Royal Caribbean International's Allure of the Seas is experiencing maintenance repairs after a mechanical issue arose. The repairs will take place at Grand Bahama Shipyard, in Freeport, Bahamas, the week of Feb. 24, 2014. As a result, it will be necessary to cancel the Feb. 23, 2014, sailing of Allure of the Seas.
RELATED: Allure of the Seas to Undergo Repairs in February 2014
The mechanical issue arose after it came to light that Allure of the Seas has been experiencing unanticipated bearing wear in one of its three propulsion motors. All three motors are fully operational, and there is no impact on the maneuverability of the ship or on the safety of guests and crew. However, since the rate of bearing wear is directly related to ship speed, the ship's top speed has been limited, reducing the rate of bearing wear and ensuring that all three propulsion motors are fully available for maneuvering and emergencies until repairs can be completed.
Guests currently booked on the Feb. 23, 2014, sailing of Allure of the Seas will receive a full, 100 percent refund, or the option to sail on select itineraries at the same rate. Additionally, until the repairs can be made, it will be necessary to make minor adjustments to Allure of the Seas' eastern Caribbean itineraries. Allure of the Seas will now call on Nassau, Bahamas, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and on Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There is no need to modify Allure of the Seas' western Caribbean itineraries.
Costa Cruises floated its future flagship, the $739-million Costa Diadema, out of the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy during a technical launch ceremony. The 132,500-ton, 3,724-passenger ship is scheduled for delivery Oct. 30, 2014.
RELATED: Costa Diadema Floated Out at Fincantieri Shipyard
In winter 2014-15 Costa Diadema will be deployed on a seven-night itinerary departing Savona and calling at Marseille, France; Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome) and La Spezia (Florence), Italy.
Hurtigruten is opening a new office in Seattle, Wash., as it moves to further establish iteself in North America. As part of the opening, Hurtigruten is expanding its relationship with the Global Voyages Group by entering a strategic partnership with the Seattle-based firm.
RELATED: Hurtigruten Opens New Office in Seattle
“Americans find Norway unique and attractive and desire a more activity- and experience-based holiday," said David Giersdorf, president of Global Voyages Group. "The voyages along the Norwegian Coast, Antarctica and Arctic are all appealing holiday options,” Giersdorf said. “We are very optimistic and honored to be a partner to such a differentiated and unique brand as Hurtigruten and look forward to further strengthening our cooperation