Growth Continues for Virgin with Expanded Deployment, More Funding
$550 million in new capital has been a major win for Virgin Voyages. “That is the runway we need to grow,” said Michelle Bentubo, chief operating officer, in an interview with Cruise Industry News, who added the company is growing and will continue to grow, not only concentrating on its core North America market but…
More and More New Ships for Port Canaveral
Port Canaveral will have 13 homeported ships and is expecting over 8 million guests in 2024, according to Captain John Murray, CEO and port director. “The biggest thing for us is we are an easy drive in and out,” he said. “We’re at the point now where cruise lines are bringing us their newest ships,…
MSC Cruises: Six Drydocks for 2024
The MSC Fantasia drydocked in October in Malta for general hotel and technical work, as well as the installation of shore power, said Emilio La Scala, president and managing director for MSC Cruises Management UK. The company also sent the MSC Bellissima to the Huarun Dadong Dockyard in Shanghai in November. “This was the first…
Royal Caribbean Eyes More Shore Power Installations
The Royal Caribbean Group is making significant progress in adding shore power to its ships, said Lotfi Trabelsi, director of EMEA, speaking at the MedCruise General Assembly in Burgas, Bulgaria, this past October. He said the Royal Caribbean brand has shore power ready on eight ships and has plans for six more and is evaluating…
Oceania: Upper Premium Niche
Oceania Cruises is defined by three brand pillars, according to Frank A. Del Rio, president: Number one is having the finest cuisine at sea, number two is the curated travel experience, and number three is the mid-sized upper-premium market ships. “We created a niche,” Del Rio told Cruise Industry News. “We never wanted to be…
New Global Fresh Fish Program for Holland America
Holland America Line has launched a global fresh fish program whereby the cruise line is sourcing some 80 different types of fish from 60 ports worldwide, according to Michael Stendebach, vice president, food and beverage. Stendebach promised that fresh fish sourced locally is served onboard in less than 48 hours, going from port to plate….
Fincantieri: Expansion Strategy
Fincantieri’s business plan covers both newbuildings and conversions and upgrades, according to Andrew Toso, senior vice president, Fincantieri Services. Although they are two distinct activities, he said, they are complementary, ensuring the continuity and expansion of the cruise fleets. While cruise operators continue to invest in new ships, existing ships can remain competitive and attractive…
MSC Cruises: ‘Investing More’
2024 will be about building up in the North American market and the return of China, said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “We are investing more in North America,” he said, pointing to the Meraviglia’s program year-round out of New York, the Magnifica sailing short cruises out of Miami, and the expansion of Ocean…
V.Ships Leisure: The Cruise Incubator
Providing vessel management services for various cruise lines, V.Ships Leisure is a flexible behind-the-scenes incubator for cruise brands. “For new brands, start-ups and transformations, we can help take an existing company and transform them,” said Per Bjornsen, CEO. Recent examples include the refurbishment and technical management of both the Crystal Symphony and Serenity. “They wanted…
Great Lakes Cruising: Variety of Attractions
“Great Lakes destinations provides a variety of opportunities for cruise lines to develop unique itineraries. Starting with transiting the locks along the St. Lawrence Seaway and St. Mary’s River and visiting up to 35 destinations in the five Great Lakes,” said Rebecca Yackley, director, Office of Trade and Economic Development, Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway…