Actor Jonathan Bennett christens Carnival Firenze in California Carnival Cruise Line has christened its newest ship, Carnival Firenze, at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in California.  

The ship’s godfather, American actor Jonathan Bennett, was joined by Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, and Captain Enzo Palomba at the naming ceremony. Celebrating all things Italian, the ceremony included a performance of Puccini’s Nessun Dorma by Carnival's Playlist Productions cast and Father Charbel Grbavac of the Mary Star of the Sea Catholic church, in nearby San Pedro, making a running jump onto the stage to deliver a blessing. 





The naming ceremony celebrated all things Italian



Carnival Firenze, which was built in 2020 for Costa Cruises, joined the Carnival fleet in February 2024 before undergoing a 49-day dry dock in Cadiz, Spain, to add Carnival’s Italian-style features to the ship. Sister ship to Carnival Venezia, the ship features new concepts and experiences with an Italian twist on Carnival ...
https://www.cruiseandferry.net..../articles/actor-jona

Mike Corrigan discusses Interferry’s priorities for 2024 Protecting the environment is high on the regulatory agenda for the global shipping industry. On 1 January 2024, the Maritime into the European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS) entered force, requiring operators to pay for the carbon dioxide they emit. With today’s fuel prices, the additional cost is estimated to be around €150 ($163) per ton of fuel. 

EU ETS covers 100 per cent of intra-EU voyages and 50 per cent of voyages from/to the EU for all ships above 5,000gt. It is likely that the UK will introduce a corresponding scheme in future. There is a phase-in period with 40 per cent coverage for 2024, 70 per cent for 2025 and 100 per cent as from 2026. In addition to carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide will be covered by the EU Monitoring, Reporting and Verification from 2024 and by the EU ETS from 2026. 

Similarly, 2023 marked the introduction of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). It has caused difficulty and ...
https://www.cruiseandferry.net..../articles/mike-corri

Maine Department of Transport cuts fuel consumption by 100,000 gallons per year by using ABB technology on new ferry The USA’s Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is to use ABB technology to power a new double-ended, hybrid-electric vessel, which will operate   between Lincolnville and the island community of Isleboro.

The newbuild ferry will replace the 35-year-old diesel-powered ferry Margaret Chase Smith to reduce fuel consumption by 100,000 gallons per year.

ABB will provide the hybrid-electric propulsion and energy storage system. It will integrate its Onboard DC Grid power distribution solution and Ability Marine Remote Diagnostic System for optimal energy usage and monitoring.

Funded under the Federal Transit Administration, the new ferry will carry up to 200 passengers and 40 vehicles.  

“The new hybrid-electric ferry will make a significant contribution to our efforts to decarbonise transportation in the state of Maine,” said Mackenzie Kersbergen, senior project manager for the multimodal programme at MaineDOT. “ABB has been a great partner to us throughout ...
https://www.cruiseandferry.net..../articles/maine-depa

How Hong Kong offers new heights of discovery Just when seasoned cruise professionals think they know all about Hong Kong, the city continues to deliver immersive festive and cultural events, and attractions to create more new and exciting onshore experiences.  

This East-meets-West metropolis gives international cruise brands countless more reasons to make it a must-see port. 

Spectacular events  

Hong Kong hosts spectacular events throughout the year. While international and Western festivals such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas are widely celebrated in the city, it also retains traditions such as the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races that are held on the waterfront of Tsim Sha Tsui East every June. 

“The integration of these onshore mega-events with onboard activities and excursion programmes brings twice as much fun to cruise passengers,” says Hong Kong Tourism Board.  

For example, 2,000 AIDA Cruises guests were treated to a display of Victoria Harbour fireworks and an exclusive New ...
https://www.cruiseandferry.net..../articles/how-hong-k

First Essex Arrival An unusual arrival at First Eastern Counties’ Great Yarmouth depot yesterday was a First Essex Wright Eclipse Gemini bodied Volvo B9TLNew to First Bristol in November 2008, 37621 WX58 JYG is at Caister Road for an engine rebuild.My thanks to Cameron Robinson for the use of his photos.Roy
https://eastnorfolkbus.blogspo....t.com/2024/04/first-