A right royal rendezvous in New York harbour

CUNARD'S flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 had a rare meeting in New York Harbor and paid tribute to British Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth during the carrier's first visit to the U.S. The rendezvous between these renowned vessels celebrates the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and their committed alliance.

Luxury cruise line Cunard is a company known for its rich history and significant role in both World Wars. Having deep roots in both England and the U.S., it's an honor for the brand to welcome the Royal Navy carrier to its U.S. homeport of Brooklyn, #NewYork.

Awarded '#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure's 2018, 2017 and 2016 World's Best Awards and 'Best World Cruise Itineraries' and 'Best Trans-Atlantic Itineraries' by Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2016 Readers Choice Awards.

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Quantum of the Seas to home-port in Singapore

ROYAL Caribbean International today announced that Asia’s largest and most revolutionary ship, Quantum of the Seas, will be back in #Singapore for a six-month home-porting season in 2019 to 2020 – the cruise line’s longest ever Singapore deployment for a Quantum Class ship. 

The announcement with this ship which redefined cruising in Asia in terms of size and innovative amenities, reaffirms Royal Caribbean’s confidence in Singapore as the region’s leading cruising gateway, and its commitment to grow its cruise offerings in Singapore and the region. 

Over her 34 sailings during the six months from November 2019 to April 2020, Quantum of the Seas is expected to add some 150,000 guests to the Singapore cruising scene. With this 18-deck high, 168,666 gross registered ton ship which can carry 4,905 guests in total, Royal Caribbean will increase its capacity in Singapore by 30 percent.

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Hawaii cruising guide

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line (NCL) has recently released its 2018/21 #Hawaii #Cruising Guide, featuring their award winning seven-day roundtrip cruise from Honolulu – Voted Best Hawaii Itinerary 13 years in a row by Porthole Cruise Magazine. 

The brochure includes departure dates every Saturday year-round from February 2018 – April 2021. NCL’s Hawaii Cruising Guide is a must-read for anyone wanting to visit the Aloha State – from the white sands of Diamond Head Beach in Honolulu and the nature trails in ‘Heavenly Hana’, through to the ancient sites of the city of Kona – the best parts of Hawaii are all on offer. 

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The Legendary Cunard experience returns to Alaska

IN 2019, Cunard will sail to #Alaska, bringing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest to guests once again. A series of voyages beginning in May 2019 will combine the magnificence of Alaska with the luxury of Cunard as Queen Elizabeth sails from Japan to Alaska and then remains in the region through June. The ship will then transport passengers down the West Coast of the United States, through the Panama Canal to New York, on to Iceland and the British Isles.

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Australia’s cruise industry soars

A record number of ships making a record number of visits to ports around #Australia has seen the value of the #cruise industry surge past $5 billion for the first time, but sluggish growth for New South Wales spells crunch time for the nation’s gateway port, Sydney. 

A new report has revealed that the Australian cruise industry’s national economic output surged by 15.4 per cent in 2016-17 to reach $5.3 billion, up from $4.6 billion in 2015-16.

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Holland America Lines Million Dollar art collection

HOLLAND America Line newest vessel, ms Koningsdam, which launched in April 2016 has a collection of art on board worth USD $4.1 million. The result is a floating art gallery with 1,920 pieces ranging in value from USD $500 to USD $600,000 that spans the decks, public rooms and staterooms. 

More than 21 nationalities are represented by Koningsdam’s artists, with the greatest number of contributors coming from the Netherlands, the United States and the United Kingdom. Artists also hail from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Philippines, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, Spain and Switzerland. Koningsdam features artworks in many media, including photography, painting, mixed media, illustration, prints and sculpture.

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Picture Credit: Pintrest Holland America Line

Cruise Industry surpasses 2016 ocean cruise passenger projections

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the cruise industry has surpassed 2016 ocean #cruise passenger projections, reaching 24.7 million cruise passengers globally up from a projection of 24.2 million. 

For 2017, based on current new vessel launch schedule and expected regional deployment, CLIA is projecting another positive year of growth for the industry with a passenger forecast of 25.8 million. 

“One of the many reasons that the cruise industry continues to thrive is because of the personalization it is able to offer to its guests from around the world,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “Never before have I been a part of or seen an industry that is so good at listening and reacting to what its customers want, and this is why we are going to see our industry continue to grow.” 

Top Cruise Destinations in 2016:

1. Caribbean (35 percent) 

2. Mediterranean (18.3 percent) 

3. Europe w/o Med (11.1 percent) 

4. Asia (9.2 percent) 

5. Australia/New Zealand/Pacific (6.1 percent) 

6. Alaska (4.2 percent) 

7. South America (2.5 percent)

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Norwegian Cruise Line's first purpose-built ship for the Chinese market

NORWEGIAN Joy, soon to be Norwegian Cruise Line's first cruise ship custom designed for China has been floated out in Papenburg, Germany.  The 3,850 passenger vessel has very distinctive hull artwork designed by Chinese artist Tan Ping.

Arriving in Summer 2017 with home ports in Shanghai and Beijing (Tianjin), Norwegian Joy will be Norwegian Cruise Line's first purpose-built ship for the Chinese market and designed to deliver on the promise that guests will enjoy 'First Class at Sea’ experiences.

Norwegian Joy will offer engaging and innovative activities including a first at sea two-level competitive racetrack, an open-air laser tag course, thrilling simulator rides and interactive video walls at the Galaxy Pavilion as well as hover craft bumper cars, a state-of-the-art racing simulator and two multi-story waterslides. In addition, Norwegian Joy will house a tranquil open space park as well as the line's largest upscale shopping district, complete with everything from exceptional duty-free shops to world-renowned global luxury brands.

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Cruise News . . .

THE world’s largest cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, has committed to a multi-year agreement with the island nation of The Bahamas that will help grow tourism to the destination, rapidly increase the cruise line’s employment of Bahamian nationals and invest in hospitality training to develop talent in the country.

“Royal Caribbean has been a long-standing partner of the islands of The Bahamas and their plans to significantly increase tourism to our country as well as to develop the talent of our youth and expand employment opportunities for Bahamians is commendable,” said Prime Minister Christie.

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Cruise resolutions for the New Year

A #CRUISE holiday gives holidaymakers the chance to visit far-flung places and ‘off-the-beaten-track’ destinations, and is the ideal choice for a stress-free getaway, where food, accommodation and entertainment are all included.

Fred. Olsen highlights five exciting and unusual destinations to spark guests’ imaginations in 2017/18:

1. Nordfjord, Norway

The tranquil and enchanting Nordfjord offers breath-taking scenery in every direction, including the chance to pass the magnificent Hornelen, Europe’s highest sea cliff.

2. Prins Christiansund, Greenland

Dramatic icebergs and glistening glaciers; crossing the glass-like waters of Prins Christiansund is not to be missed!

3. Akureyri, Iceland

Magnificent scenery, Iceland is a ‘must’. Fred. Olsen offers an impressive whale-watching adventure from Akureyri – named on Lonely Planet’s ‘Best Places in Europe’ 2015 list – which is ideal for nature-lovers wanting to marvel at these fantastic creatures in their natural environment.

4. St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is a ‘must-see’ destination in Eastern Europe. It is easy to fall in love with the beauty and elegance of the city, and visiting Peterhof Palace, the world-famous Fabergé Museum, and the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, will be top of your ‘to do’ list.



5. St. John’s, Antigua

Antigua is simply stunning, and for those looking for a relaxing holiday, with beautiful sandy beaches, a Caribbean cruise is definitely something to tick off the list. St. John’s has as many as 365 pretty beaches – one for each day of the year, so the locals say!

www.fredolsencruises.com

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Arctic exploration

FRED Olsen #Cruise Lines is offering guests the chance to discover and explore the #fjords of the #Arctic as seen on the current popular BBC Two programme ‘Arctic Live’ – on an epic 27-night journey to Norway, Spitsbergen, Iceland, Greenland, and even the secluded Faroe Islands. Setting sail on board 804-guest ship Black Watch, from Dover on 14th July 2017, this voyage will call into 12 destinations and sail over 30 areas of scenic cruising.

Highlights of the holiday include; crossing the Arctic Circle; shore tours to the iconic North Cape; the chance to see a Polar Bear in Svalbard; witnessing the magical Midnight Sun; uncovering a deserted soviet settlement in Pyramiden; and experiencing majestic scenery.

www.fredolsencruises.com

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Fishguard opens for business as cruise port

A PEMBROKESHIRE port has welcomed the first of 5,000 international visitors this summer. Nineteen cruise ships are due to dock in Fishguard between May and September.

Fishguard received just seven calls in 2015. This year’s increase is down to the positive feedback received from visitors and support from Visit Wales. The cruise ship industry is expected to bring in £2.5 million to the Welsh economy this year.

A cruise committee has been formed in Fishguard to ensure visitors get a warm welcome and experience its attractions.

A committee spokesman said they were ‘delighted that North Pembrokeshire has been chosen as a major visitor destination for cruise companies’, with only Holyhead on Anglesey receiving more visits in Wales this year.

The group is hoping the 19 calls in 2016 can be added to year-on year to make Fishguard one of the most ‘important cruise destinations in the UK’.

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Go-karting on the ocean waves

CHINESE cruise passengers will be offered a world-first next year, when Norwegian Cruise Lines unveils its onboard go-karting track.

Go-kart company RiMO Supply revealed on Friday that it has been tasked with arguably its most unusual project to-date: creating a full go-karting track on the decks of the new 3,900-passenger Norwegian Joy #cruise ship, which is currently being built in Germany.

The 251-yard long racetrack will be located on decks 18 and 19 and will come equipped with 20 electrically-powered karts, a viewing platform, a covered pit lane, workshop, storage room, timing system, and floodlights.

RiMO Supply says the karts will have to be designed to work ‘under the unique conditions of intensified UV and saltwater exposure’.

Norwegian Joy will debut in 2017, operating from the Chinese ports of Shanghai and Tianjin. The ship will also have an indoor amusement arcade area featuring dodgem cars.

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Royal Caribbean welcomes world’s largest cruise ship

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL has taken delivery of the world’s largest #cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas. The 227,000-gross tonne vessel becomes the latest addition to the company’s Oasis Class fleet. 

Built in France at a cost of US$1 billion, the ship has:

• 2,747 staterooms for a maximum of 6,410 passengers 

• 2,100 crew 

• 18 decks 

• 24 passenger elevators 

• 23 swimming pools 

• A water-park with a 100ft water slide, an aquarium, floating Jacuzzis, 20 dining venues, casino, and a mini-golf court 

After previews in Southampton, England, #HarmonyoftheSeas will initially homeport in Barcelona, offering seven-night sailings in the Mediterranean. In November, it will cross the Atlantic to Florida, from where it will run a season of seven-night Caribbean sailings.

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Around the world … in 141 days

VIKING OCEAN CRUISE’S fourth ship, Viking Sun, will spend her maiden season sailing the line’s first-ever #worldcruise.

The 141-day cruise will cover five continents, 35 countries, and 66 ports, with 12 port overnights. Starting from Miami on December 15, the cruise will finish in London. On the way, highlights include two days in Havana, passing through the Panama Canal, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Tahiti, Auckland, Sydney, Shanghai, and Malta.

Passengers can take the full 141-day cruise from Miami or join the cruise 21 days later in Los Angeles. It finishes in London.

Prices start at £30,798 per person and include business class air travel, transfers to and from the ship, all gratuities and service fees, Viking's Silver Spirits beverage package covering virtually all drinks onboard and all medical services.

Viking's ocean ships have 465 cabins for up to 930 passengers.

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All aboard for that £1 million get-away!

GOT £1 million to spare for a holiday for two? Cruise118.com has announced details of what would be the holiday not of one lifetime, but several.

Scheduled for November 2017, the retailer has crafted a package that includes overnight stays in Auckland, Sydney, Bali, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

The holiday includes:

• Seven private jet flights 
• Three Celebrity Cruises in a Royal or Penthouse suite (which includes a 24/7 personal butler service, unlimited dining in all speciality restaurants, a separate living area with grand piano and a private veranda with whirlpool)
• Chauffeur-driven transfers 
• An elephant safari in Bali 
• A helicopter ride over Sydney 
• A swim with dolphins in Dubai 

Holidaymakers will start their journey in London, where they will board their first private flight to Auckland, New Zealand. They will be back in England – by private jet from Hong Kong – 63 days later, having visited 11 countries.

Cruise118.com managing director James Cole said the #cruise was perfect for couples who want to see the world in a way that nobody else has done before. ‘We believe our £1 million cruise package is unlike anything else, offering unprecedented levels of luxury. We’ve created an unforgettable, personalized holiday experience that gives couples a unique opportunity to see the world in the most glamorous way possible.’

www.cruise118.com

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Giant of the seas gets ready to sail

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL'S latest mega-ship, Harmony of the Seas, has embarked on its sea trials. 

The largest of the line’s fleet, it will have:

• 2,747 staterooms for a maximum capacity of 6,410 passengers
• 2,100 crew members 
• 18 decks 
• 24 passenger elevators 
• Seven entertainment "neighbourhoods" 

Built in France, its maiden voyage is scheduled for May 29.

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MSC Cruises reveals plan for Caribbean island

MSC CRUISES is to develop its own private island in the #Bahamas. 

The company will invest $200 million in the 95-acre island – to be called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve – which will have a 1.5-mile beach, a purpose-built berth and pier, a 2,000-seat amphitheatre, and restaurants and bars. It will also be fitted out with watersports, a zip wire across the island and a pavilion for weddings.

MSC Yacht Club guests will have access to an exclusive area of the island which will be a spa and ‘wellness’ sanctuary with private bungalows and massage huts.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the line, said: ‘This is a natural progression for our company, which is growing very rapidly, and we are thrilled about providing this totally new experience for our guests in the Caribbean. Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and its exclusive offerings will be a magnificent extension of our shipboard experiences.’

#MSCCruises plans to break ground on the development in March 2016, and it will open to guests in November 2017 with 240 staff recruited from the Bahamas.

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Costa Cruises appoint robot staff

THE WORLD’S first humanoid robot will join #CostaCruises staff from spring 2016, working on board the Costa Diadema and sister ship AIDAprima. 

Costa Cruises has signed an agreement with the French company Aldebaran, a subsidiary of the SoftBank Group, for the world’s first deployment of ‘Pepper’ #robots on board #cruiseships.

The robots are capable – it says here – of reading human emotions and are built to interact with people by communicating through intuitive interfaces including voice and touch. The machines speak fluent German, Italian, and English, and will be able to provide recommendations on restaurants, events, and excursions. The company says they will improve the ‘customer experience’.

Pepper robots takes the environment and surroundings into account and its joints and wheels enable it to move fluidly. Its 3D camera allows it to detect people and their movements, and it’s able to analyze expressions and voice tones.

www.costacruises.co.uk

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Azamara to offer first world sailing

AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES will offer its first round-the-world sailing in 2018. The sailing on Azamara Journey will be for longer than 100 days, sailing from Sydney to Tower Bridge on the Thames in London. 

Richard Twynam, the cruise line’s UK managing director, says: ‘The world journey is the most creative destination itinerary we have ever had; I think this is going to sell out very, very quickly.’

Details about the #round-the-worldcruise will be will be available before the cruise goes on sale in mid-November.

Other 2018 itineraries will coincide with sporting events and festivals around the world. Two sailings will include tickets to the FIFA World Cup, while others will incorporate the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix. 

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Picture Credit: Azmara Club Cruises