Tag Archives: environmentally-friendly

MSC Obtains Clearance To Build and Operate Terminal in Barcelona

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MSC Cruises has announced that it obtained the final approval by the Port of Barcelona’s Board of Directors to build and operate an exclusive cruise terminal. This multi-year concession will see the construction of an innovative terminal of 11,670 square meters that MSC Cruises will operate and manage for a 31-year period.

The project is estimated to represent a 33-million-euro investment by MSC Cruises. With construction work set to start shortly, the new terminal is expected to enter service in 2024.

“We are particularly pleased with the award of this multi-year new terminal concession. Barcelona is not only an important homeport for the cruises division, but also for the entire group and its shipping business. As such, the new terminal is further proof of MSC Group’s longstanding commitment to the city of Barcelona and the entire Catalonia region,” said MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago.

For the project, MSC Cruises is partnering with the renowned Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill.

“I am also honoured that for this project we will able to partner with the impressive Ricardo Bofill and his firm. Together, we will build a state-of-the-art new terminal that is bound to become another landmark for the beautiful city of Barcelona,” Vago said.

According to him, the new terminal will allow MSC to operate “expanded homeport operations, resulting in added direct and indirect economic benefit for the city and the overall region.”

“This will come from higher spent locally by our international guests either flying into or out of Barcelona airport and likely to spend additional days in the city and its hotels together with their travelling parties. Homeport operations will also allow us to dedicate to Barcelona more of our new ships – including the LNG-powered MSC World Europa which is currently under construction and is shaping up to become one of the most environmentally friendly ships at sea when she comes into service,” noted Vago.

“Finally, the new terminal allows us to further demonstrate our commitment to environmental sustainability as it will feature both shore power facilities as well as LNG bunkering operations,” he concluded.

According to a press release, this project will allow MSC Cruises to “consolidate its presence in Barcelona,” which is one of the brand’s most important ports in the Western Med and to expand its homeporting operations out of the city.

This will result in added direct and indirect economic benefit for the city and region as more international guests will transit through Barcelona, likely spending additional days in the city either before or after their cruise, the cruise line wrote.

The new terminal will feature shore power facilities and be ready for LNG bunkering operations, allowing MSC Cruises to deploy more next-generation, environmentally-friendly ships in Barcelona, including the MSC World Europa. The World Europa is the brand’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, currently under construction and due to enter service in 2022.

Both cargo operator MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and ferry operator GNV have a solid presence in the Port of Barcelona, the cruise line said.

“As such, the new terminal is a further proof of MSC Group’s longstanding commitment to Barcelona, Catalonia and the whole of Spain,” MSC stated.

Revolutionary Technology and Innovative Enhancements in Store for Costa Cruises

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Revolutionary Technology and Innovative Enhancements in Store for Costa Cruises

PHOTO: Enhancements being made to a Costa Cruise ship. (photo courtesy of Costa Cruises)
 

As Costa Cruises continues to grow and evolve as Europe’s leading cruise line, incredible economic opportunities are created for numerous countries around the world. Known for its fine Italian cuisine, vibrant entertainment and fabulous itineraries, the line is setting the bar for innovation. 

 

Introducing environmentally-friendly sailing

In 2019 and 2021 Costa will welcome two 180,000 ton ships featuring revolutionary Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) technology, the cleanest burning fossil fuel in the world. To be built by Meyer Turku in Finland, this multi-billion dollar project is a reflection of the cruise line’s commitment to adopting environmentally-friendly solutions.

The use of LNG to power ships will reduce exhaust emissions dramatically and propel Costa’s impressive sustainability goals. The construction of LNG ships represents monumental progress for the cruise industry as sound alternatives replace heavy fuel oil.

A genuinely Italian culinary experience

Costa’s cuisine reflects the passion and tradition of Italy. Recent culinary advancements and partnerships with popular brands including Barilla, Illy Caffé, Ferrari Spumante and Nutella, bolster the line’s dedication to providing guests with the finest Italian dining experience at sea.

Michelin-starred chef Bruno Barbieri has masterfully designed 252 gourmet dishes, created using only the finest ingredients, to be featured in the main dining rooms. Menus take guests on a gastronomic journey through 14 different regions of Italy, with new delicacies to sample each night of the voyage. Not to mention an enhanced selection of wine chosen specifically for Costa by the Italian Sommeliers Association recreates the ambiance of Italy’s historical winery culture across the fleet and pairs perfectly with the gourmet cuisine.

Costa has also become the very first in the world to produce authentic Mozzarella di Bufala onboard. At the Gourmet Mozzarella Bars across the fleet, guests observe as the cheese is made from scratch, starting with buffalo milk curd from Paestum Greek temples of Salerno, Italy, and sample while it’s still warm with cold cuts, Burrata, Stracciatella and Fior Di Latte.

Unsurpassed itineraries

Let’s face it, no cruise line knows the Med better than the cruise line that calls the Med ‘home’.

Costa’s itineraries feature once-in-a-lifetime destinations around the world at some of the most competitive prices, many of which include kids free and free onboard credit. With longer stays in port, guests enjoy each destination to the fullest and with ease. Popular destinations for Summer 2017 include the Canary Islands, the Greek Isles, Norwegian fjords, Balearic Islands and gems across the Italian Riviera.

Keep an eye out for unbeatable deals for winter 2017 sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Dominican Republic and Guadeloupe. 7 and 10 night Caribbean cruises with stops in the Antilles, Virgin Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, Belize and more!