Saga To Get New Ship in October

Spirit of Adventure Itinerary, Current Position, Ship Review ...
Spirit of Adventure inside the Meyer Weft Hanger.

Saga has announced it will take delivery of the new 1,000-guest Spirit of Adventure this October, pushed back from July due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Group has been working with industry bodies and the Government to establish operational practices that would enable a return of operations in both Tour and Cruise businesses as the current restrictions are lifted,” Saga said, in a statement.  “The Group’s new mid-sized ships are ideally placed to offer ‘safe sailing’ and all these measures will be in place by the end of August.”

The new ships inaugural cruise will now depart from the UK for the Mediterranean in early November.

Storylines Pick Up Project Manager, Names Newbuild

Storylines New Ship Concept

Storylines, which is poised to build a new residence cruise ship, has announced Dr Paul Read as the newbuild project manager.

Read is CEO of Gelen Marine Ltd and has over 25 years of experience in shipbuilding and conversions, according to a press release.

He is a chartered Naval Architect and Marine Engineer with comprehensive experience in project management, engineering design and ship construction. Read will project manage and oversee the engineering, design and construction of the Storylines newbuilds.

The company said Read has been aboard for over three months, working closely with the designers, classification, shipyards and engineers to assist in the timely delivery of the company’s first ship, now named the Narrative.

“I’m excited to be heading up this unique project with all the challenges it brings at this current time and looking forward to seeing this fantastic ship take shape.” Read said.

Cunard unveils new ship design team

Cunard unveils new ship design team

A ‘world-class’ team of designers has been recruited by Cunard to create the interiors for its new ship.

Design details of the as yet unnamed vessel, due to join the fleet in 2022, are still under wraps.

However, award-winning designers Simon Rawlings, of David Collins Studio; Terry McGillicuddy, Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie of Sybille de Margerie Paris are already working with the creative director, Adam D Tihany, on Cunard’s fourth ship.

The ship is Simon Rawlings’ first project at sea, with responsibility for the atrium, grand lobby, the Queens Grill suites and the main dining room. Past projects have included Kerridge’s Bar and Grill, Corinthia London and The Apartment at The Connaught.

French interior studio, Sybille de Margerie Paris, whose projects have included The Mandarin Oriental Paris and Cheval Blanc in Courchevel, will handle retail spaces, the spa and the flagship Queens Room in its first work on a ship interior.

Richmond International, which counts The Langham London and the award-winning Four Seasons Budapest among its clients, will be responsible for the theatre, new entertainment spaces and the outside deck area.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “The calibre of talent we have brought together for this project will bring to life our vision of creating a truly world-class ship.

“Working alongside the legendary Adam D Tihany, the team is working hard to ensure that every aspect of our new ship is exciting and forward-looking, yet unmistakably Cunard.”

Tihany added: “We have assembled a dynamic, passionate team of talented creatives whose unique design sensibilities and innate understanding of the Cunard brand will move the dial forward while recapturing the beloved spirit of Cunard travel in this next generation cruise liner.”

The new ship will be the 249th vessel to sail under the Cunard flag and will bring the luxury line’s fleet up to four vessels for the first time since the 1980s, joining flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.