Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas To Feature Dynamic Dining.

Royal Caribbean has announced the introduction of Dynamic dining, which will be available on board their newest ship - the Quantum of the Seas. Dynamic Dining will feature a  dine - when you want - where you want - and with who you want - concept. In addition, menus onboard will be created by name brand chefs.

The Quantum of the Seas will debut from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey starting in November, 2014.

To Learn more about Dynamic Dining check out the video.....

Using a Mobile Device -> View Royal Caribbean's Dynamic Dining Video Here

Related Sites
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------  

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles

Nick's Cruise Corner

Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter
.

Pearl Seas Cruises' Pearl Mist Slated to Begin Cruising in June 2014

Pearl Mist - Courtesy of Pearl Seas Cruises

Pearl Seas Cruises, and international off-shoot of American Cruise Lines will beginning operations on June 28th 2014 from Baltimore. The small ship, which only accommodates 210 passengers will begin a series of cruises throughout the Northeast US before heading up the Saint Lawrence Seaway for a summer season int he Great Lakes. After the season in the lakes, the ship will head back out to the Northeast US and Canada before eventually spending the winter in the Caribbean and Central America.

The Pearl Mist was constructed during 2009. Pearl Seas Cruises and the original builders in Halifax, Nova Scotia entered into a multiple year legal battle when Pearl Seas Cruises refused to take ownership stating the ship was not delivered according to specifications. Just this year (2013) that battle has been settled and the Pearl Mist's ownership was transferred from the shipyard to Pearl Seas Cruises. Pearl Seas Cruises is currently correcting the items that were not to specifications in a second shipyard (which is owned by their parent company). The work is being completed just outside of Baltimore and the ship will be ready to sail beginning in June 2014.

Pearl Seas Cruises is an international, small ship cruise line off-shoot of American Cruise Line. The Pearl Mist is registered in the Marshall Islands.

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Related Sites 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles 

Nick's Cruise Corner
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Getaway to Visit New York in January 2014

 

Norwegian Getaway Makes Debut in New York - January 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Getaway will debut in New York in January 2014. The ship which is currently under construction in Papenburg, Germany will sail from Southampton, England to New York on a 10-day Transatlantic cruise on January 16th. Arriving in New York on January 26th. The Norwegian Getaway will be on charter to Budweiser for the 2014 Super bowl. After the Super bowl is over, Norwegian Cruise Line is marketing a 2-day cruise from New York to Nassau (where the cruise ends) on February 3rd. The ship will then sail year-round from Miami.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Related Sites 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles 

Nick's Cruise Corner
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

Royal Caribbean Announces Quantum of the Seas Coming to New York An Unveils Amenities.

Royal Caribbean's New Quantum of the Seas Sets Sail From New Jersey in the Fall 2014.

Unmatched Design, Skydiving Experience, Bumper Cars, Virtual Balconies and More

• Building on a legacy of more than 40 years of innovation and creative design, Royal Caribbean
  International today unveiled first details of the next generation of cruise vacations – Quantum cruising. The Quantum class of ships will take a dramatic leap forward, introducing more game-changing “firsts at sea” such as a skydiving experience, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced staterooms ever. These new, larger staterooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort including the industry’s first virtual balconies. Every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view. The much anticipated details were unveiled by stage, television and film star, Kristin Chenoweth – Godmother of Quantum of the Seas – at an exclusive event for media and special guests in New York City this morning.

“This new generation of ships gave us an opportunity to make another leap in vessel design. Innovation has always been part of our DNA and we have taken advantage of all that creativity to design Quantum cruising,” stated Richard D. Fain, chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. “The unique features on Quantum will boggle our guests’ minds, but the real strength of the design is how our people have integrated all these diverse components to create a comfortable and exciting experience.”

Unprecedented “Firsts At Sea” Having led the industry by introducing incredible signature offerings such as the Rock Climbing Wall, ice-skating rink, FlowRider surf simulator, Central Park and AquaTheater, Royal Caribbean will advance the onboard experience even further by delivering a groundbreaking lineup of “firsts at sea” on Quantum-class ships. New features exclusive to Royal
Caribbean include:

• RipCord by iFly, the first skydiving experience at sea which allows everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled, and simulated environment.
• North Star, an engineering marvel, takes guests to new heights – literally – with a jewel-shaped, glass capsule, transporting them on a spectacular journey more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver awe-inspiring 360-degree views. “We are excited to be introducing major advancements in ship design and offerings on Quantum of the Seas and Anthem
  of the Seas,” said Adam Goldstein, president & CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The innovative spirit of our brand is alive and well, and with Quantum class, we will deliver more unexpected activities in the most extraordinary spaces. Our guests should prepare to be wowed.”

New Transformational Signature Venues

With Quantum class, Royal Caribbean marries new innovations with significant architectural design elements to introduce spectacular spaces. On Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas guests will find endless possibilities with three new signature venues.

• A revolutionary concept, Two70° is a multi-level great room that is sure to become one of the most iconic venues onboard Quantum class. The space is aptly named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views through vast, floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks at the stern of the ship. Two70° seamlessly fuses entertainment and technology to create a transformative journey from day to night. The perfect setting to connect with the sea during the day, Two70° provides a modern and comfortable living room space for guests to sit back and relax. As the sun sets and the lights go down, the dazzling space gradually reveals its evening persona, delighting guests with spectacular, mysterious and unexpected entertainment at night. Unparalleled technology means every show at Two70° is multidimensional and immerses the audience through a combination of live performers, including aerialists, as well as breathtaking video and digital scenery.
• The largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex is a distinctive and flexible sporting and entertainment venue with thrilling new features that will inspire guests of all ages to let loose and connect with their playful sides. Delivering more first at sea experiences, guests can experience a circus school with flying trapeze, or play basketball on a fullsize regulation basketball court. By night, the first-ever bumper car and roller skating offerings deliver fun and excitement. Or, guests can dance to music orchestrated from a floating DJ booth which hovers above the activity below.
• A performance hall and the hottest live music venue on Quantum class, Music Hall is the place for guests to enjoy intimate and exclusive access to live performances, DJs, theme night parties, billiards and more. Rebellious and edgy, Music Hall’s two-story design is inspired by the spirit of rock and roll. 

The Next Generation of Stateroom Accommodations

• With guest comfort and convenience in mind, Royal Caribbean debuts the most spacious and luxurious accommodations ever, introducing rooms that on average are nine percent larger than those of Oasis class ships. Sophisticated, upscale design, layouts and finishes create a home away from home. Boasting Royal Caribbean’s new smart design concept, each stateroom features contemporary designs with easy-to-use customizable layouts and intuitive larger storage solutions.
• Now every room on Quantum of the Seas has a view, with the exciting introduction of Virtual Balcony staterooms. This design concept brings virtual balconies to interior staterooms offering expansive real-time views of the ocean and exciting destinations.
  For multi-generational families, Family-Connected staterooms deliver more flexibility, using three different stateroom categories which connect to form a special layout that provides separate bedrooms and bathrooms for all. These accommodations allow families and groups of friends traveling together to enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to together and alone time.
• With Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean introduces the largest variety of stateroom categories, including new Studio staterooms, some with balconies for single travelers, three Junior Suite categories and larger Loft Suites.

Signature Features Return and More New Surprises To Come

• The adults-only Solarium, along with an outdoor pool, a new indoor pool with operable roof and a H2O Zone kids’ aqua park, will be featured on the top deck. Signature Royal Caribbean venues and experiences popular with families such as the Rock Climbing Wall; FlowRider surf simulator; the award-winning Adventure Ocean children’s program; the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery; and the DreamWorks entertainment and events featuring the characters from animated movies: Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar; will all be back on Quantum class. Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas also will make a quantum leap forward in its culinary offerings providing the most flexible dining options and more specialty restaurants than ever before. Additional details about dining, entertainment and other unexpected features and amenities on Quantum of the Seas will be unveiled in the coming months.

Quantum class will debut in fall 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015. Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms. Quantum of the Seas will sail out of the New York Harbor from her homeport of  Cape Liberty on 7- to 12-night itineraries during the winter 2014/15 season. Bookings are now open.

  ==================================================== 

Check Out Our Other Sites 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles  
Worldwide Cruise News, Discounts & More
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

Norwegian Breakaway Begins Her Conveyance Down the Elms River

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway is Towed down the Elms for Final Refitting.

Norwegian Breakaway, the largest cruise ship to ever be built in Germany, departed MEYER WERFT in Papenburg, for her approximately 24-hour long conveyance along the Ems River. The river conveyance demonstrates Norwegian Breakaway’s seaworthiness and marks another key milestone prior to the ship’s highly anticipated delivery.

Sailing backwards, Norwegian Breakaway left MEYER WERFT at approximately 10 a.m. (local time in Germany), and made a narrow passage through the ship yard’s locks, with only 1.6 meters clearance separating the ship from the “bumpers” that were specially  installed along the starboard side of the locks. This very tedious maneuver took approximately 1.5 hours at a maximum speed of only 0.2 knots. The precise navigation was led by a team of two located on the bridge, with one navigation officer in charge of overseeing the bow maneuvers and the other overseeing the movement of the stern. It was extremely important that not too much force was placed on the bumpers, which can only support a light touch by the ship, which measures 1063 feet long and 130 feet wide; therefore, minimum speed and minimum pressure on the bumpers was essential. After passing through the locks, Norwegian Breakaway continued along the river, stern first. Due to the strong propulsion in the aft section of the vessel, traveling stern first helps with maneuverability which is a key component when navigating the vessel through such narrow passages.

In preparation for the ship’s conveyance, the Nautical Operations teams from both MEYER WERFT and Norwegian trained and practiced the precise maneuvers for the past several months, utilizing high tech simulators and detailed schematics. Norwegian Breakaway is the largest cruise ship to ever be built in Germany and presented the most challenging conveyance ever, as the ship required precise maneuvers in order to navigate through extremely narrow passages, with less than two meters clearance on either side of the vessel.

Before reaching her final destination in Eemshaven, Germany early Thursday morning, heading toward the North Sea, Norwegian Breakaway will pass through additional narrow passages including the locks in Papenburg, which allow only 1.5 meter clearance on either side; Weener Bridge in Weener; Jann-Berghaus Bridge in Leer; and Ems-Barrier in Gandersum.

Norwegian Breakaway
Designed as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway will bring the best of NYC to sea when she arrives to her year-round homeport in early May 2013, offering the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. To date, the company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including an open-air boardwalk, The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.  Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY.  The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen will perform on the vessel. Norwegian Breakaway will also feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party.

Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” will open an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo’s Bake Shop.  The ship will feature a total of 28 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which will be kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and feature New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay homage to New York City.
 
The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.
 For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com.

  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles  
Worldwide Cruise News, Discounts & More
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

 .

Royal Caribbean's New Sunshine Class Ships.

Royal Caribbean has released very few details of the thier new Sunshine Class ships expected to be deliver in late 2014. The 158,00 ton ships are being built at Germany's famous Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

The Royal Caribbean Sunshine Class ships will carry 4,100 passengers double occupancy.

The Sunshine Class ships will meet the new stringent requirements for low-sulfur fuel emissions which take effect in 2015.

Although no itineraries have been announced for the new ships, it is expected that one will replace the Explorer of the Seas sailing our of Bayonne to Bermuda; New England & Canada; Florida & Bahamas; and Caribbean sailings.

The Explorer of the Seas is expected to undergo a major refit and be deployed elsewhere within the Royal Caribbean fleet.

  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles  
Worldwide Cruise News, Discounts & More
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

.

100 Day Countdown to Norwegian Breakaway Inagaural Events Announced

Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway - 100 Day Countdown

In anticipation of the upcoming launch of Norwegian Breakaway, one of 2013’s hottest new ships, Norwegian Cruise Line is counting down the days until the arrival of the vessel and has launched a global social media campaign featuring the “100 Days to Norwegian Breakaway” countdown on its social properties – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Each day, users can share in the excitement of the countdown and enjoy a fun fact about the ship, destination, or of her year-round homeport of New York City.  In addition, the company officially announced Norwegian Breakaway’s exclusive inaugural preview events in Europe and New York for travel partners.
Norwegian Breakaway, also known as “New York’s Ship” for its New York inspired amenities and features, will arrive in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on April 26 for the start of her European inaugural events and be showcased to Continental European travel partners on a two day cruise.  On April 29, travel partners in the UK will be invited onboard for a one-night preview.

The ship will depart Southampton on April 30 and embark on her maiden voyage, a seven-day transatlantic crossing to New York City. Vacationers looking to set sail on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise and to be the first to experience the ship first-hand, can still book a stateroom on the transatlantic sailing.
 
The inaugural events will culminate with the ship’s spectacular christening in New York City – Norwegian Breakaway’s year-round homeport – on May 8 followed by a two-night exclusive inaugural cruise.  One of New York’s most illustrious and beloved icons, The Rockettes, are set to serve as the ship’s Godmothers. During a second preview sailing over Mother’s Day weekend, May 10 through 12, the ship will host New York-area mothers affected by Hurricane Sandy as part of the line’s participation in the special holiday giveaway episode of Katie Couric’s talk show, Katie.

Norwegian Breakaway will begin her weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12 with a special guest onboard, the line’s Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan. As part of their role as Godmothers, two Rockettes will sail aboard the first six sailings of Norwegian Breakaway, beginning May 12, and the first sailing of each month thereafter, taking part in special events for guests to enjoy.  Beginning in October, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.  


Norwegian Breakaway
Designed as New York’s ship, Norwegian Breakaway will bring the best of NYC to sea when she arrives to her year-round homeport in early May 2013, offering the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. To date, the company has revealed the ship’s groundbreaking design, including an open-air boardwalk, The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests’ connection with the ocean.  Norwegian Breakaway’s entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY.  The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York’s own Slam Allen will perform on the vessel. Norwegian Breakaway will also feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party.

Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC television series “Cake Boss” and “Next Great Baker,” will open an extension of his family business, Carlo’s Bake Shop, onboard.  The ship will feature a total of 28 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which will be kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and feature New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay homage to New York City.

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; the re-introduction of Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini- Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.  

  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles  
Worldwide Cruise News, Discounts & More
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

.

Cake Boss Opens Shop on Norwegian Cruise Line's New Norwegian Breakaway

Buddy Valastro, Star of TLC’s “Cake Boss,” to Open Carlo’s Bake Shop on New York’s Ship

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Master Baker Buddy Valastro, star of the popular TLC television series “Cake Boss” and “Next Great Baker,” will open an extension of his family business, Carlo’s Bake Shop, on the new Norwegian Breakaway, coming to New York City in May 2013. 

Featuring all of the delicious treats and confections that the original bakery is known for, Carlo’s Bake Shop on Norwegian Breakaway will also give guests the opportunity to pre-order custom specialty cakes for celebrations such as birthdays and anniversaries.  For a challenging and fun experience, Carlo’s will offer cupcake decorating classes, where guests can learn some of Valastro’s tricks of the trade.

“The New York area is known for its outstanding bakeries,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “As with all features of this new incredible ship, we wanted to bring not just a taste of the region to our guests, but the very best out there.  Buddy is known as the ultimate baker, so we knew he was the best choice for our new bakery on Norwegian Breakaway. We are thrilled to welcome Buddy to the Norwegian family.”
“Spending time with family is one of the most important things.  A cruise is a wonderful opportunity for a family to relax and have fun together and that is one of the reasons why I wanted to bring Carlo’s aboard this fantastic cruise ship,” said Buddy Valastro. “I am thrilled to begin this partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line and open Carlo’s Bake Shop on Norwegian Breakaway, the ultimate ship for families.”

Carlo’s Bake Shop will be located on Deck 8 in the former Cakestand location. Featured menu items will include freshly baked cookies, cakes and pies, such as Buddy’s famous Oreo, Dark Chocolate Mousse and Purple Groovy Fondant cakes; Italian butter cookies; biscottis; and an assortment of cupcakes. Luscious chocolate and vanilla cannolis, cream-filled lobster tails, and individual treats such as strawberry cheesecake, chocolate truffle and tiramisu round out the menu.  The delectable goodies will be available for purchase à la carte. 

About Buddy 

Buddy Valastro is an accomplished fourth generation baker born into the business owned and operated by his parents since 1910. He grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey in an old-fashioned Italian family. He showed a flair for cake decorating at an early age.

For Valastro, 35, mixing eggs, sugar, butter and flour means a lot more than “making a cake.” As a fourth generation baker, it’s a constant source of pleasure, pride and creativity. Creating amazing cakes connects Buddy with the memory of his father Buddy Sr. and his extended Italian family history. His talent and passion for the family business, Carlo’s Bakery, has earned the straight-talking cake expert the moniker, and TLC TV show, Cake Boss.
In December 2010, TLC premiered the spin-off series, Cake Boss: Next Great Baker, now in its third season, where Buddy challenged bakers from around the country to compete for a chance to work alongside the Valastro family at Carlo’s. Proven he’s a master when it comes to sweets, in Buddy’s third TLC show, Kitchen Boss, he welcomes viewers into his kitchen to demonstrate he’s just as skilled at savory items, preparing his family favorite Italian recipes.

  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites
 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles  
Worldwide Cruise News, Discounts & More
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

.

Royal Caribbean Orders An Oasis Class Ship From STX France.



Oasis of the Seas / Allure of the Seas - Oasis Class Ships Royal Caribbean.


Last week Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced that it has executed a contract with STX France to construct a third Oasis-class vessel for delivery in mid-2016, with an option for a second ship with a potential delivery in mid-2018.

These extemely large ships boast 16 decks, weighing in at 225,282 gross registered tons, carry 5,400 guests at double occupancy, and feature 2,700 staterooms.

The tow existing Oasis Class ships - the Oasis of the Seas and Azure of the Seas, currently sail weekly from their home port of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

With the potential for 4 Oasis Class ships - the real question is where will the 3rd and possibly 4th ship be deployed?  These mammoth ships require special docking facilities, terminals for loading and unloading passengers and the efficient handling of luggage and supplies. In addtion, most ports do not have the infrastructure and facitilies in place to handle these ships. Many of the port currently servicing these ships, invested significantly in terminal and port improvements just to attract these vessels.

Here are my predictions. The new ships will be deployed to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale replacing the Oasis of the Seas and Azure of the Seas. The Oasis and/or Azure could possibly be deployed to the Mediterranean. The Chinese market is also an option because it is growing significantly. Royal Caribbean has already deployed an Explorer class vessel there and these larger vessels would be the next logical progression. Or finally New York/Cape Liberty Bayonne. The Bayonne Facility can easily handle a ship of that size and my research shows that the Oasis class can clear the Verrazano Bridge with 15 feet to spare. The height of the Oasis Class is listed as 213 feet and the Bridge clearance is listed as 228 feet.

Only time can tell where the ships will ultimately be deployed.

  ======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites
 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles  
Worldwide Cruise News, Discounts & More
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

.

America World City Project Resurfaces

America World City Project

After years of silence and thought to be dead, the America World City project resurfaced in The Marine Reporter and Engineering News Magazine. The full page ad, is meant as a call to action for readers to reach out to congress and politicians to urge for the funding of the project.

Although the project has been discussed under a number of different solutions, the main concept remains the same - create a large, state of the art cruise ship, which from the exterior resembles more of a hotel than cruise ship. The project was first started 20+ years ago by Norwegian Cruise Line's founder Knut Kloster. At the time, the ship was to be constructed in Europe, flagged in the US and employ US citizens.

Later versions of the project included having the ship built in the US in pieces and to have the pieces assembled in a US gulf port shipyard. Unfortunately the entire project, over the years, has been based on the United States MARAD funding the project. The MARAD has gone through budget cuts over the years and no longer has the funding to support the project, plus the bankruptcy and loan default by  American Classic Voyages in early 2000 left a bad taste in their mouth.

The most current 1 page ad  was triggered by a MARAD ruling on May 9th, 2012 in which MARAD announced a new policy prohibiting the financing of overnight passenger ships in the United  States.

It is a very interesting and intriguing project - to learn more visit www.americanflagship.com

======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites
 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles  
Worldwide Cruise News, Discounts & More
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

.

Off Topic Atlantic Container Line Orders New Ships.

Atlantic Container Lines New G4 Container ships

A familiar fixture in the Northeast US is the Atlantic Container Line Fleet. Atlantic Container Line was one of the early pioneers of Roll-Off/Roll-On technology. Their fleet of flexible Ro-on/Ro-off/Containerships offer great flexibility whether they are transporting heavy equipment, new cars or containerized cargo. Their current fleet dates back more than 25 years but ACL has spend many dollars enhancing and even lengthening their current fleet. The current ships in the fleet are known as the 3G ships (3rd Generation).

Atlantic Contaner Line's Current G3 Fleet - Click Image for Larger View

It really came as no surprise last month when Atlantic Container Line reported that they had entered into an agreement with Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding in China for the construction of 5 new Ro-On/Roll-Off/Containerships know as 4G (4th Generation).

To be the largest ships of their kind when built, the G4 ships can carry 3,800 Twenty foot equivalent units (containers) and has over 28,900 square meters of storage space for cars, trucks, boats and storage equipment. This space equates to about 3,700 cars. All of the roll-on/roll-off space has adjustable deck height to handle almost any cargo.

Living quarters and the navigational equipment will be located mid-ship with the engine located aft.
This new mid-ship arrangement is becoming more popular especially in port like New York where there are hight restrictions due to the height of some of the bridges. The bridge mid-ship allows for higher stacking of containers both in-front of and behind the superstructure.

All 5 new ships are expected to be delivered in 2015.

======================================================= 

Check Out Our Other Sites
 

New York Cruise Schedules, Ship Reviews, Articles and More  
Boston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Montreal, Quebec Schedules, Ship Reviews & Articles  
Worldwide Cruise News, Discounts & More
Sign-Up For Our Free Cruise Newsletter

.