Norwegian Yacht Voyages Reveals First Ship Design

Norwegian Yacht Voyages' M/Y Caroline final design rendering versus old concept (inset)

PHOTO: Norwegian Yacht Voyages’ M/Y Caroline final design rendering versus old concept (inset). (photo courtesy of Norwegian Yacht Voyages, Oslo)
Norwegian Yacht Voyages continues to be an ever-evolving brand, but it is also one that is uniquely including the public in all of its initial designs from phase one through the finished product.

Now, it is unveiling its final design for the line’s ultra-luxury inaugural vessel—the M/Y Caroline, considered by the company to be the “World’s First True Hybrid Expedition Mega-Yacht.”

That means the ship will be capable of operating dual fuel generators powered by diesel and LNG (liquefied natural gas). It will also feature battery banks for peak-shaving over the need for extra energy via diesel at key times like at startup, as well as solar-powered hydrogen fuel cells.

The resulting environmentally-friendly vessel can fully run on LNG for several days at a time but can’t indefinitely due to the fuel’s limited availability in the ship’s global destinations.

Besides what’s under the hood, the ship will sport even sleeker lines than it did originally, as can be seen in the comparison of the old (inset) and new designs in the header image above. It will now measure in at 173.8 meters long with a passenger capacity of 220 accommodated in 110 suites.

A total of 160 crew members will cater to guests onboard.

Individual suites will be sized from 485-square-foot entry-level ones to 1,506-square-foot Penthouses. Each will be equipped with private balconies, and some will even be connecting for even greater configurations.

It may be untraditional, but Norwegian Yacht’s marketing approach has certainly been refreshing.

In a press release, the company humbly admitted, “We have changed our brand three times and we have evolved our design from something more traditional to something dramatically the world has not seen before. While we are not going to reveal everything yet, we promise to introduce news-breaking innovative solutions and amenities not seen on board any other vessels today,

“Secrecy and NDAs might work for the well established players, but we strongly believe that by creating a transparent brand, and already at the earliest stages invite our future potential guests and partners to share their thoughts and comments, we are able to create a brand that will offer exactly what the market wants.”

Let’s take a look at the exterior design a little closer.

From the get-go, the swooping superstructure at the stern to midship has always been in place, but now the lines are even more yacht-like than before as the smokestack is further integrated into the curvature outlined by the rear windows. The stack wonderfully disappears into the design as does the singular satellite sphere on top.

Particularly edgier are the forward elements from the near-vertical bow to the angular windows’ leading edges. Even the UFO-like observation lounge perched on the top deck sits back, nestled closer to the stack, making for a more aerodynamic forecastle. Thankfully, the awesome diamond-patterned atrium side glass remains.

As a concept drawing, the M/Y Caroline is a beauty akin to an aquatic sports car.

Revolutionary Technology and Innovative Enhancements in Store for Costa Cruises

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!