Kmcspoon Posted August 7, 2015 #1 Share Posted August 7, 2015 We are booked on Ovation of the Seas B2B from Barcelona to Singapore. We embark on day 19 of her maiden voyage...(if it is still called "maiden" at that point...) We would like some insights on what to expect with a new ship and crew for those of you who have experience. Does RCI prepare its new crew well? I may be a bit more concerned because this is the first time we are bringing guests with us. The group is fairly easy going, and we will just be glad to be together. but wondered if there is a steep learning curve early on in the sailing period. I'm even a bit nervous that something can go wrong during the build and the cruise could be delayed. We have traveled and lived long enough to know anything can happen! I had a cruise canceled on me 36 hours before departure and had to jump on short notice to a different plan, so I'm looking for a back up cruise just in case. I think it is exciting to be part of something rather new, although this will by far be the biggest ship I've ever sailed. We tend to go smaller and smaller with each booking, so this bigger ship will hopefully be as nice for the older ones of us. I know the younger ones will have a blast. Anyway, thanks for any insights. I know a ship is a bit like a car, and needs a breaking in period. I guess I started worrying when I saw the Viking cruise stuck in Tallin, Estonia on her maiden voyage! It was so high tech it took a complicated part to get her going again. Kmcspoon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ship2Shore Posted August 7, 2015 #2 Share Posted August 7, 2015 So far, only on the Titanic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcspoon Posted August 7, 2015 Author #3 Share Posted August 7, 2015 So far, only on the Titanic' Okay, very funny. But I did think of that ship. When my older son was looking at the pictures of it online, he started to make some sort of comment about "nothing could sink that ship" but I hopefully stopped him in time!:eek: I love cruising. Even on our last cruise, when some sort of large living creature got stuck on the front of the cruise ship, and the captain stopped ship completely for an hour or so to let it drop or swim away. We were at the half way point on a transatlantic at about 10 p.m. And, very unusual for me, I didn't even worry! I loved the stillness...the stars...everything. But was thankful for no iceburgs! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted August 7, 2015 #4 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Generally, when/if there are problems that actually affect the passengers, it's on the first voyage(s) of a new class, not a new ship. Ovulation, er, Ovation of the Seas is the third in its class. I wouldn't worry about it. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CyberTag Posted August 7, 2015 #5 Share Posted August 7, 2015 We sailed in May on the Anthem on a 16 day. I believe it was the 3rd or 4th voyage. Most of the kinks were worked out by the time we for on the ship. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalliekae Posted August 7, 2015 #6 Share Posted August 7, 2015 We were booked on the first cruise of the Oosterdam (HAL), but the building was delayed. We were very disapponted especially since they substituted an old ship that should have been retired and was finally retired 2 years later. The ship actually caught on fire while we were docked in Arhaus and we had to evacuate and be bussed to our next port. Luckily, Arhaus was the next to last port of call for that 12 day Baltic cruise. Anyway, that cured us from ever booking another inaugural cruise. We wait until they get the bugs worked out before we sail a new ship and we never sail on very old ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcspoon Posted August 7, 2015 Author #7 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Ovulation, er, Ovation of the Seas is the third in its class. :) LOL. I had to look back at my post to be sure I didn't type that name. My autotype function tries to suggest different variants of that, to my embarassment!:o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcspoon Posted August 7, 2015 Author #8 Share Posted August 7, 2015 We were booked on the first cruise of the Oosterdam (HAL), but the building was delayed. We were very disapponted especially since they substituted an old ship that should have been retired and was finally retired 2 years later. The ship actually caught on fire while we were docked in Arhaus and we had to evacuate and be bussed to our next port. Luckily, Arhaus was the next to last port of call for that 12 day Baltic cruise. Anyway, that cured us from ever booking another inaugural cruise. We wait until they get the bugs worked out before we sail a new ship and we never sail on very old ships. We got tossed off a sailing a few weeks after a scheduled drydock. I'll never book a ship fresh out of dry dock again. Your post makes me wonder...what would they do if the build is delayed? Substitute a ship? How could they, one of this size? I truly am not trying to borrow trouble. I realize there are no guarantees. It is a unique experience and an unique itinerary. However, it helps to know as much as I can from others who have experience. Thanks for the input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted August 7, 2015 #9 Share Posted August 7, 2015 We got tossed off a sailing a few weeks after a scheduled drydock. I'll never book a ship fresh out of dry dock again. Your post makes me wonder...what would they do if the build is delayed? Substitute a ship? How could they, one of this size? I truly am not trying to borrow trouble. I realize there are no guarantees. It is a unique experience and an unique itinerary. However, it helps to know as much as I can from others who have experience. Thanks for the input! So far, RC ships are being finished EARLY, not late. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saab4444 Posted August 7, 2015 #10 Share Posted August 7, 2015 You can trust that Meyer Werft delivers the ship on time or early. With regard to an earlier post and Osterdam from an Italien yard that indeed has always been a different story... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKWLDCruise Posted August 7, 2015 #11 Share Posted August 7, 2015 i wasn't on Legends first run but one of the first few and they still had French yard workers sorting out problems with all sorts of things, including the automatic doors. People had to keep forcing them open when they were locked in or out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cb at sea Posted August 7, 2015 #12 Share Posted August 7, 2015 I've found that a middle cruise on any route is best. I've never been on a "maiden" cruise, but the last cruise before a drydock or the 1st cruise AFTER drydock is pretty chaotic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted August 7, 2015 #13 Share Posted August 7, 2015 ' Okay, very funny. But I did think of that ship. When my older son was looking at the pictures of it online, he started to make some sort of comment about "nothing could sink that ship" but I hopefully stopped him in time!:eek: I love cruising. Even on our last cruise, when some sort of large living creature got stuck on the front of the cruise ship, and the captain stopped ship completely for an hour or so to let it drop or swim away. We were at the half way point on a transatlantic at about 10 p.m. And, very unusual for me, I didn't even worry! I loved the stillness...the stars...everything. But was thankful for no iceburgs! Princess TA this year? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted August 7, 2015 #14 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Throughout history many different ships, built in different yards, sailing for different lines have had delays or serious issues when put into service. The Titanic of course was a huge disaster but many other maiden voyages have had their share of issues. Personally I would not get on any new ship regardless of linen ship yard, or if it is first in its class or 20th, for 6 months after its first sailing. Let them work the problems out with other people's money first. Just my opinion on the subject Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
north29 Posted August 7, 2015 #15 Share Posted August 7, 2015 To travel issues. Yes there could be some small and bigger issues, but that can happen on any cruise. Travel anywhere is not rocket science so no matter how you travel, where you travel, and how much money you paid, there can be travel issues. We consider ourselves world travelers and realize the worst problems might happen and most of the time we get the best travel experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare John&LaLa Posted August 7, 2015 #16 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Has everyone forgotten Quantum maiden voyage? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LMaxwell Posted August 7, 2015 #17 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Has everyone forgotten Quantum maiden voyage? Compared to the SS Flandre is was a resounding success ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcspoon Posted August 7, 2015 Author #18 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Princess TA this year? Yes! I was in the aft jacuzzi...perfect spot to wait it out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcspoon Posted August 7, 2015 Author #19 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Has everyone forgotten Quantum maiden voyage? I'm trying to find out what happened. I could only see they had a stop at Azores while something was sorted out. Was it a mechanical problem? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker19 Posted August 7, 2015 #20 Share Posted August 7, 2015 I'm trying to find out what happened. I could only see they had a stop at Azores while something was sorted out. Was it a mechanical problem? No, it was a medical evacuation. Biker, who had a wonderful time on the Quantum maiden TA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biker19 Posted August 7, 2015 #21 Share Posted August 7, 2015 We are booked on Ovation of the Seas B2B from Barcelona to Singapore. We embark on day 19 of her maiden voyage...(if it is still called "maiden" at that point...) We would like some insights on what to expect with a new ship and crew for those of you who have experience. Does RCI prepare its new crew well? I may be a bit more concerned because this is the first time we are bringing guests with us. The group is fairly easy going, and we will just be glad to be together. but wondered if there is a steep learning curve early on in the sailing period. Instead of worrying about the crew or the ship, think of all the pirates out there trying to get you once you leave Dubai.:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kmcspoon Posted August 7, 2015 Author #22 Share Posted August 7, 2015 Instead of worrying about the crew or the ship, think of all the pirates out there trying to get you once you leave Dubai.:cool: Don't worry, I already have. Seriously. I can tell you a couple of different scenarios I've lived out in my head about that, but you don't want to hear it any more than the rest of my family. Razor wire, terrorist attack drills...:eek: I'm traveling with a bunch of risk takers, while in this body beats the heart of a wimp! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendychloecruiser Posted August 7, 2015 #23 Share Posted August 7, 2015 The inaugural of the oasis was a week late. We had the choice of cancelling or rebooking for the new date. (It might have been the allure...can't remember now but I was on both). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigeck Posted August 7, 2015 #24 Share Posted August 7, 2015 We booked the Maiden Voyage on Ovation which is a 5 night Southampton to Southampton. Not sure where you get 'day 19' from as we were told by Rci the 'Maiden' is a 5 nighter on the 17th April Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheTruthCanHurt Posted August 7, 2015 #25 Share Posted August 7, 2015 I agree with the posts saying "let them work out their kinks with other peoples money" Unless you are just super excited about being a on "the maiden voyage" of something.... For me.... as much as a maiden voyage sounds fun. I would rather wait a month or two until they had made sure things were sorted out.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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