May

Lissabon
This is very sad, George Potamianos was a very special friend and a respected passenger and cruise ship owner and operator. I as very lucky to have met him in Lisbon in 1985. Mr. G.P. Potamianos was a keen enthusiast on classic passenger ships and a believer that some older ships still had a niche market in this world of mega ships.
After a spell of work with Epirotiki Lines in the early seventies - he purchased and converted such ships as the MOLEDET and the RYNDAM, George moved on his own and started to operate the Portuguese passenger ship FUNCHAL in May 1976 in Scandinavian waters. In August 1985 he purchased this ship and moved to Lisbon with his Family, setting up an office and creating Classic International Cruises.
In 1986 the INFANTE DOM HENRIQUE was purchased and rebuilt as VASCO DA GAMA. This ship operated first under a german charter and then in the Caribbean where she was very successful. In 1995 she was sold to Premier Cruises and replaced one year later by PRINCESS DANAE. Further developments to the fleet followed with purchase and conversion of ARION ex ISTRA in 1999-2000. The present fleet includes also ATHENA and PRINCESS DAPHNE, all operating in European waters, except the FUNCHAL which has been laid up in Lisbon since September 2010 and still needs extra SOLAS refitting work. more...

China's outbound tourism market has more than doubled to 70m in just six years and is on track to become the world's largest outbound market.

The Chinese have also increased their per-person spending on outbound travel by two-thirds over the same period and now the China Cruise and Yacht Industry Association (CCYIA) has identified 300m Chinese as potential cruise passengers - the equivalent of the entire population of either North America or Western Europe.

Although current figures are still modest in global terms with 750,000 cruise visitors to Chinese ports in 2011, the key statistic is that the number of homeporting calls overtook transit calls for the first time last year.

Chinese passenger numbers are now approaching 300,000 and cruise lines believe there is longterm potential to turn China into a year-round market with regional cooperation and investment from the ASEAN countries.

The report, which contains an entire chapter on the China phenomenon, also predicts that Chinese shipbuilders will not only build ships for the Chinese market but will ultimately be building for international brands operating outside Asia, too.

At the same time, those international brands already cruising out of China have not ruled out eventually operating Chinese-built ships specifically designed for the China market.

As well as new chapters on China and river cruising, Cruising Through the Perfect Storm will analyse the potential impact of IMO fuel emission regulations and addresses the question on many port and cruise line executives minds': will the new regulations change the cruise business model, post-2015? Other chapters focus on the financial performances of the major cruise companies; a survey of shipyard cruise ship orderbooks; detailed reviews of source markets; comparisons of economic impact studies for cruise industries and destinations; and an overview of global cruise infrastructure developments.

Shanghai
Encouraged by the positive response to its Asia cruises, Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s no.1 cruise company,  plans to position a second cruise ship in the region in May 2013.  So far, the company operates the 1,680-guest Costa Classica in Asia, and the deployment of two larger ships will mean a combined daily guest capacity of 5,074. 
The 75,200-ton, 2,394-guest Costa Victoria is slated to start operations in Asia May 17, 2012, from Shanghai. In May 2013 the 85,700-ton, 2,680- guest Costa Atlantica also will be deployed cruises in Asia. With the debut of Costa Victoria in May 2012 and Costa Atlantica in May 2013, Costa Cruises will offer a unique product for the Asian market called “Italy at Sea,” with Italian-style hospitality, design, shopping, art and cuisine. Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica will offer a variety of short and longer itineraries departing from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong that should appeal to both Asians and Europeans.

Most destinations report increased tourism business so it"s something of a surprise when the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to report a 22% decline for the 2011-12 season. What"s behind it? The main reason: The International Maritime Organization"s ban on heavy fuel oil in Antarctica water that went into effect last summer. The decrease was mostly in the cruise-only category. They are usually larger ships that do not disembark passengers.Smaller and medium-sized ships at the same time had an increase of 9.4%. IAATO said 2012-13 numbers are projected to be on the rise.

The cruise industry has its peaks and troughs and currently the Northern Irish trade is through the roof. Local reporters are suggesting the cruise ship industry in the country could be worth £30m to the local economy on an annual basis within a few short years. The company as the heart of this economic boom is Cruise Belfast, a marketing venture made up of both Belfast Harbour and Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau (BVCB) has already confirmed publicly that the luxury cruise liner business already generates £15m for the local economy every year. Experts have spoken positively however and don’t believe that growth that would see this figure double would be out of reach as the business just seems to keep on generating more and more profit. By 2020, predictions suggest that the industry should be generating around £30m if figures continue to be reached.

From Manufacture to Tourism
Belfast of course, is historically synonymous with the building of cruise ships, notably the infamous RMS Titanic but in modern times, there seems to be an emphasis on tourism. Just recently, it was revealed that the city will be expecting 43 cruise ships over the summer, bringing an estimated 75,000 to the area, breaking all former records. Considering the massive vessels have only been docking in Belfast since 1996, that’s an amazing feat and this influx of visitors is going to take Belfast over the half a million mark since back in 1996.
The range of cruise ships planning to visit Belfast over the coming months includes a massive range of different tour providers including P&O, Fred Olsen and Prestige Cruises. The height of the season peaks in July and August with the last arrival from Phoenix Reisen’s MS Amadea arriving on September 19^th. The range of different arrivals in Belfast will surely make for a fascinating year and boost the economy significantly. A closer look at reviews and information regarding the companies arriving in the docks will be central to the local industry’s success and understanding the expectations of tourists and visitors will rank highly too. Cruise reviews and FAQs can be plainly accessed via the many company websites providing the cruise packages and many of the ships docking in Belfast have a famous, prestigious history. On May 20^th, the Caribbean Princess the biggest liner in Belfast’s history docked in and brought along over 3,000 passengers. These included American tourists keen to get in touch with their Irish heritage and roots. This ship is the fifth of the year already to dock at Belfast so experts are announcing the official beginning of cruise season in Northern Ireland and things are bound to get a whole lot busier.

Belfast Harbour: Growth and Development:
To cope with the growth and changes to the industry, the Belfast Harbour area has been treated to a huge refurbishment and development programme. The Belfast Harbour company have invested £10m to further boost the city’s popularity as a cruise destination by creating the longest deep water berth found in either The Republic of Ireland or the North. This Stormont Wharf development has allowed for the docks to accommodate much larger vessels and therefore increase the number of supersize class ships entering into the Irish waters. Much of the continued growth of the industry is put down directly to the work and effort of the Cruise Belfast Initiative and its backers BVCB and Belfast Harbour which is integral in the worldwide marketing of Belfast as a city which should be included as a cruise ship destination. The impact this growth will have on the local economy will be life altering for many, with a burgeoning tourist population relying on the Belfast natives to provide a fantastic and memorable holiday for them. Both the hospitality and catering industries will see a massive boost and there’s a chance for tourism in Northern Ireland to be significantly enhanced and built upon. With American tourists keen to trace their ancestors and take in the natural beauty spots, the chance to enjoy this city should not be underestimated. The cruise ship industry is a worldwide phenomenon and despite recent mishaps and black marks against the industry, Belfast shows that when it’s done properly, the ships keep coming and there is always scope to build upon past mistakes.

Barcelona
Riviera, Oceania Cruises’ sparkling new entry in the upper-premium cruise segment, set sail today on her 10-day Pearls of the Aegean maiden voyage, from Venice to Athens. 
The 1,250-guest vessel, which launches just 16 months following the debut of her highly acclaimed sister ship, Marina, arrived in Venice fresh from a gala christening ceremony in Barcelona presided over by godmother Cat Cora, who is a well-known American chef, restaurateur, humanitarian, author, and co-host of the new Bravo network television show: “Around the World in 80 Plates.” “As Riviera embarks on her maiden voyage, our guests will no doubt be warmly welcomed by her officers and crew and they are also sure to be impressed by the sophistication and style of this magnificent ship,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Oceania Cruises. “Riviera is a proud addition to the award-winning Oceania Cruises’ fleet.”

Genua/Venice
Costa Cruises has joined with the Venice Municipal dministration and the Piazza San Marco Association to present “Viviamo la città — sei in piazza San Marco” (“Let’s live the town — You’re in Piazza San Marco”), an initiative aimed at improving and preserving Piazza San Marco - Webcams - and the surrounding area — one of the world’s most famous and iconic cultural and historical sites. “Venice is one of the cities we are most fond of, and one of our cruise guests’ favorites,” said Gianni Onorato, Costa Crociere president. “That is why we want to contribute to the preservation of this monumental site that symbolizes the city, working jointly with the local authorities and institutions.” “In Venice we were one of the first, in 2007, to endorse Venice Blue Flag, the agreement to use low-sulphur fuel in the city area,” said Onorato. “Furthermore, our flagships Costa Fascinosa and her sistership Costa Favolosa will be calling in Venice throughout the summer 2012 season, and both ships are ready for fitting with the ‘cold ironing’ system, which allows the engines to be shut down when in the ship is in port and to connect to the shore electricity supply.” more...

Southampton 
It has been announced that Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal will conduct a review of the P&O Cruises fleet as part of The Grand Event on Tuesday July 3rd, 2012, the pinnacle to celebrations which mark 175 years of heritage. 
Her Royal Highness will visit Southampton and join guests on Oriana, the ship named by HM The Queen at its launch in 1995. 
Following the reception, she will join THV Patricia to conduct the Fleet Review in her capacity as Master of the Corporation of Trinity House. Each of the seven ships in the P&O Cruises fleet will depart on a Grand Event cruise and passengers on board will enjoy a special deck party to see them off in style with flutterfetti and daytime pyrotechnics from the quayside. They will leave their berths in Southampton in order and process down the Solent into Southampton Water. The P&O Cruises fleet will then move into formation to pass THV Patricia at Charlie Anchorage and salute HRH the Princess Royal as they are photographed from the air before they sail onwards to their various destinations. “Thousands of people are expected to line the shores to witness this historical occasion, joining over 15,000 passengers and 6000 crew on board the seven ships. “I am sure that this magnificent Fleet Review with Her Royal Highness in celebration of 175 years of heritage will go down in British maritime history, providing long lasting memories as we look forward to the next stage in our company’s history, with a new ship being launched in 2015.”

Washington
The heavy fuel that oceangoing vessels burn adds so much to air pollution hundreds of miles inland that the United States joined with Canada during President George W. Bush’s administration to ask the International Maritime Organization to create an emissions-control area along the coasts.
Large ships would be required to reduce pollution dramatically in a zone 200 miles out to sea along all the coasts of North America, mainly by using cleaner fuel. 
The industry’s lobby group in Washington, D.C., has got Democratic and Republican lawmakers to press the Environmental Protection Agency to look favorably on the industry’s averaging plan. The EPA is pushing back, saying the industry’s plan would lead to an increase in emissions. For now, the EPA is unyielding, but pressure is building. 
The online trade publication Sustainable Shipping reported that cruise companies don’t want to pass on too much of the cost for fear of reducing customer demand, so the industry’s profits might decline. A study for the industry projected fewer cruises to Alaska, Canada and the Caribbean, as well as job losses.

Yeosu, Korea
Five large cruise ships will be visiting the new Terminal, build for the Expo. Ships from Costa, royal Caribbean, MOL, Japan, Harmony Cruises, of Korea and the Oriental Dragon from Hong Kong will be visiting the Port. A Greek Company has together with local Investors leased a laid-up Greek ship, the mv EMERALD, which will be permanently berthed and used as a floating Hotel during the Expo.

PAPENBURG, GERMANY - May 8, 2012
The keel laying of the cruise ship with the yard number S.678 was celebrated at the MEYER WERFT shipyard on Friday, May 4. The first of 73 blocks of the 144,000 GT vessel was lifted into the covered building dock II. In the dock, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO, laid the traditional "lucky coin", before the block was put down by the 800-ton crane. The ship's first block that weighs more than 350 tons marks the start of the ship's construction in the yard's building dock. Norwegian Breakaway is scheduled for delivery in spring 2013. It is the first of two new ships to be built for Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship will accommodate 4000 passengers and more than 1500 crew members.

Turku
Sance Oy has received a new order concerning the new TUI- cruiser. The contract’s parties are Sance and STX Finland Cabins Ltd, and the engineering contract concerns passenger cabins’ HVAC, electrical and interior design. Also at Sance people feel that the TUI - cruiser project is very welcomed for the STX Turku shipyard, especially when there has been a period of having lack of orders and especially the innovation plays a main part of the project. Sance hopes that this will help in some way to challenge other shipyards to invest even more for the development and for new solutions.