http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/ en david.simpson@seaview.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-05-19T17:18:47+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/classical-star-maxim-vengerov-to-star-at-msc-divina-christening/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/classical-star-maxim-vengerov-to-star-at-msc-divina-christening/#When:15:26:02Z Critically acclaimed violinist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Maxim Vengerov will be among the stars and dignitaries attending the christening of the new MSC Cruises ship, MSC Divina, in Marseille on May 26.The Russian will be joining will MSC Cruises’ CEO Pierfrancesco Vago and MSC fleet godmother Sophia Loren for a question and answer session with international media that will follow a press conference. Joining an impressive line-up of international stars on stage for the evening’s main events, Vengerov, pictured, will then deliver a speech before releasing hundreds of UNICEF balloons with the help of local children. It is hoped that Vengerov, regarded as one of the world’s greatest violinists, will also perform. The high-profile christening ceremony is the perfect platform to highlight the organisations’ joint ‘Get on Board for Children’ initiative. This in turn funds the UNICEF-supported ‘Platform of Urban Centres’ project that aims to combat poverty and inequality in 94 favelas across Brazil by improving education opportunities for children. MSC Cruises and UNICEF have forged a strong partnership over the years and in recognition of this relationship, which is why key representatives and guests of the charity will be involved in the christening. Since 2009, guests on board each ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet have raised over one million euros for the scheme. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Mediterranean Shipping Cruise Line (MSC) 2012-05-14T15:26:02+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/double-celebration-for-building-of-ncls-new-breakaway-ships/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/double-celebration-for-building-of-ncls-new-breakaway-ships/#When:13:04:54Z Norwegian Cruise Line has celebrated both the keel laying of Norwegian Breakaway and the first steel cutting of Norwegian Getaway over the past week.The events, at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, mark key stages in the construction of the two ships which are scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014. How the two new ships will look During Breakaway’s official keel laying ceremony, the first of 73 blocks that will comprise the 144,000-ton vessel were lifted into the covered building dock, marking the start of the block assembly. In the dock, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, laid the traditional “lucky coin” before the 350-ton first block was placed. “The anticipation is building for this incredible ship,” said Sheehan. “It’s thrilling to mark the start of the block assembly and realise that in one year we will take delivery of Norwegian Breakaway.  We can’t wait.” Norwegian Breakaway is the first ship being built by Meyer Werft utilising a more efficient construction process which will deliver a ship of more than 140,000-tons in less than 12 months. Following the Breakaway keel laying, the first plate of steel for Norwegian Getaway was cut by a plasma torch. This plate will become part of Block 40 that will comprise the new vessel. “Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway are going to revolutionise the cruise industry with their spectacular design and unique offerings,” said Sheehan. “Cutting the first piece of steel for Norwegian Getaway takes us one step closer to having this ship join our fleet in 2014 and begin sailing year-round from Miami, the cruise capital of the world.” The 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013 from where the ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda. From October 2013 to April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida and the Southern Caribbean. Norwegian Getaway will sail year-round from Miami following her delivery scheduled for spring 2014. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line 2012-05-12T13:04:54+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/compagnie-du-ponant-names-new-yacht-le-soleal/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/compagnie-du-ponant-names-new-yacht-le-soleal/#When:11:13:26Z Luxury French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant will welcome a sleek new ship, Le Soléal, into its fleet in July 2013. With the same elegant contours as her two sister ships, Le Boréal  and L’Austral, Le Soléal will be further embodiment of Compagnie du Ponant’s ‘Yacht cruises’ concept. Its 132 sophisticated staterooms and suites will offer the same level of comfort as a private yacht, with its size allowing access to outstanding sites that are out of bounds to larger ships. Le Soléal is a combination of two of the company’s most powerful symbols – ‘le soleil’ (French for sun) and ‘the one who leads the way’. For her inaugural season in July 2013, she will be taking passengers to a new, rarely visited and exclusive, destination: the Arctic. From the legendary North West Passage (which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans) to the Bering Strait, from ice floe to tundra, these unusual itineraries will offer passengers the chance to discover hidden gems way beyond the Arctic Circle. Le Soléal’s 264 passengers will be able to follow in the footsteps of the great explorers, discover Inuit villages and watch extraordinary wildlife, including polar bears, brown bears, wolves, puffins, walrus and even belugas. Excursions in zodiacs, hiking excursions and helicopter tours will also be on offer for the most adventurous guests. Designed by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel, the contemporary interiors are inspired by the world of yachting. Nautical codes have been subtly revisited and applied to re-create the atmosphere of chic seaside resorts, with clean lines and combining the soothing colours of driftwood, and shades of grey and white. Restaurants, lounges, a library, theatre and spa also offer passengers a whole range of five-star facilities and commodities. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Compagnie du Ponant 2012-04-20T11:13:26+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/costa-victoria-to-make-shanghai-its-home-from-may/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/costa-victoria-to-make-shanghai-its-home-from-may/#When:18:12:40Z Costa Victoria will depart on its maiden Asian voyage on May 18 from the new Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in China.The 75,000-ton ship will embark on four to seven-night cruises, with calls along the South Korean and Japanese coastline. Costa Victoria will sail four cruises from the new Shanghai cruise terminal Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s number one cruise company, was the first international cruise company to enter the Chinese market and have used this experience to create a bespoke service aboard Costa Victoria. Mr Buhdy Bok, Costa’s vice president for Pacific Asia and China, said: “Choosing Shanghai as the home port for Costa Victoria is important for the growth of Costa Cruises in the Asia Pacific region and also demonstrates our commitment to promote the city as a leading international shipping centre in the region.” Costa Victoria has many Asian-inspired dining options available to guests. The ship offers a range of local cuisine in four of its five restaurants. In the largest, the Sinfornia, dinner will be served in two sittings - the first with traditional Chinese or Italian dishes, and the latter with a greater selection of Japanese and South Korean food. The second largest of these four restaurants, the Fantasia, will appeal to Chinese diners looking for a taste of home. In the evenings, one of the world’s top Michael Jackson impersonators, ICE, will perform MJ’s greatest hits in the Festival Showroom. There will also be a fashion show that offers guests a refined form of entertainment in the cavernous, two-deck theatre. Live music, games and competitions complete the nightlife to be found throughout Costa Victoria’s ten bars and discos. Costa Victoria will stop at several destinations in Japan including the tropical paradise Hososhima/Miyazaki, Wakayama; which boasts the largest hot spring resort, Osaka; Japan’s second largest city and the popular sightseeing cities in the Kanto Area Yokohama and Tokyo, the capital city. In the South Korean part of the itinerary, destinations include ‘island of the Gods’ Jeju, the picturesque harbour town of Yeosu and South Korea’s second largest city, Busan. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises 2012-04-16T18:12:40+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-norwegian-breakaways-the-waterfront-and-678-o/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-norwegian-breakaways-the-waterfront-and-678-o/#When:16:13:34Z Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled a major innovation in ship design, The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place, on its newest ship, Norwegian Breakaway, launching in April 2013.The concept includes an oceanfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants and bars, combined with three expansive, flowing decks of dining, bars, entertainment, gaming and more. “We are continuing our tradition of innovation with a brand new ship design that will provide our guests with a unique experience unlike anything else at sea,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “The heart of Norwegian Breakaway and the elements that truly set it apart are The Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place. Guests will enjoy al fresco dining while admiring the beauty of the ocean, along with the excitement and exhilaration of three expansive action-packed decks, as everything is designed to flow seamlessly.” Located on Deck 8, The Waterfront is a revolutionary outdoor experience that adds a whole new dimension to the line’s signature Freestyle Cruising, by offering a number of seaside venues that feature breathtaking views and a sense of connection with the ocean. The hub of the ship is 678 Ocean Place, a space that uniquely flows, intertwines and connects three decks of daytime and nighttime amusements. There will be a total of 17 dining venues combined on both 678 Ocean Place and The Waterfront, along with 12 bars and lounges. Norwegian will also introduce a new dining concept on Norwegian Breakaway, Ocean Blu, the line’s first ever all-seafood restaurant, which will include a premium raw bar, along with a separate sushi bar. The Waterfront boardwalk features eight outdoor dining options The Waterfront The Waterfront will feature eight outdoor dining and lounging options, including signature Norwegian favourites like Moderno Churrascaria; Cagney’s Steakhouse; La Cucina; Shaker’s Cocktail Bar; Malting’s Beer & Whiskey Bar; and the newest addition, Ocean Blu on The Waterfront, with outdoor seating and a special takeaway menu. The Waterfront will also feature another first for Norwegian – a gelato bar serving a selection of flavours. A yet-to-be-announced entertainment venue will also have an outdoor space. 678 Ocean Place connect the Waterfront to a variety of interior dining venues 678 Ocean Place On Deck 8, 678 Ocean Place connects the The Waterfront outdoor spaces with interior dining venues for Moderno; Cagney’s; Shaker’s; La Cucina; Malting’s and Ocean Blu, including the raw and sushi bars. An elegant modern take on an ocean-inspired theme with a glamorous feel, Ocean Blu is the newest addition to Norwegian’s Freestyle Dining line-up, offering a premium raw bar and a sushi bar. “In a recent guest survey, our guests chose a seafood restaurant as the number one type of restaurant they would like on board our ships,” said Sheehan. “We listened to that feedback when planning the dining on Norwegian Breakaway and will launch Ocean Blu as our newest signature restaurant concept.” La Cucina celebrates the Tuscan countryside and will continue to serve Norwegian’s delicious Italian dishes to guests who choose dine either al fresco on the outdoor patio on The Waterfront, in the main restaurant or the interior terrace option, giving guests the opportunity to dine along the interior walkway beneath twinkling lanterns, exposed wooden beams and greenery. Moderno Churrascaria is Norwegian’s signature Brazilian-style steakhouse. Whether guests dine indoors or out, they will feast from a huge salad bar, followed by a variety of grilled and slow-roasted meats that are carved tableside by passadors. Overlooking the Manhattan Room is another Norwegian signature establishment, Cagney’s Steakhouse, which will feature succulent grilled steaks, perfectly cooked double cut lamb chops and other steakhouse favourites. Guests cn enjoy watching the chefs prepare their meals in the open kitchen. You can dine al fresco on the outdoor patio of La Cucina Located between Cagney’s and Moderno, Prime Meridian will offer guests the opportunity to order a signature cocktail and soak in the action taking place around them on 678 Ocean Place. Guests will also find retail outlets, the photo gallery, and the Humidor Cigar Lounge on Deck 8. A three-storey open atrium with an exquisite LED chandelier with light changing effects will serve as the centrepiece of 678 Ocean Place with openings to all three decks and glass staircases connecting the levels. Spanning more than 18,000sq ft on Deck 7, the contemporary Breakaway Casino will have a stylish sophistication created by the use of rich materials, luxurious ornamental lighting and highly decorative artwork including gold tiles and upscale finishes. Breakaway Casino will offer guests the opportunity to try their luck on more than 300 of the latest slot machines; along with 26 gaming tables featuring poker, black jack, roulette and craps. Reminiscent of a private New York City supper club, The Manhattan Room is a complimentary restaurant on Deck 7 that will feature a dance floor as its focal point. As guests dine on cuisine that reflects the elegant and romantic nature of the room, they will enjoy live music and dancing. The two-storey high restaurant showcases floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. Due to the popularity of the noodle bar on Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway will feature Shanghai’s Noodle Bar, the largest noodle bar at sea. This exciting dining concept will offer all counter seating around an open kitchen and will serve traditional Chinese noodles, wok-fried dishes and dim sum. Another guest favourite, O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill, returns on Norwegian Breakaway. This complimentary 24-hour a day neighbourhood sports bar and restaurant will serve classic American food. It will feature a giant two-story screen, perfect for watching sports and movies, along with miniature bowling, pool and air hockey tables and interactive games. A popular hotspot on several Norwegian ships, Bliss Ultra Lounge has been re-designed on Norwegian Breakaway to resemble a true hotspot, similar to trendy New York clubs. Guests will walk through the LED-lit tunnel entrance to the illuminated bar, LED walls and pulsating dance floor where they will dance the night away. Savor, one of the three complimentary main dining options on Norwegian Breakaway, will feature cuisine that is traditional with a contemporary flair. Across from Savor, is where guests will find Taste, another complimentary main dining venue. Taste will serve a variety of culinary delights to please every palate. Both restaurants feature clean lines and upscale, contemporary décor. Located between Savor and Taste is Mixx Bar, the perfect, pre- or post-dinner gathering place, with a modern twist to a classical design. Norwegian Breakaway joins the NCL fleet in April 2013 Norwegian’s signature Teppanyaki restaurant will continue to dazzle guests on Norwegian Breakaway with the addition of a traditional Japanese rock garden, featuring bamboo plants and bonsai trees to promote a pleasing aesthetic ambiance. With 96 seats surrounding 12 flat top grills, Teppanyaki chefs will showcase their knife-wielding skills while cooking exhibition-style Japanese cuisine. Le Bistro, Norwegian’s signature French restaurant, will feature an elegant indoor setting, along with a European sidewalk-style dining opportunity which will overlook the social hub of the ship, 678 Ocean Place. Guests will marvel at the three-story cascading LED chandelier above them, along with the constant flow of people as they dine on classic French dishes. Within the Atrium, located on Deck 6, guests will find a two-story video wall along with the Café and Bar at The Atrium. The Café will offer specialty coffees and fresh baked treats. The Bar at The Atrium will feature mixed drinks, along with a self-service wine bar. The Shore Excursion Desk, Internet Café and Art Gallery will be located in close proximity to the Atrium, along with two meeting rooms, card room and library. Additional dining options and bars not located within 678 Ocean Place will be announced in late April. There will also be a number of exciting entertainment venues located within 678 Ocean Place that will be revealed at a later date this spring. Entering service in April 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will sail from her year-round homeport of New York City to Bermuda in the summer and The Bahamas & Florida and The Caribbean in the winter. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line 2012-03-22T16:13:34+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/rhapsody-receiving-host-of-new-features-in-34m-makeover/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/rhapsody-receiving-host-of-new-features-in-34m-makeover/#When:11:43:23Z Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas is currently undergoing a massive £34 million, month-long revamp in Singapore's Sembawang shipyard.After the makeover the largest of its kind ever to take place in Singapore - Rhjapsody will emerge with an array of new features. Rhapsody of the Seas is receiving major new dining and entertainment upgrades There are new dining and entertainment venues as well as an assortment of technological upgrades. The ship also will receive a bow-to-stern refresh of all furniture, carpet and upholstery, including renovated staterooms. Says Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean International‘s president: “With our $300 million investment throughout 2014, no ship in our fleet will go untouched and our guests will have an unrivalled holiday experience no matter which destination in the world they visit or on what ship they sail.”  Similar to sister-ship Splendour of the Seas, which underwent its refurbishment in November 2011, Rhapsody of the Seas will receive new dining venues, including Chops Grille, Izumi Asian Cuisine, Chef’s Table experience and Park Cafe. Additional offerings include a Diamond Lounge for Crown and Anchor loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top tier loyalty guests, a transformed Viking Crown Lounge and the popular Royal Babies and Tots Nursery. New offerings for guests include ship-wide Wi-Fi, a digital way finding system, electronic mustering, an outdoor movie screen, as well as iPads in every stateroom featuring content about the ship’s onboard features and activities, ensuring a seamless cruise experience for guests. The ship’s Centrum, with its sweeping views and central location, will transform into a new venue featuring daytime activities, nightly entertainment and jaw-dropping aerial spectacles. The Champagne Bar, located in the Centrum, will also re-emerge as the R Bar, complete with iconic furnishing and signature cocktails mixed by a mixologist. Sfter the enhancements, due to be completed by March 28, Rhapsody of the Seas will sail a 15-night itinerary from Singapore to Sydney (Australia). From there, the ship will sail across the Pacific with a combination of cruises from Australia and Hawaii, before beginning an Alaska season in May 2012. In Alaska, Rhapsody of the Seas will offer seven-night itineraries from both Vancouver (British Columbia), and Seattle (Washington) joining Radiance of the Seas, which was refurbished in May 2011. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean 2012-03-21T11:43:23+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/royal-caribbeans-monarch-of-the-seas-in-switch-to-pullmantur/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/royal-caribbeans-monarch-of-the-seas-in-switch-to-pullmantur/#When:10:08:04Z Monarch of the Seas will soon be on the move to Latin America.Royal Caribbean Cruises today announced its is transferring the shipfrom its Royal Caribbean cruise brand to its Pullmantur brand, a cruise and tour operator based in Madrid, Spain. Monarch of the Seas will switch to Pullmantur in April 2013 The transfer to Pullmantur will take place on on April 1, 2013, following its last sailing for Royal Caribbean International on March 29. “We are very proud of Monarch of the Seas for delivering great service and outstanding destinations to holidaymakers from its maiden voyage,” said Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean International’s president. “The ship will go on creating wonderful travel memories through her final sailings for our brand through next March and then continue doing the same for Pullmantur’s guests.” With the incorporation of Monarch of the Seas, Pullmantur will increase its total guest capacity by nearly 25 per cent and meet a rising demand for the brand’s distinctive all-inclusive cruise holidays. ‘‘The transfer of Monarch of the Seas will reinforce Pullmantur in our Latin American growth strategy, and help us become one of the most widely recognised brands,’’ said Pullmantur’s presidentGonzalo Chico Barbier. Monarch of the Seas was built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique (now STX France) in St Nazaire, France and sailed its maiden voyage on November 17, 1991. The ship is part of the Sovereign class of cruise ships which were the world’s largest and most innovative at the time. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean 2012-03-21T10:08:04+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/msc-cruises-completes-its-fantasia-class-series-of-ships-with-msc-preziosa/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/msc-cruises-completes-its-fantasia-class-series-of-ships-with-msc-preziosa/#When:18:56:46Z MSC Cruises' rapid expansion shows no sign of abating as it reveals that it has finalised negotiations with STX France to take over a 140,000-ton cruise ship following the termination of the agreement with the original owner. The new €550 million ship, to be called MSC Preziosa, will become the 13th addition to the MSC Cruises’ fleet, and the fourth and final ship in the series of Fantasia-class ships, which comprise MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida and the eagerly-awaited MSC Divina. MSC Preziosa under construction in France, the last of the four Fantasia Class ships MSC Preziosa, scheduled to arrive in March 2013, is in fact the sister ship of MSC Divina, currently having her final touches applied in the STX ship yard in St Nazaire, France, before her christening in May. Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, said: “When MSC Preziosa is delivered we will have four ships of every class, giving us a total capacity of over 40,000 berths and the strength to sail in all seas. MSC Preziosa herself will sail the Mediterranean, exploring the beauty of the Greek Islands, which represents the highlight of European cruising.” Added Laurent Castaing, STX France General Manager: “STX France is delighted with this successful outcome after months of negotiations. The length of time necessary to settle them is the perfect illustration of the challenges faced by the cruise industry in terms of financing, which impact our industry directly.” MSC Preziosa will boast 1,751 cabins, 26 lifts and 18 decks, 14 of them for passengers. Guests will be able to enjoy four main restaurants, two speciality restaurants, 21 bars, a casino, four swimming pools - including an infinity pool - 12 whirlpools, a bowling alley, a sports area with playing fields, a fitness centre, a children’s area and the superb MSC Aurea Spa. MSC Preziosa’s total construction is 45% complete and her mechanical zones are 70% complete. MSC Cruises will soon begin the fitting and furnishing of the 333 metre long, 38 metre wide ship. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Mediterranean Shipping Cruise Line (MSC) 2012-03-13T18:56:46+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/now-costa-concordia-has-been-written-off-as-a-total-loss/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/now-costa-concordia-has-been-written-off-as-a-total-loss/#When:12:41:23Z The Costa Cruises fleet is shrinking fast with the latest revelation that the six-year-old Costa Concordia is being written off as a total loss by its parent company Carnival Corporation. Insurers are reportedly going to pay out $515 million for the stricken vessel which run around off the Italian island of Giglio in January with the loss of 32 lives. This comes hot on the heels of Carnival saying it would be too costly to repair Costa Allegra which has been out of action since catching fire in the Seychelles last month. Carnival had originally hoped the capsized Costa Concordia could be salvaged, but it has now decided the ship is a “constructive total loss”. The disaster cost Carnival Corporation $29 million in the first quarter of its financial year, with Costa bookings “significantly” down on last year. But Carnival chairman Micky Arison described Costa’s position as “resilient” and said he had “every confidence that we will restore consumer faith in the Costa brand and the excellent reputation Costa’s management team has built”. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises 2012-03-12T12:41:23+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/a-tale-of-two-icons-in-sydney-harbour-with-stunning-pictures/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/a-tale-of-two-icons-in-sydney-harbour-with-stunning-pictures/#When:17:11:01Z Cunard's flagship, Queen Mary 2, the largest ship ever to visit Australia, has spent 22 nights circumnavigating the country and making history.And this series of stunning pictures captures more history being made as the world’s most famous liner berths at Sydney’s Circular Quay for the first time. Side by side - the QM2 with Sydney harbour as the backdrop and, below, lighting up the night skyline Requiring no tug assistance Queen Mary 2 undertook the docking manoeuvre in 40 minutes. The liner is five metres short of the tip of the Opera House but 52 metres too tall to fit under the Harbour Bridge. A harbour ferry squeezes between the Queen Mary 2 and the Opera Hopuse Cruise News, Cruise Ships, Cruise Lines, Cunard Line 2012-03-10T17:11:01+00:00