April 2010 Archives

Super Yacht Auction, the new auction platform for super yachts (> 24 metres), presents its third global auction. This latest auction is for "Aries", a 35 metre Classic Sailing Ketch (Camper & Nicholsons). This auction is the perfect opportunity for those looking for a truly beautiful yacht, a fine blend of classic lines and luxury. The owner hopes to conclude a quick sale. The auction, held at www.superyachtauction.com will be open for bids until May 24 next, 14:00 h. (UTC+1).

Background of this auction

This exclusive sailing yacht is a 115ft ketch, built and designed by the famous Camper & Nicholson shipyard in Gosport, United Kingdom. She had refits in 1980, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 as well as in 2008, and is in great condition. The owner of the ship has chosen Super Yacht Auction in order to sell the yacht early in the season. Visit the Super Yacht Auction site for more information and the details of this unique vessel.

Inspection days

Sailing yacht "Aries" is moored in Villefranche sur Mer, France, ready for inspection. Viewing will take place Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May from 14:00 to 18:00 hours.

Exciting new resource for traditional brokerage houses

The Super Yacht Auction concept is intended as a new resource for traditional brokerage houses, not as a competitor. Super Yacht Auction gives brokers and other sellers in the super yacht industry new opportunities to generate no-stress and especially fast sales. In addition to that any principal who brings a super yacht to the auction, is guaranteed to receive 50 % of the auction commission.

In order to serve super yacht brokers and owners worldwide Super Yacht Auction is located in Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Dubai, Hong Kong, Fort Lauderdale, London, Marbella, Monaco and New York.

Safe and reliable: inspection and official supervision

The super yacht is sold in the condition in which it is at the time of acceptance ("as is where is"). For that reason every online or public auction is preceded by two inspection days (Saturdays and Sundays). That gives potential bidders every opportunity to check and verify the super yacht before bidding. Bids are irrevocable and unconditional. Both online and public auctions take place under the official supervision of a well-established (nautical) bailiff firm or notary public.

For more information please visit www.superyachtauction.com

Holland America Line's ms Statendam departed Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 11 for a 14-day southern Caribbean voyage, fresh from a stem-to-stern, multi-million dollar Signature of Excellence dry dock at Freeport, Bahamas.  The 1,260-guest ship received a host of new facilities and features including new stateroom furnishings and bathroom upgrades; Canaletto, a complimentary Italian eatery; the sophisticated Showroom at Sea; and the stylish lounge called Mix, which combines three distinct bars into one area.  The refurbishment enhances Holland America Line's premium vacation experience for guests as part of the company's $525 million Signature of Excellence fleet-wide program.

"With Statendam completed, we now have four ships sailing with these exciting enhancements," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs.  "Our on-going commitment through Signature of Excellence means that our guests enjoy the finest amenities and the latest in programming, technology, activities and trends that premium cruisers seek today."

Statendam is the fourth ship in a series of five to receive extensive Signature of Excellence upgrades; the ms Veendam, ms Rotterdam and ms Ryndam refits are now complete.  Maasdam is scheduled to receive upgrades in April 2011.

Public Areas Feature Latest Innovations During the Dry Dock

Canaletto, a complimentary, casual Italian restaurant, was added to ms Statendam and comes to life for dinner when a section of the Lido is transformed with glass partitions and an Italian ambiance with dishes such as putanesca and penne alla vodka.  Although there is no charge to dine in the alternative venue, reservations are suggested.  To create a more open, engaging environment for guests during evenings, Statendam underwent the reconfiguration of the existing Casino and Piano bars into Mix, a multi-themed area with three separate bars: Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales, serving their namesakes.  The high-energy Casino was redesigned and the main show lounge was transformed into the Showroom at Sea with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub and several new shows.  An upscale luxury jewelry shop called Merabella was added mid-ship to the completely renovated main shopping area with its Signature jewelry and watch boutiques.  Other public areas around the ship also were refurbished and received new carpeting.

Staterooms Receive New Look and New Spa Category Added

Completing the enhancements, Statendam's staterooms received new carpeting, soft goods and completely renovated bathrooms with new vanities and cabinetry.  Sixteen staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa (on Verandah Deck) became "spa staterooms" featuring a variety of enhanced amenities.  Each offers exclusive items such as organic cotton bathrobes and slippers, a yoga mat, a soothing water feature, special room service menus and treatments, and more.

Explorations Team Expands the Exclusive Activities

Today's premium cruiser seeks enriching experiences and engaging activities.  Ever responsive to guests' needs, Holland America Line broadened its onboard programming aboard Statendam and all ships with the Explorations Team -- staff with specific, niche expertise ranging from technology to travel, who offer guests a range of programs to educate and entertain guests.  The onboard Party Planner will host Explore Food & Entertaining events in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, significantly expanding the innovative program which brings more than 70 culinary experts on board each year in addition to classes and demonstrations on every sailing.  As the destination expert on board under Explore Our World, the Travel Guide will give dynamic multimedia presentations about the ship's itinerary and be a one-stop source for port-of-call information.  The Techspert will offer Explore Technology classes and Digital Workshops powered by Windows, where guests can learn how to blog, work with digital photos, arrange a digital scrapbook, create a slideshow or edit a movie.  Leading Explore Wellbeing, the LifeStylist will offer new entertainment, fitness and sport activities.  On cruises lasting 14 days or more, the Librarian also leads a book club.

Signature of Excellence tops $525 Million

The industry-leading Signature of Excellence initiative is an on-going and comprehensive program that touches every aspect of the Holland America Line experience and the investment now exceeds $525 million. Signature of Excellence features and amenities offer guests more luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining experiences, more enriching activities and exceptional levels of service.

For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

From morning Tai Chi or Sudoku to afternoon Pilates and Wii bowling, Holland America Line's new Explore Wellbeing program is tailored to guests who want engaging onboard activities while they cruise. Explore Wellbeing offers new directions in sporting events, brain teasers and spa features to intrigue, relax and excite guests.

"Today many of our guests are looking to relax and refresh while on their vacation," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "With Explore Wellbeing we fill the needs of guests who are looking for a healthy session of body or mind enrichment along with other cruise activities."

Designed for guests of all ages, Explore Wellbeing extends the offerings of the popular Greenhouse Spa to incorporate new entertainment, fitness and sports activities. Leading the program on board is the resident wellness expert - the LifeStylist - who hosts a diverse array of sessions. Guests can start each day with stimulating signature Tai Chi on deck. They can also can jump into Boot Camp for a challenging regime of exercises, engage in a round of team trivia, sharpen their fairway to green skills with the Golf Challenge, take on fellow guests in Wii Bowling or attend one of many informative Greenhouse Spa seminars. Other activities feature yoga, step classes, additional Wii games, Pilates, spinning, Sudoku puzzles, ballroom dance classes and more.

Complementing Explore Wellbeing are other programs hosted by the Explorations Team. The onboard Party Planner will host Explore Food & Entertaining events in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine, significantly expanding the innovative program which brings more than 70 culinary experts on board each year in addition to classes and demonstrations on every sailing. As the destination expert on board under Explore Our World, the Travel Guide will give dynamic multimedia presentations about the ship's itinerary and be a one-stop source for port-of-call information. The Techspert will offer Explore Technology classes and Digital Workshops powered by Windows, where guests can learn how to blog, work with digital photos, arrange a digital scrapbook, create a slideshow or edit a movie. On cruises lasting 14 days or more, the Librarian also leads a book club.

Explore Wellbeing Augments the Explorations Team

Today's premium cruiser seeks enriching experiences and engaging activities. Ever responsive to guests needs, Holland America Line broadened its onboard programming with the Explorations Team -- staff with specific, niche expertise ranging from technology to travel, who offer guests a range of "edutainment" programs. Part of the premium line's ongoing $525 million Signature of Excellence initiative, the Holland America Line Explorations Team is a cohesive team dedicated to enhancing the overall cruise experience. With this team of experts, Holland America Line guests now will have even more memories to take home from their cruise plus the personal experiences that have enriched their lives to share with family and friends.

For additional information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers almost 500 cruises to 354 ports in nearly 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet on July 4, 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets.  The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Prestige Yacht Charters, a premier luxury-yacht charter company serving New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, today announced its kickoff of the 2010 season with corporate and wedding packages designed to encourage business groups and promote special occasions. Reduced rates are available for ships reserved in April.

Corporate packages include the latest A/V facilities and related support for presentations, lectures and negotiations. The wedding package offers a champagne reception, 30-minute on-board ceremony and a three-level wedding cake. All voyagers can choose four-star, gourmet cuisine of any style and a variety of entertainment options during a three-hour yacht cruise.

David Hackert, President of Prestige Yacht Charters, said, "It's always a pleasure to celebrate the spring by offering new people the special aura of a private yacht. Going out on the water creates a relaxing and transformative effect for almost any event, and our yachts let you travel in a style once reserved for the rich and famous."

Hackert went on to describe other features available in his spring packages, including an open bar, live bands, DJs, caricaturists or even a casino. Experts assist corporate clients or wedding couples with event planning to ensure an unforgettable occasion. The company is also accepting reservations for New York City's July Fourth fireworks extravaganza, with select yachts available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Prestige offers more than 20 yachts, accommodating from 2 to 1,200 occupants, departing from several different locations in New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut. Ship profiles and interior spaces can be reviewed at www.prestigeyachtcharters.com. All ships are climate-controlled with both outdoor areas and enclosed decks in case of inclement weather.