The Norwegian Prima celebrated the Art of Iceland at Reykjavik`s famed Harpa Concert Hall in a gala event as the new Norwegian Cruise Line ship prepares for its weekend christening.
Welcoming guests in attendance for the preliminary christening festivities was Richard Ambrose Senior Vice President of Entertainment and Cruise Programs at Norwegian Cruise Line who introduced the all-Icelandic performances.
Highlights included known pop singer Briet Isis, the Iceland Dance Company, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony`s Cello Ensemble.
The salute to Iceland and its artists was an original production kicking off the Prima Christening that is to be celebrated on Saturday in Iceland.
The Godmother is Katy Perry who will be performing.
Jody Oliver, 44, was said to have dressed as a cruise ship captain with a Carnival lanyard and lied to victims about discounted holidays.
Newport Crown Court reportedly heard he admitted stealing £320,315 through the scam. Oliver, of Bwlch, Powys, also created fake documents before cancelling or delaying the holidays, claiming it was a result of “security issues” or “ship problems”.
According to the BBC, he also created fictitious Carnival staff to back up his story, forwarding victims fake emails.
Andrew Davis, prosecuting, reportedly said Oliver gave his name as Jonathan and said he was born in 1983 when he was first quizzed by police. He insisted he was a “master mariner” and had served as captain for Carnival for two years.
Concluding, Judge Richard Williams said: “You’ve devastated not only your immediate family but all those involved in this case and have left a lot of people significantly out of pocket and feeling betrayed.
“The motivating factor in your offending is your profound dishonesty and willingness to leech off those of your acquaintance.”
He ordered an investigation into Oliver’s finances so proceeds of crime hearing can be held.
TTG has approached Carnival Corporation for comment.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Line announced it is cancelling four winter cruises on the Bolette due to a lack of bookings.
In addition, the next cruise on the Balmoral is cancelled due to a propeller issue and the company also noted that none of these challenges is due to the resignation of Chairman Fred. Olsen Jnr. decided to step down after spending 35 years in the cruise industry.
The company said it continues to be proud of its family-run business with both Fred. Olsen and Anette Olsen remain on the board.
“We got through the pandemic which was the most difficult time for the travel industry, and cruise lines in particular. During this time, we invested in our business by buying two beautiful new ships. Like every travel company, trying to get back to normal, we are still having to navigate some choppy seas along the way,” said Peter Deer, managing director, in a prepared statement. “Our job during this is to look after our guests and crew and ensure we provide a wonderful experience. I sincerely apologise to all guests who are affected on cruises this winter. I hope you will give us the chance to put this right for you.”
In regards to Bolette’s cancellations, the company said: “This is always a quieter period for cruising and this small number of sailings did not quite reach the guest numbers we were hoping for, especially in light of the current high fuel prices we are all facing. With most of our crew remaining onboard (and the remainder taking their planned leave), we will use this time to bring forward some routine technical work which we had planned to do in 2023 – it will also leave us with one of our ships in the north of the country and one in the south for most of the winter.”
The company said that cancelling these cruises was not an easy decision its team has been speaking with affected guests to help them find an alternative cruise to look forward to.
The Bolette will return on December 21 2022 for her planned Christmas cruise to Norway.
The company also made the decision to move her full winter schedule from Tilbury to Dover and Southampton, and any guests who are affected by this have been contacted over the last couple of days.
Making matters worse, the company also said it had an issue with one of the propellers on the Balmoral this week.
“These things happen of course, but the timing really couldn’t be worse,” the statement read. “As a result, she will need to go into a very short drydock in Newcastle which means we have been left with no alternative but to cancel her next cruise which was due to depart from Rosyth on Monday. We have been looking after these guests today, explaining their options. Balmoral will be sailing again from Southampton on 11th September and the rest of her schedule will remain unchanged.”
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