Ports & Itineraries

 

Crystal Cruises in the Middle East
There's potential controversy in another decision by Crystal: to schedule a segment of its 2010 world cruise in the Middle East, providing access to such sites as the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran. "It's an experience different than but equal to Rome and Ephesus," said Director of Land Programs John Stoll. He recently spent 15 days in Iran and shared breathtakingly beautiful historical shots from his trip with top-producing agents onboard the Crystal Serenity this past month.

But mention ports of calls in areas such as Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and the likes, and concerns arise. What assurance can you give world cruisers about safety or those worried about being denied access once the ship arrives in port because their passport has an Israeli stamp on it?

"Things are changing," explained Marc Ginsburg, a former U.S. ambassador to Morocco, onboard the Crystal Serenity as a guest lecturer. Pointing out that he himself is a Jewish diplomat who travels extensively in the Middle East, Ginsburg said, "Even in Iran, a passport stamped in Israel is now generally not a problem."

While comments of Iranian President Ahmadinejad are of concern to many, including Ginsburg, the diplomat stressed to agents onboard that the Iranian people have "enormous hospitality."

Such comments seemed to soothe the agents, most of whom said they trusted Crystal to handle this right due to their track record. And the way the cruise is structured, the Iran calls fall prior to Israel, which would alleviate passport concerns for some.

However, several agents did tell us they were disappointed to see Crystal doing such an itinerary following the incident Seabourn had with pirates a few years back. Michel replied, "We're not cruising off the East Coast of Somalia."

Exec VP Bill Smith noted the Bush administration is opening diplomatic relations with Iran. "We will constantly monitor the situation," he said. "If there's apprehensions or any risk, we will cancel those ports immediately."  Smith continued that the company receives daily input on the current situations in the area, in part, because, "Our parent company, NYK, operates ships in these areas all the time."

So while there are concerns with the Middle East, the truth is new ports of call are seen by agents selling the product as one of Crystal's strengths, no small task given the limitations of a two-ship fleet. On our own recent sailing aboard Serenity, the line deftly mixed the regular stops with new ports. One of the port of call was Sarande, Albania, a first-time stop for virtually all the agents onboard. "I would never choose it for vacation, but it's a great port to visit for a day," noted Jeff Contino, Elegant Voyages, San Jose, adding it makes a nice contrast to the bread and butter ports like Mykonos and Kusadasi on the same cruise.

Cruise West expanding their offerings

Cruise West will be sailing in the Galapagos this summer, as well as on the Danube River (in July and October) – two firsts for the line. Both programs are “a natural progression” for Cruise West “due to our continuing focus on nature,” a company spokeswoman told Cruise Industry News.

The 40-passenger, 1,082-ton Isabela II, which Cruise West is chartering from Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring, will sail three, 10-day Galapagos cruises from Baltra Island. “In the company of naturalist guides (passengers) will scout for breaching whales, pink flamingos, giant tortoises, marine iguanas, tiny penguins and flightless cormorants,” according to Cruise West.

In addition, the 148-passenger Amadeus Diamond, which the company will be chartering from Austria-based Luftner Cruises, will sail four, 11-day cruises from Vienna – on the Danube River to the Black Sea. The Diamond will call in Budapest and Kalocsa (Hungary); Osijek, Croatia; Belgrade and Costolac (Serbia); Svistov and Rousse (Bulgaria); and Hirsova and Bucharest (Romania).

Two of MSC Cruises' Newest to Sail Caribbean in 2009-10

North American guests will be able to experience the Caribbean on two of MSC Cruises’ newest and largest ships when MSC Poesia and MSC Magnifica arrive in Fort Lauderdale for their inaugural 2009-10 Caribbean seasons.

“We are extremely excited to be able to offer our guests this wonderful opportunity. The new MSC Magnifica will surely live up to her name. She will arrive Dec. 26, 2009 directly from her christening to begin her inaugural season as a part of the MSC Cruises’ fleet. Once in the Caribbean, she will join the equally beautiful MSC Poesia, which was introduced earlier this year,” says Richard E. Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises USA.

“The fact that MSC Cruises is sending two of its newest and largest ships to the Caribbean reinforces our commitment to the North American market. We are excited to be able to offer our travel agent partners the opportunity to allow their clients to enjoy the MSC Cruises experience in the Caribbean on such beautiful new ships,” says Sasso.

Cruise-only rates begin at $499 per person, double occupancy for 7-night cruises and $749 per person, double occupancy for 10-night itineraries. Government fees and taxes are additional, as is a fuel surcharge.

As with all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids ages 17 and under sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults.

In addition to sailing on the two newest of the line’s popular “Musica” class ships, guests will be able to select from a variety of itineraries that includes 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings and four different 10-night itineraries. Itineraries feature many of the most popular ports of call as well as visits to several exciting not-so-often visited ports, such as Playa del Carmen, Curacao and Aruba, on select itineraries.

Shipboard Features
Both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia feature 1,275 staterooms, of which 80% are outside staterooms and 65% have a balcony. There will be 236,000 square feet of public spaces, 2 pools and 4 hot tubs, plus a 13,000-square-foot spa. On each ship, guests can select from four restaurants, including a Sushi Bar alternative dining restaurant.

In addition, MSC Magnifica will feature a Magrodome that will allow guests to enjoy the pool area no matter what the elements.

Like their sister ships (MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra), both MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia feature sophisticated and elegant decor, attention to detail, the finest in international entertainment and Italian hospitality that will ensure guests enjoy a truly ‘Beautiful. Passionate. Italian.’ experience as only MSC Cruises can present.

MSC Magnifica’s Itineraries
MSC Magnifica will be christened on Dec. 5, 2009 in Hamburg, Germany. She will depart two days later on a 19-night transatlantic “Grand Passage to the New World” to Port Everglades that calls in Amsterdam, Dover, Lisbon, Funchal, Fort de France, St. John’s, Charlotte Amalie and San Juan.

Once in Fort Lauderdale, MSC Magnifica will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale through April 7, 2010. The “Eastern Caribbean Enchantment” itineraries call at San Juan, Phillipsburg, Roadtown and Nassau; Western Caribbean “Island Treasures & Ancient Temples” itineraries call at Key West, Playa Del Carmen, Georgetown, Montego Bay and Nassau.

On April 17, 2010 she will sail a 7-night “Bermuda – Paradise in Pink” cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale that calls at King’s Wharf, Bermuda and Nassau, Bahamas.

MSC Magnifica will depart April 24, 2010 on a 19-night “Bluewater Adventure Across the Atlantic” transatlantic crossing that will stop in New York City, King’s Wharf, Ponta Delgada, Lisbon, La Coruna and Dover before arriving in Copenhagen.

MSC Poesia’s Itineraries
MSC Poesia arrives in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 10, 2009 for her inaugural Caribbean season following a 17-night “Grand Transatlantic Adventure.” She will sail a variety of itineraries that feature some of the most popular destinations throughout the Caribbean, such as Curacao, Bonaire, Aruba and Panama.

MSC Poesia’s itineraries include:

“Happy Holidays, Caribbean Style” – 7-night Eastern Caribbean departing Dec. 20, 2009, calling in San Juan, St. John’s, Philipsburg and Nassau;

“Caribbean and Confetti New Year’s” – 7-night Western Caribbean celebration departing Dec. 27, 2009, calling at Playa del Carmen, Georgetown, Montego Bay and Nassau;
“Southern Sunswept Caribbean” – 10-night Southern Caribbean itineraries departing Nov. 10, 2009 and Feb. 17, 2010, calling in Curacao, Bonaire, Grenada, St. Lucia, Antigua and the Bahamas;

“Remarkable Rainforests and the Panama Canal” – 10-night Deep Western sailings departing Dec. 10, 2009, Jan. 18, 2010 and Feb. 27, 2010, calling in Grand Cayman, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico;

“Dazzling Dutch Caribbean and the Panama Canal” – 10-night southwest Caribbean experiences departing Nov. 20, 2009 and Feb. 7, 2010, calling in Curacoa, Aruba, Colombia, Panama and Mexico; and “Tropical Splendors, European Charm” – 10-night southeast Caribbean itineraries, sailing Nov. 30, 2009, Jan. 8 and 28, 2010, calling in Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, Barbados, Martinique, St. Maarten and the Bahamas.

The ship will depart North American waters on March 9, 2010 on a 17-night “Island-Hopping Across the Atlantic” sailing that includes calls in San Juan, Phillipsburg, Funchal, Malaga, Palma, La Valletta and Dubrovnik, before arriving in Venice.
Redesigning Antigua Cruise Port

Royal Caribbean Cruises and the government of Antigua and Barbuda have agreed on a bold plan to redesign St. John’s waterfront, alleviating traffic congestion and maximizing cruise passengers’ experience on the island.

Chile’s Port System considered unfit for the booming cruise industry

With more than 400,000 tourists passing through Chile’s ports in 2007 and an expected 12 percent growth this year, there is no doubt that cruise trips are gaining popularity in South America. Chile, along with Brazil and Argentina (the ABC triangle) is one of the leading providers of cruises through the southern tip of South America.

But while the growth in cruiser tourism is great for the local economy, Chile’s ports are not prepared to accommodate the large numbers of tourists.

Many ports across the world boast terminals with amenities similar to those of an airport, while Chilean ports are smaller and lacking many of the services that facilitate the cruise process and that many tourists find appealing.

Part of the problem is that the short cruise season does not give much incentive for further investment into the improvement of Chile’s ports. In addition, there is friction between the cruise companies and the ports when it comes to coordinating the arrival and departure of the ships.

Carnival abandons New Orleans - at least for now.
Call it the disaster that never ends.

Last month's oil spill on the Mississippi River was supposed to be cleaned up weeks ago. But apparently it's still causing trouble for ships heading to New Orleans, including the Carnival Fantasy, and it appears Carnival has finally given up hope that the situation will be fixed anytime soon.

The line says the 2,052-passenger Fantasy, which normally is based year-round in New Orleans, will relocate to Mobile, Ala., through at least September.

The announcement affects six Caribbean cruises on the Fantasy scheduled to depart New Orleans on Aug. 9, 14, 18, 23 and 28, and on Sept. 1. The ship will then enter a previously-scheduled dry dock for a massive overhaul before (presumably) returning to New Orleans in October.

The oil spill has been a bit of a nightmare for Carnival, which has scrambled to make last-minute changes to the Fantasy's itinerary in each of the last three weeks. Every week it looked like the oil spill had been contained and the ship could get back into its berth in New Orleans. And every week something went wrong that kept the vessel away.

In each of the past three weeks the ship has been forced to make a last-minute diversion to Mobile to disembark passengers, a change that has left thousands of passengers nearly 150 miles away from where they expected to arrive (and where many have left their cars or scheduled flights for home). Carnival has bused the passengers back to the port of New Orleans.

The diversions also have caused headaches for the thousands of passengers who expected to depart from New Orleans the past few weeks and had to be bused to Mobile to reach the ship.

Carnival says the switch to Mobile for the next month will ensure smooth operations for the vessel. "The decision is based on continued issues and uncertainty surrounding the Mississippi River," it says in a statement. "Based on the potential for additional sporadic closures, along with speed limitations and required hull cleanings, the company cannot provide assurances that it will be able to operate the scheduled itineraries from New Orleans."

The oil spill occurred on July 23 after a collision between a tanker and a barge near New Orleans.

Costa Allegra Opens Shanghai's New Cruise Terminal & Costa's 100th Cruise in China
Great festivities have been planned in Shanghai to celebrate the arrival of the Costa Allegra (28,500 dwt and a capacity of 1,000 guests). The first call of the 2008 summer season for this ship operated by Costa Cruises was an occasion to celebrate two events: the opening of the new “Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal” and Costa’s 100th cruise in China.

Costa Cruises, the Italian company that’s number one in Europe, was the first international cruise company to operate regular cruises in China and in Asia, selling its “made in Italy” product to the Chinese. Operations began on 3 July 2006 from Shanghai with the Costa Allegra. Since then Costa has completed a total of 121 cruises in Asia, 100 of which in China and about 40% of these from the port of Shanghai, where the Costa Allegra has brought more than 60,000 cruise vacationers traffic.

Thanks to its excellent "Made in Italy” product Costa Cruises has introduced its brand supported with large marketing investments, and although the market is still under development, Costa has accepted the challenge to position a second ship in Asia and China. Based on the success with the Chinese and international clientele, as of March 2009 Costa Cruises will bolster its operations in Asia, positioning a second ship, the Costa Classica (53,000 dwt, 1,680 passengers and 590 crew members), in addition to the Costa Allegra.

In 2008, the Costa Allegra will operate 19 cruises, 14 of these from Shanghai port and 4 during the Beijing Olympic Games, that will be broadcast on board the ship on giant screens in the public areas and on cabin TV sets. For 2009, 34 cruises (+80%) are planned with Costa Allegra and 31 with Costa Classica.

“China’s cruise market has a good growth potential – declared Gianni Onorato, President of Costa Cruises. Shanghai together with Tianjin (the port of Beijing) will play an important role in this sector due to their role of main ports and economic centers for China. Costa Cruises was the first to believe in offering cruises in China and to choose Shanghai as its home port. This is the city where we began to develop our activities in China. And the results of those decisions have gone beyond our greatest expectations. Since 2006, the Costa Allegra has completed 121 cruises in China and Far East. Overall, about 75,000 Guests have taken a vacation on board the Costa Allegra, including nearly 50,000 Chinese Guests. These figures are real proof of just how much China and Asia appreciate the quality of the service and the style of our cruises. It is also a concrete example of the worldwide success of the real “made in Italy”: 98.28% of our Chinese Guests are satisfied or very satisfied with their Costa cruise vacation”.

Costa Cruises’ General Manager for China, Leo Liu, added: “We are very grateful to Shanghai’s authorities and local government for the major investments they are making to improve port and cruise infrastructures. The opening of the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal will contribute significantly to the cruise industry’s development throughout eastern China”.

The tourism and cruise market in China

Tourism is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in the Chinese economy with forecasts indicate that by 2010 there will be more than 50 million Chinese tourists abroad and 100 million by 2020. with the Northeast Asia cruise market (China, South Korea and Taiwan) continuing to grow at a constant rate: from an estimated 440 thousand cruise passengers in 2005, that figure is expected to increase to 720 thousand in 2010.

Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

The new terminal, that will become operational with the arrival of the Costa Allegra, was specially designed to dock international cruise ships. Located along the Huangpu River, it covers a total area of 350,000 m², extends over 4 floors and can dock up to 4 cruise vessels at the same time. An ultramodern terminal in terms of efficiency and safety, it will be able to complete immigration procedures at the rate of just 48 seconds per person. The area will also include business centres, hotels, offices and art galleries.

Costa cruises in Asia

In the summer of 2008 the Costa Allegra will also offer short 4 to 6-day cruises with departures not only from Shanghai but also from Hong Kong and Tianjin. The itineraries include the new destination of Fukuoka (Japan), in addition to Cheju (South Korea), Sanya (China), Da Nang and Cai Lan (Vietnam), Nagasaki and Kagoshima (Japan). These short voyages will be supported by the longer 14 and 15-day cruises to the Far East, with calls to ports in Japan, South Korea, China, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.

This type of cruise is designed for Chinese Guests, whose appreciation for the Costa product continues to grow. The same can be said for international Guests, including Asian and Australasia countries, for whom itineraries in the Orient are both fascinating and attractive.

As of 27 March 2009 the Costa Classica will offer 33, 4 to 14-day cruises, with departures from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin, Hong Kong and the various itineraries will include visits to the best destinations and Asian countries.

Costa “made in Italy” in Asia

The Costa Allegra offers its Chinese guests the best of “made in Italy”. Starting, obviously, from the cuisine. In fact, the Costa Allegra’s guests can dine in an Italian “à la carte” restaurant, the Amalfi Restaurant, located in one of the ship’s most panoramic vantage points, in 2 other restaurants and buffer that offer traditional Italian dishes (starting from pasta ), and in a “pizzeria”. These dining experiences are so popular that even Italian cooking lessons, taught by the onboard chefs, have been organized and include how to prepare the perfect “pasta al pesto”. Even the entertainment has acquired that typical Italian touch: in the saloons and next to the swimming pool theme evenings are organized, including an “Italian night” with the election of “Mr. Spaghetto” and a song contest called the “Italian Festival”. One of the numerous theatre shows, real musicals created “in-house” by Costa Crociere, includes a special show called “made in Italy” inspired by Italian history and traditions. The Costa Allegra shopping area provides guests with the opportunity to purchase major Italian name brands, including Armani, Bulgari, D&G, Gucci, Antica Murrina.

Awards received by Costa Crociere in China

Last March Costa Crociere received 2 important awards in China: “The Most Popular Cruise Line" award presented during the World Travel Fair, Eastern China’s most important tradeshow, and the "Award for Customer Management 2007" that was presented to Costa Crociere’s Call Centre in China by the China Customer Management Forum. Costa Crociere has already received “The Best Marketing Promotion Award”, dedicated to the best marketing campaign in China, awarded by the Traveler magazine during the “Gold List Travel Award 2007”, and the “Top International Cruise Line Award 2007”, organized by World Traveller to pay tribute to the best international cruise company.

The ships

The Costa Classica, which entered service in 1991 and was restyled in 2001, was built at the Fincantieri shipyards in Marghera. One of Costa’s most popular cruisers, with a displacement of 53,000 dwt and an overall length of 220 metres, she can accommodate a total of 1,680 passengers in 1,304 lower berths.

The Costa Allegra, weighing in at 28,500 dwt with a capacity of 1,000 guests, was completely restyled in March 2006 for a total investment of Euro 12 million. The design of the public areas was inspired by the Neoclassic style with a strong Italian flair. She is nicknamed the “crystal ship” because of her bright and modern architecture and large stern glass wall. The ship is equipped with 386 cabins, 13 suites including 10 with a private balcony, 3 restaurants offering Italian, international and Asian specialties, 5 bars, 2 swimming pools, a wellness centre, a theatre, a shopping centre with the most famous “made in Italy” brands, a casino and a discotheque.

Silversea confirms French Polynesia plans
Silversea Cruises outlined the details of its 2009 expeditions for Prince Albert II. From March to October, the ship will sail in French Polynesia with round-trips from Papeete, Tahiti. For the balance of the year, the vessel will operate a series of Antarctica programs with round-trip departures from Ushuaia.

Prince Albert II’s positioning in Tahiti resulted from numerous meetings between Silversea and the French Polynesian government.

‘We are pleased to welcome the prestigious Prince Albert II to French Polynesia,’ said President Gaston Tong Sang. ‘Since taking office, it has been my goal and intention to take all necessary steps to enable Silversea to visit the region.’

Silversea said all itineraries are unstructured to allow for flexibility and a spirit of adventure. Highlights include the Austral Islands, including Tubuai, perhaps best known for the failed landing attempts of the H.M.S. Bounty. Rapa, Raivavae, Tubuai, Rurutu and Rimatara will be explored on five 11-day journeys.

Also featured will be the Marquesas, in four 14-day voyages with explorations of Fatu Hiva, Pua Mau, Hiva Oa, Atuona, Ua Pou, Nuku Hiva and Tahuata, as well as Manihi and Fakarava Island in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands of Bora Bora and Tahaa.

The Tuamotu Islands are the focus of five 10-day expeditions to Tikihau, Rangiroa, Apataki, Arutua and Fakarava, as well as Raiatea, Maupihaa and Huahine in the Society Islands.

 

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