Royal Princess has reported she lost power in the Med!

[JimmyVWine]

Good points, but if they outright cancel it, they'll obviously have to give full refunds, and pay for transportation home, or to Venice. For arguments sake, let's say repairs take a week. So the ship is ready on October 1st. What does it do for the days between then and the board date in Venice? Just deadheads over there and sits until it's time to board the TA? If I were management at Princess I'd offer those booked on the 12 day an 8 day cruise, modify the itinerary, and give a partial refund to those who want to go. For those who wanted 12 days or nothing, do whatever they'd do if they outright cancel.

A fair assessment. I don't begin to understand the economics of a situation like this (other than that CNBC story about NCL where the rep commented that if the cruise line cannot make money from onboard sales of "extras" and casino losses, the ship sails at a deficit), but I would think that the cruise line would do whichever nets it the most money (or loses them the least money, as it were). A half-full ship of people who have been given a significant discount may end up costing the cruise line more than sending everyone home. I just have no idea.

[Shogun]

Hi All

 

There is another reason to sail a part cruise with a full load of passengers and that is to stress test the ship

 

Yours Shogun

 

 

 

 

 

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Forums mobile app

[nycruise]

I think there was a shipyard fire that seriously damaged the nearly-completed Diamond. The not-so-nearly completed Sapphire was then renamed Diamond and took the first ship's place; the damaged original Diamond was renamed Sapphire and completed later.

 

Obviously I don't know if that's why Mitsubishi Heavy Industries haven't won any other cruise ship orders, but it's a possibility. Or, of course, perhaps they just decided to not compete in that market.

 

You are right about the shipyard fire and the re-naming. I will say though that the Sapphire is probably our favorite ship of all we've sailed. Planning on sailing the Royal out of Ft. Lauderdale.

[TorontoTL]

I hope all the passengers on the next cruise on the Royal enjoy their time and that everything is back to normal on board. Fingers crossed for you.

[JimmyVWine]

Hi All

 

There is another reason to sail a part cruise with a full load of passengers...

True. But I just don't think that it is possible. There is no way to get a full load of passengers on a reconfigured cruise. A good many will cancel and rebook. Especially if they are given a full refund PLUS some additional incentive like some amount of FCC (which seems to be the norm nowadays.)

[Loonbeam]

Similar routine, those in passenger facing tasks are assigned to other suties like extra cleaning, training etc. Entertainers may do extra practice.

 

One thing that may change is food. Perishables that cannot be used at the expected next sailing may be used by the kitchen in creative ways to vary up the crew meals..

 

 

 

The dress code is usually relaxed though, especially if outside your normal duty area.

 

QUESTION: (Appropos of nothing, except curiosity)...When a ship moves from one port to another without passengers as Royal will do from Naples to Barcelona, do the crew members get to live it up like passengers and spread out to sleep in suites and cabins, eat in the dining rooms and hang out in the lounges? Or is it life as usual for them?

[Astro Flyer]

Good points, but if they outright cancel it, they'll obviously have to give full refunds, and pay for transportation home, or to Venice. For arguments sake, let's say repairs take a week. So the ship is ready on October 1st. What does it do for the days between then and the board date in Venice? Just deadheads over there and sits until it's time to board the TA? If I were management at Princess I'd offer those booked on the 12 day an 8 day cruise, modify the itinerary, and give a partial refund to those who want to go. For those who wanted 12 days or nothing, do whatever they'd do if they outright cancel.

I think this could be a solution if the ship needs to remain longer in Barcelona for repairs. It appears that there is sufficient power to care for passengers so a couple of "overnights" for those embarking on Friday wouldn't be too bad. That would result in missing some ports but for those on the b2b some ports are repeated on the TA. For those only on the 12 day Med who wouldn't want to cruise missing any ports give them the option to cancel & get a refund & future cruise discount.

 

All of these "what if" scenarios solutions are probably still in the planning stages & hopefully the Royal will be fully repaired. Fortunately there is the 12 day cruise to evaluate her seaworthiness before the TA which we are booked on. Hopefully everything works out for all involved & I have confidence that Princess is working hard to not affect more passengers & to safely accommodate everyone.

 

Hopefully this afternoon's update will have good news! :)

[bulldog on water]

First let me say I feel for those scheduled to sail this Friday, I hope it all works out, but don't relish the angst you are going through....

Now for the Opportunity...

Those of you who are not shareholders yet, now would be a good time to look at buying the stock. Price drops with bad news but the future is bright because we will all be cruising again!

[beg3yrs]

Now for the Opportunity...

Those of you who are not shareholders yet, now would be a good time to look at buying the stock. Price drops with bad news but the future is bright because we will all be cruising again!

 

Bulldog is giving good advice. CCL is down $2.58 USD at the time of this posting. Mostly because of bad financials reported today, not so much because of the problem on the Royal.

[Ethel5]

I think there was a shipyard fire that seriously damaged the nearly-completed Diamond. The not-so-nearly completed Sapphire was then renamed Diamond and took the first ship's place; the damaged original Diamond was renamed Sapphire and completed later.

 

Obviously I don't know if that's why Mitsubishi Heavy Industries haven't won any other cruise ship orders, but it's a possibility. Or, of course, perhaps they just decided to not compete in that market.

 

I had a conversation with an engineer on one of the Princess ships about Princess going back to Fincantieri Shipyards. This took place after the fire on the original Diamond. His answer was "The devil you know is better than the devil you don't know."

[IECalCruiser]

We were on the Star Princess in 2010 when the Chilean Earthquake stuck. Not a problem with the Star but rather that the Santiago airport was closed down and the only working port in Valparaiso was shared by the Star and all ships needing to unload cargo. The next cruise departure was delayed by 2 days and the two tender ports were skipped. Passengers received a partial cruise credit and future cruise discount. Similar modifications were done to ltineraries as a result of hurricane Sandy. People who cruise need to be prepared for and accept the unexpected because sometimes it happens.

 

Our TA has passengers on the current cruise and the next cruise. The couple on the current cruise appear happy with the way Princess is handling the issue. It also appears that the next cruise is anticipated to leave as planned. If a few more days are required for repairs in Barcelona, they may do the same as on the cruises above.

[Northender]

I think this could be a solution if the ship needs to remain longer in Barcelona for repairs. It appears that there is sufficient power to care for passengers so a couple of "overnights" for those embarking on Friday wouldn't be too bad. That would result in missing some ports but for those on the b2b some ports are repeated on the TA. For those only on the 12 day Med who wouldn't want to cruise missing any ports give them the option to cancel & get a refund & future cruise discount.

 

All of these "what if" scenarios solutions are probably still in the planning stages & hopefully the Royal will be fully repaired. Fortunately there is the 12 day cruise to evaluate her seaworthiness before the TA which we are booked on. Hopefully everything works out for all involved & I have confidence that Princess is working hard to not affect more passengers & to safely accommodate everyone.

 

Hopefully this afternoon's update will have good news! :)

 

At what point tho, does Princess become responsible for you? Some folks are on their way or already there. If they cancel the cruise before the cruisers can board on the 27th, do you think they are one their own as far as airfare and hotels are concerned? :confused: Also, would Princess pay for their airfare back if it is cancelled ahead of time.

 

We do have insurance for our voyage starting on the 9th. But like Julia, I think we will still go. This will be a discussion at dinner time tonight. Obviously we will get our money back for the cruise, so traveling around Italy on a land vacation could be a good substitute. We are going with friends who are using all their vacation time for this cruise, so I am hoping we get to board on the 9th.:):)

 

Like you, this afternoon's update will be good news.:)

[Woobstr112G]

At what point tho, does Princess become responsible for you? Some folks are on their way or already there. If they cancel the cruise before the cruisers can board on the 27th, do you think they are one their own as far as airfare and hotels are concerned? :confused: Also, would Princess pay for their airfare back if it is cancelled ahead of time.

 

We do have insurance for our voyage starting on the 9th. But like Julia, I think we will still go. This will be a discussion at dinner time tonight. Obviously we will get our money back for the cruise, so traveling around Italy on a land vacation could be a good substitute. We are going with friends who are using all their vacation time for this cruise, so I am hoping we get to board on the 9th.:):)

 

Like you, this afternoon's update will be good news.:)

 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed as well it will be good news.....:)

 

Bob

[Coral]

I had a conversation with an engineer on one of the Princess ships about Princess going back to Fincantieri Shipyards. This took place after the fire on the original Diamond. His answer was "The devil you know is better than the devil you don't know."

 

It is my understanding that Princess went back to Fincantieri Shipyards because Carnival Corp wanted to standardize on one shipyard and to get quantity discounts when purchasing ships. Several ships share a similar hull and this made it easier for Carnival Corp to make a ship for Princess and P&O or HAL and Carnival. The Captains I spoke to really like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the quality of the ships they build but they are more difficult to schedule around due to their other projects. For both of these reasons, Fincantieri Shipyards is the shipyard of choice of Carnival Corp.

[beg3yrs]

At what point tho, does Princess become responsible for you? Some folks are on their way or already there. If they cancel the cruise before the cruisers can board on the 27th, do you think they are one their own as far as airfare and hotels are concerned? :confused: Also, would Princess pay for their airfare back if it is cancelled ahead of time.

 

We do have insurance for our voyage starting on the 9th. But like Julia, I think we will still go. This will be a discussion at dinner time tonight. Obviously we will get our money back for the cruise, so traveling around Italy on a land vacation could be a good substitute. We are going with friends who are using all their vacation time for this cruise, so I am hoping we get to board on the 9th.:):)

 

Like you, this afternoon's update will be good news.:)

 

If you read the very recent thread regarding the last minute cancellation of the Sun Princess' cruise you'll find the answers to many of your questions.

[Pia1913]

Pia,

 

See from one of your earlier posts that Tony Draper is captain. Is he back from his break (he was captain of our July 17 voyage and then turned it over to Dino at end of our voyage).I thought Dino Sagani was captain now.

 

Dino Sagani is a relief captain, so I assumed Tony Draper had returned. If not, we'll find out shortly.

[Kenswing]

Those of you who are not shareholders yet, now would be a good time to look at buying the stock. Price drops with bad news but the future is bright because we will all be cruising again!

The stock didn't drop over 2 points today because of bad news from the Royal it dropped because of a crummy earnings report..

 

It might be good time to buy either way though..

[Astro Flyer]

At what point tho, does Princess become responsible for you? Some folks are on their way or already there. If they cancel the cruise before the cruisers can board on the 27th, do you think they are one their own as far as airfare and hotels are concerned? :confused: Also, would Princess pay for their airfare back if it is cancelled ahead of time.

 

We do have insurance for our voyage starting on the 9th. But like Julia, I think we will still go. This will be a discussion at dinner time tonight. Obviously we will get our money back for the cruise, so traveling around Italy on a land vacation could be a good substitute. We are going with friends who are using all their vacation time for this cruise, so I am hoping we get to board on the 9th.:):)

 

Like you, this afternoon's update will be good news.:)

I have similar questions & thoughts and arriving in Italy a week before embarking the TA with you I may not know the status of our cruise until we're already in Italy.

 

There are many questions & decisions about what to do & we're remaining optimistic but also being realistic about the possibilities.

[joysea]

Good points, but if they outright cancel it, they'll obviously have to give full refunds, and pay for transportation home, or to Venice. For arguments sake, let's say repairs take a week. So the ship is ready on October 1st. What does it do for the days between then and the board date in Venice? Just deadheads over there and sits until it's time to board the TA? If I were management at Princess I'd offer those booked on the 12 day an 8 day cruise, modify the itinerary, and give a partial refund to those who want to go. For those who wanted 12 days or nothing, do whatever they'd do if they outright cancel.

Love your idea of a shorter cruise rather than a cancelled cruise, especially as we are

B2B (27 Sep thru TA cruise). Heck, if the ship is functional but not moveable I would even stay onboard in the harbor till the TA if necessary.

[StLouisCruisers]

Love your idea of a shorter cruise rather than a cancelled cruise, especially as we are

B2B (27 Sep thru TA cruise). Heck, if the ship is functional but not moveable I would even stay onboard in the harbor till the TA if necessary.

 

Since the TA starts in Venice, I would hope they'd move the ship there for us.;) A little further than the harbor (Barcelona).

[Pia1913]

Love your idea of a shorter cruise rather than a cancelled cruise, especially as we are

B2B (27 Sep thru TA cruise). Heck, if the ship is functional but not moveable I would even stay onboard in the harbor till the TA if necessary.

 

Me too. :D We know the ship has to get to Florida, when it leaves Barcelona is another story. I'm not the least bit stressed. I'm packed and ready to fly out tomorrow.

[Mikeyto]

Princess has said the Royal will sail on schedule Friday night from Barcelona. Required repairs have been assessed and repairs can be made while enroute from Venice.

 

http://www.princess.com/news/notices_and_advisories/Royal%20Princess%20Update.html

 

Fair Winds and Following Seas to those who will board her in the coming days/weeks!

[Woobstr112G]

Just posted on the Princess website.....:):):)

Royal Princess Update

Royal Princess Update – Sept. 24

12 pm Pacific Time

Today Royal Princess remains in Naples as passengers continue to disembark the ship and travel home. We have appreciated our passengers’ patience and understanding as they’ve waited to receive their onward travel details being arranged by our shore team. Again, we are sincerely sorry for this unexpected disruption to their vacation.

 

After a technical assessment of the repairs required, we are pleased to report that the next cruise, voyage 1329 departing this Friday, is planned to operate as scheduled from Barcelona. The repairs will be made as the ship sails from Naples to Barcelona.

 

We look forward to welcoming our passengers onboard Royal Princess on Friday. The ship will depart at 7 pm as scheduled. The next cruise is a 12-day Mediterranean sailing ending in Venice.

 

Bob

[Solara]

Royal Princess Update – Sept. 24

12 pm Pacific Time

Today Royal Princess remains in Naples as passengers continue to disembark the ship and travel home. We have appreciated our passengers’ patience and understanding as they’ve waited to receive their onward travel details being arranged by our shore team. Again, we are sincerely sorry for this unexpected disruption to their vacation.

 

 

After a technical assessment of the repairs required, we are pleased to report that the next cruise, voyage 1329 departing this Friday, is planned to operate as scheduled from Barcelona. The repairs will be made as the ship sails from Naples to Barcelona.

 

 

 

We look forward to welcoming our passengers onboard Royal Princess on Friday. The ship will depart at 7 pm as scheduled. The next cruise is a 12-day Mediterranean sailing ending in Venice.

[azbirdmom]

Glad that they'll be able to resume cruising on Friday night. I do find it interesting through that the Princess news page still has the christening of the Royal at the top and you have to drill into Notices & Advisories to get the scoop! Hope those of you sailing out of Barcelona have a fabulous maintenance free trip!