CATALINA postcard postcard booklet image from the collection of Joe Ditler.

MaritimeMatters writer, Shawn Dake will be appearing on a segment of the Huell Howser television program “California’s Gold” on Monday, April 23rd.  The program airs at 7:30pm on KCET, Channel 28 in the Los Angeles area.  The program provides a wonderful look at the former Great White Steamship s.s. CATALINA as it appeared in 1999 while in a partially sunken state in Ensenda, Mexico.  Shawn takes Huell Howser on a tour of the upper decks including the Saloon Deck, Ballroom, Wrigley Suite, aft bar and what remained of the wheelhouse.  Numerous historic photographs are interspersed with poignant scenes of the ship in her final days.  Updated scenes give a glimpse as to what has happened to the ship since the program originally aired.  The last remains of the CATALINA were scrapped in 2010.

CATALINA docked at Avalon, July, 1975, photo @ Shawn J. Dake.

This particular program will be aired again on May 23rd also at 7:30pm.  On both sets of dates it can also be seen again later that night at 12:30am for any night owls.  For readers in Southern California this should be a very enjoyable and nostalgic look back at a steamship that was so much a part of local history.

CATALINA stern, photo © Martin Cox 2000

I was lucky to accompany Shawn to Ensenda in September 2000, we were able to go onboard for a last look. The weekend has been rumoured to be the “raising of CATALINA”  but sadly it was never to be, however I was able to get some dramatic last photographs of her.

For more of my maritime images check out this black & white series at www.martincox.com. Or  join www.facebook.com/MartinCoxPhotography for information about upcoming exhibitions.

Special thanks to: Shawn Dake and Huell Howser

QUEEN ELIZABETH 2. Photo © Martin Cox, 2004, Los Angeles

Charles Greco, President & CEO of Universal Event Management (Macau) Ltd. announced yesterday in a press release, “that Universal Event Management has received the rights to represent the QE2 in a number of locations, two of which include the SAR Macau and Atlantic City New Jersey.”

The release goes on to say the QE2 could become Macau’s most unique tourist attraction as a hotel and convention facility.

“We are thrilled that UEM has an opportunity to bring this ‘Legend of the Seas’ to Macau as a 926 room hotel and convention facility,” said Greco.”  Macau is in need to diversify its reputation of a Gaming Epicenter,” he continued. “We have struggled to build a community that includes a respectable amount of business to business meetings and conventions (MICE) and to attract non-gaming tourism, and leisure business. Our aim is to make Macau the permanent home of the QE2.”

“Interested parties both in Macau and Atlantic City who agree that such an attraction would be extremely beneficial and would be a big boost to the local economy in the non-gaming sector, have encouraged UEM’s involvement and to lead this initiative. The vessel has always been recognized as a ‘magnate’ for International Royalty, Dignitaries, Celebrities and Business VIP’s. It is now up to each of the local governments and municipalities to make an effort to help bring this ‘Incredible Lady’ to Macau.”

UEM has indicated that it will hold a press conference in the coming days to lay out more details and to answer questions about this unique opportunity.

Following her retirement and sale, QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 has been laid up in Dubai since the end of November 2008 and is now registered at Port Villa.

See also: Mr Lightbody of TheQE2story.com was granted full access to the QE2, posted March 2011:

QE2-meets-TheQE2story/

SILVER SHADOW leaving Los Angeles Oct. 3, 2009, photo © Shawn J. Dake 2009

Monaco-based Silversea Cruises’ MV SILVER SHADOW has collided with another ship in thick fog near Vietnam.

The 2000-built, 28,258 gt SILVER SHADOW was about five miles off the coast in Ha Long Bay when the accident occurred on Friday morning. The ultra deluxe cruise ship reportedly slammed into the side of a Vietnamese container ship.

There were reports of damage to the container ship and unconfirmed crew injuries.  There were no reports of injuries on the SILVER SHADOW, which passengers described as receiving some damage to her bow. SILVER SHADOW continued her voyage after only 90 minutes.

SILVER SHADOW was carrying passengers mainly from the UK and US.

In a statement, Silversea Cruises said, “SILVER SHADOW was involved in a minor incident on March 16, 2012, at around 4:20 GMT as it was approaching the pilot station in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. There was contact between SILVER SHADOW and a local commercial vessel. SILVER SHADOW incurred limited minor dents and guests’ safety was never compromised. The ship was fully operational and continued on its course to Ha Long Bay, where all shore tours operated normally.”

Silversea said it was carrying out a full investigation into the incident.

MV SILVER SHADOW at Antigua. Photo and copyright Peter Knego 2008.

The 19,903 gt, 600 passenger PACIFIC (ex SEA VENTURE, PACIFIC PRINCESS) has been sold for 2.5 million Euros to the Turkish company “Cemsan”, which specializes in ship breaking.

MV PACIFIC (ex SEA VENTURE, PACIFIC PRINCESS) at Genoa in 2010. Photo © Peter Knego 2010.

The 1971-built PACIFIC has been idle at Genoa’s San Giorgio del Porto shipyard since being seized by the Italian Coast Guard in 2009. PACIFIC last operated for Spanish-based Quail Cruises but was originally built for New York to Bermuda cruise service as Flagship Cruises’ SEA VENTURE. Between 1975 and 2002, she was Princess Cruises’ first PACIFIC PRINCESS and rose to fame as the official “Love Boat” on the US television series that ran from 1976 through 1986. The “Love Boat” and the PACIFIC PRINCESS are largely credited for stimulating international interest in cruising into what it is today.

PACIFIC will soon be towed to her final destination in Aliağa, Turkey.

UPDATE (via Peter Knego): March 20, 2012: PACIFIC (ex SEA VENTURE, PACIFIC PRINCESS) is currently being inspected by potential buyers who would preserve the iconic vessel as a floating hotel. Although such last minute reprieves tend to spring up with almost every doomed passenger ship these days, perhaps the former “Love Boat” has a big enough following to beat the odds…

Thanks to Peter Knego and Hans Hoffmann and Selim San.

Carnival Cruises’ CARNIVAL DESTINY will undergo a dramatic transformation during a USD $155 million refit in early 2013.

CARNIVAL DESTINY at Miami, photo © Peter Knego 2011

CARNIVAL DESTINY will be renamed CARNIVAL SUNSHINE and operate Mediterranean itineraries from April to October 2013 before homeporting in New Orleans.

The major refit will incorporate all of Carnival’s “Fun Ship 2.0” dining, bar and entertainment features as well as a variety of exciting innovations unique to CARNIVAL SUNSHINE. Along with her layout being reconfigured, a partial deck will be added plus two other decks in the forward section of the ship will be expanded.

The refit work will also see the addition of 182 cabins by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri during the 49-day dry dock, which will take place from February to April 2013. Following the renovation, CARNIVAL SUNSHINE will embark on a schedule of 9 and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona and Venice from April to October 2013, then launch year-round seven-day Caribbean departures from New Orleans beginning November 2013.

“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the CARNIVAL DESTINY into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and on-board innovations not available anywhere else,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival President and CEO.

From a Carnival Press release: “Here’s a look at some of Carnival Sunshine’s many features: Wide-Ranging On-Board Dining Choices Guy’s Burger Joint, a free-of-charge poolside venue developed in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri serving hand-crafted burgers and fresh-cut fries in an atmosphere that celebrates the chef’s California roots and love of car culture.”

“BlueIguana Cantina, a complimentary poolside Mexican eatery where guests can enjoy authentic, freshly made burritos and tacos on homemade tortillas that can be personalized with a variety of salsas and toppings.

Fahrenheit 555, a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks and gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts, all enhanced by understated ambiance and impeccable service (venue will carry a surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet).

Cucina del Capitano – or “The Captain’s Kitchen” – with Italian favorites and new Carnival classics served family-style in a fun and engaging atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy Italian home (during the day, the venue will serve as a free casual lunch-time pasta bar with a nominal charge for dinner).

A stunning new full-service Asian restaurant inspired by the line’s popular Mongolian wok casual eateries that will feature an extensive menu of delicious favorites from the Far East, along with a striking Asian-themed décor.

An expansive casual poolside eatery, Lido Marketplace, offering a seemingly endless array of delectable favorites from around the world, from paninis and pizza to a deli offering piled-high sandwiches and just about everything in between.

A new casual dining option, “The Comfort Kitchen,” located within the Lido Marketplace and offering a tempting array of American-style “comfort food” entrees and side dishes.

Completely renovated main dining rooms that will offer extensive menus and wine lists, with a tantalizing selection of salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts nightly, including Carnival’s legendary chocolate melting cake.

A newly designed coffee bar, serving a wide range of sweet and frothy concoctions such as cappuccinos, lattes, espressos and other caffeinated favorites, along with delicious pastries and other decadent confections.”

Three different week-long itineraries will be offered – a western Caribbean route to Belize City, Belize; Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan, and Cozumel, Mexico; a Bahamas/Florida schedule to Key West, Fla., and Freeport and Nassau, The Bahamas; and western Caribbean departures to Montego Bay, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel. CARNIVAL SUNSHINE will replace CARNIVAL CONQUEST, which is currently based in New Orleans.

Update: Dramatic POV footage of the Bangor lifeboat arriving at the bow of UNION MOON.

Update: The BBC reports that the captain of a UNION MOON will appear in court on Friday on a charge of having excess alcohol in his blood. The masters of both vessels were breathalyzed after the accident.

Reports from Belfast: The cargo ship UNION MOON sustained damage to its bow after colliding with the 1997-built truck ferry STENA FERONIA in Belfast Lough. The accident happened close to the fairway buoy about a mile and a half from the shore at about 19:45 GMT on Wednesday night.  There are no reports of any injuries.

ShipSpotting.com

© Dmitry Rostopshin

ShipSpotting.com

© Richard Wis

The ferry which reportedly was holed, was able to return to the ferry Stena terminal, while the damaged UNION MOON was docked at Belfast.

Passengers were in their life jackets and told to prepare for evacuation, then came word that the damage was above the waterline. Stena have confirmed that all 51 passengers and 47 crew onboard were unharmed.

RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS arriving at Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore March 2, 2012. Photo courtesy RCI

Royal Caribbean International’s RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS entered Sembawang Shipyard (a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine Ltd.) in Singapore March 2, to begin a month-long, US$54 million drydock where she will undergo a major revitalization. The RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS refit is the largest of its kind o take place in Singapore and will employ more than 800 workers from the region.

Part of the Royal Caribbean’s Vision Class of ships, RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS will receive a host of new dining and entertainment venues as well as an assortment of technological upgrades. All new furniture, carpet and upholstery, will be fitted from bow-to-stern while all the staterooms will be renovated.

“RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS’ drydock is part of Royal Caribbean’s commitment to continue to deliver the Royal Advantage to our guests,” said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “With our $300 million investment through 2014, no ship in our fleet will go untouched and our guests will have an unrivaled vacation experience no matter which destination in the world they visit or on what ship they sail on.”

As with SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS, which underwent its upgrade in November 2011, RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS will receive new dining venues, including Chops Grille, Izumi Asian Cuisine, Chef’s Table experience and Park Café. Additional offerings include a Diamond lounge for Crown and Anchor loyalty guests, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top tier loyalty guests, a transformed Viking Crown Lounge and the popular Royal Babies and Tots Nursery.

RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS approaching the shipyard, Singapore March 2. Photo courtesy RCI

Ship-wide Wi-Fi, will be added, along with a digital way finding system, electronic mustering, an outdoor movie screen, as well as iPad’s in every stateroom featuring content about the ship’s amenities and activities, ensuring a seamless cruise experience for guests. The ship’s Centrum, with its sweeping views and central location, will transform into a new chic and sophisticated venue featuring enriching daytime activities, dazzling nightly entertainment and jaw-dropping aerial spectacles. The ship’s Champagne Bar, located in the Centrum, also will reemerge as the R Bar, featuring a sophisticated 1960s vibe, complete with iconic furnishing and signature cocktails mixed by a savvy and personable mixologist.

When the enhancements are completed on March 28, RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS will sail a 15-night voyage from Singapore to Sydney, Australia. From there, she will sail across the Pacific with a combination of cruises from Australia and Hawaii, before beginning her Alaska season in May 2012.

In Alaska, RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS will offer seven-night open-jawed itineraries from both Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seattle, Washington.

DISNEY FANTASY In New York City, February 28, 2012. Courtesy Disney Cruise Line, David Roark photographer

DISNEY FANTASY, the newest ship of Disney Cruise Line, sailed past the Statue of Liberty Tuesday after traveling from Bremerhaven, Germany to New York.  The 4,000-passenger vessel will be christened in New York on March 1, then sail to her home port of Port Canaveral, Florida. With a maiden voyage on March 31, the DISNEY FANTASY will sail seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Structurally, DISNEY FANTASY is almost identical to the 2011-built DISNEY DREAM, with a gross tonnage of 130,000, a length of 340 meters (1,120 ft) and a width of 37 meters (121 ft). Registered in the Bahamas and built by Meyer Werft of Papenburg, Germany, DISNEY FANTASY has 1,250 staterooms.

COSTA ALLEGRA under tow. Photo provided by the Prefecture of Reunion

Update: (08:30hrs GMT 3/1/12)  COSTA ALLEGRA arrives in Port Victoria, over half the passengers have elected to remain on the island for the rest of their stay at the company’s expense.

Update: (20:00hrs GMT 2/29/12) A Seychelles Government official said that when the Seychelles tugs met up with the Costa Allegra on Tuesday, a “conversation” took place to see the fishing vessel step aside and the faster tugs put in place. “The discussion went on for quite a while to no avail.”  The fishing vessel F/V TREVIGNON continues to tow the COSTA ALLEGRA and now strong currents have slowed progress, arrival not expected before 9AM local time Mahe.  Planes have been readied to take passengers to Rome etc.

Update: (21:00hrs GMT 2/28/12) Two tugs have now reached COSTA ALLEGRA and will tow her the rest of the way to the Seychelles (arriving late Wednesday, early Thursday local time)

The COSTA ALLEGRA will now not be towed to nearer but tiny island of  Desroches, it was announced today.  Instead the Italian cruise ship, assisted by a French ocean-going trawler F/V TREVIGNON, will proceed to Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles and is expected to arrive on Thursday. Desroches, with limited facilities, only about 50 inhabitants and no easy port access, was deemed unsuitable for off-loading the passengers. Mahé is a distance of some 155 miles.

The fire in the ship’s generator room on Monday left it without power, air-conditioning or cooking facilities and limited radio contact. Costa said that helicopters would ensure the continuous supply of food and other items to the stranded passengers and crew.

Two tugs are approaching the COSTA ALLEGRA and will assume the tow when they arrive later today.

Of the 636 passengers and 413 crew on board, 135 are Italians and 127 French, along with nearly 100 Austrians, 90 Swiss and 31 Britons.

While the ship could be vulnerable to attacks by Somali pirates, the presence on board of nine armed members of the Italian navy’s anti-pirate unit and a circling government plane are providing security and communications with some of the navy’s anti-pirate unit on board the fishing vessel for further protection.

For initial story and more details on COSTA ALLEGRA history click here.

COSTA ALLEGRA without power in the Indian Ocean February 27, 2012. Photo courtesy India Navy, shot from a Dornier plane stationed in the Seychelles to assist defence of its territory against pirate attacks.

Following yesterday’s fire in the generator room that wiped out power on the cruise ship COSTA ALLEGRA in the Indian Ocean, the ship has been taken in tow by a French ocean-going fishing trawler.  The plan is to tow COSTA ALLEGRA, which has now power for lights and cooking facilities, to Desroches Island in the Seychelles.

There are 636 passengers and 413 crew members on COSTA ALLEGRA.  From Desroches Island, which has a small airport, the the passengers and most crew can be transferred to shore. Two tugs are on their way from Mahé (the largest island of the Seychelles) and are expected to meet the ship, relieve the fishing vessel and take over the tow to the island.

Desroches Island is the main island of the Amirante Islands, part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. It is located 230 km southwest of Mahé. Desroches has a population of about 50, a settlement in the middle of the northwestern shore, a small luxury hotel with 20 rooms in the south (the Desroches Island Resort which was built in 1988) and a paved airstrip.

For previous story and more details on COSTA ALLEGRA history click here.