Is Double-Wide Too Big

Artist Rendering AmaMagna courtesy AmaWaterways

Double-Wide
River Cruise Ship

No, we haven't changed from writing about cruise ships to writing about motor homes. 

We've been cruising for over 30 years and the one thing that we've gotten used to is an industry built on innovation. We never thought we'd be writing an article about a double-wide river cruise ship. To date, all river cruise ships were the same width - some were longer.

Just one day after christening their latest river cruise ship in 2017, AmaWaterways announced plans for AmaMagna, which will be their biggest ship launched in 2019.  In a company press release,  the line indicated that ship would be twice the width of traditional European river ships, representing a "new concept designed to elevate the modern luxury market".

Despite its expanded width, plans call for AmaMagna to only accommodate an additional 34 guests, bringing the capacity to 194.  Highlights of the new river ship include multiple dining options, including a glass-enclosed restaurant, an open-water sports platform, complete with zodiac boats, canoes and recreational equipment, and the majority of cabins with more than 300 square feet.

Additional amenities include a large heated sundeck swimming pool with whirlpool and sky bar, a spacious spa area with new treatments, a fitness room large enough for small group classes and generous common areas designed to accommodate a variety of onboard events.

“As the luxury river cruise market continues to grow, we want to carry on as the leader in industry innovation. While this new double-width concept has been on the table for some time, we believe, given the unique demand that exists, that now is the perfect moment to introduce this style of ship,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. 

“AmaMagna will provide guests with generous personal space, the freedom of multiple dining choices and exceptional stateroom comfort. Combining this with our award-winning cuisine, noteworthy shore excursions and remarkable onboard service, we feel this ship is a game-changer.”

If you've never sailed on a river cruise ship in Europe, you might not be aware that ships need to traverse a series of locks during a typical journey. Most river cruise ships are designed in such a way not to waste any space and just fit into the locks, until now.  AmaMagna's width will limit where the ship can be deployed.  Initial deployment is planned for the Danube river.

As with any innovation, some people will love the idea while others will hate it - perhaps there is also room somewhere in between.  We applaud AmaWaterways for taking the chance to introduce something new to the industry.  We wish them success with this new adventure.   We'd love to hear your feedback.

 

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Is Double-Wide Too Big

Artist Rendering AmaMagna courtesy AmaWaterways

Double-Wide
River Cruise Ship

No, we haven't changed from writing about cruise ships to writing about motor homes. 

We've been cruising for over 30 years and the one thing that we've gotten used to is an industry built on innovation. We never thought we'd be writing an article about a double-wide river cruise ship. To date, all river cruise ships were the same width - some were longer.

Just one day after christening their latest river cruise ship, AmaWaterways announced plans for AmaMagna, which will be their biggest ship launched in 2019.  In a company press release,  the line indicated that ship would be twice the width of traditional European river ships, representing a "new concept designed to elevate the modern luxury market".

Despite its expanded width, plans call for AmaMagna to only accommodate an additional 34 guests, bringing the capacity to 194.  Highlights of the new river ship include multiple dining options, including a glass-enclosed restaurant, an open-water sports platform, complete with zodiac boats, canoes and recreational equipment, and the majority of cabins with more than 300 square feet.

Additional amenities include a large heated sundeck swimming pool with whirlpool and sky bar, a spacious spa area with new treatments, a fitness room large enough for small group classes and generous common areas designed to accommodate a variety of onboard events.

“As the luxury river cruise market continues to grow, we want to carry on as the leader in industry innovation. While this new double-width concept has been on the table for some time, we believe, given the unique demand that exists, that now is the perfect moment to introduce this style of ship,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-owner of AmaWaterways. 

“AmaMagna will provide guests with generous personal space, the freedom of multiple dining choices and exceptional stateroom comfort. Combining this with our award-winning cuisine, noteworthy shore excursions and remarkable onboard service, we feel this ship is a game-changer.”

If you've never sailed on a river cruise ship in Europe, you might not be aware that ships need to traverse a series of locks during a typical journey. Most river cruise ships are designed in such a way not to waste any space and just fit into the locks, until now.  AmaMagna's width will limit where the ship can be deployed.  Initial deployment is planned for the Danube river.

As with any innovation, some people will love the idea while others will hate it - perhaps there is also room somewhere in between.  We applaud AmaWaterways for taking the chance to introduce something new to the industry.  We wish them success with this new adventure.   We'd love to hear your feedback.


Additional Reading:

Complete Press release (AmaWaterways)
List of Locks Along the Rivers
AmaMagna First Look - ship model & Deck Plans (CLIA)
Vahali Shipyards (ship builder for AmaMagna)

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AmaPrima Christening

AmaPrima courtesy Vahali

AmaPrima Christening (17 photos)

AmaWaterways' AmaPrima River Ship Christened by Valerie Wilson

Valerie Wilson of Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc.is the godmother of AmaWaterways newest ship, the AmaPrima. The traditional christening ceremony was held in Vilshofen, Germany.

The tradition of christening a ship originated more than 4,000 years ago. A respected and well-known woman is carefully selected to serve as the new ship’s godmother, entrusted with blessing the vessel at a special christening ceremony. The blessing for the safety of the ship’s passengers and crew typically concludes with the time-honored ritual of breaking a Champagne bottle against the ship’s hull.

AmaPrima Details & Itineraries

The AmaPrima, a sister ship to the AmaCerto, is a deluxe 164-feet passenger vessel that incorporates many innovative design features, including Twin Balcony Staterooms and Suites, which measure up to 350 sq. feet. Dutch shipbuilders,Vahali, completed this second order of the Swiss-American company AmaWaterways AG back in March.   The ship has been sailing Danube itineraries since April.
 
Guests will enjoy Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations with free-flowing fine wine and beer at a choice of dining venues. The AmaPrima also features a heated pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet access and ship-wide Wi-Fi. The AmaPrima even carries a fleet of bicycles onboard so guests can enjoy Europe’s many miles of scenic riverside bike paths on their own.

The AmaPrima serves the Dutch and Belgium Waterways and the Danube and Rhine Rivers on 10 itineraries: Tulip Time Cruise; The Romantic Danube; Melodies of the Danube; The Legendary Danube; Blue Danube Discovery; Black Sea Voyage; Magnificent Europe; Grand Danube Cruise; Christmas Time Cruise; and Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube.

Consult our River Cruising Guide to learn more about AMA Waterways and the other river cruise companies.  River cruising is an up and coming alternative to large vessel cruising. It is possible to dock in the heart of your destination where you can be immersed in the culture and history.

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.

Another Sibling for Oasis and Allure

Oasis of the Seas Meets Allure of the Seas for First Time
Photo Courtesy Royal Caribbean

Two Sisters 

Met in 2010 

Another Sister 

Planned for 2016

On Saturday, November 13, 2010, a historic first occurred when the two largest ships afloat met for the first time.   The Allure of the Seas had just arrived from Finland to its home port of  Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida when it was met by it's sister-ship Oasis of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean Confirms New Build

Royal Caribbean International has been in contract talks with ship-builder STX France. It appears that talks broke down with STX Finland, who built the currently sailing Oasis-class ships, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.  RCI has just confirmed plans to build a third 5400 ton vessel, yet to be named, by mid-year 2016.

The Oasis-class ships have been so successful, with their seven neighborhoods and specialty dining options, that Royal Caribbean is in the midst of a $700 million revitalization program across the entire fleet.  (see our Grandeur of the Seas Revitalization articles for one of the latest upgrades).

The cost of the new sister ship was not disclosed in the Royal Caribbean announcement, but when the rumors first surfaced in November, Royal had indicated the cost of the third ship was expected to be less per berth than the previous ships.

Royal Caribbean also has a one-year option to build a fourth ship in the Oasis-class.

 

Introducing Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette courtesy Meyer Werft & Celebrity Cruises

Meyer Werft 

Does it Again

Celebrity Silhouette

Delivered

Fourth in a Series

Celebrity Silhouette^SM joins her sisters, Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Eclipse as another success story for shipbuilder MEYER WERFT.

The new122,000 gross ton Celebrity Silhouette^SM was delivered on schedule to Celebrity Cruises (Miami, USA) in the Dutch port of Eemshaven.  The shipyard in Papenburg, should be quite proud of this accomplishment.

Celebrity Silhouette^SM is the fourth ship out of a series of five cruise ships the shipyard in Papenburg is building for Celebrity Cruises. The series began with the delivery of Celebrity Solstice in October, 2008.  The second ship, Celebrity Equinox, was delivered in July, 2009 followed by the Celebrity Eclipse in April, 2010.  Meyer Werft has been building ships for Celebrity Cruises since 1995.

The Solstice® Class ships have a total length of 315 meters, which is almost three times as long as a soccer ground, making them the biggest ships built to date for Celebrity Cruises. 

MEYER WERFT and Celebrity Cruises have developed and built another extremely eco-friendly ship. Highly energy-efficient  systems, a solar power system, optimised hydrodynamics, a very efficient underwater hull coating and an energy-saving lighting system using LEDs cut back the ship's energy demand considerably.

The Celebrity Silhouette can accommodate 2,886 passengers, who are taken care of by a crew of 1,271. Following her naming ceremony in Hamburg on 21 July 2011, she began her maiden voyage to Barcelona via Civitavecchia/Rome on 23 July 2011.

  Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans   Dining Menus | Wine Lists | Ship Reviews | Photos   

Now that Celebrity Silhouette^SM has joined the Celebrity Cruises fleet, you have another outstanding option for cruising Europe and the Caribbean. She's impressive, with all the best-loved Solstice® Class features - and some new ones.  We will take a closer look at some of the new features in future posts.

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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Carnival Magic Completes Sea Trials

Carnival Magic                                                     Credit: Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Magic

Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Magic, is shown here during sea trials in the Adriatic Sea. Following sea trials, Carnival Magic returned to the Fincantieri shipyard to undergo final interior outfitting before its inaugural May 1 cruise.

Completes a Major Milestone

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 3,690-passenger vessel had a full contingent of officers, technicians and engineers on board who thoroughly tested the Carnival Magic’s sophisticated navigation and mechanical systems.

Click to Start VIDEO:  Fincantieri

Following sea trials, Carnival Magic returned to Monfalcone, where it is undergoing final interior outfitting prior to its delivery late next month. Watch this video to learn more about Fincantieri Shipbuilders, one of the finest in the industry.

Carnival Magic Sea Trials             Credit: Carnival Cruise Lin

Innovations on the Magic

As the line’s newest “Fun Ship,” the 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic will introduce a host of innovations, including the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub; Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian restaurant that brings Carnival’s Italian heritage to the table; and SportSquare, an action-packed top-deck recreation area featuring cruising’s first ropes course and outdoor fitness area.

Carnival Magic is set to debut in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 – Oct. 16, 2011.  Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will launch seven-day Caribbean service from Galveston, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011, becoming the port’s largest year-round cruise ship.

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.

Oasis of the Seas Takes to Water

Photos Courtesy STX Europe

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Begins Sea Trials

Like a "duck to water" Royal Caribbean International's latest ship, Oasis of the Seas, took to the water in Turku, Finland last week as she began the first of her sea trials. Weighing in at 225,000 GT she becomes the largest cruise ship in the world. In fact, when Oasis of the Seas leaves Turku for Miami, Fl. this autumn, it will be the biggest export product of Finland ever.It is quite an accomplishment for shipbuilder STX Europe ASA. Formely known as Aker Yards ASA, the group changed its name to STX Europe in November, 2008.

Oasis of the Seas is 47 metres wide and 360 metres long, i.e. 40 m longer than the height of the Eiffel tower! Height over the water line is 65 m. Building the vessel has been compared to a huge 3-dimensional puzzle. The vessel consists of 180 grand blocks, the biggest with a size of length 22 m, width 30 m and weight 600 tons! The vessel´s weight is 12 times the weight of the Eiffel tower.

It's hard to believe that it was just on November 21, 2008, that the launching ceremony of the Oasis of the Seas took place at STX Europe's shipyard in Turku. Martin Landtman, President of STX Finland Cruise Oy was joined by Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and other executives of the yard and owners to turn the valves releasing water into the drydock and letting the vessel float out to its own element.

According to Royal Caribbean's Chairman & CEO, Richard Fain, who was onhand for the event, "Most of the trials were a terrific success. The ship performed her various tests very well and everyone is very excited." The ship is now back in her construction berth.

There was one surprise, however. They were thinking of adding an aerostat to the ship and were doing a test to see if it was practical/desirable. You can see the blimp in the picture above. However, if you had been there, you would have noticed that it was missing later. In fact, they had to fetch it out of the water. So, I guess it's back to the drawing board for this new innovation. Fain took it light-heartedly saying "This is precisely why we do such tests (and why I don’t take credit until we know whether or not they are successful)".

Oasis of the Seas will be like a floating resort with seven neighbourhoods - themed areas offering experiences for passengers of all ages: the Promenade, a shopping mall with boutiques and restaurants, Boardwalk with the first amfi theatre at sea, Vitality Spa, Pool & Sports Zone with water park activities, Youth Zone with playing possibilities from babies to teens, Entertainment Place with casino and dance hall. And the Central Park with a revolutionary design in which the centre of the ship opens to the sky. With the length of a soccer field, some 110 metres and a width of 19 metres the park will have growing lawn, trees and other vegetation. Sun will be shining to this unique open outdoor space surrounded with restaurants, shops and cafés. Learn more about all the neighbourhoods.

See the Video: Oasis of the Seas Sea Trial

STX Europe is not just building the Oasis of the Seas, but it has also laid the keel for it's sister ship, Allure of the Seas which is due out in 2010.

Perhaps this summarizes it best: "We are not building just ships, we are building experiences" says Martin Landtman, President of STX Finland Cruise Oy. "The world's largest cruise vessels are innovations themselves, and have several innovations inside. Cruise passengers are expecting new unparalleled experiences, and that is what the owners and the yard continuously are creating in good cooperation".