Containerized cargo volumes continued to grow at Port Everglades during Fiscal Year 2008 (October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008) as the South Florida seaport experienced an 8.66 percent increase in tonnage and a 3.83 percent increase in TEUs (20-foot equivalent units, the standard used to measure containers).
Port Everglades’ total operating revenue, which includes revenue from waterborne commerce, real estate leases, parking and other Port services, increased 4.4 percent to $117,441,065 in FY2008, while expenses rose by less than 1.4 percent to $73,093,351, according to unaudited fiscal year-end reports. The operating revenue includes a one-time $3.8 million payment from APM/Universal Terminal for early termination of the company’s agreement and lease. While Net Operating Income remained steady at $14 million, the Port realized a $27.3 million increase in Net Assets when grants and customer direct investments are included.
Aruba's cruise season is underway with plaque exchanges celebrating the first calls of the season by NCL, P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Island Cruises, Oceania, Azamara Cruises, Holland America and Royal Caribbean.
In addition, Pullmantur's Ocean Dream is homeporting in Aruba since the first sailing of the season on Nov. 22. Ocean Village also embarks passengers in Aruba.
The Enchantment of the Seas celebrated her first call plaque ceremony on Dec. 10, with Miss Darlene de Cuba -- Aruba Cruise Tourism PR Cruise Greeter presenting the plaque on behalf of Aruba to the Captain in the presence of invited guests, including the First Lady of Colombia, Lina Moreno de Uribe. The Enchantment homeports in Colon and calls at Cartagena, Santa Marta Colombia, Aruba and Curacao on her itinerary.
http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Containerized Cargo On The Rise At Port Everglades
Containerized cargo volumes continued to grow at Port Everglades during Fiscal Year 2008 (October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008) as the South Florida seaport experienced an 8.66 percent increase in tonnage and a 3.83 percent increase in TEUs (20-foot equivalent units, the standard used to measure containers).
Port Everglades’ total operating revenue, which includes revenue from waterborne commerce, real estate leases, parking and other Port services, increased 4.4 percent to $117,441,065 in FY2008, while expenses rose by less than 1.4 percent to $73,093,351, according to unaudited fiscal year-end reports. The operating revenue includes a one-time $3.8 million payment from APM/Universal Terminal for early termination of the company’s agreement and lease. While Net Operating Income remained steady at $14 million, the Port realized a $27.3 million increase in Net Assets when grants and customer direct investments are included.
Overall waterborne commerce, however, decreased by 8.2 percent to 24.2 million tons due to lower volumes of petroleum products and construction materials.
Port Director Phillip C. Allen attributed the growth in containerized cargo to increased business at several of the Port’s existing terminal operators including Crowley Liner Services, Florida International Terminal, Florida Transportation Services, Port Everglades Terminals Ltd., Sun Terminals and St. John Shipping.
“Containerized cargo was a positive note in a tough economic year. While there have been indications that shipping markets have softened in the last two months, we are cautiously optimistic that the volumes will stabilize and continue an upward trend. Just like all businesses that depend upon international trade, we are monitoring world events and hope for an economic upswing,” Allen says. “However, we also recognize that we must move forward with necessary infrastructure improvements so that Port Everglades is ready and able to accommodate our customers as they grow their businesses.”
Containerized cargo, at 6.58 million tons and 985,095 TEUs, has been on a steady upswing at Port Everglades, almost doubling since FY2002. Port officials attribute this 92 percent growth to new terminal operators such as Port Everglades Terminal Ltd. (MSC) and Florida International Terminal, in the Port’s Southport area, who are bringing more international trade through oceangoing shipping to Broward County.
“The first step in our marketing efforts was to attract quality marine terminal operators to Port Everglades. Now, our focus is to assist these operators and our long-time customers to expand their services and bring more shipping business to the area,” says Port Everglades Business Development Director Carlos Buqueras.
Rolling and floating cargos such as yachts, trucks, tractors and automobiles also increased by 22.5 percent to 240,129 tons in FY2008. More used vehicles are being transported to the islands in the Caribbean, which spurred this growth.
Multi-day cruise traffic remained steady in FY2008, while the number of daily cruise passengers declined by 18 percent, which Port officials attributed primarily to competitive gaming from landside venues and the departure of SeaEscape’s Island Adventure twice daily cruises from the Port. Currently, Port Everglades is the world’s third busiest cruise homeport behind the Port of Miami and Port Canaveral. However, by 2011 Port Everglades is expected to become the No. 1 cruise port in the world with the addition of year-round sailings by Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) Oasis-class ships in late 2009 and 2010. At 220,000 gross-registered-tons, RCI’s Oasis ships will be the world’s largest cruise ships at 5,400 passengers each.
Bulk and break bulk cargos such as cement, steel and lumber decreased by 52 percent from FY2007, which Port officials attribute to the downturn in the South Florida construction industry, including the related downturn in the South Florida housing market.
As one of South Florida’s leading economic powerhouses, Port Everglades is the gateway for international trade and cruise vacations. Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports worldwide. It is among the fastest growing container ports in the United States, according to the PIERS import/export database. And, Port Everglades is South Florida’s main seaport for receiving petroleum products including gasoline and jet fuel. The Port Everglades Department is a self-supporting Enterprise Fund of Broward County government with operating revenues of approximately $117 million. Approximately $625 million annually in state and local taxes are associated with Port Everglades, and the Port’s activity generates its economic impacts without the support of any local tax dollars for operations. The total value of economic activity at Port Everglades surpasses $18 billion. Approximately 200,000 Florida jobs are impacted by the Port, including 11,620 people who work for companies that provide direct services to Port Everglades.
http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com
Port Everglades’ total operating revenue, which includes revenue from waterborne commerce, real estate leases, parking and other Port services, increased 4.4 percent to $117,441,065 in FY2008, while expenses rose by less than 1.4 percent to $73,093,351, according to unaudited fiscal year-end reports. The operating revenue includes a one-time $3.8 million payment from APM/Universal Terminal for early termination of the company’s agreement and lease. While Net Operating Income remained steady at $14 million, the Port realized a $27.3 million increase in Net Assets when grants and customer direct investments are included.
Overall waterborne commerce, however, decreased by 8.2 percent to 24.2 million tons due to lower volumes of petroleum products and construction materials.
Port Director Phillip C. Allen attributed the growth in containerized cargo to increased business at several of the Port’s existing terminal operators including Crowley Liner Services, Florida International Terminal, Florida Transportation Services, Port Everglades Terminals Ltd., Sun Terminals and St. John Shipping.
“Containerized cargo was a positive note in a tough economic year. While there have been indications that shipping markets have softened in the last two months, we are cautiously optimistic that the volumes will stabilize and continue an upward trend. Just like all businesses that depend upon international trade, we are monitoring world events and hope for an economic upswing,” Allen says. “However, we also recognize that we must move forward with necessary infrastructure improvements so that Port Everglades is ready and able to accommodate our customers as they grow their businesses.”
Containerized cargo, at 6.58 million tons and 985,095 TEUs, has been on a steady upswing at Port Everglades, almost doubling since FY2002. Port officials attribute this 92 percent growth to new terminal operators such as Port Everglades Terminal Ltd. (MSC) and Florida International Terminal, in the Port’s Southport area, who are bringing more international trade through oceangoing shipping to Broward County.
“The first step in our marketing efforts was to attract quality marine terminal operators to Port Everglades. Now, our focus is to assist these operators and our long-time customers to expand their services and bring more shipping business to the area,” says Port Everglades Business Development Director Carlos Buqueras.
Rolling and floating cargos such as yachts, trucks, tractors and automobiles also increased by 22.5 percent to 240,129 tons in FY2008. More used vehicles are being transported to the islands in the Caribbean, which spurred this growth.
Multi-day cruise traffic remained steady in FY2008, while the number of daily cruise passengers declined by 18 percent, which Port officials attributed primarily to competitive gaming from landside venues and the departure of SeaEscape’s Island Adventure twice daily cruises from the Port. Currently, Port Everglades is the world’s third busiest cruise homeport behind the Port of Miami and Port Canaveral. However, by 2011 Port Everglades is expected to become the No. 1 cruise port in the world with the addition of year-round sailings by Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) Oasis-class ships in late 2009 and 2010. At 220,000 gross-registered-tons, RCI’s Oasis ships will be the world’s largest cruise ships at 5,400 passengers each.
Bulk and break bulk cargos such as cement, steel and lumber decreased by 52 percent from FY2007, which Port officials attribute to the downturn in the South Florida construction industry, including the related downturn in the South Florida housing market.
As one of South Florida’s leading economic powerhouses, Port Everglades is the gateway for international trade and cruise vacations. Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports worldwide. It is among the fastest growing container ports in the United States, according to the PIERS import/export database. And, Port Everglades is South Florida’s main seaport for receiving petroleum products including gasoline and jet fuel. The Port Everglades Department is a self-supporting Enterprise Fund of Broward County government with operating revenues of approximately $117 million. Approximately $625 million annually in state and local taxes are associated with Port Everglades, and the Port’s activity generates its economic impacts without the support of any local tax dollars for operations. The total value of economic activity at Port Everglades surpasses $18 billion. Approximately 200,000 Florida jobs are impacted by the Port, including 11,620 people who work for companies that provide direct services to Port Everglades.
http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com
Fred. Olsen Eliminates Fuel Surcharges
In line with the falling price of oil in recent weeks, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will eliminate all fuel cost surcharges on bookings made on or after today.
Passengers who have already paid the fuel cost surcharges will continue to be refunded the full amount of the payment in the form of onboard spending credits as previously advised.
Fred. Olsen operates a fleet of five ships mostly on cruises from the UK; two are operating in the Western Hemisphere. Braemar is based in Miami for the winter season and Boudicca is based in Barbados.
http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com
Passengers who have already paid the fuel cost surcharges will continue to be refunded the full amount of the payment in the form of onboard spending credits as previously advised.
Fred. Olsen operates a fleet of five ships mostly on cruises from the UK; two are operating in the Western Hemisphere. Braemar is based in Miami for the winter season and Boudicca is based in Barbados.
http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com
Princess Ships to Connect to Shore Power in Vancouver
Expanding its commitment to reduce air emissions, Princess Cruises has announced it will turn off its ships’ engines and instead use clean hydroelectric power supplied from ashore when calling at the Port of Vancouver during the upcoming 2009 summer cruise season.
The innovative technology is being made possible through a partnership with several Canadian project partners and sister company Holland America Line.
Princess will use hydroelectric power from the city’s grid instead of the ships’ diesel-powered engines to run all onboard services for its four ships docking at the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal during day-long turnaround calls. The new shore power installation is the very first use of this technology in Canada and is the result of a $9 million cooperative partnership among Port Metro Vancouver, Transport Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, British Columbia Hydro, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
Princess’ shore power program made history when it first began operations in Juneau, Alaska in the summer of 2001. It expanded to Seattle in summer 2005 and is planned to roll out in other ports that have made commitments to the technology, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Currently nine of the line’s ships are outfitted with the capability to “plug in” to a shoreside power source.
“We’re very pleased to have worked with Holland America and our Canadian partners to make shore power a reality in Vancouver,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “We know that local air quality issues are important to the community and we applaud all who have been involved in this important environmental initiative.”
Four Princess ships will use shore power in Vancouver during the 2009 Alaska season. The vessels – Coral Princess, Diamond Princess, Island Princess and Sapphire Princess – will call in Vancouver 36 times between May 16 and September 7, 2009 as they sail on seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruises. Approximately 35 metric tons of turbine engine fuel will be eliminated per ship call by connecting to shore power, for an estimated reduction of 1,260 metric tons of fuel over the summer season.
“By shutting off our ships’ engines when in Vancouver, we’re reducing our usage of fuel and therefore also the emissions that are produced as a result,” said Ball. “This is an exciting program for Vancouver and Princess is proud to play a part.”
To create this unique power system, Princess outfitted nine of its ships with custom-built, state-of-the-art connection cabinets that connect the ship’s electrical network to the local electrical system ashore. Since 2001, Princess has invested nearly $7 million in equipment alone to enable its vessels to connect to shore power. The ships currently equipped with this technology include:
· Coral Princess
· Dawn Princess
· Diamond Princess
· Golden Princess
· Island Princess
· Sapphire Princess
· Sea Princess
· Star Princess
· Sun Princess
Also known as “cold ironing,” shore power uses electrical power transmitted from a landside transformer to the vessel via four 3½-inch diameter flexible electrical cables. The actual cable connection on a vessel is a traditional, though quite large, male/female plug and socket. The length of time needed to connect a ship to shore power and shut down the vessel’s diesel generator is approximately 40 minutes. Once connected, the ship’s engines are powered down and, simultaneously, the necessary amount of power, provided by BC Hydro, will be used to run the ship’s services while in port.
“We’re looking forward to sharing the expertise we’ve gained in developing shore power in other ports to contribute to the success of the program in Vancouver,” said Ball. “When we first launched shore power nearly eight years ago, there were challenges because it was the first of its kind and there was no existing blueprint. But now, our successful track record has helped guide this project and we’re thrilled to see it get underway for the upcoming cruise season.
The innovative technology is being made possible through a partnership with several Canadian project partners and sister company Holland America Line.
Princess will use hydroelectric power from the city’s grid instead of the ships’ diesel-powered engines to run all onboard services for its four ships docking at the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal during day-long turnaround calls. The new shore power installation is the very first use of this technology in Canada and is the result of a $9 million cooperative partnership among Port Metro Vancouver, Transport Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, British Columbia Hydro, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
Princess’ shore power program made history when it first began operations in Juneau, Alaska in the summer of 2001. It expanded to Seattle in summer 2005 and is planned to roll out in other ports that have made commitments to the technology, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Currently nine of the line’s ships are outfitted with the capability to “plug in” to a shoreside power source.
“We’re very pleased to have worked with Holland America and our Canadian partners to make shore power a reality in Vancouver,” said Charlie Ball, president of Princess Tours. “We know that local air quality issues are important to the community and we applaud all who have been involved in this important environmental initiative.”
Four Princess ships will use shore power in Vancouver during the 2009 Alaska season. The vessels – Coral Princess, Diamond Princess, Island Princess and Sapphire Princess – will call in Vancouver 36 times between May 16 and September 7, 2009 as they sail on seven-day Gulf of Alaska cruises. Approximately 35 metric tons of turbine engine fuel will be eliminated per ship call by connecting to shore power, for an estimated reduction of 1,260 metric tons of fuel over the summer season.
“By shutting off our ships’ engines when in Vancouver, we’re reducing our usage of fuel and therefore also the emissions that are produced as a result,” said Ball. “This is an exciting program for Vancouver and Princess is proud to play a part.”
To create this unique power system, Princess outfitted nine of its ships with custom-built, state-of-the-art connection cabinets that connect the ship’s electrical network to the local electrical system ashore. Since 2001, Princess has invested nearly $7 million in equipment alone to enable its vessels to connect to shore power. The ships currently equipped with this technology include:
· Coral Princess
· Dawn Princess
· Diamond Princess
· Golden Princess
· Island Princess
· Sapphire Princess
· Sea Princess
· Star Princess
· Sun Princess
Also known as “cold ironing,” shore power uses electrical power transmitted from a landside transformer to the vessel via four 3½-inch diameter flexible electrical cables. The actual cable connection on a vessel is a traditional, though quite large, male/female plug and socket. The length of time needed to connect a ship to shore power and shut down the vessel’s diesel generator is approximately 40 minutes. Once connected, the ship’s engines are powered down and, simultaneously, the necessary amount of power, provided by BC Hydro, will be used to run the ship’s services while in port.
“We’re looking forward to sharing the expertise we’ve gained in developing shore power in other ports to contribute to the success of the program in Vancouver,” said Ball. “When we first launched shore power nearly eight years ago, there were challenges because it was the first of its kind and there was no existing blueprint. But now, our successful track record has helped guide this project and we’re thrilled to see it get underway for the upcoming cruise season.
Silversea Pops the Cork with 11 New "Wine Series" Voyages for 2009Year Berthing Agreement *
* Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is toasting the New Year with an enticing new collection of 11 Wine Series voyages for 2009.
On each wine-themed cruise, discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling great vintages and learning about the tradition and art of winemaking in special tastings and lectures conducted by wine professionals, vineyard owners, winemakers and other epicurean specialists from renowned establishments, including California's Justin and Wente wineries, Italy's Castello Banfi and Chile's Santa Alicia Winery, to name a few. On many voyages, guests will also have the chance to explore some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions on guided shore excursions.
Of special note is the participation of Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the Italian fashion visionary. Renowned for their signature handbags and footwear, the Ferragamo family also owns Il Borro, an acclaimed wine-producing estate in Tuscany. Ferragamo is slated to host Silver Wind's July 6 wine-themed sailing from Lisbon to Monte Carlo.
"Our Wine Series cruises are a great way for guests to broaden their understanding and appreciation for one of life's most cherished luxuries – fine wine," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "We've invited top experts from some of the world's most acclaimed vineyards and wineries to visit and interact with our guests, guiding them through entertaining tastings and lectures that add a unique and enriching dimension to their cruise experience."
Listed below are the 2009 Wine Series cruises (rates are per person, double occupancy and do not include port charges):
Alaska & Pacific Coast
-- Silver Shadow departs July 20 on a 12-day, roundtrip voyage (#3917) from San Francisco with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Wrangell and Victoria. WINE SERIES HOSTS: Eric and Arel Wente, owners of California's Wente Vineyards. Silver Sailing fares start at $6,646.
-- Silver Shadow departs August 25 on a 9-day, roundtrip voyage (#3921) from Vancouver with calls in Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Wrangell and Victoria. WINE SERIES HOST: Master Sommelier Joe Spellman of California's Justin Vineyards and Winery. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $5,775.
Mediterranean
-- Silver Wind departs May 28 on a 9-day voyage (#2917) from Monte Carlo to Athens with calls in Livorno, Sorrento, Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Bodrum. WINE SERIES HOST: Stanislas Marchal, public relations representative for Vranken-Pommery Monopole. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,305.
-- Silver Whisper departs July 4 on a 7-day voyage (#4918) from Venice to Athens with calls in Split, Kotor, Corfu and Itea. WINE SERIES HOST: Georges Muller of Riedel Crystal (the wine glass company), expert on pairing wines with stemware. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,896.
-- Silver Wind departs July 6 on a 12-day voyage (#2921) from Lisbon to Monte Carlo with calls in Cadiz, Malaga, Ibiza, Barcelona (overnight), Cannes, Menton, Livorno and Corsica. WINE SERIES HOST: Salvatore Ferragamo, owner and managing director of Il Borro estate, Tuscany, Italy. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,797.
-- Silver Wind departs August 14 on a 7-day voyage (#2925) from Venice to Athens with calls in Hvar, Sibenik, Dubrovnik and Santorini. WINE SERIES HOST: Philip di Belardino, Castello Banfi Vineyard Estate & Winery, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $6,115.
Northern Europe & The Baltic
-- Silver Cloud departs June 25 on a 9-day, roundtrip voyage (#1914) from Stockholm with calls in Helsinki, St. Petersburg (3 days, 2 nights), Tallinn and Gdansk. WINE SERIES HOST: Gary Eberle, owner of California's Eberle Winery (will co-host with a European winery, exploring Old and New World wines). Silver Sailing fares start at $6,646.
-- Silver Cloud departs August 26 on a 10-day, roundtrip voyage (#1921) from London with calls in Edinburgh (overnight), Invergordon, Oban, Dublin, Cork and Fowey. WINE SERIES HOST: Gordon Bell, brand ambassador and master of Scotch whisky. Silver Sailing fares start at $7,486.
South America
-- Silver Cloud departs January 4 on a 16-day voyage (#1901) from Santiago to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas (overnight), Falkland Islands, Puerto Madryn, Punta del Este and Montevideo. WINE SERIES HOST: Daniel Soto, Santa Alicia Winery, Santiago, Chile. Voyage co-hosted by GUEST CHEF Luis Gonzalez Morales, chef/owner of El Remezon restaurant in Punta Arenas, Chile, specializing in traditional Patagonian cuisine. Silver Sailing fares start at $8,606.
-- Silver Cloud departs February 5 on a 16-day voyage (#1903) from Santiago to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas (overnight), Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Montevideo. WINE SERIES HOSTS: Silvina Barros of Trivento Winery and Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina; Fernando Mediano of Emiliana Vineyards, Casablanca Valley, Chile; and Jofre Duran of Concha y Toro Vineyards, Maipo Valley, Chile. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $10,450.
Transoceanic
-- Silver Cloud departs April 15 on a 15-day voyage (#1910) from Barbados to London with calls in St. Lucia, Antigua, La Horta, Ponta Delgada, Falmouth and Cherbourg. WINE SERIES HOST: Trevor Burnett, brand ambassador for Grey Goose Vodka. Voyage co-hosted by GUEST CHEF of the Viking Cooking School. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,337.
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.
In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI). International awards include "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Spain's Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2009); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2008).
On each wine-themed cruise, discerning travelers with a passion for fine wines will enjoy sampling great vintages and learning about the tradition and art of winemaking in special tastings and lectures conducted by wine professionals, vineyard owners, winemakers and other epicurean specialists from renowned establishments, including California's Justin and Wente wineries, Italy's Castello Banfi and Chile's Santa Alicia Winery, to name a few. On many voyages, guests will also have the chance to explore some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions on guided shore excursions.
Of special note is the participation of Salvatore Ferragamo, grandson of the Italian fashion visionary. Renowned for their signature handbags and footwear, the Ferragamo family also owns Il Borro, an acclaimed wine-producing estate in Tuscany. Ferragamo is slated to host Silver Wind's July 6 wine-themed sailing from Lisbon to Monte Carlo.
"Our Wine Series cruises are a great way for guests to broaden their understanding and appreciation for one of life's most cherished luxuries – fine wine," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "We've invited top experts from some of the world's most acclaimed vineyards and wineries to visit and interact with our guests, guiding them through entertaining tastings and lectures that add a unique and enriching dimension to their cruise experience."
Listed below are the 2009 Wine Series cruises (rates are per person, double occupancy and do not include port charges):
Alaska & Pacific Coast
-- Silver Shadow departs July 20 on a 12-day, roundtrip voyage (#3917) from San Francisco with calls in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Wrangell and Victoria. WINE SERIES HOSTS: Eric and Arel Wente, owners of California's Wente Vineyards. Silver Sailing fares start at $6,646.
-- Silver Shadow departs August 25 on a 9-day, roundtrip voyage (#3921) from Vancouver with calls in Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Wrangell and Victoria. WINE SERIES HOST: Master Sommelier Joe Spellman of California's Justin Vineyards and Winery. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $5,775.
Mediterranean
-- Silver Wind departs May 28 on a 9-day voyage (#2917) from Monte Carlo to Athens with calls in Livorno, Sorrento, Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi and Bodrum. WINE SERIES HOST: Stanislas Marchal, public relations representative for Vranken-Pommery Monopole. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $7,305.
-- Silver Whisper departs July 4 on a 7-day voyage (#4918) from Venice to Athens with calls in Split, Kotor, Corfu and Itea. WINE SERIES HOST: Georges Muller of Riedel Crystal (the wine glass company), expert on pairing wines with stemware. Silver Sailing fares start at $4,896.
-- Silver Wind departs July 6 on a 12-day voyage (#2921) from Lisbon to Monte Carlo with calls in Cadiz, Malaga, Ibiza, Barcelona (overnight), Cannes, Menton, Livorno and Corsica. WINE SERIES HOST: Salvatore Ferragamo, owner and managing director of Il Borro estate, Tuscany, Italy. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,797.
-- Silver Wind departs August 14 on a 7-day voyage (#2925) from Venice to Athens with calls in Hvar, Sibenik, Dubrovnik and Santorini. WINE SERIES HOST: Philip di Belardino, Castello Banfi Vineyard Estate & Winery, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $6,115.
Northern Europe & The Baltic
-- Silver Cloud departs June 25 on a 9-day, roundtrip voyage (#1914) from Stockholm with calls in Helsinki, St. Petersburg (3 days, 2 nights), Tallinn and Gdansk. WINE SERIES HOST: Gary Eberle, owner of California's Eberle Winery (will co-host with a European winery, exploring Old and New World wines). Silver Sailing fares start at $6,646.
-- Silver Cloud departs August 26 on a 10-day, roundtrip voyage (#1921) from London with calls in Edinburgh (overnight), Invergordon, Oban, Dublin, Cork and Fowey. WINE SERIES HOST: Gordon Bell, brand ambassador and master of Scotch whisky. Silver Sailing fares start at $7,486.
South America
-- Silver Cloud departs January 4 on a 16-day voyage (#1901) from Santiago to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Puerto Chacabuco, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas (overnight), Falkland Islands, Puerto Madryn, Punta del Este and Montevideo. WINE SERIES HOST: Daniel Soto, Santa Alicia Winery, Santiago, Chile. Voyage co-hosted by GUEST CHEF Luis Gonzalez Morales, chef/owner of El Remezon restaurant in Punta Arenas, Chile, specializing in traditional Patagonian cuisine. Silver Sailing fares start at $8,606.
-- Silver Cloud departs February 5 on a 16-day voyage (#1903) from Santiago to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas (overnight), Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Montevideo. WINE SERIES HOSTS: Silvina Barros of Trivento Winery and Vineyards, Mendoza, Argentina; Fernando Mediano of Emiliana Vineyards, Casablanca Valley, Chile; and Jofre Duran of Concha y Toro Vineyards, Maipo Valley, Chile. Early Booking Incentive fares start at $10,450.
Transoceanic
-- Silver Cloud departs April 15 on a 15-day voyage (#1910) from Barbados to London with calls in St. Lucia, Antigua, La Horta, Ponta Delgada, Falmouth and Cherbourg. WINE SERIES HOST: Trevor Burnett, brand ambassador for Grey Goose Vodka. Voyage co-hosted by GUEST CHEF of the Viking Cooking School. Silver Sailing fares start at $5,337.
Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents.
In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI). International awards include "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Spain's Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2009); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2008).
Continued Greek Unrest May Impact Cruises
Violent unrest -- which has already forced P&O Cruises to cancel a scheduled call in Piraeus -- continues in Greece and may further impact cruise travel.
As we reported earlier, riots began in Athens on December 6, after the fatal police shooting of a 15-year-old boy, and spread across the country, reaching as far as the Greek islands of Crete and Corfu. Following several days of relative calm, flames were reignited on Tuesday in Athens when a group of youths attacked a police station with petrol bombs. In another Tuesday incident, a group of demonstrators stormed a live TV broadcast and displayed a sign that read "Stop Watching TV. Take to the Streets."
In response to ongoing conflict, P&O Cruises last week diverted Oriana from its planned call at Piraeus, Athens' port of call. (The ship went to Naples instead.) At this point, it is not yet known how the conflicts will impact a smattering of ships slated to visit Greece this month. These include MSC Poesia (December 20, Katakolon; December 21, Piraeus; December 22, Rhodes), MSC Fantasia (December 23, Rhodes), Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas (December 27, Piraeus; December 28, Rhodes) and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade (December 29, Rhodes; December 31, Piraeus).
At this point, spokespersons for Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have said that they're monitoring the situation.
Fortunately, since December is considered a low season to visit the Greek Isles, the conflict is likely to impact fewer cruise travelers than it might during spring, summer or fall.
http://www.cruisecritic.com
As we reported earlier, riots began in Athens on December 6, after the fatal police shooting of a 15-year-old boy, and spread across the country, reaching as far as the Greek islands of Crete and Corfu. Following several days of relative calm, flames were reignited on Tuesday in Athens when a group of youths attacked a police station with petrol bombs. In another Tuesday incident, a group of demonstrators stormed a live TV broadcast and displayed a sign that read "Stop Watching TV. Take to the Streets."
In response to ongoing conflict, P&O Cruises last week diverted Oriana from its planned call at Piraeus, Athens' port of call. (The ship went to Naples instead.) At this point, it is not yet known how the conflicts will impact a smattering of ships slated to visit Greece this month. These include MSC Poesia (December 20, Katakolon; December 21, Piraeus; December 22, Rhodes), MSC Fantasia (December 23, Rhodes), Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas (December 27, Piraeus; December 28, Rhodes) and Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade (December 29, Rhodes; December 31, Piraeus).
At this point, spokespersons for Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have said that they're monitoring the situation.
Fortunately, since December is considered a low season to visit the Greek Isles, the conflict is likely to impact fewer cruise travelers than it might during spring, summer or fall.
http://www.cruisecritic.com
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Port of Miami and NCL Ink 10-Year Berthing Agreement
The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners today approved a 10-year berthing agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). This represents the first long-term agreement between the Port of Miami and NCL since the company began operating from the Port as the first Caribbean cruise line 42 years ago.
The agreement gives NCL priority access to two large-ship berths at Terminals B and C. In return, NCL will guarantee a minimum of $98 million in port fees over the term of the agreement. In addition, the Port is making a $10 million investment in upgrades to the terminals, including a new gangway and general improvements to make the guest experience more enjoyable and efficient.
“With berthing space becoming increasingly scarce and our recent extension of Norwegian Sky’s deployment in Miami year-round, we are pleased to have reached this agreement with the Port of Miami to guarantee NCL access to some of the last remaining large ship berths,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO. “The Port of Miami has been a long-term partner of ours and we see the Port as a vital part of our future.”
"NCL and the Port of Miami have grown together to expand our region's business," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "Today, the Port of Miami, our community's second largest economic engine, contributes approximately $17 billion to the local economy. We are very proud that this agreement cements NCL's commitment to our community and ensures the Port's standing as the Cruise Capital of the World."
"The Port of Miami and NCL have had a long business relationship,” added Port of Miami Director Bill Johnson. “NCL began operations from the Port of Miami 42 years ago when the Sunward became the industry’s first ship to offer weekly passenger departures from Miami to the Caribbean. We are very pleased with the new berthing agreement with NCL, as this agreement provides a total minimum guaranteed revenue stream of more than $98 million throughout the 10- year initial term. We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and look forward to a continued partnership with NCL.”
The agreement takes effect immediately and renovations to Terminals B and C are expected to continue throughout the next 12-18 months.
http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com
The agreement gives NCL priority access to two large-ship berths at Terminals B and C. In return, NCL will guarantee a minimum of $98 million in port fees over the term of the agreement. In addition, the Port is making a $10 million investment in upgrades to the terminals, including a new gangway and general improvements to make the guest experience more enjoyable and efficient.
“With berthing space becoming increasingly scarce and our recent extension of Norwegian Sky’s deployment in Miami year-round, we are pleased to have reached this agreement with the Port of Miami to guarantee NCL access to some of the last remaining large ship berths,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO. “The Port of Miami has been a long-term partner of ours and we see the Port as a vital part of our future.”
"NCL and the Port of Miami have grown together to expand our region's business," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez. "Today, the Port of Miami, our community's second largest economic engine, contributes approximately $17 billion to the local economy. We are very proud that this agreement cements NCL's commitment to our community and ensures the Port's standing as the Cruise Capital of the World."
"The Port of Miami and NCL have had a long business relationship,” added Port of Miami Director Bill Johnson. “NCL began operations from the Port of Miami 42 years ago when the Sunward became the industry’s first ship to offer weekly passenger departures from Miami to the Caribbean. We are very pleased with the new berthing agreement with NCL, as this agreement provides a total minimum guaranteed revenue stream of more than $98 million throughout the 10- year initial term. We are extremely proud of this accomplishment and look forward to a continued partnership with NCL.”
The agreement takes effect immediately and renovations to Terminals B and C are expected to continue throughout the next 12-18 months.
http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com
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