Mediterranean Rhapsody

The 78,878gt/1997 built Royal Caribbean International cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas (above) sustained damage when she encountered another storm off the Greek coast on 19th September whilst en-route from Corfu to Santorini. The 279m long Vision-Class ship suffered slight damages to public areas when she hit heavy rain and high winds west of the Peloponnese peninsula. Damage included twelve of the large Panorama windows in the Viking Crown Lounge on Deck 11 and also the glass surface of the pool deck. Fortunately there were no injuries aboard and all passengers were requested to stay in their staterooms until the weather improved. The ship was on her regular scheduled 10-night itinerary round trip from Venice to Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Mykonos, Kotor and Zadar.

Panama Transits

In excess of 230 cruise ships will transit the Panama Canal during the 2016-2017 cruise season, which began on 4th October 2016 with the transit of the 91,627gt/2002 built Coral Princess (above). Smaller cruise ships will also use the waterway including the Voyager Safari and National Geographic Sealion on shorter itineraries along the west coast of Central America. During this season, Regent Seven Seas, Holland America Line and Noble Caledonia all have ships transitying with new itineraries through the Canal.

The Seven Seas Explorer (above) will pass through on 2nd January 2017, Holland America Line’s Eurodam will do so on 13th April 2017 and Noble Caledonia’s Hebridean Sky is due on 17th April 2017. After completing more than 160 transits through the new locks, the Panama Canal is now accepting booking requests for Neo-panamax passenger vessels for transit dates beginning 1st April 2017.

Made In China

On 23rd September during the 11th annual China Cruise Shipping and International Cruise Expo, in Tianjin, Fincantieri and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), signed a non-binding agreement with Carnival Corporation and CIC Capital Corporation (CIC Capital) for the construction of the first new cruise ships to be built in China for the Chinese market. The understanding is subject to several conditions, including the closing of the joint venture and the financing. As envisaged by the agreement, the joint venture being set up between Fincantieri and CSSC will act as prime contractor for the construction of two new cruise ships to be built at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS), yard of the CSSC Group, ordered by the joint venture of which Carnival Corporation, CSSC, and CIC Capital will be part of, with an option for two additional ships. The newbuilds will be based on the Vista-class of ships built by Fincantieri for the Carnival Group, and the design will be tailored for the specific tastes of the Chinese travellers and for the new Chinese cruise brand of the joint venture between Carnival, CSSC and CIC Capital, which will also operate the units. The first delivery is expected in 2022. The agreement signed follows that of last July between Fincantieri and CSSC for the constitution of a joint venture aimed at developing and supporting the growth of the Chinese cruise industry.

Celebrity Makeover

Celebrity Cruises’ 121,878gt/2008 built Celebrity Solstice (above) was scheduled to enter dry dock in Singapore on 22nd October 2016, and will emerge on 31st October 2016. The revitalised ship will arrive just in time for the anticipated transition into Australia’s summer season, featuring a series of itineraries, including calls in New Zealand, the exotic escape of Indonesia, and to sought-after ports of call across Australia. New features include Celebrity Cruises’ unrivalled “A Taste of Film” experience under the stars, authentic Japanese cuisine at Sushi on Five and a reimagined Photo Gallery, among other exciting new additions. The revitalisation of the Celebrity Solstice will also see the following new additions: Celebrity Solstice’s Photo Gallery will receive a full modern luxury makeover, removing the traditional panel display of printed photos: The new Photo Gallery will include 25 state-of-the-art touch screen kiosks where guests will be able to view their professional photos. This is in line with other modern day digital photo galleries. In addition, an expansive Art Gallery will emerge from the current Photo Gallery, featuring a dedicated auction location with contemporary art lining the freshly renovated space. Suites aboard will have various modern luxury enhancements, including lavish new patio furniture added to suite balconies