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SHIPPING NEWS 2007
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The compiler of the shipping news disclaim all liability for any loss, damage or expense however caused, arising from the reading, sending, receipt, or use of this website communication and on any reliance placed upon the information provided through this free service and does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. Maritime Matters, Martin Cox or Peter Knego cannot be held responsible for its accuracy or for any action taken as a result of content or any other web page or email communication herein.
Shipping News June - August 2007
Fatal Collision in Haifa Bay - update (2)
August 31: A collision between an Israeli freighter SHELLY and 1962-built passenger ship M/V SALAMIS GLORY (ex ANNA NERY, DANOS, CONSTELLETION, MORNING SPIRIT, REGENT SPIRIT) in Haifa Bay, occurred about four kilometers from shore. Eleven crew survived and most jumped over board from the anchored freighter. Two bodies have now been recovered by divers from the freighter which sank after being cut in two. The two dead men were the ship's first mate and engineer, one Ukrainian and the other Indonesian, according to police. No casualties were reported on board the cruise ship, which one report suggests had suffered a steering malfunction. The Israeli SHELLY, owned by Caspi Cargo Lines,BLUE AEGEAN BLOG, Part Two: AEGEAN BLOG
August 28: Click here for Classic Cruising In the Aegean with Peter Knego, aboard Golden Star Cruises SS AEGEAN TWO.BLUE AEGEAN BLOG, Part One: BLUE BLOG
August 28: Click here for Classic Cruising In the Aegean with Peter Knego, aboard Monarch Classic Cruises MV BLUE MONARCH.BC Ferry Bumps Dock
August 28: Five passengers suffered minor injuries (two were hospitalized) when BC ferry QUEEN OF CHILLIWALK suffered a power failure and struck the dock while moving at a 2 knot speed at Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. Services between Part Hardy and Bella Coola were cancelled after the 8:45pm incident. The cause is under investigation by B.C. Ferries, Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board. The nearly 30 year-old ferry is slated for retirement in the next five years.Advertisement:
UNCOMMON JOURNEYS
Unique trips by vintage train, ship & steamboat in North America. To sample classic streamliner train travel, combined with unique cruise voyages like that described by Peter Knego in his latest evocatively written 'American Queen blog' here, kindly contact Uncommon Journeys-Train Holidays at www.uncommonjourneys.com or 800.323.5893.Swimmers Block Ferry
August 26: HAWAII SUPERFERRY suspended operations at the request of Hawaii's governor, Linda Lingle, after the Coast Guard could not guarantee a safe passage for the 350-foot vessel in and out of Nawiliwili Harbor on Kauai, where about 65 environmental protesters swimming and on surf boards blocked the vessel from docking. The swimmers were protesting the operator's failure to obtain an environmental impact report before launching the service. The rushed August 25th maiden voyages from Oahu to Maui and Kauai were moved up two days after the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled last week that the state should have required an environmental report. Ferry opponents said they would go to a Maui court on Monday to block the service.Apollo, Star and NCL
August 17: Apollo Management has invested $1 billion in the financially-strapped, Star-owned NCL Corporation, which should help strengthen NCL after its troubled NCL America division (soon to be reduced from three to two ships) has posted poor results. Apollo's infusion of cash will help with the completion of NCL's F-3 series of ships, the first of which will be constructed at France's Aker Yard. Apollo also recently invested $850 million in Oceania Cruises.Glacier Calves On Cruise Ship
August 11: The 1990-built ALEXEY MARYSHEV, a Russian research vessel converted to luxury cruise ship was damaged, August 9, while sailing close to the towering Horn glacier at the Svalbard Islands, about 620 miles from the North Pole. Ice broke from the glacier and hit the 216-foot long vessel and swamped her in swells. 14 of the 50 British passengers were injured, two seriously. The ALEXEY MARYSHEV was built in Finland for the Hydrographic Institute of St Petersburg.Aliaga-Bound
August 10: The MARINE STAR/AQUARAMA is now well on her way to the shipbreaking yards of Aliaga, Turkey. After a two week layover at Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada following her tow from Buffalo that began on July 15, the long dormant, rusting George Sharp-designed ship was hitched to the Greek-owned tug, AETOS Z for the long, slow tow across the Atlantic on Saturday, August 4.Norway Cruise Collision
August 9: Reports have come in that the 1966-built OCEAN MAJESTY (ex HOMERIC, OCEAN MAJESTY, OLYMPIC, KYPROS STAR, SOL CHRISTIANA, JUAN MARCH) and 1982-built THOMSON SPIRIT (ex NIEUW AMSTERDAM, PATRIOT, NIEUW AMSTERDAM) have collided in Norway's Geiranger Fjord. OCEAN MAJESTY reportedly lost a lifeboat while THOMSON SPIRIT incurred a buckled bow. OCEAN MAJESTY's 466 passengers were said to have been taken by bus to Bergen and transferred by plane back the the UK. Updates to follow.Another QUEEN To Pasture
August 1, 2007: Following within weeks of Cunard's surprising revelation that QE2 has been sold to become a floating hotel in Dubai in late 2008, Majestic America Line announced today that, despite the efforts of thousands of people across the U.S. and around the world, the historic steamboat DELTA QUEEN will be retired in 2008 after the U.S. Congress declined to renew the vessel's exemption from SOLAS regulations that have allowed her to operate for the past 37 years:"Majestic America Line, one of the world's premier river cruise lines and the largest river and coastal cruising company in America, announced today that despite tremendous efforts by the company, many esteemed partners and thousands of previous guests, the U.S. Congress has decided that the Delta Queen should not continue operating on America's rivers beyond 2008. Majestic America Line is committed to providing this American treasure with a proper and well-deserved send off, and will spend the Delta Queen's 2008 farewell season celebrating this historic landmark with the communities and people who hold her storied tradition of sailing the waterways of the United States so dear.
Built in 1926, the Delta Queen features a steel hull and a superstructure constructed of wood - a direct reflection of the designs of her time. Subsequent Coast Guard regulations prohibited wooden superstructures, but Congress decided more than 40 years ago to provide a special exemption from these rules for the historic Delta Queen. This exemption, which Congress had extended no fewer than six occasions, was set to expire in November 2008. Majestic America Line recently joined forces with those who know and love the fabled ship to extend this exemption. A comprehensive campaign was launched to raise awareness for the Delta Queen's excellent safety record, its impeccable training program and the quality and experience of the crew. However, Congress recently chose not to include this extension on legislation. Without the extension from Congress, the Delta Queen will not be able to continue cruise voyages on the river.
"We are incredibly disappointed by this decision, but we are extremely grateful to those who worked tirelessly on behalf of the Delta Queen to preserve her place on the Mississippi River," said Joe Ueberroth, President and CEO, Ambassadors International, which owns and operates Majestic America Line. "This includes many congressional leaders such as Congressman Lacy Clay (D-MO), who gathered the support of so many of his colleagues, thousands of loyal guests, our hard-working travel partners and Delta Queen enthusiasts like www.steamboats.org. We appreciate their efforts and we will continue to keep them involved as we plan the best way to honor the Delta Queen."
In addition to the leadership displayed by Congressman Clay, members such as Congressman Richard Baker (R-LA), representing congressional districts that are visited each year by the Delta Queen, were very supportive of the efforts to keep her operating on the river. These members include:
o Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO)
o Congressman Marion Berry (D-AR)
o Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
o Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-MO)
o Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH)
o Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO)
o Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-MO)
o Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI)
o Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
o Congresswoman Bettie McCollum (D-MN)
o Congressman Charlie Melancon (D-LA)
o Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH)
o Congressman John Tanner (D-TN)
o Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS)
o Senator David Vitter (R-LA)
o Congressman Timothy Walz (D-MN)
o Congressman Zack Wamp (R-TN)
o Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY)Support and encouragement also came from districts which are not directly touched by the Delta Queen, including Congressman Roy Blunt (R-MO), Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) and Congressman Don Young (R-AK).
Based in Seattle, Majestic America Line is also grateful for the support from Washington state members, including Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
For years, the Delta Queen has been a beloved fixture on the heartland rivers of the United States and provided guests with a view of America from the waters that shaped the country's expansion. The Delta Queen provides a wholly unique way to experience the great American communities, cultures and experiences along the Upper and Lower Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Black Warrior and Cumberland rivers, as well as the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
In 1970, recognized as the last operational steam paddlewheeler with overnight accommodations plying the rivers, the Delta Queen was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 1989, she was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of Interior. She was inducted into the National Maritime Hall of Fame in 2004.
A veteran of World War II and the only steamboat to transit the Panama Canal, the 80 year-old Delta Queen was host to three U.S. presidents and a princess. Stars of stage, screen and the entertainment world have also graced her decks, as well as some of the most prominent business leaders and statesmen of our time.
The ship itself is rich with art and antiquities such as original Tiffany-style stained glass windows, rich hardwood paneling, gleaming brass fittings, the only Siamese ironwood floor aboard a steamboat, the dramatic and often-photographed Grand Staircase, an 1897 steam calliope, and the very same ship's bell that sounded out landings for the steamboat that Mark Twain rode downriver in 1883.
Majestic America Line will dedicate the 2008 season to celebrating the Delta Queen's 80 years of service and her fabled time on the river.
"A journey on board the Delta Queen is a true American experience, providing guests with an authentic glimpse of our country's culture and a time in our history when steamboats ruled the rivers," said David A. Giersdorf, President, Majestic America Line. "We will make every sailing in 2008 a special event, allowing every guest, like so many before, the opportunity to share in the Delta Queen's legacy and honor the last chapter in her service on the river."
Majestic America Line is planning special commemorative events, exclusive departures for previous Delta Queen guests and commemorative gifts that will mark the farewell season. With just 24 departures on the Delta Queen during 2008, guests are encouraged to reserve their place in history soon (Uncommon Journeys.com.)
The company is continuing to evaluate the best way to preserve her legendary spirit and her esteemed place in American history for future generations."
Radioactive BLUEs?
July 27: It looks as though a decision on the BLUE LADY's fate is to be delayed at least another ten days as the Indian Supreme Court reviews new material claiming that the 5,500 fire alarms on board the historic liner contain Americum 241, a radioactive material that is known to cause cancer. The former SS NORWAY/FRANCE was beached on August 15, 2006 and has been laying in the elements some 4,000 feet from the plot owned by Priya Blue Shipbreakers, the outfit that purchased the ship last year. The Supreme Court's Technical Committee of Experts (CTE) has also been reviewing evidence provided by the breakers (and supported by the Gujarat Maritime Board) on the feasibility of safe removal of 1,200 tons of asbestos on board the ship.Save The DELTA QUEEN Campaign
July 27: Steamboats.org has been campaigning to save the historic paddlewheel steamer DELTA QUEEN from possible forced retirement when the boat's exemption from SOLAS comes up for renewal in 2008. For more information on this important campaign, please go to: www.steamboats.org/save-the-delta-queen-2007PACIFIC STAR Update
July 24: After three days sailing from Port Vila, Vanuatu, the PACIFIC STAR arrived in Brisbane, Australia, July 20 for repairs at Cairncross Drydock. The ship received serious damage in a recent storm and will have the upper section of her bow and steel framework removed and replaced. A new forward external staircase will replace the one washed away by the storm and new steel plates to reinforce two small sections of the hull will be fitted. New windows are being manufactured to replace twenty that were smashed, the openings will be covered for the next cruise. P&O Cruises will fly the PACIFIC STAR's next 1,200 passengers from Auckland, New Zealand to Brisbane, allowing the ship to remain in dry dock for two additional days. PACIFIC STAR is registered in the United Kingdom and the Maritime Coastguard Agency is obliged to confirm that all requirements have been satisfied before she sails. Her next cruise, named "Tropical Breeze", will visit Mystery Island, Port Vila, Ouvea, Isle of Pines and Noumea, before returning to Auckland.Storm Damages STAR
July 21: P&O's 1982-built PACIFIC STAR (ex TROPICALE, COSTA TROPICALE) was damaged in last week's storm on July 17, while sailing from Auckland to the Pacific Islands. The cruise had to be abandoned and the ship laid up in Port Vila, Vanuatu after 10-meter high waves smashed windows, doors and satellite equipment. Hull damage was also reportedly received and all the ship's 1,000 passengers were flown home. P&O announced that PACIFIC STAR will have to return to Brisbane, Australia for repairs and for a bow inspection. Her following cruise was also cancelled.MSC NAPOLI Blown Apart
July 21: Just after midday Friday, July 19, explosives were used for a third time to separate the grounded container ship MSC NAPOLI off the Devon Coast. The stern section, including the accommodation block, will be cut up on site while the larger forward section as been towed away from the Devon coast. MSC NAPOL has been stranded off Branscombe since she was damaged in a storm and deliberately grounded in January. The ship was refloated but a diving survey revealed that the hull was too severely damaged and the ship was beached again.ÊTwo previous attempts to split the ship last week, carried out by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), had been unsuccessful. Further oil leaks from the vessel are causing concern and a large boom has been positioned to protect the coast.And All That RAZZMATAZZ?
July 18: Word from South Africa is that Razzmatazz Ocean Cruises is enjoying strong advance bookings for its forthcoming maiden season of cruises aboard the RAZZMATAZZ (ex BREMERHAVEN, STELLA MARIS II, VIKING BORDEAUX, MADAGASCAR). The last former Sun Line vessel extant, she has been laid up at Durban since the collapse of her most recent operators, Indian Ocean Cruises, in March of 2006. There has been no confirmation as to whether the planned refit that would see the removal of most of the remainder of the ship's original artwork and fittings has taken place. The RAZZMATAZZ's maiden voyage is scheduled for August 31, 2007.Mercy In The Night
July 18: Confirming information from a source at Alang that says ANASTASIS (ex VICTORIA) is due at month's end, Ian Shiffman reports that Mercy Ships' ANASTASIS (ex VICTORIA) called at Cape Town for bunkers in the darkness of July 14/15. The lovely, 54 year old vessel departed Monrovia earlier this month with a skeleton crew after transferring equipment and supplies to the AFRICA MERCY (ex DRONNING INGRID), her replacement. Mercy Ships removed all pertinent fittings and artwork prior to the ANASTASIS' departure and is having these items shipped to its U.S. headquarters in Texas for display and a possible auction in the near future.Shuffled Off From Buffalo:
July 18: The fascinating, 1945-built George Sharp-designed MARINE STAR/AQUARAMA left the Buffalo, New York harbor area on Sunday, July 15, bound for the St. Lawrence Seaway and a stop at Three Rivers, Quebec, where it is rumored she will stay for a month while an overseas tow is arranged. The striking, streamline ship has been at Lackawana, NY for twelve years awaiting conversion to a casino ship. The plans were apparently shelved years ago and the partially-gutted ferry liner has languished on the sales lists. Earlier this summer, MaritimeMatters reported the MARINE STAR/AQUARAMA might be headed for Alang.Under tow by the COMMODORE STRAITS and RADIUM YELLOWKNIFE, she passed the Welland Canal on Monday and entered the St. Lawrence River on Wednesday.
Voyages Of Discovery
June 25: Discovery World Cruises, operators of the 650 passenger MV DISCOVERY (ex ISLAND PRINCESS), 394 passenger EXPLORER II (ex MINERVA) and OCEAN MAJESTY (ex JUAN MARCH) will now be marketed in the U.S. under its worldwide brand name, Voyages Of Discovery.In 2006, Discovery World Cruises was awarded "Best Value" in the Specialty Cruises category from the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society.
Paddlewheel Blog AMERICAN QUEEN: Cincinnati to Pittsburgh
July 12 Click here for the final installment of Peter Knego's live Paddlewheel Blog from the AMERICAN QUEEN.MSC NAPOLI Refloated
July 11: Container ship MSC NAPOLI, which made headlines when it was run around in Lyme Bay off Devon, was refloated on July 9, six months after all of her containers were removed. The ship remains at anchor while the decision is made over moving her from the world heritage site. 20 divers examined the hull after it was refloated by pumping out 58,000 tonnes of water.Advertisement:
Now on DVD, THE WORLD's PASSENGER FLEET, Volume Nine
The latest in Peter Knego's series of programs featuring exterior footage of fifty ships is the culmination of several years' worth of ship spotting from the decks of AUSONIA, DALMACIJA, MSC OPERA, ATALANTE, MONTEREY, REGAL EMPRESS, OCEAN MONARCH and more. For more information, please go to: www.midshipcentury.com /video9Faux Vessel is Really Demolished
July 11: Dismantling of the 190-foot PRIDE OF NEWPORT (ex RUEBEN E. LEE restaurant), a replica sternwheeler river boat and landmark at Newport Beach, CA, began today. Built in 1964, the faux vessel was once a restaurant and later housed the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. After the museum moved, the vessel was listed for sale for over a year but no buyers were found who could fulfill the lease which required that the floating barge with superstructure, would have to be relocated. Salvaged parts of the sternwheeler will be sold through the museum.QUEEN MARY Rivets For Up For Adoption
July 2: To kick-off the RMS Queen Mary Foundation's new leadership coalition, the "Adopt A Rivet" campaign has been launched. For a donation as little as US$1.00, it is possible to adopt one of the ten-million rivets used to build the QUEEN MARY. "Just as these rivets hold the ship together, so do the supporters and friends of the QUEEN MARY through their generous contributions."The campaign as for $1.00 per each rivet to be sent to:
Adopt A Rivet
RMS Queen Mary Foundation
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
USAThe RMS Foundation, Inc. is a public benefit not-for-profit 501(C)3 organization and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. ( www.queenmary.com)
PEARL In The Passage Blog Complete
June 29: Peter Knego finishes his report from Norwegian Cruise Lines' MV NORWEGIAN PEARL with a Part Three and a visit to KALAKALA, a view of COHO and a parting shot of the PEARL. Please click on end of the PEARL Blog.Aground Off Greenland
June 28: Reports from Greenland are coming in about the 1992-built QUEST (DISKO II) which ran aground near the island of Qeqertarsuaq, off Greenland's west coast, yesterday. 52 Danish passengers were safely evacuated from the small cruise ship while 18 crew members remained on board. The passengers would remain at Qeqertarsuaq until authorities determined whether the ship could continue her cruise north to Uummannaq. (DISKO II appears to be the official registered name of this Arctic Umiaq Line vessel, while the name QUEST is painted on the hull).Super Ferry To Hawaii
June 28: Hawaii Superferry Inc., reports that ALAKAI refueled and departed from Los Angeles harbor at 6AM June 27, on the last leg of her journey from Mobile, AL to Hawaii to launch a new interisland service. Today's update has her cruising at 22 knots, almost halfway to the islands. Click on Shipping News photos page for her arrival off Long Beach, CA.QE2's Final Voyage Sells In Record Time
June 27: Shawn Dake reports that the Final Voyage of Cunard's QUEEN ELIZABETH 2, sailing from Southampton to Dubai on November 11, 2008, was sold out within 36 minutes. The books opened for this historic voyage on June 27, at 6:00AM Pacific Daylight Time, and in just over half an hour all space was gone.Dake's List updated
June 26: Dake's list of new cruise ships on order has been updated today, please click here for Dakes's List on Maritime Matters.Seabourn's Newbuilds
June 26: The heretofore unnamed 32,000 gt ship being built at T. Mariotti S.p.A. in Genoa for Seabourn Cruise Line will be called SEABOURN ODYSSEY it was revealed today. The US$250m, 450-passenger, all-suite ship will debut in Venice in mid-2009.Alaska Collision
June 25: Cruise West's 257-foot SPIRIT OF YORKTOWN was reported in collision with the Seattle-based fishing boat ADIRONDACK around 1AM Monday morning. The accident happened in calm seas with light winds in southeast Alaska's Chatham Strait. No damage was reported to SPIRIT OF YORKTOWN, but the 58-foot fishing boat was dead in the water after the collision disabled its steering system. No injuries were reported. A second fishing vessel, the GUARDIAN, towed the ADIRONDACK to Sitka, Alaska. SPIRIT OF YORKTOWN sailed under her own power to Petersburg, Alaska, for inspection.QE2's Farewell Voyages
June 25: Cunard Line has announced a series of special "Farewell Voyages" for QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 following the announcement of her sale on June 18. Before QE2 ends her passenger carrying career in November 2008 to become a first-class hotel in Dubai, a series of cruises have been offered to bid farewell.On September 30, 2008: QE2's Farewell to the British Isles voyage will depart Southampton and replaces the previously announced Canary Islands Splendour voyage. The 10-night cruise will include maiden calls to Dublin and Belfast and a call to the Clyde (Greenock) where she was built, as well as calls at Cobh, Liverpool, Edinburgh (South Queensferry) and Newcastle.
October 10, 2008: QE2 will leave Southampton with flagship QM2 on a final tandem crossing to New York. The six-night voyage will end in New York on October 16. Later that day, both liners will leave New York as QE2 begins her Farewell to America Crossing. This will be QE2's 806th and final Atlantic crossing and both ships will arrive in Southampton on October 22.
Cunard has also announced QE2's Final Voyage which will leave Southampton for Dubai on November 11, 2008, calling at Lisbon,Gibraltar, Civitavecchia, Naples, Malta, Alexandria and transit the Suez Canal before arriving on November 27 in Dubai.
US-built Hawai'i-Bound Ferry Arrives in CA
June 24: Hawaii Superferry's first vessel for service between the islands of Maui, Kaua'i and O'ahu, arrived in California today. The 107 metre ALAKAI was launched January 18 and left her builders, Austal USA, at Mobile, AL last week before passing through the Panama Canal. ALAKAI arrived today, June 24, to refuel in Los Angeles. ALAKAI is expected in Hawai'i early July. The ALAKAI will offer daily service between Maui and O'ahu and between Kaua'i and O'ahu six days a week (Sunday to Friday), a three hour service each way. With a top speed of 35 knots, the ferry is capable of carrying 866 passengers and 282 cars. The environmentally-sensitive ship is powered by four MTU 20V 8200 M70 main engines via four ZF 53800 gearboxes. Hawaii Superferry plans a sister ship for 2009 that will sail between the Island of Hawai'i and O'ahu (a four and a quarter hour voyage). The name ALAKAI means "ocean path" in Hawaiian and is a US registered vessel. Click on Shipping News photos page for her arrival off Long Beach, CA.AMERICAN STAR Named
June 22: The 100-passenger AMERICAN STAR was officially named on June 15 at a ceremony at Bangor, Maine, by the Governor's wife, first lady Karen Baldacci. The traditional bottle of champagne was smashed across ship's white bow. The 215-foot AMERICAN STAR will spend her inaugural summer cruising along Maine's coast and harbors on 7-night itineraries from Bangor to Bucksport, Bar Harbor, Rockland, Castine, Camden, and Belfast.Erie Wreck Found
June 22: The wreckage of the steamship GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE, which sank on April 28, 1850 after a boiler exploded, has been discovered in Lake Erie by an amateur shipwreck hunter. The Great Lakes Historical Society announced that Thomas Kowalczk used sonar to discover the wreck in 50 feet of water about eight miles north of Vermilion, Ohio.The side-wheel steamship, named after the Revolutionary War hero Gen. "Mad" Anthony Wayne, sank April 28, 1850 en route to Buffalo, N.Y. She had sailed from Toledo with 25 passengers on April 27, picking up 40 more in Sandusky. At about 1AM both starboard boilers exploded, shattering the hull. GENERAL ANTHONY WAYNE sank in 15 minutes. An estimate of 38 to 69 lives were lost.
The State of Ohio owns the wreck, which is in two sections, and salvage is illegal; however, divers will be able to visit the wreck after it has been documented and surveyed.
QE2 Sale Fallout
June 20: As news of the Carnival Corporation's decision to sell QE2 to Dubai for conversion to an hotel is digested, news stories around the world reflect varied reactions. In Southampton, "Anger over QE2 decision", reads the headline, with debate on how the liner's home port city lost out on its own plans to buy the ship upon her retirement. "Joy and sadness at QE2's new role", reads Clydebank Post, describing, "Sweet because the liner has been saved from the breakers yard, but bitter, as many Bankies will be disappointed that the pride of the town has been lost to the area." "Clydeside has lost out again on what would have been a major draw to the area". Gulf News reports that QE2's casino will have to go since gambling is not legal in the UAE. Chairman of the British Business Group in Dubai is reported in the Jordanian press as saying, "Dubai's acquisition of the QE2 is a major tourism coup for the emirate, which will further boost links between the UAE and the UK". The New York Times simply reports on the sale. Meanwhile, Cunard has announced six cruises for QE2's farewell season.NAPOLI Wreck Talks
June 20: Last week in London, talks were held over the disposal of the sunken container ship MSC NAPOLI, which was run aground off Branscombe, Devon in January to prevent sinking after her hull split during a storm in the English Channel. 110 containers went overboard out of the 2,291 containers on board. The rest were moved onto barges by May. One option is to refloat the vessel and deliver her to her owners, while Smit International, the Dutch salvers, hope to tow her to Norway. A total of 485 birds covered in oil as a result of the grounding have been cleaned, rehabilitated and released back into the wild by the RSPCA while 1,020 other rescued oiled seabirds died or were put to sleep to alleviate their stress and suffering.Bulker Aground in NSW - Updated
June 20: On June 8, Lauritzen Bulkers Shipping company's bright red, 76,741 tonne deadweight bulk carrier, PASHA BULKER, grounded on sand at Nobbys Beach just south of the entrance to Newcastle Harbour, New South Wales, Australia. (click on Shipping News photos page for recent picture ). The grounding occurred about 10AM local time during gale force winds and high seas. The 225m long bulker was empty, waiting to pick up cargo with 22 crew on board, 700 tonnes of fuel oil, 38 tonnes of diesel and 40 tonnes of lube oil. The weather began to deteriorate with seas at 8-10 meters and winds of around 40 knots. Later in the day, all 22 crew were rescued without injury. On June 9, at 3:30PM, the first salvage team members boarded the ship to make an inspection, finding no visible pollution near the ship. On June 10, the 10-member team restored some power and systems and the ship appeared intact. On June 14, work continued in preparation to refloat the ship and the salvage team filled the No.4 hold with ballast water to hold her firmly in place and continued to relocate fuels to the upper areas of the ship for safety. By June 18, four vessels had been secured to assist in the refloating: an anchor handling tug, PACIFIC RESPONDER, to assist in laying sea anchors and chains was on its way from Cairns, while the oil spill response vessel, SHIRLEY SMITH, and the salvage tugs WOONA and KEERA were already in Newcastle. On June 19, salvage operations were suspended after a storm warning of wind gusts of up to 125 km per hour along the coast. Concern has mounted that the ship may break up but the overnight storm was not as powerful as at first feared.Newest Cruise Line on Earth
June 20: Royal Caribbean International has introduced a new deluxe cruise brand, Azamara Cruises, which will initially be made up of a two ship fleet of former Renaissance vessels. The first ship AZAMARA JOURNEY (ex R SIX, BLUE DREAM, CELEBRITY JOURNEY) began service on May 5, from Cape Liberty, NY. The ship was built in 2000 at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in St. Nazaire, France as the R SIX. While sailing for Pullmantur, the vessel was renamed BLUE DREAM (2). Following the purchase of Pullmantur by Royal Caribbean, the ship switched fleets with Celebrity's ZENITH and was renamed CELEBRITY JOURNEY. It was then decided to create the new Azamara cruise line, so rather than add the R-class ships to Celebrity, she was quickly renamed AZAMARA JOURNEY. For the inaugural summer season, the vessel will sail the Bermuda itineraries originally intended for the ZENITH.On June 7, Azamara Cruises announced itinerary changes for the second ship, AZAMARA QUEST (ex R SEVEN, DELPHIN RENAISSANCE, BLUE MOON), which was due to sail on October 19. AZAMARA QUEST will now sail on her maiden voyage on October 24 to allow extra time in the shipyard. Experience with AZAMARA JOURNEY, which sailed one day late on her first voyage, made this itinerary change prudent. The first voyage for AZAMARA QUEST is now a two-night cruise from Miami to Coco Cay, a private island in the Bahamas. The second sailing will be a five-night cruise to Key West, Playa del Carmen and Costa Maya.
Both ships are 30,277 gt, carry 710 guests and are registered in Malta. Both 593 foot long vessels were given a US$17.5m dollar refurbishment before entering the new Azamara Cruises fleet.
QE2 Headlines
June 19: Discussions in maritime circles predicted an announcement from Cunard over the next chapter in QE2's life, but few expected a sale so soon. The Cunard press release on the sale of QE2 to Dubai reverberated around the globe. Front page stories appeared in the press, including: BBC, Los Angeles Times, Scotsman, Forbes, Wall Street, Daily Telegraph, Khaleej Times, SBS - World News Australia, TVNZ, New Zealand, Reuters India, Winnipeg Sun - Canada, New York Times, MercoPress - Uruguay, Sunday Times - South Africa, France24, Daily Echo -Southampton, USA Today, Ha'aretz - Israel, Glasgow Daily Record, The Standard - Hong Kong.An example of the headlines over the last 12 hours:
QE2 is sold for $100 million - Baltimore Sun, United States
Dubai to turn QE2 into tourist attraction - Los Angeles Times
Colourful history of famous ship - BBC News, UK
QE2 heads to luxury retirement home in Dubai - Guardian Unlimited, UK
Palm Island farewell for QE2 - Metro, UK
Dubai buys Queen Elizabeth 2 - Sunday Times, South Africa
Old lady sails into the dawn of a new era - Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom
Ship of the desert - QE2 to be Dubai hotel - Scotsman, United Kingdom
Farewell to a queen - Chicago Tribune, United States
Queen of the cruise ships to end her days as Middle Eastern hotel - Times Online, UK
Arison family sells Q. Elizabeth II ship to Dubai World - Ha'aretz, Israel
Today one of our greatest post-war ships... tomorrow a hotel - The Herald, UK
The 70000-tonne QE2 was built at John Brown Shipyard on the Clyde. - Glasgow Daily Record, UK
Pride of the Clyde set to retire - Glasgow Daily Record
QE2 says du-bye to cruising - DailyRecord.co.uk Scotland
Mixed on makeover of maritime icon - GulfnewsOpinions United Arab Emirates.OCEANIA Order Two Ships
June 18: Oceania Cruises have firmed up their agreements with Italain shipbuilder Fincantieri for two 65,000 gt 1,260-passenger ships from the Sestri Ponente yard. The new vessels, to be designed by Yran & Storbraaten will be 782-feet in length with a beam of 105 feet and a draft of 24 feet, with 630 staterooms and suites (most with teak verandas). They are slated for delivery on September 20, 2010 and July 30, 2011. The agreement includes an option for a third sister for delivery in May 2012.Exploration Continues for MARCO POLO
June 18: It was recently announced by Orient Lines parent company Star/NCL that the 1965-built MARCO POLO has been sold to unknown operators (thus ending the one ship line). It is now revealed that MARCO POLO will be handed over to Transocean Tours following a repositioning cruise to Lisbon from Rio de Janeiro in March 2008. MARCO POLO will join fleetmates ASTOR and ASTORIA and sail both in English and German speaking markets. Her ice class specification will be a benefit for her planned Greenland and Antarctica itineraries.QE2 Retires To Her Own Private Island
June 18: Today, Cunard Line announced the sale of QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 to Dubai World for US$100m. Opening in 2009, the famous liner will be berthed at a specially-constructed pier as a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination at The Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island. QE2 will be delivered to Dubai in November 2008.From the Cunard press release today: "QE2, launched by Her Majesty The Queen in September 1967, 40 years ago this year, is the longest-serving ship in Cunard's 168-year history, and the longest-serving Cunard flagship. Since she came into service in 1969, she has undertaken 25 world cruises, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and has carried more than 2.5 million passengers."
"QE2 has been purchased by Istithmar, the investment arm of Dubai World, a wholly owned company of the Government of Dubai. Nakheel, developer of The Palm Jumeirah, is also a Dubai World company. Istithmar said its refurbishment programme will aim to recreate QE2's original interior decor and fittings and will also include a museum celebrating the rich history of the ship."
OMAR III Renamed
June 16: LONG JIE is the new name Asia Cruises gave the 1972-Wartsila-built OMAR III, (ex SUN VIKING, HYUNDAI PONGNAE) this week. Asia Cruises had chartered OMAR III before purchasing the vessel earlier this year. LONG JIE sports a black hull with red funnel.Closed Case File: SS CATALINA
June 16: Sadly, the SS Catalina Preservation Foundation has given up its efforts to raise money for the rescue of the famed vessel from demolition at Ensenada. The ship has been partially submerged at the Baja California port for many years and will soon be demolished by the Mexican government to make room for a new container facility. A website dedicated to the ship's history and career can be viewed at www.sscatalina.org.Sharp Ship Demo
June 15: Hans Hoffman has alerted us that MARAD will be disposing of the George Sharp-designed SS STATE, which was launched in 1950 for American President Lines as the PRESIDENT JACKSON. Intended for service as a deluxe round the world combi-liner, the JACKSON was finished instead as the Korean War troop transport USS BARRETT. In 1973, she was sold to the New York Maritime Academy and renamed EMPIRE STATE V for service as a training ship. In 1978, the 13,319 gt ship was named EMPIRE STATE and in 1990, she was retired, given the name STATE, and laid up at the MARAD reserve fleet at Ft. Eustis. She was last used for tactical training purposes and is scheduled to depart soon for Bay Bridge Enterprises of Chesapeake, Virginia for dismantling. She will followed by the CAPE CLEAR, which will be heading to Esco Marine in Brownsville, Texas.Another "Sharp Ship", the AQUARAMA/MARINE STAR, which has been languishing near Buffalo, NY at Lackawana, is scheduled to depart for Alang under tow in the very near future, according to Indian sources.
ANASTASIS For Scrap?
June 11: Mercy Ships made the following sad but expected announcement this past May 30 regarding its 1953-built ANASTASIS, which began her career as Lloyd Triestino (and later Adriatica's) MV VICTORIA:"Due to major changes in maritime shipping requirements, the Mercy Ships Board of Directors has determined that the ANASTASIS, the first ship to ever serve the Mercy Ship fleet, would have to be retired.
The substantial costs to make the major changes and retro-fitting that would be required to continue her service would not be economically feasible for the organization to continue its mission to bring hope and healing to the forgotten poor.
After careful consideration and due diligence, it has been determined that the best option to help to continue our mission would be to have the ship taken to an environmentally sensitive dismantling organization and sold for scrap.
The proceeds from this endeavor will allow the ANASTASIS to continue to serve our organization by adding additional funding to our cause even in her final retirement. The ship is scheduled to depart her final mission in Monrovia, Liberia on July 2nd.
This wonderful ship has served the world for nearly 30 years as a symbol of hope for those who thought they had been forgotten. Though the thought of her retirement will cause us all to reflect on great memories while serving on board her mighty decks, we must celebrate her enormous accomplishments and use her service as a cornerstone for our future missions.
Mercy's On Its Way! Thanks to you, ANASTASIS! Your service will never be forgotten."
The ANASTASIS has been replaced by the AFRICA MERCY (ex DRONNING INGRID), which entered service this spring after a long conversion from Danish train ferry to hospital and relief ship.
Third Crown Jewel Will Be Red
June 4: Princess Cruises announced today that its next 113,000 gt 3,070 passenger CROWN PRINCESS class ship will be named RUBY PRINCESS. Currently under construction in Italy, the ship will enter service on November 15, 2008, joining the EMERALD PRINCESS, which was introduced this past May and the CROWN PRINCESS, which debuted in 2006.From PUSHKIN To POLO To?
June 3: Star Cruises/Norwegian Cruise Line, owners of Orient Lines and its only ship, the classic MV MARCO POLO (ex ALEXANDR PUSHKIN) announced that the ship has been sold to new operators to begin a new career in the summer of 2008. Following her repositioning cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Lisbon in March 2008, the 1965-built, 18,650 gt, 850 passenger ship will be delivered to her new owners, who remain undisclosed at this time.No announcements about the future of Orient Lines following the sale of the MARCO POLO have been made.
From PUSHKIN To POLO To?
June 2: American Cruise Lines 100-passenger AMERICAN STAR made her maiden voyage today. Designed and built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding Corp., Salisbury, MD, the 215-foot ship is registered in the United States and joins the 2005-built AMERICAN SPIRIT, 2002-built AMERICAN GLORY and 2000-built AMERICAN EAGLE all built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding.ROTTERDAM News
June 1: The Rotterdam Foundation reports continued progress in the renewal of the 1959-built SS ROTTERDAM at Wilhelmshaven, Germany. This month, work has begun on the bridge steel work, railings and decks.On September 28, 2006, Martin Cox had the pleasure of meeting Captain Albert J. Schoonderbeek on board MV VEENDAM in Los Angeles. Schoonderbeek told Maritimematters an intriguing story of reuniting a section of the ROTTERDAM's mast.
(reported October 1, 2006): In 1991, then chief officer Albert J. Schoonderbeek and Second Bo'sun Nico Pangamanan of the 1959-built SS ROTTERDAM removed the top nine feet of the ship's mast. The ship was sailing to Ketchikan, Alaska where low-hanging power lines at Seymour Narrows required the reduction in mast height. The mast was stowed on board until 1997 (when Nico Pangamanan had made Bo'sun), when they landed the mast at Ketchikan. The port agent had asked if it could become a flag pole but for some reason this never happened and the mast ended up in a storage yard for many years. Returning to Ketchikan as captain of the MV VEENDAM, Albert J. Schoonderbeek and his Bo'sun, Nico Pangamanan, recovered the mast, intending to return it to the former Holland America Line flagship ROTTERDAM in Germany.
The mast has now arrived in Wilhelmshaven from Alaska, and is being prepared for reconnection. Click here for a recent photo of ROTTERDAM on the Shipping News photos page.
EMPRESS OF THE NORTH Must Go South
May 30: Following the grounding of Majestic America Line's paddlewheeler EMPRESS OF THE NORTH on May 14 (see story below), the vessel entered Alaska Ship & Dry Dock at Ketchikan. Now the boat must leave before the work is completed as the shipyard has another damaged ship to repair. (SEABULK NEVADA, an oil spill response vessel that serves oil tankers in Prince William Sound, was damaged in a March grounding). Cruises for EMPRESS OF THE NORTH have been cancelled until June 23 so far. The shipyard will perform a portion of the 360-foot EMPRESS's permanent repairs and will stabilize the vessel for her passage south next week to an unnamed shipyard. The impact of the grounding had torn several holes in the hull and damaged one of the propellers. The National Transportation Safety Board and Coast Guard are investigating the incident.S.S. WILLIS B. BOYER Buoyed Up
May 27: The 1911-built preserved Great Lakes freighter, S.S. WILLIS B. BOYER, in Toledo, OH, has a brighter future. The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority's board of directors agreed to take responsibility from the city of Toledo for the museum ship. The current contract would have left the ship with no caretaker from June 30. However,Êa new position has been created and Mr. Paul LaMarre III, a special assistant to the port authority president, will negotiate for control of the ship with the city. A symbol of Toledo, the 617-foot-long BOYER is tied up at the south end of International Park, the same spot where she loaded her first cargo of coal in 1911. A recent survey found the hull sound but the ship in need of some "structural and aesthetic rejuvenation." S.S. WILLIS B. BOYER is open for visitors.Special Presentation on RMS QUEEN MARY
May 27: The RMS Queen Mary Foundation presents, "In Their Own Words -- Europe 1938 (via the RMS QUEEN MARY)", rare private footage from a voyage to Europe in 1938 with John Ewing, (son of the travelers featured in this programme). John Ewing's parents travelled to Europe in 1938 equipped with a family home movie camera. The program starts with a reception at 6 PM and lecture at 7 PM on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 on board RMS QUEEN MARY in the Royal Salon (former 1st Class Smoking Room; Promenade Deck aft). All proceeds go to benefit the RMS Queen Mary Foundation to preserve and restore the art and interiors of the historic RMS QUEEN MARY at Long Beach, CA.Live EMERALD Blog
May 27: Peter Knego reports live from Princess Cruises' MV EMERALD PRINCESS Please click on Peter's EMERALD blog.2007 Vintage Passenger Ship Census
May 27: The 2007 Vintage Passenger Ship Census compiled by Doug Newman and known as "Doug's List" is up on MaritimeMatters.Preserved Ships
May 27: The Preserved Ships List updated with additions: CAP SAN DIEGO, EUREKA, STAR OF INDIA, ELISSA, ROCHDALE ONE, RICKMER RICKMERS, SS DUKE OF LANCASTER, former Liberty Ship now cannery STAR OF KODIAK, 1915 Ice breaker SS SANKT ERIK and others.Oldest Clipper Ship Doomed?
May 25: The Curator of the Scottish Maritime Museum made the following statement:"The news of the fire on CUTTY SARK and the possible damage to her very important cast iron frames is exceptionally sad and we very much hope that detailed examination will establish that the damage is not as severe as first thought. The Trustees of the Scottish Maritime Museum are very concerned at the potential loss of our maritime heritage especially as the Museum has entered the final phase of preparing for the deconstruction of the CITY OF ADELAIDE with the establishment of a panel of experts to prepare the brief. The CITY OF ADELAIDE is an older clipper ship than the CUTTY SARK and built for passengers rather than fast cargo carrying but together they represent the last 19th century composite clipper ships in the world. It has been with very great regret that the Trustees have been forced, through lack of funding for the work of the museum and the preservation of its national collections, to go through with the deconstruction of the CITY OF ADELAIDE. It must be of great concern to the UK as a whole if the deconstruction of the CITY OF ADELAIDE and damage to the CUTTY SARK should leave us without a single original iron framed composite clipper to represent this important phase in the development of our maritime heritage."
Curator
CUTTY SARK's Older "Sister"
May 24: A number of discussions have been printed in the international press since the serious fire that CUTTY SARK suffered earlier this week, concerning the only other surviving tea clipper and how the future of these two distressed vessels could best be protected.Last August, MaritimeMatters reported on attempts by UK property developer, Tim Roper, to save the highly significant CARRICK (ex CITY OF ADELAIDE, HMS CARRICK). She has been described as the earliest surviving clipper ship and the only wooden sailing passenger ship of the 19th Century in Britain. Roper bought the 176-foot long vessel, which was facing imminent scrapping at her slipway in Scotland. Launched in Sunderland in 1864, CITY OF ADELAIDE carried cargo and passengers (in the highest standard of first class accommodation for a sailing ship, with room for second class) between London and Adelaide. Australian researchers have estimated that more than 60% of the current population of the State of South Australia can trace their families' arrival in Australia to the CITY OF ADELAIDE.
Click here for outside link to Sunderland Maritime Heritage with pictures and history on CITY OF ADELAIDEFourth SOLSTICE Class Order
May 22: Celebrity Cruises have confirmed their order for a fourth SOLSTICE-class ship, due in the Autumn of 2011. The order follows SOLSTICE (due September 2008), EQUINOX (due Summer 2009) and ECLIPSE (due June 2010). Like her sisters, the fourth vessel will be built by shipbuilder Meyer Werft. The 2,850-passenger ship will be 1,033 feet in length and measure 122,000 gt.CUTTY SARK Burns
May 21: Britain's famous preserved 1869-built tea clipper, CUTTY SARK, has been severely damaged by fire. The fire, possibly arson, swept through the ship during a £25m restoration in her dry dock at Greenwich, London. Half of the planking and her masts had been stored during the repair work, and thus were not burned. The Cutty Sark Trust were hopeful that the iron frames may not have buckled and that the 138-year-old ship could be restored. CUTTY SARK facts: Built at Dumbarton on the River Clyde; designed by Hercules Linton; first voyage February 1870; 210 feet (64 meters) long; preserved as a tribute to merchant navy workers.BLUE LADY's Black Gold
May 16: The Indian Supreme Court has granted Priya Blue, the Alang-based shipbreaking company that purchased the BLUE LADY (ex FRANCE, NORWAY) permission to remove the remaining oil from the ship's tanks. No firm word on demolition has been granted, however. That decision may arrive within the next ten days.RAZZMATAZZ
May 15: Plans to refurbish and start Durban-based cruising operations with the MV RAZZMATAZZ (ex BREMERHAVEN, STELLA MARIS II, VIKING BORDEAUX, MADAGASCAR) are still in progress. As the final paperwork is sorted, her new owners have taken the ship, currently laid up at Durban, in their care.EMPRESS In Distress
May 14: Majestic America Line's paddlewheeler EMPRESS OF THE NORTH ran aground off Alaska's Icy Strait Point (58 miles south of Juneau) early this morning. Over 200 passengers were offloaded into local fishing boats and an Alaska State ferry and taken to Juneau as the boat began to take on water. There were no reported injuries and the stricken boat was able to make her way back to Juneau where the NTSB will conduct an investigation. This is the fourth grounding incident to hit the EMPRESS since she entered service in 2003.Sophia's ORCHESTRA/MSC SERENATA to become MSC SPLENDIDA
Meanwhile, back at Aker's St. Nazaire shipyard, it was announced MSC's newbuilding 133,000 gt sister to MSC FANTASIA (due in April of 2008), the SERENATA, will be renamed MSC SPLENDIDA in order to avoid any confusion with the new COSTA SERENA. The MSC SPLENDIDA (due in 2009) will have 1650 cabins and carry nearly 3,300 passengers.
May 14: Film legend and eternal Italian beauty Sophia Loren christened the new 92,400 gt MSC ORCHESTRA in a gala naming ceremony at Civitavecchia today. An identical twin to the MSC MUSICA (introduced last year), the ORCHESTRA is 964 feet long, has 5 restaurants (including a specialty Chinese restaurant and Italian upscale restaurant), 11 bars, a casino, a 12,400-square-foot-spacious spa and fitness area, 1,240-seat theater and carries 2,550 guests. She begins sailing 7-night Mediterranean itineraries roundtrip from Venice on June 2.EMERALD Christened
May 13: Princess Cruises' newest, most spectacular Grand-class ship, the EMERALD PRINCESS, was christened in Piraeus today by two pairs of iconic American television mother/daughter teams: "The Brady Bunch's" Florence Henderson and Susan Olsen and "Happy Days" Marion Ross and Erin Moran. Peter Knego will be reporting live from the EMERALD during his forthcoming cruise from Venice to Barcelona in just a few days.Postponed PRINCESS
May 12: Princess Cruises SEA PRINCESS limped into Southampton this morning several hours late due to a problem in one of her port propulsion motors. Nearly 2,000 passengers booked on her ensuing twelve night cruise will be given full refunds and compensation for expenses incurred as the ship is repaired with a planned return to service on May 26.MERCY Meets In Monrovia
May 11: Mercy Ship's MV AFRICA MERCY is now enroute to Liberia, following a series of introductory events in the U.K. and Holland. After eight years of planning and refitting, the former ferry, DRONNING INGRID, which has been rebuilt for use as the world's largest non-military medical relief ship, is expected to join fleetmate ANASTASIS (ex VICTORIA) in Monrovia at the end of May. The ANASTASIS will continue in Mercy Ship's service until Fall.Cypriot OPERA
The 1,278 passenger OPERA will commence service for Louis in July. It is unclear if she will keep her name or if Louis will find a jewel to name her after in line with their current fleet nomenclature (SAPPHIRE,THE EMERALD, PERLA, etc).
May 10: Just as Louis announced its charter of Majestic Cruises OCEAN COUNTESS, which will become RUBY on May 25, the Cyprus-based cruise line also announced its US$49 million purchase of the 1992-built, 25,611 gt OPERA (ex Silja Opera, SuperStar Taurus, Leeward, Sally Albatross) from Sea Containers.RUBY Fills DIAMOND's Slot
May 10: Monarch Classic Cruises and Louis Cruise Lines today announced the following renaming and deployments in the wake of the SEA DIAMOND sinking, effective May 25. The OCEAN COUNTESS (ex CUNARD COUNTESS, AWANI DREAM II, OLYMPIC COUNTESS, OLYMPIA COUNTESS, LILI MARLEEN, etc.) will be chartered to Louis Cruise Lines for the 2007 season to perform three and four night cruises from Piraeus as the RUBY. The OCEAN MONARCH (ex PORT SYDNEY, AKROTIRI EXPRESS, DAPHNE, SWITZERLAND, etc.) will replace the OCEAN COUNTESS on Monarch Classic Cruises three and four night cruises from Piraeus for the 2007 season. OCEAN COUNTESS will return to the Monarch Classic Cruises program for the 2008 season. BLUE MONARCH (ex RENAISSANCE, HOMERIC RENAISSANCE, WORLD RENAISSANCE, AWANI DREAM, etc.) will continue on her 7 days cruise program from PIraeus as previously announced for the 2007 season.U News!
May 9: Her massive, red, white and blue funnels were floodlit recently for a documentary film. And, now, the UNITED STATES, which has been laying at Philadelphia for nearly eleven years, is the subject of an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer. In the article, Colin Veitch, chairman of NCL (the cruise line that purchased the ship four years ago), has made some very encouraging statements. To quote the article, "He (Veitch) is not giving up on the 55-year-old vessel. He said he has drafts of plans to add one or two decks and other amenities, and thinks renovating the United States would be 'a fantastic project'." Further, the article stated," '(The UNITED STATES) would sail worldwide, make trips through the Panama Canal to California, cruise the Hawaiian Islands and possibly make an occasional trans-Atlantic run,' Veitch said. The ship was scheduled to be the fourth in the cruise line's NCL America Inc. unit, though that is not expected to happen this year or next. Veitch said he had no interest in selling the ship, however, and has hired a caretaker to 'look after her'."CLIPPER Sale
May 9: U.K.-based First Choice, which just purchased Quark Expeditions, has announced its sale of the 1989-built 5,218 gt CLIPPER ODYSSEY (ex OCEANIC GRACE, OCEANIC ODYSSEY) and 1977-built 4,376 gt CLIPPER ADVENTURER (ex ALLA TARASOVA) to International Shipping Partners, who will charter the ships back to First Choice owned, deluxe small cruise ship operator, INTRAV. The ADVENTURER will operate through February of 2008 on her scheduled itineraries and be chartered by INTRAV for the next five seasons in Antarctica. The ODYSSEY will operate her INTRAV sailings through September 2007.Summer Sinking (Updated)
May 8: After finding a tarry substance affixed to the (TEXAS) CLIPPER's bulkheads, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has deferred the reefing of the ex USS QUEENS, EXCAMBION, TEXAS CLIPPER once again. When the material has been abated in Brownsville, the CLIPPER will be inspected by the U.S. EPA and towed out to her reefing position and sunk. The latest planned sinking date is slated for late June/early July.Hurtigrute Happenings
Meanwhile, the 1964-built MV LOFOTEN will remain in Hurtigrute service through the winter, taking over while MV NORDNORGE diverts to Antarctica.
May 8: Norwegian ship historian Christian Stubo reports on the status of the last classic Hurtigrute liners in active Norwegian coastal service. The 1956-built MV NORDSTJERNEN will be replaced next fall by the MV NORDKAPP, whose Antarctic cruising program will be taken over by the MV FRAMM. The ship will spend winters in layup and offer seasonal summer cruises to Spitsbergen.KUNGS' Future Home!
The KUNGSHOLM is intended to be docked at Bananpiren (yes, the Banana Pier) across the river from the Gothenburg Opera House. The warehouses on the pier will be used as showrooms for new product exhibitions, using the ship for lodging, meals and entertainment. The pier has a basic wooden structure, which has to be inspected, to carry the weight of elevators, etc. Bananpiren is the eastern part of the Gothenburg free harbor, closest to the bridge. Mr Hallgren expects that there will be a couple of months remaining of the ship's certificate after the takeover, and is investigating the possibility of organizing a cruise or two under traditional Swedish ownership. The project is moving along according to plan."
May 7: Lars Hemingstam shares an exciting update about the proposal to bring SCHOLARSHIP/OCEANIC II (ex KUNGSHOLM, SEA PRINCESS, VICTORIA, MONA LISA) to Gothenburg, Sweden upon her mandatory SOLAS-dictated retirement in 2010: "I have received a message from Mr Hallgren, the man behind the project to save the KUNGSHOLM of 1966. He has recently had a meeting with the management of the Port of Gothenburg, which is showing great support for the project.Carnival Renamings
Each ship (FANTASY, ECSTASY, SENSATION, FASCINATION, IMAGINATION, INSPIRATION, PARADISE, and ELATION) will be given new signage with its given name preceded by CARNIVAL on the bow, stern and upper deck areas. This will make them comply with the other ships in the fleet which were given names beginning with CARNIVAL when they were introduced in the mid to late 1990s onwards. Onboard Evolutions of Fun enhancements will include: expansive children's water parks; a new design style and features for the pool areas; the creation of the Serenity adults-only deck area. Ships not already featuring the following will be so modified with: fully remodeled staterooms and suites, including new bathrooms, and flat-screen televisions in staterooms and select public areas; atrium lobby bars; updated sound and lighting systems in various lounges and clubs; coffee bars; nine hole miniature golf courses; new art and photo galleries; New York style delis in the Lido restaurants; and purpose-built conference facilities. By 2009, upgrades to the entire FANTASY-class will be completed.
May 7: Carnival Corporation announced today that it will rename its FANTASY class ships as each of the eight 70,000 gt vessels receives its latest Evolutions of Fun refurbishment and drydocking.Live MONARCH Blog
May 6 from April 30: Peter Knego reports live from MV MONARCH OF THE SEAS. Please click on Peter's Baja Blog.Choosing Quark
May 2: Quark Expeditions and its fleet of ships (both owned and chartered) has been acquired by First Choice Cruises, co owners (along with RCCL) of the MV ISLAND ESCAPE (ex SCANDINAVIA, STARDANCER, VIKING SERENADE) and ISLAND STAR (ex HORIZON). The announcement was made by Mr. Patrick Shaw, president of Quark Expeditions. The vessels in Quark's Fleet, which will continue under the same management despite the change in ownership to First Choice's First Choice Expedition Cruises, include: LYUBOV ORLOVA, KAPITAN KHLEBNIKOV, OCEAN NOVA (ex SARPIK ITTUK), AKADEMIK SHOKALSKIY, PROFESSOR MULTANOVSKIY and the occasionally chartered nuclear ice breaker YAMAL.ROYAL Christening
May 1: Princess Cruises announced its newly introduced MV ROYAL PRINCESS (2) will be christened on June 14 in Portofino, Italy.Dake's List updated
May 1: Dake's list of new cruise ships on order has been updated, please click on Dakes's List.Click here for Previous Shipping News page
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