Various rumors and odd “news” as heard by the Cruise Industry News editorial team at the 2014 Cruise Shipping Miami conference.

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Quantum No. 4: Is this nearing a firm contract? 

CSM No. 30: Show organizers are celebrating the 30th edition of Cruise Shipping Miami. There is little history of the event on the internet – and what many people do not know – is that the show started downtown Manhattan in the 1980s, before moving to Miami and hotels on Miami Beach, eventually finding its home at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The only publication to cover every show to date? Cruise Industry News.

Norwegian Escape Homeport: Norwegian Cruise Line has promised an Escape homeport announcement in March at the Miami show. The 4,200-passenger ship is delivered to the brand in October, 2015.

Fast Internet Delayed: Where is the much hyped O3b satellite internet that was destined to launch on the Oasis and Allure of the Seas in late 2013? A bit behind, but still on target to debut aboard, according to a source familiar with the start-up satellite firm. Low-orbiting satellites have been launched and provide more bandwidth and less latency, but are extremely complicated to operate and manage. Royal Caribbean expects to introduce its O3b service later this year. 

Newcastle Book: The Port of Newcastle in Australia is going after itinerary planners with a new stunning coffee table book presenting the port (check it out here). Among top layout and photography, the book presents a number of arguments to bringing a ship to Newcastle – showing off the Australian destination’s features. More information on Newcastle and Australia can be found at the Cruise Down Under booth, #1017 at CSM.

Women in Cruise: Thursday morning in Miami is featuring what is becoming a tradition, a Professional Women in Cruise Breakfast. For 2014, the breakfast’s keynote speaker is Edie Bornstein, president and COO of Los Angeles-based Crystal Cruises.

Windstar Names: What will Windstar Cruises name their additional Seabourn vessels? The Seabourn Pride becomes the Star Pride this April, followed by the Seabourn Legend and Spirit being transferred to Windstar in 2015. Will those vessels become the Star Legend or Star Spirit, or will Windstar’s loyal passenger base submit some more passionate and interesting name suggestions?