Editorial: Cruise-Ship Building at a Crossroads?
Is cruise-ship building at a crossroads? In many ways it is. The economic downturn, which has led to a slowdown in newbuilding orders, has come at the same time that new rules and regulations are being phased in, allowing more innovative designs, and also making for safer and greener ships. In addition, the shipowners are…
Shipbuilding: Taking Initiatives
“Our strategy is very simple: It is to work hard,” said Gabriele Cocco, executive vice president for merchant ships at Fincantieri, and responsible for cruise ships. “The situation is very difficult for all shipbuilders. That is a fact,” said Cocco. “The future is different – characterized by uncertainty. There is no long-term perspective any more,…
New Ships: Disney Dream: To A New Level
The 128,000-ton, 1,250-stateroom Disney Dream will be delivered in January from Meyer Werft. The Fantasy follows in 2012, as Disney Cruise Line more than doubles its capacity with the two newbuilds joining the Magic and Wonder. “The Dream is so full of new, innovative features, and a handful are industry firsts,” said Tom Wolber, chief…
Technical: Scrubber Tests
While Holland America Line continues to test its scrubber system, Royal Caribbean Cruises has also launched a test program. The emission control technology selected for testing on the Independence of the Seas is new, with Royal Caribbean partnering with Ecospec to install the CSNOx system. The system uses patented Ultra Low Frequency Electrolysis System (ULFELS) to…
Onboard: Crystal Sparkles on Black Sea Cruise
Norwegians say that any milestone in life divisible by five or 10 is worthy of a special celebration. This year being one of those steps in our lives we opted, for the first time, to take a cruise with Crystal, on the Serenity. The timing and the amazing itinerary it covered was a perfect fit…
Asia/Pacific: Building Business
The Asia Cruise Association (ACA) provides a platform and forum for both the industry and destinations in Asia, according to ACA Chairman Rama Rebbapragada, who is also regional vice president, international, at Royal Caribbean Cruises. “We are engaging governments, port authorities, tourism boards and the travel trade on an industry level,” he explained. “Our priorities…
Asia/Pacific: Niche Markets
Regarded as a major emerging market, Cruise Industry News talked to some of the leading Asia and Pacific cruise operators to get their take on the cruise business, the economy, itineraries and more. Japanese Market At NYK Cruises, Shinji Imasaki, president, said that the Asuka II, the line’s sole ship and ex-Crystal Harmony, is dedicated…