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MSC Continue expansion with another 2 news ships
A double event of great significance for the MSC Cruises took place at Aker Yards in St. Nazaire, France, featuring two new builds in the fast-growing MSC Cruises fleet. After the press conference that was headed by Pierfrancesco Vago, the CEO for MSC Cruises and Jacques Hardelay, the Director General for Aker Yards, France, there was the cutting of the first steel for MSC Magnifica and the technical float out of MSC Poesia, as well as a viewing of MSC Fantasia as her construction continues.

These events represent another important step by MSC Cruises towards the completion of the ambitious expansion plan, which was started in 2003.

Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO, MSC Cruises said: “MSC Cruises has experienced the greatest growth of any cruise line in the last three years. Circumstance has enabled us to grow at such a pace. We are the only company in the world with a single brand, which in the space of a few years has increased the size of its operation to this degree. We have opened another ten offices and we are represented in 30 countries throughout the world.” Mr Vago continues: “MSC Poesia represents a further step in our expansion plan. She has a perfectly balanced space-ratio between public and private areas. The layout is conceptualised to offer guests maximum comfort everywhere on board - in the restaurant, by the pool deck, in the lounges as well as the cabins. The interiors also reflect a neutral colour scheme that complements the windows and verandas. MSC Poesia reflects all our learnings from the projects completed by MSC Cruises so far. It represents another step towards perfect ship design and technical fit while maintaining on board safety and safeguarding the environment.” “The success of our ships is proof of the intense work effort that the Technical Department has invested alongside the technical staff at Aker Yards and the MSC architectural studio. All our innovations will ensure that our guests are offered the best in terms of both facilities and comfort,” says Emilio La Scala, General Manager MSC Cruises Technical Department

Mr La Scala continues: “In a short space of time three different classes of ships have been constructed (Lirica, Musica and Fantasia). Four new ships were launched from 2003 to 2007. At the same time another 4 ships, in 2 different classes, are in construction - this progression will see 8 new ships in the fleet by 2010. The technical team are always seeking to improve on our last achievement. We have worked to tight schedules and delivered on time – with one clear objective, the continual improvement of the fleet.”

“We have built 6 cruise ships for MSC and we still have 4 ships to deliver. This symbolizes not only the success of MSC Cruises but also the strong relationships between Aker Yards and MSC Cruises”, says Jacques Hardelay, General Manager of the Acker Yards.

Claudia Baino, MD, MSC Cruises UK and Ireland added: “The cutting of the first steel of a new vessel undergoing construction is an age long tradition in shipping and it was wonderful to be able share this memorable event with both the British and Irish travel press. It was also very exciting to see the MSC Poesia floating for the first time as she enters the final stages of her construction ahead of her christening in Dover next April. Both of these were truly memorable events and MSC Cruises looks forward to celebrating more of these occasions as we expand our fleet.”

MSC Poesia, sister ship to MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, will be 92,400 grt, 294 metres long, 32 metres wide and 60 metres tall. A total 1,275 cabins of which 80’% are outside cabins with balconies, able to host 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members. A total of 22,000 square metres are dedicated to the public areas including the Villa Pompeiana Cafeteria on the Foscolo deck, which will have ample seating accommodation for all passengers using the pool area for their buffet meals.

MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida are the largest ships to be commissioned by a European ship owner. Each ship will be 133,500 grt, 333 metres long, 38 metres wide and able to host 3,900 passengers and 1,300 crew members. There will be 27,000 sq metres of public space and a VIP area with a private entrance to the solarium, pool and Beauty Centre, plus the assistance of a butler service.

MSC Magnifica, fourth ship in the Musica class, is 92,400 grt, 294 metres long, 32 metres wide and 60 metres tall. With her 1,275 cabins of which 80’% are outside with a balcony, able to host 3,000 passengers and 1,000 crew members. Plus 22,000 square metres of public space and pool area fitted with a retractable glass roof to ensure year round use.

MSC Poesia and MSC Fantasia will be delivered to ship owner Gianluigi Aponte in April and October 2008 respectively. MSC Splendida will follow sister ship MSC Fantasia in spring 2009, whilst MSC Magnifica will join the fleet in 2010. The company will have a total of 12 ships by 2010.

High Speed Hawaiian Inter Island Ferry prepares to start service & then gets legislated out of business
The Alakai, Hawaii Superferry’s first of two vessels planned for service between the islands of Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu, was welcomed into Honolulu Harbor’s Pier 19 on Saturday, June 30 with a private ceremony to include a traditional Hawaiian welcoming ceremony and oli (Hawaiian chant).

“Alakai is a spectacular ship and we are looking forward to welcoming her home,” said Hawaii Superferry President & Chief Executive Officer John Garibaldi. “Her arrival in Hawai’i will bring the excitement and anticipation that has grown since her launch in January to a new level. We are honored to introduce this new travel experience for the people of Hawai’i. This magnificent day is a result of their support and commitment.”

Reservations will initially be accepted for travel September 5, 2007 through January 15, 2008. Upon completion of crew and staff training, route familiarization, and final U.S. Coast Guard certification, Hawaii Superferry anticipates that inaugural service will begin sooner, with travel dates beginning in August. Hawaii Superferry will announce those dates, once determined

Following a huge surge of bookings for a heavily discounted inaugural sailing, environmentalist raised concerns over the ships possible damage to the islands ecology and environment.  A court order was obtained and on August 23rd the following statement was made by the ships operators.

"Clearly, we are disappointed in the Hawai‘i Supreme Court’s reversal of the July 2005 judgment of the circuit court of the second circuit.

"For more than three years, Hawaii Superferry has met all the requirements of the state Department of Transportation, including provisions pertaining to environmental review. The company complied with, and in many instances, exceeded Hawai‘i and Federal environmental regulations.

The same careful attention to regulatory compliance and overall responsiveness has been applied to the protection of whales, safety and security issues, community and harbor users, prevention of the spread of invasive species, and traffic management.

Overwhelming community support for Hawaii Superferry has been reflected by the sold-out community previews of our ship, Alakai, held recently on Maui, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. More than 16,000 people from around the state have toured the Alakai and shared our excitement for Hawaii Superferry.

It is our continued hope and intention to serve the people of the state of Hawai‘i by providing the convenient inter-island travel and transportation alternative they desire on August 28".

NCL announces they will not be exercising their option for the third F3 ship

An announcement made by the Akers Shipbuilding Yard stated that NCL will not be exercising their option for the third ship in the F3 series ordered this time last year.  The value of the order for the three megaships would have been in the range of $2.85 Billion, with the third ship being dropped NCL are now on the hook for a mere $941.5M .

These three megaships are the third generation of NCL's - Freestyle Cruising Ships) and are 1066 ft in length with delivery 2009 and 2010.

Star Clippers intend to build largest, most expensive sailing vessel ever constructed
The new ship will be based upon the 7,400 gross ton barque - "France II" which at 5,000 gross tons was the world largest sailing ship when it was launched in 1912.

The new ship which is expected to be delivered in 2010 will be 518 ft long (157mt) with 61ft (18.5mt) of beam and a draft of 20ft (6mt). The five masted vessel will carry 37 sails for a toptal of 68,500 sq ft (6,350mt) of sail surface area. The rig will extend 217ft (65mt) above the waterline. The ship has been designed to operate independently of any port infrastructure. With its Ice Class C hull, extra heavy anchor gear, davit dampening system and specially modified tender the ship will be able to sail almost anywhere in the world.

Although 48 percent larger than Star Clipper current largest ship - the Royal Clipper" the new build will carry only 30 percent more passengers, with a double occupancy capacity of 296 with a crew of 140.

The ship will have two 593 sq ft (55sq mt) Owners suites that can be divided into two separate cabins with their own verandahs.  Thirty deluxe suites of 323 sq ft (30 sq mt) and two deluxe deck staterooms of 215 sq ft (20sq mt) that will have private verandahs as well. There will also be 104 outside staterooms of 162 sq ft (15sq mt) and 10 inside staterooms of 129 sq ft (12sq mt).

Shipboard facilities will include a two level dining room capable of accommodating all passengers in one seating, a private dining room for groups of 50 or less, a piano Bar and two level Tropical Bar which will also serve a lecture room and showroom. A multipurpose Dive/Sports Bar and an observation lounge forward of the Bridge there will also be a library, spa and gymnasium.

A retractable marina on the stern will provide access for watersports, snorkeling and diving.  The ship will also have three swimming pools. The trademark Star Clippers midship glass-bottom pool will filter down light from the sun deck. The aft pool will also feature a unique swim rube - to be used for scuba training - that extends down through the Dive/Sports Bar and into the library.

The new build is going to be constructed to the highest environmental, safety, comfort and security standards.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Starts New Cruise Line Dedicated To French Market

Continuing its expansion in Europe, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced today it is launching a new cruise brand, CDF Croisières de France, committed to the French market. The new brand will begin sailing its first ship, Bleu de France, in May, 2008, after the ship has completed extensive renovations and undergone a cultural transformation wholly adapting the brand experience to French tastes.

The new line will operate one ship initially when it begins operations. The 376-cabin ship was the former luxury liner Europa when it was owned by Hapag Lloyd. Currently, it is Pullmantur's Holiday Dream. As the flagship of the new brand, Bleu de France will benefit from a €30-million overhaul, significantly altering many of the ship's public spaces, guest accommodations, entertainment venues and dining options.

The onboard experience of Bleu de France's guests will be totally French, from cuisine to entertainment to decor. French will be the language used on the ship as well.

The ship will sail a Mediterranean itinerary, departing from Marseille, France, starting in Spring, 2008. It will shift to a Caribbean routing, sailing out of La Romana, Dominican Republic, beginning in Winter, 2008-2009.

"We are thrilled with this opportunity to enter the French cruise market with a custom-tailored brand for French cruisers," said CDF Croisières de France Managing Director Brigitte Tissier. "Our start-up efforts will clearly benefit from the global success and experience of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s family of brands, and we look forward to launching another stellar brand into that circle of excellence."

Equally enthusiastic about the new brand, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain, added, "We are very excited about bringing French cruising to the French market. We have a high demand for the product, a ship tailor-made for the market, and a highly talented team to lead the effort. I couldn't be more pleased."

Sea Cloud Cruises to build new sailing ship
Sea Clouds announcement of a new construction for their fleet of sailing cruise ships follows hard on the heels of Star Clippers newbuild announcement (see article in this edition). In what is shaping up to be a battle of the biggest - Star Clipper are ahead on overall size at 157mt, however Sea Cloud's ship, which is due in the autumn of 2009, will be the biggest 3 masted sailing vessel with an overall length of 135.70 mt.

Hansa Treuhand, which also owns Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, operated by Sea Cloud Cruises, has contracted the newbuilding at Factoria Naval de Marin shipyard in Spain for an undisclosed price. She will be named Sea Cloud Hussar. Althoug full specs have yet to be announced the new ship will have an overall length of 135.70mtr and a beam of 17.2mtr with a draft of 5.65mtr. It will be equipped with 27 sails with a total area of 4,000sq mtr and the main mast will rise 48mtr above deck level.

Additionally Sea Cloud Hussar will make use of a diesel-electric engine generating a total output of 4,920 kW. Up to 136 passengers will be accommodated in 69 outside cabins of 20 to 40sq mtr. The interior design will have a classic appearance, as will the exterior – sporting a white hull and teak decks.