Cruise news: AIDA ‘electrifies’ its fleet and more

On our cruise radar this week, we’re seeing new battery storage systems, inaugural sailings, themed cruises for experiential travellers and more.

AIDA and Corvus team-up for battery power

European cruise operator AIDA Cruises is teaming up with marine battery supplier Corvus Energy from Norway to install lithium-ion battery storage systems onboard the AIDA fleet.

Corvus Energy is a renowned supplier of marine batteries and is considered a pioneer in the development of maritime energy storage systems. Further partners of the project will be the companies ABB and Siemens.

“Emissions-neutral ship operations”

Michael Thamm, Group CEO Costa Group and Carnival Asia, said: “Our goal is to have emissions-neutral ship operations. The electrification of our ships is another important milestone on this path. Thanks to the cooperation with Corvus Energy, in a few months, AIDA Cruises is going to launch this innovative technology on a large cruise ship.”

As part of its “Green Cruising Strategy”, AIDA is also exploring the possibilities of CO2-free production of liquefied gas from renewable sources (“Power to Gas” project) or the use of fuel cells in cruise shipping. Furthermore in 2021, in cooperation with Meyer Werft shipyard and other partners, the first fuel cell test is scheduled onboard an AIDA ship.

Norwegian Encore emerges from the shipyard

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its latest ship, Norwegian Encore, successfully completed a major construction milestone, when it emerged for the first time from the Meyer Werft ship building dock in Papenburg, Germany.

Norwegian Encore will remain in the shipyard port for the final phase of construction, before her conveyance up the Ems River and towards the North Sea at the end of September.

At nearly 1,100 feet long, with a gross tonnage of almost 170,000 and a guest capacity of 3,998, the ship will be delivered to the cruise line on 30 October 2019.

“To see the ship emerge from the shipyard is always one of the most exciting construction milestones,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Our partners at Meyer Werft have been committed to our vision for not only Norwegian Encore, but for this industry-leading class of ships, supporting our dedication to delivering our guests the best cruise vacation at sea.”

Scenic Eclipse sets sail on its inaugural voyage

Scenic Eclipse has sailed on its inaugural voyage, a 13-day discovery itinerary from Reykjavik to Quebec.

Designed to deliver the ultimate experience of a lifetime, Scenic Eclipse takes ocean cruising to a whole new level – giving guests the opportunity to explore above and beyond — from nature to cultural encounters, historic cities to ancient monuments.

Glen Moroney, chairman and founder, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, said: “We are extremely proud of this ship and what it brings to the world of cruising. In terms of innovation, technology and design it is second to none. The onboard helicopters and submarine and our handcrafted itineraries that take our guests to 38 countries in some of the world’s most stunning and remote locations – these are what truly set us apart.”

European Waterways responds to ‘experiential’ travel demand

Responding to the ever-increasing demand for experiential travel, European Waterways announced that it is now offering a wider range of new themed cruise departures for 2020 that can be booked on a per cabin basis.

“Our guests don’t want to be ‘spectators’ of history and culture, they want to be participants,” said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. “From sharing a glass of Pastis with a friendly lock keeper, to gourmet lunch with a baroness, to playing golf in the country that invented the sport, they seek immersive experiences that are both memorable and meaningful in providing insight into the local cultures.”

CLIA reveals plans for Cruise Month

CLIA UK & Ireland has revealed its plans for its annual ‘Cruise Month’ campaign running throughout September. The industry association revealed it will focus on two key themes – sustainability and wellness – to showcase and champion what cruise lines are doing in terms of creating a sustainable future and enriching wellness experiences.

Agents will be equipped with a dedicated toolkit found on the CLIA website available on 26 August. The toolkit will include exclusive cruise line deals and promotions, social media graphics, ocean and river cruise guides, and a sustainability fact sheet.

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