With the launch next year of a new contender for the title of world’s biggest cruise ship, the question arises: just how big can a passenger vessel be?
Royal Caribbean, which already has more megaships than any other company, is gearing up to launch Symphony of the Seas, and its vital statistics are incredible.
There is one area where the hospitality industry has struggled (or is unwilling) to keep up and be competitive: the provision of internet services.
It is ridiculous in this day and age that some hotels, airlines and cruise ships offer near-extortionate prices for internet access (which, according to the United Nations, is a basic human right, no less).
Kusadasi is a city on the western Aegean coast of Turkey, perhaps best known to tourists as the gateway to the remarkable Roman ruins at Ephesus.
Sadly, a lot of cruise ships have stopped calling at Turkish ports following political unrest in that country. Hopefully the delights of the city, with its winding passages and interesting shops will be available to travellers again soon.
Tipping is a way of life in some parts of the world, and something to be avoided in other places. Travellers soon learn whether they need to tip or not.
But it’s on the high seas where things get confusing. Cruise holidays bring together passengers from all parts of the world, and there is often no consensus about how much, or even whether, they should tip.
I wouldn’t normally write about a press release announcing that a cruise line, or other travel company, had won some kind of award or distinction.
However, this is different. Holland America Line has announced that its ms Eurodam has registered a particular achievement for the 11th consecutive time. And that should interest everyone who has ever cruised, or has ever contemplated a cruise holiday.
The interior stateroom I had on my most recent cruise could fit at least four times into the apartment I currently call home. But in many ways, the apartment is smaller.
That’s despite the fact that the windowless cabin barely had enough room for a double bed and a desk, and had a bathroom in which one, even if so cruelly inclined, could not swing a cat.
I love to cruise. I’ve averaged three cruises a year for the past four years, and I’ve been to some fabulous places on some wonderful ships.
But, as with all experiences in life, things don’t always go smoothly. So, here I’m listing some of the things I wish were different about cruise ships in general and about experiences that I’ve had in particular.
I once wanted to work on a cruise ship; part of me still does. What’s not to like about working on board a ship; to get paid to see the world, with accommodation, food and drinks thrown in?
Well, there are quite a few things to think about if you are considering taking the leap into the world of hospitality and entertainment on the high seas.
I’ve a lot more to say about my cruise on Vision of the Seas, and on cruises in general, and I’ll be posting it over the next few days.
In the meantime, here are some images from the Abu Dhabi to Dubai leg of the cruise.
One of my favourite activities onboard a cruise ship is the question-and-answer session with the captain and senior officers. Not every cruise line does it, but Royal Caribbean does on at least some of its ships, and it’s called Captain’s Corner.
On my cruise aboard Vision of the Seas, I learned — or was reminded of — quite a few “fun facts” about that particular ship and cruising in general in a session hosted by Captain Marek Slaby.
I broke one of my own rules. I decided this time that I would not spend money while at sea when I’m cruising.
The idea was to pay for everything in advance — and get the applicable discouts — then pretend to be having a free holiday (Hey, it works for me. I certainly got a good deal on the internet, paying about $5 a day less than I would had I bought it on board).
But I found one thing I couldn’t resist. Well, two actually.
Updated: March 1, 2017
Still light on words, but big on pictures. Here are some photos taken on board Vision of the Seas during my cruise.
I’ve no time (or inclination) to write too much right now, except to say that the Vision of the Seas has arrived in Khasab, Oman.
Here are some pictures I took this morning of the coastline of Oman, and Khasab port, around the ship and of a fire drill being held onboard.
Updated
I’ve just boarded the Vision of the Seas. I’ll be blogging the trip and posting on Twitter and Instagram. Links are on this page.
Boarding was a dream. I barely waited to do the formalities and then walked right on to the ship.
Frequent cruise passengers will know the frustration of losing their plastic keycard, or leaving it in their cabin. Replacing it often involves a hassle, both for the customer and the crew member who has to sort out the problem.
So it’s no surprise that cruise companies are looking at different ways of giving customers access to their cabins, pay their bills and access their onboard offerings. Continue reading It’s all in the wrist
In cruising circles, it’s often assumed that bigger is better. A large ship means more amenities: from shops to water slides, bars to dodgem cars.
And in many cases it’s true. The mega ships often have a lot more when it comes to onboard distractions, including signature restaurants and popular Broadway shows.
Regular cruise-ship passengers, like frequent flyers, often dread the safety demonstration. Maybe they hope that something interesting will happen to spice up a dull first-day routine.
If the 2,515 passengers onboard the Majesty of the Seas on Monday thought this way, then they got more than they bargained for.
It’s 10 days until I board the Vision of the Seas in Dubai for my week-long Arabian Gulf adventure.
As I write, I have completed all the formalities I need to rock up to Port Rashid and board the vessel. As long as I remember a few things …
I love cruise holidays and I hope to take many, many more of them. I want to experience all types of ships, and all types of itineraries. You name it, I’m up for it.
Except there is one type of cruise I won’t be taking. Ever. And I’m not just saying that out of self interest.
