CARNIVAL TO RAISE EUROPEAN CAPACITY BY 22%

Carnival Corporation is to raise capacity in Europe by 22% next year on the back of record 2007 profits of $2.4 billion.

The US cruise giant's annual net profits were up from $2.3 billion in 2006 as earnings in the fourth quarter ending November 30 were held back by increased fuel costs and higher dry dock outlay.

Net profits for the final three months of the company's financial year dropped by almost 14% or $58 million to $358 million, blamed on "significantly higher" costs of fuel.

Chairman and CEO Mickey Arison said the group's European brands – which incorporate the Carnival UK business of P&O Cruises, Cunard Line and Ocean Village – enjoyed another record year "absorbing substantial new capacity and driving significant improvement in unit operating profit".

Overall capacity will grow by nine per cent in 2008, mainly driven by the introduction of five new ships across five brands.

Advance bookings for the first half of next year are "well ahead" with those for the second half "shaping up in a similar fashion".

"While our North American brands will grow capacity at a moderate rate of three per cent, our European brands will increase capacity by 22% next year, including the full year operation of our new Spanish cruise line, Ibero Cruises," said Arison.

"As we grow our European brands, we will be able to achieve economies of scale which will have a favourable impact on our unit costs and profitability."

Fuel expenses are expected to rise by $409 million in 2008.

by Phil Davies

FOUR COSTA SHIPS UNDERGO €15 MILLION REFURBISHMENT

Costa Cruises has spent €15 million refurbishing four of its 12-strong fleet of ships in dry dock.

In addition to technical maintenance, the Italian line carried out on board improvements to the vessels 2,394-passenger Costa Victoria, 1,000-passenger Costa Marina, 3,780-passenger Costa Concordia and 1,680-passenger Costa Classica.

The layout of the public areas and cabins has been restyled, replacing furnishings, carpeting, curtains, fabrics and wall linings.

Old television sets have been replaced with new LCD screens.

On the outer decks, the flooring was replaced with teak.

by Phil Davies

COSTA CRUISES TO SEND THREE SHIPS TO SOUTH AMERICA IN 2008/2009 SEASON

South America is a great place to cruise, and Costa Cruises will increase its presence in South America in the 2008/2009 cruise season by sailing three ships in the area. First, Costa Cruises will send the 86,000-ton Costa Mediterranea to South America with 44 new, exclusive spa accommodations.


The Costa Mediterranea will sail routes to Argentina and will feature a new spa program.


Passengers who book one of 44 exclusive accommodations on the Costa Mediterranea will enjoy privileges including a personalized wellness consultation, three complimentary treatments, two fitness or meditation classes and complimentary access to the Wellness Restaurant, offering a wide array of spa-friendly cuisine. Spa cabins, available in ocean view, veranda and suite categories, will feature aromatherapy diffusers, special shower and air filters, and a mini bar stocked with healthy food and beverage selections. In addition, passengers with these accommodations will be offered priority spa reservation times. The Costa Mediterranea, which has been operating since 2003, features decor inspired by 17th and 18th century Italian noble palazzos. It has a double occupancy capacity of 2,114.


In addition, the Costa Magica and Costa Marina will also sail the region on routes throughout Brazil and Argentina. The 105,000-ton Costa Magica will return to the region on itineraries out of Brazil with weekly routes to Bahia and cruises throughout the Southeastern coast while the intimate, 25,600-ton Costa Marina will sail routes out of Buenos Aires. The Costa Magica entered into service in 2004 and features an interior design that pays homage to the most beautiful Italian places as well as the largest dance floor at sea. It has a double occupancy capacity of 2,720.


The Costa Marina entered service in 1990 and was refurbished in 2002. It features wide windows, skylights and flawless glass atriums that reflect her contemporary design and has a double occupancy capacity of 776.

CARNIVAL TO EXPAND GERMAN CRUISE FLEET

Carnival Corporation has responded to rival Royal Caribbean's joint cruise venture with TUI AG by ordering two more ships for its German brand AIDA Cruises.

The two 2,174 passenger ships will cost 380 million euros and 385 million euros respectively and are due to enter service for summer 2011 and 2012.

Another ship pencilled in for AIDA is to be enlarged to match the size of the two 71,000-ton new orders and is to be delivered in 2010 at a cost of 350 million euros.

The two newbuilds means that Carnival cruise lines has ordered six new ships dedicated to the German market in the past three years.

The vessels will operate an informal 'club resort' concept marketed exclusively to German-speaking passengers and will be aimed at younger, more active passengers.

The new ships will join the 68,500-ton ADIAbella due to enter service next April and a sister ship due to be delivered in April 2009. The first in this series, AIDAdiva, was introduced earlier this year.

Carnival chairman and CEO Micky Arison said: "With the interest in cruise vacations among Europeans continuing to grow significantly, we are committed to investing in our European brands."

by Phil Davies

CARNIVAL UK SIGNS FOR NEW SOUTHAMPTON CRUISE TERMINAL

A purpose-built cruise terminal is to be built in Southampton for almost £20 million to open in 2009.

The new terminal comes as part of a 20-year deal between Carnival UK and Associated British Ports for the multi-brand cruise giant to continue sailing from Southampton.

The £19 million terminal will be built at Ocean Dock, opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal.

The agreement also gives Carnival UK priority use of the port's QEII and Mayflower Terminals. The cruise company's brands include P&O Cruises, Cunard, Ocean Village and Princess Cruises.
Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: "Our brands are inextricably linked with Southampton and the port's maritime history.

"The signing of this agreement and the construction of our new headquarters building in the city together underpin our commitment to retaining Southampton as our long-term home.

"The new terminal agreement comes as we prepare to base further new ships in Southampton including Cunard Line's Queen Victoria, which was named in the city on Monday, and P&O Cruises' Ventura which will be home-ported here from next April.
"Our new ships are testament to the growth of the cruise industry, the strength of its links with Southampton and its massive economic contribution to the region, and it is fitting that they will sail from a new state-of-the-art terminal in the city."

by Phil Davies

P&O CRUISES AND NICK MUNRO COMPLETE BIGGEST DESIGN EXERCISE EVER UNDERTAKEN IN CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CRUISING

Leading designer Nick Munro has been commissioned exclusively by P&O Cruises to complete more than 200,000 items to be on board Ventura – the largest superliner designed for Britain - when she launches in April 2008.


Covering all aspects of the passenger experience, Nick's influence and bold new designs will be found right across the ship: in the cutlery, glassware, ceramics and in cabin amenities.


His commitment to the project has seen him make frequent visits to the Italian shipyard where Ventura is under construction, and get involved with many different aspects of the on board design.


“Wherever there was an opportunity for change and progress, we have encouraged Nick to get involved and apply his renowned creative flair and ability to work across many different materials all at once,” commented P&O Cruises head of brand marketing, Philip Price.


“As a result, not only will Ventura’s passengers experience the allure of Nick's uniquely designed 'Anemone' sculpture in Ventura’s stunning atrium, but they will also appreciate the quality and simplicity of Nick's more utilitarian designs, right down to the cabin waste bins."


“We know that it’s the tiny noticeable things that really make the difference on a project of this scale, and so we are paying great attention to detail with bespoke designs of cutlery, glassware and cabin amenities to name a few. All of these added extras will combine to make a spectacular passenger experience.”


Speaking of the partnership, Nick Munro said; P&O Cruises has a lot of experience of catering for British tastes and creating a depth of experience for holidaymakers. But, it also recognises the need to adapt and innovate to meet and exceed the ever-changing needs of the British holidaymaker, so being involved with them was a natural fit for me. Being a part of this contemporisation of cruising has been an exciting challenge and I can’t wait to see the finished product in just under 21 weeks time.”

Nick Munro himself explains the design elements of the ship on the dedicated and interactive website, www.virtualventura.co.uk. Ventura will be based in Southampton from April 2008.

VENTURA COMPLETES SEA TRIALS

P&O's Ventura, the largest cruise ship dedicated to the British market, has successfully completed its official sea trials.

The two weeks of trials included testing of the £300 million ship's navigation system and propulsion motors.

Completion of the sea trials signify that 3,100-passenger Ventura is close to completion, and will soon be sailing for the UK from its Italian shipyard prior to its launch in Southampton in April.

P&O Cruises' managing director, Nigel Esdale said: "We are delighted that Ventura passed her sea trials with flying colours.

"The next few months will be a busy time at the shipyard, as the innovative concepts and designs for Ventura come to life in the final stages of her development.

"We are very much looking forward to Ventura joining our fleet and embarking on her maiden season as the most family friendly superliner built for the British market."

The build of Ventura started with the laying of the keel in August 2006.

Since then more than 3,000 workers at the Fincantieri shipyard have worked to complete the project, and the final few months will be dedicated to creating and outfitting her contemporary, innovative and family friendly public spaces and cabins.

A sister ship is due to be delivered to the cruise line in 2010.

Meanwhile, sister brand Cunard's new ship Queen Victoria is due in Southampton today for a weekend of trade events prior to be named by The Duchess of Cornwall on Monday.

by Phil Davies

CUNARD ACCEPTS DELIVERY OF QUEEN VICTORIA; DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO NAME NEW SHIP

Cunard took delivery of the Queen Victoria on November 27, and the new ship left the shipyard in Venice on November 30.

She is scheduled to arrive in Southampton on December 7, where she will berth at the City Cruise Terminal at 9:30 am. If you are in the UK, here is the schedule of December 7 viewing points as the ship makes her way up Southampton Water.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will christen new ocean liner with a magnum of Veuve Clicquot's Yellow Label. Like her sister ship the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria will feature a Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar. Located on Deck 2 of the triple-height Grand Lobby, the1920's Art Deco-style champagne bar will serve Veuve Clicquot Champagne exclusively. Appropriately, the Champagnes are paired with fresh delicacies during the pre-dinner and post-dinner hours.


The Following her Naming Ceremony on December 10, the Queen Victoria will depart on her Maiden Voyage, to a splendid firework display, at 5:00 pm on Tuesday December 11.


Courtesy of About.com


Read the Official Press Release

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS WILL ARRIVE TWO WEEKS EARLY

Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Independence of the Seas, will be coming into service two weeks earlier than scheduled.

Work has been completed earlier than expected so the cruise line will be able to offer an additional two sailings on board the new ship from the beginning of May 2008.

Managing director Jo Rzymowska said: "The extra couple of weeks provide our trade partners with further opportunities to earn commission, particularly over the peak booking period during the festive season and in the New Year.

"This complements our Turn Of Year campaign which has launched earlier than ever before."

The two additional sailings include a four-night Cork cruise that departs on May 2 and an 11-night Canary Island cruise on May 6.

Guests who have already booked onto the inaugural sailing on May 17 will be offered the first chance to move at no additional cost to the new maiden voyage on May 2, incorporating exactly the same itinerary from Southampton – Cork – Southampton.

Guests wanting to change to the new date should contact the cruise line by December 12 in order for their booked stateroom to be re-protected on the new sailing date.

Royal Caribbean International is writing to all its trade partners to fully explain the changes.

The new sailings are live for re-booking from December 7.

After a Nordic inaugural celebration in April 2008, Independence of the Seas will arrive in the UK on April 25 with UK celebrations taking place from April 26-30 in Southampton.

MSC CRUISES PUTS 2008 BROCHURE ONLINE

MSC Cruises has issued its 2008 brochure online in PDF format (file size: 59.2Mb) on its website.

The Italian line will have nine ships operating next summer with the addition of MSC Poesia in April.

MSC Fantasia will then increase the fleet size to 10 ships with its debut in winter 2008-09.

MSC Poesia will be unveiled in Dover on April 5 before setting sail on a pre-inaugural voyage the next day to Venice. The flagship will then cruise in the Mediterranean for summer 2008.

MSC Armonia will offer 13 sailings from Dover between May and August with itineraries ranging from the Baltic, North Cape and the Norwegian Fjords.

Themed cruises in the brochure include Food & Wine, Art at Sea and Classical Music and Dance.

Children under the age of 18 sharing a cabin with their parents sail free, excluding flights and port dues.

UK and Ireland managing director Claudia Baino said: "2008 is an important year for MSC Cruises as we launch two new ships and will be able to offer more itineraries to a broader clientele than ever before.

"The 2008 online brochure gives agents and consumers maximum convenience as well as great choice and we are confident that this will help to drive sales." by Phil Davies

CUNARD QUEEN MARY 2 CARIBBEAN SUPER BARGAIN

Your chance to enjoy two fabulous holidays in one at a special promotional price.

Spend 2 nights in Manhattan – shop till you drop on 5^th Ave, stop for lunch in the food court at Macys, watch the sunset at the top of the Empire State building, take in a Broadway show, marvel at the Statue of Liberty , check out Central Park , the museums and the art galleries.

Or Spend 2 nights in Fort Lauderdale relaxing on the seemingly endless stretch White sand beach or exploring the inland waterways and millionaires mansions. Perhaps visit the huge Sawgrass Mills designer outlet shopping mall , visit the Everglades , take the Mississippi Steamboat Queen evening BBQ cruise or even a fishing charter.

After all that take a well deserved rest in the Caribbean sunshine among the Art Deco grandeur of the Queen Mary 2. Be sure to try out the Canyon Ranch Spa , the Planetarium, fish & chips in the Golden Lion Pub and book a romantic dinner in the Todd English restaurant. We also recommend dinner reservations for one of the fabulous Kings Court restaurants for speciality waiter service dinning with an oceanview .

Itin 1: Fly UK to New York. 2 Night hotel stay . Cruise 10 nights to Tortola - St Kitts - Barbados - St Lucia - St Thomas - New York. Fly Home overnight.

Itin 2: Fly UK to New York. 2 Night hotel stay. Cruise 13 nights to Limon (Costa Rica), Cristobal (Panama Canal), Curacao, Bonaire, St Lucia , St Thomas, New York. Fly Home.

Itin 3: Fly UK to Miami. 2 Night Fort Lauderdale hotel stay. Cruise 10 nights to Curacao – Grenada – Barbados – St Lucia – St Kitts – St Thomas – Fort Lauderdale. Fly Home overnight.

Itin 4: Fly UK to Miami. 2 Night Fort Lauderdale hotel stay. Cruise 14 nights to Cristobal (Panama canal) , Bonaire , Grenada , Barbados , St Lucia , Dominica , St Kitts , Tortola , St Thomas , Fort Lauderdale. Fly Home Overnight

Flights from Manchester , Glasgow and Belfast direct to New York and Indirect to Fort Lauderdale are available at a supplement.

Dep Date	Itinerary	Nights	Inside	Balcony	Queens Grill Suite
31-Jan-08	2	16	£1,359	£1,599	Sold Out
17-Feb-08	1	13	£949	Sold Out	£2,099
27-Feb-08	1	13	£899	Sold Out	£1999
08-Mar-08	1	13	£999	£1,299	£2,399
22-Mar-08	2	16	£1,399	£1,699	£2,899
27-Nov-08	3	13	£1,249	£1,449	£2,559
07-Dec-08	3	13	£1,099	£1,299	£2,899
17-Dec-08	4	17	£2,399	£2,599	£6,899

Manchester Supplement	Glasgow Supplement	Belfast Supplement
£100	£100	£100
£70	£135	£130
£100	£120	£120
£20	£135	£80
£90	£150	£200
£50	£50	£100
£50	£50	£100
£100	£100	£150

Add extra nights in New York from only £69pp.

Add extra nights In Fort Lauderdale from only £59pp

CRUISE BOOM PREDICTED FOR 2008

The Passenger Shipping Association is predicting that 2007 will see a 11% growth in people taking cruises.

It says the overall number of people will hit 1.35 million - a figure higher than recent predictions.

Bill Gibbons, director of the PSA, has also predicted 2008 will be a boom year with 1.55 million people taking a cruise - up 14% on 2007.

He said: "The cruise industry has been growing impressively for years and the predictions for 2007 show that this growth is continuing.

"There is truly a cruise for everyone."

The PSA has also revealed it has 43 cruise brands as members with many new niche operators joining over the last year.

Courtesy of TravelWeekly