SS ROBIN in London, July 25, 2012. Photo © Juliana Barrett

Britain’s Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of just under £1 million to the SS ROBIN, which will allow the ship to re-open to the public.

Floating above the water on purpose-built pontoon, SS ROBIN returned to her London home last summer after a three year restoration program. The HLF award will now see the final touches put in place to restore this exceptional vessel to her former glory and create a new cultural landmark for London.  A visitor’s center will be housed within the pontoon and an exciting program of activities, events, training and volunteering opportunities will be kick-started for people of all ages.

One of only three UK National Historic Ships ‘Core Collection’ vessels based in London (along with CUTTY SARK and HMS BELFAST), SS ROBIN is one of 1,500 coastal cargo steamers built between 1840 and 1956 at the Thames Ironworks & Shipbuilding Company on the River Lea.

Being of international significance and the only surviving example of her type, she represents a pivotal moment in the history of industrialization, engineering and technological development.

SS ROBIN at Millennium Mills, Royal Victoria Dock, London, July 25 2011. Photo © Juliana Barrett

Sue Bowers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for London stated:

“SS ROBIN, to be moored in the Royal Victoria Docks, will serve as a living reminder of the capital’s seafaring roots, history and traditions in an ever changing landscape regenerated for London’s Olympic year. Visitors will also be able to gain a fascinating insight into the ship’s past dating back to 1890 as her archive and collections of some 4000 items including original documents, maps, plans, and navigation tools are made publicly accessible for the first time.”

In addition to capital works, which include conservation of the engine room and crew accommodation, physical dockside access and historical interpretation within the pontoon and vessel, the Visitor Center will provide dedicated work stations, video diary booths and research spaces so that the public can make full use of SS ROBIN’s archives and collections.

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales stated: “This is fantastic news. East London is the future of this great capital and this magnificent ship is a symbol of the Docks’ powerful resurgence. London’s Olympic bid book said the most enduring legacy of the Games must be the regeneration of the entire community for the direct benefit of everyone who lives there. For centuries, London’s East End has been one of the poorest areas in Europe. The Games have provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the lives of residents for generations to come. The Docks represent a crucial part of the borough’s physical and social regeneration as we approach London 2012.”

Nishani Kampfner, CEO & Co-Founder of the SS Robin Trust, explained the importance of HLF funding for the historic ship: “Securing HLF funding was absolutely critical for the Trust and we are delighted with the grant award. The grant will provide much needed financial support to ensure that SS Robin re-opens to the public in her new evolved role of heritage site and training centre. The funding will be used to create an authentic and memorable experience for visitors which will include exploring and opening up the hidden and fascinating stories of London’s shipping and seafaring roots onboard SS Robin.”

SS ROBIN will be visible to visitors attending sports events at the ExCel Exhibition Center, hosting a number of sports events during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and capital works are expected to be complete by late 2012.

Special thanks to Juliana Barrett

MV RABAUL QUEEN arriving in Kimbe Port, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea on March 16 2009. Photo by Michael Pennay (licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0).

Update 4: February 3 – The PNG Maritime Safety Authority says 246 people have been pulled from the sea, vessels and aircraft are still searching. The Authority’s Captain Nurur Rahman said that people can survive for 3 or 4 days in the warmer water, and they will continue searching until they have exhausted all options.
The search has been hampered by high winds and heavy swells, making it difficult to spot survivors.

Queen Elizabeth II, who as head of the Commonwealth is Papua New Guinea’s head of state, sent  a message of sympathy to Papua New Guinea via  Governor-General Michael Ogio, her representative in the country. An investigation is launched in to the sinking.

Update 3: February 2 – The owners of MV RABAUL, Papua New Guinea-based Rabaul Shipping Company, (previously referenced as Star Shipping) stated that there were indeed 350 passengers and 12 crew aboard the ferry when sank between Kimbe on the island of New Britain to the coastal city of Lae on the main island.  By nightfall, 238 survivors had been rescued by ships battling 16-foot (5-meter) swells and high winds.

Update 2: February 2 – A revised number of those rescued now stands at 219 survivors rescued by five ships. The original number of 350 passengers and crew has been called in to question, the number may be lower, according to officials.

Update: February 2 – Over 230 survivors have been rescued from the sea off Papua New Guinea’s east coast after the ferry MV RABAUL QUEEN sank Thursday. Officials believe as many as 350 people may have been on board.

The 1983-built, 259 gross ton, Papua New Guinea-flagged passenger/ro-ro ferry MV RABAUL QUEEN is believed to have sunk in bad weather off Papua New Guinea with as many as 350 people on board. The operators, Star Ships, said it lost contact at about 6 AM on Thursday (local time) after a distress signal was sent by the ship while sailing between Kimbe and Lae in the eastern part of the Pacific nation.

PNG’s National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) said the ship had capsized but it was awaiting more details from officials on the site. “We don’t have any accurate information as of yet. A search and rescue team went out early this morning but they haven’t got back to us yet,” a spokeswoman said.

Star Ships added that some survivors have been found, many more were in the water in life jackets.

Australia’s foreign office said it “has responded to a request for assistance by arranging for aircraft to overfly the area, and will respond to other requests”.

Two helicopters and a ship had been dispatched to search the area in addition to the two search and rescue vessels sent out by the NMSA. There is no further details on casualties.

Star Ships, one of PNG’s largest passenger ship operators, runs a regular service to the the islands, including New Britain’s Kimbe.

Carnival Cruise Lines

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Monday, January 9, 2012

Guy's burger with fries.

Circa 1987, I gave up eating red meat, which, in the case of sampling one of the CARNIVAL LIBERTY’s most hailed new venues, rendered me quite literally toothless.  However, my traveling companion Lis was a regular patron of Guy’s Burger Joint during our brief week on board, giving its quality ground chuck burgers two hearty thumbs up. Since there are no “veggie”, turkey or chicken options, I was half-tempted to grab a buttery bun and fill it up with some of those caramelized onions, a little lettuce, some tomato and a side of those delicious fries…

Red Frog Pub.

Just forward of Guy’s Burger Joint on the starboard side of the Deck 9 midships pool is another brand new “2.0″ venue, the RedFrog Pub, which features Carnival’s RedFrog Beer on tap and a bar menu with all sorts of other brews and rum drinks.

BlueIguana tequila bar.

And across the pool on the port side of Deck 9, there is the newly-added “2.0″ BlueIguana tequila bar.

Creating a BlueIguana burrito.

BlueIguana salsa bar.

BlueIguana burrito completo.

The new “2.0″ BlueIguana Grill can be likened to a sea-going “Chipotle,” where guests can select the ingredients that go into their freshly prepared burrito.  Choices include chicken, beef and pork with refried or black beans, various salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and jack cheese. Open-faced tacos made with homemade tortillas are also available and additional salsas and seasonings can be piled on with a quick visit to the salsa bar. Both Guy’s Burgers Joint and the BlueIguana Grill are complimentary venues.

Garden Villa Atrium facing up/port from Deck 2.

After lunch, we took a stroll around the ship, then met with the assistant hotel manager, who escorted us to the bridge for a quick visit.

Bridge to bow at sea.

We watched from the perspective of the wheelhouse as CARNIVAL LIBERTY plied rather calm seas at a steady 16 knots. Although they were not visible, CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM and NORWEGIAN EPIC were in the distance off our starboard bow, leading our southbound convoy.

Chicken Siciliano.

At dinner that night, another excellent round of courses included a delicious Sicilian Chicken entrée.

Aft from Deck 14 at sea.

A balmy, slightly more humid evening on deck ensued with an occasional drizzle…

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Celebrity Central at St. Thomas.

Six mega ships called at St. Thomas this morning.  Princess’ EMERALD PRINCESS and HAL’s NOORDAM tied up around the bend at the Havensight Pier while CARNIVAL LIBERTY was the interloper in a “Celebrity sandwich” that included the anchored CELEBRITY CONSTELLATION, the already berthed CELEBRITY MILLENNIUM and CELEBRITY ECLIPSE at Charlotte Amalie.

St Thomas approach.

As the CARNIVAL LIBERTY sailed past the recently renovated, now Marriot-owned Frenchman’s Reef Hotel at the harbor’s entrance, I realized that this would be my first time at St. Thomas since the SS ROTTERDAM’s final Christmas cruise — way back in 1996!  Although I find St. Thomas overly commercialized, its waters are still pristine and its steep hills, a lush deep green.

Aft Deck 12 mini-golf.

I was up on deck for our arrival and managed to get a few more areas of the ship photographed, including the mini-golf course on aft Deck 12.  With most of CARNIVAL LIBERTY’s guests off on excursions or shopping expeditions, it would be my perfect opportunity to finish documenting and hopefully relax a bit while Charlotte Amalie did its best to absorb the influx of about 25,000 visiting cruise passengers and crew.

Smoked salmon and bagel starter.

Cheddar omelete and turkey bacon.

Lis and I descended to the Silver Olympian for a full service breakfast. I was impressed to find a turkey bacon option on the menu…

The Venetian Palace, facing forward from Deck 2.

Another chandelier that's ballooned...

Venetian mask ceiling detail.

Venetian mask table detail.

I’ll save most of the images for a full Decked! project but highlights included the Venetian Palace with its masks in the ceiling and cocktail table tops; a large chandelier with Chihuly-esque hand-spun “tied balloon” Murano glass fixtures; red, blue and yellow Murano glass tiles; and Harlequino figures at either side of the proscenium.

EA Sports Bar, facing aft.

Another “2.0″ venue that is off to a successful start is the EA Sports Bar on port Deck 5. It has an entire wall of 48 inch LED screens and a ticker that broadcasts up-to-the-minute sports events and scores.

The Cabinet, facing forward.

The Cabinet is a 147 seat cigar smokers’ lounge on aft Deck 4 that takes its decorative inspiration from the cabinetry of Biedermeier.

The Promenade, facing aft.

The Promenade is the main passageway on starboard Deck 5 that links most of the ship’s public spaces. Every Carnival ship since the 1985-built HOLIDAY has one.

In addition to a forthcoming MaritimeMatters Decked!, you can see many CARNIVAL LIBERTY views on a comprehensive USA Today Gallery by clicking here.

CARNIVAL LIBERTY above St. Thomas.

We did manage to get off the ship for a few minutes to take some photos before the influx of returning passengers.

CARNIVAL LIBERTY at St. Thomas.

Carnival’s DESTINY and CONQUEST platforms, the latter of which includes the CARNIVAL LIBERTY, have multi-faceted fore and aft superstructures.

A pristine LIBERTY bell.

Once again, timing was on our side.  For the greater part of the afternoon after we re boarded the LIBERTY, St. Thomas was drenched in a non-stop torrent of liquid sunshine.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

CARNIVAL LIBERTY at San Juan.

The next morning found us in San Juan, another well-frequented Eastern Caribbean port. Not much had changed since my visit last year aboard Holland America’s NIEUW AMSTERDAM, although much of the waterfront was in a state of construction that made photography a bit more challenging than usual.

San Juan blues.

CARNIVAL LIBERTY at San Juan.

Lis and I wandered the charming stone and stucco-fronted streets of Old Town, settled in at plaza for a cappuccino and cafe au lait, then strolled the perimeter of El Morro Fortress before returning to the ship.

El Morro portal, San Juan.

We were up on the forward Deck 10 observation platform for the sail-away, then headed back to 8445 to watch from the comfort of our balcony as the LIBERTY passed the buttresses of El Morro.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

P&O (left) and Carnival (right) house flags over Grand Turk.

CARNIVAL LIBERTY at Grand Turk.

Carnival Corp. fleetmate, P&O’s 115,055 gross ton AZURA, was already berthed as CARNIVAL LIBERTY made her approach to Grand Turk. I last saw the AZURA high and dry in drydock Trieste’s San Marco shipyard when she was being painted prior to her 2010 sea trials. Now, instead of tarp and scaffolds, her decks were brimming with deck chairs and sun worshippers.

Grand Turk beach.

When I visited beautiful Grand Turk the year prior aboard the NIEUW AMSTERDAM I took  a bike and snorkel tour. Today, our goal was to find a nice beach and go for a refreshing swim — easily accomplished with a gorgeous strand adjacent to the cruise terminal.

CARNIVAL LIBERTY and AZURA at Grand Turk.

Grand Turk is blessed with fine coral sand and its waters are irresistible, although caution is advised where rocks and coral can pop up unexpectedly.

Fish and Chips.

Back on board the LIBERTY, Lis and I capped off another excellent lunch with an order of fish and chips from the upper level of Emile’s Lido, then lined the port side rails as AZURA prepared to sail.

AZURA departs Grand Turk.

There was nothing stuffy or demure about Britain’s largest mega ship as AZURA backed into the deep blue sea. Her midships lido pulsated with festivities that rivaled  those aboard the LIBERTY.

Thai Chicken starter in the Silver Olympian.

Tonight’s Silver Olympian standout was a succulent Chicken Satay starter.

Latin deck party wind-down.

Up on deck, well into the wee hours, with a following sea day to sleep it off, the Latin Party had worked itself into a frenzy. At one point, 250 guests formed a limbo line that completely encircled the midships pool area.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Sargasso Sea day.

One last day at sea day loomed between us and Miami’s dreaded cruise terminal.

Sea foam.

One final “sea set”, this time above the northbound CARNIVAL LIBERTY’s wake.

Romelito grooves.

In the dining room, our hardworking troika (Romelito, Viktor and Andre) proved once again that their best moves are not restricted to plates and cutlery.

Just as I started to nod off, the CNN ticker flashed the first alarming news reports of the LIBERTY’s near “cousin”, COSTA CONCORDIA.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Maurizio mosaic.

Throughout the week, a mosaic panel (on Deck 9 near the Atrium) designed by the brilliant Maurizio Eliseo was hidden behind Spa Treatment banners. Today, as we were en route to a “huevos” breakfast at the BlueIguana grill, its fine details could be enjoyed.

Deck 9 suite, facing starboard.

After photographing the starboard Deck 9 Penthouse Suite (added in 2008) we “self assist” disembarked and wheeled our luggage off the ship and out of the terminal in a speedy 10 minutes.. Congratulations to Carnival for its new “Fun Ship 2.0″ enhancements but even more kudos for raising the “Contemporary” market bar on food quality and excellent service.  There really is no better cruise value for the money.

End of “Fun Ship 2.0″: For You and Me, For LIBERTY

Special thanks: Martin Cox, Jennifer De La Cruz, Vance Gulliksen, Lis Kemp, Pier-Giorgio Micallef

The RHODODENRON late in her career, photographed on April 16, 2011. Photo by Matt Masuoka.

News stories coming out of Washington State this week indicate we are witnessing the very end of an era for several of the more senior members of the large fleet of ferries that once plied the waters of Puget Sound, some dating back to the 1920′s.  On Monday, January 23, 2012, one of the last active veterans, the m/v RHODODENDRON, was retired, ending 65 years of operation on both the East and West Coasts.  The RHODODENDRON was built in 1947 at Baltimore for service on the Chesapeake Bay as the GOVERNOR HERBERT R. O’CONOR.  After a tow through the Panama Canal and a refurbishment, the ship began her new career with the Washington State Ferry fleet in 1954.  A very traditional passenger and car ferry, the RHODODENDRON carried up to 546 passengers and 48 vehicles.  In 1990, the old ship was given an entirely new passenger cabin and new engines in a thorough rebuilding.  The vessel, which is named after the state flower of Washington, has a length of 227 feet, a beam of 62 feet and a draft of 10 feet.  With the implementation of more stringent safety regulations, the RHODODENRON has only been able to work on short, inland water routes.  For most of the last 20 years, the ferry has been on the run between Tahlequah on Vashon Island and Point Definance, Washington and has become a beloved fixture among local residents and tourists, alike.

RHODODENDRON as seen in a postcard view from the 1950s. From the collection of Steven J. Pickens.

On board the classic Washington State Ferry RHODODENDRON. Photo by Matt Masuoka.

The former Washington State and Black Ball Line ferry KALAKALA was in the news again, as well.  The  276 foot streamlined ferry was blown from her berth on the Hylebos Waterway in Tacoma onto a derelict barge along the shore during a severe winter storm that brought heavy snow and winds to the Pacific Northwest.  The ship got hung up on the side of the barge and as the tide went out the KALAKALA began listing up to 30 degrees to port, leaving her deck less than a foot above water.  The Coast Guard and the U.S Army Corps of Engineers were already concerned that the ferry could block navigation in the waterway and had issued an eviction order that was to have taken effect on January 1st.  The unique Art Deco ship first was reported listing back on March 25, 2011 but was subsequently stabilized.  More recently, Steve Rodrigues, who has been hoping to restore the ferry for years, placed her up for sale for $1.00 in the hope that another party would be able to preserve her.  On Friday, January 20th, the Corps issued an emergency request for a contractor to stabilize the vessel and tow her to a new location, if necessary.  If that happens, the end will be very near for the KALAKALA, which has led a nomadic existence since her sailing days ended on October 2, 1967.  The silver ship was towed north, serving as a crab processing plant in Kodiak, Alaska for many years before her miraculous and triumphant return to Seattle on November 8, 1998.  After wandering around various berths and wearing out her welcome in each, the ship ended up in her present location near Tacoma, where she has remained since 2005.  The Army Corps of Engineers spokesman William Dowell was sympathetic but blunt in his summation of the situation: ”The Corps isn’t in the job of towing this boat somewhere where they can fix it up.  We’re going to tow it somewhere and it’s going to be dismantled. Once we get involved, that’s it. We can’t stop the process.”  He added, “It’s a sad situation.  We don’t want this to happen at all.”

PERALTA, later rebuilt as the KALAKALA, from the Collection Of Steven J. Pickens

KALAKALA aerial view, photo Steven J. Pickens collection

KALAKALA in lay up on Hylebos Waterway, Tacoma, Washington, August 12, 2005. Photo © Shawn J. Dake

Few ships have had as unlikely a history as the KALAKALA, which translates as “Flying Bird” in the native Chinook language.  Launched in 1926 as the PERALTA, the vessel was the flagship of the Key System Ferries.  She was designed for service on San Francisco Bay as a conventional double-ended steam ferry.  Her maiden voyage was in 1927 but her career in the Bay Area was cut short in 1933, when an arson fire destroyed the Oakland terminal and burned the ferry down to her hull.  Captain Alexander Peabody, owner of the Puget Sound-Navigation Company and the Black Ball Line, purchased the hulk and had her rebuilt as the world’s first streamlined ferry.  In this form, the ship made her debut on July 3, 1935.  As reconstructed, the KALAKALA could carry 1,943 passengers and up to 110 cars.  Her length was 276.5 feet with a beam of 55.7 feet and a draft of 16 feet.  The gross tonnage was listed as 1,417 tons during her career on Puget Sound.  For a ship that has risen from the brink of destruction on more than one occasion, it is hoped that she may yet be preserved as an historic part of Seattle’s past.

The NISQUALLY waiting to be scrapped at Ensenada, Mexico on February 15, 2011. Photo © Shawn J. Dake.

During 2011, the last of the four venerable Steel Electric-class ferries that had been towed to Ensenada, Mexico back in 2009 were finally scrapped.  The NISQUALLY was the last to still be completely intact as of February, 2011 but by May, she was gone.  She was built in 1927 as the m/v MENDOCINO for the Northwestern Pacific Railroad for operations on San Francisco Bay.

LAKE TAHOE, later the ILLAHEE, from the collection of Steven J. Pickens

ILLAHEE at Keystone Landing in 1990. Photo © Jack Whitmeyer.

ILLAHEE being scrapped at Ensenada, Mexico on April 27, 2011. Photo by Shawn J. Dake.

The ILLAHEE was also constructed in 1927 as part of a trio of ships for the competing Southern Pacific Railroad, beginning her career as the m/v LAKE TAHOE.  In Ensenada, the hulk had capsized and partially sank, making the job of dismantling more difficult and thus, she was the last to disappear.  Earlier, the KLIKITAT and the QUINAULT  were broken up during the second half of 2010.  The KLIKITAT was another member of the Southern Pacific trio, built in 1927 as the m/v STOCKTON.  The QUINAULT, was originally named m/v REDWOOD EMPIRE and like her sister NISQUALLY, shared the same 1927 building year and previous ownership.  Eventually, all four ships would be absorbed by the Southern Pacific and go on to long careers with Washington State Ferries, remaining in service for a total of 80 years.  All went north from California to Washington in 1940.  Each of the Steel Electric ferries were 256 feet in length, 73 feet 10 inches in beam, with a 12 foot 9 inch draft, carried a maximum of 616 passengers and up to 59 vehicles.   They were integral to the services on San Francisco Bay before the bridges were built and a vital part of the Washington State Ferry system and it’s predecessor, the Puget Sound Navigation Company.

The ILLAHEE on her side in Ensenada, with the pilot houses, probably from the NISQUALLY in the foreground. Photo by Shawn J. Dake.

While the Steel Electrics are gone, the RHODODENDRON and KALAKALA still exist but it is impossible to tell what the future holds for these once hard-working ferries.

Thanks to Martin Cox, Matt Masuoka and especially Steven J. Pickens.

Streamlined Art Deco Ferry KALAKALA listing in Tacoma

COSTA DELIZIOSA at Los Angeles.

Although the DELIZIOSA is part of a vast Carnival Corporation common platform that includes no less than four Carnival ships, six Holland America Line ships, two Cunarders, one P&O vessel and three other Costa ships, I was pleasantly surprised to find that she has a distinct and highly appealing style of her own. Despite being the product of an American designer, the COSTA DELIZIOSA has a genuine Italian flair, brimming with quality fittings, a liner-esque Italian MidCentury ambiance, several appealingly “clubby” spaces and a familiar glitz that is the signature of the renowned Joseph Farcus.

COSTA DELIZIOSA at Los Angeles.

The Costa fleet is the European “Mass Market” or “Contemporary” equivalent to Carnival but the USD $450 million flagships DELIZIOSA and her 2009-built twin, the COSTA LUMINOSA, are considered slightly more upmarket, if not “Premium”. They introduce some firsts such as a roller skating track, 4-D Cinema and environmentally-friendly “cold ironing” — a direct-to-shore plug-in that can power their generators when they are in port, allowing their engines to be shut off.

COSTA DELIZIOSA’s signature Costa “chimney pot” funnel

The DELIZIOSA’s decorative theme is “sheer pleasure”, employing a large collection of specially-commissioned artworks and quality fittings of Murano glass, multiple varieties of marble, hand-applied stucco and rare tropical veneers. As part of a five ship order, COSTA DELIZIOSA was the third Fincantieri ship built for the line within a nine month period. She was christened in Dubai in February 2010 during her maiden cruise and has been employed in Gulf-based and European cruise service until embarking on a 100 day round-the-world cruise in December 2011.

COSTA DELIZIOSA superstructure at Los Angeles.

COSTA DELIZIOSA has 1,130 cabins in total, including 52 with direct access to the Samsara Spa, 662 with private balcony, 106 suites with private balcony and 4 suites with direct access to the Samsara Spa. Alas, as the ship was fully occupied during her maiden Los Angeles visit, none were open for inspection or photography before this Decked! was published.

COSTA DELIZIOSA builder's plate.

Builders: Fincantieri, Marghera, Italy (yard number 6164)
Registry: Italy (Genoa)
Gross Tonnage: 92,600
Measurements: 965 by 106 feet
Passengers: 2,826 (total beds)
Crew: 934
Speed: 21.5 knots (service speed), 23 knots (maximum)

COSTA DELIZIOSA glows under a luminous Southern California sunset.

All Photos by and Copyright Peter Knego 2012 unless otherwise noted.

Costa Cruise Line

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COSTA DELIZIOSA has twelve passenger decks. Here is a top to bottom look at most of the ship’s deck areas and public rooms:

Girasole Deck (12)

Forward Deck 12, facing aft.

Facing forward from Deck 12.

The uppermost level, Girasole Deck (12), is composed of two platforms. The forward portion of Deck 12 is encircled by the jogging and rollerskating track on midships Deck 11. It features sunning space with a lofty view.

Aft Deck 12, facing aft.

Aft Deck 12 is located directly behind the funnel platform and consists of more open sunning space with a view over the stern.

Fuxia Deck (11)

Forward Deck 11, facing starboard.

Aft from forward/port Deck 11.

Fuxia Deck (11) has acres of open sunning and observation space. The forward portion of this level is sheltered by glass screens. Sun loungers are located on either side of a skylight atop the central portion of the Samsara Spa.

Lido Squok, facing forward.

On the port side of Deck 11 adjacent to the radio mast housing, there is an outdoor space for children called Lido Squok, which has a wading pool and playground.

Midships Deck 11 facing aft.

Terraces on Deck 11 continue on either side of the Magrodome-covered, midships Lido Azzurro Blu pool area.

Midships/aft Deck 11, facing aft from port.

Facing forward from Midships/aft Deck 11.

The midships portion of Deck 11 has a dual roller skating (red) and jogging (yellow) track that surrounds the Deck 12 platform.

Games Court, facing starboard.

A net-covered Games Court on aft Deck 11 features a half basketball court.

Facing forward from aft/port Deck 11.

Aft Deck 11, facing forward.

Over stern from aft/port Deck 11.

The aft portion of Deck 11 features terraces on either side with built-in telescopes and more sunning space with a view over the stern.

Magnolia Deck (10)

Gymnasium, facing starboard.

Spa whirlpool, facing port from Deck 10.

Gym, facing forward.

Magnolia Deck (10) begins with the upper level of the two deck, 3,500 square meter Samsara Spa. On the starboard side, there is a Gymnasium overlooking the bow that also has a port-facing view over the Thalassotherapy pool.

Aerobics/Spinning, facing aft.

Immediately aft and adjoining the Gym is an Aerobics and Spinning Room.

Solarium, facing aft.

Tanning beds.

On the port side of the Deck 10 level of the Samsara Spa, there is a Solarium that features individual tanning beds.

Teen Center, facing forward/port.

Immediately aft of the Solarium is the Teen Center.

Club Squok, facing port.

Club Squok is the Children’s Playroom behind the Teen Center on port Deck 10.

Facing aft from Deck 10 terrace.

Facing forward from Deck 10 terrace.

Deck 10 continues aft of with sheltered terraces that overlook the midships Lido Azzurra Blu pool area on Deck 9. The “all weather” Lido Azzurra has the ship’s largest pool, two Jaccuzzis and an oversize LED screen that broadcasts movies, news, videos and sports events.

Club Deliziosa, facing forward/starboard.

Atrio Delle Delize, facing down from starboard Deck 10.

The U-shaped Club Deliziosa is the ship’s reservations-only specialty restaurant on the Deck 10 balcony overlooking the soaring Atrio Delle Delize, an eight deck tall, glass skylight-topped atrium. Club Deliziosa has a menu supervised by Ettore Bocchia, the executive chef at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, Italy and commands a $30 cover charge.

Deck 10 mini-golf, facing aft.

On the starboard side of Deck 10, there is a mini-golf course adjacent to a virtual golf simulator.

Aft Deck 10, facing port.

Deck 10 concludes with a sunning terrace.

Orchidea Deck (9)

Samsara Spa Rock Sauna, facing forward.

The lower portion of the Samsara Spa is located on forward Orchidea Deck (9) and begins with the Rock Sauna.

Samsara Spa Laconium, facing forward/starboard.

The Laconium is on the starboard side of the Rock Sauna on forward Deck 9.

Samsara Spa passage, facing aft.

A U-shaped passage links the lower portion of the Samsara Spa.

Samsara Spa Turkish Bath, facing starboard.

A Thermal/Turkish Bath is directly aft of the Laconium on the starboard side of the Deck 9 level of the Samsara Spa.

Samsara Spa relaxation room?

A Relaxation Room is located on the aft/starboard side of the Samsara Spa.

Beauty Salon, facing aft.

The Beauty Salon is at the aft end of the Samsara Spa on Deck 9.

Samsara Spa treatment room #10, facing port.

Samsara Spa treatment room #6, facing port.

Numerous treatment rooms are located on the port side of the Deck 9 level of the Samsara Spa.

Samsara Spa Deck 9 entrance, facing forward.

The Samsara Spa is accessed on the port side of Deck 9.

Buffet Muscadin, facing aft from port.

Buffet Muscadin glass detail.

Perhaps taking its name from the famed Italian restaurant in Montreal, the Buffet Muscadin is located towards the aft end of Deck 9. It’s yacht-like, contemporary decor is infused with light through an expanse of full-length windows. Multiple buffet stations offer pasta, sandwiches, warm entrées, a salad bar, desserts and pizza. Decorative highlights include wooden models, signal flags on the ceiling and glass yacht sconces sporting Costa’s blue and yellow livery.

Lido Acqua Regina Pool, facing aft.

Lido Acqua Regina Bar, facing port.

Lido Acqua Regina Pool, facing forward.

Aft Deck 9, facing forward.

The Lido Acqua Regina pool is the second of the DELIZIOSA’s main pools. Located on aft Deck 9, it is flanked by twin Jaccuzzis and a large sunning terrace.

Petunia Deck (8), Ibisco Deck (7), Ortensia Deck (6), Giglio Deck (5), and Camelia Deck (4)

Decks 8 through 4 are devoted to passenger accommodation.

Azalea Deck (3)

Port Deck 3, facing forward.

Port Deck 3, facing aft.

Azalea Deck (3) is devoted to public rooms and is encircled by a promenade, the fore and aft portions of which narrow considerably.

Teatro Duse, facing port from Deck 3.

Teatro Duse, facing forward from Deck 3.

The upper level of the 800 seat, three deck main show lounge, the Duse Theater, begins the line-up of public rooms on Deck 3.

Deck 3 to Deck 2 helix stairs, facing down.

Marble stairs lead from the starboard/forward passage on Deck 3 down to the pubic areas on Deck 2.

Caffeteria Sugar, facing aft.

Totally random Caffeteria Sugar carpet shot.

Caffeteria Sugar, facing forward.

Adjoining the Piano Bar, the gallery style Caffeteria Sugar is an attractive specialty coffee, chocolate and drinks bar on the starboard side of Deck 3.

Excite Piano Bar, facing aft.

Totally random Piano Bar carpet shot.

Excite Piano Bar, facing aft.

The Excite Piano Bar is located on the port side of Deck 3 and features a small stage for cabaret-style performances, edgy “modern” seating and clusters of blown glass chandeliers.

Galleria shops, facing forward.

Souvenir shop, facing starboard.

The Deck 3 passage winds its was aft through the Galleria shopping area. Note the “mod” ceiling recesses, not unlike those aboard the Post War Italian liners.

Bibliotek Velvet, facing aft.

Bibliotek Velvet, facing forward.

Totally random Bibliotek Velvet carpet shot.

The Bibliotek Velvet is an intimate nook on the port side of Deck 3, just forward of the atrium. It has a small reference library and provides internet access via several computer stations. The ceiling recesses, square framed seating, boldly-patterned carpeting and the geometric suede insets could easily be interpreted as a nod to the stylings of the late Nino Zoncada, Costa’s longtime interior designer/marine architect.

Starboard Photo Gallery, facing aft.

Port Photo Gallery, facing aft.

Photo Galleries flank either side of the Deck 3 level of the Atrio Delle Delize.

Classic Costa ships at Genoa image.

Port Deck 3 sitting area, facing aft.

The outer edge of each photo gallery houses seating areas that look out onto the promenade. For those facing inward, there are splendid black and white photos of late but great Costa liners such as the BIANCA C, COLUMBUS C, FEDERICO C and EUGENIO C from the Maurizio Eliseo and Paolo Piccione collections.

Chapel, facing port.

Totally random Chapel marble shot.

At the aft end of the Deck 3 level of the Atrio Delle Deilze, there is a splendid space that harkens to an era when all Italian liners had a chapel. Another richly appointed venue, it features warm wood tones, checkerboard marble, gold leaf and blue Murano glass.

Atrio Delle Delize, facing forward from starboard Deck 3.

The aft portion of the Atrio Delle Delize balcony has a pair of helix-shaped marble stairs that lead down to the Deck 2 level.

Bar Vanilla, facing forward.

Deck 3 continues aft on the starboard side with the Lounge and Bar Vanilla, a popular pre and post dinner gathering spot. The upper level of the Shaharazad Disco (see Deck 2) is accessed just forward of the bar.

Restaurant Albatros, facing aft from Deck 3.

Restaurant Albatros ceiling lights.

Restaurant Albatros, facing forward from aft Deck 3.

Concluding Deck 3, the Restaurant Albatros is the COSTA DELIZIOSA’s main dining venue. The upper level is a balcony with a large central opening that is bridged by a musician’s stage.

Gardenia Deck (2)

Teatro Duse, facing port from Deck 2.

Port Deck 2 entrance to Teatro Duse.

The middle level of the triple deck Teatro Duse begins the line up of public spaces on Gardenia Deck (2). On the starboard side, there is a small 4D Cinema (not shown).

Grand Bar Mirabilis, facing aft.

Grand Bar Mirabilis, facing aft from port.

Deck 2 to Deck 3 stairs, facing up.

Grand Bar Mirabilis display case.

Grand Bar Mirabilis butterfly detail.

Totally random Grand Bar Mirabilis carpet shot.

Grand Bar Mirabilis, facing forward.

The Grand Bar Mirabilis, which takes its name from the Latin term for “amazing” and “wonderful”, is a large, colorful bar and lounge located just aft of Teatro Duse on Deck 2. It features a large dance floor underneath a dramatic canopy of glass chandeliers, a long L-shaped bar, plenty of comfortable seating and a panorama of full-length windows.

Tabac Blonde, facing aft.

Tabac Blonde door handles.

Tabac Blonde is an intimate cigar smoking lounge on the starboard side of Deck 3. It features black leather seating and a marble fireplace.

Casino Gaius, facing port.

Totally random Casino Gaius carpet shot.

Casino Gaius, facing starboard.

Casino Gaius follows the Grand Bar Mirabilis on Deck 2. It has its own inviting bar and a vast array of gaming tables and slots.

Playstation World, facing port.

Totally random Mondo Virtuale carpet shot.

Mondo Virtuale, facing aft.

Tucked away on the starboard side of Deck 2 adjacent to the Casino Gaius, there is the adjoining Playstation World and Mondo Virtuale dedicated exclusively to PlayStation3 and other video games.

Deck 2 vitrine detail.

Vitrines with colorful spun glass figures are located along the Deck 2 passage.

Tour Office, facing forward/port.

On the port side of the Atrio Delle Delize, there is a tour office, which is followed by the guest services desk.

Atrio Deliziosa, facing aft from Deck 2.

At the foot of the Atrio Delle Delize’s eight deck lobby and trio of panoramic elevators is the festive Bar Delle Delize.

Atrio Delle Delize, facing up/port from Deck 2.

If the solid brass “Sphere” by Maestro Arnaldo Pomodoro looks familiar it is because Pomodoro’s well-known orbs can be found on other ships like Fred. Olsen’s BALMORAL (ex CROWN ODYSSEY) and the COSTA CLASSICA and COSTA ROMANTICA (soon-to-be COSTA NEO ROMANTICA).

Lounge Alcazar, facing aft.

Totally random Lounge Alcazar carpet shot.

Bar Alcazar, facing forward.

The Deck 2 passage continues aft on the starboard side with the Lounge and Bar Alcazar, another bar that is a favored gathering spot for pre and post dinner drinks.

Discoteca Shaharazad, facing aft/port.

Totally random Discoteca Shaharazad carpet shot.

Inboard of the Lounge and Bar Alcazar on Deck 2, there is the lower level of the double deck Discoteca Shaharazad (Farsi and Arabic for “city dweller”), which features a fiber optic acrylic dance floor, vivid primary colored polka dots and pulsating lavendar and blue lighting.

DELIZIOSA stairtower.

Restaurant Samsara, facing forward.

Totally random Restaurant Samsara carpet shot.

Restaurant Samsara table setting.

Located on the port side of the aft Deck 2 vestibule near the entrance to the lower level of the Albatros Restaurant, the Samsara Restaurant is reserved for those staying in the Samsara Spa cabins at no extra charge. It has a special wellness menu that can also be enjoyed by passengers who are not staying in the Samsara spa cabins for an additional fee on a space-available basis.

Restaurant Albatros, facing forward from Deck 2.

Totally random Restaurant Albatros carpet shot.

Restaurant Albatros sconce

The lower level of the dramatic Restaurant Albatros winds up the public spaces on Deck 2.

Narciso Deck (1)

Narciso Deck (1) is fully devoted to bottom level of Teatro Duse and passenger cabins.

1,130 staterooms on board COSTA DELIZIOSA include: 166 Insides, 178 Oceanviews, 644 Veranda, 36 Mini-Suites, 30 Suites, 14 Panorama Suites and 6 Grand Suites. There are 29 in various categories with facilities for disabled guests. Please note, as the ship was fully occupied, no cabins were available for inspection or photography but the layout and configuration of most categories is similar to Carnival’s SPIRIT and DESTINY Class ships.

Special thanks: Buck Banks, Martin Cox, Shawn Dake, Jose Docal, Scott Knutson, Natalia Ramirez

ALLURE OF THE SEAS off Port Everglades. Photo © Peter Knego 2011.

Royal Caribbean International placed an order for two additional ships under the code name “Project Sunshine,” which will represent their next generation after the OASIS and ALLURE OF THE SEAS.  The 158,000 gross ton vessels are of similar size to the existing three ship FREEDOM OF THE SEAS class and are expected to carry in excess of 4,100 passengers in lower berths.  The first is due in autumn 2014 with the second coming the following spring.  Options for two additional ships, if exercised, would extend the contracts out to 2017.

FREEDOM OF THE SEAS at Cozumel, Mexico. Photo © Peter Knego 2011

A large quantity of cocaine was found aboard GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS during a stop in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  A search of a crew member’s cabin turned up 15 kilos, while another 18 kilos were seized from a member of the crew on shore.  By any standards, nearly 73 pounds of “coke” is a major bust.

The long-delayed port project at Falmouth, Jamaica finally received it’s first ship on February 17th, when the VOYAGER OF THE SEAS made its maiden call.  The official grand opening was on March 22nd, when the OASIS OF THE SEAS made its inaugural visit.  The port was specifically built to service the largest ships of the line, as a joint venture between Royal Caribbean International and the Port Authority of Jamaica.  What was once a quaint colonial town will now be a bustling new cruise destination.  With ships becoming more like shopping malls, Starbucks has opened their first two sea-going stores on the ALLURE and OASIS OF THE SEAS.  They operate just as they would on land, with similar hours and prices.

The 90,090 gross ton RADIANCE OF THE SEAS received a major renovation from late May into early June at Victoria, B.C.  Eight restaurants were added to the ship as part of a $70 million “Royal Advantage Initiative” carried out on five ships in the fleet.

SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS entering dry dock at Cadiz. Courtesy RCI

SPLENDOUR OF THE SEAS went into dry dock in Spain for five-weeks beginning in October.  More than $35 million in refurbishments, including 124 new balconies, are being lavished on this ship, alone.  During 2012, Royal Caribbean plans to base a record 12 ships in Europe, including two of the 154,407 gross ton “Freedom Class.”  China is also emerging as a major market for RCI.  In addition to the 1,804 passenger LEGEND OF THE SEAS, the 3,114 passenger VOYAGER OF THE SEAS will cater to Chinese passengers beginning in June, 2012.  Australia is another major draw for all of the cruise lines and Royal Caribbean will expand that market by adding the 138,000 gross ton VOYAGER OF THE SEAS to the existing departures offered by RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS and RADIANCE OF THE SEAS during the Austral summer season.

Hurricane Irene forced Puerto Rican-based SERENADE OF THE SEAS to depart three hours early, stranding 145 embarking passengers.  The company received a public relations black eye by initially refusing to help guests not booked on their air/sea program.  In a rare bit of good employment news, Royal Caribbean added 100 employees to their call center in Springfield, Oregon bringing the total number up to 520 employees.  Helping break the gender barrier, Royal Caribbean now employs two female Captains aboard the MONARCH OF THE SEAS and VISION OF THE SEAS.

Local divers have confirm that debris from the bridge was not in contact with the ship’s hull and importantly that the hull did not sustain any significant damage.

Foss will be using an Echoscope that uses sonar to create a three dimensional image of the ship’s hull, debris field, and the lake bottom. this is expected to reveal where all the bridge debris lies and, once the plan has been accepted, remove the remaining bridge sections from the foredeck and to move DELTA MARINER to a repair facility.

MV DELTA MARINER. Photo © The Boeing Company

Foss’ M/V DELTA MARINER, which carries rocket components to Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg (California) Air Force Base for the United Launch Alliance has collided with the Eggner Ferry Bridge at U.S. Highway 68 and Kentucky Highway 80 late Thursday.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the three-story-high Motor Vessel Delta Mariner struck span “E” of the bridge around 8:10 p.m. Thursday. That span of bridge is 322 feet long.Officials said the bridge is closed to traffic, causing vehicles needing to cross the Kentucky Lake reservoir and the Tennessee River to be detoured for dozens of miles. The Coast Guard also blocked access to boat traffic at the bridge site.

Four vehicles were on the bridge at the time of the collision at 8:10pm Thursday, January 26. No injuries have been reported. High water levels may have played a role in the crash, the ship has passed under the bridge many times over the previous 10 years without a problem. Some reports stated that the navigation lights on the bridge were not lit.
M/V DELTA MARINER is a 312-foot long and 8,000 horsepower supply ship, which transports space-bound hardware, including the common booster cores, for the Boeing Delta IV rocket program. She is designed to navigate shallow inland waterways as well as the open ocean.  This specialty transport ship  hauls rocket components approximately 550 miles from the Boeing factory in Decatur, Alabama down the Tennessee-Tombigbee waterway to Mobile Bay and into the Gulf of Mexico. The ship either rounds the Florida peninsula en route to Cape Canaveral or transits the Panama Canal en route to the western range Delta IV launch facility at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

M/V DELTA MARINER was launched on December 16, 1999 on the Pascagoula River, built by Halter Maritime for Foss Marine of Seattle, Washington.

Sestri builder's plate for MV MARINA, twin sister to MV RIVIERA.

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Strikes at Fincantieri’s troubled Sestri Ponente shipyard (formerly the famed Ansaldo that built LEONARDO DA VINCI, ANDREA DORIA and a galaxy of brilliant Italian liners) have delayed the completion of Oceania Cruises 1,250 passenger RIVIERA.  The maiden voyage of RIVIERA has moved from April 24 to May 16, and all guests affected by the delay will be contacted by their travel agents or by Oceania Cruises directly to discuss alternative cruise dates.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience that this may cause our guests,” stated Kunal S. Kamlani, the cruise line’s president. “We are working very closely with the shipyard to ensure RIVIERA is completed to meet Oceania’s high standards of quality and service.”

“We know that sophisticated international travelers are anxious to welcome RIVIERA and we regret that labor strikes have caused this delay,” said Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri’s chief executive officer. “All of us at Fincantieri are committed to producing a superior quality ship and we will deliver a truly magnificent vessel to Oceania Cruises without further delays.”

MV RIVIERA was floated out at Sestri on July 16 2011. Photo courtesy of Oceania Cruises.

The new maiden voyage is a 10-day “Pearls of the Aegean” cruise that includes an overnight aboard ship in Venice before visiting Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Monemvasia, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi (gateway to Ephesus), Delos, Mykonos and Athens.

Guests booked on affected sailings will have the option of rebooking another cruise and receive a future cruise credit, which ranges from $250 to $1,000 per guest, depending on category of accommodation. In the event guests do not wish to rebook, they will receive a full refund. Travel agent commissions will be protected.

RIVIERA will be the virtual twin of Oceania’s MARINA (click here for the first part of a Double Decked! top-to-bottom virtual tour, which was launched to much acclaim in 2011.

For more information on RIVIERA, visit Oceania Cruises

QUEEN ELIZABETH at Southampton, October 11, 2010. Photo copyright Peter Knego.

Cunard Line

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QUEEN ELIZABETH Triple Decked!, Part One of a three part top-to-bottom virtual tour

Gleaned From a Cunard Line Press Release:

On 4 February, Cunard Line’s QUEEN ELIZABETH will make her inaugural call to San Francisco, marking her only U.S. maiden call this year. Currently sailing her 107-day World Cruise, QUEEN ELIZABETH will dock at Pier 35 along the city’s famed Embarcadero, and is scheduled to arrive between 5:30-6:00 a.m. and depart at approximately 9:00 p.m.

Named by Her Majesty The Queen in Southampton, England in October 2010, QUEEN ELIZABETH is the second largest Cunarder ever built, after flagship QUEEN MARY 2. While this will be QUEEN ELIZABETH’s inaugural visit to San Francisco, the city has held historical significance for Cunard ships since 1942*, when the original QUEEN ELIZABETH visited as part of her war duties, and where she also underwent a refit. Later, in 1978, QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 made her maiden call to San Francisco, visiting a dozen times more in subsequent years. Five years ago to the day of QUEEN ELIZABETH’s upcoming maiden call, flagship QUEEN MARY 2 was warmly received by thousands who came out to welcome her during her 2007 inaugural visit; and QUEEN VICTORIA was also graciously greeted by the city during her 2009 maiden call.

Cunard continues their enduring relationship with the city by the bay and is pleased to be the Preferred Cruise Partner of the San Francisco Symphony’s 2012 Black & White Ball this June.

The best locations to view the ship’s sailaway as she departs the harbour are:

Golden Gate Overlook: At Golden Gate National Recreation Area
The Marina Green: Between Fort Mason and the Presidio, adjacent to San Francisco Bay
Fort Mason: Located in the northern Marina District, alongside San Francisco Bay
Aquatic Park: At the historic Hyde Street Pier
PIER 39: Two-blocks east of Fisherman’s Wharf at Beach Street and The Embarcadero. Convenient parking is available across the street in the PIER 39 Garage.
Treasure Island: Connected to Yerba Buena Island, which has exits and entrances into and out of the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80) in both directions. Travel between Yerba Buena and Treasure Islands and the rest of San Francisco is toll-free in both directions.
From San Francisco, QUEEN ELIZABETH will continue her World Cruise, which includes stops in Hawaii, American Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, India, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Monaco and Portugal.

*Of course non-”QUEEN” Cunarders have been calling at San Francisco for ages, including the 1923-built FRANCONIA on her world cruises, the AQUITANIA in 1941, The “Green Goddess” CARONIA, SAGAFJORD, VISTAFJORD, CUNARD ADVENTURER, CUNARD PRINCESS, CROWN DYNASTY, etc.

AIDAsol on trials, Courtesy of Meyer Werft

Aida Cruises took delivery of their newest ship, the 2,192 passenger AIDASOL in the first quarter of 2011.  On April 1st, it had the distinction of being the first vessel to use the new Hamburg Cruise Center Altona on the banks of the Elbe.  Also in port was the 1996-built AIDACARA (ex AIDA) the original ship of the line.  The new ship then proceeded to Kiel, Germany for her April 9th christening.  Chosen from a field of contestants, Bettina Zwickler was Godmother in a ceremony that everyone in Kiel was invited to attend.  Carnival Corporation surprised the industry by ordering two additional 125,000 gross ton, 3,250 passenger ships for Aida that are slated for delivery in 2015 and 2016.  The new ships will be built at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, rather than the traditional European yards they have favored in the past.  Within five years, it is predicted that Germany will surpass the U.K. as the largest source of passengers from Europe with 2.28 million.  Aida Cruises, as part of the Costa operation, keeps their ships registered in Italy, despite being the most important German cruise brand.

GRAND HOLIDAY, aerial view Ibero Cruceros

Ibero Cruceros, already among the smallest divisions within the Carnival Corporation, shrunk by half, with just two ships dedicated full-time to the Spanish cruise market.  The 46,052 gross ton GRAND HOLIDAY (ex  HOLIDAY) completed its first full-year with the line after rejoining near-sister GRAND CELEBRATION (ex  CELEBRATION) in 2010.  These ships were built in 1985 and 1987 respectively and carry just under 1,500 passengers each.  The line retains the 1998-built GRAND MISTRAL, but as noted below, that vessel now caters to the French-speaking market.  The GRAND VOYAGER remained with Ibero Cruceros until November, before being transferred to Costa as the COSTA VOYAGER.  Like the French Paquet Cruises, this Spanish brand is controlled by the Italian Costa Crociere, which, in turn, is fully owned by Carnival Corporation.

GRAND VOYAGER Ibero Cruceros

Paquet Cruises’ reintroduction to the French market was so successful in 2010 with the COSTA ALLEGRA (ex ANNIE JOHNSON) that a larger ship, the 48,206 gross ton GRAND MISTRAL (ex MISTRAL) was substituted for 2011.  Carrying 1,196 passengers, this ship will continue to expand Carnival Corporation’s presence throughout Europe.  Both ships are managed within the group by Costa Crociere.

GRAND MISTRAL Photo by Johan Fredriksson. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

Next up: Royal Caribbean International