Theodore Kontes News

Greek cruise lines hope a swifter vaccination rollout and the government’s proposed vaccine certificates scheme can help get ships out of the docks where they have been idling empty for the past year and back to sea for the vital summer season.With international travel now at a near-standstill, saving at least part of the summer season will be vital, said George Koumpenas, Chief Operating Officer for Celestyal Cruises, a medium-sized operator that offers trips to the Aegean and…

The Minister of Development Competitiveness and Shipping, heads of international cruise sector bodies, senior officials from Greece’s port authorities and representatives from a wide spectrum of the cruising industry agreed today that state protectionism is a stumbling block that discourages the potential growth of the country’s sea tourism. They were addressing an audience of 200 cruise industry professionals who attended the 2nd Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum held today, Wednesday 6th June, at the sidelines of Posidonia 2012, the world’s biggest shipping trade event. According to the Minister of Development, Competitiveness and Shipping, Mr Ioannis Stournaras, Greece attracts 4.3 million cruise line passengers every year who spend some Euro 430 million at greek destinations.

Maritime Telecommunications Network, Inc. (MTN) signed a five-year agreement with Festival Cruises, Inc., effectively equipping the company's next two newbuilds, European Vision and European Dream, scheduled to be delivered from Chantiers de l'Atlantique in France, in 2001 and 2002, with MTN's telecommunications technology. MTN will provide onboard telecommunications services via C-band service, providing voice, fax and data capabilities. Additionally, MTN's complete maritime solution includes, but is not limited to providing phone cards, Internet access, Automated Teller Machines (ATM's), Ocean Routes and Weather News. David Kagan, president and chief operating officer of MTN…