Seatrade Insider is reporting that the International Maritime Organization has drawn up new design regulations that ensure a higher level of stability if a ship is damage. The new regulations apply to new vessels built from January 1, 2009 the new regulations effect cargo and passenger vessels.
According to the new regulations, new vessels must have a double bottom that extends over the entire breadth of the hull. If a comparable level of safety in the event of a grounding can be proven designs without a double bottom will still be allowed.
The January 1 construction date applies to the date the keel is laid down. All ships who lay their keel after January 1 must comply with the new rules.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: General News Posted by Michael on 08/05/08
Ruby Princess has completed another major milestone in preparation for her November 8 debut, with the completion of her sea trials. The new ship set out to sea from her construction dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and was put through her paces with a series of maneuvers to test her propulsion, steering and navigational equipment. After a successful four days of trials, the ship is now back in the shipyard for further exterior and interior finishing. Ruby Princess will be ready for her maiden voyage from Ft. Lauderdale, a seven-day Western Caribbean sailing taking passengers to Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Princess Cays.
Ruby Princess is a sister ship to Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, and will feature the same dramatic piazza-style atrium that have become so popular on those ships. Other ship highlights include Princess’ signature adults-only retreat called The Sanctuary, an Italian trattoria, a seafood and steak house, a “Movies Under the Stars” giant outdoor movie screen and 900 cabins with private balconies.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Princess Cruises Posted by Michael on 08/05/08
Crystal Cruises is the first line to feature professionally trained and certified cheese sommeliers who, rather than simply suggesting cheese selections, ascertain the finer nuances of guests’ palates. In true Crystal luxury fashion, sommeliers will introduce travelers to samplings of new flavors, textures and cheese combinations that complement food and wine - adding sophistication and knowledge to guests’ culinary experiences. The sommeliers will be introduced this month on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity following intensive training and certification supervised by Professor Gerhard Ebner of the International Cheese Academy of the Hotel and Tourism School in Bad Gleichenberg, Austria.
“Cheese continues to play an increasingly important role in the worldwide dining experience,” says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food & beverage. “The certification of sommeliers is the kind of subtle luxury amenity that guests won’t think about or truly appreciate until they’ve encountered it - and then they’ll be quite impressed. It also demonstrates the commitment in training Crystal’s culinary staff to be the best at what they do.”
Benefits to guests include:
- Sommelier suggestions on pairings with meals and wines, and insights on what blends thrive in certain regions of the world;
- Varying selections of cheeses, depending on season and regional delicacies;
- In all, 50 cheese vintages from 20 countries — from the internationally renowned to more obscure artisan choices made by hand, and
- Complimentary sommelier services, part and parcel to the overall Crystal Experience, illustrating that true luxury is illustrated in the finest details
Certification participants included the head sommelier; assistant maître d’ (senior head waiter) chef de cuisine; Prego restaurant sommelier; two head waiters; and food and beverage manager. A rigorous daily training schedule included courses covering the history of cheese; its production - including regional differences and how cows’ diets impact the flavor of the cheese - slicing techniques; tastings; presentation; creating cheese menus; and cooking with cheese. Participants also visited a restaurant specializing in cheese menus and toured a regional cheese market.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Crystal Cruises Posted by Michael on 08/02/08
Due to concerns that the Mississippi River may be closed again by cleanup efforts from last month’s barge sinking near New Orleans, Carnival has decided that Carnival Fantasy will again go to Mobile when she completes her current sailing.
Passengers scheduled to depart on Carnival Fantasy’s August 4 sailing should go to New Orleans as planned, Carnival will provided transportation from the New Orleans Cruise Terminal to Mobile. Unless being dropped off, passengers should not proceed to Mobile on their own.
(0) Comments (Leave a Comment)Filed under: Carnival Cruise Lines Posted by Michael on 08/01/08
<Updated>There’s been a few reports swirling about the interwebs regarding the future of Majestic America - with at least one site declaring that the line won’t be sailing at all next year.
What we do know is this-
- Itineraries for 2009 still have not been announced.
- The parent company for Majestic America, Ambassadors International, announced plans to sell the line back over the spring.
- There’s no information either way on Majestic America’s website.
We’ve asked the line for more a confirmation either way and all they have done is direct us to two statements that the line had been put up for sale.
Update- Ambassador’s International has followed up with us and has now confirmed that due to the planned sale of Majestic America that the line will not be operating cruises after the 2008 season.
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