LNG

Continuing to build momentum in a quickly changing world of alternative-fueled ships, Carnival Cruise Line has signed another in a series of agreements today with Shell to be their supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for North America's first fully LNG powered cruise ships. The ships will be largest for the cruise line, at 180,000 gross tons, and due to sail in 2020 and 2022.  They'll be fueled through Shell's LNG Bunker Barge (LBB).  The LBB was recently announced as part of a plan to develop a global LNG bunkering network (bunkering is a nautical term referring to fueling-up ships) to support the growing number of LNG-powered ships being constructed, allowing them to refuel along the south-eastern US coast... read more

Today at D23 in Anaheim, CA, an annual Disney fan event, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts announced an additional build for the cruise line, bringing her planned ship count to seven.  This adds to DCL's announcement last year that they'd be bringing two new and larger ships, scheduled for delivery in 2021 and 2023.  The additional build will be a member of the same new class of ships, slated to come in at 135k gross tons and be released in 2022, with all three ships being built at Meyer Werft in Germany.   read more

MSC Cruises, a Swiss-based Italian line, and the largest privately owned cruise line in the world, had several big pieces of news this week.  From details of their 200,000 gross ton "World" class of ships, to Cirque du Soleil on Meraviglia, to taking delivery of their latest ship, there is a lot to unpack.  Take a look at details on the innovative design, new technology, and exciting entertainment options...

To keep things from getting confusing, it should be noted that the name of this class of ships is "World", so when I say World Class I mean "World" class, not the world-class. Not confusing at all, right? read more