Cruise Ship Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Arkin Pruva Argos 25m SHINDELA Superyacht completed

December 01, 2011

Turkish Arkin Pruva Argos Yachts has successfully completed the 25m sailing yacht SHINDELA. This superyacht is a wooden epoxy cold-moulded world cruiser designed by Burnett Yacht Design to satisfy her owner´s desire for a family cruiser that could sail all around the world with comfort, performance and ease of handling.

25m Super Yacht SHINDELA

25m Super Yacht SHINDELA

25m super yacht Shindela´s interior is a combination of matt varnished teak joinery and white painted panels and ceilings. She provides 6 guests with a highly-comfortable accommodation, including a stunning master suite with the saloon and galley area in the middle. There are two-double guests cabins to the rear, together with a crew cabin at the front. The raised deckhouse has a beautiful outside view and includes seating which can convert to berths for two guests. There is a lot of storage space underdeck.

25m luxury yacht SHINDELA by Arkin Pruva Argos Yachts

25m luxury yacht SHINDELA by Arkin Pruva Argos Yachts

The flush deck and large cockpit area allow guests to enjoy plenty of open space both underway and at anchor.

83ft Arkin Pruva Argos luxury yacht Shindela has a beam of 5.51m and a draught of 3.4m. She is powered by single Cummins QSB 5.9 engine and is perfectly adapted for less-than-ideal wind conditions.

Bavaria Yachts presents new Cruiser yachts range at the 42nd US Sailboat Show

October 05, 2011

Bavaria Yachts USA, supported by the top executives from the German shipyard, will be on B dock at the 42nd US Sailboat Show in Annapolis in October 6 – 10, 2011. CEO, Dr Jens Ludmann and senior members of the Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH marketing and production teams will discuss with their existing and potential customers the latest Bavaria Cruiser yacht designs, engineering and performance modifications.

Cruiser 40 Yacht by Bavaria Yachts

Cruiser 40 Yacht by Bavaria Yachts

“It’s exciting to be bringing the reinvigorated brand back to the US Sailboat Show,” said Kenny Feld, managing director, Bavaria Yachts USA. “Over the last few months the sailing media have been testing the performance of the new range of Bavaria Cruisers yachts with highly favorable reports. The US Sailboat Show is the perfect opportunity to showcase the luxurious quality, spacious layouts and advanced elegant design features that set Bavaria Yachts apart.”

Designed in partnership between Farr Yacht Design and BMW DesignworksUSA, the new Cruiser yachts range of 32 – 55 foot sailboats combine Bavaria’s heritage with the latest advances in marine architecture and modern design.

Sailing Yacht Leopard 3 by Farr Yacht Design

Sailing Yacht Leopard 3 by Farr Yacht Design

The Bavaria Yachtbau shipyard is the single largest yacht production facility in Europe delivering over 2,000 sail boats per annum to new owners throughout the world. In 2009 the company completed its transition from family to private equity ownership and in 2010 appointed Dr Jens Ludmann as its new CEO. Under his leadership Bavaria Yachtbau used its financial strength to acquire Cantiere del Pardo Group, builders of Grand Soleil and Dufour Yachts, and in June 2011 re-entered the US market.

Bavaria Yachts USA is the sole importer, distributor and dealer for Bavaria Yachts in the US. Founded by a new management team, the business is focused solely on the sales and after-sales support of Bavaria Yachts, eliminating the three-tier structure currently in place for other manufacturers.  This new business model provides new owners with “factory direct” pricing, boats built to personalized specifications, and purchase to delivery lead-times of under three months. Bavaria Yachts USA also offers an integrated, full-range customer experience from chartering to learn-to-sail programs as well as a range of comprehensive yacht management services.

Bavaria Yachts USA will be displaying the Cruiser 32, Cruiser 36, Cruiser 40 and Cruiser 45 yachts at the boat show. The company’s flagship office, located at 303 Second Street in Annapolis, will also be open for site visits.

Cruiser 36 Yacht by Bavaria Yachts

Cruiser 36 Yacht by Bavaria Yachts

STX Finland and TUI Cruises sign a contract for a 295m luxury Cruise Ship

September 28, 2011

STX Finland Oy and TUI Cruises have today signed a contract for the design and construction of a 97,000 GT cruise vessel. The sophisticated and highly innovative cruise vessel is scheduled to be delivered in spring 2014. The vessel has many environmentally friendly features, with a particular emphasis on the vessel’s energy efficiency. The project will bring some 5,500 man-years of labour to STX Finland’s Turku shipyard. TUI Cruises has an option to order another ship subject to the decision of TUI Cruises shareholders.

STX Finland and TUI Cruises sign a contract for a 295m luxury Cruise Ship - An artist's impression of the new cruise liner. Image STX

STX Finland and TUI Cruises sign a contract for a 295m luxury Cruise Ship - An artist's impression of the new cruise liner. Image STX

The vessel will be approx. 295 meters long and approx. 36 meters wide. The ship will have 1,250 staterooms and will serve maximum of 2,500 passengers and a crew of 1,000 persons. High balcony ratio will ensure that most of the passengers will have a possibility to enjoy their own balconies during the cruise. The ship has a wide variety of restaurants, a theatre, a spa, a nightclub and a large deck area which all are carefully designed to ensure a unique cruising experience for passengers of all ages.

“We are extremely pleased to sign this contract with TUI Cruises. This order is highly important for STX and STX Finland. By building this innovative ship we continue our successful and long history of building top class cruise vessels”, says Sujou Kim, CEO of STX Europe and STX Finland.

“This is a very important contract for STX Finlands Turku Shipyard and for the entire Finnish maritime cluster. We are delighted to deliver to TUI Cruises their first newbuilding which will represent the next generation of energy efficient and environmentally friendly cruise ship”, says Jari Anttila, Director of STX Finlands Turku Shipyard.

“Due to its outstanding positioning as a shipyard and long-term cooperation with Royal Caribbean Cruises, we trust that STX Finland is a great partner for us and will successfully realize our ideas in the new ship”, says Richard J. Vogel, CEO of TUI Cruises.

STX Finland Oy has three shipyards in Finland, Turku shipyard, Rauma shipyard and Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Oy, of which STX Finland Oy owns 50%. STX Finland’s subsidiaries include Aker Arctic Technology Oy and STX Cabins Oy, among others. The company belongs to the STX Europe Group, an international shipbuilding group with a product range including cruise vessels, ferries, offshore services vessels, arctic and other specialized vessels. STX Europe has approximately 14,000 employees.

STX Europe’s principal shareholder, the Korean-based international industrial group STX Business Group, has approximately 58,000 employees and aims to be a global top player in its core areas; shipping and trade, shipbuilding and machineries, plant and construction, and energy.

TUI Cruises is a joint venture between TUI AG and the global cruise shipping line Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company founded in April 2008 and headquartered in Hamburg has been offering cruises for the German-speaking market since May 2009. The Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises provides some 3,836 beds and has been designed from bow to stern with well-being and relaxation in mind. With its Premium All-Inclusive concept TUI Cruises is targeting first and foremost couples and families whose focus is on freedom, space, quality and personal service. Mein Schiff’s numerous service restaurants, the spa and sport zone, a personal Nespresso machine in every cabin, spacious balconies as well as relax islands on the deck ensure that cruise holidays with TUI Cruises are perfect for body and soul.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)

Published: 12:58 CEST 27-09-2011 /Thomson Reuters /Source: STX Europe AS /XOSL: STXEUR /ISIN: NO0010222995

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011: Sailing yacht Nan, S/Y Moonbeam IV, Arcadia, Léonore and Classic yacht Shamrock V win

September 25, 2011

The Régates Royales last and decisive event of the 2011 Panerai Trophy ended today in Cannes. Due to the extremely light easterly wind on the bay of La Napoule organizers had no choice but to abandon racing and the eye-catching traditional yachts had their final “red carpet” coming back to the old port. Sailing yacht Nan, S/Y Moonbeam IV, Arcadia, Léonore and Classic Yacht Shamrock V win in their respective classes

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011: Au revoir Cannes, see you next year! - Photo Alexis Courcoux

Régates Royales – Trophée Panerai 2011: Au revoir Cannes, see you next year! - Photo Alexis Courcoux

The “autumn festival” came to an end today with no wind and no racing. After exceptional weather conditions on the first two days, with the 68 classic yachts battling in a south-westerly wind topping 20 knots, lighter airs on the following days, the wind gods were not on the sailors’ side for the shutdown of the Régates Royales. Still, the 33rd edition of event with its stunning scenario, the excellent organization by Yacht Club de Cannes, world famous sailors coming from all over the world, was a huge success.

After four races it was the fore and aft cutter Nan of Fife to get on the first step of the podium f the classic gaffers, second place went to Italy’s Bona Fide the Charles Sibbick’s design that won the last two races in real time and bronze to ever consistent Avel tied at points.

In the Big Boat division, Moonbeam IV, Moonbeam III and Mariquita were also tied at points but, thanks to a win in the last race Moonbeam IV, the youngest of the Fife’s designs, was crowned 2011 champion. Mariska and Cambria follow, distanced by a mere two points. The biggest yacht competing at the Régates Royales de Cannes, sailing yacht Elena the 55 metre long fore and aft gaff schooner designed by Nathanaël Herreshoff finished seventh.

Among the nine Classics it was Arcadia, dating back to 1968 to score two wins that place her on the highest step of the podium followed closely by Sagittarius (Sparkman & Stephens 1971), White Dolphin (Beltrami 1967) and Stella Polare, the ketch representing the Italian Navy

Nothing and none seem able to stop Graham Walker’s Flying Forty Rowdy. Once more the British flagged boat is the winner in Cannes in the Classic Marconi class of more than 15 metres, the most crowded division with seventeen competitors. Light wind or strong breeze, the 1916 Nathanaël Herreshoff ‘s one-design won three races out of four. Only The Blue Peter could have opposed to this supremacy, but the 1930 Alfred Mylne’s designed boat had to do with a second place whilst  L’Oiseau de Feu, the 1937 Camper & Nicholson finished third.

Léonore’s score in Cannes was impressive, the John Anker’s design simply won all the four races in the Classic Marconi of less than 15 metres division triumphing over the 1937 Nicholas Potter designed Cholita and Anne-Sophie. Among the Spirit of Tradition, the newly arrived Lionheart, the gigantic J Class could not manage to beat Shamrock V. Despite two victories the yacht designed by Burgess and Stephens in 1937 and launched last year, was undoubtedly faster on the water when the wind was over ten knots but could not keep Shamrock V’s pace in lighter wind. The third place, in the 14 boats strong class, went to the “little” Jessie the Tofinou designed by Joubert-Nivelt in 2005.

Viking Recruitment expands and moves office

September 15, 2011

VIKING, the leading Cruise Ship and Large Yacht Crew Management specialists primarily offer career opportunities globally for Officers & Crew of all positions. After 23 years of operation and 8 years in their current premises, Viking Recruitment has outgrown the existing office and has decided to move to new environmentally friendly offices.

Viking Recruitment expands and moves office

Viking Recruitment expands and moves office

Viking will commence operations from the brand new 4,526 sq ft Viking House. Located in Whitfield, Dover, it boasts the latest in fully sustainable technology and dramatically enhanced health benefits due to the natural working environments. It is the first ever certificated PassivHaus office in the UK with energy efficiency considered to be around 80% better than conventional office buildings.

Some of the technology and features that make Viking House extremely ‘Green’ are:

•Triple glazed, argon filled windows

•Exposed thermal mass to which the building absorbs and stores heat from the sun

•Shock thermal connectors to prevent energy loss from conductivity to the ground

•Fibreglass reinforced, lightweight concrete to minimise energy leakage through the wall

•Heat recovery & ventilation system which draws in fresh air, removing pollen and allergens

•Rain water harvesting is used for ‘grey water’ distribution to the toilets

•Sedum roof that contributes to filtering pollutants and carbon dioxide

Check out the ‘How to find us’ page for full details on our new address, phone number and directions.

Viking will also be at the Monaco Yacht Show – 2011. Being held in the beautiful and wealthy surroundings of Monte Carlo, the 21st annual Monaco Yacht Show will take place between the 21st – 24th September.

VIKING will be taking a stand in the Superyacht UK Pavilion located in the Darse Sud tent, stand QS41.

The team attending this year will use the show to speak with clients old and new about our Crew Management packages on offer. Everything from Offshore Employment, Payroll Functions, to tailored Travel services, Training and of course Recruitment of individuals for all ranks.

Celebrity Cruises and Meyer Werft celebrate keel laying of Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship

September 15, 2011

Celebrity Cruises celebrated the keel-laying of the fifth in its stylish, five-ship Solstice Class series, Celebrity Reflection, at shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. The 500-ton block measuring 66-ft by 118-ft was lifted into the building dock with an 800-ton crane, and commemoratively placed on a collection of coins, consistent with tradition. Doing the honors of placing the obligatory coins under the first block in the grand hall of building dock II was Mr. Jarmo Laakso, the cruise line’s Project Director.

Celebrity Cruises and Meyer Werft celebrate keel laying of Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship

Celebrity Cruises and Meyer Werft celebrate keel laying of Celebrity Reflection Cruise Ship

Celebrity Reflection is the 10th ship to be built for Celebrity Cruises by Meyer Werft. The two organizations’ collaboration began in 1988, with the building of the former Celebrity Horizon. And in a unique twist, Celebrity Reflection shares the same trio of numbers as designated by Meyer Werft to the first Celebrity ship built at the yard: The former Celebrity Horizon’s shipyard number was S-619; Celebrity Reflection’s is S-691.

Celebrity Reflection’s energy balance is on par with the other ships of the series: All electric consumers operate with high energy efficiency, while special underwater paints with greatly improved resistance reduce the required propulsion power. Heat exchangers make use of the generated warmth, and the extensive heat- and cold recovery system implemented on the predecessors can be found on this ship as well. For the lighting, highly efficient illuminants and a large number of LED lights will be used.

Manfred Knoop Head of Group (Meyer Werft), Jarmo Laakso Project Director (Celebrity Cruises), Uwe Wulf Project Manager (Meyer Werft), Lambert Kruse Managing Director (Meyer Werft).

Manfred Knoop Head of Group (Meyer Werft), Jarmo Laakso Project Director (Celebrity Cruises), Uwe Wulf Project Manager (Meyer Werft), Lambert Kruse Managing Director (Meyer Werft).

The predecessors Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Eclipse and the recently delivered Celebrity Silhouette are successfully established in the market and are still pioneers in the energy efficiency sector.

American Cruise Lines launch Queen of Mississippi sternwheeler nine weeks ahead of schedule

August 01, 2011

American Cruise Lines (ACL), a leader in small ship cruising, last week announced the launching of the motor yacht Queen of the Mississippi, a brand new sternwheeler built for the Mississippi. At Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Maryland on Sunday, July 17, the launching went picture perfect at nine weeks ahead of schedule. Immediately after the launching, tugboats skillfully nudged the new riverboat into Chesapeake Shipbuilding’s Outfitting Basin Number 2 where the upper decks and outfitting will be completed.

New sternwheeler named Queen of the Mississippi by American Cruise Lines

New sternwheeler named Queen of the Mississippi by American Cruise Lines

“The birth of a new ship is a significant milestone,” said Timothy Beebe, Vice President, American Cruise Lines. “Watching the Queen of the Mississippi come to life is a fascinating experience. It’s history in the making and we encourage everyone to tune in as construction proceeds.”

The launching comes just a few weeks after the joining of the two hull sections, weighing at almost 500 tons apiece. With the completion of the fourth and fifth decks up next, Queen of the Mississippi’s superstructure will come together quickly, giving shape to the first riverboat built for the Mississippi in many, many years, and the grandest ever!

The Queen of the Mississippi yacht will boast huge staterooms larger than any former Mississippi riverboat, spacious private balconies and all of the amenities today’s travelers expect, while maintaining the elegance and traditional Victorian appearance of classic Mississippi riverboats.

American Cruise Lines will operate the sternwheeler over the entire Mississippi River System, with the option of cruising at significantly higher speeds to make more itineraries possible than ever before on the Mississippi River, with longer visits to the river towns. A number of unique 7-, 10-, and 14-day cruises are planned that take passengers as far as St. Paul, MN on the Mississippi River and Pittsburgh, PA on the Ohio River.

American Cruise Lines operates the newest fleet of small ships in the industry and offers more than 30 unique itineraries along the inland waterways and rivers of the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, the Mississippi River System and East Coast of the Untied States, from New England to Florida.

Tight squeeze for 26 mile manoeuvre of Celebrity Cruises newest ship Celebrity Silhouette

July 04, 2011

One expert driver is breathing a big sigh of relief after completing the initial stages of a 26-mile navigation – in reverse – on a luxurious, multimillion-dollar cruise ship, Celebrity Cruises’ sleek new Celebrity Silhouette.  With less than five feet of room to manoeuvre at certain points, the challenging exercise began today under the direction of Captain Dimitrios Kafetzis, in order to move Celebrity Silhouette from shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, to the open sea in Emshaven, Netherlands.

Tight squeeze for 26 mile manoeuvre of Celebrity Cruises newest ship the Celebrity Silhouette

Tight squeeze for 26 mile manoeuvre of Celebrity Cruises newest ship the Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette will take more than 12 hours to complete the journey, the most complicated it is likely to ever encounter. The scale of the ship and the location of the shipyard require the Captain to steer the ship backwards from the yard, assisted by tugboats fore and aft, through the River Ems.

Preparations for the journey – termed a ‘Conveyance’– include removing power lines and railway tracks that normally pass over the river to allow the ship to traverse through. The journey also must be precisely timed to take place at high tide to ensure ample depth beneath the hull, and when weather conditions are calm enough to avert the possibility of wind causing the ship to touch the ground. The route along the River Ems includes various locks and other tight squeezes, traveling on an aqueduct over an autobahn (motorway).

Cruising at less than four miles per hour on the journey, Celebrity Silhouette joins three sister ships, also built in Papenburg, which made the same complex trip. After finishing work is completed in Emshaven, the Netherlands, Celebrity Silhouette will sail to Hamburg, where it will be named in formal ceremonies on July 21, 2011. 

Celebrity Silhouette is the fourth of five stylish Solstice Class ships from Celebrity Cruises, and boasts a number of exclusive new features, including the Lawn Club Grill, the industry’s first outdoor, interactive grill; The Hideaway, a high-tech location reminiscent of a childhood treehouse for guests to relax inside; The Alcoves, luxurious, private cabanas overlooking the ship’s lush lawn on the top deck amidst immense views of the sea; and the Art Studio, a space where experienced and aspiring artists can participate in hands-on instruction from experts in drawing, beading, sculpting and painting. The ship also will feature top-tier designer boutiques, exclusive restaurants and the hip Celebrity iLounge, offering guests classes on the use of iPads and iPhones, among other products, which also are available for sale through Celebrity’s industry-first Authorized Apple Reseller status.

Beginning July 23, Celebrity Silhouette will sail from Hamburg to Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy, where she will offer 12-night round-trip cruises to the Holy Land through the summer, prior to presenting 12-night Caribbean cruises round-trip from Cape Liberty, NJ, beginning in November.

Royal Caribbean International announces Serenade of the Seas’ winter 2012-13 Dubai season

July 04, 2011

Royal Caribbean International has announced the deployment of Serenade of the Seas to Dubai for its winter 2012-13 season. Serenade of the Seas will replace Brilliance of the Seas and offer 17 sailings, departing every Monday on seven-night United Arab Emirates and Oman itineraries between December 2012 – April 2013. Serenade of the Seas’ winter 2012-13 Dubai cruises and cruise tours are now open for booking.

Royal Caribbean International announces Serenade of the Seas' winter 2012-13 Dubai season

Royal Caribbean International announces Serenade of the Seas' winter 2012-13 Dubai season

Guests can choose the Arabian Explorer cruise tour itinerary, which combines a four-night escorted land tour with Serenade of the Seas’ seven-night cruise. Destinations featured on the land tour will be Dubai (U.A.E), Al Ain (U.A.E) and Ras Al Khaimah (U.A.E), where guests can enjoy ‘dune bashing’; dinner and entertainment at a Bedouin desert camp; and visit the Hili Archaeological Gardens and the Ali Ain National Museum. Royal Caribbean International escorted cruisetours include transfers, transportation, hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and select meals.

 Cruise ship Serenade of the Seas’ seven-night itinerary also calls at Fujairah (U.A.E) and Abu Dhabi (U.A.E), and includes overnight stays in Muscat (Oman) and Dubai (U.A.E). Guests can also choose a 15-night Mediterranean and Suez Canal transit cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas, departing 2 December 2012, from Malaga (Spain), to Dubai; and a 15-night return to Barcelona (Spain), departing 15 April 2013.

 Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 22 ships currently in service.  The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Dubai, Europe, and New Zealand.

Royal Caribbean Cruises receives award from Seatrade for leadership program

April 25, 2011

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. received recognition for its shipboard “Building On Talent” leadership development program during this year’s Seatrade Awards Ceremonial Dinner.  The ceremony, which took place at the Guildhall in London on April 14, 2011, included over 350 of the maritime industry’s key players, and celebrated the outstanding contributions made over the last year for safe, efficient and environmentally friendly shipping. During the awards gala, the Royal Caribbean was presented the “Investment in People” award.

Royal Caribbean Cruises receives award from Seatrade for leadership program

Royal Caribbean Cruises receives award from Seatrade for leadership program

“This special recognition is truly a testament to Royal Caribbean’s continued dedication to nurturing our company’s talent and creating our leaders of tomorrow,” said Maria Del Busto, vice president, global chief and human resources officer, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  “By strategically managing our talent, and thoughtfully planning the successors of our key leadership roles, Royal Caribbean will be better positioned for the future.”

Created in partnership between Royal Caribbean executives and Human Resources, “Building on Talent” is a multi-dimensional leadership development initiative.  “Building on Talent” identifies high-potential leaders and develops bench strength so leaders can potentially assume multiple roles throughout the organization.  The program’s reach is global, both shipboard and shoreside, and cascades from senior executive to professional levels.

“The fleet ‘Building on Talent’ program has allowed us to identify high potential Marine and Hotel officers, and help them develop their leadership skills and position them for more senior positions,” said Svein Taklo, vice president, Marine Operations, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  “We are honored that Seatrade has recognized our investment in our employees, as well as our commitment to developing our officers’ skills and talents.”

The Seatrade Awards were presented by Guest of Honor HRH The Princess Royal.  The awards program rewards new ideas and concepts that have proved themselves in early operational use and awarding those at the forefront of new thinking.   The independent judging panel chaired by Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the IMO, selected the winners of the 2011 awards.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France.  The company has a combined total of 40 ships in service and two under construction.  It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/NewZealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.

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