Cruise news: World’s largest battery storage system, Kelly Clarkson and more
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
In this week’s cruise news: AIDA Cruises signs for the world’s largest battery storage system, NCL announces Kelly Clarkson as godmother and more.
AIDA Cruises signs battery agreement
Carnival Corporation has announced its Germany-based brand, AIDA Cruises, has signed an agreement for further cooperation with marine battery supplier Corvus Energy to begin production and the installation of a first-of-its-kind lithium-ion battery storage system on the brand’s AIDAperla cruise ship.
Scheduled to be installed in 2020, the technology is currently set to become the world’s largest battery storage system ever installed on a passenger ship – capable of generating a total output of 10 megawatt-hours (MWh), an environmentally-friendly innovation that can electrify the cruise ship’s propulsion and operation for limited periods of time.
“Another important practical step”
Felix Eichhorn, president of AIDA Cruises, said: “The integration of innovative battery technology into our green cruising strategy is another important practical step we are taking on our path toward emission-neutral ship operation.”
The electrification of AIDAperla in 2020 will serve as a pilot program, part of a long-term goal of installing battery storage systems on ships from AIDA and Carnival Corporation’s Italian brand, Costa Cruises.
NCL names Kelly Clarkson as godmother
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced on The Kelly Clarkson Show that Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson will serve as the godmother to its newest ship, Norwegian Encore, debuting in Miami in November.
The cruise line’s president and chief executive officer Andy Stuart appeared on Clarkson’s new nationally syndicated daytime show produced and distributed by NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution, to invite her to join the Norwegian Cruise Line family as godmother to Norwegian Encore.
As godmother, she will perform at the christening ceremony in Miami on Thursday, 21 November, as well as fulfil the longstanding maritime tradition of blessing and officially naming the Norwegian Encore.
Windstar Cruises launches Beyond Ordinary Tours
Windstar Cruises has broadened its shore excursion program over the last three years, more than doubling its options for guests to upwards of 2,500 choices. The increase is a direct result of the line’s expanded global deployment to new regions like Alaska, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, and the Holy Land.
Beyond Ordinary tours are comprised of the most over-the-top experiences that deserve to be called “once in a lifetime,” such as a panoramic helicopter flight from Monte Carlo that transports guests to Alain Ducasse’s La Bastide de Moustiers in Provence for a Michelin-starred lunch.
A bit less high-flying but still exceptional is an excursion in Roses, Spain, with access to the Sant Pere de Rodes Monastery for a private yoga session on the rooftop, followed by brunch with views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Katarina Line’s last-minute 30% sale
Small ship cruise company Katarina Line has announced last-minute specials of 30% off per person on select cruises in October 2019 on popular routes on the Adriatic Sea.
Eligible cruises include the MV Infinity’s 12 October 2019 “One Way Wonders” from Split to Dubrovnik and the 19 October 2019 “One Way Wonders” from Dubrovnik to Split. The company is also offering 30% off per person on the MV Avangard’s 16 October 2019 “Dalmatian Paradise”, a round-trip cruise out of Split.
The 30% off represents a saving of up to USD 581 per person, based on double occupancy. Prices are based on the current exchange rates and subject to change.
“The Euro is a great value right now, so the 30% off is an even better saving for international travellers,” said Daniel Hauptfeld, managing director of Katarina Line. “It’s a great time to discover why the clear blue waters, the stunning sunsets, and the glimmering beauty of the many islands scattered along the Adriatic Sea have been attracting visitors for thousands of years.”
Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours
Sandals and Beaches Resorts’ tour partner, Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours, has launched its first dedicated UK trade-facing brochure to help agents increase their commission.
The new brochure, created by Sandals and Beaches’ UK tour operator, Unique Caribbean Holidays Ltd, includes a selection of the company’s most popular island tours in destinations including Jamaica, Barbados, The Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Antigua, Grenada and Saint Lucia, starting from GBP 59 per person.
Agents can earn full commission on every Island Routes tour booked, allowing them to increase their earnings alongside flight and luxury accommodation packages.
Follow cruise news for the latest updates in the cruise industry.
You may also send press releases via cruise@traveldailymedia.com.
Comments are closed.