MSC Cruises revealed the name of its second World-class ship

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MSC Cruise has revealed the name of its second World Class ship
MSC World America.

MSC World America is slated to enter service in 2025, where it will begin a series of sailings in North America, making it the fourth new flagship to be deployed in the continent. 

The announcement comes just weeks before the launch of World Europa, which will be one of the world’s “largest liquefied natural gas-powered cruise ships” and one of the first to incorporate fuel cell technology. 

The vessel – which was delivered to the line by shipbuilders Chantiers de l’Atlantique on Monday (24 October) – has also been designed with an “innovative” hull shape to minimise resistance through the water.

World Europa incorporates a range of equipment to optimise energy use throughout the ship, including smart ventilation and advanced air conditioning systems and LED lighting, controlled by smart management systems to further enhance the energy-saving profile.

The vessel features a Y-shaped aft structure that leads to a 104-metre-long half-open half-covered Europa Promenade with ocean views. New balcony cabins overlook the promenade, which features an architectural centrepiece in the form of The Venom Drop – an 11-deck-high slide.

MSC World Europa’s firsts include a micro-brewery, gin bar, healthy juice bar, coffee emporium and tea house. The ship has 13 different dining options including two new speciality restaurants; La Pescaderia, which will offer fresh seafood; and Chef’s Garden Kitchen, which will dish up seasonal farm-to-ocean cooking. 

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the cruise division of MSC Group, said: “We are proud to welcome MSC World Europa to our fleet, our 20th ship and the first to be LNG-powered. This groundbreaking vessel represents the next phase in our journey toward net zero and sustainable cruising and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to both.”

Carnival Luminosa Visits Singapore on Its Way to Australia

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After being converted into a Carnival Cruise Line ship in Europe, the Carnival Luminosa continued its month-long voyage to Australia with a visit to Singapore, which was captured by the Singapore Cruise Society in these photos.

With no passenger onboard, the 2009-built vessel recently spent a day docked at the Asian port before departing for Brisbane – its new homeport.

Set to arrive at the Australian port later this month, the Luminosa will then start its maiden voyage on November 6.

On the day, the 2,260-guest ship departs Brisbane on a seven-night Great Barrier Reef cruise. In addition to two days at sea, the itinerary includes visits to Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas and Willis Island.

In the region through mid-April, the Carnival Luminosa offers additional cruises to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific before repositioning to Alaska for a summer program in 2023.

Before returning to Australia for the 2023-2024 season, the ship is also slated to sail Carnival’s longest-ever cruise.

The 30-day transpacific voyage sails from Seattle to Brisbane and features visits to Alaska, Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Transferred from Costa Cruises in September, the former Costa Luminosa blends Carnival’s service, food and signature features with the look and elements of its former operator.

While being prepared for its debut, the 92,000-ton vessel saw some of its public areas transformed to offer the signature experiences and spaces of the U.S.-based cruise line during a recent drydock in Italy.  

Keeping its décor and most original design elements, the ship received new venues like The Punchliner Comedy Club, Limelight Lounge, Piano Bar 88, Alchemy Bar, RedFrog Rum Bar, Serenity Retreat and more.

In addition to Carnival’s new hull livery, the Luminosa also saw the addition of new dining venues such as Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Chef’s Table and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Following the Luminosa, two additional Costa ships – the Costa Venezia and the Costa Firenze – are set to join the Carnival fleet over the coming years.

Celebrity Cruises Marks Australia and New Zealand Return

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Saturday marked a new beginning, as Celebrity Cruises celebrated its highly anticipated return to Australian and New Zealand waters.

On Saturday, the Celebrity Eclipse set sail from Sydney, Australia, on a 12-night itinerary exploring the ruggedly scenic wilderness of New Zealand.

According to a press release, this voyage is the first of 17 sailings departing from Sydney and Auckland through April 2023, and the first for Celebrity Eclipse in Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific waters.

“The return Down Under has been long-awaited but someday has finally arrived! Celebrity Eclipse is the first Celebrity ship to sail this region for 930 days – a momentous occasion for the brand and our team members who have worked so hard to get to this point; and the first of many wonderful sailings ahead,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises. “Returning to this region is another significant milestone in the industry’s global recovery, as we sail forward into a bright future.”

Celebrity Cruises Vice President and Managing Director of Australia and APAC, Tim Jones, added, “We’ve been patiently waiting for this moment for so long, and to finally see the freshly painted blue hull of Celebrity Eclipse slice through the waters of Sydney Harbour didn’t disappoint. We were one of the remaining major cruise markets to return to service, and we are proud to be contributing to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific tourism industries once more, alongside rebuilding the economy of key coastal communities.

“Continuing our momentum in the region, next year we’ll be taking the guest experience to the ‘Edge’ with the debut season of Celebrity Edge Down Under! It’s the great outdoors that make this region truly exceptional and we can’t wait to welcome an equally exceptional ship that’s been uniquely designed to connect guests with their surroundings. Whether you’re flying Down Under to join us, or stepping aboard from your front door, Celebrity Edge is a chance to explore our exotic landscapes like never before, all while sailing in complete luxury. ”