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Not that this is a bad thing, necessarily, but it depends on how you tend to use the ship you're on, and what you like to do on your cruise.
I find that the more I cruise, regardless of what type of ship or cruise line, I value my private time in the cabin more. Having a larger room, or at least an outside room, then becomes more important than if I'm merely using the cabin to change clothes and to sleep.
quote:Originally posted by Linerrich:The ship is still important regarding it's cruise product. If you like luxury, sure, you can cocoon yourself in the Grand Suite of "Walmart Cruises", but as soon as you leave your door, the mass market experience is everywhere you go.Not that this is a bad thing, necessarily, but it depends on how you tend to use the ship you're on, and what you like to do on your cruise.I find that the more I cruise, regardless of what type of ship or cruise line, I value my private time in the cabin more. Having a larger room, or at least an outside room, then becomes more important than if I'm merely using the cabin to change clothes and to sleep.
Well, the same is happening to me. I haven been happy with a small inside cabin, but now I at least need an outside cabin. To come back to the topic:
- So should luxury ships offer more "simple" cabins for those who enjoy a not so crowded ship, good food, service, but do not need a big suite? Would this be consisten with a nowadays luxury ship to have a bigger variety of cabin categories?
- Should the suites on big ships be organised like on QE2 / QM2 having more privileges than a bigger quater, like a dedicated restaurant, bar, lounge, priorty check in etc.? Is access to the bridge for suite passengers (like on small vessels for all passengers) an intersting additon? Or is a ship with different classes not accpetable today?
quote:Originally posted by Ernst:Is access to the bridge for suite passengers (like on small vessels for all passengers) an intersting additon?
Is access to the bridge for suite passengers (like on small vessels for all passengers) an intersting additon?
When I cruised on the 'Brilliance of the Seas' (in a medium grade cabin) I asked for a brirdge visit and I got it. Along with us were the passengers from the top suites who had automatically been invited.
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:When I cruised on the 'Brilliance of the Seas' (in a medium grade cabin) I asked for a brirdge visit and I got it. Along with us were the passengers from the top suites who had automatically been invited.
Very interesting.Were they also on a visit only, or did they have access to the bridge during the whole cruise ?
quote:Originally posted by Liner Buff:You can have both space and luxury. All you have to do is sail with Silversea Cruises. The smallest suite (vista) is 287 square feet. A standard veranda suite is 345 square feet and if you are really craving for space (and have the money for it), why don't you treat yourself with a grand suite, at a mere 1,435 square feet.
..well, I know, but this is not the issue here.I also prefere this kind of ships.
But actually you get for nearly the same money as a standard cabin on Silverseas/Seabourn/(Europa) a quite large suite on a mid-calls vessel. (By the way: I find it ridiculouse that they call every cabins a suites in this category...or passengers "guests"....)Probably you would not find such a well trained crew as on Silverseas/Seabourn/(Europa) but therfore you get quite a lot of space. So is there, could there be a comeptition or not?
quote:Originally posted by Ernst:Very interesting.Were they also on a visit only, or did they have access to the bridge during the whole cruise ?
Just a visit. I'm sure if you book a top suite certain unwritten privaleges follow.
A dictionary definition of 'Cabin' is: A small room on a ship or boat where people sleep.. Now in my opinion most of the accommodation on modern ships is no longer 'small' and even if it is, cruise lines do not want to advertise the fact!
My dictionary is not so helpful in defining the term ’passenger’. However, to me a 'Passenger' suggests a person who is making a journey or 'passage' from A to B. Where as cruises can often be a round trip for pleasure, often returning to the starting point. So maybe 'guest' is more appropriate?
quote:Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:I can see why the cruise lines have dropped the term 'Cabin'. A dictionary definition of 'Cabin' is: A small room on a ship or boat where people sleep.. Now in my opinion most of the accommodation on modern ships is no longer 'small' and even if it is, cruise lines do not want to advertise the fact! My dictionary is not so helpful in defining the term ’passenger’. However, to me a 'Passenger' suggests a person who is making a journey or 'passage' from A to B. Where as cruises can often be a round trip for pleasure, often returning to the starting point. So maybe 'guest' is more appropriate?
A suite is an accomodation with separate sleeping and "living" area, which most cabins called suites are not.I understand that there are many preconceptions that have to be overcome to get people booking a cruise. And actually, when the aspect of transprotation was in the foreground, they tried to make you forget that you were on a ship. On the other hand, there are also many positive associations people have with travelling by ship. Of course one must not overdo it like decorating a ship with maritime artifacts only, which is quite odd, but I think it`s finally coming down to such details which make it a special kind of travelling.
A herding creature of widely varying intellect, usually found in pairs or small groups. Often will become vicious and violent in simple and easily rectified situations. When frightened or confused these creatures collect into a group called a "line." This "line" has no set pattern and is usually formed in inconvenient places. Passengers are of four known species: Paxus iratus, Paxus latus, Paxus inebriatus, & Paxus ignoramus.
quote: Passengers are of four known species: Paxus iratus, Paxus latus, Paxus inebriatus, & Paxus ignoramus.
Your latin is quite impressive!I would say that cruise lines use that ludicrous hospitality jargon precisely because most passengers belong to the Paxus Ignoramus species, also known as "landlubbers" and it probably reassures them to hear the same gibberish as the one used in hotels on land.
quote:Originally posted by Liner Buff:Your latin is quite impressive!I would say that cruise lines use that ludicrous hospitality jargon precisely because most passengers belong to the Paxus Ignoramus species, also known as "landlubbers" and it probably reassures them to hear the same gibberish as the one used in hotels on land.
Ceterum ceneseo, navigare necesse est!
quote:Originally posted by Liner Buff:I agree with you and that hospitality jargon that tends to be used nowadays onboard ships... As if it had become shameful to call a passenger a passenger and a cabin a cabin.When I travel on a ship, I don't want to hear the same jargon as in hotels (already that "guest" thing irritates me in hotels. As far as I'm concerned, a guest is somebody who's invited and doesn't pay... I wish I REALLY was a GUEST on a cruise ship).As for service, between a mainstream line and a luxury line, I think it's like night and day. On smaller ships, the crew call you by your name and know your preferences. Often you get what you want without even having to ask. I don't think any mainstream cruise line can offer this level of service.Think that on ships like the Silver Shadow, the crew/passenger ratio is more than 1 crewmember to each 2 passengers (382 pax / 292 crew), so service is bound to be more attentive.
I totally agree. In a hotel, you should be considered a customer and on a ship/plane a passenger. A guest is someone you invite to your home-and not charge!
quote:Originally posted by Dolphins:NCL has once again demonstrated that they are the most innovative cruise line. The new Norwegian Jewel will have Courtyard Villas which surround a private enclosed courtyard with a private pool, jacuzzi, gym and sun deck exclusively for those passengers. Something even premium cruise lines have not been able to provide.
These accommodations already exist on Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn--something like over 5000 sq.ft. of space, including 3 bedrooms, living room/dining room, butler's pantry, courtyard, sun deck over all of it. Quite impressive.
Beside the fact that what I have seen from this courtyard seems to be quite ugly, I think this will be an interesting niche, offering suites you do not have to leave during your cruise. (the next thing should be a private pool)If they would add some features, like a possibiltiy to reach the gangway without using pubilc rooms (maybe a nicer decorated crew elevator allowing a transfer to a "private"/crew gangway) or an own tender (e.g. more a upscale "resuce" boat) this might even ba an alternative to a private yacht under some circumstances. (depending on the size of the suite maybe not only for journeys across an ocean or remote areas) Also, such a suite mihgt be attractive for celebrites, as a ship at sea would be a good protection from "paparazzi", of course only as long as the privacy aboard is mantained.(which may not be easy, but possible)
I think the PS on Celebrity is more reasonable than a std room on a so called luxury Cruiseline.
idssms
ps I am cruising the Grand Suite on the Caribbean Princess in Sept and for the price its a magnificent 1400 plus sq ft suite.
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