http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/ en david.simpson@seaview.co.uk Copyright 2013 2013-05-17T14:49:47+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/po-top-brass-inspect-the-newly-laid-keel-of-the-biggest-ever-po-cruises-shi/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/po-top-brass-inspect-the-newly-laid-keel-of-the-biggest-ever-po-cruises-shi/#When:13:49:47Z Carnival UK CEO David Dingle and P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow inspect the keel of the new 141,000-ton P&O Cruises ship which was laid on Wednesday at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste in Italy. Earlier Carol gave the order to have the keel laid for the “biggest and best ship to be built for the British market!”. The keel section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 408 tons and is fitted with 214 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment. The new ship will enter service in 2015. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises 2013-05-17T13:49:47+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/keel-of-po-cruises-biggest-ever-ship-is-laid-in-italy/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/keel-of-po-cruises-biggest-ever-ship-is-laid-in-italy/#When:07:40:49Z The ceremony to mark the keel laying of the largest cruise ship ever built for the British market by P&O Cruises took place yesterd at afternoon at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy.According to P&O Cruises, when the new 141,000-ton ship enters service in 2015,she will offer the “best of the best”, combining favourite classic features of ships such as Oriana and Aurora, the wide choice and variety of Ventura and Azura and a host of new concepts which will include some yet-to-be-announced “sophisticated wows”.  The new P&O Cruises ship has a stytlish and innovative new design There will a stylish and innovative new design, and an unprecedented number of passenger facilities together with many iconic signatures of the P&O Cruises brand. In delivering “the ultimate P&O Cruises experience”, the ship, which will carry 3,611 passengers, has been designed to attract many thousands of newcomers but will equally resonate with existing passengers by delivering the sense of P&O-ness for which the brand is held in such high regard. At the same time, the will deliver much greater levels of operational and environmental efficiency. The keel laying involved the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section is made up of 6 pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 408 tons and is fitted with 214 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment. The ceremony follows an intensive period of design and development. 74 sections will be used in the construction of the ship. David Dingle, CEO of parent company Carnival UK, said: “Each of our new ships has been exclusively designed for the British market. We have ensured that each anticipates the subtly changing trends in what British passengers expect from their cruise holiday – and is equipped to meet those expectations for many years to come. “Our success in adapting to the market’s changing needs is why our ships continue to fill and why the whole cruise sector ultimately continues to buck any downward trend. We cannot wait to see this ship finished and underway.” Fincantieri Shipyard director Carlo De Marco said: “We are proud to be on the world stage together with P&O Cruises in this endeavour which will undoubtedly be a marvellous opportunity not only for Monfalcone shipyard but for Fincantieri as a whole. “Indeed, this is another occasion to further strengthen our relationship with this well-established ship owner. It will be an honour and a pleasure, to celebrate in 2015 the delivery of this ship and together the tenth anniversary of the collaboration between P&O Cruises and Fincantieri, started in 2005 with Arcadia.” P&O Cruises Managing Director, Carol Marlow,gave the order to lay the keel with the words: “Diamo il via alla posa del primo blocco della più grande nave, la migliore, mai costruita per il mercato Britannico!”, whichb translated means “Please lay the keel of the biggest and best ship ever built for the British market.” The ship, yet to be named, will take to the water for the first time at her float out in summer 2014, before her delivery to P&O Cruises in spring 2015. The steel-cutting for the vessel began in October 8, 2012. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises 2013-05-16T07:40:49+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/europa-2-contender-for-best-cruise-ship-in-the-world-is-christened-in-hambu/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/europa-2-contender-for-best-cruise-ship-in-the-world-is-christened-in-hambu/#When:14:49:57Z The newly- built luxury cruise ship Europa 2 was christened in celebratory and stylish fashion by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises yesterday (10 May) during the 824th Hamburg Port Anniversary.Godmother Dana Schweiger, the American presenter, entrepreneur and former model, smashed the champagne bottle against the bow of the ship watched by celebrity guests who experienced the new ship while attending numerous events before setting sail on her maiden voyage tonight. The Europa 2 bathed in floodlight and, below, beneath a canopy of fireworks Ms Schweiger, the former wife of German actor, director and screenwriter Tilman Schweiger, officially gave the new ship her name and said: “I christen you the Europa 2 and wish you and your crew good voyages and safe returns, and may there always be enough water beneath your keel.” Afterwards, the 43,000-ton Europa 2 embarked on a twilight voyage - with the city of Hamburg as its backdrop - sailing to its launch site near the riverside district of Blankenese. Dr Wolfgang Flägel, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, said: “I am certain that the Europa 2 with raise the bar in the luxury sector with its modern interpretation. We wish the ship and her crew safe journeys and enthusiastic passengers.” Around 700 guests on board enjoyed a fireworks display to round off the ceremony in style. Afterwards, observing tradition, the godmother presented the neck of the bottle to Europa 2’s captain Friedrich Jan Akkermann, after which the star act Dick Brave & the Backbeats created a party atmosphere with their rockabilly music. Wolfgang Flägel, Dana Schweiger, Eva Habermann and Europa 2’s captain Friedrich Jan Akkermann celebrate with the christening cake The fully-booked 14-day maiden voyage departs tonight (11 May) from Hamburg bound for Lisbon via Amsterdam, Antwerp, Honfleur, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Bilbao and Leixoes (Porto). At the start of the voyage, the ship will cruise in the port with special on-board celebrations. After another big fireworks display to celebrate the port’s anniversary,  at around 2230 Europa 2 will set off on its maiden voyage and leave Hamburg.   Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises 2013-05-11T14:49:57+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/a-big-song-and-dance-as-norwegian-breakaway-is-christened-by-new-york-icons/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/a-big-song-and-dance-as-norwegian-breakaway-is-christened-by-new-york-icons/#When:11:24:13Z Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, was christened by the legendary Rockettes during a ceremony at the sahip's home port, New York.Throughout the christening ceremony, simulcast in ten venues around the ship, Norwegian Breakaway’s spectacular onboard amenities and entertainment were showcased in front of more than 4,000 guests. The Rockettes and, below, the cast of Rock of Ages entertained 4,000 guests at the christening in New York From live performances by Slam Allen, Howl at the Moon, Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy, along with Burn the Floor and a show stomping finale featuring Rock of Ages, Norwegian Breakaway kicked off its arrival to New York City in style. “The arrival of the Norwegian Breakaway - the largest cruise ship to homeport in Manhattan - is another proof point of the growth and success of New York City’s $200 million cruise sector, a cornerstone of the City’s $55 billion tourism industry,” said New York mayor Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The Norwegian Breakaway christening cake and, below, the real thing in New York “New York’s ship is home where she belongs,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We’ve been anticipating this moment for more than two years and are so thrilled to finally have Norwegian Breakaway amongst New York City’s greatest icons. We thank the City of New York for the warm welcome and are looking forward to a very successful inaugural season.” Boasting hull artwork designed by pop icon and America’s most popular living artist, Peter Max, Norwegian Breakaway was designed as New York’s ship inside and out. On board, guests can enjoy the dining and entertainment options that New York City is known for worldwide, including three new restaurants by acclaimed New York celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian. Gold braid among the guests at the christening of Norwegian Breakaway Norwegian Breakaway begins her weekly seven-night cruises (nine-night fly-cruises) to Bermuda, throughout the summer, on Sunday, May 12 with a special guest onboard, Kevin Sheehan, the line’s Chief Executive Officer. From October through April, Norwegian Breakaway will offer seven-night voyages (nine-night fly-cruises) from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-night sailings (14-night fly-cruises) to the Southern Caribbean. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line 2013-05-10T11:24:13+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/carnival-cruise-lines-gives-europe-a-miss-in-2014/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/carnival-cruise-lines-gives-europe-a-miss-in-2014/#When:10:58:45Z Carnival Cruise Lines has decided not to place any ships in Europe in 2014.Travel agents in the UK were expected to receive a letter today breaking the news of Carnival’s decision, which is based on the fact that Americans are staying at home because of the high cost of flying. Carnival Legend is sailing in Europe in 2013 It comes as something of a surprise as Carnival ran its first ever television marketing campaign in the UK this year aimed at younger, non-traditional market. One can only assume that it didn’t have the desired impact on sales. Carnival’s UK director, Adolfo Perez, did however express a note of optimism that it was hoping to have a ship back in Europe in 2015. This year, Carnival Legend is offering a European programme of cruises out of Dover, Barcelona and Venice. It is fair to say that Carnival haver been trying to compete with other cruise lines already extremely popular in Europe, especially the UK. In the letter to agents, Perez says:  “Given the current market conditions, increasing air fares, and the fact that most of our guests are from the US, we have decided to not deploy a Carnival ship to Europe in 2014. “This was a difficult decision for us, as we realise our guests truly love sailing with Carnival in Europe, largely because we provide great holidays at great value for money. We are hopeful we will return in the future.” In a statement to SeaView, CLIA UK said: “Over the years we have seen cruise ships being redeployed to different regions as customer demand changes. “The Mediterranean continues to be the most popular destination for British passengers and the UK industry remains in a strong position with cruise holidays offering unparalleled experiences and exceptional value.” Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Line 2013-05-10T10:58:45+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/carnivals-year-gets-worse-as-two-plunge-from-carnival-spirit/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/carnivals-year-gets-worse-as-two-plunge-from-carnival-spirit/#When:17:10:59Z The family of a young couple who plunged from Carnival Spirit into the sea on a 10-day Pacific Island cruise today clinged to the hope that they might still be found alive. Australians Paul Rossington, 30, and Kristen Schroder, 27, were declared missing at sea after they fell more than 20m from the mid-deck of cruise ship last night. It was only discovered the couple were missing when Carnival Spirit, pictured, docked in Sydney yesterday morning and they failed to disembark. A helicopter search by New South Wales police, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority about 120km off the coast of Forster. Video from Carnival Spirit’s surveillance cameras was being enhanced by police ewho are trying to establish whether the couple, who were travelling with seven family members and friends jumped or fell by accident. After a thorough search of the ship, the cruise line alerted police two hours later when CCTV footage revealed they had fallen from the mid-deck, which is lined by a 2.5m-tall barricade. Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings told the Herald Sun: “We’re pulling out all the stops to try to find them. There’s a chance so we’re going to keep looking.” Carnival Cruise spokesman Peter Taylor said: “We have naturally been concerned since we became aware that two passengers were missing from the Carnival Spirit and our thoughts are clearly with their families at this difficult time.” 2013 has so far been a year Carnival will want to forget following a series of headline-making stories about ship fires and spoiled holidays which forced to company to introduced new security and fire precaution measures. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Line 2013-05-09T17:10:59+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/fred-olsen-cruise-lines-black-watch-new-cruise-season-harwich/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/fred-olsen-cruise-lines-black-watch-new-cruise-season-harwich/#When:15:23:43Z Fred Olsen Cruise Lines entertained local VIPs on its 804-guest cruise ship, Black Watch, on Tuesday (7 May) when the ship made its first-ever turnaround call at Harwich International Port. The guests were treated to a champagne reception in the ship’s Observatory Lounge, which offered stunning panoramic views of the port.. It was the first tournaround cruise for Black Watch at Harwich Mike Rodwell, managing director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “This new turnaround cruise season from Harwich builds upon our already-close relationship with this convenient, regional port, as both Black Watch and Balmoral have enjoyed successful calls here in the past, as part of their itineraries. “As the ‘local, global cruise line’, we are pleased to be adding Harwich as a regular fixture in our cruise programmes for 2013 and 2014, and we are committed to offering cruise guests in the East of England and Midlands the chance to set sail from right on their doorsteps.” Black Watch is offering four cruises from Harwich in Spring/Summer 2013 – to the Baltic, Norway and Lapland, and a mini-cruise, with durations ranging from three to 17 nights. In May and June 2014, Fred. Olsen’s 929-guest Braemar will be making its first call at Harwich with three cruises to Norway, Iberia and a special commemorative ‘D-Day Anniversary’ sailing, visiting Bruges (from Zeebrugge, Belgium), Portsmouth (UK), Cherbourg (France), Le Havre (France, for an overnight stay), and Dunkirk (France). Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Fred Olsen 2013-05-09T15:23:43+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/holland-america-lines-nieuw-amsterdam-races-to-rescue-of-mid-atlantic-sailo/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/holland-america-lines-nieuw-amsterdam-races-to-rescue-of-mid-atlantic-sailo/#When:15:02:56Z Holland America Line's flagship Nieuw Amsterdam was called on to make a dramatic dash to rescue two stricken sailors in mid-Atlantic. The ship received a call at 6.50pm on Saturday from the US Coast Guard at Norfolk, Virginia, who had picked up a Mayday call from the sailing yacht Embla, which was disabled and adrift. The Nieuw Amsterdam took two hours to reach the stricken sailors The 86,000-ton Nieuw Amsterdam immediately diverted from its course and arrived on the scene two hours later to rescue two men aged 29 and 61. They were taken on board following a security check and provided food and accommodation until the ship reached the Azores yesterday (May 8). “It is a time-honored law of the sea that any ship in the vicinity should render assistance to a vessel in distress that has issued a call for help,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president. “While the incident diverted the ship from its course, we were happy to be able to safely rescue the two men and are incredibly proud of the crew of Nieuw Amsterdam for their efforts.” When it received the call, Nieuw Amsterdam was approximately 600 miles east of Bermuda on its transatlantic crossing to Europe, and sailing yacht Embla was approximately 35 nautical miles south-southwest of the cruise ship, according to the Coast Guard. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Holland America Line 2013-05-09T15:02:56+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/hurtigruten-celebrates-120th-anniversary-with-11-voyages-in-the-wake-of-ric/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/hurtigruten-celebrates-120th-anniversary-with-11-voyages-in-the-wake-of-ric/#When:10:03:24Z Anyone who wants to help make history can join one of 11 "In the Wake of Richard With" anniversary voyages offered by Hurtigruten this summer.Treats include a special sailing into Lyngenfjord in the Lyngen Alps area, the chance to get even closer to Norwegian culture with a series of on-board concerts plus special menus inspired by the 1893 era. Captain Richard With, centre, with his crew on board DS Vesteraalen, below, in 1893 The special departures are available each day from 21 June 2013 and all include 2 July, which marks 120 years since Richard With captained Hurtigruten’s very first departure from Trondheim along the Norwegian Coast. Hurtigruten has never sailed into Lyngenfjord as part a main itinerary before and as a special treat, each day during this 11-day period, a ship will stop here while travelling south bound between Skjervoy and Tromso. Located in the Lyngen Alps area, Lyngenfjord is 300km north of the Arctic Circle and guests can expect mountain peaks rising more than 1,000 metres directly from the fjord, blue glaciers, cascading rivers, gleaming mountain lakes and deep ravines. Guests will have the opportunity to meet a local prawn trawler and its fishermen, who come on-board with freshly caught prawns. Integral to these anniversary voyages, Huirtigruten will be bringing Norwegian culture and history even closer and special on-board concerts are planned. In Geirangerfjord, a young 19-year-old fiddler and folk musician who has won various awards will perform to guests in local costume. In Tromso, Hurtigruten will focus on the electronic genre of music made famous by Royksopp as guest are joined by “Sounds of Nature”, two young students who describe their music as sound art. And in Berlevag the local men’s choir will perform a midnight concert on the quay. Special menus are being created by Hurtigruten’s team of chefs inspired by the food on-board DS Vesteraalen in 1893. Each ship will enjoy its own anniversary celebrations on-board on 2 July, in true Norwegian style. Guests should expect cake, coffee and music and much more. This sailing period starts with MS Midnatsol departing Bergen on 21June, followed by the complete fleet, with MS Lofoten being the last ship of this period departing Bergen on 1 July. A Classic Round Voyage, daily from 21 June to 1 July, is priced from £2,137 per person to include 11 nights half board on the ship and all the anniversary celebrations. Flights and transfers are extra and cost from £450pp. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Hurtigruten 2013-05-09T10:03:24+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/azamara-club-cruises-soars-to-record-month-after-launch-of-azamazing-evenin/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/azamara-club-cruises-soars-to-record-month-after-launch-of-azamazing-evenin/#When:09:43:58Z Azamara Club Cruises celebrated its three-year anniversary in April with a record-breaking booking month.A 146 per cent increase in bookings from the same time last year coincided with the launch of their upgraded destination-immersive offerings, AzAmazing Evenings. Open air concerts and firework displays feature in Azamazing Evenings The cruise line also received outstanding feedback on its authentic, intimate and bespoke evening events which are complimentary for all guests, and reflect the culture and nightlife of intriguing destinations, offering them opportunity to pursue their passion for culture. “We are delighted that our AzAmazing Evenings are receiving such a warm and enthusiastic response from both our guests and travel agent partners, who see the value in a truly destination immersive voyage with Azamara Club Cruises,” said Edie Bornstein, the cruise line’s senior vice president. “To commemorate this record-breaking month, we have extended our celebratory anniversary offer throughout May, offering up-market travellers the opportunity to plan an unforgettable experience with us.” Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Azamara Cruises 2013-05-08T09:43:58+00:00