Recent photos of empress of the seas in dry dock

[Powersboyee2]

I can assure you, that there will be plenty of work going on, on her journey over. It doesn't make logistical sense what so ever to not utilize that time to do finishing work etc. while it may not be as "efficient", it will happen.

 

Also, it's rumored that tmrw is the departure date. I'd like to see that as a fact before everyone freaks out if she doesn't head over exactly when they think she will. After all, It's already tomorrow there.

[chengkp75]

To bad they didn't schedule work in Freeport. Work on the voyage is hardly efficient.

 

The kind of work they will be finishing up on the trip over is done by sub-contractors, not shipyard workers, so it really doesn't matter when its done, and actually, they have the workers captive onboard, they can't go out at night like they could in Cadiz, so hours can go up (they are not covered by STCW work/rest hour restrictions), and productivity can go up (less hangovers). Eight to ten days without distractions can see a tremendous amount of work done.

[chengkp75]

You don't need to carry supplies, more skilled manpower, etc....

 

You really think it is just as efficient to work in the middle of the Atlantic vs in a drydock facility? Freeport to Miami is a day trip, that gives you 5-6 more days in the yard

 

But you're forgetting that they would have had to make a transit to Freeport from Europe prior to doing a yard in Freeport, so those same days are used up in transit one way or another, and typically, with fresh bottom paint, a ship does its best speed just after drydocking.

 

The shipyard's skilled manpower is strictly for things related to the hull and mechanicals of the ship. Virtually everything in the hotel area is done by specialist sub-contractors who are brought in for each job, so keeping them onboard is no problem.

[Powersboyee2]

The kind of work they will be finishing up on the trip over is done by sub-contractors, not shipyard workers, so it really doesn't matter when its done, and actually, they have the workers captive onboard, they can't go out at night like they could in Cadiz, so hours can go up (they are not covered by STCW work/rest hour restrictions), and productivity can go up (less hangovers). Eight to ten days without distractions can see a tremendous amount of work done.

 

 

Thank you, chief. Exactly.

Edited March 16, 2016 by Powersboyee2

[John&LaLa]

The kind of work they will be finishing up on the trip over is done by sub-contractors, not shipyard workers, so it really doesn't matter when its done, and actually, they have the workers captive onboard, they can't go out at night like they could in Cadiz, so hours can go up (they are not covered by STCW work/rest hour restrictions), and productivity can go up (less hangovers). Eight to ten days without distractions can see a tremendous amount of work done.

 

My comment was the entire job could have been done in Freeport like they did Freedom.

[coaster]

I understand the logistics of the amount of days for her trip across the pond. It just seems concerning why bookings have stopped so abruptly across the board for her first 4 sailings.

 

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[link99]

LOL :D Well you better still have your honeymoon photos! I think most people still have their honeymoon photos unless they are no longer married. :D:):D

 

 

Yep still do we parasailed in Freeport. Did a taxi tour in Nassau,And Coco Cay was not much more then a white sand beach, minus all the sea grass that has grown over the years. It was a Fantastic Beach Back then. The best part is they-brought the drinks to you with freehand pours nearly melted all the ice.

[AlisaB]

 

Found this one Facebook sounds like she is on her way towards Miami shortly!

empress of seas.pdf

[chengkp75]

My comment was the entire job could have been done in Freeport like they did Freedom.

 

But every day spent in a shipyard costs money, even when not in drydock. So if you can combine transit time with work completion, it saves money.

 

Also, not sure where you get that doing it in Freeport would give 5-6 more days in the yard?

[NCEMT]

 

Found this one Facebook sounds like she is on her way towards Miami shortly!

 

I was getting a little worried reading all the posts! 25 days to go for us! I had been watching the price and it really went down last week, maybe they offered some great incentive for Florida Residence.

[Powersboyee2]

I just sort of thought of something... Not sure if it even makes any sense or not so people please post your thoughts.

 

What if they don't want the ship at 100% capacity for the first few sailings?

 

Now this is pure speculation admittedly... but could that not be a possibility?

 

Maybe the crew will be largely new and they need a few weeks to train and get in the swing before being pushed to the max? I dunno... again just speculating why they closed the sailings abruptly...

 

I also realize from a company standpoint they would not be maximizing profits this way, so it is unlikely, but again just brain storming.

Edited March 17, 2016 by Powersboyee2

[Bees29]

This makes since... Since there are a lot of unsold maybe the are offering rates they can't publish http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1129

[Merion_Mom]

The kind of work they will be finishing up on the trip over is done by sub-contractors, not shipyard workers, so it really doesn't matter when its done, and actually, they have the workers captive onboard, they can't go out at night like they could in Cadiz, so hours can go up (they are not covered by STCW work/rest hour restrictions), and productivity can go up (less hangovers). Eight to ten days without distractions can see a tremendous amount of work done.

 

[LMaxwell]

But you're forgetting that they would have had to make a transit to Freeport from Europe prior to doing a yard in Freeport, so those same days are used up in transit one way or another, and typically, with fresh bottom paint, a ship does its best speed just after drydocking.

 

The ship left Brazil to go to Cadiz, Spain for Drydock. Was not already in Europe prior to Drydock.

 

So Brazil to Spain; +/- 4500 nautical miles. Spain to Miami; +/- 4000 nautical miles.

 

I too wondered why the ship did not go to Freeport:confused: Brazil to Freeport; Freeport to Miami is roughly half the total distance of drydocking in Cadiz. Maybe they work real cheap there, because that's a not insignificant amount of fuel burned.

Edited March 17, 2016 by LMaxwell

[LMaxwell]

I just sort of thought of something... Not sure if it even makes any sense or not so people please post your thoughts.

 

What if they don't want the ship at 100% capacity for the first few sailings?

 

Now this is pure speculation admittedly... but could that not be a possibility?

 

Maybe the crew will be largely new and they need a few weeks to train and get in the swing before being pushed to the max? I dunno... again just speculating why they closed the sailings abruptly...

 

I also realize from a company standpoint they would not be maximizing profits this way, so it is unlikely, but again just brain storming.

 

I would think they'd reserve some capacity for the potential of having contractors still onboard doing work; but not from the perspective of easing into service, putting best foot forward, etc.

[John&LaLa]

But every day spent in a shipyard costs money, even when not in drydock. So if you can combine transit time with work completion, it saves money.

 

Also, not sure where you get that doing it in Freeport would give 5-6 more days in the yard?

 

Was Empress already in Europe?

 

Oops, did not see LMaxwell post 164

Edited March 17, 2016 by John&LaLa

[Scotty G]

But you're forgetting that they would have had to make a transit to Freeport from Europe prior to doing a yard in Freeport, so those same days are used up in transit one way or another, and typically, with fresh bottom paint, a ship does its best speed just after drydocking.

 

The shipyard's skilled manpower is strictly for things related to the hull and mechanicals of the ship. Virtually everything in the hotel area is done by specialist sub-contractors who are brought in for each job, so keeping them onboard is no problem.

 

Agree 100%

 

It has also happened that work has been completed during the first few cruises after drydock. Normally in a manner that does not affect guests too much. Everyone is panicking for nothing!

[Sunkissed Mommy]

The centrum looks nice from the shots of Mr Cardozo (the FB post).

[John&LaLa]

Agree 100%

 

It has also happened that work has been completed during the first few cruises after drydock. Normally in a manner that does not affect guests too much. Everyone is panicking for nothing!

 

Much better things to panic about. :D

[Powersboyee2]

Was Empress already in Europe?

 

She was down in South America.... Went over to Europe just for the drydock i presume. Quite the trip indeed. My only guess is that closer options were already scheduled with other ships as Empress was planned rather last minute in regards to how most dry docks are planned much further out.

 

oops didn't see that you saw the other post lol

Edited March 17, 2016 by Powersboyee2

[MADflyer]

The ship left Brazil to go to Cadiz, Spain for Drydock. Was not already in Europe prior to Drydock.

 

So Brazil to Spain; +/- 4500 nautical miles. Spain to Miami; +/- 4000 nautical miles.

 

I too wondered why the ship did not go to Freeport:confused: Brazil to Freeport; Freeport to Miami is roughly half the total distance of drydocking in Cadiz. Maybe they work real cheap there, because that's a not insignificant amount of fuel burned.

 

The ship traveled to dry dock as the property of Pullmantur as Empress and the ship will leave dry dock the property of RCI as Empress of the Seas, both companies held by RCL.

 

They did stop for 6 hours at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria and most likely left off the remaining Pullmantur crew.

 

RCL has signed a long term contract with Navantia the Spanish government owned shipyard that will include ships or RCI, Celebrity, Pullmantur and TUI Cruises and Azamara.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navantia

[Merion_Mom]

The ship traveled to dry dock as the property of Pullmantur as Empress and the ship will leave dry dock the property of RCI as Empress of the Seas, both companies held by RCL.

 

They did stop for 6 hours at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria and most likely left off the remaining Pullmantur crew.

 

RCL has signed a long term contract with Navantia the Spanish government owned shipyard that will include ships or RCI, Celebrity, Pullmantur and TUI Cruises and Azamara.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navantia

 

Yes, the Explorer's recent drydock was at Cadiz. :)

[MADflyer]

The ship 'title' has been transfered now to a holding company called 'Nordic Empress Shipping Inc". All of the RCL ships are transfering over to this type of single ship ownership arrangeent. Pullmantur is still the listed company and the documents have not yet been transfered to RCI. RCI is lited as the ship manager now.

 

What is interesting is that the ship regestry is still at Malta. I wonder if they will change that?

 

https://exchange.dnv.com/Exchange/main.aspx?extool=vessel&subview=summary&vesselid=g107404

[LMaxwell]

The ship 'title' has been transfered now to a holding company called 'Nordic Empress Shipping Inc". All of the RCL ships are transfering over to this type of single ship ownership arrangeent. Pullmantur is still the listed company and the documents have not yet been transfered to RCI. RCI is lited as the ship manager now.

 

What is interesting is that the ship regestry is still at Malta. I wonder if they will change that?

 

https://exchange.dnv.com/Exchange/main.aspx?extool=vessel&subview=summary&vesselid=g107404

 

You are ever a source of interesting information.

 

Royal has employed this practice for a number of years; with "Miami" being more of a management company than an ownership company; at least on paper.

[John&LaLa]

You are ever a source of interesting information.

 

Royal has employed this practice for a number of years; with "Miami" being more of a management company than an ownership company; at least on paper.

 

It's a common practice. Airlines do it as well. We even do it with our capital equipment at my company.