Fleet-wide renovations planned for Norwegian ships

Posted on 28 June, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed it plans to invest $250 million (£147 million) in fleet-wide renovations that will take place during the course of 2015.

The NEXT makeover programme will focus on bringing “new enhancements, experiences and transformations” across the fleet and will include improvements to food and drink facilities, as well as entertainment amenities.

According to the firm, the renovations will bring older ships inline with the more modern Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway liners.

Kevin Sheehan, chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “The youngest fleet at sea continues to get even better with our robust enhancement taking place over the next two years, and we want to continue to provide fresh and relevant experiences to our guests every time they sail with us.”

The firm will continue its partnership with children’s television network Nickelodeon and plans to create further entertainment options for its youngest passengers.

According to Norwegian, the iConcierge app will be rolled out to all ships and Wi-Fi facilities will be upgraded. In addition, touch screens and digital signage will be fitted across the whole fleet.

Further technological improvements are planned, focusing specifically on improving efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of the fleet.

QE2 crew on strike amid Ukranian political crisis

Posted on 21 May, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

By Phil Davies

QE2 crew on strike amid Ukranian political crisis

The crew of the former Cunard flagship QE2 in Dubai is on strike ahead of plans to sail it to China to be refitted as a floating hotel.

Ukrainian workers on the ship say they were not paid in March or April.

Owners Oceanic Group said an agency had been paid and blamed the political situation in Ukraine for difficulties in dealing with crew issues.

The company said it was still planning on eventually locating the vessel in Hong Kong or Singapore where it is due to become a ‘heritage hotel’ with 400 bedrooms and suites.

The BBC said it had obtained a letter from the Ukrainian captain to the ship’s owners stating the 48-strong crew has been on strike since May 15.

Winnie Ip, vice chairman of owners QE2 Holdings Ltd, said: “We are waiting for new crew to replace the existing ones on a sign-on/sign-off rotation basis, but, given the present political situation in Ukraine, it is difficult and a little slow.”

She said the consortium was still committed to sailing the QE2 to a Shanghai shipyard under its own steam for the refit.

Its 900 cabins are to be converted into 400 larger suites as part of the planned £62 million refurbishment.

Diamond Princess to get more Japanese amenities

Posted on 25 March, 2014 by Spacejunkie2

By Tom Stieghorst

Princess Cruises said its Diamond Princess ship will undergo a renovation that will add a sushi restaurant and the largest Japanese bath at sea.

The $30 million refurbishment is intended to get the ship ready for its second year of seasonal sailings in Japan, Princess said.

Other improvements include enhanced shopping areas, a revitalized Horizon Court, 14 more staterooms, new interior furnishings and finishes, fresh hull paint and exterior refurbishment, and contemporary and Asian-style touches.

The most dramatic new feature, the 8,800-square-foot bath and garden complex, will include indoor and outdoor bathing areas. The 66-seat sushi restaurant will feature table seating and a sushi bar.

Princess said onboard shopping would be restyled to fit Japanese tastes, including the addition of a luxury watch boutique. The work is scheduled to be finished April 2 ahead of the start of the summer season in Japan on April 17.