CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 1 Magazine REVIEWING CRUISE BUSINESS GLOBALLY WINTER 2025 Meet Janet Bava, Windstar’s Chief Commercial Officer Spirit of Tasmania IV delivered Chat with Capt. Paolo Arrigo CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 1 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 1 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
2 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Photo: Fiona Wardle / Aurora Expeditions We build for beyond. sunstoneships.com Whether the destination is to the remotest parts of the planet or to the cultural capitals of the world, SunStone provides all-in-one B2B solutions for small ship cruising on long-term or seasonal charters in cold and warm waters. Our clients and partners depend on SunStone’s commitment to environmental sustainability and pioneering initiatives to build a class of expedition vessels that delivers efficiency, safety, and comfort. CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 2 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 2 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 3 Photo: Fiona Wardle / Aurora Expeditions We build for beyond. sunstoneships.com Whether the destination is to the remotest parts of the planet or to the cultural capitals of the world, SunStone provides all-in-one B2B solutions for small ship cruising on long-term or seasonal charters in cold and warm waters. Our clients and partners depend on SunStone’s commitment to environmental sustainability and pioneering initiatives to build a class of expedition vessels that delivers efficiency, safety, and comfort. 6 Editor’s Commentary 8 Upfront 14 Getting to know Windstar Cruises’ Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer 16 Sun Princess enters Caribbean season with relocated dining venues, new Sanctuary Class 18 Chat with Sun Princess Capt. Paolo Arrigo 20 Viking appoints new President, names more ocean ships 22 Mitsui Ocean Cruises targets both Japanese and international markets 25 More overnight stays in port is a new trend among cruise lines 26 Rauma Marine Construction delivers first car and passenger ferry to Tasmania 30 What’s new in Hong Kong ON THE COVER: The Ocean Albatros is sixth Infinity-class vessel out of seven built for SunStone. It was delivered in 2023 and is on long-term year-round charter to Albatros Expeditions. Photo credit: Werner Kruse CONTENTS WINTER 2025 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 3 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 3 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 3 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
4 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Visit viking.com, call 1-800-2-Viking or see your Travel Advisor The Viking Polaris in Antarctica #1 for Oceans... When you are named #1 for Rivers... Onwards . Now it is time for us to work even harder. and #1 for Expeditions, two years in a row... Where do you go next? A Viking Longship in Budapest, Hungary The Viking Sky in the Westman Islands, Iceland CST# 2052644-40 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 4 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 4 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 5 Visit viking.com, call 1-800-2-Viking or see your Travel Advisor The Viking Polaris in Antarctica #1 for Oceans... When you are named #1 for Rivers... Onwards . Now it is time for us to work even harder. and #1 for Expeditions, two years in a row... Where do you go next? A Viking Longship in Budapest, Hungary The Viking Sky in the Westman Islands, Iceland CST# 2052644-40 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 5 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 5 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
8 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Cunard’s first new ship in 14 years, the 114,000-gross-ton Queen Anne, made its New York debut on Jan. 18, when it arrived from Southampton, England. For the first time in Cunard’s 185-year history, the line has two female leaders in command. Capt. Inger Klein Thorhauge (pictured right) is at the helm of Queen Anne, and Katie McAlister (pictured left), Cunard’s President. What’s special about Cunard’s relationship with New York is that the company has sailed into New York since 1847 — longer than any other cruise line. Fincantieri and Princess Cruises celebrated the float out of second Sphere-class vessel Star Princess in Monfalcone on Sept. 26. From left to right: Captain Gennaro Arma; Cristiano Bazzara, Fincantieri Shipyard Director; Chiara Del Vecchio, Sun Princess Madrina; John Padgett, Princess Cruises President; Remco Buis, Princess Cruises Senior Vice President, Marine Operations; Nick Nash, Princess Cruises Commodore. UPFRONT 8 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Meyer Werft delivered the 144,256-gross-ton Disney Treasure for Disney Cruise Line on Oct. 24. Treasure is the fourth vessel that Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, has constructed for the company, which currently has a fleet of six vessels. Signing the handover from left: Bernard Meyer, Thomas Mazloum, President of Disney Signature Experiences, and Bernd Eikens, CEO of Meyer Group. CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 8 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 8 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 9 Mitsui Ocean Cruises, the first Japanese cruise brand dedicated to both domestic and international source markets, celebrated the naming of its first vessel, 32,346-gross-ton Mitsui Ocean Fuji, in Tokyo on Dec. 7, 2024. Part of the Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, the aim of the new cruise brand is to diversify the group’s portfolio, which also includes sister brand Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line (MOPAS), operating with a single vessel in the domestic market. Godmother Senko Ikenobo poses with Mitsui Ocean Cruises President and CEO Tsunemichi Mukai and Capt. Kim Karlsson. UPFRONT On Jan. 23, Fincantieri and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Joint Owner/Operator of Four Seasons Yachts, celebrated at the Ancona shipyard the launching of 34,000-gross-ton Four Seasons I, the first ultra-luxury vessel under construction for Four Seasons Yachts, which will be delivered at the end of this year and will set sail in January 2026. From left: General Manager Merchant Ships Division, Luigi Matarazzo; Managing Director, Pierroberto Folgiero; and Chairman, Biagio Mazzotta. CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 9 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated the christening of its latest superyacht, Ilma, on Dec. 11, 2024, at Port Everglades. The top management of the company and the officers of the Ilma celebrated a selected group of female leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, both shipboard and shoreside, who collectively fulfilled the role of Ilma’s godmothers. CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 9 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 9 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
10 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Silversea announced development of the southernmost hotel on Earth at Puerto Williams, Chile, to enhance its Antarctica expedition experience. From left to right: Vincenzo Fantasia, VP, Corporate Development, Royal Caribbean Group; Diego Alvina, PDI; Vanessa Rubio, PDI; Carlos Martin, SEREMI Salud; Bert Hernandez, President, Silversea; Nicolas Pivcevic, Executive Director, DAP; Conrad Combrink, SVP, Expeditions, Destinations & Itinerary Management, Silversea; Andre Pousada, Regional VP, Government Relations, Royal Caribbean Group; Fernando Cardenas, SAG. Viking named its newest ocean ship, the Viking Vela, with a traditional ceremony in Trieste, Italy, on Dec. 5, 2024. The ceremony also served as a celebration of Viking’s longtime partnership with Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups and is based in Trieste. Serving as godmother of the Viking Vela was Ivana Elice, Vice President and Project Manager of the Fincantieri Cruise Business Unit, who has overseen the design and engineering of Viking’s ocean ships for 12 years. In keeping with the naming tradition, during the ceremony, Elice was presented with a historic Viking broad axe by Ann Ziff, the Chairman of the Metropolitan Opera and godmother of the Viking Saturn. The same axe was previously used in the naming of the Viking Saturn in June 2023. UPFRONT Viking named its newest river ships, the 82-guest Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek, with a special celebration in Luxor, Egypt, on Nov. 5, 2024. The Hon. Edward Herbert served as ceremonial godfather of the Viking Hathor; his great-great-grandfather, the Fifth Earl of Carnarvon, was Howard Carter’s benefactor and co-explorer, whose excavation uncovered the tomb of King Tutankhamen near Luxor almost exactly 102 years earlier on Nov. 4, 1922. Mohamed El Banna, founder of Cosmos Egypt and a member of the Egyptian Senate, served as the ceremonial godfather of the Viking Sobek. The Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek are identical sister ships to the Viking Aton and the Viking Osiris and are designed specifically to navigate the Nile River on Viking’s 12-night itinerary. Pictured are Torstein Hagen and Karine Hagen with Egyptian officials and members of the extended Viking family at the naming ceremony. CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 10 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 10 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 11 Windstar Cruises joins forces with Grand Prix rider Kelli Cruciotti Vanderveen (pictured with Windstar President Chris Prelog) and Serenity Farm Show Stables in Wellington, Florida, to introduce a horse named Windstar. Cruciotti Vanderveen is one of the youngest emerging star competitors in the sport, while Serenity is recognized as one of the top show-jumping and training facilities in the country. The unique collaboration aims to show the travel community what it takes to train a champion show-jumping horse while educating and delighting audiences. Windstar’s team hopes to see the horse compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. UPFRONT The new Star Seeker yacht, the first Star Class newbuild for small ship line Windstar Cruises, has floated out of the building dock, touching water for the first time at the WestSEA Shipyard in Viana do Castelo, Portugal. To commemorate the occasion, Windstar’s Star Seeker float-out ceremony included Mario Ferreira and Manuel Barros of Mystic Invest and Windstar’s Vice President of Expansion Projects John Gunner, who is directing the ship building project for Windstar. CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 11 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 11 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 11 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
12 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Ph oto cre dit : sb wph oto Skagway Anchorage Hubbard Glacier Glacier Bay Sitka Juneau Ketchikan Prince Rupert Vancouver Astoria Eureka Santa Barbara San Francisco Monterey Los Angeles San Diego Ensenada Victoria por tseattle.org With three shore power cruise berths, a natural deep water harbor, award-winning airport, and a vibrant tourism economy, Seattle is perfectly positioned as the largest cruise port on the West Coast. SEATTLE Seattle LEARN MORE C M Y CM MY CY CMY K ai172419454031_CS2024_FullPgAd_210x297_Print.pdf 1 8/20/24 3:55?PM 12 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Ponant Explorations, the world leader in luxury expedition cruises within the small-ship segment, celebrated the inaugural journey of Le Commandant Charcot through Canada’s St. Lawrence River during the boreal winter. From left to right: Captain Patrick Marchesseau, Caroline Proulx, Minister of Tourism, Mario Girard, CEO of Port of Québec, Hervé Gastinel, CEO of Ponant Explorations Group, Bruno Marchand, Mayor of Québec, The Honorable Jean-Yves Duclos, Member of Parliament for Québec, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Québec Lieutenant, René Trépanier, Executive Director of Cruise the St. Lawrence. UPFRONT The 63,900-gross-ton Explora II was delivered to become the second ship to join the luxury travel brand of the MSC Group’s €3.5 billion fleet of six vessels. The ship set sail on its maiden journey on Sept. 16 from Civitavecchia in Italy to Sicily, Malta and Spain. The traditional maritime event when a shipbuilder delivers the new vessel to its owner was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, the godmother of the ship Stefania Vago, as well as Fincantieri’s Chairman Biagio Mazzotta and the constructor’s CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, along with representatives of MSC’s construction team together with managers and workers from the shipyard. CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 12 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 12 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 13 Ph oto cre dit : sb wph oto Skagway Anchorage Hubbard Glacier Glacier Bay Sitka Juneau Ketchikan Prince Rupert Vancouver Astoria Eureka Santa Barbara San Francisco Monterey Los Angeles San Diego Ensenada Victoria por tseattle.org With three shore power cruise berths, a natural deep water harbor, award-winning airport, and a vibrant tourism economy, Seattle is perfectly positioned as the largest cruise port on the West Coast. SEATTLE Seattle LEARN MORE C M Y CM MY CY CMY K ai172419454031_CS2024_FullPgAd_210x297_Print.pdf 1 8/20/24 3:55?PM CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 13 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 13 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
14 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 The six-ship boutique line Windstar Cruises may not be the largest player in the market, but it is one that should be followed in the coming months. Last year it announced expansion of the fleet with two newly built 224-guest ships, which size-wise will be positioned between its two 148-guest vessels and four larger 300plus guest ships. The company’s Chief Commercial Officer has a unique vantage point on the future developments. Windstar Cruises’ year-round Mediterranean itinerary, which celebrates all the seasons, wasn’t actually meant to be. For Janet Bava, who joined Windstar as Chief Commercial Officer in 2023, the rather sudden cancellation of its long-planned voyages in the region of the Middle East, due to geopolitical affairs, gave her an idea: Instead of redeploying Star Legend in a more traditional winter season locale, like the Caribbean, why not try something different? And winter-in-the-Mediterranean, which has evolved into a year-round concept, was born. That’s Bava in a nutshell. Having collaborated on cruise-focused missions with her over at least a decade of her career that currently spans 20 years, I see her as much more than a whirling dervish of energy and an innovative spirit. She’s focused, creative, ingenious and candid. She’s got a tremendous foundation of experience in the cruise industry, learning and growing at cruise lines that range from big ship companies to those operating smaller ship lines in the sector’s river and luxury spaces. And yet, for those of us who’ve been privileged to work with her — or have met her onboard a Windstar cruise — what you’ll notice first, and what stays with you, is her huge heart. She’s a champion of diversity, of opportunity. She’s a visionary who considers people first. I love this quote from an interview in Success Magazine: “The organization’s vision is to innovate and grow and do things ‘180 degrees from ordinary,’” she tells writer Sarah Kuta, quoting Windstar’s tagline. “I feel as if I am beyond ordinary as a human being and I want to work for a company that values people who are different.” In our latest blog in Windstar’s Getting to Know You series, Bava reveals how her Cuban heritage has impacted her passion for travel, why her 15th birthday put her on her career path, and what her favorite moment is on any cruise. Carolyn Spencer Brown: What role has your Cuban heritage played in shaping your character and personality? Janet Bava: Everything! I was just 2 years old when my parents moved to Miami in search of a better life for their children, and I absorbed a heritage of a family that was very proud of its culture. Forty years ago, Miami was a central place where a lot of Cubans exiled, so we were surrounded by other families who all shared a lot of the same customs, including music, food and dancing the salsa and merengue — often celebrated simultaneously. In our family, there’s always a reason to celebrate something! Our culture has always been centered around the matriarch and patriarch, and in my family, my mother and father have always inspired me. From my father came my motivation to succeed. He instilled in my sister and me that we had the opportunity to achieve anything we desired, as long as we understood we have to work hard for it, as he did. My mom is my structure, my rock. Sweet, supportive and always there for me. I inherited her passion and style. Carolyn Spencer Brown: Your 15th birthday had a powerful impact on your life. How so? Janet Bava: In our culture we celebrate a girl’s 15th birthday with a quinceañera, a tradition in Latin American countries that honors the Getting to know Windstar Cruises’ Janet Bava, Chief Commercial Officer By Carolyn Spencer Brown INTERVIEW Janet Bava exploring the winter cruising in the Med Ph oto cre dit : Ca ro lyn Sp en ce r Br ow n CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 14 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 14 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 15 stage of life in which girlhood is moving toward adulthood. The typical festivities include a fabulous party with lots of music, dancing and eating. But I wanted to experience my quinceañera a little bit differently. We ended up booking a seven-night cruise, for family and friends, to the Caribbean. It was my first taste of international travel, and I remember visiting the Dominican Republic, and it felt so similar to the Cuban island to which we could not return. My “aha” moment on that trip, and on so many others that have followed, is remembering, as a young girl, there was a certain amount of freedom to explore beyond our usual boundaries. How awesome is it to have the freedom to travel beyond your own neighborhood? It was also the experience of exploring new places, meeting people and discovering cultures. And the realization that for all of our differences we share so many similarities. It transformed me and led me to the path my career — and travels — have followed. Carolyn Spencer Brown: If travel led you down your career path, it sounds like your trips also changed your life from a personal perspective. Janet Bava: Yes! While traveling to Italy during college, I met my husband, Luigi. We’ve now been married 20 years and have two teenage sons. And even though we were raised in two different parts of the world, we had so much in common and that is: However life makes you land, home is always where your family is. Staying connected no matter where you are, my husband and I are super aligned on that, for both sides of our families. I remember meeting Luigi’s family, the first time; he was raised in the south of Italy. And then he traveled to Miami and met mine. And we both had the same reaction: “I fell in love with you with your family.” How funny that two people who grew up in two different parts of the world had such similar values. Carolyn Spencer Brown: From a career perspective, what would you like your legacy to be? Janet Bava: My legacy is to inspire other people who, like me, didn’t have the access to Ivy League-level schools. The message being that you can work really hard and achieve your dreams. I want to make that possible for others. Expanding opportunity through diversity is also motivating. Through our efforts at Windstar we definitely are on a track to grow as a company that values inclusivity, to encourage women to tackle leadership jobs in the cruise industry, from onboard positions to those in corporate headquarters. And diversity goes beyond the female perspective; we are embracing people from so many different cultures, languages and backgrounds. As one example, Windstar Cruises recently was the first-time presenting sponsor of the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards 2024 event, hosted by Gloria Estefan, for the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards ® Week. Carolyn Spencer Brown: As you have evolved your travel style, what advice would you give to travelers who may be new to cruising? Janet Bava: I still have such a great passion for traveling, especially by ship. A cruise is like a tapas menu. You can pick and choose so many different experiences, so many tastes of different cultures. And at the end of the day, being out on the ocean — whether it’s a catamaran, my husband’s fishing boat or a cruise ship — is my comfort zone. On my to-travel list? I have been all over the Caribbean but haven’t yet experienced Central America, particularly Panama’s islands and Colombia, which is very up-and-coming. The good news? Windstar has a cruise for that. This article was first published on Windstar Cruises’ blog (blog. windstarcruises.com) CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 15 Ph oto cre dit : Ca ro lyn Sp en ce r Br ow n CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 15 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 15 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
16 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Sun Princess enters Caribbean season with relocated dining venues, new Sanctuary Class By Teijo Niemelä Sun Princess features up to 30 dining and beverage outlets. Many of them comes with new celebrity partnerships, including Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating love, in partnership with Romero Britto; The Butcher’s Block by Dario, in partnership with the world’s most famous butcher, Dario Cecchini; Makoto Ocean, in partnership with Master of Edomae-style sushi Makoto Okuwa; and Umai Teppanyaki. In September, Princess announced a major reshuffling of the dining locations, which took effect at the ship’s North American debut in October. The changes were aligned with the introduction of the new Sanctuary Class. New locations are as follows: The new Sanctuary Restaurant, exclusive for all Sanctuary Collection guests, can be found on Deck 8 aft (prior location of the Americana Diner). With a custom chef’s menu, dedicated waitstaff and ocean views, this exclusive space takes luxury to a new level. The Catch by Rudi moved to Deck 7, adjacent to the Piazza (former location of the Signature Restaurant). This venue offers a fresh take on seafood with Chef Rudi Sodamin’s contemporary interpretations of classic dishes, international fusion influences, highly creative presentations and an engaging dining experience. The Butcher’s Block by Dario relocated to Deck 7 forward (in the former location of Crown Grill). In partnership with the butcher Dario Cecchini, this specialty experience features a shared, family-style table serving up a carnivore’s paradise. Meanwhile, Crown Grill moved to Deck 7 aft (former location of the Reserve Collection Restaurant). This iconic specialty restaurant offers an intimate dining experience in a classically-elegant setting, with top-quality cuts of beef, chops and seafood. The Americana Diner was located on Deck 9 aft. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites all day long, this eatery is an excellent option for those looking to sit down for a casual meal at any time of day. Similarly, Horizons Dining Room on Decks 6 and 7 received new names, Soleil and Eclipse. “With the relocation and transformation of these popular specialty restaurants, we’re not only enhancing the ambiance but also optimizing the overall dining experience for our guests,” said Sami Kohen, Vice President of Food & Beverage for Princess Cruises. “These new locations allow us to expand capacity while also creating more intimate and immersive culinary environments, ensuring that every meal aboard Sun Princess is truly exceptional.” LAUNCH OF SANCTUARY COLLECTION The Sanctuary Collection, which debuted on Oct. 14 on the Sun Princess, is a Princess version of ship-with-in-a-ship concept. As the name suggests, guests reserving in the Sanctuary Collection enjoy exclusive access to the ship’s top deck retreat area, along with a host of additional and high-end amenities designed to enhance their voyage. These indulgences include exclusive private dining and relaxation areas, a luxurious stateroom experience, as well as the Princess Premier bundle to round out the all-inclusive allure of the Sanctuary experience. Aboard Sun Princess, the luxurious, spa-inspired, top-deck Sanctuary Club, is now reserved exclusively for Sanctuary Collection guests who access the private entry via their Princess Medallion. In the adults-only (16 and up) area, guests enjoy plush lounge furniture, private cabanas, pool and jacuzzi, attentive service, soothing music, refreshing beverages, and light fare. The Club also features exclusive programming, including sunrise yoga classes and sail-away receptions. The new Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess includes three levels of stateroom types — Signature Collection Suites (80), Mini Suites (123), and Premium Deluxe Balconies (12). SHIP UPDATE The 177,882-gross-ton and 4,300-guest Sun Princess is the first of two new Sphere-class ships for Princess Cruises. It is the first new class for the company since the introduction of 142,729-gross-ton and 3,560-guest Royal Princess in 2013. Since its delivery from Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard, the Sun Princess spent its inaugural season in the Mediterranean before arriving to its winter homeport, Port Everglades, Florida, in October 2024. This also marked changes for its onboard product with multiple relocations of dining venues and introduction of the new Sanctuary Class. Horizons Dining Room received new names: Soleil and Eclipse CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 16 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 16 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 17 Ph oto cre dit , all ph oto s: Te ijo Ni em elä Main galley Umai Teppanyaki Wärtsilä is currently involved in supplying the electrical systems needed to convert two Scandlines ferries to a plug-in hybrid solution CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 17 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 17 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
18 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 The first 177,882-gross-ton Sphere-class ship Sun Princess represents a new era for Princess Cruises. It is currently the second-largest class of ships in Carnival Corp. & plc fleets after the slightly larger Excel-class ships, which are deployed across four sister brands. Sun Princess arrived for the first time to the U.S. in October, when we had a chance to chat with Capt. Paolo Arrigo about his experiences with Princess’ evolutions, such as Azipod pod propulsion and new bridge layout. Capt. Paolo Arrigo joined Princess Cruises as a deck cadet in 1998 onboard the original Regal Princess after serving for a year in the Italian Coast Guard. After moving up through the ranks, serving as first officer, safety officer and staff captain, Arrigo was named captain at Princess Cruises in 2017. In addition to his role as captain, Arrigo has worked for Princess’ shoreside headquarters on a variety of high-profile projects, including managing elements of the development and launch of the MedallionClass Experience. As an interesting highlight in his career, Arrigo also served as a captain of the reality-based TV show, “The Real Love Boat,” which premiered on CBS in October 2022. It was based on the original television series “The Love Boat,” which had a huge impact on the popularity of cruise vacations. Arrigo was familiar with Princess Cruises from his childhood. “I am actually the third generation of my family working with Princess. My grandfather from my mother’s side was an Executive Chef, when Princess Cruises was founded 60 years ago. Meanwhile, my father worked with the company 52 years and he was a chef as well, but became a Food and Beverage Director. As there were too many cooks in our family, I decided to become a captain.” Arrigo works onboard three months and is then off another three months. When Arrigo is on vacation, Sun Princess is commanded by Capt. Craig Street. Teijo Niemelä: How were officers trained for the Sun Princess, which is the first Princess vessel fitted with Azipod podded propulsion and using liquified natural gas? Capt. Arrigo: We prepared a little over a year for both the LNG and pods, because Princess Cruises has never had pods before. However, pods were not new for the corporation. [Editor’s note: The first-ever cruise ship with Azipods was Carnival’s Elation in 1998.] We spent a lot of time in the Excel-class simulator in Almere, Netherlands, to practice various types of techniques. Eventually C-Smart was delivered to the model of Sun Princess, so we did that all again. It was a seamless transition from the simulator to the ship, as the simulator was fairly accurate. I love the Azipods — it would be difficult to go back. We have never had that much power as what Azipods have [2 x 20.5MW]. As an example, we have had some very strong winds on arrival and little by little we have started to appraise the pods, which give so much reliability during strong winds. On some of the corporation’s ships, the pods have been overpowering the bow, but on this ship, the power of bow thrusters is adequate to the power of the pods. We can hold up against 38, nearly 40-knot winds without assistance of any tugs, but on the Royal-class, we are limited to between 27 to 29 knots of wind. It is a huge improvement. Teijo Niemelä: Sun Princess can also transit the new Panama Canal, but Royal-class cannot. Why is this? Capt. Arrigo: This was designed specifically able to transit the new Panama Canal, while Royal-class has various overhangs, so it cannot. Teijo Niemelä: Sphere-class ships are designed for global deployment, but which Princess destinations have limits for this class? Capt. Arrigo: There are not many destinations that can fit Royal-class, but not Sphere-class, (which) is only 15 meters longer [345.28 m] and just a few meters wider, so there is not a dramatic change of dimensions, but for gross tonnage, for sure. However, there is one exception, Heraklion in Crete, (which cannot accommodate Sphere-class) because it was a bit of a stretch already for the Royal-class. Teijo Niemelä: Does the bridge design also represent a new generation? Capt. Arrigo: It is a prototype layout. It is completely different from what we have used during (previous) years. Once you get used to the locations of displays and info, it grows on you. It is fascinating what the designers achieved. They even brought the pilot forward so we have a layout of three seats in the front and two seats in the back, while on the Royal-class, we have two and two. We integrated the pilot more seamlessly to the bridge team, so we now have the pilot in the center between two navigators. Chat with Sun Princess Capt. Paolo Arrigo By Teijo Niemelä INTERVIEW Capt. Paolo Arrigo CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 18 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 18 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
20 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 BUSINESS UPDATE Viking, which launched a successful IPO last spring on the New York Stock Exchange, remains committed to its long-term expansion in river and ocean cruise segments. At the end of January, Viking announced the appointment of Leah Talactac as President, effective immediately, while Torstein Hagen will continue as Chairman and CEO. More ocean ships have been also named and included for future deployments. Leah Talactac will continue to serve as Viking’s Chief Financial Officer while assuming her new responsibilities as President. She will continue to report directly to Torstein Hagen, the CEO. Talactac joined Viking in 2006 and has since then been an important member of the executive team. She led Viking’s successful IPO in 2024, which was the largest of the year on the NYSE. As President, she will lead the Company’s executive com-mittee — a team of executives with complementary skill sets who have worked together for over 15 years driving Viking’s outstanding perfor-mance leading up to and following the IPO. “On behalf of the entire Viking family, I would like to congratulate Leah on her appointment as President,” said Hagen. “Since joining Viking in 2006, Leah has been instrumental in our success. With her long tenure and impressive financial acumen, she is well-positioned to help lead Vi-king in our next chapter.” It is worthwhile to note that Viking Holdings Ltd is now the third-most valuable cruise company on the NYSE with a market capitalization of over $22 billion. The Hagen family owns 53.3% (87% of voting) of the company, while CPP Investments holds 11.3%, TPG Capital 8.2% and all other investors 27.2%. GROWTH PLANS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS Viking remains focused on its well-defined long-term growth plans and committed to its strategy, continuing to be a global leader in experiential travel. As part of Viking’s commitment to continue to grow capacity, the company also announced that it has ordered eight river ships for deliv-ery in 2027 and 2028. This is in addition to the 16 river ships already committed to be delivered by 2026 and the nine additional ocean ships for delivery by 2030. With these orders, Viking will have 107 river ships in 2028 and 21 ocean and expedition ships in 2030. In the ocean market, Viking is already the largest operator in the luxury segment (including expedition ships) with 11,070 lower berths. Viking ocean and river ships sail to seven continents, over 85 countries and over 500 ports of call. Viking was the first major river cruise line to expand to the ocean cruise market 10 years ago with the 47,800-gross-ton, 930-guest Viking Star. In 2027, Viking will get a formidable competitor in the river cruise market, when Celebrity Cruises, part of Royal Caribbean Group, the second-largest cruise corporation in the world, introduces the first of 10 river vessels it has ordered to operate in European rivers. This marks the first time in decades that a large ocean cruise operator will enter the river cruise market. The new Celebrity ships will carry approximately 180 guests each, in comparison to Viking’s Longships with a capacity of 190. Currently Viking operates nine 930-guest ocean vessels, while the 10th, Viking Yi Dun (the former Viking Sun), sails under a Chinese flag and operates domestic Chinese cruises. Since the first larger and stretched vessel for Viking, the 55,300-gross-ton and 998-guest Viking Vela, was introduced in December, all newbuilds arriving from Fincantieri’s Anco-na shipyard will represent this larger version. The next new ships on or-der are named Viking Vesta, Viking Mira and Viking Luna. Viking appoints new President, names more ocean ships Viking appoints new President, names more ocean ships Leah Talactac CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 20 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 20 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 21 LATEST QUARTERLY RESULTS Viking reported the latest financial results Nov. 19 for the third quarter ending Sept. 30. Total revenue for the third quarter of 2024 was $1,678.7 million, an increase of 11.4%, or $171.9 million, compared to the same pe-riod in 2023. Gross margin for the third quarter of 2024 was $717.8 mil-lion, an increase of $109.3 million, or 18%, over the same period in 2023. and adjusted gross margin for the third quarter of 2024 was $1,098.9 mil-lion, an increase of $118.1 million, or 12%, over the same period in 2023. Net yield was $576 for the third quarter, up 11% year over year. Gross margin increased 18% and adjusted gross margin increased 12% com-pared to the same period in 2023, resulting in a net yield of $576. “We have already sold 70% of the capacity passenger-cruise-days for our Core Products for 2025, with both volume and rates exceeding those for the 2024 season at the same point in time. As we continue to deliver strong financial results, we remain equally committed to providing un-forgettable experiences for our guests,” said Talactac in announcing the quarterly results. Viking appoints new President, names more ocean ships CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 21 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 21 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
22 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Two Japanese shipping conglomerates, NYK Line and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, have been involved in the cruise industry for several decades, but they have kept their main focus on cargo shipping. Both have now signaled a renewed interest in the cruise segment, but they have chosen different paths. While NYK is constructing Asuka III, a newbuild for its NYK Cruises brand aimed at Japanese clientele, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines started a new brand to serve both domestic and international passengers with a second-hand acquisition. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Group announced two years ago that it would expand its shipping business and make a long-term investment for the cruise market. It created a new management plan, called ”Blue Action 2035” in March 2023, to diversify its portfolio to offset commercial shipping volatility. To this end, it planned to focus heavily on the cruise business, which is a stable and profitable industry that is not affected by the same market conditions, the group explained in its announcement. The company has operated for decades in the Japanese domestic market under the brand name Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line (MOPAS). Once a three-ship operation, the venture has shrunk to a single ship, the Nippon Maru. Fifteen years ago I had a chance to travel on the Nippon Maru, where everything from dining to entertainment and hospitality is 100% aimed at pleasing Japanese clientele — and as Nippon Maru is flagged in Japan, the ship is far more expensive to operate and therefore charges higher cruise fares similar to ultra-luxury lines. The new focus of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines was to start a new brand, which would effectively serve both domestic and international source markets. The Japanese cruise market itself has changed, as international cruise lines have entered Japan serving both local and international customers. The first one to aim for the local Japanese market was Princess Cruises, which introduced its 1995-built 77,741-grosston and 1,940-guest Sun Princess in 2013. Since then, Princess has expanded its presence with a larger vessel and longer sailing seasons, and sister company Costa Cruises has occasionally served the region as well. Among other international operators, MSC MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES TARGETS BOTH JAPANESE AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS COMPANY PROFILE 22 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 By Teijo Niemelä CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 22 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 22 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 23 Cruises has been a more permanent player sourcing passengers locally. Operating foreign-flag vessels from Japanese ports differs from vessels with domestic flags. Japanese operators traditionally have offered a mix of longer and shorter cruises, in some cases just overnight sailings trying to expand the market. Foreign-flag vessels are required to make at least one international port call during every cruise, which usually requires longer sailings especially from the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Now, with Russia no longer an option, the closest alternatives are Busan in Korea and Taiwan. We sat down recently at the Seatrade Cruise Asia conference in the Philippines with Anthony Kaufman, who has a long background with Princess Cruises and who is now head of commercial strategies at Mitsui Ocean Cruises. ? MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES TARGETS BOTH JAPANESE AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 23 Tsunemichi Mukai Anthony Kaufman Mitsui Ocean Fuji and fleet mate Nippon Maru met in Tokyo CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 23 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 23 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
24 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 FOCUS ON HIGHER-END, SMALLER SHIPS Originally Mitsui O.S.K. Lines mulled plans to order small newbuilds to replace the 1990-built 22,472-gross-ton and 368-guest Nippon Maru, but the company opted for the second-hand vessel first and also decided to keep Nippon Maru in service. Both MOPAS and the new Mitsui Ocean Cruises operate under MOL Cruises’ management, which is under the leadership of President Tsunemichi Mukai. The first ship for Mitsui Ocean Cruises was from Carnival Corporation & plc’s luxury arm, Seabourn’s fleet: the 2009-built 32,477-grosston and 458-guest Seabourn Odyssey. Kaufman said that the ship was not actively for sale, but it was selected for operational reasons as it is under 200 meters long. Unlike Nippon Maru, the newly named Mitsui Ocean Fuji continues under the Bahamian flag with an international crew. MOL Lines has an agreement with Monaco based V.Ships. for technical management. Kaufman says that the company expects to ramp up with Japanese seafarers, but it will take time. Mitsui Ocean Cruises took over Seabourn Odyssey at the Port of Yokohama in September. The ship then moved to Mitsubishi Shipyard in Yokohama for refurbishment, such as the addition of shower toilets in all suites, galley equipment updates and rebranding of venues. Crew training also took place to prepare for the inaugural season, which started in December. Mitsui Ocean Fuji has four dining venues, serving a variety of globally inspired cuisine and local dishes, featuring an exclusive cruise line partnership with award-winning Chef Kiyomi Mikuni, Japan’s proud master of Japanese-French fusion cuisine. It also has numerous bars, lounges and entertainment venues with music, theater, comedy, dance, games and enrichment, bringing “FUNATABI”— the Japanese word for cruise — to life. All suite accommodations feature balconies, full bathtubs, separate shower and shower toilets. ITINERARIES AND PASSENGER SOURCING Mitsui Ocean Fuji began its inaugural season sailing cruises from various Japanese ports, including Yokohama, Nagoya and Kobe, with seven nights and as few as four nights calling various Japanese ports and at least one South Korean port. The pinnacle of spring 2025 cruises is a 66-night Grand Asia Cruise. According to Kaufman, the plan is to have a mix of longer and shorter cruises and sail out from four to five homeports. Kaufman says that the main source market will be Japan with 70% coming from the country. It will also look at Asian countries, such as South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. “With 458 berths, Mitsui Ocean Fuji is a small vessel to fill, so just a small percentage will be marketed in North America, Australia and New Zealand.” He admits this is a long-term investment for the line and it will take some time to build up the base. Pool Kohan Observation Bar 36 Hokusai Fine Dining Restaurant Fuji CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 24 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 24 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 25 The 14th edition of the International Cruise Summit, held on Nov. 12-13 in Madrid, examined the latest trends in the cruise industry, including overnight port stays, the digitalization of boarding processes, and a true boom in new small cruise lines. ICS 2024 was inaugurated by Carolina Toledo Martínez de Galinsoga, Deputy Director General of Tourism Promotion for the Community of Madrid, and Álvaro Rodríguez Dapena, President of Puertos del Estado. The event featured the participation of prominent directors and executives from over 25 cruise lines, ports, tour operators, travel agents, shipping agents, consulting firms, and companies in the sector from around the world. After a record-breaking 2023, the cruise industry is on track to surpass its own milestone in 2024, with over 34.7 million passengers, an increase of 9.5% over 2023. European ports’ main goals are to reduce fossil fuel emissions, advance digitalization, and incorporate AI into administrative processes. In this regard, many ports are undertaking cruise dock electrification projects to supply ships with onshore power (also known as cold ironing), allowing them to shut off their engines while docked. Several new cruise lines were introduced at the conference, such as Alma Cruceros, Spain’s first boutique cruise line, which will operate a small 186-passenger ship featuring cuisine by Michelin Star chef Martín Berasategui; the new Saudi line Aroya Cruises; and Silenseas, a ship scheduled to begin operations in June 2026 under the Orient Express brand, which will sail using a mix of clean energy and rigid sails. The new EES/ETIAS border control system being implemented in the Schengen Area, which includes biometric data collection, presents a logistical and operational challenge for both cruise lines and ports. The head of the ETIAS division at Frontex provided several examples of its implementation during the ICS. The session on overnight port stays left a lasting impression on attending ports, as this trend — growing among luxury and premium cruise lines — brings substantial benefits to all parties involved. Passengers, on one hand, can enjoy the city longer, from a different perspective and likely without crowds. For the city, this translates into a significant increase in economic impact, with additional spending in local shops, restaurants, nightlife, etc. Finally, cruise lines benefit from lower fuel consumption, and thus fewer emissions, along with increased excursion sales, though port fees do increase. In terms of cruise marketing, various cruise lines shared their different approaches, from luxury lines with loyal clients due to onboard staff, to large cruise lines that captivate new cruisers with their ships, and those targeting luxury travelers who have yet to consider a cruise. All continue to rely on travel agents as the main sales channel, capable of offering the right cruise for each type of passenger. Once again, the International Cruise Summit successfully gathered in Madrid the most prominent directors and executives in the industry for an event that has become a must on their calendar. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT ? The sector defends itself against accusations of overcrowding destinations. In Santorini, for example, cruises account for only 5% of tourists visiting the island. ? With a magnificent 2023 in the books, cruise lines celebrate finally moving past using 2019 as a benchmark for growth. ? Up to 80% of cruise passengers and many crew members who spend the night in port leave the ship to enjoy the city on their own or take exclusive excursions, such as stargazing in the Canary Islands, traveling to Madrid by high-speed train from accessible ports, or enjoying nightlife in Spain’s Ibiza, Greece’s Mykonos, or Portugal’s Funchal, among other examples. ? The dates for ICS 2025 have already been announced: It will be held on Nov. 18-19 at the Meliá Castilla Hotel in Madrid. International Cruise Summit 2024: More overnight stays in port is a new trend among cruise lines International Cruise Summit is organized every November in Madrid, Spain CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 25 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 25 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
26 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Rauma Marine Construction delivers first car and passenger ferry to Tasmania S pirits were high at Finland’s Rauma Marine Construction (RMC) in September. The first of the world’s two southernmost regularly operating LNG-powered car and passenger ferries was delivered to the client. The ship is intended to serve both trade and passenger transport along the vital open sea route between Australia and Tasmania. Its sister ship, Spirit of Tasmania V, is due to be completed in the spring of 2025. The two Spirit of Tasmania ships will significantly increase the passenger, vehicle and freight capacity, while also enabling Spirit of Tasmania, as a company, to better meet its customer needs and environmental aspects. The shipping transaction between RMC and TT-Line Company marks the largest single export contract between Australia and Finland. The contract was signed in 2021. Innovative and custom technology solutions The cooperation between RMC and TT-Line Company, which is owned by the state of Tasmania and operates under the name Spirit of Tasmania, enabled the companies to build tailored ships capable of handling the marine conditions, waves and environmental conditions along the extremely demanding but essential route across the Bass Strait between Devonport in Tasmania and Geelong in Victoria. The new 48,000-gross-ton Spirit of TasmaThe demanding routes and fierce conditions of the Bass Strait served as the key reference framework for the design and building of the Spirit of Tasmania ships, a commission for which RMC has provided its best expertise, shipbuilding experience and skills. These car and passenger ferries, which are vital to Tasmania’s foreign trade, tourism and human mobility, incorporate several pioneering and unique innovations, all supported by Rauma’s specialized shipbuilding competence. Close cooperation with its Tasmanian customer has ensured the success of this project. FERRY INDUSTRY Sea. That’s why. www.rmcfinland.fi CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 26 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 26 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
28 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 nia ships are longer (212 m), wider (31 m) and taller than their predecessors. The new ships will increase the annual passenger capacity (1,800) on the Bass Strait route by almost 30%, the lane meters for passenger cars and freight (3,700 lane meters) by 60%, and the cabin capacity by approximately 35%, while the environmental impact of shipping will be significantly reduced. The new ships will bring a significant boost to Tasmania’s economy. Bernard Dwyer, Managing Director and CEO of Spirit of Tasmania, described the ships as the start of a new era in passenger and freight traffic across the Bass Strait. “Spirit of Tasmania IV is the first of its kind in many aspects and is equipped with several customized solutions designed in accordance to the client’s wishes. Among other things, the ship is the first car and passenger ferry of this size with dual-fuel engines that mechanically rotate the ship’s two propellers. It is important that TT-Line has been closely involved in the design of the ship from the very beginning, since it has enabled us to consider the technology solutions they require and the vessel’s demanding operating conditions,” said Mika Nieminen, CEO and President of RMC. Johanna Kaijo, Project Manager for RMC’s Spirit of Tasmania newbuilds, explained that the project has required many innovative solutions, for example, meeting the natural conservation values required by the Tasmanian authorities, taking into account Tasmania’s environmental standards and optimizing seagoing properties of the hull design and strength-dimensioning. “This is a particularly demanding route through potentially stormy seas, requiring special solutions in the planning and building of ships for specific Bass Strait conditions. For example, especially large stabilizers ensure the best possible travel comfort in heavy swells. In addition, special attention was given to keeping vibration and noise levels low as part of the ship’s design. A significant amount of interior furnishings and materials were sourced from Tasmania in order for the ship to better reflect its home country,” said Kaijo. Spirit of Tasmania IV is the first ship in the world to have the circuit breakers and switches of the ship’s electrical power distribution realized using an integrated bus solution. This helps conserve fuel and facilitates the tracking of energy savings. The system was implemented by the Kankaanpää-based company Promeco using ABB’s Ekip Link solution. This project also marked the first time RMC used silicone paint on the hull of the ship, a point of pride for Kaijo. The work required unique know-how and precise timing. The priming had to be carried out so that the first layer could dry in fair weather, with the next layer applied within a certain time frame, and that required a period of solidly dry weather. To make that happen, weather forecasting sites were extensively studied. “Silicone painting significantly decreases the use of fuel during operation, thus reducing the operating costs of the ship. Furthermore, silicone paint keeps the bottom of the ship clean of impurities and reduces the need to wash the base. The decrease in fuel consumption has a positive impact on the Spirit of Tasmania’s efforts to realize its environmental values. The challenge with silicone painting is that it is sensitive to mechanical contact. For this reason, the ships can only operate in ice-free conditions,” Kaijo said. Strong shipbuilding expertise in Rauma Throughout the construction of the new Spirit of Tasmania IV, the shipyard and its subcontractors worked hard during the heart of Finland’s winter when temperatures dropped CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 28 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 28 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 29 below minus 20 C and in the middle of the summer when temperatures reached equal levels on the plus side. At its peak, more than 1,500 people were working on building the ships at the same time. The employment impact of Spirit of Tasmania ships is more than 3,500 person-years. A significant part of the project is being carried out through cooperation with a network of partners. The COVID-19 pandemic and the global unrest resulting from the war in Ukraine had an impact on the availability of raw materials and labor as well as increasing costs, which made the building process particularly challenging. Despite that, approximately 30 shipyard subcontractors and over 300 suppliers operating at the shipyard during the construction phase managed to carry the project forward decisively together with RMC’s personnel. According to Mikko Jaskari, Acquisition Manager, the delivery of the first ship was only possible because of the project’s competent and adaptable network. Throughout the project, RMC invested in a completely new way to develop its project expertise and increase its capabilities. The sister ship, Spirit of Tasmania V, will be completed on a faster schedule than the first. The construction of Spirit of Tasmania V began in December 2022 and the ship was floated out in July 2024. RMC’s investments in competence, infrastructure and technology are visible in the Tasmanian ships. RMC has taken a strong process management model into use and has focused on further developing its competence through recruitment, training and on-the-job learning. Interior design solutions reflect both Tasmania and western Finland When the hull work was completed, interior work on the ship began, including plumbing and electrical work, as well as the furnishing of the cabin areas and restaurants. Special skills were required for the outfitting of the ship’s engine rooms and car decks, as well as the commissioning of different systems. The majority of RMC’s supplier network is located within a 150 km radius of the shipyard, but the construction called for a broader use of unique Finnish expertise and introduced special features and materials from Tasmania. Kaijo is very pleased with the interior design solutions. One of the important functions of the Spirit of Tasmania ships is to promote tourism in Tasmania. Richard Andree Nilsson, an architect at the Swedish architectural firm Figura, worked hard to expertly integrate characteristics of Tasmania’s various regions in the ship’s interior solutions. Elements used in the interior design, such as wood salvaged from Lake Pieman, were sourced directly from Tasmania, while Finnish expertise can be seen, for example, in the galleys, which were designed and implemented by LMG Finland Oy in Eura, Finland. “Now that the first Spirit of Tasmania ship has been delivered to the client, it’s great to see that everything works on the ship precisely as planned. The smooth and continuous collaboration with the client was essential for this successful outcome. It has been very solution-oriented and was boosted by the fact that Tasmanians have a very positive attitude towards life,” said Kaijo. First completely new and specifically tailored ships In the winter of 2022, John Anastassiou, Technical Project Manager of TT-Line, left the warmth of Tasmania and arrived in Rauma to ensure that the ship projects were progressing as intended from TT-Line’s perspective. Anastassiou describes his posting in Rauma as a wonderful experience. He states that the most important aspect of overseeing the construction of new ships has been integrating those issues that TT-Line has learned in the past about the needs of its different customers: how to create an even better travel experience in terms of the cabins, restaurants and other services. “This is the first time TT-Line has acquired completely new ships. Our overall goal, to put it simply, was to acquire bigger and better ships that are fully tailored to our needs and the conditions of the Bass Strait,” said Anastassiou. This simple goal, however, involved an enormous number of details that were further honed during the construction project. This investment is huge for TT-Line. The service life of the ships will be more than 25 years, so the investment will be worth it. Anastassiou says that the best technology and expertise has been used to craft these ships and all specifications have been entirely guided by the needs of TT-Line. “The collaboration with RMC has been excellent. We have a written contract for the overall construction of the ships, of course, but we have worked together throughout the entire construction project in order to guarantee that all the details of the ships will fully meet our needs,” added Anastassiou. As an example, he mentioned the Finnish-made dual-fuel engines, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% in comparison to existing ships. Lower emissions are realized through lower fuel consumption, which also means lower fuel costs. “I can confidently say that this is a high-quality vessel. We are very pleased that the ships have been built in Finland, and Rauma in particular, where expertise and subcontracting networks are of the highest quality. It has been a significant asset for us,” said Anastassiou. Most significant export deal The trade deal of two Spirit of Tasmania vessels by TT-Line Company and Rauma Marine Construction is also one of the largest export deals ever to have taken place between Finland and Australia. The contract was signed in 2021 and the latter of the two ships is set to be delivered to the TT-Line Company in spring 2025. Known for his more than four decades in the shipbuilding industry, Håkan Enlund, EVP of Sales and Marketing at RMC, is responsible for the trade deal. There were special issues involved in establishing this deal that required good connections and perseverance. Among them, Enlund highlights the fact that the Spirit of Tasmania ships will be exposed to extremely demanding weather and sea conditions. “The vessels have been designed to meet the needs of the Bass Strait and the business conditions of the client. RMC specializes in large and fast car and passenger ferries. This is where RMC holds a leading position on a global scale,” confirmed Enlund. First negotiations with the Tasmanians were initiated already in 2008, but it was not until late 2019 that the parties sat down once again at the negotiating table. The contract was finally signed in 2021, but with a special twist. “The contracts for the construction of Spirit of Tasmania IV and V are the only contracts I have signed remotely in my 44-year career,” stated Enlund. In addition to the pandemic, certain geopolitical issues challenged the construction of the Tasmanian ships. “We can’t influence geopolitics. We can, however, remain focused on our belief in the future. Once both ships are in traffic, we will see the benefits of our efforts for Tasmania and TT-Line. That’s when we will be truly satisfied,” Enlund said. Strong continuity for the shipyard in Rauma In connection with the construction of the Tasmanian vessels and under the leadership of Mika Nieminen, who took his position as CEO and President of RMC in spring 2023, the shipyard has adopted a new industrial approach. The shipyard’s order book extends until 2028, but according to Nieminen, after the delivery of both Tasmanian vessels, it will be possible for the shipyard to start building new vessels alongside the multipurpose corvettes under construction. “In the future, we would like to take advantage of our special expertise in winter navigation to build icebreakers and other ice-strengthened vessels for both the public and private sectors. We are interested in cooperation with other countries who operate in icy conditions. It would be natural to increase cooperation with other Nordic countries, especially Sweden,” he said. Nieminen considers Rauma, as a strategic port location, to be uniquely positioned for shipbuilding projects such as icebreakers or, for example, collaboration with NATO partners. Rauma’s renewed shipyard has invested in a secure environment where the entire construction project can be carried out in a single shipyard area. Investments have been made in steel production, a hall has been built for indoor shipbuilding and a new heavy transfer ramp and quay are also under construction for launching purposes. RMC has invested in the construction of hybrid ships and conversion of ships to become hybrid-powered; one example of which is the Rauma-built Aurora Botnia. RMC is currently working on the FUSE project to explore the concept of a fully electric ship. RMC estimates that stricter emissions requirements will accelerate the demand for cleaner ships. “We offer a very concrete value proposition: we provide a strong demonstration of Finnish expertise that is tailored to our clients’ needs and meets all current requirements,” Nieminen said. CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 29 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 29 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
30 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Silver Sponsor Sponsor Official Airline Gold Sponsor Diamond Sponsor www.PosidoniaSeaTourism.com 6-7 May 2025 Heraklion,Crete,Greece Bronze Sponsors With the support of Cruise Business 210x297 22-01-25 18:19 ™ÂÏ›‰· 1 Ph oto cre dit : HK TB H ong Kong is one of the most iconic ports in the world. Whether cruise ships sail into Ocean Terminal in the heart of Kowloon or into Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, which is designed for larger mega ships, guests can enjoy a dramatic skyline, bright neon lights and mountain peaks beyond. In recent years, the Harborfront of West Kowloon has undergone a massive transformation. A new West Kowloon Cultural District has been constructed on reclaimed land with landmarks such as Hong Kong Palace Museum, which is home to a valuable collection of over 900 artifacts from the Palace Museum of Beijing. The district also includes M+, Asia’s first truly global museum of contemporary visual culture, delivering a distinctive and innovative voice for Asia’s place in the modern world, anchored in Hong Kong’s historical balance of local and international influences. Both new attractions are surrounded by an inviting waterfront with parks, lush gardens, coffee shops and restaurants. During my recent visit on a busy Saturday, it was popular with numerous wedding groups. The area is still getting finishing touches, but it was an easy walk from Ocean Terminal, one of the world’s most convenient cruise terminal locations. It opens up directly to the busy shopping malls and shopping streets of Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district. And it’s also next door to the Star Ferry Terminal, where tourists can take a short ferry ride, lasting just a few minutes, to Hong Kong Island. Ocean Terminal is usually occupied by smaller cruise ships due to its size limitations. Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, which was constructed at the former Kai Tak airport area, can serve larger mega ships. Kai Tak Cruise Terminal is now one of the world’s foremost cruise facilities. The three-story building features light-filled passenger and service areas, jaw-dropping views of Victoria Harbour, an impressive slew of amenities and efficient movement between spaces. The terminal also has both bus and ferry links to the city so passengers can get out and discover Hong Kong during their time in port. HKTB cooperates closely with cruise lines At the end of October, Hong Kong welcomed 8,000 cruise passengers in two days as three international cruise ships visited the city. The Tourism Commission and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) have been working on different fronts to attract international cruise lines to make port calls in Hong Kong or make Hong Kong their vessels’ home port with a view to diversifying visitor sources and the city’s tourism offerings. Among the ships was Silversea’s new 728-guest Silver Nova. Dane Cheng, HKTB Executive Director, said, “Silversea Cruises is a globally renowned ultra-luxurious cruise brand. We are delighted that it has chosen Hong Kong as one of the destinations for Silver Nova, and is staging an exclusive activity for cruise passengers at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, HKTB’s annual signature gastronomic event. This not only marks the biggest collaboration between the HKTB and the cruise sector, but also allows visitors to experience the city’s unique wine-and-dine ambience, contributing to the development of Hong Kong’s cruise tourism.” Hong Kong International Airport commissions three-runway system Hong Kong International Airport is one of the busiest hubs in Asia with 53.1 million passengers in 2024. In November, the airport hit an important milestone, when all its runways started to operate simultaneously. HKIA’s target is to serve 120 million passengers annually. What’s new in Hong Kong DESTINATIONS Silver Nova arriving Hong Kong. HKTB cooperates closely with cruise lines By Teijo Niemelä Hong Kong Palace Museum is one of the newest attractions Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases over 900 artifacts Photo credit: Teijo Niemelä Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases over 900 artifacts Hong Kong Palace Museum is one of the newest attractions Ph oto cre dit : Te ijo Ni em elä CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 30 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 30 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 31 Silver Sponsor Sponsor Official Airline Gold Sponsor Diamond Sponsor www.PosidoniaSeaTourism.com 6-7 May 2025 Heraklion,Crete,Greece Bronze Sponsors With the support of Cruise Business 210x297 22-01-25 18:19 ™ÂÏ›‰· 1 Ph oto cre dit : HK TB CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 31 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 31 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21
32 CRUISEBUSINESS.COM MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 Celebrating Milestones 30 35 40 27 27 14 Be part of the biggest annual gathering yet for the cruise community Join the celebration by registering at: www.seatradecruiseevents.com/global CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 32 CB-TAITTO WINTER 2025.indd 32 20.2.2025 16.21 20.2.2025 16.21