Tag Archives: Fincantieri

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings confirms two more Leonardo-class ships

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has confirmed options to build fifth and sixth Project Leonardo-class ships for Norwegian Cruise Line with Fincantieri.

Frank del Rio, NCLH’s president and chief executive officer, said the decision to build two more 3,300 passenger-capacity ships, due for delivery in 2026 and 2027, showed “strong growth trajectory”.

He said: “Our six-ship Leonardo Class fleet will allow us to broaden our deployment into strong performing and mature unserved and underserved markets and offer new experiences to our guests.”

In a statement, the company said the focus of the new ships’ design was energy efficiency and building a size of vessel that would encourage broad deployment opportunities.

Andy Stuart, NCL’s president and chief executive officer, said: “The highly-anticipated Leonardo Class will fuel future growth with exciting and innovative offerings that will meaningfully drive demand from new and loyal returning guests alike.”

With Thursday’s announcement, NCLH has seven ships on order for Norwegian Cruise Line and one for Regent Seven Seas Cruises for delivery through 2027.

The company will take delivery of its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, in autumn 2019.

MSC Seaview Christened in Genoa

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MSC Christening in Genoa.

The MSC Seaview was christened on Saturday in Genoa in front of MSC executives, VIPs and key travel partners.

The Seaview will spend the summer in Europe before the 4,140 guest ship moves to Brazil for the winter.

Gianluigi Aponte, MSC Group’s founder and executive chairman as well as the shipowner, attended the ceremony together with the Aponte and Aponte-Vago families.

From the christening of the MSC Seaview

The christening ceremony was hosted by the star of Italian TV, Swiss-born Michelle Hunziker who welcomed to the stage the “father of Italian blues” Zucchero Fornaciari.

TV star Lorella Cuccarini hosted a special moment on stage, and Italian children’s choir, Piccolo Coro Dell’Antoniano, performed as the UNICEF ambassadors.

Also taking to the stage was the young talent of belcanto, Matteo Bocelli, son of the world-famous Andrea Bocelli who sang at the christening of MSC Seaside, MSC Seaview’s sister ship in Miami last December.

Godmother Sophia Loren cut the ribbon to officially name Fincantieri-built MSC Seaview, the 13th MSC Cruises ship.

Gianluigi Aponte and Cardinale Bagnasco

Also present at the ceremony was Ramon Freixa, the Spanish two Michelin-starred chef who has now extended his partnership with MSC Cruises to develop his first restaurant at sea onboard MSC Seaview. Pan-Asian chef Roy Yamaguchi, attended his second MSC Cruises’ ship christening to celebrate his second restaurant at sea, with his first launching on MSC Seaside. Other stars in attendance included Spanish model and actor Jon Kortajarena, Brazilian presenter and actor Giovanna Ewbank and French television personality Ariane Brodier.

Viking Takes Delivery of Fifth Ocean Ship

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PHOTO: Infinity pool on Viking Cruises ship (photo courtesy Viking Cruises)

Viking took delivery of Viking Orion today at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy.

The line’s fifth ocean ship will be officially named in Livorno, Italy June 14, with retired NASA astronaut Dr Anna Fisher serving as the ship’s ceremonial godmother. Dr Fisher’s work on NASA’s Orion exploration vehicle project inspired the ship’s name.

Viking Orion will spend her maiden season in the Mediterranean. She’ll then venture to Australia, Asia, and Alaska, where she’ll be the line’s first ship to call on The Great Land.

“Today we celebrate the delivery of our fifth ocean ship, just three years after launching our ocean business,” said Torstein Hagen, Viking chairman. “We are pleased to welcome Viking Orion to our award-winning fleet and look forward to introducing more guests to the Viking way of travel, through culturally-immersive and destination-focused itineraries as we expand to new destinations in Asia and Alaska.”

Viking Orion features a modern Scandinavian-inspired design; two pools, including an infinity pool off the stern, and an expansive Spa with a sauna and snow grotto.

Viking Orion joins a fleet consisting of Viking Star, Viking Sea, Viking Sky and Viking Sun. The 465-stateroom vessels accommodate 930 guests. Viking Jupiter will debut in spring 2019. Ten additional ships are set for delivery beginning in 2021.

All cruise fares include a complimentary shore excursion in every port. Also included are beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; alternative restaurant dining; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service.