Sleek and streamlined, the new steel hull destined to become the ultra-luxury cruising yacht Seabourn Odyssey arrived at T.Mariotti’s quay in Genoa, Italy, on May 27. The hull, built in San Giorgio di Nogaro in the Gulf of Venice, was towed southward through the Adriatic, around the heel and up the coast of Italy to the T.Mariotti shipyard, where blocks of the yacht’s superstructure have been under construction while the hull was being completed. Final construction and fitting out of the vessel will be performed over the next year in time for the vessel’s launch in June 2009.
The arrival of the hull marks a major milestone toward delivery of three intimate cruise vessels from T.Mariotti S.p.A. for Seabourn, the ultra-luxury brand of Miami-based Carnival Corporation & PLC. The €200 million Seabourn Odyssey will be the cruise industry’s first ultra-luxury addition in six years. A maximum of 450 guests will travel on board, in luxurious all-suite accommodations measuring from 290 to over 1,600 square feet, over 90 percent with private verandas. The cruising yacht will offer guests five dining alternatives, five lounges and bars, an expansive pool and sunbathing area, and a spectacular two-deck, indoor/outdoor spa facility with more than 11,400 square feet to go around. Seabourn Odyssey’s maiden season will include voyages from the grand cities and romantic isles of the Mediterranean to the waters of the Caribbean, before embarking on Seabourn’s first-ever World Cruise in January 2010.
Unfortunately there won’t be a podcast this week. We’re dealing with a family emergency that has placed Patricia and I about 3,000 miles apart. We hope to be able to bring you a new show next week.
New York radio station 1010 WINS is reporting that Norwegian Spirit struck and damaged the supports of the upper level parking lots at Pier 90 while mooring at Pier 88 this morning.
There’s currently no word on how extensive the damage was to the ship, however the city Buildings Department says that there is no danger of collapse.
While since incidents aren’t common, a similar collision occurred last August as the Carnival Victory was mooring to Pier 92.
An oasis is commonly defined as a fertile area in an arid region or a place of refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast. Royal Caribbean International has added another use of the term, defining it as the official name for the cruise line’s newest and most awe-inspiring class of cruise ships, until now referred to by the code name “Project Genesis.”
The name Oasis of the Seas was selected from more than 91,000 entries in Royal Caribbean’s “Name that Ship” contest, which the cruise line launched on January 18 in partnership with USA TODAY. Entrants were invited to submit two names ending in “of the Seas” that best encapsulate the universe of experiences a Royal Caribbean cruise provides guests. The contest marks the first time members of the general public, outside of the cruise industry, have been given the opportunity to name a cruise ship.
The winning combination of names, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, was submitted by George Weiser, of Livonia, Michigan. Weiser’s well-chosen names scored the highest among all contest entries considered by a panel of judges, and earned him the honor of naming not only the world’s next largest and most innovative cruise ships, but the entire class of the new ships, the Oasis-class. Weiser is joined by Jennifer Conley, of Robertsville, Missouri, who suggested Mystique of the Seas and also Allure of the Seas. Conley is also a winner in the naming contest for earning the second-highest score.
“Our customers are remarkably passionate about Royal Caribbean,” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “This naming contest has been a fantastic expression of their interest and commitment. We are thrilled to announce these two names and grateful to USA Today for partnering with us.” The “Name that Ship” contest was judged by a panel of industry experts including Lauren Teton, founding partner of Name One!, which specializes in finding unique names for products and business entities; John Maxtone-Graham, maritime historian, lecturer and author of numerous books, including the latest, “Normandie: France’s Legendary Art Deco Ocean Liner”; and Albert Mehrabian, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Psychology at UCLA and author of more than 14 books, including “Baby Name Report Card: Beneficial and Harmful Baby Names.”
“Taking into account the remarkable sea-going destination Oasis of the Seas will be, the name selection evokes an appropriate feeling of verdant comfort and luxury,” said John Maxtone-Graham, maritime historian. “I was very pleased with the final selection and for being invited to take part in the contest.”
Some of the finest names in the theater and film worlds are joining forces to star in Crystal Cruises’ brand new Theatre at Sea itinerary. Individual artists will perform throughout the 12-day “Italian Treasures” itinerary from Venice to Monte Carlo, departing September 12, 2008, aboard award-winning Crystal Serenity.
The roster of venerable actors, singers and musicians includes:
Lynn Redgrave – The Golden Globe-winning actress performs Nightingale, a captivating ancestral story from her five-generation theatrical family;
Gena Rowlands - The Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning actress presents her latest film, Broken Promises, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival;
Patricia Neal - The Academy Award-winning actress performs her acclaimed play, As I am, chronicling her remarkable life;
Lucy Arnaz and Laurence Luckinbill - Performing together, the theatrical duo presents songs from Ms. Arnaz’s cabaret show and scenes from Mr. Luckinbill’s plays;
Florence Henderson – The Brady Bunch star presents An Evening with Florence Henderson, a musical recounting of her stage, screen and television career;
Susannah York - The Academy Award-nominated actress presents her one-woman show, The Loves of Shakespeare’s Women; and
Lee Roy Reams – Critically acclaimed for his Broadway role in The Producers, Mr. Reams presents a musical journey through the works of Jerry Herman, one of Broadway’s finest composers.
Presented in partnership with the Theatre Guild, the Crystal Serenity itinerary calls in Dubrovnik, Croatia; Taormina, Sorrento, Rome, Florence and Elba, Italy, and ends with an overnight stay in Monte Carlo. Cruise fares start at $4,835 per person, double occupancy.
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