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European River Cruises a hot number with cruisers
As the numbers for the European river cruising keep marking good results, Hamburg will become the centre for the international cruise, ferry and river cruise industries in September when Seatrade Europe - Cruise, Ferry and River Cruise Convention will take place at CCH-Congress Center Hamburg.

Thanks to Europe`s broad, scenic and cultural waterway system it is clear to see why this Continent has become so popular as a river cruise destination. Not to be out done by Europe, river voyages in other regions are also becoming more popular, including Nile trips in Egypt, Yangtse voyages in China or river cruising on Russian waterways between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Number of river cruise passengers on the rise Germany is the most popular destination for river cruising. While the number of German passengers decreased slightly in 2006, the number of foreign guests grew - especially the number of passengers from the USA and UK. As a result tour operators sensed a slightly over-all rise in passenger figures. “The mood in the river cruise industry is still good”, confirms Jens Huhse, President of the Association of the leading European River Cruise Companies, IG RiverCruise.

As for new ships river cruise companies are more cautious: Huhse explains, that new safety regulations for new ships, which are in operation on European waterways, caused some confusion. “The companies are a little bit uncertain, because the member states of the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine interpret the new building regulations in different ways. Additionally the costs for new ships increased by up to 30 percent due to the new regulations.”
Dubai raises expectations for cruise passengers this winter season

Within only a couple of years, Dubai has established itself as a leading cruise destination between Europe and Asia. To further strengthen this position and to present Dubai as the destination of choice, the DTCM Executive Director Convention and  Heritage, Mr Awadh Al Ketbi, and Mr Jamal Saif Humaid, Manager, Cruise Terminal led a delegation to the Cruise Fair Seatrade Europe in Hamburg.

The Seatrade Europe ran from September 25 to 27. This major event for the European Cruise Industry held every alternate year saw more than 3,250 visitors from 62 countries and more than 270 exhibitors from 50 countries participating in the exhibition.

The 48 sq mts Dubai stand had six participants from the emirate including Gulf Circle Tours, SNTTA Emir Tours, Rais Hasan Saadi, Alpha Tours, Gulf Agency Company and Orient Tours

“The German marked has an enormous relevance for Dubai. In 2008, many well-known German cruise operators will use Dubai including Aida Cruises, Hapag Lloyd, Peter Deilmann with ships like “AIDA Cara”, “MS Europa” and “MS Deutschland” and many more,” said Mr Awadh Al Ketbi. Also, further meetings with cruise operators like P&O Cruises and Silversea Cruises to have Dubai for the season 2009/2010 season as well as Royal Caribbean and Sea Cloud cruises deployment in the season 2010 and 2011 were held on the sidelines of the exhibition.

Recently, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) signed a substantial agreement with Cruise operator “Costa Crociere”. The agreement marks the creation of a full-fledged partnership between Costa Crociere and Dubai, providing for joint marketing initiatives in the next five years promoting both brands worldwide. Furthermore the DTCM is studying the construction of a new cruise terminal to handle an expected surge in the number of tourists coming by ship.

The emirate beat its target for cruise tourists during the last season, running from October to May, when it received about 85,000 passengers, 20,000 more than expected. During the upcoming winter season 2007/08 Dubai expects about 200,000 passengers.

New berth for large cruise ships being built in Warnemünde

New construction of the berth P8 in the Warnemünde Shipyard Basin began on 05 October 2007. Following a Europe-wide invitation to tender, the consortium (ARGE) Züblin/Aarsleff was awarded the contract for the construction. The total costs of this development project amount to around ten million Euros. The Ministry for Economic Affairs for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is funding the project at nearly seven million Euros, while Hafen-Entwicklungsgesellschaft Rostock is investing over three million Euros.

ARGE began preparatory work on the site in Warnemünde at the end of August, and divers cleared a 400-meter-long stretch of the base of the old berth. The first phase of execution will last until mid-April 2008 and entails the construction of a sheet pile wall 320 meters long, set three meters in front of the old wall and anchored on land. This phase of construction includes the complete exchange of the water floor at the area of the stretch of sheet pile wall to a depth of 17 meters. Hard marl soil will be excavated and gravel will be filled in the overlapping bore holes. Beginning in December, 17-meter-long sheet piles will be driven into the prepared bed. The gap between the old and new sheet pile wall will be filled in with gravel and sand and paved as a quay surface. At the beginning of next year, the water depth at the area around the berth will be dredged to around 10 meters, as necessary for navigation and maneuvering.

The second phase of execution lasting until the end of August 2008 entails the construction of an additional 145-meter length of the berth in the same manner. The configuration of the berth P8 will be modified so that following a 412-meter stretch of quay, a slight bend will be built to which an additional 53-meter quay length connects. Along with the waterside construction, the corresponding paving of the surfaces and adjustments of the berth will be carried out.

“This new berth allows us to keep pace with the developments in the international cruise industry regarding ship size. Alone in next year’s cruise season, of the more than 100 cruise ships already registered, over 50 have a length of between 250 and 300 meters”, comments Ulrich Bauermeister, Managing Director of Hafen-Entwicklungsgesellschaft Rostock.

Holland America's 2008 Grand Africa Cruise Circles the Continent in Style
Holland America Line’s 73-day Grand Africa Voyage aboard the elegant 793-passenger ms Prinsendam introduces travelers to the breathtaking scenery, exotic wildlife and legendary safari’s that only an African adventure can conjure.

Three day stays in Cape Town, South Africa and Mombasa, Kenya allow time to explore the wild interior of Africa on safari and other unusual adventures. Late night departures from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Funchal, Madeira; Durban, South Africa; Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles; Safâga and Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt; and Malaga, Spain, allow ample time to shop, dine and enjoy local nightlife in these exciting cities.
"The 2008 Grand Africa Voyage is unrivaled for its striking destinations and active adventure opportunities," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line.

Cruising to remarkable lands in sophisticated style, this imaginative itinerary weaves together 28 extraordinary ports in 18 countries covering more than 20,500 nautical miles along the way, and offers the only full circumnavigation cruise of the African continent in 2008.

Sailing from Fort Lauderdale on March 11, 2008 the Prinsendam embarks on an Atlantic crossing, and then hugs the Ivory Coast and Gulf of Guinea before rounding the Cape of Good Hope to explore the treasures of the Indian Ocean. The ship passes next through the legendary Suez Canal en route to North Africa, sailing the Mediterranean before disembarking guests in Lisbon, Portugal on May 23, 2008.

Exciting Escapades Await in Port — Holland America’s expertise in world wide cruising and years of meticulous planning culminate to create the perfect mix of fascinating ports and in-depth excursions, with activities designed to enrich every experience.

Cruise guests will explore modern Africa and all it has to offer in grand style experiencing a flavor of the continents native customs and cultures intertwined with the lasting influence of colonial times. Shore excursions run the gamut and include visits to richly-appointed palaces, vibrant outdoor markets, stilt villages, and newly celebrated wine regions.

The Grand Africa Voyage gives guests ample time in the most dramatic destinations. Savor a taste of the Caribbean on a port call to sun-splashed Grand Turk; and relax on a restful ocean crossing then relish romantic Casablanca, Morocco. Wander amid a kaleidoscope of tapestries in the open-air markets of French-influenced Dakar, Senegal. Watch for pelicans, flamingos, springbok, ostrich and other rare creatures near the pristine natural lagoon of Walvis Bay, Namibia. In picturesque Bavarian Lüderitz, Namibia, learn about diamond mining and desert life at the Lüderitz Museum.

Additional highlights of the itinerary include a day of sailing along the spectacular sea cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope followed by three days in Cape Town, South Africa’s gateway to safari country. Next, the exclusive tropical islands of Mauritius and the Seychelles demand relaxation on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Then the ship arrives in Mombasa, Kenya for a three day stopover full of awe-inspiring scenery, rich culture and amazing wildlife in the famous Masai Mara Reserve.

In Egypt, an all day stay takes cruisers on a journey to Luxor from Safâga that reveals towering pillars, magnificent statues and mysterious hieroglyphics. A daylight transit of the impressive Suez Canal carries cruisers to Africa’s northern coast where guests may travel inland from Alexandria to stand in awe before the Sphinx and the great pyramids at Giza.

The African adventure continues with an exploration of arid, rolling landscapes that hold secrets of historical battles while some may prefer the quest for outstanding bargains on carpets, jewelry and handicrafts in Tunisia. This extraordinary voyage finishes with farewell visits to the ports of Cadiz and Málaga in Spain and Lisbon, Portugal.

Experience the Comforts of Cruising — The Holland America Line experience involves award-winning service, five-star cuisine, spacious accommodations and extensive shore and ship activities and enrichment opportunities to suit the taste of every traveler.

Winter in the Med with MSC Cruises

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (Sept. 27, 2007) – The Mediterranean Sea is at the heart of MSC Cruises’ business and continues to play a strategic role throughout the winter season. After the success of previous years, two ships from the MSC Cruises fleet – MSC Orchestra and sister ship MSC Musica – will cruise the Mediterranean waters from November 2007 through to February and March 2008.

These winter cruises will promote relaxation and personal harmony on board elegant and modern ships. Discover the beauty of the Mediterranean’s unique coastline from a balcony stateroom; rates begin at $1,649 per person, double occupancy (USD, cruise only).

After 7-night cruises to Greece, Turkey and Croatia, MSC Orchestra, the latest addition to the fleet, will depart Nov. 14 on its first winter cruise, with the last departure March 14, 2008. Two 11-night cruises alternate between Eastern and Western Mediterranean destinations. Ports of call for the Western Mediterranean itinerary are Genoa, Barcelona, Casablanca, Tenerife, Funchal, Malaga and Civitavecchia; the Eastern Mediterranean itinerary calls at Genoa, Katakolon, Piraeus, Rhodes, Alexandria for Cairo (Egypt), Marmaris, Heraklion, and Naples.

Sister ship MSC Musica, currently offering 7-night cruises to Tunisia, the Balearic Islands, Spain and France, will also be positioned out of Genoa for the entire winter season. The first cruise departs Nov. 4 and the season ends with the last departure on Feb. 22, 2008. MSC Musica will alternate a western Mediterranean cruise (Genoa, Barcelona, Gibraltar, Funchal, Tenerife, Arrecife, Malaga, Civitavecchia) with an eastern Mediterranean itinerary (Genoa, Ajaccio, Valletta, Rhodes, Alexandria for Cairo, Tripoli, Messina, Naples).

 

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