The Port of Southampton is set to host seven maiden calls in 2023 after it hailed 2022 a “successful and significant” year.
This year, the port is due to welcome 492 cruise calls and will host maiden calls from a further seven cruise ships, including new builds MSC Explora 1 and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova.
In 2022, the port saw 600 cruise days and eight plaque and key ceremonies for Azamara Onward, Celebrity Beyond, Silver Moon, Norwegian Prima, Aida Perla, Aida Cosma, Enchanted Princess and P&O Cruises’ Arvia.
Continuing its work to promote air quality initiatives, in spring the port switched shore power on at two of its five terminals – Horizon and Mayflower – and since then has supported 15 ships to plug in a total of 42 times for zero emissions at berth.
Rebekah Keeler, head of the cruise at Associated British Ports, said: “We’re proud to provide award-winning cruise operational support year-round to the world’s biggest and smallest cruise ships.
“Supported by our port-based cruise services providers, we look forward to another successful year in 2023.”
Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings are on pace to spend roughly $2 billion on food and beverage items in 2023,( according to Cruise Industry News estimates).
This is based on third-quarter spending this year, which saw Carnival spend $259 million, Royal come in at $195 million and Norwegian at $77 million.
Compared to the last “normal year” in 2019, food spending was up at Royal Caribbean Group and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. The former spent roughly $150 million on food in the third quarter of 2019, while Norwegian spent $57 million.
Both companies have seen fleet expansion since then. Royal Caribbean Group not only completed its acquisition of Silversea but has welcomed a number of new big ships such as the Wonder of the Seas, Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond.
Norwegian has also seen growth with the additions of new builds for the Norwegian and Regent brands since the third quarter of 2019.
Carnival, meanwhile, saw a reduction in food spending while growing with big new ships, but has also disposed of over 20 ships from its fleet over the same period.
The new Celebrity Beyond set sail from Fort Lauderdale following its christening, Celebrity Cruises announced in a press release.
Kicking off its inaugural season in the Caribbean, the vessel’s sailing was marked by a series of festivities, including its official naming ceremony, the company said.
Led by the godmother Simone Biles a 19-time World Champion, seven-time Olympic Medalist and most decorated American gymnast in history, the event was also attended by Captain Kate McCue. She, according to Celebrity, is the first and still only woman to be named captain of a large cruise ship.
“I can think of no one better to be the Godmother of this incredible ship than the G.O.A.T. herself – Simone Biles,” said Jason Liberty, President and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises.
“This ship’s beauty, power, and resilience set the standard by which all others will be measured. Simone’s determination, progressive nature, empowered attitude, and grace in the face of challenges make her such an inspiration to so many around the world. All of these attributes are why Simone Biles is perfectly suited to watch over Celebrity Beyond’s journey,” he added.
“I’ve been waiting for this day to arrive for a long time, and I am ‘Beyond’ excited to be able to share her with our guests. She is the gold standard by which other ships are built and embodies the meaning of relaxed luxury,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity Cruises President and CEO.
“She is ‘FULL’ of wonder and excitement and our guests will undoubtedly feel reconnected to the world around them as they visit new destinations and immerse themselves in culinary experiences and wellness amenities not found anywhere else at sea.”
Alongside Liberty, Lutoff-Perlo and other Celebrity Cruises executives, Simone Biles officially named Celebrity Beyond in a ceremony attended by 2500 guests and media, capped by a live performance from singer and songwriter, Leona Lewis.
“It is an honour to be selected as Beyond’s Godmother and to join such a distinguished group of strong, barrier-breaking women named Celebrity’s Godmothers before me,” said Simone Biles.
“I appreciate the important message this designation holds in recognizing our accomplishments as empowering women, and I am honoured to share the stage today with fellow brave, boundary-breaking leaders like Lisa-Lutoff Perlo and Captain Kate McCue,” she added.
According to Celebrity, the arrival to the U.S. of Celebrity Beyond ushers a “new era of cruising,” coming on the heels of a new brand campaign that aims to “define what a relaxed luxury resort at sea is.”
As it kicks off its inaugural season, the vessel will offer Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries visiting Grand Cayman, Puerto Plata, Cozumel, St. Thomas and more.
Wetravel2u's Weblog 