Cruise Talk: New ships squeaks, Vista class exempt?

Cruise Talk

Cruise News

Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.

>>> Reader Reviews
>>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery
>>> Join Our Cruise Club.

Latest News...Carnival Cruise Line today announced a change in its 2027/28 deployment plan, saying that Carnival Sunshine will homeport in Galveston, Tex. instead of Carnival Spirit, and Carnival Spirit will now homeport in Tampa, Fla. Sailing 3,000 guests, Carnival Sunshine brings added capacity to Galveston to support the market’s growing demand for cruising, while also homeporting the ship...

Latest News...Four Seasons Yachts is preparing for its second Mediterranean season in 2027, unveiling 33 inspiring voyages and more than 40 compelling new ports of call. Each itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to guide guests to both iconic shores and lesser-known locales – including with the introduction of Egypt to the destination list. This expanded portfolio enriches the current collection,...

Latest News...Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the upcoming debut of what is sure to be its most electrifying entertainment experience yet — "Rocket Man: A Celebration of Elton John™," a dazzling, hit-filled tribute to the legendary icon, and the groundbreaking mixed reality show "HIKO" – scheduled to premiere on the all-new Norwegian Luna in March 2026....

More Cruise News...

my profile | register | search | faq | forum home

»	Cruise Talk » Technically Speaking » New ships squeaks, Vista class exempt?

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: New ships squeaks, Vista class exempt?

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 10-13-2003 05:32 PM

My father used to sell cars and always preferred a restaured classic to a new..Fiat.
New ships take time to settle, but a recent report on Vista class ships seems alarming.
Rust on less than a year old ship, smell of sewage in public rooms to name a few deficiencie reported on another board.
Ships are built very fast these days, but are fares reflecting quality of build rather than competition?
Your experiences are most welcome.
Thank you to share them.
ssLewis, outraged

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

kroozlover
First Class Passenger
Member # 4105

posted 10-13-2003 08:39 PM

We were on the Zuiderdam in August and experienced none of the concerns which have been muttreed around on this and other boards. After over 30 cruise, I can say the ship was fine in every way from structure, staff and overall satisfaction

Posts: 17 | From: NY | Registered: Aug 2003 | IP: Logged

Grant
First Class Passenger
Member # 1000

posted 10-14-2003 01:55 AM

I have sailed a few times aboard vessels that were new or quite new. Often it is easy to spot metal surfaces, especially welds, that are sporting a spot of rust. Rest assured, that once these areas are detected, the surface is taken down to bare metal, reprimed, and covered with a coat of paint that will protect the area for years to come. In the hustle/bustle of putting a new ship to sea, often minor things like paint priming are overlooked, while the more serious and major systems are checked and double checked to insure the safe operartion of the vessel. I do not think the standards are slipping with new builds at all. All new vessels use a vacuum toilet system, which is segregated into many sub sections. All it would take is a few systems to have a minor shut down, for odours to escape. I do not think this amounts to a total failure of the sewage system, nor reflects upon the total vessel. There are so many systems aboard ships now, that it is inevitable that teething problems will occur. All the cruise lines have a vast investment at stake, and will react quickly and appropriatly to system failures, and until they become a reoccuring situation I don't think we should be alarmed. In fact, often passenges benefit from the largess of the cruise line when such thing occur. Happy sailing, just be tolerant!!

Posts: 834 | From: Victoria, BC, Canada | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 10-14-2003 10:37 AM

Thanks very much all.
I think the adage "you get what you pay for " prevails here.
Teething problems are likely to occur, or recur in some cases on new ships.
ssLewis

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

Fairsky
First Class Passenger
Member # 781

posted 10-14-2003 12:02 PM

Here is a helpful rule of thumb:

Don't by a new car in its first model year, and don't sail on a prototype cruise ship in its first year.

Whenever a cruise line launches a new class of ships the first vessel delivered often has teething problems... not only with the ship, but with the crew who are just getting used to their new work environment.

By the time the 2nd or 3rd ship in the class is delivered the shipyard has worked out the kinks, and the crew for the new ship was probably trained on an older sister ship.

Zuiderdam is a perfect example. Numerous people reported teething problems. Some were minor (poor service in some areas). Others more sever (poor room decor or systems failures). By the time Oosterdam and Westerdam are delivered many of these issues will be solved.

Posts: 1685 | From: Chicago, Illinois | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 10-14-2003 04:53 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Fairsky:
Don't by a new car in its first model year, and don't sail on a prototype cruise ship in its first year.

I take your point, however I sailed on the inagural of 'Brilliance of the seas' and had no problems what so ever. Food and service etc. were great. You would think the crew had been together for years!

On the other hand, I have had 'issues' with ships such as the SS Norway and QE2, in terms of food, service and organisation: yet they have been arond for decades!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Maasdam
First Class Passenger
Member # 3858

posted 10-14-2003 04:55 PM

quote:
Originally posted by sslewis:
My father used to sell cars and always preferred a restaured classic to a new..Fiat.
New ships take time to settle, but a recent report on Vista class ships seems alarming.
Rust on less than a year old ship, smell of sewage in public rooms to name a few deficiencie reported on another board.
Ships are built very fast these days, but are fares reflecting quality of build rather than competition?
Your experiences are most welcome.
Thank you to share them.
ssLewis, outraged

On wiche site you have read this reports over the Zuiderdam. I have surfing the net and found nothing on this subject.

Posts: 4695 | From: Rotterdam home of the tss. Rotterdam. | Registered: May 2003 | IP: Logged

soundsailor
First Class Passenger
Member # 4164

posted 10-14-2003 10:53 PM

Keep in mind that for a new ship, only the best and most experienced crew are chosen, from a list of applicants across the whole fleet.

Posts: 150 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Sep 2003 | IP: Logged

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 10-15-2003 11:02 AM

Is this offer for a couple of dollars on the newest RCCL ship still going?
I heard it goes from Oslo to Harwich in May next year. Must be a Voyager ship.
Hopefully, after 5 vessels, it should be smooth.
I am also a little worried about those QM2 shake down cruises in december.
ssLewis

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

Fairsky
First Class Passenger
Member # 781

posted 10-16-2003 09:34 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
I take your point, however I sailed on the inagural of 'Brilliance of the seas' and had no problems what so ever. Food and service etc. were great. You would think the crew had been together for years!

Yes, but Brilliance was the 2nd ship delivered in that class. Radiance came before her, and there were many mixed reviews from early passenger regarding service. I have no doubt the bugs have been worked out, and the launch of Brilliance and your experience are the proof.

Posts: 1685 | From: Chicago, Illinois | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

soundsailor
First Class Passenger
Member # 4164

posted 10-17-2003 12:21 AM

On the Radiance, RCCL changed the normal management pecking order. They added some Manager positions and changed titles for other traditional managers. As an example, the Cruise Director although retaining his title, became a glorified Master of Ceremonies, stripped of a lot of his responsibilities. In place, they added a Entertainment manager who was now in charge of the theatre, quality of performance etc.. Other Hotel departments suffered the same confusion, resulting in mass resignations. This caused a down spiral of services.Radiance came before her, and there were many mixed reviews from early passenger regarding service.

[ 10-17-2003: Message edited by: soundsailor ]

Posts: 150 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Sep 2003 | IP: Logged

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 10-28-2003 08:24 AM

Right, folks, I hope Jewel of the Seas bargain cruise in May is discounted after 9/11 rather after teething problems!
Ok, service is affected on ships with a high turn around staff. In our busy industry, ona has to allow for more time to settle when a new ship comes.
But, service is nothing compared to teething problems, which I suffered on older ships.
I just can not accept this on a new vessel!
Like Fairsky says, I am confused over who looks after these technical hitches?
sslewis, confused with shipyards-owners-officers legacy when trouble set on new-stretched ships

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

Dolphins
First Class Passenger
Member # 2043

posted 12-11-2003 10:29 AM

We sailed two weeks on Vista class Zuiderdam in February and can report the problems with smells and vibrations, confirmed by many posters, were no muttering myths. She is going into drydock this month to correct the problem of excessive vibration in the lower dining room.
It has also been reported by passengers sailing the Norwegian Dawn in its first season that there are excessive creaking sounds?

Posts: 324 | From: Commack, New York | Registered: May 2001 | IP: Logged

Mariposa
First Class Passenger
Member # 4174

posted 12-11-2003 12:58 PM

Sailed 14 day repo on Norwegian Dawn last May and found no apparent excess of vibration or noise. Extremely stable ship in moderate seas, too, considering her big-box design.

Posts: 101 | From: Vermont, USA | Registered: Sep 2003 | IP: Logged

kroozlover
First Class Passenger
Member # 4105

posted 12-13-2003 08:36 PM

With all due respect Dolphins, we sailed on the Zuiderdam in August and smelled no odors, did not vibrate and had a wonderful voyage.

Posts: 17 | From: NY | Registered: Aug 2003 | IP: Logged

RobHolland
First Class Passenger
Member # 3779

posted 12-18-2003 08:32 AM

Excessive vibration on Zuiderdam would be pretty awkward, as the ship has a special propulsion system what should exclude any of these kind of problems.

Posts: 762 | From: ms Rotterdam | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 12-18-2003 08:59 AM

What is the "special propulsion system"

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

RobHolland
First Class Passenger
Member # 3779

posted 12-21-2003 04:08 PM

Well, the pod propulsion system has the pretty habit that virtually all vibration onboard should be abandonned. HAL's VistaClass ships have two enginerooms, one gas and one electric propulsion system. But if this has any influence concerning vibrations is something I don't know about. Any experiences from past passengers?

Posts: 762 | From: ms Rotterdam | Registered: Apr 2003 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 12-21-2003 05:48 PM

This is what has been said, but Celebrity certainly had vibration problems with their new ones which required some expensive mods to the hull aft.

Vibration can originate from lots of different sources and can drive people nuts trying to find it.

....peter

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 12-21-2003 09:13 PM

I've always heard that 'the maiden' voyage should be avoided unless 'being first' is of prime importance to you. For many people it is - so be it!

Chances are there will be glitches, the staff, no matter how experienced, have not yet learned the shortest distance between any 2 given points - and remember, the kitchen has never prepared so many meals all required at the same time!

If you can 'hang loose and roll with the punches', go for it but I don't believe you can expect perfection.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

sslewis
First Class Passenger
Member # 3649

posted 12-22-2003 12:15 PM

QM2 is sent to Vigo, further West and rough than P&O favorite La Coruna.
I fear the worst for the trainees onboard, and the ship herself.
Any news?
ssLewis, Vomit Comet survivor and expert carpet cleaner!

Posts: 2513 | From: Shipspotting Solent shores when weather allows.... | Registered: Feb 2003 | IP: Logged

desirod7
First Class Passenger
Member # 1626

posted 12-22-2003 01:07 PM

QE2 is a real creaker, as was Canberra. Rembrandterdam, Regal Empress, and SSNorway no.

Room rocking as I type this with sea legs 24 hours later from 6 sea days.

QE2 Mauretania dining service: Not fit for a Dairy Queen much less a Cunard Queen. One waiter had BO, orders mixed up, courses late, basic items not availbale. From Seinfeld: ran out of menus and asked to share one with a tablemate.

Worst of any ship I have sailed, Regal Empress had better waiters, and real wood in the dining room.

The best staff is now being trained for the QMII, the neophytes and marginal are left on the QE2.

[ 12-22-2003: Message edited by: desirod7 ]

Posts: 5727 | From: Philadelphia, Pa [home of the SS United States] | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)

Ultimate Bulletin Board^TM 6.1.0.3

VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS

Check out these great deals from CruisePage.com

Royal Caribbean - Bahamas Getaway from $129 per person

Description: Experience the beautiful ports of Nassau and Royal Caribbean's private island - CocoCay on a 3-night Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas. Absorb everything island life has to offer as you snorkel with the stingrays, parasail above the serene blue waters and walk the endless white sand beaches. From Miami.

Carnival - 4-Day Bahamas from $229 per person

Description: Enjoy a wonderful 3 Day cruise to the fun-loving playground of Nassau, Bahamas. Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial and financial heart of the Bahamas. Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's treasure.

NCL - Bermuda - 7 Day from $499 per person

Description: What a charming little chain of islands. Walk on pink sand beaches. Swim and snorkel in turquoise seas. Take in the historical sights. They're stoically British and very quaint. Or explore the coral reefs. You can get to them by boat or propelled by fins. You pick. Freestyle Cruising doesn't tell you where to go or what to do. Sure, you can plan ahead, or decide once onboard. After all, it's your vacation. There are no deadlines or must do's.

Holland America - Eastern Caribbean from From $599 per person

Description: White sand, black sand, talcum soft or shell strewn, the beaches of the Eastern Caribbean invite you to swim, snorkel or simply relax. For shoppers, there's duty-free St. Thomas, the Straw Market in Nassau, French perfume and Dutch chocolates on St. Maarten. For history buffs, the fascinating fusion of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures. For everyone, a day spent on HAL's award winning private island Half Moon Cay.

Celebrity - 7-Night Western Mediterranean from $549 per person

Description: For centuries people have traveled to Europe to see magnificent ruins, art treasures and natural wonders. And the best way to do so is by cruise ship. Think of it - you pack and unpack only once. No wasted time searching for hotels and negotiating train stations. Instead, you arrive at romantic ports of call relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Holland America - Alaska from From $499 per person

Description: Sail between Vancouver and Seward, departing Sundays on the ms Statendam or ms Volendam and enjoy towering mountains, actively calving glaciers and pristine wildlife habitat. Glacier Bay and College Fjord offer two completely different glacier-viewing experiences.

More Vacation & Cruise Specials...