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» Cruise Talk   » Cruise Ships   » Tantalizing tidbits about NCL’s F3 (Page 1)

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Author Topic: Tantalizing tidbits about NCL’s F3
eroller
First Class Passenger
Member # 1649

posted 03-12-2008 08:02 PM      Profile for eroller     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
I was wondering how NCL was going to cram all those passengers into a 150,000 gt ship. According to Veitch, "there will be no traditional cruise ship cabins". Perhaps instead there will be large dorms with bunks stacked six high?

Seriously, it all sounds very intriguing.

Ernie

From Seatrade Insider:
----------------------------------------
Tantalizing tidbits about NCL’s F3
12/3/2008

NCL Corp. is keeping quiet about its 150,000gt F3 newbuilds for now. However, today at Seatrade Miami, president and ceo Colin Veitch tantalized the media with a few morsels of information.
The design will continue the most successful elements of Freestyle Cruising, including the exclusive Courtyard Villas, a concept that will be expanded, Veitch said.

Otherwise, the ships will have no main dining room, no theater, no Lido Café and be ‘without a traditional cruise ship cabin,’ he added.

Delivering from Aker Yards France in March and October 2010, the F3 newbuilds will add a total of 8,400 lower berths – which Veitch compared to delivering four Pride of Americas in six months. ‘So, the next two years are a time to get ready for this,’ Veitch said.

As earlier reported, an F3 team of executives is being assembled. It consists mainly of marketing and event promotion experts because this is ‘a product that needs to be explained in full, it’s so exciting,’ Veitch said. It is planned that evp Andy Stuart, currently leading NCL’s Freestyle 2.0 initiative, will take on leadership for the group.

How many people will join the F3 team? ‘As many as we need,’ Veitch said. ‘It’s the most important project for the company.’


Posts: 7046 | From: Miami, Florida USA | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged
Atlcruiser
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posted 03-12-2008 08:17 PM      Profile for Atlcruiser   Email Atlcruiser   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Ernie, have you seen the photos that someone posted on CC of the ship? If this is indeed it, I don't like it at all.

[ 03-13-2008: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]


Posts: 916 | From: Atlanta | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
LaLa
First Class Passenger
Member # 5684

posted 03-12-2008 08:21 PM      Profile for LaLa     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
Ernie, have you seen the photos that someone posted on CC of the ship? If this is indeed it, I don't like it at all.


...yuck

[ 03-13-2008: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]


Posts: 132 | From: Delaware | Registered: May 2005  |  IP: Logged
Maasdam
First Class Passenger
Member # 3858

posted 03-12-2008 08:27 PM      Profile for Maasdam   Author's Homepage   Email Maasdam   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
OK that dosed where are my torpedo's.
If this is what we going to see.

Greetings Ben.

[ 03-12-2008: Message edited by: Maasdam ]


Posts: 4695 | From: Rotterdam home of the tss. Rotterdam. | Registered: May 2003  |  IP: Logged
Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-12-2008 08:33 PM      Profile for Malcolm @ cruisepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by eroller:
Otherwise, the ships will have no main dining room, no theater, no Lido Café and be ‘without a traditional cruise ship cabin,’ he added. ’

Yes Ernie very intriguing. The pax will probably sleep in giant dorms standing up in vertical sleeping-bags like Astronauts. There's obviously no room for a Theatre or lido café.

Joking aside, maybe they are going for an easy-cruise type smaller minimalist cabin? This however would instantly make their product be perceived as inferior to RCI adn Carnival etc.


Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!  |  IP: Logged
Malcolm @ cruisepage
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Member # 301

posted 03-12-2008 08:36 PM      Profile for Malcolm @ cruisepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
Ernie, have you seen the photos that someone posted on CC of the ship?

I do hope that's a spoof? It makes Pride of America look like a masterpiece!


Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!  |  IP: Logged
Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 03-12-2008 08:37 PM      Profile for Ernst   Author's Homepage   Email Ernst   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by eroller:
[...]
Otherwise, the ships will have no main dining room, no theater, no Lido Café and be ‘without a traditional cruise ship cabin,’ he added. [...]

This might sound extreme - but it might be an interesting idea. Not so much for a mass market ship but for the luxury segment. Many functions already moved from public areas to the cabin (e.g. sunbathing on the balcony) - why not more? I am sure that there are people who would like that - a ship with (large) accommodations and the absolute minimum of public rooms - a more extreme 'The World' if you want.


Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005  |  IP: Logged
buddhaJoe
First Class Passenger
Member # 4356

posted 03-12-2008 08:38 PM      Profile for buddhaJoe   Email buddhaJoe   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
hi there

well if this is what the future of cruising is about..

memories come back to my mind when tourists invaded spain and other
mediterranean countries... Marbella at sea...

absolutely tasteless, i think i might go for a holiday
in my rowing boat...

please please please, when will they understand that not all is about the money..

sorry i'm a bit living in utopia..., i know

best regards
b. Joe

[ 03-12-2008: Message edited by: buddhaJoe ]


Posts: 366 | From: De Goorn, small village in The Netherlands | Registered: Jan 2004  |  IP: Logged
Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 03-12-2008 08:41 PM      Profile for Linerrich   Email Linerrich   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Wow, these new designs are making the livestock carriers look sleek by comparison!
See Here.
Rich

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004  |  IP: Logged
Fairsky
First Class Passenger
Member # 781

posted 03-12-2008 08:49 PM      Profile for Fairsky   Email Fairsky   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
If those images are for real then Apollo just made a terrible investment.

I realize most cruise executives are not interested in a ship's exterior apperance, and most passengers don't care if their ship is elegent and sleek looking on the exterior. BUT, when a would-be passenger picks up an NCL brochure and sees this thing verses the ships appearing on the RCL, CCL, or even Princess brochure--I promise you they'll start thinking exterior appearance matters again.

I am very, very disappointed. NCL's newer ships are pretty nice to look at (Pride of America the only exception). But this is without doubt the UGLIEST passenger ship ever imagined.


Posts: 1685 | From: Chicago, Illinois | Registered: Jul 99  |  IP: Logged
Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 03-12-2008 08:55 PM      Profile for Ernst   Author's Homepage   Email Ernst   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
To say something positive: I like the look of the stern. It is of course far to early to tell but at least it seems to be something different and giving how 'everyone' here complains about how really bored they are with certain ship designs and their repetitions I am surprised by the responses in this thread. (...but then, maybe not...)

And yes, it is of course about money. Mind you that it is not only the 'evil' cruise line who benefits from that but MOSTLY the passengers who have to pay MUCH LESS for a cruise than ever (and in a way they get more than ever - e.g. balconies) - and if one puts that into perspective the exterior appearance is probably less relevant. (at least for most passengers)

Luckily these ships are NOT the ONLY future of cruising - one can EASILY avoid these large floating resorts if one wants to.

So. Now we can continue to bash the new NCL ship.

[ 03-12-2008: Message edited by: Ernst ]


Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005  |  IP: Logged
Carlos Fernandez
First Class Passenger
Member # 6432

posted 03-12-2008 09:00 PM      Profile for Carlos Fernandez   Author's Homepage   Email Carlos Fernandez   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
To say the truth I like the ship, very much, it's different and I am looking forward to see how this is and works out.

[ 03-12-2008: Message edited by: Carlos Fernandez ]


Posts: 1325 | From: Miami, Florida (Cruise Capital of the World) | Registered: Apr 2006  |  IP: Logged
Carlos Fernandez
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Member # 6432

posted 03-12-2008 09:04 PM      Profile for Carlos Fernandez   Author's Homepage   Email Carlos Fernandez   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
The 8,400 lower berths might bring some confusion, that number is for both ships. Each ship will have 4,200 lower berths, still a lot.
Posts: 1325 | From: Miami, Florida (Cruise Capital of the World) | Registered: Apr 2006  |  IP: Logged
dmwnc1
Cruise Director
Member # 3785

posted 03-12-2008 09:17 PM      Profile for dmwnc1   Email dmwnc1   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Odd that it appears that the lifeboats are hanging out away from the hull and not recessed or above a promenade.
Posts: 5650 | From: Clarksburg WV | Registered: Apr 2003  |  IP: Logged
eroller
First Class Passenger
Member # 1649

posted 03-12-2008 09:20 PM      Profile for eroller     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by Carlos Fernandez:
The 8,400 lower berths might bring some confusion, that number is for both ships. Each ship will have 4,200 lower berths, still a lot.


It's a lot of berths for a 150,000 gt ship. The space ratio is 35.7 which is well below average of a new ship in this day and age.

By comparison GENESIS will have a space ratio of 40.7. I realize a space ratio doesn't tell the entire story, but regardless NCL's F3 will be a high density ship.

Ernie


Posts: 7046 | From: Miami, Florida USA | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged
eroller
First Class Passenger
Member # 1649

posted 03-12-2008 09:37 PM      Profile for eroller     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
Ernie, have you seen the photos that someone posted on CC of the ship? If this is indeed it, I don't like it at all.


I haven't seen those. Thanks for the link.

Pretty darn hideous if I say so myself. I really think the executives at NCL decided 'why even bother to make the ship look streamlined'? They always turn out like boxes anyway so why not really design a box that floats! If this is their thinking then they have succeeded. From the exterior, this will truly be one of the most hideous designs ever conceived.

On the inside, I really think we are finally going to see a North American version of AIDA. Remember NCL owned AIDA for a while so they are very familiar with the concept and operation. With no formal restaurant and no main show lounge, I think we will see a "club ship" concept like AIDA with a lot of buffet restaurants and several different "entertainment hot spots". Perhaps one large venue with constant entertainment similar to AIDA. This will also enable NCL to staff the ship with far less crew. The cabins too will probably be AIDA style. Small but very functional and well thought out, and maybe with service only once per day (again like AIDA with no turndown).

It's obvious that two of the three ungainly decks above the bridge will be the expanded Garden Villa's. They will truly be a "ship within a ship" concept with enhanced facilities exclusive for these highest paying guests.

On a ship like this, I think the Garden Villas will be the only way to go. These guests will have a disproportionate ratio of deck space, lounge space, etc. while everyone else has to squeeze into what is left over. It's also likely that the only true traditional restaurant will be exclusive to Garden Villa guests, with the remainder of passengers lining up at buffets or paying extra for waiter service.

Of course I don't know any of this for certain, but time will tell!

Ernie

[ 03-13-2008: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]


Posts: 7046 | From: Miami, Florida USA | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged
lasuvidaboy
First Class Passenger
Member # 4527

posted 03-12-2008 09:58 PM      Profile for lasuvidaboy     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
The forecastle has a nice length to it and the lower bridge front is decent but the rest is a barge-an ugle barge at that!
Posts: 7654 | From: Hollywood Hills/L.A. | Registered: Mar 2004  |  IP: Logged
GregD
First Class Passenger
Member # 4176

posted 03-12-2008 10:16 PM      Profile for GregD   Author's Homepage   Email GregD   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Just my first thoughts...The stern instantly reminds me of the ferry Peter Wessels(if i remember correctly). The Bow almost reminds me of the Sea Diamond with the steep slope of the windows above the bridge.. And also looking at the side view im getting a feeling that she reminds me of the Estonia...(then again ive been looking at her alot lately for a report im doing.)
Posts: 548 | From: Texas | Registered: Sep 2003  |  IP: Logged
cruiseshipluver
First Class Passenger
Member # 5104

posted 03-13-2008 12:16 AM      Profile for cruiseshipluver   Author's Homepage   Email cruiseshipluver   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Please tell me that this is a practical joke...right? Afterall...April is round the corner?

cruiseshipluver


Posts: 1797 | From: Barbados--cruiseship capital of the Southern Caribbean | Registered: Oct 2004  |  IP: Logged
Waynaro
First Class Passenger
Member # 3484

posted 03-13-2008 12:30 AM      Profile for Waynaro   Email Waynaro   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
In my opinion, I think the ship looks good for the most part. There is a long forecastle/bow, and the stern isn't too bad. But I think the funnel is too small, and the Garden Villa block above the bridge. I would move the Garden Villas to midship and redraw the funnel that would be integrated with the Garden Villas somehow.

Hopefully the pictures are not the finalized. I recall different renderings of the CELEBRITY SOLSTICE existed during the design stage.

[ 03-13-2008: Message edited by: Waynaro ]


Posts: 6108 | From: Vallejo,CA : California Maritime Academy!!! | Registered: Nov 2002  |  IP: Logged
jeffrossatsea
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Member # 2962

posted 03-13-2008 01:33 AM      Profile for jeffrossatsea   Email jeffrossatsea   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
LOLOLOLOLOL......what a tub....really!!!.....jeff
Posts: 1118 | From: vancouver | Registered: Apr 2002  |  IP: Logged
Pascal
First Class Passenger
Member # 5510

posted 03-13-2008 01:46 AM      Profile for Pascal     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
An extremely ugly vessel. I can't help thinking (and hoping) that a significant number of pax will be troubled by this awful appearance, making it a commercial disavantage. Give me 10 Pride of America rather than this horror.
Posts: 1371 | From: Aix en Provence | Registered: Mar 2005  |  IP: Logged
mike sa
First Class Passenger
Member # 5957

posted 03-13-2008 01:46 AM      Profile for mike sa   Author's Homepage   Email mike sa   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
Stern, what stern she has not got one, what she has is a back end but no stern it is simply cut off blunt.

Well I have to say I am intrigued but concerned as Ernie points out she is very high density and there does not appear to be much open deck space for those sort of numbers.

However I suspect this is only an artisits impression of what might or could be, I doubt the real thing will look much like this, for instance there would not be enough balconies on this for there to be enough to meet their stated objectives in this regard.

God but it is ugly - looks like a building landed on top of the bridge.


Posts: 2272 | From: Durban, South Africa | Registered: Sep 2005  |  IP: Logged
Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 03-13-2008 04:30 AM      Profile for Malcolm @ cruisepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
We do know that it's a high density 'freestyle' ship, with multiple dining options. It looks like NCL are going to extend the idea to multiple entertainment venues which will be smaller rather than a big Theatre holding 2000+ guests in two sittings. Maybe these will be show-lounges rather than mini raked theatres? This would be more consistent with the Freestyle concept.

Although there is clearly going to be some spacious accommodation, I can only conclude that when Veitch says "without a traditional cruise ship cabin" I can only guess that the majority of the cabins will be 'compact' and/or minimalist? NCL may well be aiming to compete with the big two on 'price' and 'flexibility' rather than facilities and spaciousness?


Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!  |  IP: Logged
Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 03-13-2008 07:08 AM      Profile for Linerrich   Email Linerrich   Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 
quote:
Originally posted by Waynaro:
But I think the funnel is too small
[ 03-13-2008: Message edited by: Waynaro ]

She appears to have split funnels, side-by-side, as on numerous car ferries, etc.

Rich


Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004  |  IP: Logged

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