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I think that should not be the case. What do you think?
If the cruise lines want to have the capability to visit more ports, maybe, just maybe I can see it, but to me, the stops are secondary. Ship comfort and just being on the ocean is my primary concern.
However, you are right, many of the new build cruise ships, such as Millenium, will be able to achieve 24 knots, opposed to 18 or so, which used to be pretty common.
Ascendancy (maybe) represents one type of cruise passenger, who wants a relaxing vacation and the ports of call may be a secondary consideration? Some such passengers enjoy the luxuries of the ship and may not even disembark in the ports!
However, cruising is now also appealing to a more adventurous traveller. I choose a cruise because of the ports of call. I do not enjoy too many days at sea. Many cruise passengers are now looking for 'Soft Adventure' rather than to siting around the ships pool, drinking cocktails for a week.
On a final note, the cruise industry will always cater for a range of tastes. If you want to visit Caribbean palm trees on a mega-ship, cross the Atlantic on a traditional liner, or a have 'port per day' adventure - their will be an itinerary to satisfy you. After all, we are all different.
[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 06-26-2000).]
I forgot to mention the point that excursions are very lucrative for the cruise lines. The more ports, the more excursions that can be sold.
By the way, on the Carnival Triumph, I noticed that the entrance and exit of the photo gallery had video cameras everywhere so people would be less likely to steal their own photos which are on display. I thought that was cleaver, but also it goes to show one type of cruise passenger that may be more prevelant aboard a Carnival Cruise. It's sad that the cruise line has to resort to these tactics, and seemingly treat their passengers like children.
I remember being told on a tour of the QE2 that the Casino was the most profitable aspect of the ship. No wonder the Casinos are getting bigger. On the Mercury you could place a bet from your cabin using the interactive TV.
On the subject of photographs - I think people would be less inclined to steal them if they were more resonably priced. The sad thing is that if you don't buy them, they throw them away - which shows you how cheap they really are to produce. I would argue that many of the cruise lines are performing daylight robbery!
[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 06-05-2000).]
The other speed machine is the Hovercraft. The SRN 4 - the worlds biggest. The SRN4, which carries up to 60 cars and 418 passengers from Dover to Calais (France) every hour, at speeds of up to 65 Knots.
The 'Hoverport' is very near Dover Cruise Terminal, so if you are cruising from Dover you will probably see one of the twin SRN4's in action!
P&O's new Oriana
Oriana (1995) was the first vessel specifically built for UK Cruising. The British cruising public have different preferences to their transatlanticcounterparts. For example, they preferred more smaller and intimate public rooms to those from North America.
The Canberra had been a very popular ship with the UK market and psychologically Oriana was built to slightly resemble her., so customers could transfer there allegiances with ease. For example: the white hull and superstructure, the inset of the lifeboats and the single funnel - fashioned to give an impression of a merged of two merged funnels, all gave a semblance of the Canberra.
Oriana has a service speed of 24 knots(rather than 18-20) allowing here to sail from Southampton and get to the Mediterranean (a popular destination for the UK market) and back with the traditional British 14 to 16 day holiday period.
(Edited text from the book 'Development and Growth of the Cruise Industry')
The World's fastest Cruise ship, since the QE2 (if she is a cruise ship?) has her maiden sailing in July 2000.
The Olympic Voyager (Royal Olympic Cruises) will have a top speed of 27 Knots. She looks like an attractive ship to my eye. This web site has an excellent feature and a much better picture of her in the 'Ship Profile' section, under Royal Olympic Cruises.
Joe at TravelPage.com
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