Austal Launches First
Hawaii Superferry, Largest Ever USA Built Aluminum High
Speed Vessel
Mobile January 19, 2007 -
Another important milestone in the development of Austal
USA was achieved on January 18 with the successful
launch of Hull 615, a 107-meter high-speed
vehicle-passenger catamaran for Hawaii
Superferry.
A large local crowd given
AUSTAL USA’s location opposite the city center in
downtown Mobile, Alabama watched the impressive launch
process. The day began with a floating drydock being
secured to the Austal sea wall on the Mobile River in
front of the assembly bay. After ensuring that the
drydock was properly aligned and secured the process of
rolling the ferry out onto the drydock began with
specialist operators maintaining an even distribution of
weight at all times. This drydock was then towed back
down river to deeper waters enabling the sinking and
float-off of the ferry allowing her to be returned and
tied up alongside Austal USA.
The day also revealed for the
first time the impressive customized paint scheme
developed by Hawaii Superferry that has been kept a
closely guarded secret prior to launch. The ferry will
now undergo final commissioning and sea trials before
undertaking a delivery voyage to Hawaii where it will
commence service.
Austal USA’s Chief Operating
Officer, Dan Spiegel commented on the success of the
launch by saying,
"Austal is proud to have
designed and constructed this state-of-the-art vessel.
It is the first one of its kind in the United States and
we have been looking forward to the launch of this ferry
for over two years since we celebrated the start of
construction. This event represents Austal’s leadership
when it comes to high-speed aluminum vessel design and
construction."
Since the front wall was
recently removed in preparation for the launch the true
scale of the fast ferry was clearly evident given the
very tight fit within the enormous assembly bay. Hawaii
Superferry’s first vessel is the largest aluminum vessel
built in the USA to date. This is a testament to the
establishment and investment by Austal since first
acquiring the vacant land in 2000 and developing a
purpose-built aluminum shipyard dedicated to the
recruitment and training of first class tradespeople for
the production of high speed, high technology aluminum
vessels.
Following on from the prior
completion of several smaller ferries up to 58 meters
the ability of Austal USA to now build, engineer and
launch a 107 meter design showcases what is being called
a US ‘center of excellence’ for high speed vessel
construction. In developing its workforce size over
seven years from a start up to numbers now approaching
850, Austal USA is able to leverage off Austal’s 19 year
experience in Australia. Since 2000, it has led in the
advanced design and delivery of +70 meter (230’)
high-speed vessels by a factor of 2:1 over the nearest
global competitor.
In deliveries to follow the
record set by the 107 meter Hawaii Superferry catamarans
will be further eclipsed with the launch of two 127
meter trimaran Littoral Combat Ships also contracted and
currently under construction for the US Navy at the
Austal USA facility.
Construction began on the
first Hawaii Superferry in June 2004 with a visit from a
Hawaiian priest, or Kahu, to formally bless the vessel,
the assembly bay and everyone that was involved in the
project. Full contract funding for this two-vessel
project was confirmed in October 2005 enabling work to
be completed at an accelerated pace. Construction is
advanced on the second ferry that is scheduled for
completion in the first half of 2009 following the
launch of the first Littoral Combat Ship.
Hawaii Superferry plans to
use Austal fast ferry technology to establish Hawaii’s
first high-speed vehicle-passenger service. Each
catamaran can carry 866 passengers and up to 282 cars
(or a combination of 28, twelve meter trucks and 65
cars) and provide services connecting Honolulu to Maui
and Kauai in three hours and from Honolulu to the Big
Island in approximately four hours.
With a draft of 3.6 meters
(11’ 8") and beam of 24 meters (78’), the ferry will
commute between the Hawaiian Islands at speeds up to 35
knots. The vessel is four decks high, including two
decks for the car and truck loading, one deck for
passengers and the bridge deck reserved for the pilot
and his crew. The 2nd deck or mezzanine deck is 2/3
hoistable in order to facilitate parking for lighter
cars and leave maximum parking space for the larger
trucks. The Upper Deck or passenger deck includes many
premiere amenities for passengers of all ages besides
comfortable seating. This deck includes a bar and lounge
on each end, food counter, gift shop, video game room,
children’s play area, restrooms, crew mess, purser’s
office, and first aid room.
The ferry is powered by four
MTU 20V 8000 M70 main engines connected to four ZF 53000
gearboxes. Maneuverability is supplied through four
individually driven Kamewa 125 S11 waterjets.
PRINCIPAL
PARTICULARS
- Length overall: 106.5
meters / 349’-4"
- Length waterline: 92.4
meters / 303’-1"
- Beam moulded: 23.8 meters
/ 78’-1"
- Hull depth moulded: 9.4
meters / 30’-10"
- Hull draft (maximum): 3.65
meters / 11’-8"
- Deadweight (maximum): 800
tonnes / 882 tons
- Passengers 866
- Crew as per USCG
requirements
- Vehicles: 282 cars / or 28
forty-foot trucks (342 lane meters) with 65
cars
- Axle loads: - center
lanes: 16.5 tons (single axle) / 13.2 tons (dual
axle)
- Axle loads: - outer lanes:
9.9 tons (single axle) / 13.2 tons (dual axle)
- Vehicle deck clear height:
- mezzanines raised 4.6 - 4.7 meters / 15'1" -
15’5"
- Vehicle deck clear height:
- mezzanines lowered 2.6 meters / 8’6" below / 2.2
meters / 7’3" above
- Fuel (approx): 215,000
liters/ 56,800 gallons
PROPULSION
- Main engines: 4 x MTU 20V
8000 M70 / 4 @ 8,200 kW / 10,996 hp
- Propulsion: 4 x KaMeWa 125
S11
- Service speed: 35.0 knots,
90% MCR, 400 tons
SURVEY
- Classification:
Germanischer Lloyd
Appointment to the Canadian
Transportation Agency
Ottawa January 26, 2007 - The
Honorable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the
appointment of Mr. Geoffrey C. Hare as member and chair
of the Canadian Transportation Agency.
"I am very pleased that Mr.
Hare has accepted this key role," said Minister Cannon.
"His extensive background in public policy, planning and
development will provide the agency with experienced
leadership over the coming years."
Mr. Hare holds a master of
environmental studies degree and a Bachelor of Arts
degree from York University. In over 25 years with the
Ontario government, he held senior management positions
in the ministries of Finance and Economic Development
and Trade, and with a number of provincial agencies,
including the Ontario SuperBuild Corporation and the
Ontario Jobs and Investment Board. His last position was
as deputy minister of the Ministry of Public
Infrastructure Renewal, where he played a lead role in
developing infrastructure investment plans, major
project development and financing, developing and
implementing the government’s growth planning agenda,
and negotiating federal-provincial infrastructure
investment agreements. During his public service career,
Mr. Hare’s responsibilities included: economic policy;
sectoral competitiveness and development;
transportation, energy and environmental policy
development; investment attraction and retention;
infrastructure policy and planning; reviews of capital
and business assets; community and regional development;
and communications. Mr. Hare is a former board member of
the Ontario Realty Corporation and the Ontario Clean
Water Agency, and has provided executive support to
committees of Cabinet and public-private advisory
boards.
Mr. Hare has been appointed
member and chair of the Canadian Transportation Agency
for a period of five years.
The Canadian Transportation
Agency’s mission is to administer transportation
legislation and Government of Canada policies to help
achieve an efficient and accessible transportation
system by education, consultation and essential
regulation.
Holland America Line Offers
Exceptional Savings With View &
Verandah
Seattle January 26, 2007 -
Cruisers who book Holland America Line through the end
of February will be rewarded with exceptional savings on
most cruises and CruiseTours as well as free upgrades on
selected sailings. The premium line's annual View and
Verandah Sale applies to nearly all of its more than 500
sailings in 2007 and savings can reach as much as $750
per person.
"We're giving guests an
incredible value for their money and even offering an
upgrade on selected sailings," said Richard D. Meadows,
CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and
guest programs, Holland America Line. "With View and
Verandah savings applying to most sailings in 2007, this
is really the best time to plan this year's
vacation."
With the View and Verandah
promotion, guests can book a verandah stateroom for the
price of an outside stateroom or book an outside
stateroom for the price of an inside on select sailings.
For example, guests can save $500 per person by booking
a verandah stateroom for $1,899 on the 10-day, July 20
Westerdam Mediterranean cruise sailing roundtrip from
Rome. Or guests can save $100 per person when booking an
outside stateroom for $849 on the 7-day, May 26
Oosterdam Alaska sailing roundtrip from
Seattle.
Central Park West "Docks"
With Princess Cruises® for 7-Day "Escape Completely"
Cruise for Two
Irvine CA January 29, 2007 -
Dream of traveling to tropical beaches? Do warm waters
and cool breezes sound good right now? How about
"locking and leaving" to sail the seas in style -- and
escape -- completely?
To help celebrate the highly
anticipated February 10, 2007 opening of the Lennar Home
Store at Central Park West, Princess Cruises® has just
launched its 2007 Central Park West Princess Cruises
Escape Completely® Sweepstakes!
Visit www.cpwliving.com right
now and learn how you can enter to win the chance to set
sail from Los Angeles or San Diego to embark on a 7-day
Mexican Riviera cruise and explore the exotic shorelines
and intoxicating cities of Puerta Vallarta, Mazatlan and
Cabo San Lucas, where you’ll be invited to enjoy the
culture, worship the sun, savor the fresh air and
indulge in incredible cuisine.
"This is the lifestyle of
Central Park West," said Denise Hayes, Vice President of
Marketing for Lennar’s Orange Coast Land Division,
master plan developer of Central Park West. "Our
homebuyers are world travelers, people who can lock
their front doors and leave, in a moment’s notice, for
points unknown. That’s why our partnership with Princess
Cruises is so perfect for Central Park West. We both
cater to people who live lives of luxury and appreciate
conveniences that make their escapes and explorations
easier."
To enter for a chance to win
the 2007 Central Park West Princess Cruises Escape
Completely Sweepstakes, homeshoppers must register
online at www.cpwliving.com.
Those previously registered
at the website also can log on to begin their registry
for the sweepstakes. Once registered, homeshoppers must
visit the CPW Living studio in person to complete and
submit an entry form beginning on Saturday, February 10,
2007. The fortunate recipient will be notified by mail
at the conclusion of the promotion on April 30,
2007.
"What an exciting way to
celebrate BOTH the Central Park West lifestyle and the
February 10 opening of the Lennar Home Store," said
Hayes. "The buzz over Central Park West has been
astounding as people discover Irvine’s first
urban master-planned community with its fabulous
list of resident amenities and convenient advantages.
Visit us on February 10 to enter the 2007 Central Park
West Princess Cruises Escape Completely Sweepstakes and
learn about the lifestyle awaiting you only at Central
Park West."
Central Park West has been
planned to include a total of 1,380 highly stylized
urban residences linked through trails to a showcase
"Zen-like" recreational clubhouse as well as an
assortment of parks and other cool places, and a large
neighborhood retail center adjacent to a four-story
office building. Now open near Central Park West is the
CPW Living Studio where "people on the go and in the
know" visit to learn all about Central Park
West.
"On February 10, the Lennar
Home Store will open at the CPW Living Studio," said
Hayes. "Here, homeshoppers will be invited to learn
about the brand new Lennar homes preparing to open for
sale soon at Central Park West as well as walk through
the high-rise model home of Astoria (now selling), enjoy
interactive kiosks, and view a community video created
to help you find the perfect home of your
dreams."
Lennar currently has three
Central Park West enclaves which will make their preview
debut during the February event: Granville, a collection
of contemporary soft lofts; Maxfield, a modern low-rise
neighborhood of soft lofts and townhomes; and Chelsea, a
brownstone-inspired townhome neighborhood.
Now available for pre-sales
are the high-rise condominium homes of Astoria, where
residents will benefit from a number of amenities and
services exclusive to Astoria’s 14- and 15-story towers
– as well as all the other advantages of Central Park
West.
Astoria’s hotel-style
amenities are anticipated to include a spacious and
elegantly appointed lobby, a business center, ample
guest parking, a fully equipped fitness center, and an
elevated view terrace with an oversized swimming pool
and spa. Residents also will enjoy a beautifully
furnished community room, which will be available for
private parties.
Homeshoppers can learn more
about all the enclaves at Central Park West and enter to
win the 2007 Central Park West Princess Cruises Escape
Completely Sweepstakes by visiting the CPW Living
Studio, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, situated just
off Jamboree Road, at the corner of Michelson and
Obsidian. (The Astoria sales center closes at 4 p.m. on
Saturdays and Sundays.)
Central Park West is located
along the northwest corner of Jamboree Road and
Michelson Drive, just off the coastal side of the I-405
Freeway. To visit the CPW Living Studio situated across
Michelson from the site, exit south on Jamboree from the
I-405, turn right on Michelson and left on Obsidian into
the Studio’s parking area.
Majestic America Line's
'Empress of the North' Delivers One of Highest Rated
Cruise Experiences in the World According to the Readers
of Conde Nast Traveler
Seattle January 30, 2007 -
Majestic America Line, one of the world's premier river
cruise lines and the largest river and coastal cruising
company in America, announced today that its 223-guest
ship, the Empress of the North, was recognized as one of
the highest rated small cruise ships in the world by the
readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Judged on seven
criteria, the Empress of the North placed eighth in the
competitive small ship category for vessels which
accommodate fewer than 500 guests. The Empress earned an
outstanding overall score of 91.5, with readers awarding
a perfect 100 in crew/service. The prestigious honor was
published in the 2007 Cruise Poll, an annual guide to
the world's top cruise ships.
 Epic
Journeys
"We're very proud that our
outstanding American officers and crew have been
recognized for the service they provide our guests,"
said David A. Giersdorf, President, Majestic America
Line. "Reader's choice awards are incredibly important
because they directly reflect our guests' satisfaction.
Our officers and crew are well known for their warm,
attentive service and they work very hard to ensure that
every guest is surrounded by the kind of deluxe comfort
that makes discovering America on the boutique ships of
Majestic America Line a travel experience unlike any
other."
This year, Conde Nast
Traveler readers rated 230 ships on seven criteria
including itineraries, shore excursions, crew/service,
cabins, food/dining, activities/facilities and
design/layout. In addition to a perfect score for its
outstanding crew and service, the Empress of the North,
one of Majestic America Line's two vessels that call on
Alaska and one of three that ply the historic waters of
the Columbia & Snake Rivers, achieved especially
high marks for its extraordinary itineraries, included
shore excursions and spacious cabins, most featuring
private verandahs.
The elegant Empress of the
North is one of seven spectacular and unique ships in
the Majestic America Line fleet. This state-of-the-art
ship was custom built to sail the inland and coastal
waters of the United States and to deliver a balance of
modern refinement and historical charm. In 2007 the ship
will embark on 45 voyages on the rivers of the Pacific
Northwest and Alaska's Inside Passage. A journey on
board the Empress of the North allows discerning
travelers to experience the scenic and historic places
and varied cultures that have shaped America through the
years.
Guests and travel agents can
learn more about traveling on the Empress of the North
or any of Majestic America Line's ships by visiting the
Web site at www.MajesticAmericaLine.com or by calling
1-800-434-1232.
$100,000 In Prize Money
Available in Wild Winners Slot and Blackjack Tournaments
Aboard Carnival Fun Ships
Miami January 30, 2007 -
Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s most popular cruise
operator, and the Ocean Players Club, a casino rewards
program for guests sailing aboard the World’s Leading
Cruise Lines, have teamed up to host 20 slot and
blackjack tournaments throughout 2007 offering more than
$100,000 in cash prizes.
The tournaments will be held
on 19 different three- to eight-day "Fun Ship" cruises
operating January - October 2007, culminating in a
"Grand Final Event" aboard the new Carnival Freedom in
November.
"With such a wide range of
ships, itineraries and departure points, these ‘Wild
Winners’ tournaments provide guests with a variety of
opportunities to compete in thrilling slot and blackjack
tournaments for $100,000 in cash prizes," said Bob
Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
Each of the 19 preliminary
tournaments offers $5,000 in cash prizes, with a first
prize $2,500 and a complimentary cruise for two on the
Carnival Freedom’s Nov. 12 departure to participate in
the finals. The "Grand Final Event" held on the Carnival
Freedom offers $20,000 in cash prizes for the slot
tournament, $10,000 in cash prizes for the blackjack
tournament.
Participants are encouraged
to pre-register for the tournament via the Ocean Players
Club Web site at www.oceanplayersclub.com. Tournament
entry fee is $50 per person for the preliminary rounds,
$100 per person for the "Grand Final Event."
Tournament dates are as
follows:
• Jan. 29 – Fascination –
four-day Caribbean cruise from Miami (slot
tournament)
• Feb. 10 – Ecstasy –
five-day Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas (slot
tournament)
• Feb. 25 – Carnival Pride –
seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach, Calif.
(slot/blackjack tournaments)
• March 9 – Fascination –
three-day Bahamas cruise from Miami (slot
tournament)
• March 22 – Imagination –
four-day Caribbean cruise from Miami (slot
tournament)
• April 9 – Carnival Legend –
four-day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
(slot tournament)
• April 23 – Paradise –
four-day Baja cruise from Long Beach (slot
tournament)
• May 3 – Carnival Miracle –
eight-day Caribbean cruise from New York (slot/blackjack
tournaments)
• May 27 – Elation – six-day
Baja cruise from San Diego (slot/blackjack
tournaments)
• June 12 – Carnival Victory
– four-day Canada cruise from New York (slot
tournament)
• June 17 – Carnival Liberty
– six-day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale
(slot/blackjack tournaments)
• July 9 – Elation – five-day
Baja cruise from San Diego (slot tournament)
• July 28 – Carnival Glory –
seven-day Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral, Fla.
(slot/blackjack tournaments)
• Aug. 6 – Ecstasy – five-day
Caribbean cruise from Galveston (slot
tournament)
• Aug. 28 – Carnival Triumph
– five-day Caribbean cruise from New Orleans (slot
tournament)
• Sept. 7 – Fascination –
three-day Bahamas cruise from Miami (slot
tournament)
• Sept. 23 – Carnival Liberty
– six-day Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale
(slot/blackjack tournaments)
• Oct. 1 – Fantasy – five-day
Caribbean cruise from New Orleans (slot
tournament)
• Oct. 13 – Inspiration –
five-day Caribbean cruise from Tampa (slot
tournament)
• Nov. 12 – Carnival Freedom
– four-day Caribbean cruise from Miami (Grand Final
Event)
In addition to experiencing
the wide variety of on-board dining, activity and
entertainment options aboard the "Fun Ships," "Wild
Winners" slot and blackjack tournament participants who
pre-register will receive a special Bon Voyage gift. A
drawing will also be held each cruise awarding a
complimentary cruise for two aboard the Carnival
Freedom’s Nov. 12 departure.
Norwegian Cruise Line Inks
Environmental Agreement with Port Of Los
Angeles
Miami January 29, 2007 -
Furthering NCL's continued commitment to the
environment, NCL Corporation has signed a multi-year
agreement with the Port of Los Angeles that includes
several measures designed to support the port’s clean
air initiatives.
As of Jan. 1, NCL's Norwegian
Star, which is homeported in Los Angeles, has been using
only low-sulfur fuel (with less than 0.05 percent
sulfur) while at the Port of Los Angeles. Norwegian Star
is also participating in the port's Vessel Speed
Reduction Program, which limits air emissions by slowing
ships to 12 knots or less when within 40 nautical miles
of the port.
In addition, NCL will utilize
Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) on its vessels when it
becomes available to cruise ships at the port in 2008.
AMP, more widely known as shore power or "cold ironing",
allows vessels to turn off their diesel-burning engines
while docked and plug into cleaner, shore side
electrical power, reducing air emissions while in
port.
"We applaud the Port of Los
Angeles for their forward-thinking environmental
initiatives," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of
NCL Corporation. "We are pleased to be in the forefront
of port users in implementing the port's Eco-friendly
measures."
NCL has completed the initial
technical modifications necessary to allow Norwegian
Star to plug into the port's AMP program. The second
phase, which includes the installation of the plug-in
switchboard, is scheduled to take place by the end of
the year. Depending on the size of the ship, estimates
are that AMP will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) by one
ton and take more than half a ton of sulfur oxides (SOx)
out of the air each day a ship is at berth and plugged
in.
"The only way to clean the
air in and around the Port of Los Angeles is to continue
pushing the envelope in reaching new environmental
agreements with our partner tenants," said Geraldine
Knatz, Port of Los Angeles executive director. "We are
very excited about the positive impact of this agreement
and we look forward to working closely with NCL as we
move forward."
Norwegian Star sails
eight-day Mexican Riviera itineraries from Los Angeles
January through April 2007 and October 2007 through
April 2008.
NCL Corporation Ltd. is an
innovative cruise company headquartered in Miami,
Florida, with a fleet of 15 ships in service and under
construction. The corporation oversees the operations of
Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America, and Orient Lines.
The company recently took delivery of its newest ship,
Norwegian Pearl, and is currently building Norwegian Gem
for delivery in October of 2007.
In addition, NCL plans to
build up to three new third generation Freestyle
Cruising ships for delivery between 2009 and 2011. NCL
is on target to have the youngest fleet in the industry
by 2010, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy the
flexibility of Freestyle Cruising on the newest, most
contemporary ships at sea.
Viking River Cruises Elevates
Marketing and Sales Organization
Los Angeles January 30, 2007
- Viking River Cruises today announced a major
strengthening of its marketing and sales organization in
North America. This will mark the appointments of
multiple senior executives: Eric Welter, senior vice
president marketing and sales North America; Tom
Russell, senior vice president sales North America and
international; and Richard Marnell, vice president
marketing planning.
"I am very pleased to make
these announcements, which tremendously strengthen the
Viking management team," said Torstein Hagen, chairman,
Viking River Cruises. "The fact that we have been able
to attract such outstanding executive talents to the
Viking team further solidifies Viking's position as the
industry leader. With Viking River Cruises bookings
already up 25 percent compared to this time last year,
we know these new talents will expand our core strengths
to ensure further growth and development."
Eric Welter has been
appointed senior vice president, marketing and sales,
North America. Prior to joining Viking River Cruises,
Eric was senior vice president of marketing services at
J. Jill, a multi-channel retailer of women's apparel. He
also served as vice president of marketing at Geerlings
& Wade, a multi-channel marketer of wine, and
director of marketing at Grand Circle Corporation. Eric
has a strong background in multi-channel and direct
marketing, and understands the travel industry well. He
has a degree in Statistics and Mathematics from St.
Cloud State University in Minn.
Tom Russell has been
appointed senior vice president sales North America and
international, and will work closely alongside Eric, who
is responsible for overall marketing and sales. He will
also work hand-in-hand with Mike Wiersema, who remains
responsible for North American retail sales. Tom comes
from Uniworld, where he was senior vice president of
marketing and sales. Prior to that, he held senior
marketing and sales positions with Holland America Line,
Windstar Cruises and Princess Cruises. Tom was also one
of the founding managers of Silversea Cruises, and holds
undergraduate and graduate degrees from California State
University Dominguez Hills.
Richard Marnell has been
appointed vice president market planning, where he will
coordinate the overall marketing planning for Viking
River Cruises. Richard comes to Viking from J. Jill as
well, where he served as operating vice president of
direct marketing. Additionally, he has more than 12
years experience in the travel industry, having worked
at Grand Circle Corporation and Oversees Adventure
Travel. Richard has a B.A. in Economics and Political
Science from Fordham University, N.Y., and an MBA from
Babson University, Wellesley, Mass.
Royal Caribbean Turns Heads
With Top Honors for Public Relations and
Marketing
Miami January 31, 2007 -
Royal Caribbean International celebrated its highly
successful 2006 launch of Freedom of the Seas at the
Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association
International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards in New York City
this week. The cruise line swept all major award
categories, including "Best of Show" and Yahoo!'s "Big
Idea Chair" distinction.
Royal Caribbean's nationally
televised three-hour live broadcast on the "TODAY" show
from the world's largest and most innovative ship
received top honors, taking home the platinum award for
"Best Feature Placement Broadcast," and the Freedom of
the Seas website was awarded the cruise line's second
platinum distinction of the evening for its immersive,
user-friendly design. Gold awards were given in five
categories: "Best New Ship Launch" for its overall
Freedom of the Seas public relations program; "Best
Special Event" for its FlowRider event; "Best Feature
Placement" for articles in USA Today and TIME; "Best
Newsletter" for Freedom of the Seas' Vodcast; and "Best
Feature Placement Print/Trade" for its Travel Agent
cover story.
A high point in the evening
was the presentation of the "Yahoo! Big Idea Chair"
award to the team, which recognizes forward-thinking
campaigns and the strategic minds behind them. The
iconic purple and gold Yahoo! Big Idea Chair will be
proudly displayed in the lobby of its corporate offices
in Miami.
In addition to these honors,
Royal Caribbean's SVP of marketing, Alice Norsworthy,
was named one of AdvertisingAge Magazine's top 50
marketing executives for 2006. The magazine credited
Norsworthy for the cruise line's initiatives that 'broke
through the clutter' and 'delivered real impact' to the
cruise line's audiences, guests and partners. Ms.
Norsworthy accepted the award at the magazine's ceremony
in New York City today.
All 39 Canadian Passengers
Safe After MS Nordkapp Runs Aground in
Antarctica
Toronto January 31, 2007 -
GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel & Tours, Canadian
representative for Norwegian Coastal Voyage, would like
to reassure Canadians that all 39 Canadian passengers on
board the Norwegian Coastal Voyage ship MS Nordkapp are
safe and no injuries have been reported after the ship
ran aground on Tuesday January 30, 2007 at 2:30 PM local
time - just off Deception Island, which is part of the
South Shetland Island archipelago in Antarctica. The
ship is now anchored off Whalers Bay.
MS Nordnorge arrived at
Whalers Bay around 07:00 - 08:00 am this morning local
time. All passengers have been transferred to MS
Nordnorge, which will then sail directly to Ushuaia,
Argentina, arriving on Friday morning (February 2,
2007).
A British navy vessel with
divers onboard is on its way to MS Nordkapp, which spans
123-metres and was built in 1996, and will help to
inspect the damage. The navy vessel arrived at Whalers
Bay this morning. The ship has also offered to provide
assistance in escorting MS Nordkapp back to Argentina
after the damage has been inspected.
As a matter of routine, the
ship has activated oil protection equipment, but no
spillage has so far been registered from the
ship.
There are a total of 370
persons on board - 294 passengers and a crew of 76.
Nineteen nationalities are represented with 39 Canadians
on board.
Appointments to the
Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada
Ottawa January 31, 2007 - The
Honorable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport,
Infrastructure and Communities, today announced the
reappointment of Dr. Michel Larose and the appointment
of Mr. Richard Willems to the Transportation Appeal
Tribunal of Canada.
"I am pleased that Dr. Larose
and Mr. Willems have accepted to serve as members of the
Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada," said Minister
Cannon. "Their collective experience and successes in a
variety of fields, as well as the transportation sector,
will be tremendous assets to the tribunal."
Dr. Larose holds a bachelor
of arts from André Grasset College in Montreal and a
medical degree from the University of Montreal. He is
currently medical assessor for the Commission des
lésions professionnelles, medical director for the Union
of Canadian Officers of the Naval Port of Canada,
medical director for the Community of Grey Nuns of
Montreal as well as counsel member of the Counsel of
Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists of Notre Dame Hospital
of Montreal (CHUM). Dr. Larose is a member of the
Administrative Counsel of CARE Canada and a former
investigative coroner. He has been reappointed to the
Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada for two
years.
Mr. Willems has been pilot in
command of a Canadair Challenger for Rogers
Telecommunications Limited for over 13 years. He holds
an Airline Transport Pilot license as well as two years
experience towards an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
license. He has also taken a number of aviation courses
throughout his career, covering such topics as
international procedures, flight safety crew resource
management, weather radar, jet transition, dangerous
goods, aircraft accident survival and cabin crew
training. Mr. Willems has been appointed to the
Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada for three
years.
David Axson and Princess
Cruises Headline Cognos Innovation Center Webinar Feb.
6
Burlington MA February 1,
2007 - Cognos, the world leader in business intelligence
and performance management solutions, today announced
that Cognos Innovation Center Advisor, David Axson, will
keynote a Webinar February 6 to examine the challenges
decision-makers face as they strive to gain sustainable
competitive advantage by improving performance
management processes.
The presentation will begin
at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. During the session, Mr. Axson
will discuss:
- Why it is important for
companies to look at both improved efficiency and
effectiveness
- How organizations should
think about improvements in four critical areas:
process quality, staff leverage, risk mitigation and
decision quality
- What quantitative
performance improvement opportunities can be expected
as decision-making improves
Mr. Axson will be joined by
Princess Cruises’ Director of Financial Planning and
Analysis, Greg Bozigian, to discuss his company’s
award-winning performance management
implementation.
Mr. Axson is President of The
Sonax Group and co-founder of The Hackett Group. He has
served as a Cognos Innovation Center Advisor since its
inception in 2004. Mr. Axson has recently authored a
book entitled "Best Practices in Planning and
Performance Management: From Data to Decisions. The book
is the second edition of a highly successful first
edition entitled Best Practices in Planning and
Management Reporting.
Princess Cruises’ success
story is profiled in Mr. Axson’s new book.
Port of Los Angeles Signs
Agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line That Includes
Multiple Environmental Initiatives
San Pedro CA January 31, 2007
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has signed a multi-year
agreement with the Port of Los Angeles. This includes
commitments to several environmental programs, including
the use of alternative maritime power (AMP) on its
Norwegian Star ship, which is homeported at the
Port of Los Angeles, when it becomes available in
2008.
Environmental program
commitments in the agreement include: compliance with
the Port’s Vessel Speed Reduction Program which
eliminates air emissions by slowing the ship
significantly when it comes within 40 nautical miles of
the Port; using low sulfur fuel (less than 0.5 percent
sulfur) while navigating in and around the Port of Los
Angeles; and AMP, also known as cold-ironing, which
allows the ship to turn off its diesel-burning engines
while at dock and plug into clean, shoreside electrical
power.
"The only way we are going to
lower port-related air pollution is to continue to push
the envelope in reaching new agreements with our partner
tenants," said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., Port executive
director. "This agreement is a new chapter in our
relationships with cruise line companies, and we are
excited to be working closely with NCL as we move
forward."
"We applaud the Port of Los
Angeles for their forward-thinking environmental
initiatives," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of
NCL Corporation. "We are pleased to be in the forefront
of port users in implementing the port’s Eco-friendly
measures."
In November 2006, the ports
of Los Angeles and Long Beach approved an unprecedented
joint action to improve air quality in the South Coast
Air Basin called the Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP). The
five-year plan is a blueprint for the ports to
significantly reduce the health risks posed by air
pollution from port-related ships, trains, trucks,
terminal equipment and harbor craft. Considered a
"living document," the plan allows for updating as new
technologies and processes become available. As part of
the CAAP, the ports will be utilizing electrical shore
power whenever possible, as demonstrated by this latest
agreement with NCL.
The Port of Los Angeles is
the first and only port in the world currently using AMP
technology on container ships. The move to use AMP
technology on cruise ships has been under negotiation
for some time. Princess Cruise Line has also signed an
agreement to utilize AMP technology for its cruise ships
at the Port of Los Angeles.
Carnival Freedom's European
Cruises: The Ultimate Family Vacation
Miami February 1, 2007 -
Families today are seeking interesting vacation options
that offer exciting and rewarding experiences. And
European cruising -- which combines the opportunity to
explore centuries-old cities with amenities and
conveniences of a "floating resort" -- offers the ideal
all-ages vacation.
Carnival Cruise Lines' new
110,000-ton Carnival Freedom caters to families with
activities and facilities for all ages on two different
European itineraries.
The 2,974-passenger
SuperLiner debuts March 5, 2007, with a nine-day
Mediterranean voyage, then begins 12-day Mediterranean
and Mediterranean & Greek Isles cruises March
14.
"Families have moved beyond
summer road trips toward sharing enriching cultural
experiences," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and
CEO. "A 'Fun Ship' cruise to Europe enables families to
enjoy the region's art, architecture and cuisine, then
return to the familiar shipboard environment with its
specialized programs for children and teens."
Expansive Play
Area
A 4,200-square-foot play area
anchors Carnival Freedom's "Camp Carnival" program. The
facility is divided into five areas: "movie room"
featuring kids' favorite films and cartoons,
arts-and-crafts center, "soft play area" for toddlers, a
gaming area with Play Station 2 consoles, and library of
children's books.
"Camp Carnival" play area
activities emphasize music, reading, art, geography,
science and physical fitness.
Teen Amenities
Teens have an on-board place
to call their own in the 1,800-square-foot "Club O2."
Designed for ages 15 to 17, the facility includes a
dance floor, DJ, state-of-the-art sound and lighting,
non-alcoholic specialty drink lounge and game room. A
library offers teen-oriented books.
Children ages 12-14 and their
parents can enjoy body and beauty treatments on port
days in Carnival's YSPA youth spa program. Carnival's
teen shore excursions provide counselors to accompany
kids ages 12-17 on "just-for-teens" experiences on
European voyages.
Family Amenities
Kids and adults alike will
enjoy Carnival Freedom's four swimming pools and
214-foot-long "Twister Waterslide."
"Carnival's Seaside Theatre"
entertainment center features a 270-square- foot
poolside screen displaying movies, concerts and other
programming.
Parents, grandparents and
children can participate in such multigenerational
activities as arts and crafts, "family water play" and
make- your-own-sundae sessions.
Carnival Freedom offers
dozens of interconnecting staterooms for large families
or family gatherings, with discounts for third and
fourth guests in the same stateroom.
Babysitting will be available
at an hourly rate in the children's playroom after 10
p.m. Strollers, bouncy seats, travel swings and GameBoy
portable gaming units can be rented.
Kid-friendly dining options
include children's menus, 24-hour pizza and ice cream, a
turn-down service providing cookies at bedtime, and the
"Fountain Fun Card," which provides unlimited soft
drinks for a one-time fee. Children can also dine with
the youth counselors on Lido Deck.
Cruising the Mediterranean,
Greece, Turkey
Carnival Freedom debuts March
5, 2007, with a nine-day Mediterranean voyage from
Venice then launches 12-day "Grand Mediterranean" and
"Mediterranean & Greek Isles" cruises March 14,
2007, operating round-trip from Rome
(Civitavecchia).
Twelve-day "Grand
Mediterranean" cruises visit Naples, Italy; Dubrovnik,
Croatia; Venice, Italy (two-day call); Messina, Sicily;
Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Livorno, Italy.
Twelve-day "Mediterranean & Greek Isles" cruises
include Naples, Italy; Rhodes, Greece; Izmir (Ephesus)
and Istanbul, Turkey; Athens (Piraeus) and Katakolon,
Greece; Livorno, Italy, and an overnight call in Rome
(Civitavecchia).
More than 80 shore excursions
and a variety of pre- and post-cruise Rome land stays
are available.
Industry and Interested
Parties Requested to Comment - Public Hearings March 14,
2007
Panama City, Panama, February
2, 2007 - On January 25, 2007, the Panama Canal
Authority's (ACP) Board of Directors gave authorization
to proceed with a formal proposal to restructure the
Canal's pricing system and certain regulations. The
proposal was officially published today and can be
accessed at www.pancanal.com.
As the world becomes more
interconnected - barriers dropping, tariffs reduced -
the significance of the Panama Canal and its function in
the global supply chain become more important. Shippers
moving goods from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Asia can save
up to 10 voyage days via the Panama Canal, and vessels
traveling from the West Coast of South America to the
U.S. East Coast shave an estimated eight to 16 voyage
days compared to alternative routes. Given the cost
increases in shipbuilding, fuel and vessel operations,
the route through the Panama Canal has significantly
increased its value to its users.
In addition, the Canal has
become more efficient and is transiting more tonnage.
Despite these more challenging demands, the Canal
continues to increase overall efficiency and reduce
transit time. Moreover, in FY 2006, the Canal tied its
own 2004 safety record with just 10 accidents out of
14,194 transits - the fewest number of accidents in 81
years.
Proposed changes to the
pricing system and Canal regulations include:
* Maximum Displacement Draft
vs. Arrival Draft: The ACP is proposing a change for
vessels charged based on their displacement to simplify
and streamline the process. The Canal proposes that the
charge is based upon the maximum displacement draft
instead of the arrival draft to assess tolls according
to the specified tonnage rate.
* Administrative Changes:
Some administrative changes have been made, but these
changes will have no economic impact whatsoever. These
revisions provide necessary linguistic and grammatical
clarifications to the document or reinsert missing words
to processes and procedures.
* Passenger Vessels:
Regarding passenger vessels, the ACP is proposing an
assessment of tolls based on maximum passenger capacity.
In general, under this change, large vessels will be
charged tolls on a per berth basis, and smaller ships
will continue under the Canal tonnage tolls system.
These changes are largely due to suggestions from
industry representatives and evidence another example of
the ACP listening to the industry.
* Tolls: The adjustments and
implementation dates of proposed tolls depend on each
segment that transits the Canal: container vessels,
passenger vessels, general cargo, refrigerated cargo,
dry bulk, tankers and vehicle carriers. These
adjustments provide Panama Canal price stability for
three years. Of note, tolls for non container segments
have not increased in the last four years.
"This proposal is well
thought out and well researched. We recognize the value
of the Panama Canal and its service to the shipping and
maritime communities, and, indeed, to global trade.
These new prices will allow us to continue providing the
industry with the service they want and the service they
deserve. At the same time, they will allow us to make
the programmed investments for the Panama Canal Master
Plan, which proposes to expand the capacity of the
existing Canal through the construction of a third set
of locks. The industry has continually requested price
stability and we have included this in our proposal and
extended it until 2009, unparalleled in the industry,"
said ACP Administrator/CEO Alberto Alemán
Zubieta.
Formal consultation on the
proposal begins today and will continue until March 12,
2007, at 4:15 p.m. EST. The ACP will consider inputs,
suggestions and feedback from interested parties. The
ACP welcomes data, opinions, written statements (in
English or Spanish) before the above deadline in person,
via courier or by mail. In addition, a public hearing
will be conducted March 14, 2007, in the "Ascanio
Arosemena" auditorium, Balboa, Republic of Panama at
9:00 a.m. EST.
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