The Battle For Southampton 2015 – More Large Ships For Star Cruises and MSC – Costa Voyager Goes To Bohai Ferry

THE CRUISE EXAMINER at Cybercruises.com by Kevin Griffin

The Cruise Examiner for 17th February 2014..

Last week, P&O Cruises’ new 141,000-ton Britannia was floated out at Monfalcone, marking the first step towards a battle for cruise supremacy at the UK’s major cruise port of Southampton, to take place in 2015. Just five weeks after Britannia enters service, Royal Caribbean’s 167,800-ton Anthem of the Seas will join her at Southampton and the contest will begin. Above is Britannia‘s stylish three-deck Atrium, while below is Anthem of the Seas‘ more casual Two70 lounge, which overlooks the stern.

This week, we look at the scene and compare the ships. Elsewhere, Star Cruises has confirmed an order for a second 3,364-passenger cruise ship from Meyer Werft while MSC Cruises is negotiating a larger order for four mega ships at STX France. Meanwhile, Costa Cruises’ Costa Voyager has been sold to China’s Bohai Ferry Co Ltd, who intend to enter the Far East cruise market through a new Hong Kong-based subsidiary.

FOR THIS WEEK’S STORY                                                                        (See previous columns)