Cruise magnet Puerto Vallarta

THE Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board welcomes the return of Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Miracle first call to Puerto Vallarta in seven years. Connecting San Diego and Puerto Vallarta, the ship is scheduled to make its call on December 2019.

Carnival Miracle will join the 2019 winter season offering 10 voyages from the Port of San Diego, kicking off on December 1, 2019, with a seven-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera featuring stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas.

Puerto Vallarta continues to be a great magnet for the cruise industry, the maritime terminal will receive 154 cruises this year with 404,734 people on board approximately, which represents 9 percent more than in 2017 when 145 vessels arrived.

Calls to the destination are expected to increase annually and Puerto Vallarta’s International Port (API) is preparing with an estimated $22 million USD extensive renovation and construction project that will improve port infrastructure, generate direct and indirect jobs, incentivize the Mexican Riviera's route and the Port - City link.

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37th Rolex Middle Sea Race

THE Royal #Malta Yacht Club is anticipating yet another large fleet for the 37th Rolex Middle Sea Race (MSR) starting Saturday October 22.

Founded in 1968 by the Royal Malta Yacht Club and the Royal Ocean Racing Club the race starts in Malta's Grand Harbour and also finishes there.

The largest number of entries in the #RolexMSR was 122, established in 2014.

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Picture Credit: 20342758@N00/22717760396 Malta October 2015 1381 via photopin.com

Sea Life Blackpool dives into yearly fish stocktake

SEA LIFE BLACKPOOL reports that it now has 2,623 creatures and 154 species, following its annual stocktake.

The count takes place over four weeks from December to January and involves each fish being counted three times by different members of staff to ensure the tally is accurate.

General Manager of #SEALIFE #Blackpool, Rachel Sipes, says: ‘Our stocktake is one of the most exciting occasions of the year for staff and helps us to understand how our population is growing and to keep track of the location of our inhabitants.

 ‘We’re pleased with the growth over the past year, when we have welcomed 671 more fish to our tanks. More than 100 babies were born here in 2015, including sharks, rays, and seahorses.’

On Blackpool’s seafront promenade, SEA LIFE Blackpool has been welcoming guests for more than 20 years. Visitors can learn how they can help to protect species living underwater near and far, with more than 50 displays and 2,000 aquatic creatures.

SEA LIFE is actively involved in conservation, research, and rescue projects, and believes that raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding the oceans and their inhabitants is one of its major priorities.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33820070@N04/4712166195">Swirling Fish School</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Saga Cruises to launch all-balcony cruise ship

BRITISH cruise line #Saga #Cruises has announced plans to build an all-balcony ship. The vessel will carry almost 1,000 passengers in more than 500 suites and cabins, each with a balcony. 

Saga Cruises currently operates only two ships, the 446-passenger Saga Pearl II and the 706-passenger Saga Sapphire, both of which will be eventually phased out. The plan for a new vessel comes as demand for sailings on the current ships are mounting: they carried around 25,000 passengers last year, with a 75 percent repeat passenger rate.

Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, the all-balcony ship will come into service in 2019. A second new vessel might also enter service by 2021.

The Saga Pearl II and the Saga Sapphire will visit 14 new ports in 2016, including Holy Loch (Scotland), Boulogne-sur-Mer (France), San Remo (Italy), and Southwold (Suffolk, England).

According to research by Saga, spending on cruising by people in the 50-plus age group is expected to increase by 43 percent to £2.2 billion by 2020.

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When women go to sea

AN exhibition opening at the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth, #Cornwall, depicts the hidden histories of women at sea. #Mermaids: Women at Sea tells the compelling stories of women who have challenged the establishment and made their mark in a male dominated world.  

It will feature extraordinary women such as Mary Lang, who joined a crew on the last of the merchant sailing ships –known as windjammers – to journey from South Australia to Cornwall in the 1930s, and Ellen MacArthur, the fastest woman ever to circumnavigate the globe in 2005.

Tehmina Goskar, the museum’s senior curator, says: ‘There have always been superstitions about women and the sea, from the myths of mermaids luring unsuspecting men to a watery death to the ill fortune a woman aboard a ship was meant to have brought to a voyage and its male crew. 

One of Cornwall's most famous legends is the Mermaid of Zennor, and visitors to the exhibition will be able to see and touch a 3D print of the famous mermaid carving in St. Senara Church in Zennor — the first time the museum has used this technology to present an exhibit.’

The exhibition runs until February 21.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23604354@N02/3592637558">The Mermaids Chair.</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Seaside celebration

THE Great Yarmouth #MaritimeFestival (September 5-6) celebrates the town's seafaring heritage, with visiting ships including the Götheborg (the world’s largest wooden sailing ship) and the Jubilee Sailing Trust's Lord Nelson, plus a full programme of international shanty and folk music, street entertainment, military re-enactments, arts, crafts, children's activities, and opportunities to learn more about the Norfolk Broads (England’s latest designated National Park) and local nature reserves.

Other vessels on show include the third last ship leave Dunkirk in 1940.

Festival activities and entertainment on South Quay are free, but a donation of £1 per visitor towards festival costs is welcomed.

Visitors in wheelchairs are advised to use the Middle Gate or the South Gate to access the event, since there is a 100-yard-long cobbled stretch towards the North Gate which some wheelchair users may find challenging to cross.

www.maritime-festival.co.uk.

The Götheborg is a replica of the original ship which was built in 1738 in Stockholm for the Swedish East India Company. It made three voyages from Sweden to China, and in 1745 sank in Gothenburg harbour having returned from China.  

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/56433265@N04/9712361100">Ostindiefararens akter</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

Virgin Cruises unveils plans for three ships

VIRGIN CRUISES has agreed a deal to have three ships built to start sailing from 2020 and, the company says, ‘redefine the cruise experience’.

The 2,800-passenger vessels – to be built in Italy – are due to be delivered between 2020 and 2022. Each will be 110,000 tons and also have 1,150 crew.

The first vessel will be based in Miami offering seven-day Caribbean itineraries.

Virgin Group founder, Richard Branson, said: ‘This is a very exciting day for Virgin and travellers around the globe.We now have the right partners in place to build a world-class cruise line that will redefine the cruising experience for good.The #VirginCruises approach will appeal to cruisers and non-cruisers alike, and we look forward to being in Miami and delivering an experience for people who want a new way to #cruise.’

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Picture Credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/57296780@N05/6998720340">Norwegian Sun and Oasis of the Seas side-by-side</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

£6 million Red Jet ferry to be built on the Isle of Wight

RED FUNNEL’S latest passenger ferry will be built at Venture Quays on the Isle of Wight, marking the return of shipbuilding to the island.

Red Jet 6 will be built in East Cowes after Red Funnel received tenders from shipyards around the world. The company has placed an order for a high-speed catamaran with Shemara Refit for delivery next year. It will be the first vessel of its kind to be built in the UK for 15 years and is expected to create 40-50 jobs at Venture Quays.

Kevin George, Red Funnel’s chief executive, said: ‘Shemara Refit shared our vison to bring fast ferry construction back to the UK and particularly to Cowes, where the specialist aluminium fabrication skills and yard facilities still exist. The Red Jet 6 contract will bring significant inward investment to underpin the island’s marine manufacturing sector and help to further grow the Isle of Wight economy.’

The vessel will carry 275 passengers, and will have provision for 22 bicycles.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8327374@N02/3657159403">Isle of Wight Red Funnel Ferry (2)</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)

See the whales … don’t eat them

A FREE 'Whappy' app, launched in #Reykjavik by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has information about restaurants which have pledged not to serve whale meat, plus #whale-watching operators, whale-friendly souvenirs, and an identification guide for whales and dolphins that can be seen in Icelandic waters.

Sigursteinn Masson, IFAW's Icelandic representative, said: ‘The new app is another way of informing tourists visiting our beautiful country about the wonder of whale watching, but it also helps them to make whale-friendly decisions. Many tourists are not fully aware of the contradiction of going whale-watching and then later eating whale meat. Icelanders have very little appetite for whale meat these days, so if tourists sample whale meat in our restaurants they are contributing directly to the number of whales being killed.’

In collaboration with whale-watching operators, IFAW operates a summer Meet Us Don't Eat Us campaign in Iceland, a project launched in 2010 after it became apparent that with only a tiny percentage of Icelanders claiming to eat whale meat regularly, tourists had become a significant part of the domestic market for minke whale meat.

At the time, whale meat could be found on the menu of all but a handful of restaurants in central Reykjavik. The percentage of tourists who say they have tasted whale meat has more than halved over the last five years from 40% in 2009 to 18% in 2014. The whale friendly restaurants scheme has resulted in less than 50% of restaurants now offering whale meat. The rest have pledged not to serve whale meat and display a whale-friendly sticker.

Masson added: ‘We hope tourists and tour operators will use our Whappy app and help to enhance tourists' experience. Iceland is one of the best destinations in Europe for whale-watching with the opportunity to see a huge variety of species of whale and dolphin.’

Whale-watching is one of the top tourist attractions in Iceland, generating approximately £10 million annually and attracting more than 220,000 tourists a year.

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31190896@N08/8058715493">Whale Watching Hervey Bay Australia by eGuide</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license), http://www.flickr.com/photos/47577668@N08/14094318412">Waterfall in Iceland</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)

Wightlink orders new ferry

#ISLEOFWIGHT ferry operator Wightlink plans to introduce a new flagship vessel in two years’ time as part of a £45 million investment. The ferry will be built specifically for the Portsmouth-Fishbourne route across the Solent, with a capacity for 178 cars and more than 1,000 passengers.

Improvements to terminals at the company’s ports of Portsmouth Gunwharf and Fishbourne have also been outlined.

Better facilities for customers are being promised, along with faster loading and unloading times to reduce congestion, particularly at Portsmouth Gunwharf. New boarding ramps will allow vehicles to be loaded and unloaded on two levels simultaneously. The capacity of Wightlink’s current flagship St Clare will be increased so that it can use the same double deck loading system.

Chief operating officer, John Burrows, said: ‘Our new ship will be the most modern, comfortable, and environmentally-friendly ferry crossing the Solent and we look forward to carrying many more islanders and holidaymakers every year.’

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/24651205@N08/3894097336">St Helen</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)

Southampton cruise terminal re-opens following make-over

SOUTHAMPTON’S Mayflower Cruise Terminal has re-opened following a multi-million pound refurbishment. The terminal now has an open plan interior, with expanded security, check-in and passenger reception areas. Other improvements include additional passenger and baggage x-ray machines and a redesign of the drop-off and pick-up areas.

Port operator ABP Southampton said the project was critical to ensure Southampton retains its title as Europe's leading cruise turnaround port.

An increased number of cruise ships visiting Southampton, coupled with the rising capacity of new ships, means P&O Cruises, Cunard, and other lines are expecting passenger volume to increase by 25% at Southampton over the next two years.

The terminal is one of four in Southampton, and handles calls by ships such as Queen Mary 2, Ventura and newly-launched Britannia.

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Picture Credit: MS Independence of the Seas in Southampton by Aztec06 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

Green light for cruise casinos

CRUISE liners in Malta and Gozo harbours have been given permission to open their on-board casinos between 6pm. and 6am, in return for a license fee paid to the government.

Said Stephen Xuereb, chief executive officer of Valletta Cruise Port: ‘These regulations make Malta a more attractive proposition for cruise liners, particularly those which call at Malta for an overnight stay. This is undoubtedly an incentive to encourage cruise liners to include both Malta and Gozo in their Mediterranean itinerary.’

The all-night casinos will be open only to cruise passengers.

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Picture Credit: Queen Elizabeth, Cruise Terminal, Liverpool by El Pollock. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

They’re off to the Azores

AT NOON on June 6, more than 70 yachts will sail out of Falmouth Harbour for the start of the Red Ensign AZAB 2015, the largest ocean-going race leaving Britain this year.

The 2,500-mile race, established by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in 1975, takes competitors to the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean, and back to Falmouth.

Taking part will be Lucy Campbell from Helston. At 16, she will be the youngest female competitor in the history of the race. 

Lucy will be racing with the help of her father in their boat, Zulu Warrior.



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Picture Credit: Racing yachts photo D Ramey Logan by WPPilot - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons 

L'Hermione sets sail … again!

HERE’S some history ...

... In March 1780, France's Marquis de Lafayette set sail aboard L'Hermione, his aim being (albeit somewhat late in the day) to assist George Washington and his 13 rebellious English colonies in their fight for American independence … the principle being that any enemy of England was a friend of France! 

More than two centuries later, a replica of the ship has been built by enthusiasts in France who began the re-enactment last month (April) of its voyage across the Atlantic.

The replicated frigate began its Atlantic crossing from Port-des-Barques in south-western France, heading for Yorktown, Virginia. 

From there, it will begin a two-month tour of the eastern US and Canadian seaboards, calling at 12 ports including New York, Newport, and Boston.

www.hermione2015.com

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Picture Credit: L'Hermione by Rossel de Cercy; Logo courtesy hermione2015.com

Islands in the bays

MALTA’S government wants to build floating islands for swimmers and sunbathers, one in St Thomas Bay, Malta, and the other at Marsalforn, Gozo.

At 4,300 sq. ft., they will be connected to the shore by a floating walkway. 

They will have diving boards and mooring facilities, there will also be nets to keep jelly fish away from swimmers.

The government hopes to have them in place by June.

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Picture Credit: "Malta - Marsaskala - Secca il-Munxar" by Frank Vincentz - Own work via Wikimedia Commons

Board the Cutty Sark for free

THE Cutty Sark in Greenwich is among the new attractions introduced by the discounter London Pass. 

Passholders will get free entry to the ship, normally priced at £13.50 per person.

Last autumn saw the Royal Observatory added to the portfolio, while the National Maritime Museum, Fan Museum and Wernher Collection at Ranger’s House. 

They are also offering, as is a one-day ‘hop-on, hop-off’ Thames City Cruises ticket. 

The London Pass is also aiming to tap into the popularity of the BBC TV series Sherlock by introducing a one-hour guided Sherlock Holmes Walking tour. 


Participants are invited to wear deerstalkers and explore the locations featured in Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels.

Also new 2015 is the Science Museum’s IMAX Theatre. London Pass holders will be able to experience a 3D film (normally £10 per person) on one of the UK’s largest cinema screens.

A one-day London Pass is priced at £49 per adult and £33 per child (aged 5-15).

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Picture Credit: "The Cutty Sark" by Gordon Joly - Own work via Wikimedia Commons; "Cutty Sark Greenwich - Own work by Richard Toy via Wikimedia Commons.