Oct 25

Norwegian To Build Two New Next Generation Freestyle Cruising Ships

MEYER WERFT to deliver ships in spring 2013 and 2014

 

Miami   –    Oct 25, 2010   —    Following the successful launch of Norwegian Epic, the Company’s largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014, respectively. Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels, the largest passenger/cruise ships to be built in Germany, will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix. Additional details about each ship’s new and exciting features will be released as construction progresses. The contract price for the two vessels is approximately ¬1.2 billion. The Company has committed financing in place from a syndicate of banks for export credit financing in connection with this project.

“We have always been focused on a disciplined approach to capacity growth. Our decision to add two new ships reflects the significant progress we have made in improving our operating performance and repositioning the Company over the last several years, as well as the strong market demand we are seeing for Norwegian Epic and our other ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, we are taking the best of what our newest ship has to offer, as well as drawing on our legacy of innovation in the cruise industry, in creating a new class of Freestyle Cruising vessel that is sure to provide our guests with the unparalleled freedom and flexibility they have come to expect on a Norwegian cruise.”

“We are excited to be returning to MEYER WERFT and are confident that their rich ship building history and expertise will bring our vision to fruition,” added Sheehan. MEYER WERFT, based in Papenburg, Germany, most recently built Norwegian’s four Jewel-class ships  Norwegian Gem delivered in 2007, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade delivered in 2006, and Norwegian Jewel delivered in 2005. These new vessels are the eighth and ninth that the Company will build with MEYER WERFT.

“Norwegian Cruise Line and MEYER WERFT have a long history of working together. We are thrilled to continue our partnership. Our teams work very well together and we are looking forward to building this new, exciting and innovative class of vessels,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT. “In addition, the 21,000 employees of the yard and its supplier companies* involved in the construction of the ships appreciate the new project from one of our longstanding customers.”

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising and currently offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise vacation on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodations and world-class entertainment. The Company took Freestyle Cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010. The 4,100 passenger vessel has been called the “entertainment ship” with a variety of shows and venues that trump land-based resorts like those found in Las Vegas. Headliners include Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams” & Dinner, Legends in Concert, The Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos and Slam Allen Blues Band. In addition, the ship features Nickelodeon” at Sea as part of its wide-range of family offerings. Further innovations include the largest spa at sea, the first true ice bar at sea and The Studios, which are staterooms designed and priced for solo travelers, along with The Villas, the largest suite complex at sea.

“We are bringing this spirit of innovation to these two new build ships, as Norwegian continues to offer our guests new and exciting ways to enjoy their Freestyle Cruising vacation,” said Sheehan.
*Source: Economic Research Institute of Lower Saxony, Hanover 2010

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, Gibson Guitar, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

High resolution, downloadable images are available at www.ncl.com/pressroom. For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit www.ncl.com, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, watch us on YouTube, or contact us in the U.S. and Canada at 888- NCL-CRUISE (625-2784).

About MEYER WERFT GmbH Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT has been owned by the sixth generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has approximately 2,500 employees. MEYER WERFT’s extensive production program covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships, gas tankers, livestock carriers to car and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously improved and extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry. For more information, go to www.meyerwerft.com.

Oct 24

Radiance of the seas cruise October 2010

[zenphotopress album=14 sort=random number=8]

Oct 21

Win a 7-day cruise with Taylor Swift! Royal Caribbean – The Allure of Taylor Swift

Win a 7-day cruise with Taylor Swift! Royal Caribbean – The Allure of Taylor Swift.

Oct 18

Disney Fantasy Sets Sail in April 2012 – 2012 Itineraries Open for Booking

With all the excitement about the arrival of our new Disney Dream cruise ship in January, we don’t want to overlook another huge milestone for Disney Cruise Line…the arrival of the brand-new Disney Fantasy ship in 2012!

The Disney Fantasy will sail her maiden voyage on April 7, 2012, bringing even more innovation, unique guest experiences and personalized service to guests. A sister ship to the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy will feature an AquaDuck water coaster, magical children’s areas, world-class entertainment, delightful dining, retreats for adults and immersive experiences for guests of all ages with beloved Disney stories and characters.

The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, Fla., on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern and western – including a stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

The Disney Dream will continue to sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, while the Disney Wonder will remain on the west coast, sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles. To start the 2012 season, the Disney Magic will sail alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

Guests will be able to book sailings, including the Disney Fantasy, for the initial part of the 2012 season beginning Oct. 20, 2010. Disney Cruise Line Gold and Platinum Castaway Club members can begin booking 2012 itineraries on Oct. 19, 2010.

Stay tuned for more Disney Fantasy details and 2012 itinerary information!

Disney Fantasy

via Disney Fantasy Sets Sail in April 2012 – 2012 Itineraries Open for Booking « Disney Parks Blog.

Oct 17

Disney’s newest cruise ship nearing completion – Largest ever ship built by Meyer Werft

 

Papenburg, 1.10.2010 – On Saturday, 30 October 2010, the Disney Dream, the biggest cruise ship built by MEYER WERFT to date, will leave the yard’s covered building dock. The floating-out manoeuvre is supposed to commence around 5 pm. The Disney Dream is scheduled to float out of the dock the first time. The event will include a unique celebration to mark the milestone as the ship nears completion.  

 

Upon leaving the building dock the Disney Dream will remain in the yard harbour. On the following Sunday MEYER WERFT’s and Disney Cruise Line’s tests & trials teams will perform functional tests of various technical systems such as the stabilizers and the rudders. Afterwards the cruise ship will remain berthed alongside the yard’s pier. In the following two weeks the remaining interior work will be completed, and more trials and acceptance tests will be conducted.

 

The Disney Dream is the first of two ships MEYER WERFT is building for Disney Cruise Line (USA). She is 340 m long, 37 m wide, and can accommodate as many as 4,000 passengers. Her powerful engines enable the Disney Dream to operate at a speed of up to 23.5 knots. Having a tonnage of 128,000 GT, she is the biggest cruise ship ever built in Germany. Measuring a length of 340 metres, she even counts among the three longest cruise ships in the world.

 

The ship is likely to leave MEYER WERFT and be conveyed down the river Ems on the second weekend in November. The exact date of the Ems conveyance will be published on www.meyerwerft.com approx. 1-2 weeks in advance

via Meyerwerft Website.

Sep 28

Allure of the Seas – Sea Trials

Oasis Of The Seas | Allure of the Seas.

 

Sep 23

Celebrity Cruises Celebrates Autumnal Equinox by Naming Fifth Ship In Widely Heralded Solstice Class… — MIAMI, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ —

MIAMI, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ — In light of the images of sun and shadow conveyed in the names of Celebrity Cruises’ stylish Solstice Class ships, the world’s top-rated premium brand is marking autumnal equinox by announcing the name of the fifth in its ‘Xceptional’ series: Celebrity Reflection.

“Selecting the name of the fifth ship in the class led us to reflect back on the significant impact the Solstice Class has had on the cruise industry,” said Celebrity’s President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. “Our Solstice Class ships offer the finest in premium cruising, with service provided by the best men and women in the hospitality business, as evidenced by the tremendous response from our guests, travel partners and the press, and a continuously expanding series of prestigious awards. There is no question that Celebrity Reflection will deliver an equally outstanding vacation experience for our guests.”

Following delivery in November 2012, Celebrity Reflection will join Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse and Celebrity Silhouette, rounding out the $3.7-billion class.

Celebrity Reflection will present vacationers with some new features, yet to be announced, along with many of the hallmarks found on some or all of her sister ships, including:

  • The hip “Celebrity iLounge” that made Celebrity Cruises the industry’s first Authorized Apple Reseller
  • Uniquely unordinary “Qsine,” the first seagoing restaurant to feature a menu and wine list on an iPad®, and an engaging food-as-theater dining experience
  • Celebrity’s iconic half-acre Lawn Club, with real, growing grass
  • Ten unrivaled dining venues, including Qsine
  • Modern, stylish interiors designed by some of the world’s best architects and designers
  • Hip, cool nightclubs and lounges, including CellarMasters, complete with the industry’s first installation of the innovative Enomatic by-the-glass wine serving system
  • One of the broadest and best wine offerings in the industry, served by one of the world’s largest staffs of certified sommeliers
  • One of the world’s largest permanent collections of original contemporary art, and the industry’s first self-guided art tours to be presented on an iPad®
  • Widely varied entertainment, including custom aerial production shows and live music
  • The extensive array of entertaining and enriching onboard programming offered through “Celebrity Life,” including instruction on the latest iPods®, MacBooks® and iLife® classes; language learning through Rosetta Stone®; comparative wine tastings with Riedel Crystal, and enrichment presentations with Smithsonian Journeys

 

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and award-winning cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America. Celebrity’s mega-series of honors include being named the top mega-ship line in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards (November 2009). Celebrity’s fleet currently consists of 10 ships. Its $3.7-billion investment in building five stylish Solstice Class ships between 2008-2012 represents the largest five-year investment in premium cruising. For more information, call your travel agent, dial               1-800-437-3111         1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

via Celebrity Cruises Celebrates Autumnal Equinox by Naming Fifth Ship In Widely Heralded Solstice Class… — MIAMI, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ —.

Sep 22

Royal Caribbean and USA Today Kick off ‘Reporters at Sea: Family Style’ Contest

Contest Invites Families to Try Their Hand As ‘Reporters At Sea’ Aboard Cruise Line’s Newest Ship, Allure of the Seas MIAMI, Sept 22, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —

MIAMI, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Calling all families! Royal Caribbean International and USA TODAY announced today a search for America’s best and brightest family to cover the unveiling of Allure of the Seas, which will share the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship along with sister ship, Oasis of the Seas. Today through October 29, 2010, families are invited to enter to win the coveted role of field correspondents alongside USA TODAY’S own cruise editor, Gene Sloan. Once onboard the ship, the lucky winning family of up to six will receive behind-the-scenes access to file reports that will appear at USA TODAY’s Cruise Log about one of the most buzzed-about hospitality and entertainment stories of the year.

While embarking on a four-night preview sailing, the winning family will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at The DreamWorks Experience featuring the “How To Train Your Dragon On Ice” show, an aqua show featuring “Madagascar”, character breakfasts, activities for the kids in Adventure Ocean, character meet-and-greets, parades, sail-away parties, 3D films in the ship’s 3D theater, as well as backstage access to Chicago: The Musical. In addition to the United States, the “Reporters at Sea: Family Style” contest is searching for family journalists in Canada, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Korea, China and Venezuela.

Reporters-to-be can audition for the assignment of a lifetime by submitting a creative video of 45 seconds or less in length and no more than 100 MB in size at www.allureoftheseas.usatoday.com. The video should showcase the family’s best reporting skills and tout why Royal Caribbean should select them to be USA TODAY’s correspondents onboard Allure of the Seas. Videos will be judged on the entrants’ ability to entertain, as well as effectively bring to life and clearly explain innovative and imaginative travel or cruising concepts.

Once the entry period ends, judges will select three finalists per country, and Americans will vote for their favorite U.S. video between October 15 and October 29, 2010. Multiple generations are encouraged to enter. The individual who enters the contest on behalf of his or her family must be 18 years of age. Winning families of up to six members from each country will be simultaneously announced on November 15, 2010, and will be flown to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to cover two exclusive preview cruises onboard Allure of the Seas from November 19 to November 23, 2010.

Allure of the Seas shares the title of the world’s largest and most revolutionary cruise ship with its sister ship, Oasis of the Seas. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms. Allure of the Seas will tout Royal Caribbean’s exclusive neighborhood concept of seven distinct themed areas, which will include Central Park, Boardwalk, the Royal Promenade, the Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone. The ship will alternate a Western Caribbean with an Eastern Caribbean seven-night itinerary from her home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Additional information is available at www.AllureoftheSeas.com.

The Reporters at Sea: Family Style contest builds on the success of last year’s Reporter at Sea contest, in which winners from five countries reported individually about the launch of the groundbreaking Oasis of the Seas. For more information about the Reporters at Sea: Family Style contest, how to enter and vote, the official rules and details on the prize, please visit www.allureoftheseas.usatoday.com.

via Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. : Investor Relations : RSS Content.

Sep 22

More news from Allure’s sea trials | chairmans-blog

More About the Sea Trials

Posted on September 22nd, 2010 by Richard

In my last posting, Harri gave an overview of the sea trials.  Since then he has provided some more of the details which I thought were interesting. 

First, please note this chart.  It looks a little bit like an Etch-A-Sketch such as the one my (gorgeous) grandchildren like to play with.  Actually, it shows the track that Allure of the Seas followed during her sea trials.  At first, I was beginning to question their navigation skills remembering that the ship still belongs to STX and their crew were in charge.  Then I realized that they were intentionally taking the ship into difficult waters in order to make the tests as complete and stressful as possible.

 

Allure’s Track

 

Other tidbits from the trials:

  • The top speed of the ship with 24.36 knots.  This was at 100% of “MCR” (i.e. full power) and an 8.7 meter draft.  The conditions included 2 meters significant wave height and wind speeds of 9 meters per second.  It always amazes me that such a large ship can be so fast and nimble.
  • While that was the top speed, we define a slower “maximum cruising speed” which includes a cushion for the unexpected.  Our experience is that we always expect that the unexpected can be expected to occur.  For cruising speed, we measure the speed of the ship using only 78% of MCR.  On this basis, the maximum cruising speed was 22.3 knots which is 0.3 knots better than the contractual requirements.
  • One of our key considerations is noise and we have 300 major measuring points throughout the ship.  We measure more points than this, but these are the 300 most important.  During the sea trial, 298 of them exceeded specification but two of them were below our requirements and will need to be fixed before delivery.
  • Similarly, we have 175 main measuring points for vibration and every one of them exceeded spec. 
  • This was the time to test all the engines, generators, diesels, motors, etc.  All of them are tested at full load and under stress conditions – endurance, blackout and with artificially induced anomalies.  Remarkably, only one deficiency was noted out of all these tests and the problem was fixed even while the ship was still undergoing the trials.
  • Maneuvering is a big issue on any ship, but we are especially careful with Allure.  The ship’s steering, radar tracking systems and dynamic positioning were all tested under stress conditions.  All performed well.  We have added a wave radar system simply to track the sea state at different times, but this has not been installed and could, therefore, not be tested.  However, the two new side radars were both commissioned and tested successfully.

via More news from Allure’s sea trials | chairmans-blog.

Sep 21

Oasis and Freedom Together in Cozumel

Two of Our Ships Pose for a Rare Photo Opportunity in Cozumel

I’m excited to share these unique photos I received of Oasis of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas docked in Cozumel, Mexico. The colors and angles of the ships in these pictures are really something striking to look at. I hope you enjoy looking through the aerial images captured from a helicopter.

via Why Not?.