They are getting the Celebration next year. Will there be any significant refit done?

Also, when is it expected that Holiday or perhaps also Pacific Sun will go to Ibero Cruceros?

[ 12-26-2007: Message edited by: Corey H. ]

Iberocruceros is a new joint-venture between Carnival Corporation & plc (holding 75% through its Società di Crociere Mercurio unit) and Orizonia Corporacion (holding 25%), owners of Iberojet Cruceros.

Given that competition from Royal Caribbean Cruises (i.e. Pullmantur Cruises) is pretty stiff in Spain, I guess it won't be long until we see "Holiday" moving to Iberocruceros, as well. As for "Pacific Sun", I guess she is going to stay with P&O Cruises Australia for now, i.e. as least until that brand gets another ship.

What's interesting is that P&O Cruises has sold "Pacific Star" (ex "Tropicale") to Pullmantur Cruises so that "Grand Celebration" and "Pacific Star" (to be renamed "Ocean Dream") will be direct competitors operating from Barcelona, next summer.

Best,

quote:

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Originally posted by Waynaro:

I have a feeling HOLIDAY will be sold off.

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Is there someone who had sail on her recently (David if I remember correctly) ? What is the current condition of her hardware ? Would she be suitable for another line ?

[ 12-26-2007: Message edited by: Pascal ]

quote:

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Originally posted by Waynaro:
He heard that Carnival tried to transfer HOLIDAY to Iberojet, but they refused to take her, thus CELEBRATION going there.

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quote:

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Originally posted by dougnewman:
Interesting. Did he say why he thought Iberocruceros wouldn't take her?

I know Carnival was very keen to get rid of PACIFIC STAR with her well-known mechanical troubles, but I hadn't heard anything especially bad about HOLIDAY.

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I spoke with a friend of the company who has worked on the Holiday for a long contract previously, and is a in a high position onboard ships, and I was informed that the reason why the Holiday has not been sold to Ibero Cruceros is because of her condition.

Holiday as we all know has seen better days, her plumbing is very problematic, and paired with general wear and tear, and probably not the best upkept.

I was told that when Ibero Cruceros came onboard both the Holiday and Celebration, they refused to purchase the Holiday because of this.

quote:

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Originally posted by mike sa:
I am not sure how long Artemis will last with P&O, perhaps she would be a good candidate for them.

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Mike,

I visited "Artemis" two weeks ago and I must say I was deeply impressed by her. She would be a wonderful addition to Phoenix Reisen's fleet given "Maxim Gorkiy's" removal from service next fall.

Best,

BUT these have been going on for a few months. The next one will join in 2009. I might know it first.

quote:

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Originally posted by Iberian Cruiser:
At the moment, no definite decission has been take about which ship will join. Rumours say rightnow that Costa Victoria could join the fleet.

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Costa Victoria would be a nice one though.

Of course this brings up the question of whether CELEBRATION is in much better shape, and if so why one ship was allowed to deteriorate and the other not... Such are the mysteries of life .

Pascal - It is quite possible that the JV agreement between Carnival and Iberojet requires Iberojet's approval for certain things e.g. changes in the fleet. I have no idea if this is the case but it would hardly be unprecedented if it were.

Raoul - Was your visit to ARTEMIS before or after her recent refit?

I still haven't been able to find out just what was done to her. Rumors were that it might be quite substantial but the P&O web site does not indicate so.

Most people who I have spoken to who have been on her as a P&O ship have been disappointed so it is refreshing to hear something positive.

Pam - I know little about the Spanish market but if Iberojet was differentiated by having newer/better ships than Pullmantur, the addition of CELEBRATION might undermine that.

[ 12-28-2007: Message edited by: Corey H. ]

Happy New Year to all.

As it was my very first time onboard her, I can only rely on what our guide onboard told us. The one thing that was completely rebuilt is the Horizon Lounge, while most other changes have apparently not been particularly spectacular. A handful of staterooms were added, including two superb balcony cabins on A Deck.

The ship's general condition was excellent from what I was able to see. IMHO the astroturf around the Riviera Pool should have been replaced but other than that sing of wear were minimal. I was surprised that it is still so obvious (particularly through the carpets) that she used to be a Princess ship.

IMHO she would be a superb addition to the Phoenix fleet and I understand that did take a look at her so maybe there's hope.

Best,

Raoul

PS: I do agree with you about the funnel, Mike. It looks terrible.

[ 12-28-2007: Message edited by: r.fiebig ]