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Yes, I know all about economies of scale, but the delight in sailing the R class ships is their size. Everything is convenient, and not too far away. Before one thinks that they are small, the Captain reminded me that at about 30KT they are larger than Vistafjord and Sagafjord, both of which he commanded at one time or another.

[ 04-12-2006: Message edited by: Ernst ]

So I will accept the faux fireplaces as an essential element of decor. I did not see many passengers in the Grand Bar sitting around faux crackling blazes rubbing their hands together and having hot buttered rums. But the interior geography called for a "something" to break up an extent of wall. Given the overall ship's decor, the designers obviously thought psuedo-fireplaces would be appropriate in large rooms of certain configurations . In my opinion, they did, and have my approval. I cannot speak for my late wife, possibly not.

No gas logs, but the term "ambience" comes to mind. See here, the library.web page

[ 04-12-2006: Message edited by: Cambodge ]

quote:

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Oceania expedites newbuild plans
12/4/2006
Oceania Cruises has accelerated its newbuild plans and now hopes to finalize a contract this year for a delivery in early 2009, Seatrade Insider has learned.
‘We’ve been working on the development for awhile but with us unable to come to terms with a fourth R-class ship, our newbuilding ambitions got pushed up. We’re moving on a very, very fast pace with this,’ Oceania spokesman Tim Rubacky said.

Though he would not specify dimensions, Rubacky described the blueprint for the newbuilds – plural – as ‘squarely mid-sized. They will be larger than the current ships,’ he said, adding that accommodations and dining areas will be the main beneficiaries of the extra space. He would not say if the passenger count will exceed 1,000.

Oceania’s fleet consists of three 684-passenger, 30,000gt vessels.

Most – but not all – European yard slots are filled through 2009.

Oceania president and ceo Frank Del Rio is talking with ‘all the major builders in Europe’ but is in ‘advanced discussions with two yards in particular,’ Rubacky said. While he declined to name those two, Aker Finnyards and Fincantieri are believed to be the prime contenders.

Rubacky said numerous options for financing are available to Oceania.

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quote:

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Most – but not all – European yard slots are filled through 2009. Oceania president and ceo Frank Del Rio is talking with ‘all the major builders in Europe’ but is in ‘advanced discussions with two yards in particular,’ Rubacky said. While he declined to name those two, Aker Finnyards and Fincantieri are believed to be the prime contenders.

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With Silversea, easyCruise and possibly Disney to announce where they’ll build their newbuilds it is going to be a mad rush to find the yards with slots before this decade is through. I guess the sooner decisions are made the better. The other consideration is the exchange rates. There is one more yard not in the top four that could accommodate a mid-size vessel and that would be T. Mariotti of Genoa. There is also Fosen in Norway, but I am not sure if they have the slots available.

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I would not say that it is impossible to get a ship of modest size within the next few years.

We do not know how long negotiations are already going on - so a slots might be reserved already for a longer time. Also, a ship of modest size can be squeezed in more easily.

Remeber how Hapag Lloyd came up with the Europa within 18 months. (if I remeber right it was 18 months - hopefully we talk about a ship of comparable size - and hopefully of better designed....) I am sure they planned for much longer - but it seems as if the decision for the yard has been taken 'on short notice' - this is at least what I have 'heard'. (deleivery before 2000 was crucial for Hapag Lloyd - and this could only be done in Helsinki - I wish they would have spent some more time on a proper design- but this is another story ...) Based on this it seems to be possible to get such a ship within a 'short' time.

[ 04-12-2006: Message edited by: Ernst ]

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Beezo wrote:
What about Lloyd Werft in Germany???

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Really weird. I posted about the same time as Ernst and the post never showed up. It just went lost in the ether!!

Anyway, as Ersnt said, they don't build ships from scratch.

******

quote:

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Waynaro wrote:
I hope these newbuilds are in the 40k range with about 750-800 passengers. They better not be just enlarged R-class too!

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I would guess something no bigger than:

LOA: 230m
Breadth: 32.2m
Draft: 7.5m
Gross Tonnage: 50,000

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quote:

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Originally posted by bulbousbow:

Really weird. I posted about the same time as Ernst and the post never showed up. It just went lost in the ether!!

Anyway, as Ersnt said, they don't build ships from scratch.

******

Cheers

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quote:

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Ernst wrote:
...do not forget that there are also other ship yards beside Alsthom, Fincantieri, Aker or Meyer.

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Yes, but how many have the experience, technical know-how and the workforce to build hi-tech cruise ships? Besides the two other yards I mentioned earlier (T. Mariotti and Fosen), who have the pedigree, there could be HDW, but its a yard like many others that knows how to build ferries or large yachts, but they don’t have today’s skills to build mid-size cruise ships with all the trimmings. The only other yard outside of Europe that has shown great skill, is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan. So really, the choice is limited if you want quality.

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as part of the restructuring of parent company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, HDW no longer builds passenger ships.

Best,

quote:

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Originally posted by bulbousbow:

Yes, but how many have the experience, technical know-how and the workforce to build hi-tech cruise ships? Besides the two other yards I mentioned earlier (T. Mariotti and Fosen), who have the pedigree, there could be HDW, but its a yard like many others that knows how to build ferries or large yachts, but they don’t have today’s skills to build mid-size cruise ships with all the trimmings. The only other yard outside of Europe that has shown great skill, is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of Japan. So really, the choice is limited if you want quality.

******

Cheers

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[ 04-13-2006: Message edited by: Cambodge ]