Pam

[ 08-14-2009: Message edited by: PamM ]

Tony,

You will probably hate the upcoming Oceania Marina since it is a departure from the R-ships.

My review after a wonderful crossing

cabin 3019

I'll be boarding Nautica for a Black Sea cruise in 2 weeks time and really look forward to that.

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Originally posted by mike sa:
I wonder if Apollo has looked at a stretch for these ladies. They would carry the extra length exceptionally well (probably look better) , and the extra space would enable them to provide the range of facilities etc that their new sister will be providing. It seems they are reluctant understandably to order further new tonnage yet so this would allow them to continue to expand with less risk and lower cost. The only real downside would be the show lounge is a bit small but then I suspect that may not be such a problem for their type of pax ? Shooting me down for daring to suggest such a sacrilidge may now commence......

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Hi Mike,

Apollo wouldn't look at a stretch as they are a finanancial entity and don't run the line, the PCH/Oceania management team does.

That said, they won't be stretched as they are not suited to being stretched given the general arrangement of the machinery and galley spaces.

All of the galley space is in the aft of the vessels, well beyond where the stretch point is, and to work additonal galleys in for the additional dining spaces that would be needed, would make for an awkward passenger flow and crew work flow.

A stretch would add between 160-240 additional passengers which would require at least one, if not two, more galleys and cooresponding restaurants. It would tax the main lounge and spa and the lido restaurant.

While adding capacity might work for the Princess or Azamara brands which are not centered around dining, it wouldn't work for Oceania.

Marina is not a radical departure from the Regatta class ships, she will just incorporate some improvements passengers, agents and crew have suggested given their experiences with the ships over the past seven years.

Tony - fear not - the ships will only recieve minor tweaks and improvements in the coming years to keep them fresh.

I hope the GMs and Officers took good care of you. Who did you sail with?

If it 'aint broke, don't fix it!

Tim

[ 08-14-2009: Message edited by: Tim in 'Lauderdale ]

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Originally posted by Tim in 'Lauderdale:

Tony - fear not - the ships will only recieve minor tweaks and improvements in the coming years to keep them fresh.

I hope the GMs and Officers took good care of you. Who did you sail with?

If it 'aint broke, don't fix it!

Tim

Hi Tim

Words I wanted to hear!! Thanks! I can't wait to see more details about MARINA's itineraries - aren't they being released in the next couple of weeks?

The Captain of INSIGNIA was Giulio Ressa, with whom I spent ages reminiscing about Renaissance and the GM was Christian Krempl, perhaps the most visible GM I've ever encountered. REGATTA's Master was first Dimitrios Flokos, but then Jahn Rye - I thought it strange that one relieved the other mid-way through the cruise? Never known that before. The GM was Damien Lacroix.

Tony

[ 08-14-2009: Message edited by: Tim in 'Lauderdale ]

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Originally posted by Grant:
A walk around promenade deck would be nice. Forward exterior obsevation areas without glass barriers would be nice. So too would more exterior deck space, in order for more passengers to soak up the rays than what can now. [...]

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Originally posted by Grant:
Forward exterior obsevation areas without glass barriers would be nice.

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I agree. The eight "cabanas" facing forward on the top deck may have been a bright idea to generate additional revenue, but I never saw anyone hiring them on either of my cruises. It was extremely frustrating to see this fantastic space go to waste. Similarly, the only aft-facing open space is the Terrace Cafe, which if busy, is very restricting. Yet, around the funnel is a wonderful open deck which is reserved for crew only and again, it was hardly ever used.