Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban Officially Inaugurated

Posted on 24 November, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

The Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban has been officially inaugurated by President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of South Africa’s 2023-24 cruise season.

The $16 million building was created and funded by MSC Cruises in partnership with the African Armada Consortium and Transnet National Ports Authority, according to a press release.

The 6,000 square-meter cruise terminal with a capacity to handle 4,000 passengers a day will be operated by KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Limited.

Attendees included Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises and Chairman of KwaZulu Cruise Terminal, President Cyril Ramaphosa, His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, government ministers, port officials and leaders from South Africa’s main travel agencies.

“Nelson Mandela was an incredible statesman and leader who continues to inspire progress around the world and we are honored that the Nelson Mandela Foundation allowed us to use his name for what is the gateway to the Zulu Kingdom,” said Vago.

“MSC Cruises arrived in South Africa in the early 1990s and since then, thousands of cruise guests have discovered the beauty of the KwaZulu-Natal Province and beyond. The new Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban will give access to passengers from more than 100 nationalities and they will enjoy the unique experience we offer on board and visits to the beautiful destinations we have developed at Portuguese Island and Pomene in Mozambique.

MSC Splendida birthed at the new terminal.

“It has been 10 years since the public-private partnership was initially conceived, the first of its kind for the east coast of South Africa. We were given the privilege together with our black empowerment partner to create new infrastructure that supports the expansion of the South African cruise tourism and the new terminal will be welcomed by all cruise companies from around the world.”

Ross Volk, managing director of MSC Cruises South Africa, added: “We are fully committed to helping drive the country’s tourism industry and create employment opportunities along the way which has and will continue to have a positive economic impact on the nation. This will be typified later this week with the start of the local cruise season and the arrival of MSC Splendida, MSC Cruises’ largest and most modern ship to serve the South African market.”

Carnival Panorama to Have Funnel Removed Before Drydock in Portland

Posted on 24 November, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

Too tall for the bridges of the Columbia River, the Carnival Panorama will have its funnel removed before entering drydock in Portland, Cruise Industry News confirmed.

Facing propulsion issues, the Carnival Cruise Line vessel is currently docked in Victoria, Canada, to get the work done before heading to the Vigor Shipyard in Oregon.

The Panorama will then undergo repairs and a technical overhaul before resuming service on Dec. 23, 2023.

On Dec. 23, the 2019-built ship is scheduled to sail from Long Beach on a seven-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera that features visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

After experiencing an issue affecting its maximum cruising speed in early November, the Carnival Panorama saw four of its scheduled cruises cancelled.

“Unfortunately, we will be unable to operate the voyages, as it is necessary to remove the ship from service to complete the required repairs,” Carnival said at the time.

The ship then spent a week docked in Astoria, while the company arranged all the details of the repairs.

Two additional week-long cruises were cancelled on Nov. 17, Carnival said, pushing the vessel’s service resumption to late December.

“While we have secured one of the limited number of drydock facilities on the West Coast for the work to be done, we do not have immediate access to the shipyard and will need more time to complete the work,” the company explained in a statement shared at the time.

The third and final ship in Carnival’s Vista Class, the Carnival Panorama entered service in late 2019. Based on the West Coast, the 4,000-guest vessel sails from Long Beach on a year-round basis.

The program features a series of six- to eight-night cruises to Baja Mexico and the Mexican Riviera, with visits to La Paz, Mazatlán, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, and ore.

Lamb of God and Sixthman Announce ‘Headbangers Boat 2024’ Cruise

Posted on 20 November, 2023 by Spacejunkie2

Lamb of God announced a second metal celebration at sea, Lamb of God Presents Headbangers Boat 2024, presented by Sixthman.

Lamb of God Presents Headbangers Boat 2024 sails from October 28 -November 1, 2024, from Miami, Florida to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic aboard the Norwegian Gem.

The sailing will feature live music day and night on several stages throughout the Norwegian Gem. Highlights of the cruise are two exclusive shows from Lamb of God, featuring a range of special guests, including Dethklok, Chimaira, Poison The Well, At The Gates, Soulfly, Exodus, Napalm Death, Corrosion Of Conformity, After The Burial, Currents, Bleeding Through, Unearth, EYEHATEGOD, Frozen Soul, UnityTX, Lamb Of God’s Mark Morton (Solo Band), plus standup comedy from Shayne Smith and Mike Abrusci, and more. In addition, guests will have a chance to engage in a variety of onboard activities.

“The sense of connection and family that was shared on the Headbangers Boat has been overwhelming,” said Lamb of God Guitarist, Mark Morton. “We were all reminded of the power that music has to bring joy, inspiration, and healing. We are beyond grateful to have had the chance to bring so many people from the heavy metal community together to share and celebrate this music we all love. And it doesn’t end here! We are thrilled to announce Headbangers Boat 2”