List of cruise news articles updates on Latest Cruise News thoughtout the day en-gb http://www.iglucruise.com 2010-03-14 Princess Cruises opting to send more ships to the region for the 2011 summer season.

Back in 2006, the cruise liner only sent four vessels to Europe, but improved demand saw this figure jump to six this year and another one of the fleets 17 boats will head to European shores in 2011.

Among the ships that can be travelled on by European passengers next year are the Ruby Princess, Emerald Princess and Crown Princess, with 42 different itineraries planned to take in over 135 ports across the continent.

Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president, said: "As a leader in Europe cruises we constantly aim to design an intriguing range of vacation choices.

"Whether they want the amenities of a large ship or the intimate experience of a smaller vessel; a short, seven-day getaway or an extended adventure over several weeks, there's a Princess cruise to match."

Meanwhile, the different itineraries on offer include visits to the Mediterranean, the Baltic region and the Norwegian Fjords.

The 17 elegant ships from Princess Cruises sail to all continents and are known for a cosmopolitan onboard ambiance alongside excellent service.

Written by Chris Smith

]]> http://www.iglucruise.com/news/princess-cruises-to-send-an-extra-ship-to-europe-next-year_a19663989 2010-03-11 Queen Mary 2 ship from Cunard Cruises is preparing to call Australia its new home in 2012 as it enjoys a rare voyage in the southern hemisphere.

Eight Australian ports, including Sydney, Adelaide and maiden trips to Melbourne and Brisbane will be called into as part of the trip, while in total 28 nights will be spent on Australian waters.

The Queen Mary 2 is more typically seen leaving her home ports in Southampton and New York, but Cunard president and managing director Peter Shanks is looking forward to appealing to an emerging market within the cruise industry.

He said: "Recognising the strong growth of cruising in the Australian market and increased demand from Australians for the unique Cunard Line experience, we are delighted to base the most famous ship in the world, Queen Mary 2, in Australia in 2012."

Mr Shanks added that he expected the demand to be strong for the three circumnavigation options available both from Australian travellers and those around the world looking to pay the country a visit.

The Queen Mary 2 has 14 spacious decks onboard, which host 14 bars, ten restaurants, five swimming pools and a traditional style English public house called the Golden Lion Pub.

Written by Chris Smith

]]> http://www.iglucruise.com/news/queen-mary-2-preparing-for-lengthy-stay-in-new-home-of-australia_a19660520 2010-03-10 MSC Cruises is to add a 12th vessel to its fleet following the news that a new Fantasia-class ship will enter service in 2012.

Despite only recently showcasing the MSC Magnifica in Southampton, the liner has signed a letter of intent to introduce the MSC Favolosa, which will feature 1,751 cabins for those looking for a cruise holiday.

Meanwhile, the vessel will measure 333.3 metres in length and be large enough to hold 3,274 passengers.

Furthermore, the Favolosa will adhere to the MSC Yacht Club 'ship within a ship' concept, alongside a total deck redesign, lifts to improve passenger flow, a casino and disco.

MSC Cruises chief executive Pierfrancesco Vago said: "We are immensely proud to announce the signature of a letter of intent for the building of a new ship, MSC Favolosa.

"At a time when many companies are cautious about investing, with this announcement MSC Cruises once again signals the record-breaking extent of its ambition."

Among the destinations that cruise fans can head to on board ships from MSC Cruises are the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.

Written by Chris Smith

]]> http://www.iglucruise.com/news/msc-cruises-signs-letter-of-intent-for-new-favolosa-ship_a19655993 2010-03-08 MSC Cruises is positioning itself to capitalise on the expansion.

According to Travel Weekly, the company plans to move its UK base from Dover to Southampton next year in a bid to expose itself to more UK passengers.

The firm's UK and Ireland managing director Giulio Libutti revealed hopes of British holidaymakers making up 50 per cent of ex-UK cruise passengers choosing its vessels next year.

He is quoted by the website as saying: "The UK accounts for almost one-third of the total European market. We believe in this market and want to invest in it.

"The move to Southampton will improve MSC's recognition in the UK. The port has easier connections from the rest of the UK and I believe our seven-night western Europe cruises will appeal to new cruisers."

An estimated 1.65 million UK cruise holidays are expected to take place this year, according to projections by the Passenger Shipping Association.

Written by Chris Smith.



]]> http://www.iglucruise.com/news/mcs-cruises-in-dover-to-southampton-move_a19650822 2010-03-04
According to Micky Arison, chief executive officer of Carnival Corporation, which owns the likes of Cunard Cruises and P&O Cruises, the industry takes its environmental responsibility seriously, reports the Daily Echo.

Outlining the group's responsibilities as part of the 2010 cruise report, he said customers expect the highest standards when it comes to protecting the environment.

"We are dedicated to preserving the marine environment in which we operate, and therefore believe it is our duty to introduce environmental practices which set a high standard of excellence and responsibility," he explained.

Mr Arison added that operators are reducing their energy consumption every year through a wide range of solutions, including using new paints and hull coatings, "to simply slowing the ships down".

The company predicts the UK cruise market will double to three million annual passengers in a decade.

Written by Chris Smith.



]]> http://www.iglucruise.com/news/cruise-operators-committed-to-protecting-environment_a19650811 2010-03-04