the TROPICAL ISLANDER is owned by Anaconda Maritime from Greece. Behind this company is staying Mr Prevolous (ex Golden Star(Sun) Cruises, ex Attika Shipping, etc...) who is known as one of the Greek shipping pirates... He finnally bought back his own vessel which was arrested and sold by court dur to huge safety-problems and one of the worst results during a health-inspection in the Great Lakes.
The vessel is one of the worst afloat regarding the companies management and organization. I could tell you several horror stories about it...

I don't know the Australian company which chartered the ship. It could be that they have an inpact on all organization onboard so they might try to do their best but as said I don't know them.

Concerning the vessel itself, I would never recommend it. Better look for the ORION coming to Australia in the near future, operated by Orion Expedition Cruises. This vessel of a similar size is almost new and provides a far better quality !

Patrick

[ 06-05-2004: Message edited by: Patrick ]

im gonna take another point of view on this topic as im from WA and hoping that this venture is a success! The only reason i say that is because if it is successful, then the chances of them 'upgrading' or attracting other bigger/better ships is greater.

The ship itself is 'tiny'. Well in comparison to any other ship visiting freo. I dont think its fair to compare it to the virgo or leo which were here last.

The ship itself will hopefully be run well under new charter to ATW Cruises. Im guessing it will look fresh after having a coat of paint during its refit before coming to freo.

Ticket sales are going very well considering limited exposure. There were many $199 fares snapped up in a matter of days... most short cruises start at 545? now so i dont know whether its going to be value for money! i guess its worth waiting till later in the year and seeing the ship itself and reading what sort of comments it gets in the media etc

Either way i would be happy to try out a cruise ... probably only 2 days first up - i cant see there being enough entertainment onboard to keep you happy for a week or two! i guess it may appeal to older persons who like to just relax and read a book all day? that said, the weekend cruises to nowwhere would probably be more party themed.

Zippy- have you been on many cruises yourself? star cruises? p&o out of sydney? or others around the world?

I wanted to let you know that www.ssmaritime.com has a new page about Tropical Islander. It states that the ship is going to have an extentive refurbishment to her interior before heading your way. There are pictures and links to cabin plans, press releases, and to ATW's site.

Hope this helps!

And, yes, she is quite a bit smaller than Gemini. I don't know her stats, but by looking at the few pics I have seen I wouldn't think she is much over 300ft - 325ft. Just a guess. I will do a quick check and get back to you.

check out this previous thread...

it has a few pics and also details of the ships - here is an example of a few of them;

Go here: Welland Canal ship photos

quote:

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Zippy said:
Those weren't exactly flattering photos were they?

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I guess when you have been laid up for over a year you start to look ragged. I can only assume that after her refurbishment she'll look great.

can you tell us a little more? which cruise? how long? which cabin!?

did the travel agent know how sales were going? did they mention if any were sold out?

also im curious as to what the conditions of booking were... is there a full refund if the venture doesnt get off the ground? (like in the case of Westline cruises just recently?) by the sounds of it this wont happen to tropical islander- which is a good thing

im going to keep my eye out for any cheap bargins (if they come up again!) if not maybe even a last minute special? who knows! we leave for new zealand on the 2nd of january so if i did go on a cruise it would have to be one of the first ones in december!

They so need to update the passenger terminal and the "wool stores" building has to go!