Due to an accident and oil spill in the Mississippi River in New Orleans which has lead to traffic restrictions on the river around the incident, Carnival has decided to send Carnival Fantasy to Mobile AL at the conclusion of it’s current sailing tomorrow (July 26).
Passengers onboard Carnival Fantasy wil be provided with motorcoach transportation to the New Orleans Cruise Terminal at no charge.
Passengers scheduled to depart on Carnival Fantasy’s departure from New Orleans tomorrow should check in at the New Orleans Cruise Terminal as scheduled. Carnival will provide you with motorcoach transportation to Mobile at no charge.
Unless you are being dropped off, passengers should not go directly to Mobile. At the end of the July 26 sailing Carnival Fantasy is still expected to return to New Orleans as scheduled.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Carnival Cruise Lines Posted by Michael on 07/25/08
At Tuesday’s public hearing on the grounding of Empress of The North on May 14, 2007 the NTSB laid the blame for the incident squarely on an inexperienced, newly licensed junior Third Mate and the decion by the ship’s Master to put that crewmember on watch.
According to the NTSB’s report on the incident, the illness of a senior Third Mate was why the ship’s Master elected to replace the experienced Third Mate with the new junior Third Mate, who held an unlimited, any-ocean third officer’s license but had never stood watch on the vessel or traveled the waters of Lynn Canal. The third mate was not familiar with the route, the vessel’s handling characteristics or the bridge equipment.
The NTSB said the master had enough time to consider the watch assignment but investigators found no evidence he examined other options.
In addition, the NTSB recommended that state and U.S. maritime academies use the circumstances of the accident to teach students about their responsibilities as newly licensed officers and advised the Passenger Vessel Association to inform members about the incident.
The ship was carrying 206 passengers and 75 crew. Passengers and non-essential crew were safely evacuated. Empress of the North sustained damage to its starboard underside and propulsion system. Investigators said 52.5m tons of steel were used in repairs.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Majestic America Line Posted by Michael on 07/22/08
One extraordinary yacht, one incredible voyage, and 450 godparents. Those are the numbers behind the highly anticipated launch of Seabourn Odyssey, the newest member of the Seabourn fleet, in June 2009. Those fortunate enough to secure one of the few remaining spots aboard Odyssey’s maiden voyage will share the unprecedented honor of being named a “godparent” of the new vessel - a distinction usually reserved for a celebrity or otherwise noteworthy personality. It’s an honor that will be recognized for the duration of the luxury yacht’s seagoing life.
Each passenger aboard Odyssey’s maiden voyage, scheduled to depart Venice, Italy, on June 24, 2009, will have his or her name engraved on a plaque to be displayed on board the sleek yacht. An early-evening ceremony to christen the new yacht is planned to coincide with the summer sunset over the domes and steeples of Venice’s skyline - with all 450 godparents taking part in the momentous event. Seabourn Odyssey will then make its stately way from the canals to the lagoon and beyond - a gala, 14-day voyage exploring the Dalmatian coast, the Greek Isles, and Turkey.
Highlights of the cruise will include sailing into the dramatic fjord of Kotor in Montenegro, a day of water sports from the yacht’s marina while anchored off the Greek Isle of Mylos, and a signature Exclusively Seabourn evening reception and concert in the torch-lit ruins of Ephesus in Turkey.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: The Yachts of Seabourn Posted by Michael on 07/22/08
During Royal Caribbean’s earnings call yesterday the company announced a significant cost savings initiative that is expected to reduce spending by approximately $125 million annually.
“Too much of our profitability is being eroded by the increase in fuel prices. This is unacceptable and we are evaluating everything we do to find ways to do it more efficiently and effectively,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “While our brands continue to attract premium prices even in this difficult environment, it is imperative that we find ways to reduce our costs.”
As part of the restructuring, the company announced it is eliminating approximately 400 shore-side positions. In addition, the company announced it had discontinued some non-core operations, including The Scholar Ship, an educational partnership aimed at college students studying aboard cruise ships. The company expects to incur charges related to this restructuring of approximately $15 million, or $0.07 per share, in the third quarter 2008.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Azamara Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International Posted by Michael on 07/22/08
… and we thought that last week was a slow week! With the exception of a few personnel moves it’s been a pretty sleepy week.
Crystal announce that they will be offering acupuncture at sea and Carnival will be adding the Carnival Seaside Theater to 5 ships.
This week we discussed how your friends, family, and co-workers can be used to get you a free cruise - that’s right group cruising!
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