Author Archives: Peter Ziobrowski

More on Container Ship Cruising.

It appears Halifax has just added another Container Cruising Route. Eimskip’s Reykjafoss (three single cabins) every 35 days to Argentia and St Anthony NF, three ports in Iceland, Immingham in the UK and Rotterdam. This Cruise is 82euro/person/day

This Follows the recent start of The new CMA CGM Columbus Loop (six ships carrying seven passengers each) via Suez to Malaysia, China, Vietnam and South Korea and then on to Vancouver and Seattle.

And the Existing Options which consisted of Melfi Line’s Vera D (one double cabin) every 55 days to Cuba, Mexico and Italy; and Zim San Francisco (three double cabins) every 77 days from Halifax to China and South Korea via the Panama Canal.

This means there will now be about 185 passenger berths on offer on board cargo ships sailing from Halifax each year, where previously it had been fewer than 40. Is Cargo Cruising Popular? With so few cabins Smaller ships tend to fill early, especially ships like Reykjafoss and Vera D, but space is usually available on ships headed to China – there are so many of them these days. It’s usually a matter of either being flexible or booking as early as you can.

CruisePeoples most popular route, Europe to/from Australia and New Zealand, is fully booked to mid-2017.

File Photo Above. the ship is now red.

NovaStar finds Winter Work

Word is the NovaStar has found winter work. She will reportedly be running between Kent England and Boulogne France- Basically crossing the English channel.

The NovaStar spent last winter in North Carolina – by laying up there, the ship could be layed up without heating.

More to Follow.

New Cruise – Halifax to Vancouver – on a Container ship

The start yesterday of  CMA CGM’s Columbus Loop service regular call to Halifax, has added a unique cruising opportunity.

the 71 day Cruise is on the eastbound route, and sails sails Halifax – New York – Norfolk – Savannah – Suez Canal – Port Kelang – Vung Tau – Hong Kong – Yantian – Shanghai – Ningbo – Pusan – Seattle – Vancouver. This takes 71 days, the longest stretch of which is 37 days from Savannah to Port Kelang. Halifax passengers will board at the Halterm container terminal.

The shorter route is westbound: Vancouver – Nadkhodka – Shanghai – Hong Kong – Yantian – Vung Tau – Port Kelang – Suez Canal – Halifax. The time in transit is 55 days, the longest stretch of which is the last 23 days from Port Kelang to Halifax. Vancouver embarkations take place at the Deltaport container terminal, near BC Ferries’ main Vancouver-Victoria terminal at Tsawwassen.

The scheduled calls to Halifax so far, that can accommodate passengers are:
CMA CGM CendrillonAugust 16
CMA CGM Titus
– October 4
CMA CGM La Scala – November 1
CMA CGM Figaro – November 8
CMA CGM Dalila – November 22
CMA CGM Almaviva – December 13
CMA CGM Cendrillon – December 20

Fares including port charges are €100 per person per day. Vessels include a Gym, Library, Pool and Lounge.

For further details on booking a voyage on CMA CGM’s Columbus Loop please contact Miri Lopusna at The Cruise People Ltd in London on +44 (0)20 7723 2450 or e-mail cruisepeopleltd@aol.com.

Largest Container ship Yet!

The CMA-CGM Vivaldi arrived this morning at pier 41. at 8500 TEU she is the largest container ship to yet call on Halifax. CMA-CGM will be a weekly stop now going forward.
It looks like there is traffic, as she arrived early this morning, and is due to sail late this afternoon.

HPA Photo. im not able to get out to the pier today.

Fresh Paint

In an earlier post, i mentioned 2 cranes at Halterm didn’t appear to be in use.
the 2 Original Post Panamax Cranes at Halterm are rolled to the end of the pier so they can be painted.

they should look just as new as the new ones in a few weeks.

Kometik Sold

Word reached me last night that the Hiberina Shuttle tanker Kometik has been sold to Andromeda Shipping, and is now bound for Rotterdam.

Andromeda Shipping is a Indian Firm, who appear to own a fleet of 6 tankers.