Its the end of the line, but where do the cruise ships go?

So what happens when a ship has reached that point where the cruise line is thinking of replacing it, trading it in for a better phrase just like we do with our cars?

I did write an article 'What's in a name', about how some ships in various guises have had different names. So one way that the cruise lines move on their ships, they sell or transfer to another operator.


Take for example the Spanish operator, Pullmantor Cruises, owned by Royal Caribbean and the current fleet of 3 are all ex- Royal or Celebrity ships, Empress, Soverign and Zenith and will be joined next year by Monarch.

 
Then in the UK there is Thomson Cruises, there 4 ships have come for a variety of background, including Holland America and Costa Cruises. Anybody remember the accident in Egypt in 2010 on the Costa Europa, now sailing as the Thomson Dream?

Thats a great way for the cruise line to move on those older ships, but not every operator can do this, and what about those they have replaced, they end up moving further down the food chain or are scrapped. Like perhaps the old Pacific Princess, yes The Love Boat from the TV.

Or do they? What are cruise ships, in reality nothing but floating hotels.

The original Queen Elizabeth was being used as a 'School' having being retired afetr 30 years of service, when she caught fire and sank in Hong Kong Harbour in 1972. Another classic Cunarder, The Queen Mary has been in California since her retirement and now operates as a Hotel and Event and Wedding Venue.

What happened in the end to the the QE2, well she was supposed to be converted to a hotel but she is now moored in Dubai after the recent global collapse.

Just what is going to happen who knows.But then you have to ask, what will happen to the Concordia when they finish the salvage operation? Scrapped, perhaps that is the right thing but it is amazing what the ship yards can do so maybe in a copule of years she may up in the fleet of your favourite cruise line!!

Memories....well not mine this time - The Topaz

It's that time of year, it is Mothers Day tomorrow, as well as my Granddaughters christening. So its a time for memories and I have spent most of today talking holidays and cruising with my parents.

They have cruised many times before and are looking at a cruise later this year and maybe next year, and love Thomson Cruises. Their favourite ship was The Topaz, she operated for Thomson until about 2002 and was ultimately scrapped in 2008.

Now due to many reasons they really don't want to fly anymore, so for them it is great news that Thomson Cruises have announced their 2012 itineraries, which are on sale from 7th April, and Thomson Cruises will be reintroducing cruises from the UK on Thomson Spirit. Based in Newcastle from May to July 2012 and Harwich in August and September.

There are a variety of itineraries and although they won't be able to go on The Topaz I am sure that Thomson Spirit will be a worthy successor!