Covid delays debut of start-up Norwegian cruise line

Posted on 7 September, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

The first two of start-up Norwegian cruise line Havila Voyages’ four new coastal ships have taken to the water following construction delays due to Covid-19.

The twin launch of the 6,200-ton vessels took place at the Tersan shipyard in Turkey on Saturday.

But the first two ships will not be ready for the new year as originally planned as the coronavirus pandemic has affected the shipyard over the last six months.

Delivery may now take place during the first quarter of 2021,” based on current knowledge,” according to Havila Voyages’ chief executive Arild Myrvoll.

In anticipation of the new 179-cabin ships, the firm has received approval for two replacement vessels.

But demand for the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes is currently “very uncertain”, and the need for capacity at the start of the new contract on January 1 is under evaluation, the company disclosed.

The coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions are affecting the entire travel industry and are also making it difficult for Havila Voyages to be specific about what will happen next year.

“But we are pleased to note that there is a lot of interest in Havila Voyages from travel agencies and tour operators. We are in great demand and are looking forward to getting going,” Myrvoll added.

The ships have been on land for longer than usual to expedite the construction process as much as possible, with several tasks streamlined.

Myrvoll added: “This means that the work on the ships that have been launched is well underway with regard to plumbing, machinery, electricity and fixtures and fittings.

“It will be good to start providing people living along the coast, and tourists, with safe transport and environmentally friendly sailing on the world’s most beautiful coastal voyage.”

Havila Castor and Havila Capella will be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG) supported by giant battery packs.

They will be the most environmentally friendly ships on the coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes from 2021, the company claims.

The batteries will enable them to run for four hours without creating noise or emissions.

Havila Voyages has an agreement with the Norwegian transport ministry to operate four of the 11 ships that sail the coastal voyage between Bergen and Kirkenes from 2021 to 2030.

Aida Cruises aims to start sailing again in November

Posted on 31 August, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

AIDAmar | Built by MEYER WERFT

German cruise line Aida has extended the suspension of cruises until November when it plans to restart operations with a Canary Islands itinerary.

The Carnival Corporation brand has cancelled its previously announced cruises for September and October and updated its autumn-winter programme because of Covid-19 restrictions.

It said in a statement on Friday: “Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the conditions are currently not in place in Germany’s neighbouring European countries, especially in the north with Norway and Denmark or the Baltic states.

“For many distant destinations outside of Europe, the Federal Republic of Germany has issued a travel warning or the respective countries have prohibited calls of cruise ships until 2021.”

The first ship to begin sailing, Aidamar, will depart on November 1 for seven-day voyages around the Canary Islands, a destination popular with German cruisers.

Aidaperla will follow on November 7 and will take over itineraries originally planned for Aidanova (pictured).

Aidastella will start cruises in the western Mediterranean on December 12, launching from Majorca.

Aidaprima will offer cruises from Dubai from December 11 and from Abu Dhabi from December 15.

Felix Eichhorn, president of Aida Cruises, said: “Even though it is currently not possible for cruise ships to call at Norway, which is so important for our voyages to the north, we are confident that the first Aida ships from Germany will be able to travel to northern Europe again at the beginning of 2021.”

Aida Cruises is also cancelling autumn-winter cruises to destinations in the Caribbean, southern Africa, Indian Ocean and the Far East.

Administrators confirm Cruise & Maritime Voyages asset sale

Posted on 29 August, 2020 by Spacejunkie2

ITF assists in repatriating seafarers from CMV ships in the UK | seatrade- cruise.com

Christian Verhounig, the former chief executive of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, has bought several assets from the collapsed business.

The Essex-based cruise line entered administration last month after failing to secure additional funding.

Verhounig has established a company called CVI Group Limited (CVI) and plans to restart operations in the future.

A statement on Friday from the administrators confirmed reports of the sale, which completed on August 27.

“Paul Williams, Phil Dakin and Edward Bines of Duff & Phelps, Joint Administrators of Cruise & Maritime Voyages Ltd (CMV), together with sister companies South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd, Independent Coach Travel (Wholesaling) Ltd and Viceroy Ltd (together with the Companies), are pleased to announce that a sale of certain assets of the Companies to CVI Group Limited (CVI),” said the statement.

The assets include customer databases; computer systems, including websites and booking systems; office furniture and equipment; and information technology infrastructure.

CMV’s administration did not include its fleet of six ships, which included Marco Polo and Columbus.

Verhounig, the owner of CVI, said: “The global pandemic had a devastating impact on CMV’s once-flourishing, expanding and profitable business.

“Having developed a much-loved brand over the past decade and the hugely popular value-based niche no-fly cruise product, we have been simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and pleased to re-launch the business.

“This endorsement across the industry and customer base alike has been a rich source of encouragement and together with my previous management team, we are working hard to plug the huge market gap vacated by CMV’s untimely insolvency.

“The acquisition of the UK commercial assets provides a positive first step and we believe demonstrates our firm commitment and optimism to return much stronger and to work alongside our loyal suppliers and creditors to also help mitigate the pandemic impact.”

Paul Williams, a joint administrator at Duff & Phelps, commented: “We have worked hard since being appointed to secure a sale of the business and assets of the companies.

“Regrettably, given the devastating impact of the global pandemic on the entire travel industry, with a focus on the leisure cruise sector, this has not been possible in this instance.

“However, I strongly believe that this asset sale not only represents the best value for the companies’ creditors that was achievable in challenging market conditions, but also provides an opportunity for CVI, through its owner Christian Verhounig, to continue to pursue funding opportunities to potentially relaunch CMV’s unique cruise operations to its dedicated customers at some point in the future.”

Cancelled bookings remain unaffected by the sale and details of how to claim refunds are available on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ and TransOcean Kreuzfahrten’s local websites.