AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
'Queen of Mississippi' to be Christened, Set Sail
American Cruise Lines announces that the first authentic paddle-wheeler in 20 years will set off on first cruise after christening. “The christening of Queen of the Mississippi is a meaningful way to celebrate the official launch of American Cruise Lines service on the Mississippi River,” said Charles A. Robertson, president and CEO, American Cruise Lines. “Guests now have access to the industry’s best amenities aboard an authentic paddlewheeler with a historic appearance.” The christening in Nashville, will be performed by Phyllis Dale , a nationally-recognized travel agent and small-ship cruise expert. Then Queen of the Mississippi will set sail at full capacity on an eight-day voyage from Nashville to St. Louis. Queen of the Mississippi offers guests a brand new way to see the longest river system in North America and explore the remarkable port cities that line the way. Most of the ship’s spacious 300-square-foot staterooms—the largest in the industry—offer private balconies while an all-American staff and crew cater to passengers’ every need. Daily educational events and themed entertainment help paint a picture of what life on the Mississippi was like in days gone by. Construction of Queen of the Mississippi was completed in June by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Md., making it, says American Cruise Lines, the most luxurious, fully-functioning, authentic paddlewheeler in the industry
Cruise Lines Contribution to Economy Boosts
The North American cruise industry generated $20.4 billion in economic activity within the United States in 2002 – nearly a ten percent increase from 2001 – according to an annual study by Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA). Commissioned by the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL), the study details cruise lines’ economic contributions and examines the extensive links that cruise lines have with major U.S industries.
United States Lines Floats Again
American Classic Voyages has acquired one of the most storied and renowned names in the history of ocean-going passenger transportation - United States Lines - to be used for its fleet of cruise ships being developed under the company's Project America initiative. Known as one of the most prominent names in passenger shipping throughout the era of the trans-Atlantic crossing - a period that spanned from the early 1900's through the early 1960's
New Orleans, New York Gain Big in Cruise Departures
More people are choosing to depart from New Orleans and New York on their cruises than ever before. Departures from New Orleans were up by 33 percent while departures from New York grew 27 percent in 2004, according to statistics released by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) on April 26. North American cruise passenger traffic increased overall by 12.8 percent in 2004, with more than 9.4 million passengers traveling on the 17 major cruise lines. These figures are up from the 8
Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Cruise Ship ADA Case
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument in a case involving whether the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to foreign cruise ships that embark passengers at U.S. ports. A decision is expected this summer. Spector v. Norwegian Cruise Line, Ltd., No. 03-1388 (HK Law).
Zarmati Named President & CEO of Costa Cruise Lines—North America
Maurice Zarmati has been named president and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines—North America. Zarmati, who is currently vice president of sales for Carnival Cruise Lines, will assume his new role beginning March 31, 2008. An accomplished sales executive, Zarmati has been with Carnival Cruise Lines since 1972, leading one of the largest and most successful sales teams in North America. In his new role as president and CEO of Costa Cruise Lines—North America
RCL Ship to be Modernized at Blohm + Voss Repair
After the cruise liner GTV Summit had been docked in 17 for about two weeks for the installation of a new diesel generator, on April 27. the Brilliance of the Seas will follow. Owned by the Norwegian-American company Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, a new genset will be installed in addition to other miscellaneous work to be carried out. The new diesel genset with a power of about 12 MW will be used in addition to the existing gas turbines
Conover Voted WISTA Personality of the Year
Pamela C. Conover, who has taken leadership roles at three major cruise lines, has been voted Personality of the Year 2009 by the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association. The decision was announced at the 2009 conference of WISTA, taking place at IMO headquarters in London from September 16-18. Pam Conover is president and chief executive of Seabourn Cruise Line, a luxury cruise subsidiary of the Carnival group
New York Cruise Lines Appoints of New President, CEO
New York Cruise Lines, parent company of internationally celebrated tourism companies Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, The Beast and World Yacht today announced the appointments of Gus Markou to President and Chief Operating Officer reporting to Samuel Cooperman, Chief Executive Officer. Promoted from Vice President of Operations, Mr. Markou is a 25 year veteran of New York Cruise Lines and has been instrumental in the growth of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, The Beast and World Yacht
ISS GMT Global Marine Travel Announces Management Changes
New team offers diverse range of experience from cruise and marine industries. In Fort Lauderdale FL, on September 20, 2011, ISS GMT President Tim Davey announced the promotion of Chris Podolsky to the position of General Manager of North America. Cruise industry air/sea veteran Podolsky previously held the position of General Manager of Operation for North America at ISS GMT and now adds the full financial responsibility and accountability for the continued growth of
Upcoming NAMEPA National Maritime Day Seminar
'Safety at Sea' focus of NAMEPA's National Maritime Day seminar at the Washington DC National Press Club. The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) will be offering a seminar “Environmental Intelligence in Maritime: Safety at Sea"
Ports America to Operate Port of LA Cruise Terminal
The Port of Los Angeles contract Ports America to provide operation, management & maintenance of the Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal at Berth 90-43 in San Pedro, Calif. The five-year agreement, commencing April 2013, includes two 5-year options
MTN and Norwegian Cruise Line Announce Social Media Record
MTN and Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian) announce that a new record for social media usage at sea was set during Norwegian Breakaway’s New York inaugural events. MTN delivered the communications services for its partner, Norwegian, enabling this social media breakthrough that helped
Viking Goes Blue Water
Viking Cruises launch Viking Ocean Cruises, the first new cruise line in nearly a decade. Developed from the ground up to return the focus of cruising to the destination, Viking Ocean Cruises will begin sailing in May 2015 with its first vessel—Viking Star—embarking on maiden voyages
Finland Finances Two TUI ships
Arrangements have been made to ensure that the Turku shipyards of STX Finland will be able to deliver two ships ordered by the German TUI cruise line, Finland’s Ministry of Employment and the Economy said on Friday. The two cruise liners are slated for a 2014-2015 completion date.
Great Lakes/Seaway in New Cruise Ship's Schedule
Pearl Sea Cruises' 'Pearl Mist', now in final outfitting, will cruise the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway, Canadian Maritimes & New England in 2014, The brand-new, 210 passenger capacity Pearl Mist has arrived in Maryland for final outfitting before going into service in 2014
M.E.B.A. Calls for Recognition of U.S. Cruise Industry Mariners
The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association Raises Awareness of U.S. Mariners in the Cruise Industry in Light of Media Coverage The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.) will represent U.S. Merchant Mariners on the only U.S.-flagged and U.S
MEBA Points to a US-crewed Cruise Ship
The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) raises awareness of U.S. mariners in the cruise industry in light of recent media interest. MEBA say it is proud to represent U.S. Merchant Mariners on the only U.S.-flagged and U.S
'Navigator of the Seas' to Homeport Port of Galveston
Port of Galveston say that Royal Caribbean International is to base their Voyager-class ship year-round from Galveston, from November 2013. The Navigator of the Seas, due for an extensive drydock refit in January 2014, will replace Mariner of the Seas to offer Texas vacationers roundtrip
CLIA Welcome 'Whodunit' Proposals
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) commend the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Legal Committee's proposals for on-board crime procedures. The International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Legal Committee recently adopted a proposal which CLIA co-sponsored on international
Holland America Place Interior Design Contracts
The company's new Pinnacle-class cruise ship to feature interiors designed by two leading firms. Holland America Line has selected two design companies to create the interior spaces of the line's new 99,000-ton ship that is slated for delivery in February 2016
Three Cruise Ships Visit Port in One Day
The Port of San Diego to welcome 3 cruise ships on Tuesday, May 7, bringing thousands of passengers to the port city. Two of the vessels, the Celebrity Solstice and the Oceania Regatta , will be making their inaugural visits to the Port of San Diego
Massport Launch 2013 Cruise Season
With Friday’s Bermuda sailing of the Norwegian Dawn, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) launches the 2013 cruise season at Cruiseport Boston’s Black Falcon Terminal in South Boston. New this year, Massport is offering travelers free wireless Internet access at the
U.S. Senator Sends Safety Inquiries to Major Cruise Lines
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation said in a news release that Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va) sent letters to the three largest cruise liners about their passenger safety, security, and health practices. Chairman Rockefeller’s letters to Carnival, Royal Caribbean
AMO Support Senator's Quest for Cruise Ship Information
The American Maritime Officers Association (AMO) supports Senator Rockefeller's approach to the Cruise Lines International Association. The American Maritime Officers Association, the nation's largest professional merchant marine organization, says the widely publicised letter by U.S