Linens News

Plagued by mosquitoes at night and marauding monkeys by day, ship captain Glenn Madoginog was held for months at an Indonesian naval base before ending up in a cramped prison cell, sleeping alongside convicted murderers and child rapists.The Filipino father of four was one of dozens of captains held at the Batam naval base after being arrested for anchoring in Indonesian waters without a permit while waiting to enter Singapore, according to a dozen people involved in the cases, including captains, ship owners, intermediaries and insurers.Most of the captains were freed after a few weeks once ship owners made unofficial payments to navy intermediaries of between $300…

The management of the new company,  Ocean Network Express Holdings (ONE) -  the joint venture between three Japanese shipowning societies Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha ("K" Linens), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) was unveiled. The existing NYK Line chief executive Jeremy Nixon named as the chief executive of ONE. Nixon has been chief executive of NYK’s liner division since 2012, and moved to Singapore two years before that to head its South Asia operation. The holding company with ultimate governance of ONE will remain in Tokyo, but its operational global headquarters will be based in Singapore. ONE will have five regional operating Generali quarters…

In commemoration of Earth Day, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today highlighted the extensive efforts of the cruise industry and CLIA member lines to preserve and protect the environment. “CLIA member cruise lines continue to invest in systems and technologies that improve overall environmental performance,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “The industry takes its responsibility as caretakers of the environment seriously. Working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO)…

Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. has signed a letter of intent with shipyard Meyer Werft to build the first of a new generation of Royal Caribbean International cruise ships. Developed under the code-name “Project Sunshine,” the new vessel design incorporates new and exciting features that take advantage of the best of Royal Caribbean’s experience and imagination. The project is a result of over a year of dedicated research and development. The order calls for one ship to be delivered in the Fall of 2014 with an option for a second ship for Spring 2015. The 158,000 Gross Registered Tons (GRT) new build will carry just over 4,100 guests based on double occupancy. The estimated all-in cost per berth is about €170,000.

Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,056-passenger, 70,000-ton Fantasy is currently undergoing an extensive multi-million-dollar refurbishment as part of its scheduled five-week drydock. The refurbishment, which is taking place at the Freeport Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas, will include a new lobby bar, remodeled cabins and a redesigned promenade. Each of Fantasy's 1,028 staterooms will receive a complete makeover with new wall coverings, furniture, bedding and linens. In-cabin bathrooms will be fully remodeled, as well, with updated vanities, new tile work and shampoo and soap dispensers.

Continuing growth in Asian trade boosted container volumes in the Port of New York and New Jersey by 14.6 percent during the first half of 2003, New York Governor George E. Pataki and New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey announced last week. Imports from Far East Asia grew by 38 percent, while imports from Southeast Asia grew by 31 percent. Asian imports, which include furniture, clothing, linens, toys and lighting products, now account for 41 percent of all cargo handled by the New York-New Jersey port. This makes Asia the port’s largest market, surpassing Europe for the first time. New York Governor Pataki said, “As the national economy begins to recover, the port has clearly given the New York region a much needed boost.

Deborah L. Natansohn has been named president of Seabourn Cruise Line. A well-known industry veteran, Natansohn most recently was senior vice president of sales and marketing for Cunard Line Ltd., where she spearheaded the launch of the celebrated Queen Mary 2 and the rebranding of the venerable line. Natansohn's appointment is part of a corporate restructuring in which the ultra luxury, all-suite Yachts of Seabourn will operate as an independent brand within the Carnival Corporation. Previously, Seabourn shared back-office functions with sister brand, Cunard Line, which is relocating to Valencia, California. Seabourn will remain based in Miami. The two brands will continue to share their national field sales force, which remains intact. Natansohn succeeds Richard D.

Majestic America Line said that it plans upgrades to its entire fleet of cruise ships next year. Majestic established a Midwest operations office in St. Louis this fall. State room upgrades on the company's seven ships will include upgraded mattresses and linens, massage shower heads, and spa-quality robes and toiletries. Flat screen televisions with DVD players will be added on the American Queen, Mississippi Queen and Contessa ships. The line's suites will feature a new digital entertainment system, refrigerators and in-suite safes, as well as bath slippers and in-room coffee and tea service. Majestic America Line, based in Seattle…

Recent outbreaks of Norwalk-like viruses on cruise ships, particularly those visiting North America, have afflicted passengers and crew with symptoms of gastro-intestinal illness. to its members. The Club points out that cruise companies visiting U.S. waters from abroad must notify the Vessel Sanitation Program of the U.S. Center for Disease Control when two per cent of passengers or crew are ill with vomiting or diarrhea. Tour companies operating wholly within the waters of a U.S. state should check with the relevant state authority about any notification or other action required. Although Norwalk is a specific virus, its effects are similar to those of other viruses in the calicivirus family.