LUXURY LINE Achille Staiano and Koray Savas of Explora Journeys discuss boutique ships and exclusive excursions PARTNERSHIPS Andrea DeMarco on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ growth GREEN VISION Pierfrancesco Vago of MSC Cruises talks sustainable cruising AW/24
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CONTRIBUTORS CFR would like to thank all of those who contributed to this issue, including: Malvina Guarnieri Malvina is a design director at Tillberg Design of Sweden, with experience in designing ships for TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and more. Paul Holthus As founding president and CEO of the World Ocean Council, Paul works to develop practical solutions for sustainable development for marine and coastal areas. Captain Kuba Szymanski Captain Szymanski has led trade association InterManager since 2010, advocating for the needs of organisations involved in the management and crewing of ships. Rebecca Yackley Rebecca is director of trade and economic development at Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, leading efforts to grow cruise tourism across the region. A recent report by J.P. Morgan delivers a positive outlook for cruise. “We see the industry growing revenues by high-single digits over the next five years, capturing approximately 3.8 per cent of the global vacation market by 2028,” says Matt Boss, head of leisure and retailing at the investment bank. This in part he attributes to “accelerating new-to-cruise acquisition”, as lines overhaul their offerings to appeal to consumers. Boss highlights megaships and private destinations, and we would add a rapidly growing category to that list: expedition cruise. This issue of Cruise & Ferry Review includes, from page 61, a special bound-in Expedition Cruise Business supplement, which explores the lines, ships and destinations that are drawing ever-increasing numbers of guests to this form of vacation. Akvile Marozaite, the CEO of Expedition Cruise Network, tells us: “Each expedition has something unique to offer. Learning from experts about a place adds an extra dimension of wonder – these are perhaps the reasons why I fell in love with this form of travel.” With itineraries encompassing some relatively untouched regions, expedition cruise lines are particularly conscious on the impact they have on the environment. But the whole industry is prioritising sustainability. “Our teams have been continuously analysing our operational data and processes to identify every possible opportunity for making energy-efficiency improvements,” says Pierfrancesco Vago of MSC Cruises, in our keynote interview (see page 10). He also calls for regulators and governments to do their bit to accelerate the decarbonisation of the whole maritime industry. Modern consumers care deeply about the environment, and increasingly consider the impact of their spending choices. To draw in more new-to-cruise guests, and promote ferry travel over the alternatives, passenger shipping firms must not only take their own positive action, but also lobby legislators to support their efforts. Jon Ingleton Executive Editor, Cruise & Ferry Review New to cruise? Foreword AW/24 3
CONTENTS Cover story 38 Achille Staiano and Koray Savas of Explora Journeys explain how the brand is redefining the luxury cruise experience with boutique ships, personalised services, flexible itineraries and more Keynote 10 Pierfrancesco Vago of MSC Cruises details how the company is leading the cruise industry into a new era with its high-tech ships, pioneering environmental sustainability technologies and commitment to redefining the guest experience Marketwatch 20 A collection of news from ship operators, ports and destinations and other businesses operating in the cruise and ferry sectors, including the latest on the first Disney cruises in Japan 54 Azamara Cruises’ new CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler discusses her vision for the destination-focused brand 56 Mikael Petterson shares the challenges of launching a new residential cruise line, Villa Vie Residences 58 Royal Caribbean International’s Gerard Nolan discusses how the cruise line is preparing for further growth Expedition Cruise Business 62 Akvile Marozaite of Expedition Cruise Network gives an insight into the appeal of expedition cruising and how the sector is developing 68 Four exploration specialists discuss what’s required for a cruise ship to travel to the far reaches of the globe 74 Carsten Lund explains how SunStone Maritime Group’s expertise enables its charterers to deliver a quality cruise experience Cruise Business 44 Andrea DeMarco discusses Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ new partnerships and expansion plans 50 Carnival Cruise Line’s Christine Duffy outlines the cruise brand’s ambitious plans for the future 52 Nirmal Saverimuttu of Virgin Voyages explains how investments are helping to fulfil the brand’s transformative aims 10 4 38
5 96 Brittany Ferries executives explain how five new E-Flexer vessels are renewing the operator’s fleet 100 Steve Nevey explains how Washington State Ferries is addressing issues posed by aging vessels 102 David Sopta shares how the company’s new ferry is helping it to deliver services for both locals and visitors 104 Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation is making good progress towards its goal of a 30-ship fleet, says Mary Ann Pastrana 106 Mathieu Girard outlines DFDS’s plans to invest in new technologies to reach net zero 108 Michael Grey considers the benefits of a standardised, yet easily adaptable, ferry design Building and Refurbishment 110 CFR showcases the latest notable orders for new passenger ferries 114 The cruise order book contains a range of large, luxury and river cruise ships due to launch in 2024 and beyond 96 68 62 114 77 Magicman can help cut time, costs and waste with repairs in the most remote destinations, says Mark Henderson 78 Leading expedition cruise operators reveal their most engaging destinations Ferry Business 89 Mike Corrigan outlines the themes and speakers for Interferry2024 and urges governments to invest in onshore power supply 92 Ronny Moriana Glindemann discusses how FRS Iberia Maroc is integrating into the DFDS family
WWW.TUDOR-ROSE.CO.UK WIN MORE BUSINESS… …with marketing services from Tudor Rose. Send a mail to hello@tudor-rose.co.uk to arrange a consultation. PUBLISHING BRANDING ADVERTISING DESIGN DIGITAL COPYWRITING www.onecaribbean.org | www.cruising.org/en-gb | www.expeditioncruisenetwork.com www.interferry.com | www.ifiworld.org | www.oceancouncil.org | en.wtcf.org.cn Cruise & Ferry is proud to partner with the following organisations to support and promote their global visions and objectives Follow Cruise & Ferry: Published by Tudor Rose Tudor House, 6 Friar Lane Leicester LE1 5RA Tel: +44 116 2229900 www.tudor-rose.co.uk ISSN 2635-0475 (Print) ISSN 2635-0483 (Online) Printed in Great Britain by The Manson Group. © 2024 Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored or transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means, including whether by photocopying, scanning, downloading onto computer or otherwise without the prior written permission from Tudor Rose Holdings Ltd. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions. Readers should take appropriate professional advice before acting on any issue raised herein. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject advertising material and editorial contributions. The publisher assumes no liability for the return or safety of unsolicited art, photography or manuscripts. Executive editor Jon Ingleton Editor Rebecca Gibson Editorial team Alice Chambers, Amber Hickman, Richard Humphreys, Laura Hyde, Alex Smith Editorial contributors Rebecca Barnes, Michael Grey, Philippe Holthof, Justin Merrigan Ferry industry advisor Simon Johnson, Shipshape Consulting Media Manager Shelly Palmer Account managers Teala Francis, Kimberley McLean, Benedict Pask Publisher Toby Ingleton Production manager Stuart Fairbrother Design Bruce Graham, Libby Sidebotham, Dhanika Vansia Cover image Explora Journeys Expedition Cruise Business cover image Aurora Expeditions/Tyson Mayr Ferry Business cover image Brittany Ferries Website development Chris Jackson Circulation Sophia Brinkley Advertise info@cruiseandferry.net Subscribe subscribe@tudor-rose.co.uk www.cruiseandferry.net/subscriptions £24.00
7 CONTENTS 120 142 136 128 120 CFR highlights some of the most notable cruise and ferry refurbishments completed so far in 2024 126 Leading outfitters discuss the recent surge in passenger shipping refurbishment projects 127 Wouter Henstra discusses the latest river cruise ship projects for Den Breejen Shipyard 128 The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s new all-suite yacht has been delivered with the help of Chantiers de l’Atlantique and other stakeholders 130 ABB’s Tuomo Salmi and The RitzCarlton Yacht Collection’s Tobias King explain the new Dynafin propulsion concept 132 KNUD E. HANSEN is helping shipowners deliver more sustainable operations, say Finn Wollesen and Brian Bender 134 Aros Marine is hitting its 15-year anniversary at a time of fantastic growth 135 The new eVSP concept from Voith provides a more sustainable propulsion solution for shipping Marine Operations 136 CFR reports on a selection of the initiatives, solutions and services helping to improve shipping safety 140 InterManager is working with the industry stakeholders to prevent lifeboat accidents 142 The US Coast Guard and classification societies are working to develop new standards for cruise ships operating in severe weather
Destination marketing and awareness Encouraging exploration of the destination Expanding the cruise industry’s impact Identifying constraints Innovating new product offerings & itineraries Improving on-shore offering Resolving issues with relevant authorities Securing new vessels Ensuring smooth movement of vessels & passengers Cape Town & the Western Cape A Premier Cruise Destination Marketed by Cruise Cape Town Cruise Cape Town, powered by Wesgro, aims to expand and promote cruise tourism in Cape Town and the Western Cape, South Africa. A public-private collaboration, Cruise Cape Town seeks to boost the local economy by positioning the region as a premier cruise destination, whilst fostering sustainable tourism practices. At the heart of the project is a focus on community engagement and environmental conservation, ensuring visiting cruise liners leave a lasting positive legacy on the destination. Discover a world of bucket list experiences available in Cape Town and the Western Cape. powered by A place of more Talk to us: + 27 (0) 21 487 8600 | www.wesgro.co.za | travis@wesgro.co.za | Wesgro @wesgro Wesgro Cruise Cape Town’s strategic focus ITINERARY DEVELOPMENT PROMOTE REGIONAL SPREAD REMOVING RED TAPE SCAN HERE
9 169 SMC Design’s Oliver Raine shares his vision for NYK Cruises’ first ship in 30 years 170 Oceania Cruises is planning to refresh its renowned culinary offering, reveals Jason Worth 172 Forbo Flooring Systems provides solutions that can be customised to match any onboard interior Ports and Destinations 174 With the maritime industry aiming to reach sustainability goals, CFR looks at some of the ports around the world changing for a greener future 179 The Port of Seattle is electrifying its final cruise berth three years ahead of schedule 180 Holland America Line’s Francesco Rossiello discusses how he plans the perfect itinerary Mediterranean 182 MedCruise Association 186 Global Ports Holding Africa 187 Cape Town North America 188 Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation 191 Port Everglades 192 PortMiami 144 World Ocean Council is looking to push the Mediterranean to a zeroemission future, says Paul Holthus 146 Tommi Vihavainen outlines the benefits of NAPA’s Permit to Work solution 148 FerryHawk’s Liz Hemmens discusses the decades of experience behind its ferry booking system 149 AI can make cruising safer, more efficient and more sustainable, says COLUMBIA blue’s Norman Schmeidl 150 Crystol Lasley of AP Companies explains why standards for crew medical examinations must be improved 151 The cruisePAL suite of solutions help cruise companies collect and use data 152 A directory of featured partners providing products and services to support operational needs 180 CONTENTS Onboard Experience 156 Interior designers discuss how they can create spaces that will stand the test of time 162 Greg Walton of Studio DADO explains why the design firm has invested in people and client-centric design 165 Tillberg Design of Sweden’s Malvina Guarnieri discusses the process of developing a general arrangement 167 Abbiati Casino Equipment is bringing its custom-made equipment to the Virgin Voyages fleet 11 DECEMBER 06, 2022 169
10 Pushing the boundaries Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of MSC Cruises tells Rebecca Gibson how the company is helping to lead the cruise industry into a new era with its high-tech ships, pioneering environmental sustainability technologies and commitment to continually redefining the guest experience MSC Cruises’ 6,327-guest MSC Euribia marked a “paradigm shift for cruising” when it sailed the world’s first net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cruise in June 2023. The vessel embarked on a fourday maiden voyage from Chantiers de l’Atlantique’s shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, to Copenhagen, Denmark, powered by bio-LNG fuel on a mass balance basis that had been produced from food waste. Onboard teams used various technologies to optimise the vessel’s speed profile, routing, trim, engine configuration, HVAC system, galleys, lighting, hotel operations, and more, which meant MSC Euribia only had to use two of its four engines. Meanwhile, all the required heat for galleys, heating systems and hot water was recovered from the ship’s engines, eliminating the need to use the boilers. Consequently, MSC Euribia saved 43 tonnes of fuel, performing 11 per cent better than its digital twin – a virtual replica of the ship simulating optimal onboard energy use. “MSC Euribia is one of the world’s most energy-efficient cruise ships and this pioneering voyage proved that with the right technologies and fuel, it is possible to achieve net-zero GHG emissions cruising today,” says Vago. “Cruise brands are already implementing new technologies to optimise operations and cut energy consumption, but we can’t achieve consistent net zero-emission cruising because cost-efficient renewable fuels are not yet widely available.” According to Vago, MSC Euribia’s trial cruise demonstrated the growing demand from the cruise sector and the wider maritime industry for renewable fuels such as bio-LNG, synthetic LNG (known as e-LNG), green hydrogen or green methanol. He is campaigning for both regulators and governments to spearhead the renewable fuel agenda by developing an industry-wide strategy. “When I first started talking about building large LNG-powered cruise ships for long itineraries 10 years ago, people looked at me like I was insane,” says Vago. “Today, there are multiple cruise brands operating or building LNG-powered vessels, so we need energy providers who can produce renewable fuels and with appropriate delivery systems around the world. “Governments and international organisations must lead the way by creating regulatory and financial incentives and encouraging cruise operators, fuel providers, technology companies, ports and other key stakeholders to combine resources so we can build the necessary infrastructure and supply chain quickly. This, combined with continued technological advancements, will accelerate the decarbonisation of the industry and enable us to achieve consistent net-zero emissions cruising by the 2050 ambition set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).” In the meantime, MSC Cruises will continue to search for new technologies and solutions to optimise energy use on its existing and upcoming ships. “For years, our teams have been continuously analysing our operational data and processes to identify every possible opportunity for making energyefficiency improvements onboard our fleet to cut energy consumption, fuel use and emissions,” says Vago. “We’ve invested in new technologies, changed the size and type of our engines, trialled fuel cells, improved how we operate HVAC, switched to LED lights, automated various onboard systems, installed advanced water treatment systems, introduced waste and recycling initiatives, and much more. We’re also educating our crew members and guests about environmental sustainability to KEYNOTE
Photo: MSC Cruises 11 “ We can’t achieve consistent zero-emission cruising because cost-efficient renewable fuels are not widely available”
13 MSC Euribia successfully sailed the world’s first net-zero greenhouse gas emissions cruise between France and Denmark ensure everyone plays a role in helping us achieve our net-zero goals.” The company’s 2023 sustainability report shows that these efforts are paying off. It reduced the carbon intensity of its fleet by 6.5 per cent in 2023, and has cumulatively decreased it by 37.8 per cent since 2008. This puts the company on track to achieve the IMO’s 40 per cent reduction target ahead of the 2030 deadline. In addition, efficiency improvements have cut onboard water consumption from 226 litres per guest day to 187 litres in 2023, a fall of 17.2 per cent. Desalination systems also produced more than 6.4 million cubic metres of water in 2023, meeting 87.2 per cent of the fleet’s onboard water needs. Now, MSC Cruises is beginning to scrutinise ship interiors in the same way, aiming to eventually move to a circular design model. “We’re already working with our shipyards, suppliers and subcontractors to calculate the carbon footprint of the items we use for the interiors of our vessels and taking this into account when sourcing the most environmentally sustainable options,” says Vago. “For example, MSC Euribia has recyclable carpets and signage made from recycled material. We plan to increase these efforts in future.” The company is also one of several hundred signatories of the Sustainable Maritime Interiors (SMI) Declaration, which was launched in May 2023 to help drive sustainability improvements throughout the ship interior lifecycle. The declaration, which was created in full support of the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, outlines seven commitments to champion environmental change and inspire other stakeholders to build and maintain more sustainable ship interiors. “We applaud Cruise & Ferry’s [executive editor] Jon Ingleton who was the driving force behind the initiative,” says Vago. “We join him in relentlessly championing the need for circular design in the passenger ship interiors industry and encourage other industry stakeholders to sign too.” MSC Cruises hopes to further decrease itinerary-related emissions in future, using the new OptiCruise itinerary planning tool developed in collaboration with OPTIMeasy, a research company affiliated with the University of Genoa in Italy. The tool was trialled for 12 months onboard MSC Bellissima as it sailed between 17 Mediterranean ports. It calculates the optimal itinerary by analysing factors such as the sequence of port calls, departure and arrival times, the ship’s speed, the appeal of destinations and available shore excursions, and port charges and other operational costs. “The OPTIMeasy team calculates that we can decrease fuel use and emissions by an average of 10 to 15 per cent using OptiCruise, so it will play a vital role in our decarbonisation strategy,” says Vago. MSC Cruises will also continue to call at ports offering shore power capabilities, after installing the systems in 16 of its 22 existing ships. “In 2023, our ships made 44 shore power connections at eight ports in Norway, Germany, the UK and Malta, and we aim to make 220 connections by the end of 2024,” says Vago. “We will be installing shore power on our remaining fleet and any future newbuilds too. The challenge is that only a small percentage of ports in the world currently have the infrastructure to provide shoreside electricity to cruise ships, so there’s a lot of work to be done before we will see a meaningful impact on decarbonisation but we are now starting to see progress onshore.” Determined to lead the way, MSC Cruises will equip its new 11,670-squaremetre cruise terminal in Barcelona, Spain, with both shore power and LNG KEYNOTE Photo: MSC Cruises
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15 bunkering facilities. The terminal has been designed in collaboration with globally renowned Catalan architect Ricardo Bofill and will be operated by MSC Cruises for 31 years. It is scheduled for completion at the end of 2024 and is expected to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification standards. “Barcelona is an important homeport for MSC Cruises in the West Mediterranean because it offers flight, road and rail connections to Europe and other international destinations,” says Vago. “The shore power facilities and LNG bunkering service at the terminal will allow us to homeport our newest and most environmentally friendly ships in the city, providing a great economic boost for the local economy.” MSC Cruises’ new terminal in Miami, Florida, will also have shore power capabilities. The facility, which is set to open in 2025 is being built in partnership with PortMiami, Miami-Dade County and Fincantieri Infrastructure for around $350 million. The four-storey building was designed by architecture firm Arquitectonica and will be able to accommodate up to three of MSC Cruises’ newest and biggest ships at once and handle 36,000 daily passenger movements per day. “It will be the largest cruise terminal not only in North America but in the world and will become an iconic new landmark that will be visible from both the water and downtown Miami,” says Vago. “We’ll use the latest facial recognition and luggage and security screening technologies to halve boarding times. The new facilities in both Barcelona and Miami, and the many other terminals we own and operate elsewhere in the world, will offer seamless embarkation and disembarkation experiences and the same high level of service guests expect on our ships.” In April 2025, the Miami terminal will host the christening ceremony of MSC Cruises’ new MSC World America, which is the second of four World-class ships to be built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique. The first vessel, MSC World Europa was named in Doha, Qatar, and has since sailed itineraries in the Middle East and West Mediterranean. The 6,762-guest MSC World America will be powered by LNG and offer luxurious suites and cabins, six speciality restaurants, four main restaurants, two buffets, a casual fast-food venue, 20 bars and lounges, multiple entertainment venues, a spa, six pools, and many other amenities. These onboard facilities will be spread across seven different districts, including the multi-storey indoor Galleria, high-tech entertainment area MSC Luna Park Arena, the Aqua Deck, the adultsonly Zen Area, The Terraces, the open-air World Promenade, the top-deck Family Aventura Park, and the brand’s largest-ever MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive ship-withina-ship complex open to select guests. “We’re seeing more multigenerational groups, so we wanted to create multiple districts with their own unique facilities and experiences to allow every guest to create their own perfect holiday,” says Vago, noting that he predicts guests will be particularly impressed by The Harbour. Located on the top deck in the Family Aventura district, The Harbour will have food and beverage outlets, a family dwelling area, a high ropes course and rock-climbing wall, and a playground modelled on the lighthouse at MSC Cruises’ private Bahamian island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. There will also be an aqua park with a 90-degree vertical drop slide, a raft slide featuring virtual MSC Cruises’ new terminal at PortMiami will be able to handle 36,000 daily passenger movements KEYNOTE Photo: MSC Cruises
17 reality technology, and Cliffhanger, a four-seat swing that will propel riders back and forth over the edge of the ship, 50 metres above the ocean. “We wanted to create a safe space where family members of all ages can enjoy themselves,” says Vago. “Here, older and younger family members can play together, or try different activities on their own before reuniting over some lunch. I’m particularly excited about Cliffhanger, which is the only over-water swing ride at sea and will offer a uniquely thrilling experience.” MSC World America’s onboard experiences are tailored to the preferences of US passengers and the ship will initially offer itineraries in North America, but it has been designed for global operation, says Vago. “Just like MSC World Europa and all of our other vessels, MSC World America will be able to deliver exciting itineraries anywhere in the world.” In 2026, the brand will welcome a third World-class ship, MSC World Asia, which will boast MSC Cruises’ signature design touches, experiences and features inspired by Asia. The cruise ship will be an “evolution” of the existing World-class ships, with “an even further reduced carbon footprint”. “With every ship we strive to improve the environmental technology and features that enrich the guest experience,” says Vago. “MSC World Asia continues in this tradition and will offer even more advanced marine and onboard hospitality technologies, as well as enhanced guest experiences.” An as-yet unnamed fourth ship will follow at a later date, and the industry is speculating whether MSC Cruises may choose to further expand the class. “We typically build ships in series of four but everyone keeps reminding us that there are seven continents, so maybe we’ll consider building some more to make sure we’ve got them all covered!” jokes Vago. MSC Cruises’ relentless focus on delivering high-quality, sustainable ships and continually developing Vago expects The Harbour, which features slides, a ropes course, food outlets, a family area and more, to be one of MSC World America’s most popular spaces KEYNOTE Photos: MSC Cruises “ With every ship we strive to improve the environmental technology and features that enrich the guest experience” MSC World America will debut in April 2025 and offer onboard experiences tailored to North American passengers
19 new itineraries and shore excursion programmes has led to impressive success in recent years. “Passenger numbers almost doubled year-on-year in 2023, with the brand’s 22 ships taking more than four million guests on 385 itineraries to 102 countries,” says Vago. MSC Group has recorded similar success with its luxury brand Explora Journeys, which debuted its first boutique ship in July 2023. “Creating a luxury cruise line has long been a dream for me and my family,” says Vago. “MSC Cruises offers the premium MSC Yacht Club experience, which is very popular, so it felt like a natural evolution to create a dedicated luxury brand that offers an elevated experience but the same great value for money.” Explora I is small enough to visit both well-known and off-the-beatentrack destinations, and offers a range of amenities. “We have a fantastic luxury small ship offering spacious suites, pools, outdoor seating areas, bars, authentic fine dining experiences, a spa and spaces to relax, as well as hosts providing personalised services,” says Vago. “In addition, we have flexible itineraries with easily accessible turnaround ports, and exclusive shore excursions are designed to fully immerse our guests in the culture, nature and history of the destinations they visit. Many of these are influenced by the personal travel experiences of me and my family.” These onboard and onshore experiences are designed to help guests achieve what Explora Journeys calls an ocean state of mind. “One of life’s real luxuries is the ability to spend quality time doing something you enjoy – whether that’s by yourself or with your friends and family, or newfound travel companions,” says Vago. “Explora Journeys enables guests to do just that and we now aim to bring this luxury cruising experience to more travellers, focusing first on the European and North American source markets.” Explora Journeys will expand the fleet, with Explora II debuting in September 2024, followed by the LNG-powered Explora III and Explora IV in 2026 and 2027 respectively, and Explora V and Explora VI in 2027 and 2028. The latter vessels will both have next-generation LNG engines and fuel cells. “MSC Group is committed to making the Explora Journeys fleet environmentally sustainable, so the ships will feature many of the technologies and solutions that are helping MSC Cruises to increase energy-efficiency and lower emissions,” says Vago. To ensure the ongoing success of both Explora Journeys and MSC Cruises in 2024 and beyond, Vago says his team will continue to prioritise attention to detail, hard work, professionalism and a dedication to delivering high-quality travel experiences. “We’re a family-owned company led by a hands-on management team with decades of shipping experience and the ability to turn progressive ideas into reality,” says Vago. ”We don’t need to satisfy external shareholders, so we can make quick decisions and invest in whatever we believe will be best for the business and our people in the long term. We’ll continue to push design, engineering and technical boundaries to make meaningful, measurable changes that have a long-term positive impact on our guests, our employees and our planet.” Of course, we will do this all while delivering the best possible onboard and destination experiences for our guests.” KEYNOTE Guests sailing on MSC World America will be able to board the Jaw Drop @ The Spiral slide in The Harbour on the top deck and descend 11 decks to the World Promenade Photos: MSC Cruises
20 From left: Kenji Yoshida, representative director, president and chief operations officer of OLC; Yumiko Takano, representative director, chairperson and CEO of OLC; Toshio Kagami, chair of the board of directors at OLC; Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Signature Experiences; and Sharon Siskie, senior vice president at Disney Cruise Line, celebrate with Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie MARKETWATCH Disney to bring its cruise experience to Japan for the first time in 2029 Disney Cruise Line has commissioned German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to build a Wish-class cruise ship for Oriental Land Company (OLC), which will operate Disney cruises for the Japanese market. Construction of the ship is expected to be completed in 2028, with operations beginning in early 2029. The agreement with OLC will bring year-round Disney cruises to Japan for the first time. “I am very happy to sign this contract today and win OLC as a new customer from Japan,” said Bernard Meyer, Meyer Werft managing director. “This order contributes to the longterm development of shipbuilding in Papenburg [in Germany].” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said: “Disney Cruise Line has ambitious plans to bring family vacations and Disney storytelling to more guests around the world than ever before. We are thrilled to continue the success of this expansion as we collaborate with OLC to introduce another distinctly Disney vacation experience to families and fans in Japan.” As a sister ship to Disney Wish, the new vessel is expected to feature many signature Disney venues and experiences, with select modifications specially designed to cater to Japanese guests. It will be powered by LNG, be approximately 140,000gt and is expected to have around 1,250 staterooms. The ship will feature interior designs created by Walt Disney Imagineering. “I am sincerely proud that Disney and OLC will be able to work together to create a world-class cruise business in Japan,” said Yumiko Takano, representative director, chairperson and CEO of OLC, which has operated Japan’s Disney Resort since 1983. “OLC will use their know-how from the theme park business to continue pushing boundaries and provide family entertainment cruise experiences filled with inspiration and surprise.” The ship is expected to offer shorthaul cruises departing from and arriving at ports around the Tokyo metropolitan area. Further details about itineraries, onboard experiences and the ship’s maiden voyage will be announced at a later date. German shipbuilder Meyer Werft is to build a Wish-class cruise ship for Oriental Land Company to operate on behalf of Disney
21 The new vessel will be a sister ship to Disney Wish Kenji Yoshida, representative director, president and chief operating officer of OLC, and Bernard Meyer, managing director of Meyer Werft, pictured after signing the agreement in July 2024 DID YOU KNOW? Meyer Werft delivered the first Wish-class ship to Disney Cruise Line in 2022. The shipbuilder is constructing two sister ships, Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, which are scheduled to be delivered in 2024 and 2025, respectively. It will also construct four additional ships for Disney Cruise Line to be delivered between 2027 and 2031.
22 MARKETWATCH Wanzl solutions ensure quick luggage transit German manufacturer Wanzl’s Rollcruiser ensures luggage can be transported quickly from check-in at the port all the way to the cabin. PVC fabric tarpaulins protect the luggage from bad weather, while impact profiles and deflector rollers protect walls and furniture onboard the ship as crew members move the trolley. Wanzl has worked with cruise lines such as AIDA Cruises to improve its trolleys by developing various braking solutions, stacking options for small spaces and whiteboards. It has created the Mundus housekeeping trolley, which is compact, low weight, has parking brakes and additional safety hooks, offering maximum safety even in rough seas. UK-based outfitter Trimline has taken another step towards its sustainability goals and is now using a fully recyclable (and recycled) tape across the business. On an average outfitting job, Trimline’s team can use hundreds of rolls of tape, using it to package material during shipping, to secure protective wrapping on products waiting to be installed and on completed floors and walls. “On a typical refit we will use somewhere between 10 and 20 miles of tape, for packaging product and materials, and taping the protection across the areas we are working on,” said Nick Farrell, co-owner of Trimline. “It’s a really visible thing, and we’re so pleased to have found a solution which is more sustainable. The fact that it is also cheaper than the previous tape we used is an added bonus!” Trimline transitions to eco-friendly tape Hera’s LED clothes rail light, with an integrated motion detector, turns on automatically when the wardrobe is approached or opened. The sensor switches itself off after 30 seconds if no movement is detected, or if the door is closed. The clothes rail light can be mounted to the side walls of the wardrobe or under the shelf, making it ideal for retrofitting projects. The rail light is available in different standard and bespoke lengths. Hera LED-wardrobe tube luminaire Q Product spotlight
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24 MARKETWATCH When it comes to the ambiance and functionality of cruise ships, the importance of timeless lighting design cannot be overstated, and yet, lighting cruise ships presents unique challenges. TVV Marine Lighting prides itself on creating lights that not only enhance the aesthetic of modern cruise ships but also withstand the test of time. Our conscious selection of ecological materials also speaks volumes about our commitment to sustainability. With a strong emphasis on, and dedication to, blending timeless design and the newest LED technology with ecological materials, our designs not only illuminate modern cruise ship spaces beautifully, but also contribute to a sustainable future. Aldona Mäkinen is CEO of TVV Marine Lighting Merging timeless design with modern sustainability Viewpoint: Aldona Mäkinen TVV Marine Lighting provided lighting for numerous areas onboard Costa Cruises’ flagship Costa Smeralda II MSC Cruises’ upcoming ship World America will feature The Harbour, a new outdoor space on the ship’s top deck specifically designed for children and families. The area will feature a variety of dry and water-based attractions, including The Harbour Aquapark, which will offer a range of water slides including a 90-degree vertical drop slide and a raft slide featuring virtual reality technology. Jaw Drop @ The Spiral, meanwhile, is a dry slide which will descend 11 decks to the World Promenade. A rock climbing wall and high trail ropes course will also be included in the area, along with The Harbour Light House, a playground modelled after the lighthouse at MSC’s private island destination, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. MSC World America to feature family-friendly outdoor attractions
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MARINE INTERIORS Discovery Bay Book your space now CREATING DREAMS Interior Design, Equipment and Technology for the Cruise & Ferry Industry 3–6 September 2024, Hamburg smm-hamburg.com /mi the leading international maritime trade fair
27 MARKETWATCH Construction has begun on a shore power facility for cruise ships calling at the Oceankaj and Langelinie berths in Copenhagen, Denmark. Various executives took part in the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2024, including (from left) Sophie Haestorp Andersen, Lord Mayor of Copenhagen; Anne Skovbro, CEO of By & Havn, Copenhagen City and Port Development Agency; and Barbara Scheel Agersnap, CEO of Copenhagen Malmo Port. The facility is expected to be operational in 2025. Copenhagen breaks ground on shore power facilities Costa Cruises’ 290-metre-long cruise ship, Costa Favolosa, became the largest vessel to visit Port of Aberdeen in the Scottish port’s 888year history, when it berthed in at the South Harbour in July 2024. The previous record was held by AIDA Cruises’ 253-metre-long AIDAsol, which visited the port earlier in July. “We are delighted to welcome the Costa Favolosa, its guests and crew to Aberdeen,” said Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of Port of Aberdeen. “This is the latest demonstration of how we’re driving diversification in energy, trade and tourism with our expanded infrastructure.” Costa Favolosa becomes largest ship to visit Aberdeen Century Cruises’ new ship, Century Voyage, will make its debut in September 2025 on the Yangtze River in China. The ship has been designed to offer Western comfort with Chinese hospitality, according to the cruise operator. New research from Stena Line shows that 20 per cent of British citizens (over 10 million people) have never travelled by ferry. The ferry operator’s research found the perception of ferry travel may be ‘outdated’, with large numbers of people unaware of the modern facilities onboard, including spas, cinemas and pet cabins.
29 MARKETWATCH Royal Caribbean chooses IRON Pump for Icon-class ships IRON Pump has supplied centrifugal pumps for two of Royal Caribbean International’s Icon-class ships. The supplier has provided its water pump package for both Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas, the cruise line’s second Icon-class vessel which is nearing completion. It expects to provide a similar number of pumps to the third Icon-class ship at the end of the year. The 91 pumps are used in HVAC, bilge, cooling, ballast, fire and thruster systems. “Continuous innovation and unparalleled luxury experiences are the name of the game, and the world’s biggest cruise liner is not only a floating city but also a symbol of engineering marvel,” said Helle Auken Lygum, head of marketing and sales at IRON Pump. “It is characterised by the grandeur, luxury and diverse offerings accommodating thousands of passengers and crew members while crossing the vast seas.” Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is to build three new ships for Carnival Cruise Line. The ships will be a new class of vessel, each of which will be nearly 230,000gt with capacity for almost 8,000 guests in over 3,000 staterooms. They will be LNG-powered and are expected to be delivered in the summers of 2029, 2031 and 2033, respectively. The new order means Carnival Corporation has ordered five new ships for Carnival Cruise Line in 2024, adding to the two Excel-class ships expected to be delivered by Meyer Werft in 2027 and 2028. American Cruise Lines’ third Coastal Cat ship American Liberty has departed on its inaugural cruise after it was delivered ahead of schedule by Chesapeake Shipbuilding. The ship successfully completed sea trials in July 2024 before departing on the brand’s ‘New England Islands’ itinerary on 15 August, sailing roundtrip from Providence, Rhode Island. The 100-passenger vessel is the latest in American Cruise Lines’ Project Blue series of 12 small ships for river and coastal cruising in the USA. Several ships of the series are also currently under construction, including the fourth Coastal Cat, American Legend, which is set to begin cruising in November 2024. Carnival Corporation orders three new ships from Fincantieri American Liberty delivered ahead of schedule Carnival’s Excel-class fleet includes Carnival Jubilee which entered service in December 2023
MARKETWATCH Riviera Travel’s newbuild river cruise ships, Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose, will offer itineraries on Europe’s Danube and Douro rivers when they set sail in March and April 2025, respectively. The 178-guest Riviera Radiance will operate six different voyages on the Danube. Voyages will include the eight-day ‘Blue Danube’, the 15-day ‘Budapest to the Black Sea’ and the six-day ‘Danube’s imperial cities and yuletide markets’ itineraries. Passengers can also embark on the eight-day ‘Christmas on the Danube’ itinerary on 21 December 2025 to visit Budapest and Bratislava, Wachau Valley, Melk, Salzburg, Linz and Vienna in Austria. Meanwhile, passengers on the ship’s six-day ‘New Year on the Danube’ sailing will welcome the arrival of 2026 in Vienna. The 114-guest Riviera Rose will offer 30 departures of its eight-day ‘Highlights of the Douro Valley and Salamanca’ cruise, which features tours of Porto’s old town, Mateus Palace and Castelo Rodrigo in Portugal. Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose to sail on the Danube and the Douro pagina_ Gazzetta Marittima_GB.indd 1 01/03/17 14:45
31 New ro-pax designed by Incat Crowther enters service Spanish operator Baleària has debuted Margarita Salas, a dual-fuel ro-pax ferry designed by Incat Crowther, on the daily service between Barcelona, Spain, and Mallorca and Menorca in the Balearic Islands. Margarita Salas is the second fast ferry to be designed by Incat Crowther and built by Astilleros Armon Gijon for Baleària. It has four 9,600-kilowatt dual-fuel LNG engines from Wärtsilä and has been designed to “maximise sustainability and to deliver excellent onboard comfort and amenities”, according to Incat Crowther. The ferry is 123 metres long and 28 metres wide, with capacity for 1,200 passengers and 450 vehicles. It also features an additional passenger deck with a spacious lounge area in the bow and an expanded aft terrace with an outdoor bar service. Passengers will also benefit from several innovative technologies including broadband internet, on-demand digital entertainment, and QR code access to their cabins. Damen Shipyards Group has cut the first steel for the first two of four fully electric Island-class ferries it is building for Canadian operator BC Ferries at its shipyard in Romania. The ferries will be the first fully electric vessels in BC Ferries’ fleet and will operate with battery packs that can supply the power train with 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Based on Damen’s double-ended ro-ro 8113 E3 model, the vessels will be capable of carrying up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers when they begin operations on routes connecting Nanaimo with Gabriola Island and Campbell River with Quadra Island in 2026. First steel cut for BC Ferries’ electric vessels Rauma Marine Constructions and Tasmania-based ferry operator TT-Line Company have floated out Spirit of Tasmania V at the Rauma shipyard in Finland. The vessel, which was christened by godmother Barbara Baker, the 29th Governor of Tasmania, will enter service on the Bass Strait between Geelong in Victoria, Australia, and Devonport in Tasmania, in spring 2025. Spirit of Tasmania V floats out
33 MARKETWATCH Brombach + Gess will be displaying its energy-efficient ship glazing solutions at SMM 2024 in Hamburg, Germany on 3-6 September 2024. The company’s photovoltaic glass, which can generate energy through a thin and translucent solar film, will be showcased alongside the BalustradeMove flexible railing system. This features a moveable pane that can be moved manually to transform outdoor areas into wind-protected zones. The company will also exhibit a bonded A60 fire-resistant glazing solution, as well as an expanded portfolio of interior glass products that now includes doors, partitions, staircases, mirrors and decorative panes. Brombach + Gess to showcase glazing solutions at SMM 2024 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2024 SMM 2024 3-6 September Hamburg, Germany www.smm-hamburg.com Canadian Ferry Association Conference and Trade Show 8-10 September Halifax, Nova Scotia canadianferry.ca/conference/cfa-2024conference-and-trade-show IMPA London 10-11 September London, UK www.impaevents.com/event/london Seatrade Cruise Med 11-12 September Malaga, Spain www.seatradecruiseevents.com/med Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Cruise Conference & Tradeshow 22-25 October St. Maarten, Caribbean www.f-cca.com GreenPort Congress & Cruise 23-25 October Le Havre, France www.portstrategy.com/greenport-cruiseand-congress Adriatic Sea Forum 24-25 October Ravenna, Italy www.adriaticseaforum.com/forum Interferry2024 26-30 October Marrakesh, Morocco www.interferry.com/interferry-2024conference-marrakech-morocco International Cruise Summit 12-13 November Madrid, Spain www.internationalcruisesummit.com Motorship Propulsion & Future Fuels 19-21 November Hamburg, Germany www.motorship.com/propulsion-and-futurefuels-conference IMPA Singapore 26-27 November Singapore www.impaevents.com/event/singapore Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe 4-5 December London, UK cruiseshipinteriors-europe.com The International Maritime Organization has chosen ‘Our Ocean – Our Obligation – Our Opportunity’ as the theme for next year’s World Maritime Day, which will be celebrated on 25 September 2025.
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MARKETWATCH: EVENT PREVIEW Taking place from 3-6 September 2024 in Hamburg, Germany, SMM 2024 will focus on decarbonisation and the digital transformation of the shipping industry. Discussions at the event will focus on how the maritime industry can move towards carbon neutrality by 2050, digitalise its operations, cope with volatile global supply chains and geopolitical instability. “The sector can only tackle these difficulties by working together closely,” said Claus Ulrich Selbach of event organiser, Hamburg Messe und Congress. “At SMM we offer shipowners, suppliers and shipyards an optimal platform for their joint efforts to develop feasible technology solutions that address the pressing challenges of our time. The enormous interest from exhibitors and visitors alike tells us that there is a tremendous need for communication.” Organisers are expecting more visitors and exhibitors in 2024 than at the previous event, partly because the Asian market has fully resumed operations after the pandemic. For example, China and Korea, two big shipbuilding nations, will have a stronger presence at SMM 2024. “We are expecting more than 2,000 international exhibitors from 70 nations to be here [which] means we are almost fully booked,” said Selbach. “We are overwhelmed by the response [and] are setting up an additional hall to accommodate all requests. Ticket sales are likewise very strong, and we are anticipating an attendance of over 40,000.” The 31st SMM will have a dedicated AI Center in Hall B6, which will show start-up companies how artificial intelligence technologies are being used in maritime projects. “AI fundamentally changes our economy and our business processes across all industries, [and] it harbours many opportunities for the shipping sector, as well,” said Petra Vorsteher, cofounder and CEO of AI.Hamburg and initiator of the AI Center. SMM 2024 will also focus on recruiting young talent to the industry. For the first time, the Maritime Career Market and the Career Forum will take place on two days in Hall B2. “This is where young jobseekers can meet potential employers; they will receive information about jobs on shore and at sea as well as training programmes, career opportunities and job openings in the maritime sector,” said Christoph Lücke, SMM director. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend conferences and networking events. Register for the event at: www.smm-hamburg.com SMM 2024: decarbonising the shipping industry 3-6 September 2024 | Hamburg, Germany 35 Photo: Hamburg Messe und Congress/Michael Zapf Photo: Hamburg Messe und Congress/Michael Zapf Photo: Stephan Wallocha
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