We’ve made a huge mistake. Here is the important news we missed this past week while sailing aboard Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess.
Britannia Floats Out
This past Friday, P&O’s newest and largest ship, Britannia, was floated out of her dry dock at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard. The floating out ceremony was attended by executives from Carnival Corporation, P&O Cruises, and Fincantieri. The ceremony included the float out traditions such as the welding of a special Britannia coin to the ship’s deck, the blessing of the ship, and the christening by the ship’s madrina. Britannia will continue her construction in wet dock and will be launched in early 2015.
Cunard Ship Forced To Lower British Flag
According to a report from Cruise Critic, Cunard’s Queen Victoria was forced to lower the British flag from her mast as she entered the Port of Buenos Aires earlier last week. The report states Argentinian authorities threatened the ship’s command with a substantial fine if the flag wasn’t lowered. The ship’s command complied with the threat, lowering the British flag and raising Cunard’s house flag instead. British officials are reportedly discussing the matter with Carnival UK and Argentinian authorities. Similar incidents involving British ships have been reported in the past year following the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War.
Costa Announces Inaugural Sailing For New Ship
Costa Cruises has announced the inaugural sailing for their soon to be newest and largest ship, the Costa Diadema. Following the delivery of the new ship, Costa will sail three inaugural seven night sailings aboard the Costa Diadema through the western Mediterranean. The three sailings will feature a mix of ports, including Trieste, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Malta, Naples, Genoa, Savona Marseilles, Barcelona, Palma, and La Spezia. Following the inaugural sailings, the Costa Diadema will homeport in Savona and begin sailing year round seven night western Mediterranean sailings.
Norwegian Goes Green With New Scrubbers
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced 28 scrubbers will be installed aboard six ships through 2016. The new scrubbers, which reduce fuel emissions and overall energy consumption, will be installed aboard the Norwegian Breakaway, Dawn, Jewel, Gem, Pearl, and Sun. The installations will begin in early spring 2014.
