Oasis' Third Sister is Named

Harmony of the Seas^℠

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas^℠ is the next addition to the Oasis class. Keeping with the tradition of innovation, she will have Royal Caribbean's first water slides at sea. This artist rendering shows the water slides, which will span three decks with exhilarating twists and turns.

Additional Announced Features

• Harmony of the Seas also will feature a new Bionic Bar on the Royal Promenade.
• Guests onboard Harmony of the Seas will enjoy RFID technology with Royal WOWBands.
• Suite guests also will have exclusive new areas to enjoy like Coastal Kitchen and a Suite Sun Zone sun deck.
• Dynamic Dining will come to Harmony of the Seas. Those preferring a more traditional cruise dining style may select the “Classic”option which will offer two set seating times. Dynamic Dining’s “Classic”option allows guests to rotate through each of the main complimentary restaurants at an early- or a late-seating time throughout their cruise with their dining group and the same assigned waiter each evening.
• New specialty restaurant concepts including Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Sabor Modern Mexican restaurant and Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine.

This ship, currently under construction at STX France, will be the third ship in the Oasis class which includes Allure of the Seas the largest ship at sea.   It is scheduled to debut in April, 2016.   A fourth unnamed ship is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

Panama Canal Expansion

Images from our Panama Canal Transit

Panama Canal

100 Years Anniversary

Developing a water passage across the Isthmus of Panama uniting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans dates to the early 16th century. 

Official Opening

August 15, 2014

We won't attempt to cover the history here. Instead, we will focus on a milestone which occurs this year, the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal and the status of expansion plans to bring the canal into its next 100 years. For information on the canal's history, please see the official Panama Canal site.

Panamax

Panamax specifications have been in effect since the opening of the canal in 1914. Ships that do not fall within the Panamax-sizes are called post-Panamax.  Currently ships that are a maximum of 965 feet long and 106 feet wide (beam) can pass through the canal. That typically means the older and smaller ships in a cruise lines' fleet are the only ones that can make the transit. Ships like the Allure of the Seas or the Solstice-class ships are not among them. The new locks would open up possibilities for the larger cruise ships to complete the transit.

Expansion Plans

There are four major parts to the expansion plans.  The purpose of the expansion is to enable post-Panamax vessel transit of the canal.

• construction of two new sets of locks - one on the Pacific and one on the Atlantic side of the Canal
• widening and deepening of existing navigational channels in Gatun Lake
• deepening of Culebra Cut
• new 6.1 km-long access channel to connect the Pacific locks and the Culebra Cut

Each lock will have three chambers and each chamber will have three water re-utilization basins.
For complete details about the plans, see PANAMA CANAL EXPANSION PROGRAM MARCH 2013 (PDF).

Overall, the Expansion Program is 72% complete and at this time, is expected to be open to commercial transits in the second half of 2015.  

The contractor for the new locks, Grupo Unidos por El Canal S.A. (GUPC), is currently threatening a work stoppage due to $1.6 Billion in cost overruns.  The ACP, the autonomous agency of the Government of Panama in charge of managing, operating and maintaining the Panama Canal, has proposed advancing $100 million to GUPC  to allow the contractor to tend to its pending obligations. The contractor must guarantee these funds through a letter of credit. In addition, ACP is willing to extend for a period of two months the moratorium for the repayment of $83 million in advances by GUPC. These would give an additional $83 million for GUPC.

Full story: Panama Canal Proposal to Jointly Contribute $283 Million to New Locks Project

Here is a video published by the ACP describing the Panama Canal Expansion project.

Viking River Increases Longship Order

ADDING 14 SHIPS IN 2014

Viking Cruises announced that they have increased their Viking Longship order from 12 to 14 vessels for delivery in 2014.  The new ships will sail the line's most popular European itineraries.  The increased order reflects the popularity of river cruising as the fastest growing-segment of the travel industry and the leadership position of Viking, the world’s leading river cruise line.

With the addition of these new Longships,Viking River Cruises will have increased its fleet by 30 ships since 2011.  This is the most rapid expansion the industry has seen.  If one were to add all the ships of their competitors together, they would still rank #1.

“We are working hard to match supply with demand, and with these new builds, we have the best designed, newest and most extensive offer of ships on the rivers – more than double all our competitors combined,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “More than ever, travelers want experiences that bring them closer to the destination, which is why we continue to design ships and itineraries with destinations and enrichment as the focus.”

For those that are unfamiliar with river cruising, it brings an entirely new dimension to the cruise experience.  Due to the size of the vessels, it is possible for them to dock right in the heart of the destination's town.  There is no need for an elaborate pier infrastructure.  The ship could even tie up to a tree, as they due in some of the remote parts of the globe.

Walk off the ship and right into the center of action. In most cases, there is no need for a long bus ride to begin seeing the sites.   Due to the size of the ships, there are much fewer guests onboard as well, making for a more intimate experience as you get to know your fellow passengers during the cruise.

Since the number of cabins is limited on the ships, the only way for Viking River to satisfy demand is by adding additional ships.  If you'd like to try this method of cruising, you need to plan early.

RIVER CRUISING GUIDE - Discover the Beauty of River Cruising Watch videos about the Longships: World Record Ship Launching Viking River Cruises 2012 Fleet Upgrades Viking Longboats Christened Viking River Cruises Longships Update A Cruise Line is Born (Viking Cruises)

Norwegian Plans for Belize

What Does it Cost to Buy 

an Island in Belize?

According to new sources in Belize, a press conference was held this week unveiling details of an agreement between Norwegian Cruise Line and the Belize government to begin development of a new cruise destination in the southern part of the country.

Norwegian Cruise Line is keeping details quiet, perhaps since they have already been shot down once before by the government.   However, the news reports indicate the price for the island is $50M USD.  The new development will be called Harvest Caye and be an eco-friendly endeavor.   The project could be completed in 2015.

Two of the main figures at the press conference were Colin Murphy - VP, Destination & Strategic Development, NCL and Hon. Godwin Hulse - Minister of Labour.  If you watch the following video, you'll hear the minister say “It is not, as some would say, that we are all lying down, ‘licky licky,’ et cetera. We are here to protect the interest of the Belizean people – so that is why we were brought to Government and that is what we are going to do and we are going to do so successfully. No ifs, maybes or buts about it,” Hulse added.

Colin Murphy didn't know what "licky likcy" was but figured he would have known about it if there had been any.  Apparently that is slang for greedy.

Time: 00:30:41 - Start of press coverage of announcement

If the project is approved and actually goes forward, the construction phase could bring 1000+ jobs to the region. NCL is also sweetening the deal by recruiting more of their onboard staff from Belize. Currently there are very few crew members from this country. 

References:

Will Harvest Caye Take Ships From Belize City?
No “licky licky,” says Godwin Hulse

What Would You Like to See on Third Oasis-Class Ship

Submit Your Ideas On our Facebook Page

As Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas begin the first signs of visible construction, Two Sisters Under Construction, it would be easy to overlook a third new build that is about to start. Construction of the third Oasis-class ship will begin in September 2013 at the STX France shipyards. The ship is expected to be delivered to Royal Caribbean sometime in 2016.

It is too early for details to be released, but amongst the reader's comments on the blog article Building New Cruise Ships: Unique & Unusual Stories, written by Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean, he asked readers what they would like to see on the new ship.  You'll have to see that article for some of the examples posted so far.

What Would You Like To See On New Oasis Ship?

As you know, Royal Caribbean has taken the best features from Oasis and Allure and, via the Royal Advantage program, are introducing them fleet wide.  Our assumption is that the new Oasis-class ship will preserve the features of her sister ships, but there's always room for new innovation as well.

We thought it would be fun to build our own list of things we'd like to see on the new ship.  There is so much to do on the current Oasis-class ships, and so many innovations already in existence today... but what is missing?   If you were part of the planning committee, what ideas would you bring to the table?

Submit Your Ideas - Click the Image above to Enter Them via our Facebook Fan Page

We'll Gather Them and Bring them with us to our National Conference next month and share them with the Royal Caribbean Executive Team.

Two Sisters Under Construction

Quantum of the Seas Keel Laying
Photo courtesy Meyer Werft

Royal Caribbean

New Sister-Ships

Construction Milestones

On August 2, 2013, in the German village of Papenburg, the traditional "laying of the keel" took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard for Royal Caribbean's new ship Quantum of the Seas.

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event.  

A 430-ts block was put in place in the yard's covered building dock. Harri Kulovaara, Executive Vice President Maritime of Royal Caribbean International, put down the lucky penny in the dock before the block of the new ship was lowered by the 800-ts crane. 

The first of a total of 74 blocks of the new cruise liner weighs 430 tons. This keel-laying marks the official start of construction of the Quantum of the Seas. For the time being the 167,800-gt Quantum of the Seas is the biggest ship the shipyard has built so far.

Anthem of the Seas Steel Cutting - Courtesy Meyer Werft

Prior to this the first steel-cutting for her sister ship Anthem of the Seas took place at MEYER WERFT 's laser centre. Delivery of the Anthem of the Seas is scheduled in the spring 2015, that of the Quantum of the Seas as early as in the autumn of 2014.

The Oasis and Allure of the Seas will remain the largest ships in the industry, at 220,000 gt, when these two new ships join the Royal Caribbean fleet. 

The ship will include many of the features from the Oasis-class along with some new innovations such as  a parachuting simulator, bumper cars, virtual balconies and many more.  Studio staterooms will allow solo travelers to enjoy their space, inside and out, with 12 of the 28 cabins including balconies.
   

Visit our Quantum of the Seas Microsite

Related Blog Articles:

Quantum Changes for Cruisers
Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class
Royal Caribbean Has a New Star

A Royal Godmother for New Ship

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge – Royal Princess^®

June 13, 2013 | Southampton, England

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Catherine Elizabeth "Kate"; née Middleton), the wife of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has graciously accepted Princess Cruises' invitation to become the Godmother of Royal Princess.

The Duchess is admired around the world for her style and grace, The Duchess has had a major impact on British fashion and was named on of "The 100 Most Influential People in the World" by Time Magazine in 2012. She is a supporter of several British charities including The Art Room, Action on Addiction, East Anglia's Children's Hospice, the National Portrait Gallery and the Scout Association.

Tradition & Royalty

Like her namesake that debuted in 1984, the new Royal Princess is indeed a special ship, inspiring an equally special godmother. The ship will be officially named  in a spectacular ceremony on 13 June 2013 in the port of Southampton, that will combine some nautical traditions, special British elements and contemporary touches.

The ceremony will uphold British ship-naming traditions including the blessing, a performance by the Royal Marines Band and the pipers of the Irish Guards, together with contemporary highlights.

Alan Buckelew, the line’s president and CEO said “It is a great honor for Princess Cruises that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has accepted our invitation to become the Godmother to Royal Princess. We are delighted that the Duchess will launch our new ship and can think of no better way to celebrate our company’s British heritage and our commitment to the country.”

Inaugural Year

Click to view PDF

Royal Princess will arrive at the Ocean Terminal in Southampton on Friday, June 7, where she will commence a series of events for customers and travel agents, including a special naming gala on the evening of Wednesday, June 12. The ship’s inaugural celebrations will conclude with her maiden voyage on June 16.

Two preview cruises will take place (June 9 and June 14). The cruises will sail round-trip from Southampton on a two-night itinerary which calls in St. Peter Port, Guernsey.   Following the inaugural voyage, Royal Princess will sail 12-night cruises out of Barcelona and Venice throughout the summer. A sister ship, Regal Princess, will arrive in spring 2014. 

Related Posts:

Royal Princess Float Out
A New Princess is Born
Introducing Princess Cruises Newest Ship

Downtown Disney Transformation

Walt Disney World

Florida

Downtown Disney Springs to Life

The image to the left was taken during our National Conference last year.  It is one of the stores in The Marketplace, a popular shopping spot in the WDW Resort's Downtown Disney.


What does the Disney Imagineering team have in store for us?
More shopping, dining and entertainment amid beautiful open-air promenades, meandering springs and waterfront charm.

 

Four Neighborhoods

This area is about to undergo a multi-million dollar remake which will add 4,000 jobs when completed in 2016 and over 1,200 jobs during construction.  The project will be completed in phases with the area remaining open during the entire construction period.

For those who have visited Downtown Disney, you are aware of the water running through the complex. This will now become the focal point and is incorporated in the new name, Disney Springs. Perhaps borrowing on an idea started by Royal Caribbean on the Oasis-class ships, they will have 4 "neighborhoods": 

• Town Center - a Spanish Revival retail area & dining venue with a promenade
• The Landing - world-class dining with view of waterfront
• Marketplace - familiar family-friendly retail & dining with  over-the-water pedestrian causeway
• West Side - featuring an industrial building with a lounge area with lively entertainment

Watch the Announcement Live

On March 14, 2013, Walt Disney World announced Downtown Disney would be renamed to Disney Springs, nearly doubling the size with new shopping and dining to be completed by 2016. This digitally animated model was displayed to the press during the announcement, narrated by Walt Disney Imagineer Kathy Mangum and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs.

        Here is a video showing artist renderings of the new Disney Springs.

    Source: Official Disney Press Release & InsideTheMagic

Prepare to be WOWED – The Quantum Class

Prepare to be WOWED 

The Quantum Class Introducing the newest ships to the Royal Caribbean fleet – Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas! View the momentous steel cutting ceremony that took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Pappenburg, Germany.


Next Generation of Ships for Royal Caribbean International begins construction

Quantum of the Seas Steel Cutting   courtesy Meyer Werft

It has been about a year since we announced "Project Sunshine" which Royal Caribbean embarked on with Meyer Werft Shipyard in Germany.

New Royal Caribbean Ships on Horizon 
 
After one year of planning, the first steel-cutting taking place in MEYER WERFT's laser centre marks the start of construction of the new Project Sunshine ships for Royal Caribbean International. The first ship of this class will be completed in October 2014. It took the plasma torch in the yard's state-of-the-art laser centre merely a couple of minutes to cut a silhouette of the new ship from the steel plate.
The first steel-cutting marks the start of construction of the first ship of the new series. The first of these newbuildings will be named “Quantum of the Seas”. The second ship, the "Anthem of the Seas”, will be delivered in spring 2015.

Joint Press Release

"Our next class of ships will fascinate our guests," says Harri Kulovaara, Royal Caribbean's Excecutive Vice President, Maritime. “We are very happy about the progress we have made in the planning of this wonderful ship." According to Kulovaara, "now the teams from MEYER WERFT, their partners and the teams from Royal Caribbean International are faced with the task of making the ship come to life." 

Having a tonnage of 167,000 grt, the Quantum class ships will offer capacities for approx. 4,100 passengers.

MEYER WERFT's managing partners, Bernard Meyer, Dr. Jan Meyer and Lambert Kruse, as well as the yard's project manager Uwe Wulff, and Jarmo Laakso from Royal Caribbean International attended the steel cutting ceremony in the laser centre. “We are very happy to build these innovative ships for Royal Caribbean International, and to continue our long-standing relationship," said Bernard Meyer.

“We guarantee to deliver a cruise ship featuring an exceptional interior design, which meets the highest technical standards, is extremely energy efficient, and complies with the latest environmental technologies."

As Royal Caribbean International releases more details about the new ships over the next several months, we will bring updates to our blog subscribers and Facebook fans.

These new ships will undoubtedly set another new standard for the industry to follow.   Many of the innovations introduced in the past have been spread throughout the fleet as it undergoes the Royal Advantage revitalization program.  Certainly those and many more new features will be featured on these ships.

Celebrity Reflection Sea Trials

Celebrity Reflection courtesy Meyer Werft Shipyard

Celebrity Reflection

Conveyance

On September 16th, the last Celebrity Solstice-class ship left the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Pagenburg, Germany. Celebrity Reflection is on her way,  down the River Ems (backward, mind you) and out to the North Sea. Her final destination for these sea trials is  Emshaven, The Netherlands. 

This marks the completion of the construction period for Celebrity Reflection.  After the completion of the sea trials, the ship will be formally turned over to the owner, Celebrity Cruises in the traditional christening ceremony.

 Inaugural Sailing:  From Amsterdam on October 12th

Celebrity Reflection Conveyance Photo Albums

Celebrity Cruises is posting pictures of the ship and the sea trials on their Facebook page.  We fell in love with the Solstice-class when we were on a pre-inaugural of Celebrity Solstice.   The final ship in the series is now almost ready to be put into service complementing her sister-ships.

Photos and Stories:

Celebrity Cruises blog                       

Celebrity Reflection Album Update II

Celebrity Reflection Conveyance Update III

Celebrity Reflection Culinary "Spots"

Celebrity Reflection Update Album IV

Celebrity Reflection Update V

Celebrity Reflection Update VI Bon Voyage

     

A New Princess is Born

WORK BEGINS ON "REGAL PRINCESS" 

New Flagship of 

Princess Cruises Fleet 

The start of construction of the new "Regal Princess" passenger ship was marked with the laying of its keel, weighing approximately 500 tons, during a ceremony held today at the  Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. .
 

Official Start of Construction

We've mentioned on several occasions that the official start of construction of a new ship begins when the first block of steel is laid.   It is known as the laying of the keel.   This tradition includes the laying of a ceremonial coin to bring good fortune.

Regal & Royal Princess

Princess Cruises ordered two ships from Fincantieri shipyard.  "Regal Princess" will be the second of two ships ordered from Fincantieri in 2010, both of which using the same prototype design. It will therefore have the same record-breaking vital statistics as "Royal Princess", the largest ship ever built in Italian shipbuilding history: 141,000 gross tons, with a capacity for 3,600 passengers.

These ships represent a new technological benchmark in Europe and worldwide for their innovative layout, and the outstanding performance and top quality of their state-of-the-art technology.

Regal Princess also takes a name from our past that we think is well suited for this spectacular ship,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “Today’s keel laying is an exciting event as it marks a key milestone in our newbuilding program.”

Following a traditional blessing by a priest, the ship’s keel was moved into position by a huge crane onto the keel blocks. The computer-guided maneuver took only minutes, but is a major accomplishment for Princess Cruises and the shipyard.

Regal Princess will offer many of the same special features as Royal Princess, which debuts in June 2013. Among these are a greatly expanded atrium, the social hub of the ship; a dramatic over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than 28 feet beyond the edge of the vessel; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on the water; the new Princess Live! television studio; a pastry shop; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

Rebirth of an Era

Titanic II

Deck Plans Revealed

On April 20th, Blue Star (owned by Australian mining magnate Professor Clive Palmer) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CSC Jinling to build Titanic II.  This announcement comes just over 100 years after the sinking of the original Titanic which was built by White Star Line.

On July 17, 2012, Professor Clive Palmer released preliminary plans and drawings for the Titanic II project devised by international ship design and engineering company, Finnish-based Deltamarin.

Assuming construction is completed on time, Titanic II will have its maiden voyage in 2016

Why Build Titanic II?

 

According to recent press releases, “This magnificent vessel is being constructed in memory of the heroic people who served on the first ship, as well as the passengers who sadly shared their fate.

“We also want to recognise the artists and artisans whose skill, creativity and dexterity has never been fully recognised because of the ship’s limited service.”

Following Original Plans

The Titanic II will follow the original plans as closely as possible, but with the addition of modern conveniences such as elevators and air-conditioning, as well as required safety features, such as sufficient life-boats and other safety improvements.  This is the reason why Deltamarin is involved in the project.  You might recognize them from other significant ship-builds such as Oasis of the Seas, Celebrity Solstice, and Celebrity Equinox.


The Titanic II Preliminary General Arrangement Plan and Preliminary Midship Section Drawing depicts nine decks complete with first, second and third class, officer and crew accommodation as well as the insertion of a new ‘Safety Deck’.

Rebirth of Passenger Classes

Modern cruise lines offer passengers choice of cabin categories.   The price of the cabin varies, just like it did in the days of the original Titanic, based on location and deck. Cabins located mid-ship bring a premium  over similar accommodations located in the aft or bow sections of the ship.  Of course, there are now different classifications of cabins, such as interior, outside, balcony, and suite.  Specking of the Oasis of the Seas, it has about 37 different cabin categories.

So, first, second, and third class accommodations are definitely much simpler to comprehend than modern classifications.   Just like with rail travel in Europe, the class of service dictates where the passenger has access.   One would assume the more affluent traveler would purchase the premium accommodations and thus have access and service commensurate to the fare.

Speaking at a press conference in Brisbane, Professor Palmer indicated that pensioners and anyone traveling in steerage (the term for the lowest class) would not be allowed in the casino in an attempt to prevent them from over-spending.   

While we might applaud his desire to look out for his guests, he might be missing out on revenue and offending some of his guests.   While passengers can afford higher accommodations, they sometimes choose lesser cabin categories for various reasons, including conserving their funds for gambling.  On modern vessels, there is no restriction to the casino based on your cabin type.

We will continue to follow the construction of Titanic II, providing updates here and on our Facebook page. 

Norwegian Breakaway Keel Laying

Photo courtesy Meyer Werft

Norwegian Breakaway

Officially Under Construction

Papenbug, Germany - Meyer Werft Shipyard

The keel laying of the cruise ship with the yard number S.678 was celebrated at the MEYER WERFT shipyard on Friday, May 4. The first of 73 blocks of the 144,000 GT vessel was lifted into the covered building dock II. 

In the dock, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO, laid the traditional "lucky coin", before the block was put down by the 800-ton crane.

The ship's first block that weighs more than 350 tons marks the start of the ship's construction in the yard's building dock. 

Norwegian Breakaway is scheduled for delivery in spring 2013. It is the first of two new ships to be built for Norwegian Cruise Line.  The ship will accommodate 4000 passengers and more than 1500 crew members. 

The shipyard also cut the first piece of steel for the construction of sister ship Norwegian Getaway, which is set for delivery in spring 2014.

Traditional Keel Laying Ceremony

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event. 

 Related Blog Posts:

Introducing Norwegian Breakaway

If We Build It They Will Come

Plans courtesy of Banana Coast

Next New Cruise Port?

Banana Coast

Tired of the same ports of call in the Western Caribbean? Developers think you might be, and as of this month have begun construction of a brand new cruise pier in Trujillo, Honduras. Located 45 miles south of the Island of Roatan, and situated within the Bay of Trujillo, you will find the new Banana Coast Landing development.

The finger pier will accommodate two post-Panamax cruise vessels by late 2012. A tender dock has been available for ships tenders since 2010.

A Day going Bananas?

Not exactly...   The name of the development comes from a high-point in the town's history.   The economy was fueled in the 1920s - 1940s by the banana trade.

Step into the history of those glory days, as you disembark from your cruise ship.  You will walk where Christopher Columbus did in 1502, during his fourth and final voyage to the New World. Trujillo was settled in 1524 by Spanish conquistadors and later became strategic for Spanish interests in the New World. The Santa Bárbara Fort, constructed in1575, remains largely intact today and provides amazing vistas of the Caribbean Sea.

What awaits guests as they arrive at Banana Coast Landing?

They will find a themed retail destination with approximately 50,000 square feet of retail shopping, including jewelry stores, designer boutiques, a themed restaurant and bar, and a large, sandy beach. This tropical setting, framed by the picturesque mountains to the west, is the perfect paradise for cruise passengers seeking new adventure in the Western Caribbean.

They Will Come?

Banana Coast is being designed by OBM International, the same firm that put Carnival's Grand Turk Cruise Center and Royal Caribbean's private island of CocoCay on the cruise map. The cruise port should be completed by December 2012, so we would anticipate the first passengers could arrive Winter 2012-13 or Spring 2013.

Cruise lines have begun posting their schedules for early 2013, but so far, none include Trujillo, Honduras. We will keep watch to see which cruise line will be the first to call in what sounds like a wonderful addition to the Western Caribbean ports of call.

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. 

Celebrity Reflection Construction Begins

Construction Begins On

 Final Celebrity Solstice-Class Ship 

Photo: Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner MEYER WERFT | Dan Hanrahan, CEO Celebrity Cruises | Hermann Lembeck, Produktion Manager MEYER WERFT Laserzentrum | Lambert Kruse, Managing Director MEYER WERFT

Photo: Bernard Meyer, Managing Partner MEYER WERFT | Roswitha Arnett, Hotel Director Celebrity Cruises | Dan Hanrahan, CEO Celebrity Cruises

Steel cutting for Celebrity Reflection

Shipbuilder MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, Germany, has launched the production of the first steel plate for the new giant cruise ship Celebrity Reflection . The fifth ship of the Celebrity Solstice-class will be delivered to Celebrity Cruises, in the autumn of 2012.

Celebrity Reflection offers all the most-loved Solstice Class features along with myriad new ones: more staterooms, new restaurants, expanded onboard activities.  This 126,000 gross ton ship will have a passenger capacity of 3,030 guests.   

What's New?

The Lawn Club Grill

New specialty restaurant for lunch and dinner where you can celebrate the flavorful joys of outdoor grilling. Take a class on pizza-making – including the art of dough-tossing. Learn the secrets of grilling and making marinades. Beverages include wine, buckets of beer and pitchers of sangria. Specialty dining surcharge.

The Porch

An idyllic, new restaurant on The Lawn Club featuring fast and fresh food for breakfast and lunch, fresh-baked bread, pastries and coffees. Salads, paninis, specialty coffees, wine and beer. No dining surcharge.

The Alcoves

A cool, cabana-style private retreat on The Lawn Club for two to four guests. By day, filtered sunlight and breathtaking ocean views. By night, ambient lighting for drama and star status. A la carte foods and beverages arrive in picnic baskets. Alcoves are even equipped with Wi-Fi. Rental fee applies.

Art Studio

A new venue on The Lawn Club that allows intimate, hands-on instruction from resident experts in drawing, painting, beading, drink mixology, culinary lessons, taste tests and chef-prepared dinners.

Michael's Club

Enhanced with a cozy wraparound bar, high-top seating with bar stools and low-top seating in plush banquettes. Libations now include up to 50 international beers – ales, lagers, lambics, ciders, wheat beers, seasonal brews, beer cocktails – as well as an extensive collection of fine whiskeys, scotches, cognacs and bourbons.

The Hideaway

A retreat on Deck 7 where you’ll find a quiet spot to disconnect, rest and relax. Read a book, listen to music, do a crossword puzzle, or explore your new iPad® purchased from the Celebrity iLoungeSM. You can even escape into your own private “treehouse.” The natural, modern design and location give you a great view of the Live Tree in the center atrium.

We will continue to monitor the construction of Celebrity Reflection and share additional insider information as it becomes available.   Looks like Celebrity Cruises has saved the best for last.

Disney Fantasy Keel Laying

Disney Fantasy Keel Laying Courtesy DCL & Meyer Werft

 Disney Fantasy Construction

Has Officially Begun

The maritime industry is one that is filled with traditions that live on today.   One of those traditions is the laying of the keel ceremony, which is marked by a celebration that includes the placement of a ceremonial coin under the new ship's keel for good luck.   In modern times,  laying down of the keel is when the first block, or section of the ship, is lowered into the building dock.  This marks the initial step in construction of a ship, so by shipbuilding tradition, the construction is dated from this event.

Disney Fantasy Keel Laying Ceremony

Papenburg, Germany was the site of today's keel laying ceremony for the Disney Fantasy, sister ship to Disney Dream.   The new ship is being built by Meyer Werft shipyard.

Officials from Disney Cruise Line and Meyer Werft were onhand today for the lowering of the first section of the new Disney Fantasy into the building dock.  Placing the coin was Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line, assisted by Minnie Mouse. 


The Disney Fantasy will offer many of the innovations that her sister ship, Disney Dream, features and brought to the cruise industry for the very first time, including AquaDuck -- the world’s first shipboard water coaster.  However, the Disney Fantasy will feature a few new design elements and guest experiences that will give the ship a unique identity all her own.


The 4,000-passenger Disney Fantasy will sail week-long Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, Fla. with its maiden voyage scheduled for March 31, 2012.

Disney Dream entered service this January and early voyages quickly sold out.   Anyone wishing to sail on Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy should consider booking now so that they won't be disappointed.

We will continue to bring you news about the new Disney Fantasy and follow her construction.  Be sure to visit here and also our FB fan page to be kept up to date on progress.

Port of Falmouth Jamaica Not Ready

Artist Rendering Port of Falmouth, Jamaica

The opening of the new Port of Falmouth, Jamaica was scheduled for this coming Friday.  We have learned that the port is still under construction and Royal Caribbean has now postponed the first cruise-ship call until February 17th.

As shown in the artist rendering above, the new pier was designed to be able to accommodate Oasis-Class ships.   The first ship that was to call there was to be Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas but it will now be diverted to one of the other existing ports of call in Jamaica (Montego Bay or Ochos Rios).

According to the Jamaica Observer, the port looks "more like a bomb went off on the site than a high-class tourist trap". The article continues "the new Falmouth mega-liner cruise terminal was obviously far from complete".  (click the link to read more)

The port "town" is being built by Royal Caribbean International in collaboration with the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ). The plan was to construct an all-inclusive resort town on the pier featuring contemporary shops, parks and landscaping, restaurants and bars, even a helipad, linked to the original town by tram-car and all built to match the colonial aesthetic of times past.

When will the Port of Falmouth officially open?   It's hard to say for sure, but it appears it will be a couple months before construction is far enough along for cruise passengers to enjoy their visit.   We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available.  For now, Royal Caribbean is planning for Voyager of the Seas to be the first ship to call there in February.

Disney Dream Delivered

Meyer Werft Delivers Disney Dream
Photo courtesy Meyer Werft and Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line Takes the Helm of Newest Ship

Delivery Ceremony celebrates final milestone

Disney Dream set to depart for Florida 

The final chapter has been written on the Disney Dream's construction as shipbuilder MEYER WERFT turned over the keys of the new ship to Disney Cruise Line December 9th in Bremerhaven, Germany. Following maritime tradition, the MEYER WERFT flag was lowered, while the Disney Cruise Line flag was raised, transferring ownership from the shipbuilder to Disney Cruise Line.

Construction began nearly two years ago in Papenburg, Germany.  The delivery  signals its readiness to welcome guests on its maiden voyage, set for Jan. 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Florida.   The Disney Dream will depart for Florida on December 19th after crew and provisions are loaded on the new ship in Germany.

DCL Commenting on the Disney Dream

“The Disney Dream is an extraordinary ship, in part because of the collaboration of the superb shipbuilders at MEYER WERFT and the innovative technology and storytelling that our Disney team has developed and implemented aboard,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line.  “I cannot wait for our guests to experience this newest addition to our fleet, a ship that will delight and surprise all ages.”

From a water coaster at sea called AquaDuck, and inside staterooms with virtual views, to Enchanted Art that immerses guests in stories, and fine dining at Remy’s, the Disney Dream will deliver family cruise experiences like no other.  The shipboard experience remains focused on the legacy and heritage of The Walt Disney Company’s most known assets – master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary guest service.

Our Thoughts

Those of us in the travel business call this the "Disney Difference".  The Disney Dream adds to the list of completed vessels in 2010.   We believe this will be one of the years that stand out in cruise industry history as a year of innovation that takes cruise vacationing to a new level.

Meyer Werft's Thoughts

“It gives me great pride to deliver the Disney Dream, which is the largest ship that MEYER WERFT has ever built,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT.  “Over the last few years, I have seen this ‘dream’ transform from the design phase to a magnificent reality, which guests will soon be able to enjoy for years to come.  To make this dream come true, it takes a special partnership.  The collaboration among Disney Cruise Line, MEYER WERFT and its suppliers has been excellent and very creative.”

Disney Dream Schedule

The Disney Dream is scheduled to depart on Dec. 19, for its transatlantic voyage to the U.S., with an expected arrival on Jan. 4, 2011. Captain Tom Forberg will officially take the helm of the Disney Dream for Disney Cruise Line.  As part of the Disney Cruise Line ship construction team, Captain Forberg has been with the company for 15 years and was responsible for launching Disney’s first two ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

The Disney Dream is scheduled to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas, from Port Canaveral.  Sister ship Disney Fantasy is currently in production at the MEYER WERFT shipyard and is scheduled to set sail on its maiden voyage on April 7, 2012.  It will sail seven-night alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral.

Congratulations Disney Cruise Line on another family vacation choice which will continue Walt Disney's legacy for many years to come.  It's hard to believe it all started with a mouse.

Disney Dream Conveyance

Disney Dream Conveyance  (Photos Courtesy Disney Cruise Line)

Disney Dream

Lights up the Sky

Fireworks filled the sky in Papenburg, Germany, as Disney Dream departed the Meyer Werft shipyard November 12th on its conveyance down the River Ems.  The ship's horns played “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” thrilling the thousands that had lined the banks to witness the ship's conveyance.

The conveyance process is a unique maneuver for ships built by the Meyer Werft shipyard, the only place in the world where this process occurs. The journey involves moving the ship some 26 miles down the winding River Ems.  In some areas, railroad bridges have been dismantled with sections lifted out to allow the ship’s passage. 

“With the conveyance of the Disney Dream, we have reached yet another milestone for the third ship in our fleet,” said Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “It won’t be long before our guests finally experience the inspired innovation and extraordinary creative content that makes this ship so magnificent and so unique. From an exhilarating ride on the AquaDuck to dazzling stage shows and exquisite French cuisine at Remy, the incredible offerings on the Disney Dream will delight everyone who steps aboard.”

“All of us at MEYER WERFT and throughout the community of Papenburg are very proud to see this ‘Dream’ ship through its historic conveyance,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT. “As the largest ship this yard has built, our entire community feels a tremendous sense of achievement and a deep connection to this exceptional vessel.”

What dreams do you have?  If you are dreaming of far away places, warm breezes blowing as you recline by the pool, being able to see your favorite Disney Characters up close while sailing on the oceans...  Disney Cruise Line has probably already thought of a way to fulfill your dreams.   Even this sailing from Meyer Werft's shipyard had an element of Disney flair with the fireworks and music sounding from the ship's horns.   

With the passing of this milestone, Disney Dream is one step closer to completion and delivery to Disney Cruise Line and fans across the world.   Here is a list of milestones before the delivery.

Construction Milestones

• Float Out - Completed October 30th
• Testing on the ship’s functional features - Completed last two weeks
• Conveyance - November 12
• Sea Trials (test and adjust phase) - following Conveyance
• Short Final Dry Dock in Hamburg, Germany
• Delivery Ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany  

Disney Dream will have several new notable innovations for guests to enjoy.

• AquaDuck, a first-of-its-kind water coaster, is an exhilarating, high-speed thrill ride that combines all the ups and downs of a roller coaster with all the twists and turns of a water slide. 
• Magical Portholes offer a “virtual window” to the world for inside staterooms, with a real-time view outside the ship where high-definition cameras feed live video to each stateroom.
• Enchanted Art immerses guests in Disney storytelling and looks like other hanging art pieces around the ship, but is actually a framed LCD screen with technology that recognizes a guest is present.
• Remy, an exquisite top-deck restaurant, only for adults, with incredible ocean views and French-inspired, gourmet cuisine by two award-winning chefs.

The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla., while sister ship Disney Fantasy, is set to sail seven-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, also from Port Canaveral, beginning in 2012.

The Disney Magic will continue sailing seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises, before returning to the Mediterranean for another summer of cruising in this region in 2011.

The Disney Wonder will begin 2011 by repositioning to the West Coast of the U.S., sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles, while spending the summer sailing first-ever Alaskan itineraries from Vancouver.

Watch for more news about Disney Dream as it is made ready for inaugural events.