Symphony of the Seas debuts at PortMiami

ROYAL Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas has made her highly anticipated debut to the cruise capital of the world, #Miami. Fresh from her inaugural Europe season, the world’s largest and most adventure-packed ship sailed into her permanent, year-round home at Royal Caribbean’s brand new, state-of-the-art Terminal A at PortMiami, the largest #cruise terminal in the U.S.

The ultimate family ship, Symphony of the Seas will sail year-round seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami beginning Nov. 17, and will add visits to the cruise line’s highly anticipated private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, when it launches in May 2019.

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Disney Cruise Line to Sail from New Orleans for First Time

IN early 2020, Disney Cruise Line will offer families even more ways to explore the world together with the addition of a brand-new home port in New Orleans and a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands. Disney Cruise Line will also return to Puerto Rico for a limited time and continue guest-favorite itineraries to tropical destinations from Florida and California.

The Disney Wonder will embark on a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian cruises from New Orleans – the first time Disney Cruise Line will have a home port in Louisiana. Not only will this provide families from the region with the magic of having a Disney ship in their own backyard, but it will also draw families from farther away to discover this incredible city before they set sail.

Bookings open to the public on Oct. 4, 2018. More details on 2020 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2020 page of disneycruise.com.
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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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Rise in Baltic Cruises

GOOD opportunities for local port cities are up for grabs as a cruise shipping boom sweeps the Baltic. Both Rostock and Kiel are already profiting from it. Between them they are expecting 1.3 million #cruise ship visitors during this year’s season – an increase of 12.5% over last year.

The 2018 cruise shipping season on the Warnow River begins on April 8th with the arrival of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ “Boudicca”. This year a total 205 visits by 43 different cruise ships are expected. On the 2018 timetable are 39 visits by very big passenger ships which are more than 300 m long.

In the port of Kiel the 2018 season starts on April 6th and lasts until the end of October. A total of 166 calls by 32 different cruise ships have been registered. The numerical highlight of the year will come on August 11th when five cruise ships will be in the port at the same time. Although Kiel is predominantly a start and end port for cruises, it also expects 23 visits this year by ships on running cruises, whose international passengers will visit Kiel and the surrounding region as well Hamburg and Lübeck. One particular draw is the Kieler Woche sailing regatta, which will take place June 16th-24th. Twelve ocean-going and three inland river cruise ships will be in port to attend that event.

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Picture Credit: 03 Ostseekai Kiel Foto Tom Koerber

New cruise terminal for Tahiti

EXPLORING The Islands of #Tahiti by sea is not only one of the most convenient methods to island-hop but is also an awe-inspiring experience to immerse oneself in the destination’s stunning 118 islands. Seagoers from across the world will be able to enjoy Papeete’s new International Cruise Terminal, which is scheduled to open in 2020.

Financed by the Port of Papeete, the new cruise terminal will have the capacity to accommodate up to three ships simultaneously and 2,000 turnaround passengers. The terminal will also feature amenities such as an aerial walk, luggage room, check-in counters, waiting room, duty free, snack bar and café and reservations facilities.

Concurrently, the Aéroport de Tahiti is also undertaking a $12 million upgrade of Faa’a International Airport which is 1.8 miles from the cruise port. Airport capacity is presently at 2.5 million passengers per year and there are three departing long haul flights and two long-haul arrivals every day. This planned renovation, which is expected to be finished by 2020, includes an extension to the airport, refurbishment of the landside terminal and a new public hall containing new retail areas, shops and restaurants.

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The Vikings are coming

VIKING Sun, the newest addition to Viking’s industry-leading ocean fleet, is visiting Australian shores on its 141-day world cruise from Miami to London next month. It will be the first time in the company’s 20-year history that a Viking Ship will visit Australia.

Viking will begin home-porting from Sydney in December 2018, with Viking Orion spending three months of the year cruising between Sydney and Auckland. “Previously guests had to fly to Europe to experience Viking,” says Michelle Black, Viking Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand “We’re thrilled that Australians will be able to experience the Viking difference right from their doorstep, exploring the natural wonders and dynamic cities in our own backyard.”

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On the water . . .

STAR Cruises, The Most Popular Cruise Line in Asia, was honoured with the Best Itinerary Award during the Shanghai Cruise Tourism Festival organized by the Shanghai Baoshan Government on 23 September 2017.

This award was in recognition of Star Cruises’ innovative 8D7N “Golden Sea Route” itinerary to Japan departing from Shanghai to the Japanese ports of Osaka and Tokyo with additional ports of call to take in the natural wonders of Mount Fuji and Kagoshima.

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Khasab Sea Tours

KHASAB Sea Tours, one of the oldest travel agencys in Khasab,Oman operate trips for Cruise Ship passengers docking in Khasab. Khasab Musandam is famous for its natural beauty & dolphins which can be seen during the dhow cruise tours there are also tours of the historical city including Khasab fort.

Khasab is a destination for hundreds of Cruise Ships every year from Italy, Germany, France, United Kingdom & many other countries. Cruise Ships in Khasab for 2016/2017 are MSC Fantasia, Vision of the Seas, Celebrity Constellation, Mein Schiff-3, Norwegian Star, Costa Pacifica to name but a few.

Khasab Sea Tours provide free pickup & drop off services to the dhow cruise terminal for dhow cruise trips. They also operate Musandam trips:

Musandam dhow cruise tours: dhow cruise to Khasab Musandam Fjords with dolphin watching, swimming and snorkeling.

Mountain safari: mountain safari to top of the mountains with amazing views not to be missed.

City tour: tour of historical city of Khasab.

http://www.kstoman.com

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Picture Credit: Khasab Sea Tours

Around the world in 121 days

60 destinations, 21 countries, 17 overnight calls, £39,700 a head 

SILVERSEA CRUISES is now taking reservations for its World Cruise 2018, a 121-day sailing from Los Angeles to Rome, departing January 6, 2018.

The all-suite Silver Whisper will travel to 60 destinations in 21 countries. There will be 17 overnight calls and 13 late-night stays.

The voyage, titled “La Grande Bellezza”, will sail west across the Pacific to Hawaii, French Polynesia, and New Zealand, then take a path through the Java Sea to Bali, and Borneo, and on to a series of exotic isles in the Philippines.

After two nights in Hong Kong and overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Singapore, Silver Whisper will follow the route of ancient spice traders to Sri Lanka, India, and Oman. She will then continue through the Red Sea to Luxor and Petra, on to the Greek Islands, and finally along the coast of Italy to Rome.

Fares for the world cruise start at $57,750 (£39,700) per person, based on double occupancy. The price includes a pre-cruise overnight stay at a hotel in Los Angeles, business class air tickets to reach the ship, transfers, a $4,000 (£2,750) on-board spending credit per cabin … not forgetting a complimentary laundry service and free internet access.

hwww.silversea.com/

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Southampton's QEII cruise terminal set for £5m upgrade

A £5 MILLION revamp of Southampton’s QEII cruise terminal will begin this winter.

The work, jointly funded by ABP Port of Southampton and Carnival UK, is being carried out over two phases in 2015/16 and will include a ship-to-shore walkway to replace the existing one, which was initially installed for Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. This will ensure a greater range of ships can use the terminal.

The upgrade will also include improvements to the existing check-in, baggage, and passenger X-ray areas, installing a 46-person lift and re-organizing the passenger drop-off area.

ABP Southampton director, Nick Ridehalgh, said: ‘The number of cruise passengers coming through Southampton’s port continues to rise, with 1.75 million expected to pass through this year. It’s therefore vital that we ensure our facilities are in the very best shape to accommodate these passengers and that they are laid out in a way that gives people a seamless and stress-free start to their holidays.’

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Guernsey wins cruise industry award

#GUERNSEY has been named Best UK Port of Call in the Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards. 

Taking the title from Liverpool, which won it last year, Guernsey was selected for its ‘substantial on-island developments to cater for cruise passengers and its rapidly increasing popularity as a port of call’.

Guernsey’s #cruise industry has seen strong growth in recent years, with a 74% increase in cruises over a four-year period from 2012 to 2015. While 62 liners tendered docked there in 2012, the total so far this year is 105.

The judges highlighted the port’s re-sited arrivals area – which now has free Wi-Fi and a welcome team for disembarking passengers – and a widening range of on- shore excursions.

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Plymouth takes steps toward cruise port …

MARINE consultants have been appointed to look at the economic case for a #cruiseterminal in #Plymouth, Devon. 

GP Wild International, whose clients have included CruiseScotland, Monaco, and the port city of Dubrovnik, is compiling a report which will examine the current cruise market, its future trends, and Plymouth’s place in the market.

A consortium comprising Plymouth City Council, Associated British Ports, the Plymouth and Devon Chamber of Commerce, Destination Plymouth, and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership has commissioned the report.

The study’s scope will include discussions with organizations such as the Ministry of Defence and the Environment Agency to get an overview of what would need to be achieved to overcome current constraints. 

Should the economic feasibility studies prove compelling, Plymouth would then aim to have an operational cruise liner berth in place for the Mayflower 400 commemorations in 2020.

A key part of the project will be an analysis of world cruise fleets in terms of ship length and passenger capacity, and the potential for ships to berth in Plymouth.

… as mayor gives nod to new London cruise port

PLANS for a London cruise terminal at #Greenwich have been given the thumbs up by mayor Boris Johnson.

The development, which was given approval by Greenwich Council last month, will also include 477 homes, a skills academy, restaurants, cafes, and bars. 

The London City Cruise Port at Enderby Wharf will be able to handle 55 cruise ships a year when it becomes operational in 2017. Ships carrying up to 1,600 passengers will be able to use the terminal.

The development will create almost 500 full-time jobs.

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Upgrade for Darwin’s Frances Bay waterfront

DARWIN’S Frances Bay basin – also known as the Duckpond – is to be turned into a waterfront precinct for tourists, locals, and boaties.

Northern Government chief minister Adam Giles said the area presented a golden opportunity for an imaginative, mixed-use re-development which would draw in visitors to the overlooked waterfront location.

‘We’ve seen fabulous waterfront developments occur around #Darwin and I believe there’s a great opportunity to rejuvenate #Frances Bay,’ Mr Giles said. ‘The Duckpond is the heart of our commercial fishing industry and we want to keep it that way.

Auckland and Hobart have turned their fishing ports into attractive harbourside destinations, where visitors can enjoy a drink, meal, or catch a cruise. Darwin can do the same.’

The city council’s city centre master plan envisages an improved marina in the area.

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Barcelona to get new private cruise terminal

THE Port Authority of #Barcelona has welcomed an investment of more than €30 million (£21.3 million) to build and operate a second private #cruise terminal.

The cash will come from Carnival Corporation, which presently has seven of its ten cruise lines using Barcelona as both a destination and home port.

Construction of the new terminal will start in 2016, and it’s scheduled to be operating in 2018.

‘As an all-new, next-generation cruise facility, the terminal will be designed to enhance the overall cruise experience for Carnival Corporation’s guests,’ said Michel Nestour, managing director of Carnival Corporation terminal operations in Barcelona. ‘This will include making it easy and convenient for guests, whether they are arriving at the terminal to begin a cruise vacation, disembarking following the completion of a cruise or visiting Barcelona as one of the ports of call on a cruise.

Across its six existing terminals in 2014, the Port of Barcelona had 764 cruise calls and over 2.36 million passenger movements. It is Europe’s largest port, and the world’s fourth busiest.

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Travelodge targets more UK ports

#TRAVELODGE plans to expand into port locations with 14 hotels at a cost of £84 million on the back of growth in the ferry and cruise markets.

The planned expansion – announced at the opening of the budget chain's Southampton West Quay hotel – is expected to create 350 jobs.

The company is looking at sites in Portsmouth (three hotels), Liverpool (two hotels), Harwich, Hull, Newcastle, Plymouth, Haverfordwest, Newhaven, Grimsby, Greenock, and an additional property in Southampton.

The company's managing director of property, Paul Harvey, said: ‘As a result of more Britons taking to the waves, we have also experienced a boom at Travelodge. Our port-based hotels have seen a 9% rise in occupancy as Britons kick start their dream sea holiday by staying over in a Travelodge hotel prior to early embarkation.’

Associated British Ports chief executive, James Cooper, said: ‘The UK’s ports are going through something of a renaissance, with significant investments taking place across the country. One of the fastest growing segments has been ferry traffic as people increasingly appreciate that ferries offer better value and less hassle than the alternatives. Add the extraordinary growth in the cruise industry in recent years and it is not surprising that demand for hotels in our ports is also increasing.’

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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