduces a mixology menu of specialty cocktails to the Oceania fold that are not only visual marvels but feature fresh spices and exotic ingredients. Grand Dining Room Aft Deck 6 is home to the Grand Dining Room, which is accessed on the starboard side with a comfortable lounge-like waiting area. This magnificent space boasts high ceilings and is surrounded by picture windows with near sea-level views. Unlike the Marina and Riviera, the midsection of the Vista’s Grand Dining Room is partitioned via a white pavilion of metal and glass inspired by Victorianera flower conservatories. Three huge crystal chandeliers evoke giant blooms of hydrangeas and gold and silver leaf accents contribute to the overall opulence, along with hand-painted golden willow trees by Canadian-based Confluence Studios that line the alcoves of the aft section overlooking the wake. With tremendous attention to detail, the ivory, gold and silver tones in this space emulate and enhance Oceania’s table settings, further enriching the dining experience. Deck 5 begins with the Rockwell Group-designed Vista showroom, a single-level theater with well-cushioned velour seating that lacks the scale of some of the huge showrooms found on more mainstream cruise ships. With its relatively low ceiling, it is best suited as a cabaret performance venue or for port and enrichment lectures, which are an essential part of the Oceania experience. I don’t normally get excited about public bathrooms, but the huge restrooms by Tillberg Design that follow on either side of Deck 5 are noteworthy for their harlequin-patterned marble surfacing and spacious entries. The circular Hall that follows has the Reception area on the port side and Destination Services (shore excursions) to starboard with seating alcoves on either side. Directly aft are a trio of boutiques that lead on the starboard side to a new-to-Oceania specialty restaurant, Ember. Here, domed ceiling recesses in faux brick emulate a Northern California wine cellar and the menu offers up American comfort food with a Sonoma twist, all enhanced with vapor flames for good measure. Occupying the complementary space on the port side of Deck 5 is the magical Red Ginger, Oceania’s deservedly popular Asianfusion restaurant. The lofty inboard portion of Red Ginger soars with huge Regency-style chandeliers and strands of crystal inspired by the lanterns of Hanoi. The look here reflects one of the great colonial hotels like the Peninsula, while the intimate alcoves lining the outer portion of the room belie that vibe with their black-and-red lacquer elements and printed wall coverings that are more overtly Asian-influenced. Again, DADO has skillfully interwoven the decor with an immersive dining experience that features bright red chargers, a chop sticks menu and custom table settings. On Deck 4, there are tender platforms and a place that hopefully no guest will need to visit, an infirmary and medical center. In 2025, the Vista will be joined by its twin sister the Allura. “There will be some minor tweaks in the design, but overall she will be very much like Vista. I wish I could share some of those details, but we are still working on them, and we are sworn to secrecy,” Ruiz grinned. In turn, the Allura-class duo will be followed by a completely new platform of what promises to be at least six ships. n Vista in Valletta, Malta 28-34.indd 8 28-34.indd 8 6.9.2023 10.15 6.9.2023 10.15
? CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 35 I nitially dubbed Project Leonardo, the series is believed to be based on the builder’s in-house Project Mille design. The concept better balances a centrally located engine room and smokestack, as well as narrower superstructure, with wraparound indoor and outdoor public spaces and a lower distribution of weight. Fast forward to 2023, and the Norwegian Viva, the second in the Prima class, has just set sail, and another four such ships are on the way. The Prima and Viva both measure in at 142,500 gross tons. As the first two units in the series, their design was already locked in, so they are nearly identical to each other, except for some subtle modifications highlighted here. Graduating to the upcoming Prima-Plus class, ships three and four are slated to be about 10% larger (both wider and longer) at When Norwegian Cruise Line announced that the Norwegian Prima would launch in 2022, it was the beginning of a new class for the company and the first of its ships to be built by Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy. Previously the line had favored Germany-based Meyer Werft and Lloyd Werft, save for the Norwegian Epic constructed by STX France in Saint-Nazaire. By Jason Leppert 158,000 tons and are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Ships five and six are expected to be 20% larger still at 172,000 tons, with one each following in 2027 and 2028. Every generation is further anticipated to be increasingly fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Different colors, updated art As to the exact differences between the Prima and Viva, they are architecturally identical, but the hull art is distinct between the two. The swirling geometry has been adjusted some, and the Prima’s tones are bluer than the Viva’s, which are purpler. The colors of the second ship’s singular water slide and trio of dry slides have also been changed to match. The Wave inner-tube waterslide is a light purple. The Drop freefall slide is a medium teal, and The Rush racing varieties are separated into light and dark blue. Inside, the art collection has been updated as well. One new piece in particular is British digital artist Dominic Harris’s 52-foot-wide “Every Wing Has a Silver Lining.” Mounted across from the returning Metropolitan Bar, the expanded screen kinetically displays a pattern of butterflies that interacts with passersby, moving and taking flight as passengers stroll through and touch the panels. In the Balcony Stateroom category, wall graphics have also been enhanced. Instead of the Prima’s nature icons such as butterflies, crystals and angelic faces, the Viva’s decor is a more abstract composition of drippy black, blue and yellow watercolors. There is now more light found in the cabins, especially at the vanity desks, and mattresses and even shower pressure have been improved. To accommodate smokers outside of staterooms and suites, there’s a newly covered area on deck 18 for added shade and a wind break. Upgraded lighting and entertainment The primary Viva Theater & Club showcases an upgraded lighting package thanks to a new convex LED panel at the core of the venue’s giant chandelier, which can be animated to mirror what’s on stage. Swapping Norwegian Viva arriving maiden call in Lisbon, Portugal Changes from Norwegian Prima to Norwegian Viva NEW SHIP REVIEW 35-36.indd 3 35-36.indd 3 12.9.2023 7.40 12.9.2023 7.40
in for the Prima’s production of “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” is “Beetlejuice: The Musical.” Secondary spaces like Syd Norman’s Pour House and The Improv at Sea have been reshuffled to ensure that more people can come in. For entertainment of a virtual kind, the Galaxy Pavilion has been reprised with motion simulators and virtual sports ranging from Formula One racing to golf. New on the Viva are updated machines like a gyro space mission that is said to be akin to a spinning roller coaster experience. A large, detailed model of the Norwegian Viva is on display in the lobby area outside of the Galaxy Pavilion and Observation Lounge, but missing since the Prima is a magnum bottle of Veuve Clicquot perched on a pedestal among the retail shops of deck 8. However, bars are freshly serving “’66 by Norwegian” beverages. A special branded Prosecco wine, beer and gin now commemorate the year of the line’s founding. For those looking to just be spectators at the upper deck Viva Speedway go-kart track, several added fixed stools provide seating behind repeated laser guns to tag racers as they roll by. Conversely, mounted high chairs found around the pool on the Prima have been made removable for the sake of extra deck party space. Dining changes At the Indulge Food Hall, the second Starbucks location found on the Prima has been removed on the Viva because it proved not to be as popular outside of breakfast hours as was originally expected. In its location is now the tapas Airstream, arranged to open up additional seating in the complimentary dining venue. By adding ordering tablets outside, where a new soft-serve ice cream station was further added, the capacity has grown even more, to a bonus of around 96 in total. Restaurant capacity elsewhere has also increased slightly. Speaking of other such venues, The Local Bar & Grill features a small auxiliary space between the dining room and bar sides of the ship. On the Prima, there was an individual foosball table here, but on the Viva there’s a set of three classic arcade games instead: Donkey Kong, Galaga and Space Invaders. The Mandara Spa and Salon still sports therapeutic pools as part of its expansive thermal suite, but this time around, the larger of the two with fresh water and massaging bubble jets has added alternating partitions below the surface. This creates an undulating path for participants to meander more privately, as well as extra corners to tuck into. Of course, all of this is in addition to behind-the-scenes technical modifications that were made to enhance other shipboard operations including navigation, and even more improvements are expected on the coming newbuilds. For instance, the next ship will be 22 meters longer and run on bio-methanol. But what will it be called? As the third, I’m putting down my guess as something along the lines of the Norwegian Tria. n Penrose Atrium is a 3-deck high focal point of Norwegian Viva Indulge Food features a new tapas bar 36 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 35-36.indd 4 35-36.indd 4 12.9.2023 7.40 12.9.2023 7.40
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 37 C FC Croisières, or Compagnie Française de Croisières, was founded last year by Clément Mousset and Cédric Rivoire-Perrochat, who saw an opportunity in the second-hand cruise ship market. Holland America Line had retired its 1993-built 55,575 gross ton Maasdam during the Covid-19 pandemic. The newly founded company acquired this Statendamclass vessel from the Greek ferry company SeaJets, which had acquired several idle cruise ships after the start of the pandemic. The new company decided to refurbish it completely, so the project was awarded to Damen Brest shipyard in France, but the vessel’s entry into service was delayed due to supply-chain challenges. For interior redesign, the company appointed Floridabased Tomas Tillberg Design, which oversaw the refit of cabins and public areas. The cost of the dry-docking and refurbishment was 30 million euros. NEW CRUISE LINE French market gains new cruise line The French cruise market received a new cruise line this summer when the Renaissance of CFC Croisières operated its maiden voyage on June 28. The Bermudaflagged French national brand is a welcome addition in France, which last year produced just 325,000 cruise passengers representing a mere 6% of the European market, according to CLIA statistics. By Teijo Niemelä Ph oto cre dit : Er ic Ho ur The Renaissance is sailing under the Bermudan flag, but it is based in French ports. During the summertime it sails from Le Havre toward the north, while in the winter season it is based in Marseille sailing to Mediterranean destinations. According to the website meretmaritime.com, the ship’s inaugural season includes 31 sailings with a total of 157 port calls. The shortest sailings are just a few days and the longest are 14 days. A 120-night voyage sets sail in January 2024 and focuses on the African continent. Premium experience with decreased capacity The 55,575 gross ton and 1,100-guest Renaissance provides a premium experience, which prior to its inaugural was not available in the French market. Another French player, PONANT, is an ultra-luxury product, while Royal Caribbean Group’s Croisières de France (CDF) ceased operations in 2017 after ten years of service. Meanwhile, Club Med still operates its single Club Med 2 sailing yacht, while another new French cruise line, Exploris, recently acquired a former Silversea Cruises ship – the 6,158 gross ton and 144/120-guest Silver Explorer – and renamed it the Exploris One. However, Exploris has ambitious plans to construct new expedition vessels. After the refit, the capacity of the Renaissance decreased from 1,258 guests to 1,100. It has 629 cabins, of which 80% are outside and 140 come with private balcony. Officers and crew are both French and international, but all crew members in the hotel department speak French. The Renaissance offers multiple dining options beyond its main dining room, the Grand Restaurant Vatel, and self-serve buffet, Belle-Ile. These include Saigon (serving Asian cuisine), Louchebem and Chef’s Table, which require reservations and carry an extra charge. The company’s culinary advisor is Anthony Mauboussin, who spent several years with Viking. Another hire formerly from Viking is Chief Operating Officer Ralph de Klijn. n Renaissance sailed its maiden voyage from Le Havre on June 28. The 1993-built ship was originally Maasdam 37.indd 1 37.indd 1 15.9.2023 11.27 15.9.2023 11.27
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 39 s New cruise brands, re-flagged ships, and revitalized vessels are the latest for the cruise industry’s luxury sector. But when you ask travel experts what defines luxury today, you’ll find the game has changed. By David Swanson Fine tuning the ultraluxury sector MARKET REPORT Viking is the largest luxury operator in the ocean market with 8,370 berths on nine identical ocean ships and 756 berths on two expedition ships. Its fleet is also younger among the ocean operators with an average age just 4.2 years. Viking has currently six more ocean ships on order, which will be slightly longer and wider than their predecessors, carrying 988 guests each 38-43.indd 3 38-43.indd 3 15.9.2023 11.31 15.9.2023 11.31
A couple of decades ago, the definition of luxury cruising might have been glittering chandeliers, caviar and whiteglove service. More recently, it could be a plunge pool on the balcony, a private tour of the Vatican Museum or a pillow menu. Will you rest your weary head upon goose down, something hypoallergenic or buckwheat kernels? With the pandemic receding into the rear-view mirror, today’s travelers are seeking something more. And as millennials age into wealth they, too, are pursuing a new kind of indulgence that probably isn’t what their parents had in mind. Make no mistake: The luxury travel sector has come back roaring since the peak of the pandemic. Virtuoso, the leading global travel agency network specializing in luxury travel, reported at the recent Virtuoso Travel Week that future cruise sales are 106% higher in 2023 than they were in 2019. At the same time, Virtuoso says the demand for personalized travel experiences will only continue to grow, and the outlook for the rest of 2023 and beyond looks extremely strong. But Barbara Muckermann, President and CEO of Silversea, says big brand names don’t necessarily define luxury anymore. “If you go to any touristic destination in the world you will find Dior, you will find Chanel, you will find Louis Vuitton,” suggests Muckermann. “It's not interesting anymore. What the real luxury consumer wants is to discover the brand he has never heard of.” This makes it more challenging for each cruise line targeting the higher-income traveler to define its own niche. With the major luxury cruise brands all adding larger ships and/or smaller expedition ships and building itineraries that reach every region in the world, what separates Silversea from Regent or Seabourn from Scenic? As the number of brands and ships grows, Muckermann thinks that the two areas of competition going forward will be in destination expertise and hardware: “Because you cannot really offer even more than what we are already doing,” says Muckermann. “You cannot give more caviar, you cannot give more champagne. You cannot have crew that is more amazing at what they’re doing than what it already is. So, while building the wonderful onboard product, the two areas where I see us continue to evolve will be destination and hardware.” ‘Guests’ instead of ‘passengers’ Once upon a time, a singular brand stood out. Luxury cruising owes a lot to the founding of Crystal Cruises in 1988, according to Art Sbarsky, who joined the line then to 40 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 Project Sama is a joint venture between Neptune Co. and Cruise Saudi. The 23,000 gross ton ship has been commissioned from the Italy’s T.Mariotti shipyard Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s President and CEO 38-43.indd 4 38-43.indd 4 15.9.2023 11.31 15.9.2023 11.31
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 41 s become its Senior Vice President of Marketing. “At that time, the luxury cruise industry was Royal Viking, Cunard, and that was about it,” says Sbarsky. The debut of the Crystal Harmony in 1990 redefined the concept of luxury for the industry. “We had the highest percentage of balconies in the industry; we were the first to have two alternative dining restaurants; and we had the highest space ratio.” But what Crystal introduced was about more than hardware. “What made Crystal special at the beginning was teamwork – it was unheard of at the time,” Sbarsky adds. “We were the first cruise line to use the term ‘guest’ instead of ‘passenger.’ When we came out with it people were shocked – it was a term used only in the hotel industry. But we looked at our customer base as guests on a floating hotel. It was a significant sea change for the business.” Crystal Cruises spent the 1990s going from success to success, and gradually competition blossomed. Nippon Yusen Kaisha sold the company to Genting Hong Kong in 2015, a company that had made a name for itself with the launch of Star Cruises, eventually acquiring Norwegian Cruise Line. The pandemic, however, proved to be Genting HK’s undoing, and Crystal shut down abruptly in January 2022, following the collapse and liquidation of Genting HK. The Crystal brand and its two largest ships, the 1995-built Crystal Symphony and the 2003-built Crystal Serenity, were acquired by the A&K Travel Group. The new ownership and leadership brings together Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, former owner and Executive Chairman of Silversea Cruises; Geoffrey Kent, the founder and Chairman emeritus of tour operator Abercrombie & Kent; and A&K Group CEO Cristina Levis. Reduced passenger capacities In 2023 the two ships underwent a $150 million renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy, a project that involved enlarging many of the cabins, meaning the guest capacity was reduced for both ships by about one-quarter. The Crystal Serenity was reduced from 980 passengers to 740; the Crystal Symphony went from 848 passengers to 606. This actually marks the second time Crystal has downsized the number of cabins and beds for its ships, and both ships now have almost the highest passenger-space-ratio in the industry. Further, the crew size remains about the same, ensuring an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest level, and Crystal reports that more than 80% of the original crew came back to work for the new owners. Going forward, the line is now called simply Crystal. Despite ships that are older than almost any others operating in the luxury sector, there is a place in the market for Crystal, says Gene Sloan, Cruise Editor for The Points Guy. “It’s a unique brand with a loyal following,” Sloan explains. “Along with having an incredible crew, these ships were built to stand the test of time, and they did an amazing job with the refurbishments.” Even before the Crystal Serenity started sailing again on July 31, Levis announced the brand is working towards a memorandum of agreement with two European shipbuilders for four new ships, a deal that would include two “classic” ships and two expedition vessels. Meanwhile, at presstime the Crystal Symphony had completed its sea trials and was set to depart again on September 1 in Athens. Crystal’s ships were refurbished at Fincantieri’s Trieste shipyard before re-entering in the service 38-43.indd 5 38-43.indd 5 15.9.2023 11.31 15.9.2023 11.31
42 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 Riverboats return under Riverside brand Crystal, of course, had ambitious growth plans under the ownership of Genting HK. Part of the expansion was around a river cruise operation. Crystal’s five river ships were acquired by the German hotel group Seaside Collection and will now operate under the name Riverside Luxury Cruises. The Mozart, a double-wide boat built for the Danube in 1987 (acquired and refurbished by Crystal in 2015), started sailing again under the Riverside banner in April, with marketing aimed at U.S. travelers. The remaining four traditionally sized ships, built 2017-18, are being added to the operation one at a time, starting with the Riverside Ravel, which started sailing the Rhone between Lyon and Arles in August. Alisa Spatafora, an advisor with Louisiana-based Alisa Travel Designs, sailed on the Riverside Mozart earlier this year. She says the ship has the potential to appeal to a wider demographic than river cruising typically attracts. “It has a younger vibe, a more vivacious spirit, from the entertainment to the excursions, which are not your typical experience,” suggests Spatafora. “I think they’re going to explode next year once the customers start talking.” Crystal had also just launched an expedition ship when Genting HK went into liquidation, a ship that travel authority Peter Greenberg describes as “a luxury battleship.” Rumored to be the most expensive cruise ship ever built on a per-cabin basis, the ship in 2022 was acquired by Silversea and immediately began sailing in Antarctica last winter under the name Silver Endeavour. After subsequently removing a helicopter hangar and landing pad and adding 10 additional suites, the ship will now be strictly dedicated to the polar regions. “We are starting to build destination-specific ships at Silversea,” explains Muckermann. “Silver Origin is so perfect for the Galapagos, we wouldn't really use her on new routes. Silver Endeavour is the absolute best ship for the polar regions, in the same way that Silver Nova is the best warm-water luxury ship out there.” Other lines branch out Other luxury lines are just starting to define – or redefine – their brands. MSC Cruises has just launched the Explora I, the first in a planned fleet of six luxury ships to be built for Explora Journeys by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone. The first four ships on order from Fincantieri are said to be a € 2.5 billion investment. Explora Journeys promises smaller, more intimate shore excursions, with such off-the-beaten path, curated experiences as going behind the curtain on Broadway, meeting a NASA astronaut and urban forest bathing on offer when the Explora I visits North America. Designed to carry 922 passengers, the 63,900 gross ton vessel started sailing on August 1, and Explora anticipates 40% to 50% of its passengers will come from the North American market, with 40% from Europe and 20% coming from the rest of the world. The Explora II is now under construction at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente yard and is scheduled to begin service in August 2024. Explora’s next two ships will be LNG-powered vessels, with delivery scheduled for 2026-27. Scenic Cruises began operating river itineraries in Europe in 2008. A high-end brand founded by Australian businessman Glen Moroney, Scenic was followed by Emerald Waterways in 2013, which offered a lowercost option for river cruisers – both lines initially catered primarily to the Australian market. In 2019, Maroney built the company’s first oceangoing vessel, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse, which was followed this year by a sister ship, the Scenic Eclipse II. Then in 2022, Maroney introduced the Emerald Azzurra, a 100-passenger yacht that offers all-inclusive ocean cruises; a sister ship, the Emerald Sakura, came out this summer. For construction Maroney uses shipyards in Rijeka, Croatia, and Ha Long City, Vietnam, partnering with the shipyard Scenic Group has expanded both its Scenic and Emerald brands to the oceans – pictured here Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II Seabourn Pursuit is the Seabourn’s second expedition ship 38-43.indd 6 38-43.indd 6 15.9.2023 11.31 15.9.2023 11.31
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 43 and having the exclusive right to build the luxury yachts. Maroney also owns a shipbuilding design and management firm in Croatia, MKM Yachts. Industry veteran Ken Muskat joined the company last November as Managing Director, Scenic Group USA, with a mandate to build a U.S. following through sales and marketing efforts. “We were born and raised in Australia, so that has been our number one market, with U.S. being number two,” says Muskat. “But when you look at the size of the U.S., it’s a no-brainer that’s where the future growth is going to come from.” With the arrival of the Scenic Eclipse II and Emerald Sakura, the company counts 13 Scenic river ships, nine Emerald river ships and two ocean ships each for Scenic and Emerald. “When you think about the whole portfolio of the Scenic Group – ocean, river, plus expedition cruises – that portfolio has more to offer and puts us in a different position than most of the other luxury players out there,” adds Muskat. Despite the different types of hardware aimed at well-heeled cruisers, the connecting thread, Muskat notes, is unique bucket-list destinations. “I don’t see us doing a winter out of Miami or doing things that other, more mass-market brands do.” Difference between expeditioning and cruising Atlas Ocean Voyages is another line aiming to build a loyal following among U.S. travelers. Originally scheduled to launch in 2020, Atlas is an offshoot of Mystic Invest Holdings, the Portuguese company already well established in river cruising and shipbuilding. Its first ship, the 198-passenger World Navigator, arrived in 2021; an identical World Traveller followed in 2022, and the World Voyager arrives in November. This winter, all three ships will be operating in Antarctica out of Ushuaia, and there is ample interest in sailing to the seventh continent and to the polar north in the northern hemisphere summer. But the recent expansion of the expedition cruise industry has meant a lot of cruise lines are seeking out new ways to utilize their ships during the shoulder season each spring and fall. “There’s a difference between expeditioning and cruising,” suggests President and CEO James Rodriguez. “We want to take those elements that make a polar expedition special and bring them into other parts of the world. So, outside of the polar trips, we want to make sure that we cover boutique, yacht-style ports but also mix in some of the marquee ports, such as Rome and Barcelona.” Rodriguez says the Atlas brand ethos is year-round expeditions. “We want to take the elements that make a polar expedition special and bring them into other parts of the world,” says Rodriguez. “In the Mediterranean, we bring aboard an epicurean expedition team, whether it be vintners who are familiar with the wineries of these regions, or a regional expert on olives, or guest chefs. In the Amazon or Caribbean, we bring those destinations alive with experts – historians, naturalists, people who really know these different cultures. I think that’s where our guests’ mindsets are,” adds Rodriguez. “They not only want to go on a vacation, but they want to walk away with something more inspirational – to engage with the destination and not just see it.” Luxury hotel names A&K isn’t the only company seeking to cash in on a brand name, as luxury hotel companies are also diving into the cruise sector, led by The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which started operation in 2017. Imagined as a hybrid between yachting and cruising, the line’s much-delayed first ship, the 298passenger Evrima, began sailing in October 2022. A second ship, the 456-passenger Ilma, is under construction at Chantiers de l’Atlantique and is expected to set sail in September 2024. A third newbuild, the Luminaria, has also been contracted. In 2022, Four Seasons Hotels announced it would be partnering with Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings on a 190-passenger newbuild. The ship, said to be inspired by Aristotle Onassis’s iconic yacht the Christina O, will start construction later this year at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard. Four Seasons anticipates a 2025 debut, at a staggering cost of $4.2 million per suite (a second ship was recently ordered). Lead architect for the project is Tillberg Design of Sweden, while veteran cruise executive Larry Pimentel leads the operation as CEO. Aman hotels announced in January of this year that they had signed an agreement for a joint venture with Cruise Saudi to build a 100-passenger ultra-luxury cruise vessel. The 600-foot, dual-fuel ship, currently referred to as Project Sama, will be built by T. Mariotti and is set to launch in 2026. Not to be left out, hospitality leader Accor will construct the world’s largest sailing ship, the Orient Express Silenseas. The 722foot, 120-passenger ship is envisioned as a futuristic yacht powered by three SolidSail rigs, a 1,500-square-meter unit wind propulsion system. Nantes-based design company Stirling Design International will handle the exterior architecture with construction anticipated at Chantiers de l’Atlantique for a 2026 debut.n Part of the MSC Group’s Cruise Division, Explora Journeys started its operations this summer. Pictured is Explora I in Copenhagen before its maiden voyage 38-43.indd 7 38-43.indd 7 15.9.2023 11.31 15.9.2023 11.31
44 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 OPEN IT A THOUSAND TIMES AND YOU’LL SEE THE DIFFERENCE At first glance, cabin doors look pretty much the same. Over the years, clear differences emerge. Antti doors stand the test of time and keep closing and opening as designed. From a cabin manufacturer’s perspective, the most important Antti feature is that certified doors arrive exactly when and as contracted. Thanks to their flexible frame installation method, Antti doors are easy to install and perfectly fitted. See our tips for offer request: anttimarine.fi Yes, we’ll handle it! S ilversea Cruises first entered the ultraluxury cruise market in 1994 with its brand-new 296-guest Silver Cloud. The newly founded cruise line was targeting the same segment that SeaGoddess and Seabourn Cruise Line had entered in the previous decade by offering small luxury ships to compete against larger ones – simiSHIP REVIEW The 55,051 gross ton Silver Nova is ultra-luxury brand Silversea Cruises’ 12th vessel since its inception in 1994 but the first designed since the cruise line was acquired by Royal Caribbean Group – itself known for bold cruise ship design in every segment in which it operates. The key words for the new Silver Nova are horizontal layout and asymmetrical design. Editor Teijo Niemela flew to Italy in August to see the finished product. lar to what companies like Royal Viking Line and Crystal Cruises had been operating. Compared to its rivals, the Silver Cloud and its sister ship the Silver Wind (delivered a year later) offered suites with balconies and a double-deck show lounge – both of which were lacking from Seabourn’s vessels. While Silversea continued to expand, it kept its ship design rather conservative and continued to build next-generation vessels with a vertical layout, meaning that all the suites were located at the forward end of the vessel, while the majority of public rooms were at the aft end of the vessel. This was the case even with the company’s latest newbuilds, the Silver Moon and Silver Dawn, which were ordered under the line’s previous ownership but delivered by Fincantieri after the takeover by Royal Caribbean Group (RCG). Royal Caribbean Group has always set its bar high when designing revolutionary new cruise ships. Just before acquiring its first ultra-luxury brand, RCG had launched the revolutionary Oasis class (2009) and Quantum class (2014) for its Royal Caribbean International brand, the Edge class (2018) for its Celebrity brand and the Mein Schiff 3 for its joint venture TUI Cruises, which operates in the German market. As Silversea marked Royal Caribbean’s entry into the ultra-luxury segment, the group had not commissioned anything this Silver Nova – Silversea’s new groundbreaking asymmetrical newbuild The Marquee Pool deck Arts Cafe 44-46.indd 2 44-46.indd 2 18.9.2023 8.00 18.9.2023 8.00
? CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 45 Norwegian Viva arriving maiden call in Lisbon, Portugal OPEN IT A THOUSAND TIMES AND YOU’LL SEE THE DIFFERENCE At first glance, cabin doors look pretty much the same. Over the years, clear differences emerge. Antti doors stand the test of time and keep closing and opening as designed. From a cabin manufacturer’s perspective, the most important Antti feature is that certified doors arrive exactly when and as contracted. Thanks to their flexible frame installation method, Antti doors are easy to install and perfectly fitted. See our tips for offer request: anttimarine.fi Yes, we’ll handle it! small for decades, except the Celebrity Flora and Silver Origin specially designed to sail in the Galapagos. The Silver Nova also provided a unique opportunity to try many innovations for sustainability: It is the first RCG vessel to use LNG (liquefied natural gas), and it was originally designed to use fuel cells to operate on battery power while in port, but the technology was not yet ready at the time of the ship’s delivery in July 2023. Buzzwords: horizontal, asymmetrical And let’s move on to two buzzwords Silversea has been touting during the ship’s design and construction. As said earlier, this is the first Silversea ship with a horizontal design, which is common among modern cruise ships. However, many smaller luxury ships have been built with a vertical layout. The horizontal design provides numerous benefits: The public room decks can provide a higher ceiling height, thus providing a grander atmosphere. While the suite decks can occupy the full length of the superstructure, there are more options for locating the largest and most expensive suites – and that is the case also onboard the Silver Nova, where the new 123-square-meter (1,324-square-feet} Otium Suites have been located in the aft corner of the ship. With a gross tonnage of 55,051 and guest capacity of 728, the Silver Nova is one of the most spacious cruise ships in the world (space ratio per guest is 75.6). In this size category, the Silver Nova is rather long with a length of 244.2 meters (801 feet) and slim with a width of 29.6 meters (97 feet) compared to the similar-size Seven Seas Explorer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which is 223 meters long and 31 meters wide. Interestingly, the Silver Nova’s suite entrances face each other, thus having a single hallway running down each deck rather than the two found on most similar size ships. When there are two cabin corridors, service areas, stairways, elevators and technical areas such as engine casing are located in the center between the corridors. On the Silver Nova, the public decks are connected by two stairways and elevator banks: the forward located on the port side and the aft on the starboard side. All six passenger elevators were supplied by Kone and provide glass walls offering sea views. While elevators with outside views are not a new feature on modern cruise ships, cruise lines quickly moved away from this design feature as it took space away from balcony cabins. One very eye-catching decision was to locate the ship’s funnel on the port side. This comes at the expense of losing space for some suites. A similar effect happens when service areas on suite decks are placed either port or starboard side. The Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design is most evident on the outdoor areas of decks 10 and 11. Deck 10 accommodates Silver Nova – Silversea’s new groundbreaking asymmetrical newbuild La Terrazza Venetian Lounge 44-46.indd 3 44-46.indd 3 18.9.2023 8.00 18.9.2023 8.00
46 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 the Silver Nova’s pool deck with a horseshoe-shaped pool located on the starboard side, affording unobstructed views. The sun deck with sun beds and pool bar occupies the port side. The narrow upper level of the pool deck offers unshaded and semishaded areas. A larger whirlpool on Deck 11 faces portside. All in all, the Silver Nova provides 3,900 square meters of outdoor space on Decks 10 and 11 offering plenty of room for laying out in the sun or for lounging in shaded or semi-shade areas. There is also a plentiful selection of seating options, ranging from bar stools to sofas and comfortable chairs. Nine passenger decks The Silver Nova has nine passenger decks and is very easy to navigate. Decks 3, 4 and 5 house the majority of public rooms such as restaurants, bars, lounges, shopping facilities and the Otium Spa. Deck 4 also has the ship’s spacious promenade deck with lifeboat stations. Decks 6, 7, 8 and 9 are fully reserved for 364 suites, all of which are located in the superstructure with unobstructed views and featuring private balconies. This is also a first for Silversea, as previous ships have had some suites without balconies. The Silver Nova offers the broadest range of suite categories of any Silversea vessel – a total of 13. The most common categories are Premium, Deluxe, Superior and Classic Veranda Suites, which offer 33 square meters of interior space (357 square feet). These four categories account for 286 suites. In some cases, Silversea has eliminated bathtubs in the lower categories, but they are still available in a small percentage of the most affordable suites. Nine dining venues The Silver Nova’s dining options differ from other ultra-luxury operators in terms of quantity and pricing. The ship offers a total of nine venues, of which four levy an extra charge during dinner hours, which has created some controversy on the internet. Deck 3 houses two large signature venues – the 270-seat Atlantide and 160-seat S.A.L.T. Kitchen. The largest dining venue is the 340-seat La Terrazza on Deck 4 aft, which acts as buffet restaurant during breakfast and lunch, then turns into an Italian restaurant in the evening. It offers a small outdoor dining area providing a view over the ship’s wake. A completely new al fresco dining area is The Marquee on Deck 10, which incorporates the Grill and Spaccanapoli. Thankfully, it has been placed apart from the pool area, thus providing more privacy for pool users. With a total capacity of 220 seats in both shade and sun, this is one of the most Instagrammable areas onboard. Restaurants with extra fees include Silversea’s signature French restaurant, the 68-seat La Dame on Deck 4, the 40-seat Kaiseki serving Asian fusion cuisine on Deck 4, the 54-seat Silver Note on Deck 5 and the 18-seat S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table on Deck 18. This area also is the venue for S.A.L.T. Lab courses during the daytime. Adjacent to the lab is the S.A.L.T. Bar, which has a new location with expanded indoor and outdoor seating. On the Silver Moon and Silver Dawn, the S.A.L.T. Bar is a windowless room with very limited capacity. Public rooms with sea views The design philosophy behind the Silver Nova was to open the ship to the sea. It is fitted with 4,000 square meters of glass, so it is no wonder that so many public areas have been greatly enhanced. A three-deck atrium on the starboard side – another first on a Silversea newbuild – encompasses Decks 3, 4 and 5. The 32-seat Shelter Bar on Deck 5, specializing in champagne and champagne cocktails, is another new venue. Signature rooms, such as La Dolce Vita and Arts Café, have been located adjacent to the atrium and are focal points of the ship’s day and night life. As a matter of fact, Arts Cafe also houses the ship’s reception desk and a tour office. An island concept is one of the major themes in the various public lounges and bars, where bar services are in the middle of the room rather than in the corner. One of the most stunning rooms onboard is the 370-seat Venetian Lounge spanning Deck 4 and 5. In yet another first, this is truly a double-deck lounge that cleverly occupies only a bit more about half the ship’s width and offers panoramic windows to the starboard side. This will be a great venue for lectures in, say, Alaska, allowing guests to follow the outdoor views. The ship’s Otium Spa located on Deck 5 forward provides 338 square meters of space. Unfortunately, this venue is a bit of a letdown, but a nice touch are two separate pools and saunas for men and women providing sea views. At the time of writing, the Silver Nova was sailing in the Mediterranean. We will, however, be onboard again in November when it sails its inaugural transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to New York. After that, the vessel will continue on to destinations in the Caribbean and Central America. Silversea aims to showcase the newest member of its fleet in as many locations worldwide as possible. n This feature will be available in CruiseBusiness.com with additional images ALMACO supplied galley and pantry areas 44-46.indd 4 44-46.indd 4 18.9.2023 8.00 18.9.2023 8.00
The spectacular Silver Nova is equipped with the latest and most ingenious solutions for galleys, bars, provision stores, and pantries that perfectly complement the brilliance of the ship’s chefs. SILVER NOVA CATERING AREAS Luxury Marine Heating PLATINUM ELECTRIC MARINE Add warmth and comfort to the open decks of your next project 47-48 takakansi.indd 1 47-48 takakansi.indd 1 12.9.2023 7.43 12.9.2023 7.43
CCrruuiissee JJaammaaiiccaa @cruisejamaica Best of Jamaica. On Repeat. Montego Bay | Falmouth | Ocho Rios | Port Antonio | Port Royal @portauthorityja 47-48 takakansi.indd 2 47-48 takakansi.indd 2 12.9.2023 7.43 12.9.2023 7.43