Discover the Arctic - The German Way

Illustration courtesy Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Many North Americans may not be aware of Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, and that's a shame.  Their five-star vessels have been taking hundreds of happy European passengers on exotic, interesting voyages for years now.  Their ships are the only vessels in the world to consistently be awarded five stars or better in the annual Berlitz Guide to Cruise Ships. 

While Hapag-Lloyd caters mainly to German passengers, they also offer a wide list of bilingual cruises geared towards English-speaking travelers as well.  One of those voyages is so unique that Hapag -Lloyd is the only cruise line in the world to offer it.

Departing August 16, 2010 from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, the MS Hanseatic spends the next 26 days traversing the fabled Northwest Passage, ending in Nome, Alaska. 

In 1845, Sir John Franklin attempted the very same thing, with disastrous consequences.  Beset by pack ice and poisoned on a daily basis by putrid and improperly canned foods, much of the crew - minus Franklin himself, who succumbed in June 1847 - managed to survive until the spring of 1848, when they deserted their ships Erebus and Terror and set off for Back River, where they had hoped to raft down until they could reach civilization.  None would make it.

In 2010, however, the 183 lucky guests of the MS Hanseatic will experience a far different, more luxurious journey.  Purpose-built for icebound journeys, the MS Hanseatic offers all the conveniences of a luxury cruise ship, including exceptional service, excellent cuisine and extensive enrichment programs.

Even 165 years after the Franklin expedition set out, the journey will be somewhat similar - the itinerary is heavily subject to change due to the unpredictable nature of ice in the Arctic, and ultimate port decisions rest with the Captain.  One port of interest to history buffs, though, will surely be Beechy Island, were three Franklin expedition crew members were buried in the winter of 1845-46.  Their grave markers still stand on the gravelly shore to this day.

Pricing for this incredibly unique voyage starts at 16,990 Euros per person.  For more information, including full itinerary and pricing as well as MS Hanseatic deck plans, visit Hapag-Lloyd's website. 

Through the Looking Glass

The EOSEAS concept cruise ship. 

Photo-illustration courtesy STX Europe

A few days ago, we told you about the soon-to-be largest ship in the world, Oasis of the Seas.  But STX Europe, the shipyard that built her, has some equally fascinating plans of their own.

Not simply content to build amazing ships for other clients, the team at STX Europe Saint Nazaire spent years researching and developing an eco-friendly concept cruise ship of the future.   Her name?  EOSEAS.

Designed to leave the smallest possible eco-footprint, EOSEAS harnesses both new - and not so new - technologies.  Propulsion is provided by generators and engines that utilize natural gas instead of traditional marine bunker fuel - a type of unrefined sludge that is left over from the gasoline refinement process.  In addition to this, EOSEAS boasts five masts with sails that can harness the wind with their available 12,440 square meters of surface area.

Solar panels assist in providing electrical power for the ship, and also act as a kind of double skin, helping to keep cool air in the ship and hot air outside.  Waste treatment and water recycling programs, already standard on many modern cruise ships, are used to great effect in the EOSEAS prototype. 

Perhaps the most innovative aspect, aside from the re-introduction of sail power after almost a 100-year gap in commercial use, is the hull of the ship itself: EOSEAS is designed around a catamaran-like hull that not only offers greater stability and efficiency, but opens the doors for entirely new passenger experiences - a lounge literally suspended over the sea, for instance.

If built, the EOSEAS would be 1000 feet long, with a width of 196 feet.  This would make her not the longest, but most definitely the widest, cruise ship afloat.  She would carry 3,311 passengers and 1,089 crew for a total compliment of 4,400 souls on board.

Will EOSEAS see the light of day?  Given the current economic situation and the threat of ever-increasing fuel costs, not to mention increased environmental regulations in destinations like Alaska, it's no stretch to imagine that many aspects of EOSEAS will be implemented in newbuilds in years to come.

For more information, visit the EOSEAS page on STX Europe's site.

Unique Itinerary of the Week - 9/27

Illustration courtesy MSC Cruises

It's fall, and that means the Caribbean cruise season is about to get into full swing as ships reposition from Alaska and Europe to call instead in the land of warm, sandy beaches.  Returning once again to the Caribbean from Europe is MSC Cruises, which this year is basing their MSC Poesia out of Fort Lauderdale for a series of Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises.

MSC, a major player in the Mediterranean cruise market, has had a bit of a bumpy ride in their past forays into the winter Caribbean market.  Predominantly American passengers have been turned off by some of MSC's cultural differences - having to pay for a bottle of water after dinner, for instance - and MSC has responded by trying to 'Americanize', as best they can, their North American itineraries.  They're listening.  And they're fine-tuning.  And each year is better than the last.

If you want to experience a unique, European cruise line with truly stunning ships, a close-to-home MSC cruise just might be what the doctor ordered.  Make no mistake about it - this is not the "Olive Garden" - these are real Italian cruise ships.  If you've been to Italy, you're probably already on your way to MSC's website.  If not, prepare yourself for a cruise experience that is different - but just as enjoyable - as the North American lines you are used to.

In keeping with MSC's uniqueness, they offer a truly unique Western Caribbean itinerary - Island Treasures and Ancient Temples.

Departing January 16, 2010, the MSC Poesia sails from Ft. Lauderdale to Key West; Playa Del Carmen, Mexico; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Montego Bay, Jamaica; At Sea; and Nassau, Bahamas before returning to Ft. Lauderdale. 

What's unique about this itinerary?  For starters, the ship bypasses the overrun destination of Cozumel, Mexico altogether - opting instead to anchor off Playa Del Carmen, just across the strait.  Passengers interested in seeing Mayan ruins like Tulum would have to cross via ferry from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen anyway, so MSC's decision to anchor their ship right there saves those passengers about three total hours of travel time.  Playa Del Carmen is also closer to Cancun, which many tourists flock to for a day of shopping and sandy beaches.

Also unique?  Key West.  Popular on many four-and-five day cruises, Key West is noticeably absent from most seven-night cruises - which is too bad, because the city is absolutely beautiful, and of course, the Key Lime pie is not to be missed.

The final unique feature?  Nassau.  Most seven-day Western Caribbean cruises seldom go farther east than Jamaica.  If you've been to Nassau before, this may or may not be a draw for you, but for those who haven't, this unique itinerary allows you to see a remarkable amount of the Caribbean in only a week.

For more information and pricing, visit the MSC Cruises website. 

The Largest Ship In The World

Oasis of the Seas on her sea trials.

Photo courtesy Royal Caribbean

In 45 days, the largest cruise ship ever built will sail into its new homeport of Ft. Lauderdale for the first time, and whether a ship that size is your cup of tea or not, Royal Caribbean undeniably has a major industry event on their hands.

Oasis of the Seas is the latest incarnation of a long history of innovation for Royal Caribbean.  Sovereign of the Seas made waves (no pun intended) in January 1988 as the largest cruise ship ever built at 73,192 GRT - a title that was later claimed by Voyager of the Seas in 1999, Explorer of the Seas in 2000, Navigator of the Seas in 2002, Freedom of the Seas in 2006, and Independence of the Seas in 2008. 

Oasis of the Seas plans to claim that title by a large margin.  The specs are impressive:

Tonnage: 225,000 GRT
Length: 1,181 feet
Beam: 154 feet
Height: 213 feet (above water line)
Draft: 30 feet
Decks: 18 Passenger
Speed: 20.2 knots cruising / 23.8 knots max.
Propulsion: 3 azimuthing electric propulsion pods
Capacity: 5,400 Pax (double occupancy); 7,300 pax (all berths)

To put this in perspective: the ship is longer and wider than the RMS Queen Mary 2, but not taller.  At 148,528 GRT, the QM2 has a deeper draft (33 feet) and greater speed (29.62 knots), and is propelled by 4 azipods.  The ship only hold 2,620 passengers and 1,253 officers and crew.

The major jaw-dropper with Oasis of the Seas is undeniably her capacity: with all third and fourth berths full, the ship holds a whopping 7,300 passengers.  To put that in perspective, that's the entire passenger compliment of the QM2 almost three times over.  And that doesn't include officers or crew.  Remember The Love Boat?  The original Pacific Princess could fit her entire passenger compliment inside Oasis of the Seas eleven and a half times over!

Don't let that get you down though - this is, after all, Royal Caribbean.  They didn't just wake up one morning and say "let's build us a superliner!"  Oasis represents a twenty-year evolution in building bigger and better ships that are executed beautifully.  Careful thought has been given to passenger movement and flow, and activities and public rooms are spread out over a greater number of decks in an effort to reduce crowding.

Speaking of activities and public rooms, picture this: a zip line.  A carousel.  A poolside theatre.  A bar that is also an elevator.   Tying it all together?  An outdoor promenade 'neighborhood.'  Other notable features include four pools and ten whirlpools, dual 'flowriders' that allow you to surf while onboard, two rock climbing walls, a min-golf course, and an adults-ony solarium. 

Staterooms range from standard interior staterooms to dual-level suites, and represent all budgets and tastes. 

Built at a whopping cost of $1.2 billion USD, the Oasis of the Seas represents a number of firsts for the cruise industry and indeed in terms of ship design itself.  Her future sister, Allure of the Seas, is already under construction at the STX shipyards in Turku, Finland. 

There are plenty of exciting newbuilds coming in the next yea, but arguably none will be watched closer by passengers and industry insiders alike than the launch of Oasis of the Seas this December.  Royal Caribbean is on-stage for what could be the greatest magic show in cruising history - now they just have to get the rabbit out of the hat.

Oasis of the Seas will begin a variety of Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises starting this December.  For more information about the ship, her itineraries and innovations, visit the official Oasis of the Seas Website. 

The Oceania Difference

Photo Courtesy Oceania Cruises

Once upon a time, there was Renaissance Cruises.  With a fleet of eight identical sister ships all built between 1998 and 2001 operating popular European and South Pacific itineraries, things looked rosy for Renaissance and its CEO, Frank Del Rio.

Then 9/11 happened.  Demand for travel, particularly international travel, bottomed out.  Renaissance, which had built its business model on selling cruises directly to the customer with no travel agent involvement, suffered heavily.  It ceased operations on September 25, 2001 and its beautiful fleet of ships sold at auction.

But Frank Del Rio was undeterred.  Together with industry vet Joe Watters, they immediately set out to launch a new cruise line and began by chartering back  the former Renaissance R Two from Cruiseinvest, renaming her Insignia.  Oceania Cruises was officially born.

Since then, Oceania has re-acquired a total of three of the former R-class vessels, naming them Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica.  In 2007, the line was acquired by New York based Apollo Management, which has since also bought Regent Seven Seas cruises, and gained controlling interest in NCL.

Shortly after, Oceania announced ambitious plans for a new class of ship to be built at Fincantieri Shipyards near Venice, Italy.  Carrying 1,260 passengers apiece, the twin 66,000 GRT ships are due to launch in September 2010 and July 2011.  The first vessel will be known as Marina.

Marketed as an upper-premium cruise line, Oceania specializes in providing travelers with a refined and casually elegant travel experience.  The onboard experience revolves around outstanding service, first-class culinary delights, and onboard enrichment programs.  In fact, as much emphasis is placed on the unique destinations Oceania sails to as the ships themselves. 

For more information on Oceania, including itineraries and virtual ship tours, visit the Oceania Cruises website.



 

The World Is Cunard's Oyster

Photo courtesy Cunard Line

Cunard has quietly added itineraries for their 2011 World Cruises on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth to their website.  Itineraries for Queen Victoria through March 2011 have been online on Cunard's site for some time now.  Recently released voyages include:

QM2:
Jan 3, 2011 - 10 Night Caribbean Calypso - roundtrip New York
Jan 13, 2011 - 103 Night World Voyage - New York to New York

Queen Elizabeth:
Jan 5, 2011 - 103 Night World Voyage - Southampton to Southampton

It should be noted with excitement that Queen Elizabeth will be performing a tandem transatlantic crossing with sister ship Queen Victoria, both departing Southampton on January 5, 2011 and arriving in New York together.  This will be the first time in decades that two near-identical sister ships have crossed the Atlantic at the same time for Cunard.  This will make these rare winter crossings a truly special experience for all who sail onboard both vessels.

Ports are too numerous on the World Voyages to list in detail here.  For more information, including pricing and booking information, visit the Cunard webpage. 

Cruise Lines vs. Alaska

The 2009 cruise ship season in Vancouver is almost at a close.  The Star Princess, Coral Princess, and Norwegian Pearl are all here today.  All are headed south to the sunshine, sandy beaches, and waving palm trees.

Some are not to return.

Disney announced to great fanfare two weeks ago they would be homeporting Disney Wonder in Vancouver for a series of roundtrip Alaska cruises in the summer of 2011.  But for 2010, the Port of Vancouver faces its bleakest cruise season in years.

Bleak is, of course, a relative term.  Holland America, Princess, and Celebrity are all returning.  Even five-star, ultra-luxe lines Silversea and Regent Seven Seas will be back.

The list of who will not be returning, however, is growing.  NCL, pulling all ships out for the first time since they entered the Alaska market nearly two decades ago.  Norwegian Sun has been sent to the Baltics, and Norwegian Pearl and Star will continue to operate out of Seattle.

Carnival is also pulling out of Vancouver for the first time since the line started Alaska cruises.  The 85,920-ton Carnival Spirit will reposition to Seattle for 2010, offering roundtrip Alaska cruises instead of the North/Southbound runs they've focused on for the last few years.

Royal Caribbean is almost out - Serenade of the Seas, which until now operated 7-Day roundtrips from Vancouver, will be sent full-time to the aqua waters of the Caribbean.  Radiance of the Seas will continue her North/Southbound runs, and Rhapsody will reprise her roundtrip sailings from Vancouver.

Blame for the withdrawal is being placed squarely on the Alaska State Head Tax, a $50 per-passenger surcharge approved by the State of Alaska in 2006.  The issue has become such a hot-button item that he Alaska Cruise Association, representing Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean launched a lawsuite against the State of Alaska, calling the tax "unconstitutional."  The tax collected so far has been used for a variety of infrastructure projects - none of them related, in any way, to improving dock or passenger facilities in Alaskan ports.

Caught in the middle: Vancouver.  The higher cost for American tourists who fly into YVR has been hotly debated on sites like CruiseCritic for years now.  The highly-publicized taxi cab shortage at Canada Place in the past hasn't helped either.

Couple this with the worst recession in decades, and it becomes more clear why lines are pulling out.  The American tourists want somewhere they can fly to cheaply, and the cruise lines listened.  They are, after all, a highly mobile industry; why stay if it doesn't make financial sense?

The Disney announcement served as a bit of a silver lining - a glimmer of hope that 2011 might not see the losses that 2010 has. 

That ultimately rests with the success or failure of the Alaska Passenger Tax.  We'll keep you posted.