Carnival Europe donates 200,000 euro to support the European migrant crisis

Carnival Europe (Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises combined) recently made a healthy donation to the tune of 200,000 euro for projects in Germany and Italy to provide much needed support for migrants fleeing to safe European countries from war zones or the threat of prosecution.

The CEO of the Costa Group Michael Thamm was reported to have said 'The fate of the refugees concerns all of us,' he went on 'Hundreds of thousands of people who have left everything behind them need all the support we can give them. For us it is a question of humanity to provide help now, fast, and without red tape.'

In particular one of the main benefactors of this aid will be Medecins Sans Frontieres MSF an organization that has assisted refugees and migrants both on arrival and with first aid as well as the Reception Center in Pozzallo, all in close collaboration with Italy's Ministry of Health. In eseence, MSF delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural or man-made disasters.

MSF operates 6 medical facilities in the north of Syria and directly supports more than 100 health posts and field hospitals throughout the country, with a particular focus on the besieged areas. These are mostly makeshift facilities with no MSF staff present, where MSF provides both material support and distance training support to help the Syrian medics cope with the extreme medical needs. This support network has been built up over the past 4 years.

The organization also provides psychological and medical support in the ports and in the reception centers of Ragusa province. In May MSF activated sea rescue operations in the Mediterranean with three dedicated ships.

Donate to MSF

Thailand goes on the security radar for Cruise Lines present in South East Asia

The devastating blast in Bangkok which sadly killed at 20 people and injured 100+ has now stirred security concerns among the major Cruise Lines frequenting the waters of Thailand.

Among the Cruise Lines closely monitoring events in Bangkok and Thailand as a whole are:

• Royal Caribbean
• AIDA Cruises
• Silversea
• Regent 
• Oceania

To date, we are not aware of any itinerary changes, however this is not the first time that security has been a concern in Thailand in recent times.

Our sources advise us that at this juncture Bangkok in functioning normally with day to day activities and businesses are operating normally. Residents and visitors alike can able to freely move around the city . Moreover, the following services are operating as normal:

• Public transport systems
• Subway & Airport Rail Link
• Rail and bus services from Bangkok to the provinces
• Shopping malls

Other neighboring countries such as Malaysia and even Singapore are concerned as future itinerary planning to South east Asia could be affected.

We close, by saying that our thoughts are with all the people caught up in the devastating events in Bangkok and we hope that the "Land of Smiles" stays on the Cruise calendar's of the major Cruise Lines frequenting the waters of South east Asia.  

AIDA Cruises set to embark on massive expansion plans, but how sustainable is it?

AIDA Cruises is the current undisputed market leader in Germany with a rapidly growing fleet, which is currently comprised of 10 state-of-the-art cruise ships.

The new prototype ship "AIDAprima" (number 11) is currently under construction at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries located in Nagasaki, Japan. The design of the pioneering Prima, which is set to be launched in October 2015, is a completely new innovation for the cruise industry and the largest cruise ship ever to be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Although AIDA Cruises has been so successful in the past 10 decades, at the end of the day their source market base is only German speaking and therefore in many respects dependent upon the German economy and to a lesser extent the Austrian and Swiss. The Eurozone is now under greater pressure (especially the euro) and if things go from concerning to worse in Europe, ultimately the German economy will be affected. At this point with such a large fleet, AIDA Cruises may be vulnerable, regardless of how well organized or how profitable they are on a per per passenger basis.

The other notable factor, which may potentially throw fuel onto the fire down the line, is the fact that TUI Cruises are also expanding their fleet in parallel and in fact to a greater extent proportionally. This of course adds to the overall rising number of dedicated cruise ships within the relatively niche area of German speaking only cruises.

TUI Cruises, with their Mein Schiff named concept and Premium All Inclusive product are rising in popularity, although at present, there is space for 2 major Cruise Lines within the German market as the economy is holding. However, by 2018 TUI Cruises aim to operate a fleet of 8 ships and factoring in the current number of AIDA ships, even with the current German economy level, there will be a notable strain on cruise sales.

Then of course there is Hapag Lloyd, FTI Cruises, Phoenix Reisen and Passat Kreuzfahrten (MV Delphin, all of which are German dedicated.

Finally, one needs to add into the equation the impact of MSC Cruises and AIDA's own sister company Costa Cruises, both of which are essentially Pan European. Both Cruise Lines strongly target German passengers, especially off-season in the Mediterranean.

In summary, no-one doubts the quality and effectiveness of the AIDA Cruises product. However, due to its aggressive expansion plan and competitor activity, the German economy will most certainly be the main deciding factor as to whether AIDA Cruises can perform financially with the same margins as they have done in the last 10 years.

The AIDAdiva gets hit by shrapnel in Ashdod, Isreal, as the vessel gets caught up in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

 UPDATE

We can now confirm that AIDA have pulled out of Israel!

 
The AIDAdiva found itself to be an unwilling observer in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict this week, as the ship departed from the port of Ashdod in Israel. Local reports indicate that rockets were fired and pieces of shrapnel landed right on the deck of the ship.

No injuries or damage to the ship was reported and all 2,700 people on board were not affected in any way. However, the incident just goes to show that adventure in the Holy-land can also translate to danger.

A number of small particles were found on the passenger deck, which the AIDA indicated came from missiles, though it's unclear who fired them. Experts examined the shrapnel and repoted that no immediate danger was apparent. 

The AIDAdiva continued untarnished to its next port in Crete, where the vessel arrived on Tuesday 8th of July as planned.

No doubt AIDA Cruises which is part of the Canival group (world's largest Cruise group with 51% global market share) monitors the security situation in Israel and other risk destinations on a constant basis.

Interestingly the US State Department does have a travel warning for the region, which can be viewed here US Travel Warning although the US Government tends to be more cautious than the European alternatives. 

At this juncture there is no indication that this shrapnel incident will affect future AIDA Cruises itineraries. The AIDAdiva is set to call into Ashdod later in July and the Industry waits to see what will happen.

This news will come as a blow to all eastern Mediterranean Ports, as the Holy-land is a major attraction, hence if AIDA and others choose to cancel this particular itinerary, the horizon of Western Mediterranean cruising will look rather bleak, especially considering that the other major attraction being the Pyramids is also off the agenda!

825th Hamburg Port Anniversary - Welcome aboard in 2014!

Where? Hamburg, Germany When? May 9th - 11th, 2014

The Hamburg Port Anniversary celebrations on the River Elbe will bring the majesty of tall ships, and the luxury of cruise vessels. The event is attracting more attention that ever, which is testament to the fact that the first cruise ship was built in Hamburg for the Hamburg America Line and was launched on June 29, 1900. The ship was christened The Prinzessin Victoria Luise it was accidentally grounded off in Jamaica on the 16th of December 1906.The German Cruise Line market is now  booming with the rise of AIDA Cruises (usually a strong sponsor of the Hamburg Port Anniversary event) and the recent progress of Mein Schiff.

Without question this is the greatest port festival in the world and will be celebrated for 3 long vibrant day.

All activities including a magnificent Fireworks and lighting display will take place at the Port of Hamburg and its famous Landing Stage (Landungsbrücken).

For more information: www.hamburg.de/hafengeburtstag-english/

ALMACO Announces new Agreement with Aida and Japanese MHI

ALMACO has announced in an official Press Release yesterday that it has been awarded the contract to supply a comprehensive Food Handling package for the Galleys onboard AIDA Cruises' two new ships to be built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Nagasaki/Japan, with an expected delivery of March 2015 and 2016.

The two 124,500-tons, 3,300-passenger vessels will be the largest ever constructed for AIDA Cruises. ALMACO's scope encompasses design, supply, delivery and commissioning of all equipment for the Galleys, Pantries, Bars and Buffets areas, the Refrigeration Plant for the Cold Stores and the Galley Refrigerators. 

The refrigeration systems' supervision will feature ALMACO R.E.M. (Refrigeration Equipment Monitoring). R.E.M. monitors and controls all refrigerated systems through a unique intuitive and user friendly interface.

For Off Radar readers not familiar with the company's background, ALMACO was founded in 1998 and has offices in Brazil, China, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore and USA. The company builds and modernizes Accommodation and Food Handling Areas onboard Passenger ships and Offshore vessels. 

Additionally, it builds Floating Accommodation solutions, supplies modular bathrooms to the construction industry worldwide and works with owners and shipyards around the world. 

Cruise Ships Cancel Calls to Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands Flag Wikipedia

Adam Coulter, U.K.Editor of Cruise Critic keeps us posted on the latest events of the Falkland Islands port stop.

Two cruise ships have cancelled scheduled stops at the Falkland Islands following protests in Buenos Aires, reports the Daily Mail.

Holland America Line's MS Veendam cancelled a stop at the Falklands due on Friday. Meanwhile AIDA's AIDAcara has reportedly cancelled a stop planned at Port Stanley on December 3.

Both lines are owned by US-based Carnival Corp and were the first big cruise ships due to the islands this summer season.

A Holland America Line spokesperson told the newspaper: “Regarding our scheduled calls to the Falkland Islands, when the weather is good and predictable we go there, when it is not – which is most of the time – we don't.”

Continue reading at:  cruisecritic.com

Falkland Islands 2012/13 cruise ship season brings new luxury visitors

Photo: King Penguin Wikipedia

If you have the opportunity and the free time to take a South American cruise, by all means do it.  You will experience the Four Seasons all in a two week span of time and view sites you have never thought existed.  One of my favorite places to visit is the Falkland Islands.  This self contained society is unique and diverse.  Their work ethics, the love of their land and the way of life is refreshing and healthy.   Watching thousands of King Penguins wondering their homeland and learning how the people live in this remote area of the world, is truly amazing, it is a place to see not just to read about.  My favorite day was wondering around and suddenly without warning, one King Penguin was also wondering, giving me the impression that he too was learning geography and the way of life in people.

Here are some ideas and a variety of vessels you can choose from.  

 MY Sherakhan Photo:  en.mercopress.com

Luxury super yacht MY Sherakhan, is one of four vessels new to the Falkland Islands visiting in the 2012/13 season beginning next month. More often spotted in the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, she also ventures further afield to Patagonia, Antarctica, French Polynesia, Asia, and Panama.

Regatta (Prestige Cruises) Ocean Diamond (Quark) and Arcadia (P&O) will also pay inaugural visits.

The season will begin gently with the first vessel, Ushuaia arriving in Stanley on October 6, carrying 84 passengers and returning on October 20.

Two of the smaller class of vessels Polar Pioneer and Ocean Nova will also visit later in the month, with the far larger Costa Romantica planning to drop anchor in the Islands on October 27.

Continue article at:  en.mercopress.com

AIDA Cruises wins prestigious Pegasus Award

AIDA Cruises is in a European survey of the magazine "Reader's Digest" of consumers in Germany for the second time in a row and for the first time in Austria as the "Most Trusted Brand" was voted the most trusted brand in the category "cruises". Last Friday, 7 September 2012, the company was able to answer the Pegasus Award in Dusseldorf. "Trust is the foundation for a successful and lasting, especially customer relationship. I want to thank "all our guests and partners for their loyalty, says Michael Ungerer, President of AIDA Cruises. "For us this award incentive and commitment is also to put in future high standards in terms of product quality, safety, service, and sustainable economy." The most widely read magazine in the world, "Reader's Digest" had in the European study "European Trusted Brands" asked to think about which brand her readers, if they are in 33 different categories should opt for the trusted brand. Winner in the category "Cruises" was AIDA Cruises. To the representative survey in Germany alone took part 7474 respondents across Europe, there were 27,467 participants. AIDA combine holidays on the water with varied experience, relaxation and enjoyment. With currently nine ships, the cruise company would expect quality, comfort and individuality in a relaxed atmosphere. The ships are operated to the highest international quality, environmental and safety standards. Rostock, 10 September 2012

Source AIDE Press:   aide.de

The Port of Kings welcomes eight inaugural visits in 2013

Photograph from Port of Dover
Harbour Information

Port of Dover reports good news for The Port of Kings. . . 

Dover Cruise Port welcomes some new visitors and some old friends as plans are laid for an exciting cruise season in 2013. Eight new cruise ships and their passengers will experience the high quality facilities and services available at Dover’s cruise terminals when the season begins in March 2013.

There are already 148 cruise calls booked for 2013 including eight first time visits to the iconic port. AIDA has confirmed their commitment to Dover by introducing their brand new ship - the AIDAstella and increasing their number of calls to the Port. AIDAstella will be offering a new four-day city tour from Dover covering Amsterdam and Hamburg.

Also making its Dover debut is Hapag Lloyd’s Christopher Columbus 2 on its 14-day tour of the British Isles in addition to NCL’s Norwegian Star, Princess Cruises Sea Princess, Royal Caribbean International’s Vision of the Seas, MV Explorer from V Ships and MV Voyager from All Leisure Group.

Carnival Cruise Lines is launching its widest selection of European itineraries to date with Carnival Legend offering its first Norwegian Fjords package along with 12-day cruises to the Baltic, the Mediterranean and the British Isles. In total Carnival Legend will operate a magnificent 17 European cruises visiting 34 ports across 18 countries and will also be celebrating an inaugural visit to Dover. 

Dover Cruise Port is delighted to welcome back ships from Costa Cruises, Fred Olsen, Saga and MSC, the latter will be offering a series of Northern Europe and Mediterranean mini-cruises. Holland America’s MS Ryndam will cast-off on a range of Northern European routes and in September 2013 a double dose of cruise splendour will be served up when Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity are both berthed at Dover. 

Kate O’Hara, Head of Business Delivery, Port of Dover commented; “We have another busy year ahead for the cruise business in Kent as the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow. We welcome back repeat cruise lines and embrace new ships and new customers who are drawn to the diverse range of activities and attractions that the region has to offer. Customers will enjoy not only the outstanding facilities and matchless levels of service but also the wealth of shore excursion opportunities in this beautiful county.”

Quoted from Source:   doverport.co.uk

AIDA Cruises: Environmentally friendly power in the Hamburg harbor

Press Release

\

In 2013 with the first ship to AIDAsol the AIDA fleet at berth in Hamburg docks by a hybrid LNG barge, developed by Becker Marine Systems, supplied with electrical energy.

AIDA Cruises and Becker Marine Systems have teamed up with other partners, a pioneering project for an energy-saving and emission-reducing more power for cruise ships at berth in the Port of Hamburg.

"We continue today with the 3-liter vessels. The AIDA fleet is prepared for the use of shore power. With the use of hybrid LNG barge we have found another flexible solution that shows how art environmental technology can be used economically successful, "says Michael Ungerer, President of AIDA Cruises.

Becker Marine Systems will introduce the hybrid LNG barge the technology solution and AIDA Cruises, a leading cruise company in the field of environmental technology, the know-how provides in relation to the specific needs of cruise ships. The Schramm Group, operator of the first German LNG transshipment port is operator of the barge. 

If everything goes according to plan, could be as early as summer 2013 with AIDA sol the first cruise ship to world supplies at Grasbrook quay in the port of Hamburg City by LNG hybrid barge with current .

The concept

The energy is produced on the floating LNG hybrid Barge (a lighter) in CHP engines and generators using liquefied petroleum gas (LNG Liquefied Natural Gas). The so-generated electricity is flexible, as needed, fed into the grid of the cruise ship.

Clear benefit for humans and nature

The necessary for the operation of the cruise ship energy is no longer produced on board the ship but by diesel engines. By environmentally friendly liquid gas (LNG) Thanks to the energy production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) of the emissions and particulate emissions will be reduced again. Compared to conventional marine diesel with 0.1 percent sulfur content will in future while in port no sulfur oxides (SOx) longer produced. The emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is reduced by up to 80 percent of carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent.

Times for lack of demand on the part of LNG hybrid Barge AIDA ships already have a land-based partner is in the same boat. The Hamburg utility E.ON Hanse plans heat to feed the energy produced in the onshore grid.

Source:  aida.de

Further information on the environmental commitment of AIDA Cruises, see annual sustainability report AIDA cares to www.aida.de / environment

AIDA Cruise Ships Given Top Safety Rating by ADAC

AIDA fleet cruise ships, 'AIDAbella' & 'AIDAdiva', rated 'Very Good' after recent German automobile club, ADAC, inspection

ADAC performed independent safety tests on board 10 cruise ships in the Mediterranean.

ADAC certified all the other ships that were tested, in addition to the AIDA owned ships, including those of the Costa fleet, maintained a high standard of safety, which ADAC says, confirms once more the high safety standard in the cruise industry.

"We are pleased that all AIDA ships tested from the ADAC, got the top rating 'very good'. The test results of the ADAC experts once again confirm the high safety standards on board our ships, "says Michael Ungerer, President of AIDA Cruises.


Source:  marinelink.com

Air Bubble Technology by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for AIDA Ships

Today at Posidonia Forum in Athens, Greece, I learned at the HELMEPA Sponsored Conference on the State-of-the-Art Environmental Ship Design and Operation Conference about Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Bubbles.   There was a little chuckle in the audience when it was mentioned tiny bubbles on the bottom of the ships will help save energy.  It is true, in addition, it is environmentally friendly.   Here in Cruise Industry News is a great explanation of the Air Bubble concept and how it will be implemented for cruise ships.

As first reported by Cruise Industry News in March, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has now released more information on its air carpet system for the new AIDA ships it is building for delivery in 2015 and 2016.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) will install its innovative "Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System" (MALS) on two large cruise ships to be built for the AIDA Cruises, a German brand of Carnival Corporation & plc. MALS is MHI's proprietary technology that reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) by a layer of air bubbles blown out from the vessel's bottom. The application of the MALS for the two cruise ships ordered by AIDA Cruises was decided in light of the customer's keen interest in lowering fuel consumption and easing the burden on the environment. The system is expected to reduce the vessel's fuel consumption by approximately 7%. The event marks the world's first installation of MALS on a cruise ship. It is also a significant milestone for the MALS as the cruise shipping industry requires definite quality and performance on any devices so this first application in this sector further demonstrates its reliability to the whole shipping industry.

MHI received the order for the two cruise ships in November 2011. The 125,000 gross tonnage (G/T), 3,250 passenger ships will be the largest ever constructed for AIDA Cruises. Construction will take place at MHI's Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works, with deliveries scheduled for the spring of 2015 and 2016, respectively.

The air blown out by the MALS from the vessel's bottom produces small air bubbles which cover the vessel's bottom like an "air-carpet", which reduces friction between the hull and seawater during navigation. For the MALS, MHI uses special in-house developed high-efficiency blowers and state-of-the-art fluid simulation analysis tools to configure the arrangement of air outlet points to achieve maximum friction reduction at optimized air-blow volume. With these advanced innovations, MHI expects a 7% energy-saving effect. In 2010, MHI has already verified the performance of the MALS with an approximately 13% fuel consumption reduction during extensive sea trials on two module carriers which was the first commercial application of the MALS for the vessel in operation.

Following the successful launching of the MALS on module carriers, MHI has completed a newly developed concept design for bulk carriers, a major marine transportation vessel, that enables an approximately 25% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional vessels, thanks to application of the MALS complemented with high-efficiency hull form and improved propulsion system. MHI will provide its conceptual design of this energy-saving bulk carrier for three grain carriers to be built for Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), a major U.S. grain handler.

Given the current trend toward adoption of international marine transportation rules for reducing environmental burdens, coupled with continuing fuel price escalation, demand for more energy-efficient vessels is steadily increasing. In response, MHI aims not only to further strengthen its marketing activities for new MALS-installed ships such as module carriers, bulk carriers and cruise ships; it also intends to promote business in retrofitting MALS to existing vessels. Simultaneously, the company will conduct focused marketing activities for its environment and energy-saving related technologies, including licensing of MALS technologies, and also build up its engineering business through provision of eco-ship related technologies and increased sales of energy-saving systems.

Posidonia-events.com

Source:  cruiseindustrynews.com

AIDAmar Christened in Front of 1.4 Million People

Cruise Industry News announces AIDAmar Christening with a whooping 1.4 million people in attendance.

. . . "The latest cruise ship of the AIDA fleet – AIDAmar – was christened on the evening of May 12, 2012 with an extravaganza at the Port of Hamburg, accompanied by her three sister ships. A total of 1.4 million guests attended the Port of Hamburg’s 823rd anniversary celebrations.

“The Port of Hamburg’s anniversary celebrations have set new standards with the world’s largest ship’s inauguration ceremony for AIDAmar. Hundreds of thousands of people attended the evening between the Grasbrookkai and the Fischauktionshalle. Thanks to the spectacular ceremony for AIDAmar, Saturday was also, in terms of visitor numbers, one of the busiest days ever in the history of the Port of Hamburg anniversary celebrations”, estimated Dietrich von Albedyll, Chairman of the Board at Hamburg Tourismus GmbH.

The cabins on board the four ships from the AIDA fleet had all been sold out far in advance, with more than 10,000 AIDA guests on the River Elbe to experience the event live. After the inauguration, the night sky above the Port of Hamburg was lit up by a spectacular firework display.

“Hundreds of thousands of people watching the inauguration of AIDAmar in Hamburg have experienced how fascinating and attractive cruise holidays can be. The huge public interest underlines the excellent prospects for the future of our growth sector”, said Michael Thamm, CEO-designate of the Costa Group and spokesman for the international cruise industry in Germany.

The visitors in Hamburg were able to experience the inouguration spectacular at first hand via two large LED screens, with hundreds of thousands of viewers around the world following the christening live on the Internet."

Source quoted:  cruiseindustrynews.com

Ships visiting Antwerp are getting bigger

Antwerp began the season on March 28 with the arrival of AIDA Cruises’ AIDAluna. The Belgian port is expecting 40,000 passengers this year on 29 calls compared to 35,000 on 30 calls in 2011.

There will be six ships calling for the first time this year, including MSC Cruises’ MSC Lirica, Windstar Cruises' Wind Surf, Star Clippers’ Star Flyer and Phoenix Reisen’s Amadea and Albatros. There will also be repeaters, such as AIDA Cruises, which has chosen to call the Belgian port for more than three years, according to Kattina Glasinovich, cruise manager Antwerp Cruise Port.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is also a regular visitor and comes with Black Watch and Balmoral this year. Its Christmas calls are extending the season into December.

In 2003 the port invested in a cruise terminal in order to be able to handle 1,500 passengers at once. There is an annex for luggage handling. Coach parking was extended in 2004.

The original building of Red Star Line - which carried 2.6m Europeans to the US from Antwerp between 1874 and 1935 - is being renovated to house a museum (Red Star Line Museum) which will be opened in September 2013.

The city is collaborating with Ellis Island, New York: “We are trying to implement the same type of centre where visitors can look up which ship their relatives travelled on. It is a life-changing story for many people,” commented Glasinovich.

Source:  cruiseeurope.com

New AIDA ships to cruise from German ports year round

Written by Kari Reinkainen

Thetwo new vessels of AIDA Cruises, the Rostock based unit of Carnival Corp &plc, will be designed to cruise year round from German ports, says MichaelThamm, CEO of the cruise line. “Withthese ships, we will run from Germany around the year for the first time,”Thamm said in an interview on the website of the company.

The125,000 gross ton vessels will be delivered by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries inJapan in 2015 and 2016. They will run on diesel fuel rather than the customaryheavy fuel oil. They will also be fitted with an air bubble system that willreduce friction and fuel consumption to about three litres per passengers per100 kilometres.

Source:  cruisebusiness.com

ABB Nets $60 million Propulsion Contract

ABB wins $60 million marine order for energy efficient propulsion system. Energy-efficient propulsion and reliable electrical systems for two new cruise ships to be built in Japan by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $60 million to provide complete power and propulsion systems for two new cruise ships to be built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at their shipyard in Nagasaki, Japan, for German cruise line operator AIDA. ABB’s delivery will help the ships maximize their fuel efficiency, speed and maneuverability, as well as provide a reliable power supply to improve the availability of onboard equipment. Each of the 125,000 ton cruise ships will have a passenger capacity of 3,250, and will be the largest ships ever constructed for AIDA, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation. The new ships are scheduled to for delivery in March 2015 and March 2016.

“ABB’s comprehensive solutions for our ship building customers include the most technologically advanced and energy efficient propulsion systems to help massive ships improve their maneuverability while using less fuel,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “We also provide the reliable and efficient power systems needed to keep all onboard systems running at all times for optimum safety and passenger comfort.” ABB will supply complete electrical systems for both ships; including generators, propulsion , engine room and distribution transformers, frequency converters, bow thruster motors, and other related power system equipment, as well as its latest generation Azipod XO propulsion systems. ABB’s energy efficient Azipod propulsion uses less fuel than traditional systems, and provides greater maneuverability in all operating conditions.

Source:  marinelink.com

As Argentina complains to UN, will cruises be next victim of conflict?

BY JOHN HONEYWELL ON FEB 7, 12 07:40 PM IN CRUISE NEWS

With the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War approaching, increased diplomatic tension between Argentina and Great Britain could threaten cruise ship visits to Buenos Aires and other ports in the country. Vessels operated by P&O and Fred Olsen are due in Argentine waters within the next few weeks.

Angered by the arrival of helicopter pilot Prince William in Port Stanley, and by the deployment to the South Atlantic of HMS Dauntless, one of the Royal Navy's newest and most advanced Type 45 destroyers, Argentina's president has signalled her intention to make a formal complaint to the United Nations. The Foreign Office has warned British visitors to stay away from likely demonstrations on the streets of the capital.

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner announced yesterday the country would make a formal complaint to the United Nations and said Britain's "militarisation of the South Atlantic one more time" was a threat to international security.

"We cannot interpret in any other way the deployment of an ultra-modern destroyer accompanying the heir to the throne, who we would prefer to see in civilian attire," she said

P&O's Adonia is due in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires on February 19 and 20 as part of its 87-night South American Adventure cruise. Some passengers will be flying into the city to join the ship for the next leg of the voyage, round Cape Horn to Santiago, Chile, while others will be flying out after sailing up the Amazon in Brazil.

After leaving Buenos Aires, the ship is due to sail to Puerto Madryn, founded by Welsh immigrants in 1865, and then on to Port Stanley in the Falklands before putting in to Ushuaia, the world's southernmost port.

A spokesperson for the company said :"There are no itinerary changes at the moment but we follow all the relevant guidelines and the Foreign Office guidelines so should it be deemed necessary to alter itineraries for the protection of our passengers then we would of course do so."

Fred Olsen's Balmoral is currently cruising down the west coast of South America, and is due in Buenos Aires on March 4. A spokeswoman said today: As our call on will be nearly a full month before the most sensitive date of April 2, we will continue to monitor the situation closely in accordance with the advice from the Foreign Office, and we will make our decisions nearer the time."

The Foreign Office has not advised against travel to Argentina, but warns that the 30th anniversary of the Falklands conflict "has resulted in a much higher profile for the issue and an increase in the number of demonstrations outside the British Embassy and against British interests in Argentina by various activist groups.

"There is usually a demonstration at the Embassy on April 2 each year, the anniversary of the Argentine invasion in 1982. You should avoid planned demonstrations and public gatherings relating to the issue. "

Another Foreign Office statement added: "The people of the Falkland Islands are British out of choice. They are free to determine their own future and there will be no negotiations with Argentina over sovereignty unless the islanders wish it."

►On the other side of the world, cruise ship AIDAblu will avoid Bahrain today (February 8), as the anniversary of last year's troubles approaches. The 2,200-passenger ship, catering mainly to the German market, is operating a season of seven-day cruises in the region, also calling at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat. A spokesman for the company said it had chosen to stay away for "at least a week" and is still considering whether to put into Bahrain on February 15.

The news follows Thomson's decision last week to keep their ship, Celebration, away from Port Sokhna and excursions to Cairo. The ship's itineraries have now reverted to their original schedule, with all shore excursions available, and a Thomson spokesperson said today: "We will continue to closely monitor the situation in Egypt and work with the Foreign Office."

Source: blogs.mirror.co.uk/captain-greybeard 

Charleston Welcomes First Cruise Port-of-Call of 2012

Today's visit by P&O Cruises' Oceana marks the first port-of-call for the Port of Charleston's 2012 cruise calendar, which includes a variety of ships representing some of the world's finest cruise brands.

The 1,944 passengers on board the Oceana are visiting Charleston prior to making the trans-Atlantic crossing to Ponto Delgado, located in the Azores off the coast of Portugal. While in Charleston today, 35 percent of the passengers are participating in organized excursions to Lowcountry plantations and museums along with tours of the city. Passengers ultimately will disembark the ship in Southampton, England on February 12.

This year, 13 different cruise ships from the world's leading cruise lines will call Charleston, reflecting the city's status as a perennial favorite in worldwide best lists. In 2011, for instance, readers of Conde Nast Traveler voted Charleston the top city in the U.S. - the first time the city has grabbed the top position.

The 84 total cruise ship visits in 2012 include 70 embarkations and 14 port-of-calls, representing a level of activity consistent with the port and the city's pledge to keep the cruise business in a size and scale appropriate for Charleston.

Additional ships sailing to Charleston this year under the Carnival Corporation umbrella include:
• Holland America's Maasdam stops in Charleston in late April.
• The Seabourn Sojourn, which made her inaugural call in Charleston last fall, returns in October. The 225-suite luxury yacht makes her local stop as part of a 13-day itinerary that begins in Montreal and ends in Fort Lauderdale.
• Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess will stop in Charleston in late October during a 12-day Canada and Colonia America tour.
• The Aida Luna and Aida Aura both make return visits this October.
The 2012 port-of-call schedule features other cruise lines as well. Crystal Cruises will offer one call apiece by the Crystal Serenity and the Crystal Symphony.

Norwegian Cruise Line returns to Charleston with a call of the Norwegian Dawn during the fall season with its 16-Day "Colonial America" voyage from Quebec City to Tampa. The line previously offered seasonal cruises from Charleston aboard the Norwegian Majesty before selling the ship.

The 490-guest Navigator, owned by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is scheduled to return for three calls.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Columbus 2 calls in Charleston in mid-November.

Charleston's next port-of-call will be by the Artania, owned by Phoenix Reisen Cruises. The ship will stop in Charleston on February 27 as part of an 18-day sailing that originates in Montego Bay, Jamaica and concludes in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Source:  cruiseindustry.com

AIDA and Hamburg to Explore Shorepower

AIDA Cruises has announced it is looking for the “best solution” for shore power in Hamburg.
“We will provide all our know-how and will offer active support with the development and the application of especially environment-friendly power supply for cruise ships in ports”, says AIDA President Michael Thamm.
AIDA said it is prepared to retrofit its fleet with plugs
AIDA will advise Hamburg on technical matters regarding the power, and “see the project through to operability.”

Source:cruiseindustrynews.com