New Ships for Princess

Princess Cruises announced yesterday that they have placed an order for two new ships to be built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri.  Weighing in at 141,000 tonnes, when they debut in 2013 and 2014, they will become not only the largest vessels ever built for the line, but will also serve as the company flagships.

Details are still largely under wraps, but both Fincantieri and Princess say that the ships will incorporate a number of popular features, such as the Piazza-style atrium and relaxing Sanctuary first seen onboard Crown Princess.

While Princess states the ships will be evolutionary - loosely implying they will be derivatives of the wildly successful Grand-Class of ships, Fincantieri's press release offered up that in addition to focusing on the known past successes of the line, "an in-depth review has been carried out in order to develop a ship of superior quality."

What does that mean?  Specifically, that all ocean-view cabins will have balconies - eliminating the standard "picture window" oceanview cabin, and offering 80% of the total accommodation with private balconies.  The remainder are - presumably - all inside cabins.

Fincantieri also hints that the wellness centre (spa), dining rooms, and "main hall" will all be enlarged and feature "luxury decor." 

In the end, given the tonnage of the new ships, and the emphasis on enhanced luxury and refinement, it's not hard to picture the newest Princess ships as something resembling the Crown Princess, but QM2-sized.  With a maximum capacity of 3,600 - only roughly 500 more passengers than their largest ship currently supports - Princess has remained committed to its current brand and passenger base, and resisted going the route travelled by NCL and Royal Caribbean's 5,000-plus-passenger leviathans.

More details will be made available by the line at a later date; until then, look forward to some more new and innovative ships from Princess arriving in the next few years.

Unique Itinerary: A Winter Crossing

The classic Transatlantic Crossing.

Illustration courtesy of Cunard Line

When Charles Dickens sailed to America onboard Cunard's Britannia on January 3, 1842, he initially thought his cabin steward was playing a joke on him; surely the small, cramped cabin that stood before him was not to be his home for the next week-and-a-half. 

In fact, it was - Dickens described the cabin as "utterly impracticable, thoroughly hopeless."  Even the act of trying to get his luggage through the stateroom door was no more possible "than a giraffe could be persuaded or forced into a flower pot."  The man who gave the world Oliver Twist and Ebeneezer Scrooge would describe the entire ship with a phrase Cunard probably wouldn't be using in their 1843 brochure: "a gigantic hearse with windows." 

This endorsement coming from a man who lived year-round in the fog and soot-choked confines of nineteenth-century London.  To paint a picture, fifteen years after Dickens' crossing, the stench wafting off of the sewage-soaked Thames would finally become so unbearable that parliament was temporarily abandoned. 

While Dickens' initial voyage to America might not have won him over, one can't help but wonder what his reaction would be if he were shown one of Queen Mary 2's impeccable staterooms.  While the steamer trunk might still be a problem to store, he surely wouldn't think there was any joke about sailing across the ocean at a whopping 25 knots in comfort the great author could only have dreamed of.

Departing January 3, 2012 - one hundred and seventy years to the day Dickens embarked on the Britannia, guests can join Queen Mary 2 for a rare 7-day Eastbound Winter Crossing from New York to Southampton. 

These popular crossings are not for the faint of heart - winter on the mid-Atlantic can be a rough, stormy affair compared to the relatively calmer summer months.  And that's exactly how QM2's winter crossing guests like it.  No ship in the world is better built to withstand all that the rugged North Atlantic can throw at her than this modern maritime marvel.

Prices for this unique voyage start at just $1,359.75 per person for an inside cabin - appropriately named, perhaps, Britannia Class.

For more information, including itinerary, booking information, and extended pricing, be sure to visit Cunard's website.

Princess Reduces Ships in Alaska for 2011

 Pacific Princess, sister to Royal Princess, in Vancouver.

Photo © 2009 Aaron Saunders

Last week, Princess Cruises outlined their itineraries for the 2011 Alaska season, and as expected, that release included the announcement - or, rather the omission - of one ship and itinerary in particular.

There are two reasons why this announcement shouldn't be too shocking.  The dropped itinerary and ship in question was the 14-day Alaska Connoisseur Voyage operated by the smaller Royal Princess.  In 2011, she will be transferred to UK-based P&O Cruises, where she will be re-christened as Adonia (ironically replacing the existing Artemis - which also used to be called Royal Princess.)

The other factor here is the itinerary itself.  As one of the few 14-day Alaska cruises around, the itinerary should have frequently sold out, if only because few lines offer a comparable voyage.  Instead, bookings for the voyage have been tepid, and the line has been offering it at some very attractive prices.  The June 7, 2010 sailing, for example, is currently going for $1758.90 per person in an oceanview cabin - roughly the cost of a 7-day Alaska cruise in a balcony stateroom.

But wait!  Didn't the State of Alaska reduce the head tax?  Shouldn't cruise lines be adding sailings for 2011, not taking them away?

While the State of Alaska did agree to reduce the contentious head tax which was arguably responsible for the drastic reduction in capacity of sailings to that date, cruise lines often set their deployment schedules years in advance, which means 2012 or 2013 are the likeliest years to see more ships start returning to the Alaska run.

If they return at all.

Despite the relatively high operational costs, Europe cruises have exploded in popularity in the last few years, and 2011 stands to be one of the largest seasons for North American lines eager to position their ships "on the continent."  Ironically, only ten years ago, many lines would send one or maybe two ships to Europe in an effort to test the waters.  Compare that with Royal Caribbean, which plans to position a whopping eleven ships in Europe next year.

Canada and New England cruises are now operating earlier than in previous years, effectively extending that short season, and some lines even offer alternating Bermuda and New England sailings, maximizing the number of cruise destinations sailing right from New York.  Some lines - Princess included - also offer jaunts to the Caribbean during the summer months.

Given the multitude of options available to them, the question isn't if Princess can increase sailings to Alaska, but if they will.

A Potentially Epic Year

NCL's forthcoming Norwegian Epic.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

At first sight, the appearance of the newest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet may strike many longtime cruisers and maritime enthusiast as decidedly un-ladylike - particularly considering her name: Norwegian Epic.  Lacking a true promenade deck and sporting two decks of suites towering over her navigation bridge, the ship appears ungainly and top heavy.  More recent rendering show this area sporting blue paint accents instead of the stark white that accompanied earlier images. 

Further aft, her designers chose a pair of thin, swept back funnels placed alongside each other and resting atop a blue superstructure block.  Immediately ahead of them, multicolored waterslides wind and weave over the top deck.

The lack of open public deck space is immediately apparent.  The views from the uppermost pool deck seem obstructed by large, glass windows instead of lower, waist-high railings. The top of Norwegian Epic's "crown",near the radar mast, will almost certainly be exclusive to suite guests only, and the small forward viewing balconies below the navigation bridge may or may not be available for public access.  Forget about strolling along the promenade deck for views; NCL's lifeboats rest on this level, obscuring the ocean from sight.

Without her top-heavy superstructure or odd funnels, she would resemble the Norwegian Gem and MSC's MSC Fantasia merged together.  However, the end result looks more like her designers split a case of beer, snuck into the yards at STX Europe armed with a welder's torch and made off with bits and pieces of other ships already under construction.

In stark contrast, her interiors are decidedly exciting, different, and some of the most downright well-designed and potentially innovative spaces afloat.

The (very) cozy Studio Staterooms onboard Epic.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

The biggest innovations start at the staterooms level, where NCL has pulled out all the stops to not only offer more accommodation choices than ever before, but to also challenge the idea of what exactly constitutes a 'stateroom.'

Ambient lighting, dark woods, bright furnishings, and curved stateroom walls create a living space unlike any other ship at sea - or even many land-based hotels, for that matter.

As with most ships, strong emphasis is placed on a wide variety of suites incorporating a variety of perks and comforts that are virtually unrivaled.  NCL turned heads in 2001 with the introduction of the Norwegian Star, which boasted sumptuous Garden Suites so large they even include their own baby grand piano and private entrance.  Priced in the $20,000 per person region for most seven-day cruises, perhaps the most surprising aspect of these suites is that they sell out regularly - which may explain why a quick look at the suite designators on the Norwegian Epic's deckplan tend to more closely resemble a schematic.

Spa Suites onboard Norwegian Epic.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

NCL also focused its creative energies on an unlikely source: new staterooms for those who care less about space and more about price.  Naturally, this is also in the line's best interests - smaller staterooms take up less space and allow the overall capacity of the vessel to increase exponentially.  NCL could have just added small inside staterooms and priced them accordingly, but instead they chose to re-invent the wheel, with particularly exciting results.

The new Studio Staterooms are small inside cabins designed for two passengers.  They feature a porthole window looking out into the corridor (with blinds, of course), as well as funky ambient lighting and a clean, European look and feel.  Because of the small size of the staterooms - barely over 100 square feet - the sink and shower facilities are located within the living space of the cabin itself.  Only the toilet is separated by its own door.

At first, passengers might balk at the small size and mid-range price compared to standard inside rooms.  But, like the suites high atop the ship, there is an element of exclusivity to this new type of stateroom - it's new, it's different, and for those who are only truly in their cabin to sleep and change clothing, this may truly rival the much higher-priced suites in terms of popularity.  To sweeten the deal, guests staying in Studio Suites have access to their very own private lounge - one that not even the suite passengers have access to.  A smart move on NCL's part to woo cruisers concerned about the size of the room.

Fine dining at Cagney's.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Of course, all of this is a gamble - curved walls have never been done before, and could pose some teething problems as far as things like electrical and plumbing are concerned, or how they will withstand a few hundred voyages worth of luggage being bashed into them.

All of this innovation comes with a steep price.  Last minute design changes by stakeholder Apollo Management resulted in substantially higher costs and ultimately led to a dispute between STX Europe and NCL and the eventual cancellation of her unnamed sister ship.  This means, currently, Norwegian Epic is a one-off; the only vessel in her class.  Reading between the lines, it also indicates that a sister ship would have been absurdly cost-prohibitive to build - a potential sign major design changes were planned for Hull D33, as the dispute itself concerned Norwegian Epic - then known as Hull C33.

Is this a ship?  The AquaPark on the upper deck.

Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Much like Royal Caribbean did with Oasis of the Seas, but on a larger scale since NCL's chequebook doesn't reach quite as deeply, Norwegian Epic will be true all-or-nothing gamble when she debuts this July.  If passengers take to her, it could be the best move they made since the introduction of the Norwegian Sky in 1999 and the line's foray into Freestyle Cruising in 2001.

Are we lukewarm on Epic?  A little.  She's an oceangoing enigma for us: a bizarre and unappealing exterior design coupled with what could be some of the most innovative, beautiful, and downright strange public rooms afloat, but relegated to running a ho-hum collection of Caribbean itineraries - much like Oasis of the Seas.  The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding.

This is the moment the last eleven years have been building up to for NCL - the biggest launch in the history of the line.  The curtain will be raised on Norwegian Epic when she sails into New York City at the start of July for a Fourth of July extravaganza.

For more information on Norwegian Epic, be sure to visit NCL's website.

Need a Laugh?

John Heald, Carnival's Senior Cruise Director

and author of the "Blog Thingy".

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line.

A quick scan of the today's headlines is enough to make even the most happy-go-lucky person reach for a stiff drink.  At the turn of the century, an "ocean voyage" was prescribed for everything from stress to the common cold - the thinking was that the stiff ocean breeze and soft rolling of the ship were the perfect antidote to the problems of the time.

While your doctor probably won't be prescribing a long cruise for you anytime soon, Carnival may have just the antidote: the fourth annual Blogger's Cruise with Senior Cruise Director John Heald.

Already one of the line's most respected cruise directors, John Heald reached international fame with the debut of his "Blog Thingy" in 2007, often detailing with startling wit and remarkable honesty the ups and downs of working behind the scenes on some of Carnival's best ships.  Since its inception, over 6.3 million visitors have read the thoughts, jokes, and ramblings of this talented man.

Well written and outrageously entertaining (it's hard not to sit and read the thing for hours), the blog is also noted for the strong connection that has developed among readers and their writer - so much so, that avid readers were invited to sign up for a special Blogger's Cruise, hosted by John.  The event was such a success that it's now an annual occurrence.

Departing February 27, 2011 onboard the Carnival Glory, this seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyage offers the chance to not only visit a number of spectacular Caribbean ports, but also the opportunity to interact with him and participate in a host of exclusive events and activities throughout the week.

 Carnival Glory at Sea.

Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Topping it off is the Carnival Glory, an amazing ship boasting 22 bars and lounges, a 14,500 sq. foot spa, and a 270-foot LED screen displaying movies and other programming high up on the ships Lido Deck.  

Now that sounds like an escape!

For more information on the 4th Annual Bloggers Cruise, visit the itinerary page at Carnival's website.

And of course, if you've never heard of John Heald or his "Blog Thingy", be sure to make your way over to his blog - and be prepared to laugh, learn, and appreciate the time it must take out of his schedule to write this for the enjoyment of so many people.

Plug n' Cruise

Holland America's Zaandam in Vancouver on April 27th.

Photo ©2010 Aaron Saunders

The arrival of Holland America Line's Amsterdam and Zaandam at Canada Place on Sunday and Tuesday respectively, marked the start of the 2010 Alaska Cruise season in Vancouver.  But the port didn't sit idly by during the cool winter months - in fact, it took the opportunity to give itself an advantage few ports have: full shoreside power capabilities.

Boasting one hookup at each of the three berths at Canada Place, the new shoreside power hookups represent a $9-million dollar investment by the Government of Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, BC Hydro, and Port Metro Vancouver.

One of three new shoreside power hookups at Canada Place.

Photo ©2010 Aaron Saunders

By plugging into the shoreside power, ships are able to turn off their diesel engines and continue to run hotel operations off of the electrical power provided at the pier.  It is estimated that this is expected to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 3,000 tonnes per year.

The first power unit was installed on the East berth of Canada Place in 2009.  The remaining outlets were installed on the North and West berths just a few weeks ago, in time for the start of the 2010 Alaska cruise season.

Port Metro Vancouver - which, until recently, was better known as the Port of Vancouver, states that while the city is expected to loose some 200,000-plus passengers and just under 80 sailings compared with last year, next year's arrival of Disney Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises - both of which are newcomers to Alaska and Vancouver - plus the return of Crystal Cruises, absent since 2005, bode well for the future of the port.

Expect the shoreside power features to be heavily promoted in June, when the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) holds its cruise3sixty 2010 convention in Vancouver, marking the first time the event has taken place outside of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  

For more information on Port Metro Vancouver, be sure to visit the organization's website, which includes a calendar of cruise ship calls at Canada Place between now and October 2010.

Fueling Debate

Guests onboard Fred.Olsen's Balmoral.

Photo © 2009 Aaron Saunders 

Anyone who set foot on a cruise ship in 2008 remembers two words that stuck fear into their hearts: fuel surcharge.  With the price of crude oil hitting record highs, lines were forced to being charging a per-passenger, per-day fee in order to recoup some of their expenses.  While these fuel surcharges were capped at a maximum rate (especially important for people on longer voyages), it was still more money out of passenger's pockets.

Despite the fact that lines suspended the fuel surcharge in early 2009 in response to retreating prices, they have retained the ability to re-instate the surcharge at any time should the price of oil exceed a certain amount - commonly $75 per barrel on the NYMEX.  The price has passed that point for some time now, but so far, the cruise lines have resisted reinstating the charge, preferring to cut costs by reducing overall vessel speed and eleminating or reducing itineraries requiring large cruising distances between ports.

On April 23rd, however, UK-based Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines became the first line other than Disney Cruise Line to re-instate their fuel surcharge

Beginning with new bookings made on or after May 5th, the line will tack on £3 per person, per day, up to a maximum of £60 per person, per cruise, for the first two guests.   Additional guests sharing the same stateroom will be charged £1.50 per person, per day, to a maximum of £30 per person, per cruise.

The line also noted that should the price of Brent Crude fall below £45 per barrel, averaged in the month prior to departure, the surcharge would be refunded to guests in the form of an onboard credit.  Give that the price of Brent Crude closed a touch over £56 per barrel, it seems unlikely - but not unheard of - that the surcharge will be recalled anytime soon.

While not great news for Fred.Olsen passengers, they can count themselves lucky one one point: they were paying more back in 2008 than they are under the new fuel surcharge.  On May 1, 2008 - almost two years ago to the day - Fred. Olsen announced their fuel surcharge would be £3.50 per guest, per day, to a maximum of £70 per guest, per cruise. 

At this point in time, no other lines have announced similar plans - though as is usually the case, once one card falls, the rest of the house can't be far behind.

We will keep you updated on this as more information becomes available.  In the meantime, our best advice for cruisers is to plan and budget for a possible fuel surcharge to be added to their bookings, and be glad when it doesn't happen.