Do they listen?

What am I talking about you ask?

Well all the cruise lines get a variety of feedback from guests; the questionnaire's they ask us to fill in before we leave, a variety of 'focus groups', letters direct to them - usually complaints and feed back from various review websites like, on www.cruise.co.uk.

But, with all that feedback do they really listen and make things happen, well Norwegian Cruise Line say that they have in the design of their next new ship the Norwegian Breakaway. So why not read on.


Recently our NCL Account Manager gave us a briefing on the Breakaway, part of which indicated that they had taken on board things people said about their ships and facilities and what people like from other cruise lines, and that they brought that thinking into the design of the Breakaway.

If you have read my blog from the beginning you may recall that I went on the Norwegian Epic in the Caribbean in November 2010. And I wrote a blog about the Balcony cabins, they have unusual features, with a separate shower and toilet and a sink in the cabins, read here. Now in an sector where hygiene is paramount, it is an unusual feature.

I was not the only person to mention this, at the time it was in all the forums and blogs about the ship.

So they listened, the new ship will have the traditional style bathrooms, hurrah! I have found a picture on the NCL website of the mock up of the balcony stateroom, looks a little more refined, less over the top colours.

There is a return of ocean view cabins, perhaps for the budget conscious and based on feedback there will be some larger stateroom that will take 5 people, so as to cater for the many families with 3 children. Some excellent features here.

The ships home port will be New York, so she will be themed based on the big apple but we will get the chance to see her as there will be a transatlantic sailing from Southampton as she heads to her new home.

There are some other new features, and I thought I'd add NCL's video of thge ship to highlight these.




So it seems like they have listened to the words of their customers, but as I always say its down to actually sailing on her to see if everything works out. So we have just got to wait until next April to see whether the marketing is right, hope I get the chance to visit when she calls into Southampton?

Cruising the Amazon, on a River boat?

As you will gather from reading my articles there is usually a theme, something that interests me, places I have been too or somewhere or something that I would like to do; I think that this falls into the latter.

If like me you have satellite TV, there are hundreds of channels, there may be 10 that you watch regularly,  most you take limited interest in and then there are those that you don't even look at. Well, last week when flicking down through the Travel channels I fond a programme on the M/V Aria, so I thought I'd watch.

I have sold cruises to the Amazon, but they are usually ones that head from the Caribbean and into the Atlantic before heading up the Brazilian Amazon to Manaus, so this is something much different.

So what was it that appealed to me?

Firstly the ship, the facilities look awesome and not what you would expect in the backwaters of Peru. Look at the view from the cabin below and the sun deck.

Then, the location, scenery and wildlife you will see on your journey. There are 2 distinct seasons in this part of the Amazon, High Water and Low Water and both have their own distinct characteristics, although rain may well be a common feature when ever you go.

The ship, and its sister m/v Aqua, do variety of 3, 4 and 7 night cruises through out the year. Now its a long way to go just to do this, so you could add it on as part of that 'Bucket List' trip you wanted to do. Perhaps you could go and see Machu Picchu? I wrote an article about that some time ago, why not have a look here.

So if you want that Tailor Made cruise holiday, give me a call and perhaps we can add this into your trip. This one isn't in the brochure yet, but it could be if you like it enough.

Paul Gauguin Cruises - New Ship

Well you know me by now, I like my bit of luxury every now and then and recently found this little bit of information about Paul Gauguin Cruises. If you recall I have written about them before because they do some speciality Photography themed cruises, follow this link.

So news of a second ship interested me, so read on...

On December 29, 2012, the m/v Tere Moana sets out on her maiden voyage under the Paul Gauguin Cruises banner, following a multi-faceted renovation that brings her up to Paul Gauguin's high standards for luxury and comfort.

The Moana specialises in European, Caribbean, and Latin American destinations, with an emphasis on delivering unique itineraries that larger ships cannot offer and exploring hidden ports throughout these regions. Spacious staterooms, an onboard watersports marina, a choice of two open-seating venues, and extensive spa are among her luxurious attributes. There is simply no better way to experience Europe, the Caribbean, or Latin America than aboard this sleek and sophisticated, intimate ship.

Staterooms from 161 sq. ft. to 298 sq. ft. (including balcony), including 8 staterooms with private balconies. Shown: Balcony stateroom 

 L'Etoile, elegant main dining room, serving dinner only

La Veranda, offering indoor/outdoor dining for breakfast and lunch and gourmet, reservation-only dining in the evening

 Le Salon, featuring live entertainment

   The Sun Deck, with plenty of seating to enjoy the sea breezes


Now the Moana will take only 90 guests and looking at the pictures looks more like a luxury Yacht than a cruise ship, but hey why not!

The existing ship, Paul Gauguin does spend its time and in the Pacific and around Tahiti, so there are limited chances to experience this line, but with this new ship being in the Med next year what an opportunity.

Just waiting for someone to tell me that the 'Fam Trip' is on! Well, I can and usually do dream!

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!!

River Cruising, whats it all about?

Sorry but it is a few weeks since I wrote my last post, so back into the rhythm now and thought I'd write something about River Cruising.

So don't we tend to associate "cruising" with getting on a huge ship filled with thousands of people and sailing to foreign ports of call in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska or Far East. But what are if any, the other options?

Well it is interesting that most people ignore the most original form of travel on water, river cruising. It is safe to say that mankind was moving goods and people up and down rivers and canals long before ocean travel came into fashion. In fact, the majority of cities and towns throughout the world (up until 100 years ago or so) were constructed on or near a river or major water source, so before the railroad, rivers and canals were the lifeline to commerce and travel.

So instead of looking at an Ocean Cruise, how about thinking about a River? Not just the Danube or the Rhine, you can go to China, Russia, Vietnam and even USA. I did write about an article on The Mighty Mississippi, but here I am going to concentrate on Europe, where there has been an explosion in the size of the market over the last 10 years.

European River Cruising

There are a number of companies that operate ships on the Danube, Rhone, Moselle, Rhine, Seine and Duoro in Portugal. With the European riverboats being purpose-built for modern river sailing; typically they are a long, sleek, narrow vessel with no more than four decks, which allows them to navigate the various locks and bridges found on European rivers.

A river cruise in Europe is all about the history of the land, in most stops each day there will be a Castle or Cathedral and many other historic sights to see, and you find with some lines that the days excurisons are included and usually they have options to suit the needs of all their passengers.

There are a number of European River Cruise Operators, including Viking River Cruises, Avalon River Cruises and AMAwaterways to name just a few. If you follow this link, you will find my views of the few days I spent on AMADante last year.

Advantages of river cruising

Convenience - On a river cruise, you have the ability to visit several cities, perhaps even in multiple countries, without having to pack and unpack each time you move from one place to the next. You literally wake up in a new city every day and, in many cases, you can step off the boat and walk into town or even take a bicycle ride!

Inclusive - Unlike ocean cruises, the fare your pay for your river cruise will include most, if not all, land tours and excursions, and in some cases all gratuities and pre-/post-cruise hotel stays. This makes river cruising an exceptional travel value.

Smooth sailing - You never have to experience motion sickness on a river cruise. In fact, you probably won't even know the ship is moving! It's that smooth.

No long lines - Riverboats typically carry only 100 to 150 passengers, so you will never find yourself standing in long lines.

Adult-oriented - River cruises tend to attract a more mature clientele. There are no facilities or staff dedicated to entertaining children. Therefore, a river cruise is probably not the best choice for a family vacation with the kids.

Casual - You can leave your suit and tie at home. River cruises tend to be much more casual and relaxed than ocean cruises. There are no formal nights.

So, if you are interested just give me a call to get my impartial views on what you can find.