Tons of Fun on Carnival Vista

New 135,000 Ton Ship Named 

Carnival Vista 

Carnival Cruise Lines President and CEO, Gerry Cahill, announced on Saturday that the next newbuild, the 25th for the line, would be called Carnival Vista.

Keeping with the tradition of taking the best features from one ship and adding some new unique features, you can expect some of the FunShip 2.0 restaurants, entertainment, and bars.

Fincantieri to Build

Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri, has long been associated with Carnival Corporation.  Fincantieri is one of the largest groups in the world in the design and construction of merchant and naval vessels specializing in the construction of complex ships with high technological content such as cruise ships and large ferries.

This new 135,000 ton ship will accommodate 4,000 guests and enter service in 2016.  Specific details about the design, homeport, and itineraries will be announced at a later date.



Want to Learn more about Fun Ship 2.0? TOUCH this Image and then move your mouse over the various interactive buttons.  Watch Videos, View Menus, Get More Facts.   Enjoy !!

 

Introducing Fun Ship 2.0
Hasbro The Game Show Coming Soon to Sea

Introducing Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced that they have signed a contract with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard to build the most luxurious cruise ship in the era of modern cruising. The new all-suite, all-balcony ship will be named Seven Seas Explorer with delivery scheduled for summer 2016.

"This new ship order represents an exciting time of growth for our company as we build the next generation of cruise ships for the world's most inclusive luxury cruise line," Frank Del Rio, the chairman and CEO of Regent's parent company, says in a statement accompanying the announcement. "Seven Seas Explorer will be the most luxurious cruise ship ever built."

The price tag for this all-suite, all-balcony luxury cruise ship has been reported to be $450m USD making it the most expensive luxury vessel afloat according to the line.
 Ship Statistics

Name: Seven Seas Explorer	Registry: Bahamas
Builder: Sestri Ponente (Genoa) shipyard	Country Built In: Italy
Ship Completion Date: Summer 2016	Number of Restaurants: 6
Number Balcony Suites: 369	Capacity: 738
Gross Tonnage: 54,000	Beam: 102 feet
Length: 732 feet	Draft: 23 feet
Power: diesel-electric engines	Speed: 20 knots

World-renowned architectural and interior design firms Tillberg Design AB, RTKL Associates and ICrave are designing the vessel, which will have the features the line is known for with the following highlights:

• 369 suites ranging from 300 square feet to 1,500 square feet
• six open-seating gourmet restaurants
• signature nine-deck atrium
• two-story Explorer Theater
• three boutiques  
• an expansive Canyon Ranch SpaClub®

"This new ship order is part of our disciplined growth strategy to expand our footprint in the luxury market," said Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "Since we purchased the Regent Seven Seas Cruises brand in 2008, the ships have sailed full with industry-leading yields. We strongly believe that now is the right time to expand our fleet as our loyal guests have asked for a greater array of itineraries and our travel partners have proven that there is pent-up demand for a new Regent ship."

Additional information about the new ship will be released in the coming months and we will provide updates as the information is provided to us.   We look forward to welcoming this new ship to Regent's fleet.  Click the following link for more information about Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

Introducing Viking Star

“It is our view that in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and onboard experiences to make destinations the true focus.” 

Come Explore The New Viking Star - Sailing May 2015 

Viking Star

Classified as a “small ship,” the new 928-passenger all-veranda Viking Star is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, so guests have easy and efficient embarkation and debarkation. The ship’s understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design is crafted for maximum guest comfort. Highlighted features include:

• All Veranda Staterooms: Guests can choose from five stateroom categories, starting from a 270 sq. ft. veranda stateroom, all with private verandas, king-size beds, large showers, and LCD TVs.
  
• Explorer Suites: Viking Star’s 14 Explorer Suites are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,448 sq. ft. and offer sweeping views from wrap-around private verandas as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category onboard.
  
• Two Pool Choices: In addition to the Main Pool with a retractable dome permitting any-season swimming, Viking Star features one of the only infinity pools at sea, allowing passengers to swim surrounded by their destination in a glass-backed pool cantilevered off the stern.
  
• The Spa: In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Spa onboard Viking Star is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind—from the centuries-old tradition of the sauna to a “snow grotto” where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air.
  
• Explorers’ Lounge and Wintergarden: Spaces designed to facilitate mingling and storytelling, the two-deck Explorers’ Lounge at the bow of the ship is the perfect spot for taking in scenery through double-height windows over a glass of aquavit or pint of local craft beer; and the Wintergarden is a serene environment in which to relax and enjoy afternoon tea service complete with a curated tea selection.
  
• Dining Choices: Viking Star offers multiple restaurant locations and food choices—from The Restaurant and the World Café, serving a variety of global cuisines and regional specialties—to intimate dining experiences at The Chef’s Table, Italian Grill and The Kitchen Table, all serving meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Furthermore, with multiple choices for outdoor seating during meals, Viking Star offers more al fresco dining than any other ship.
  
• Enriching Entertainment:, Connecting passengers to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking Cruises, and Viking Star’s onboard venues include a dramatic three-deck atrium where passengers can enjoy musicians playing regional and classical music; the Star Theater, home of enrichment lectures from scholars and experts; an onboard cooking school where guests can learn local specialties; and the Viking Piano Lounge, where guests can relax, mingle, and exchange stories after a day of exploring.
  
• Sustainable Features: Designed with the environment in mind, Viking Star features energy-efficient hybrid engines, a hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hull and bow for maximum fuel efficiency, onboard solar panels, and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the strictest environmental regulations.
  

The ship has been designed by experienced nautical architects and engineers, including an interior design team of London-based SMC Design, and Los Angeles-based Rottet Studios. The first of two ocean ships on order, Viking Star will be built by Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard.

Farewell Destiny Hello Sunshine

Destiny Went In and Sunshine has Emerged

Serenity Deck on Carnival Sunshine   Courtesy CCL

The long awaited transformation of Carnival Destiny into the Carnival Sunshine is now complete as the ship sailed it's inaugural voyage out of Venice with some work remaining to be completed.

This is amongst the largest re-makes in the cruise industry and certainly the largest undertaking for a Carnival cruise ship.   See what you think...

  Watch the Transformation of Carnival Destiny into Carnival Sunshine   
Inaugural Voyage Not All Sunshine

When the revitalized Carnival Sunshine set sail from Venice on its inaugural 12-Night Mediterranean voyage on May 5th, there still was some work to be done to totally complete the transformation. It wasn't until 3 days before the cruise ended that the new WaterWorks Aqua Park was opened to the public. The Rope Course was another feature that was unavailable until near the end of the voyage.

Since Mediterranean cruises are so sightseeing intensive, there might not have been a lot of time to enjoy the facilities on board the ship anyway, but Carnival did the right thing and compensated passengers with a $150 on board credit.

Was It Worth the Wait?

The $155M transformation had originally been slated to be completed by April, but the Carnival Triumph fire that left that ship stranded had a cascading effect on the entire Carnival fleet.   President and CEO Gerry Cahill promised to increase operating redundancies, emergency power and fire prevention, detection and suppression systems fleetwide, so the dry-dock was extended to complete that work on the new Carnival Sunshine.

Read more about the delays: Carnival Triumph & Sunshine Returns Delayed

Carnival Sunshine becomes the first ship in the Carnival fleet to have all of the Fun Ship 2.0 features as well as the first ship to deploy the new safety improvements making it an ideal ship for your next vacation at sea.

Want to Learn more about Fun Ship 2.0? TOUCH this Image and then move your mouse over the various interactive buttons.  Watch Videos, View Menus, Get More Facts.   Enjoy !!

 

 Highlights:

• A fleet first: Carnival Sunshine's WaterWorks area introduces Speedway Splash, featuring two lanes of long-distance waterslide racing action.
• With a brand-new Cloud 9 Spa, plus 95 brand-new Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms, Carnival Sunshine practically floats on air!
• Carnival Sunshine's Serenity Adults-Only Retreat spans three decks, which means relaxation on a whole new level... or two, actually.
• Hungry for something new? Carnival Sunshine will feature 10 dining venues that are either brand-new or completely redesigned.
• Even with all the added decks, staterooms and fun features, Carnival Sunshine's weight will only grow by about 1% (from 101,353 to 102,853 tons).
• 3,006 passenger capacity, 1,150 onboard crew, 893 length in feet

Learn more about the changes:  Destiny Goes In Sunshine Comes Out

Click for Carnival Sunshine Sailings

Costa Fascinosa Delivered

Costa Fascinosa 

A New Beginning 

Click for Video & Images

It has been a tough year for Costa Cruises and their passengers, but as the line launched its latest flagship over the weekend, officials hoped the 3,800-passenger Costa Fascinosa will mark a new chapter for the line following the Concordia disaster. They have released a video (click image above) that reflects on Costa's history since 1948 marking various milestones - primarily new ship launches.

"The delivery of Costa Fascinosa is an important stepping stone on our company's road to recovery," said Costa Chairman and CEO Pier Luigi Foschi during a ceremony marking the formal delivery of the new ship.  He continued "It is confirmation that the long-term fundamentals of our business remain strong, and we will continue to work for our customers, offering them even better cruises on fantastic ships like Costa Fascinosa."

Shipbuilder Fincantieri officially handed Costa Fascinosa over to Costa Cruises at the Venice Passenger Terminal. Along with sister ship Costa Favolosa, it is the largest Italian-flagged cruise ship afloat.  The delivery ceremony was attended by Italy’s Minister of Tourism Piero Gnudi, and his daughter Elsa served as godmother of the new 114,500-ton, 3,800-guest flagship.

Costa Cruises invested US$668.8 million (510 million euros) in Costa Fascinosa. Construction of the ship at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard involved the labor of approximately 3,000 yard workers plus 7,000 more people employed by about 500 contracted suppliers, most of them Italian firms.

“Costa Fascinosa is the living proof of the progress and the results achieved by two great
Italian industries jointly contributing to spread a positive image of ‘Made in Italy’ around the
world,” said Giuseppe Bono, chief executive officer of Fincantieri. “We are most pleased to
have contributed to the success of Costa, an Italian company which proudly flies the Italian flag.”

Costa Fascinosa sets sail from Venice on a preview cruise May 6, bound for Slovenia, Trieste, Italy, and Croatia, and will host the 19th edition of the “Champions of the Sea,” an annual event celebrating Costa Cruises’ best travel agent partners from around the world. On May 11 the ship departs Venice on its inaugural cruise, a 10-day itinerary to Greece, Israel and Turkey. 

For the 2012 summer season until the end of November, Costa Fascinosa will operate seven-day cruises from Venice and Bari, It flagship will be in South America on cruises calling at Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

For summer 2013 the ship will return to the eastern Mediterranean, sailing weeklong vacations to Greece and Turkey with departures from Venice and Bari.

We'll bring you more information about the new flagship in futures articles.  We wish Costa Cruises well as this new ship takes to the seas.  We hope that it can be a new beginning following the tragic events earlier this year.

Destiny Goes In Sunshine Comes Out

49 Days + $155m = Sunshine

Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million makeover next year that will incorporate all of the line’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to this vessel.

Next February, Carnival Destiny will go into a 49-day dry dock at Fincantieri shipyards. This project represents the most ambitious refit and transformation that Carnival Cruise Line has ever done.

 

During the dry dock, Carnival Destiny will be transformed into Carnival Sunshine, which will emerge from the shipyard with a reconfigured layout, the addition of a partial deck, and the expansion of two other decks within the forward section of the ship.  This transformation  provides the opportunity to incorporate a number of new and exciting on-board spaces. 182 cabins will be added, as well.

Update:  Return to Service now May 5th 2013, 2 European Cruises Cancelled

Carnival Triumph & Sunshine Returns Delayed

Following the dry dock, Carnival Sunshine will embark on a schedule of nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013 then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning November 2013.

“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and on-board innovations not available anywhere else" said Gerry Cahill, Carnival President and CEO.

Fun Ship 2.0 + New Features

• A full-service Asian restaurant inspired by the line’s popular Mongolian wok casual eateries , with no charge for lunch, but a nominal fee for dinner.
• The Comfort Kitchen: Located in the Lido Marketplace, it will offer a tempting array of American-style “comfort food” entrees and side dishes.
• Havana Bar, a tropical-inspired nightspot located aft within Lido Marketplace featuring a panoramic ocean view from its floor to ceiling windows and offering a unique and memorable venue for cocktails, live Latin music and dancing.
• New Sunshine Bar, an elegant lounge with sun-splashed interiors located at the lobby level of the ship’s towering atrium.
• A new cigar bar concept offering fine cigars and a variety of brandies, cognacs and liqueurs, ideal for pre- or post-dinner drinks and conversation.


• Carnival’s first three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat, with plush chaise lounges and chairs, a whirlpool, a cascading waterfall, teak-planked decks, a pool and complimentary dining area.
• SportSquare, Carnival Sunshine’s new open-air recreation complex that includes a ropes course, mini-golf course, a lighted half court for basketball and volleyball among other sporting amenities.  

Mediterranean Cruises

• 14-day Venice to Barcelona (Apr 6-23, 2013)
• 9 and 12-day R/T Barcelona or Between Barcelona and Venice (18 voyages)
• Ports include: Marseilles, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Livorno (Pisa/Florence) and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Transatlantic Cruise

•  16-day departing Barcelona Nov1 arriving New Orleans Nov 17, 2013

Year-round Deployment - New Orleans

• 6-day from New Orleans (Nov 18-24, 2013)
• 7-day schedule begins Nov 24, 2013 (3 different itineraries)
• western Caribbean route to Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel, Mexico
• Bahamas/Florida schedule to Key West, Fla., Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas
• western Caribbean departures to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel

Carnival Sunshine will replace Carnival Conquest, which is currently based in New Orleans. Additional details on the Carnival Conquest deployment will be announced in the near future.

Oceania Riviera Maiden Voyage Delayed

Year	2012
Gross Tonnage	66,000 t
Length between Pp	210 m
Moulded  Breadth	32.2 m
Number of Cabins	629
Max Speed	19.5 knots

Artist Rendition of  Oceania Riviera            Courtesy Fincantieri

Oceania Riviera Facts

Oceania Cruises announced that the debut of its next ship, the 1,250-passenger Riviera, has been delayed due to recent strikes at the Fincantieri shipyard near Genoa, Italy where it is being built.  It is a sister ship to Marina which debuted last year.  It was also built by the same shipyard.

Delay Cancels Two Cruises

The maiden voyage of the 66,000-ton vessel has been pushed back to May 16 from April 2, 2012. Two cruises scheduled to take place between April 24 and May 16 are being canceled.

"We sincerely regret any inconvenience that this may cause our guests," Oceania President Kunal Kamlani says in a statement accompanying the announcement. "We are working very closely with the shipyard to ensure Riviera is completed to meet Oceania's high standards of quality and service."

Second Delay for Debut

This is the second announced delay, within the last six months, to the maiden voyage of the Riviera. The line announced in August that the ship's debut was being pushed back from April 14 to April 24.  Delays to maiden voyages, while rare, can happen for a number of reasons.  In this case, a strike over reorganization planned at the shipyard due to a slowdown in newbuild orders, lasted longer than expected.


Oceania says customers on the canceled cruises will be contacted by the line or their travel agents to discuss alternative cruise dates. Those who choose to rebook onto a later voyage will receive a credit ranging from $250 to $1,000 per person, depending on category of accommodation. Those who do not wish to rebook will receive a full refund.

The new maiden voyage is a 10-day ‘Pearls of the Aegean’ cruise that includes an overnight aboard ship in Venice before departing for Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Monemvasia, Crete, Santorini, Delos, Mykonos and Athens.

Oceania Riviera Maiden Voyage Date Changed

Photo Courtesy Oceania Cruises

Riviera Floated Out At The Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa

Oceania Riviera

Currently Under Construction

Oceania Riviera, the latest ship to be commissioned by Oceania Cruises, is currently under construction by Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa, Italy.

Last month, Riviera completed a successful float from the construction dock to the fitting-out pier that will be Riviera's home for the next nine months.  Thousands of craftsman now begin fitting out and finishing her magnificent, designer interiors so that she can join her sister ship, Marina, in European waters.


Maiden Voyage Date Changed

Oceania Cruises announced the rescheduling of the maiden voyage of the Riviera.   The 1,250-passenger ship is now scheduled to sail on April 24, 2012, 10 days later than originally planned. According to Oceania Cruises, the delay will “allow additional time for the staff to familiarize themselves with the ship’s facilities and fine-tune the countless details required to deliver the acclaimed Oceania Cruises experience.”

The Riviera's inaugural voyage will be a 12-day Ancient Grandeur cruise from Athens, with calls at Alexandria and Port Said, Egypt; Haifa and Jerusalem, Israel; Alanya, Rhodes and Patmos, Greece; Kusadasi, Turkey; and an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Since the maiden voyage is now 10 days later and 2 days longer, Oceania Cruises is allowing guests to modify their plans if they desire.  Guests have the following options:

• Keep reservation -  receive 2 bonus days at no extra cost & $250 per guest in shipboard credit
• Book a different voyage - receive $250 per guest toward a future cruise
• Cancel cruise - receive a full refund

Oceania Riviera Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans | Ship Reviews | Photos
Riviera: Debuts in 2012 Tonnage: 66,084 Length: 785 feet Beam: 106 feet Maximum Draught: 24 feet Stabilizers: Yes Cruising Speed: 20 knots Guest Decks: 11	Total Decks: 15 Electric Power or Voltage: 110, 220 AC Guest Capacity: 1,250 (Double Occupancy) Staff Size: 800 Guest to Staff Ratio: 1.57 to 1 Nationality of Officers: European Nationality of Staff: International Country of Registry: Marshall Islands

 Watch for more posts about Oceania Riviera as construction continues. 

Carnival Corp. Takes Delivery of Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic Becomes 100th Ship for Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation took delivery of their newest ship, Carnival Magic, from Italian shipbuilders, Fincantieri.  Carnival's fleet of ships encompasses highly-recognizable brands, including: Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, P & O Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Cunard Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P & O Cruises Australia and the Yachts of Seabourn.

Carnival Magic is the sister ship of 130,000 ton Carnival Dream which entered into service for Carnival Cruise Lines in 2009.  These ships are the largest passenger ships in the history of Italian shipbuilding. Carnival Magic has more cabins than it's sister ship - 1,845 - plus 746 cabins for the crew, providing accommodation for over 6,000 passengers and crew. 60% of the cabins have a sea view or private balcony.

With the delivery of Carnival Magic, the corporation now has it's 100th vessel at sea, 23 of which are for the brand Carnival Cruise Line.   This is quite an accomplishment for the corporation that started operations with just a single ship, the 27,250-ton Mardi Gras, in 1972.  

Micky Arison, who now runs Carnival Corp. made the following remarks:

"It is particularly meaningful that delivery of (Carnival Corp.'s) 100th ship is for the Carnival Cruise Lines brand, which provided the foundation upon which (the company) was established and, ultimately, grew into the largest cruise operator in the world." 

  
Celebrating a Milestone

Planning a ship building, delivery, and inaugural events takes years of preparation.   Carnival Corp. planned a special celebration for this cruise industry milestone.

Friday, April 29, 2011 will go down in history as a momentous occasion, however, Carnival Corp. will not be the center of attention as they might have hoped.   As you all know, there is a Royal Wedding taking place in London, England, which will undoubtedly overshadow Carnival's celebration.

Nevertheless, Carnival is proceeding with their plans to celebrate the arrival of its 100th ship on Friday with a champagne toast at dinner on every one of its vessels. The company says it estimates more than 227,000 customers will take part in the celebration in what it believes will be the largest event of its kind ever at sea.

Congratulations Carnival Corp. on this major cruise industry accomplishment.  We look forward to sending many guests on magical cruise vacations in the future.

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Learn more about Carnival Magic: Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans | Dining Menus   Wine Lists | Kids Programs | Ship Reviews | Photos

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Introducing Princess Cruises Newest Ship

Artist Rendering Royal Princess - Courtesy Princess Cruises

Click for Video: Introducing the new Royal Princess

Artist renderings of the ship are available on Princess' Flickr page.

First Steel Plate is Cut in Shipyard

In May, 2010, we announced that Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri, who has long been associated with Carnival Corporation, had been awarded a deal to build two unnamed vessels for Princess Cruises.  The two new 141,000 ton, 3,600-passenger vessels would be the largest cruise ships ever built by Fincantieri and the flagships of Princess Cruises fleet.  The first ship would debut in Spring 2013 and the second the following spring.   Read the full article:  Carnival Corp. Places Orders With Fincantieri Shipbuilders

Today, Princess Cruises previewed the Royal Princess as the first steel plate was cut in the  Monfalcone, Italy shipyard marking the official start of construction of the new vessel.   The name Royal Princess may sound familiar to long-time cruise industry watchers.  This is actually the third time Princess Cruises has used that name for a ship.

Introducing SeaWalk^SM

SeaWalk^SM - Photo Courtesy Princess Cruises

Royal Princess will feature many of the classic design elements while adding some new features and expanded signature spaces.  As with the newest ships from other lines, at least one feature stands out as an innovation.   For Royal Princess, that will be an over-water SeaWalk^SM, a top-deck glass-bottomed enclosed walkway on the ship's starboard side extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel. From here passengers can enjoy dramatic views, including to the sea 128 feet below. On the ship's port side, passengers will find a similarly-unique cantilevered SeaView bar, featuring cocktails with unbeatable vistas.

Also on her top decks, Royal Princess will feature a new adults-only pool surrounded by seven plush private cabanas that appear to be floating on the water. Two additional pools will flank a tropical island that will offer pool seating by day, and by night will become an outdoor dance club, complete with a dazzling water and light show.

Old Favorites Return

Princess' signature adults-only haven, The Sanctuary, will be expanded both in size and amenities. The popular poolside theater, Movies Under the Stars, will play a starring role mid-ship with an expanded size and high-definition viewing.   Here you can watch your favorite movies and enjoy some of Princess Cruises signature popcorn.

The Piazza atrium, will be significantly expanded to become the social hub of the vessel, complete with always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services.

Princess President and CEO Alan Buckelew remarked "Princess passengers will easily recognize our next ship as a natural progression in our fleet.  We're taking the best features of our newest vessels that have been such customer pleasers, and taking them to the next level. Just as the original Royal Princess ushered in a new era for our company with its innovative design, we expect our new Royal Princess to do the same."

We will bring you additional updates during the construction of the Royal Princess.

Carnival Corp. Places Orders With Fincantieri Shipbuilders

Fincantieri Shipyard Monfalcone, Italy - Courtesy Carnival Corp.

Carnival & Princess Ships on Order

Italian shipbuilder, Fincantieri, has long been associated with Carnival Corporation.  Fincantieri is one of the largest groups in the world in the design and construction of merchant and naval vessels specializing in the construction of complex ships with high technological content such as cruise ships and large ferries.

The shipyard is currently constructing Carnival Magic, the second ship in the Carnival Dream class of ships which is due for completion in May, 2011.   The Carnival Magic will debut in Europe.

Introducing Carnival Breeze

Carnival Breeze has been selected as the name for the new 130,000-ton cruise ship scheduled to enter service in spring 2012.

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze will be the third in the line’s Dream class, the first of which debuted in 2009.

Carnival Breeze will offer many of the popular innovations featured on Carnival Dream as well as some exciting and unique new elements created just for this vessel that will be detailed at a later date, along with homeport and itinerary information.

“Carnival Breeze promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet and its name reflects the continued evolution of our brand while conveying the fun and carefree spirit associated with a Carnival cruise,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Carnival Breeze highlights include a 23,750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship’s sides, a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, and an indoor/outdoor café and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza.

Families will love the Carnival Breeze due to the  wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean views with two bathrooms, some of which feature five berths and hold particular appeal for families.

Carnival Breeze will be the 24^th vessel in Carnival Cruise Lines’ fleet, which operates three- to 15-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda and Europe.

Princess Cruises 

Orders 2 New Ships

Fincantieri and Carnival Corporation jointly announced that contracts to build two 3,600-passenger ships have been finalized.

 The unnamed new ships are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. The two new 141,000 ton vessels will be the largest cruise ships ever built by Fincantieri and the flagships of Princess Cruises fleet.

Although the design incorporates a number of features which have contributed to the success of the Fincantieri’s most recent vessels, an in-depth review has been carried out in order to develop a ship of superior quality.  Among the new innovations are all outside cabins will feature balconies, bringing the percentage of balconies on the ships to 80 percent of all staterooms. 

Princess Cruises signature Piazza, the ship's central atrium featuring dining, entertainment and retail, will be expanded, as will the popular Sanctuary, spa, and restaurants.

"We're pleased that in this challenging economic environment, the order for these new ships is a testament to the confidence in the growth potential of the Princess brand," said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. "These new ships will include the features from our newest ships that have been so well received, and take them to the next level," he added. 

Giuseppe Bono, chief executive officer of Fincantieri, said, "We are grateful to the Carnival Group for this further vote of confidence in Fincantieri. We are proud to have met the requirements of Princess Cruises, one of Carnival's most prestigious brands, with an innovative design both from a technical and architectural point of view."

Bono continued, "This is a highly important order for us, especially as it comes in a period of economic crisis. We succeeded in securing these orders with assistance and support of the Italian export credit companies, in particular SACE S.p.A."

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape completely to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents.


Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, The Yachts of Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ibero Cruises, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.

Together, these brands operate 95 ships totaling more than 186,000 lower berths with 12 new ships scheduled to be delivered between May 2010 and spring 2014. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

Every year more and more people are discovering cruise vacations.   The cruise industry has one of the highest guest satisfaction ratings and repeat guest  percentages in the travel industry.   If you are new to cruising, see my Cruise Rookies article to learn more about a vacation on a cruise ship.

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Float Out

Photos courtesy Cunard Cruise Line

Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks, was joined January 5th by 79-year-old Florence (Dennie) Farmer, honored as the “Madrina” to the third Queen Elizabeth at the float out of Cunard's latest ship. Dennie's husband, now deceased, joined Cunard in September 1938 and served as Chief Engineer on both the first Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth 2 until his retirement in October 1979.

Two ceremonies were held at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste, Italy. The first ceremony involved the welding of significant coins beneath the mast of Queen Elizabeth for good luck. Three coins were chosen – a half crown dated 1938 (the year the first Queen Elizabeth was launched), a sovereign dated 1967 (the year Queen Elizabeth 2 was launched) and a sovereign dated 2010 (to acknowledge the new Queen Elizabeth being floated out in 2010). After the coin ceremony, the new liner was blessed and a bottle of Italian prossecco was smashed against the hull by the Madrina. The valves of the dry dock were then opened and the liner met the water for the first time.

For more information about Queen Elizabeth, see previous article, Construction of Queen Elizabeth Begins. Queen Elizabeth’s Maiden Voyage, now sold out, will depart on Tuesday October 12, 2010. Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Click here for information about itineraries and pricing on Queen Elizabeth.

For information about her maiden World Voyage, see Cunard 2011 World Voyages.

Construction of Queen Elizabeth Begins

Photo Courtesy Cunard Line

Queen Elizabeth's Keel Laid

A ceremony was held today, at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy, to mark the keel laying of Cunard Line’s new Queen Elizabeth. The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Elizabeth’s keel is the third Cunard has lain in the space of seven years. When she enters service in October 2010, she will join Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria as not only the most famous ocean liners in the world but also the youngest fleet in passenger travel.

The keel laying involves the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 364 tons and is fitted with 104 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment. Fifty-three sections will be used in the construction of Queen Elizabeth and she will take to the water for the first time at her float out in December.

The new ship is named after the first Queen Elizabeth, one of Cunard’s greatest ships. The exterior design will be like her sister ships with the distinctive black and red design. The interior of the ship will consist of elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, luxuriously endowed with rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel.

Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyage will be October 12, 2010. That voyage sold out in just over 29 minutes back in April this year. Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Fares start from just $1,195 per person for the five-night 26 November 2010 Gallic Debut voyage with ports of call at Amsterdam, Zeebrugge and Le Havre; while the 13-night Iberian Discovery voyage departing 1 December 2010 features fares from $2,395 per person, with ports of call at Vigo, Lisbon, Seville, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira.

The world’s newest ocean liner will depart Southampton on January 5, 2011, on her 103-night epic Maiden World Voyage, which has just been released for sale. This will see her make 35 maiden calls, including Cunard’s first call ever at Port Denarau (Fiji). In total, Queen Elizabeth will call at 38 ports in 24 countries as she makes her way west around the globe, with maiden transits of both the Panama and Suez Canals and calls at Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Lisbon.