MSC and STX France Firm Up LNG Cruise Order

Posted on 1 June, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

MSC Cruises’ World Class

At the MSC Meraviglia Flag Ceremony, MSC Cruises and STX France signed a new memorandum of understanding firming up the order of two 200,000-ton, LNG-powered mega cruise ships, with options for two additional vessels.

The letter of intent was signed last year.

The four ships will become MSC Cruises’ World Class, according to a statement.

The signing took place in the presence of Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, and Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy.

The new ships will be equipped with a completely new generation of LNG-powered engines as well as a new generation waste water treatment system, said MSC.

MSC Cruises’ World Class cruise ships will feature 2,760 staterooms and a maximum occupancy of 6,850 guests, the highest passenger capacity in the cruise fleet. The vessels, which will be delivered in 2022 and 2024 – the options are for 2025 and 2026 – will have a length of 1,083 ft. and 154 ft. of beam.

Speaking at the MSC Meraviglia Flag Ceremony, Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, said: “Today, as we unveil MSC Meraviglia, a new vessel that marks the start of the next phase of our growth, we are delighted to confirm another key component of our ten-year investment plan: the World Class. These new vessels will further expand our partnership with STX France all the way to 2026, with up to seven additional innovative ships to be built during this period.”

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STX France’s CEO Laurent Castaing commented: “Once again, MSC Cruises has chosen to put their trust in our capacity to support their growth and expansion as well as in our ability to conceive, develop and build the world’s most modern and technologically-advanced cruise ships. By adding the new World Class to the four previous ship classes that we have delivered over the past 15 years, the number of vessels in their fleet built by STX France in Saint-Nazaire is set to reach 20. Our exceptional industrial partnership continues to benefit an entire region.”

The World Class’ futuristic “Y” shape structure will enable panoramic sea views and increase the proportion of balcony cabins.

The ships’ G bow (vertically positioned at a 90 degree angle) has been designed to improve stability, hydrodynamics as well as to enhance guest comfort. Other guest-centric innovations include family-friendly villages, a panoramic aft, and a glass pool lounge.

Revolutionary Technology and Innovative Enhancements in Store for Costa Cruises

Posted on 15 April, 2017 by Spacejunkie2

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!

2 New Icon Class Cruise Ships Ordered By Royal Caribbean

Posted on 11 October, 2016 by Spacejunkie2

Photo of Anthem of the Seas under construction.

Article by http://www.cruisehive.com/

Royal Caribbean has announced that it has agreed to order two liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered cruise ships from Meyer Turku in Finland. Even though it is early stages the ships will accommodate around 5,000 passengers each.

The newly designed vessels which are currently known as Icon Class are scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2022 and 2024. The ships will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions with LNG technology.

Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd said:

“With Icon class, we move further in the journey to take the smoke out of our smokestacks.”

“We are dedicated to innovation, continuous improvement, and environmental responsibility, and Icon gives us the opportunity to deliver against all three of these pillars.”

The Icon class ships will mainly be powered on LNG but will also use distillate fuel for ports which can’t accommodate the infrastructure. The cruise line will be announcing further details including design, tonnage and specific details in the future. Until then, Royal Caribbean must still focus on new Oasis and Quantum class ships which are currently on order.