Andyinmacksville Posted March 31, 2018 #26 Share Posted March 31, 2018 But is that what the punters really want? I've noticed already with quantum class itineraries there seems to be less ports and more sea days even on the Ovation TP in April 2019. Whether this is true or not should become obvious when the 2019-20 deployment is release in the next week or so! Less ports is only due the lack of dock facilities for the larger ships. Given the major lines are moving to larger ships the ports will have to be upgraded otherwise they’ll lose the substantial economic benefit of cruise ship passengers. I wouldn’t hold your breath for any information in the next couple of weeks as if this was going to happen it would be arriving for the 20/21 season. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banzaii Posted March 31, 2018 #27 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Less ports is only due the lack of dock facilities for the larger ships. Given the major lines are moving to larger ships the ports will have to be upgraded otherwise they’ll lose the substantial economic benefit of cruise ship passengers. I wouldn’t hold your breath for any information in the next couple of weeks as if this was going to happen it would be arriving for the 20/21 season. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Sorry, the reference to the next couple of weeks relates to the Ovation itineraries for 19-20 as I believe this will show once and for all if RCCL are removing ports in favour of sea days in the region. It seems that the lines as well as the cruising public dislike tender ports! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyinmacksville Posted March 31, 2018 #28 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Sorry, the reference to the next couple of weeks relates to the Ovation itineraries for 19-20 as I believe this will show once and for all if RCCL are removing ports in favour of sea days in the region. It seems that the lines as well as the cruising public dislike tender ports! Having tendered several ports on Voyager and the nightmare that can be, I can see why they would be hesitant with an extra 1500 people in the queue. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliburn Posted March 31, 2018 Author #29 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Tendering is nightmare go and get a ticket and sometimes wait half the morning. If we can we get a suite,no queuing. On a few cruises people asked about the oasis class coming to the pacific? The response was there was not practical to bring them here. I was always under the impression the oasis class couldn’t fit through the Suez Canal and especially the Panama Canal. But not so. Width and depth aren’t a problem it’s the height is the problem. Oasis and Alure have retractable masts and funnel so they can be sailed through the Suez Canal.( so stated on the RC forum) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted March 31, 2018 #30 Share Posted March 31, 2018 Tendering is nightmare go and get a ticket and sometimes wait half the morning.If we can we get a suite,no queuing. On a few cruises people asked about the oasis class coming to the pacific? The response was there was not practical to bring them here. I was always under the impression the oasis class couldn’t fit through the Suez Canal and especially the Panama Canal. But not so. Width and depth aren’t a problem it’s the height is the problem. Oasis and Alure have retractable masts and funnel so they can be sailed through the Suez Canal.( so stated on the RC forum) The Panama canal has the two options, the new one can take just about any size ship now, although costs would be huge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliburn Posted March 31, 2018 Author #31 Share Posted March 31, 2018 The Panama canal has the two options, the new one can take just about any size ship now, although costs would be huge. I learn something everyday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Kruzer Posted March 31, 2018 #32 Share Posted March 31, 2018 That is interesting...had not thought that height would be a restriction... found this..from USA Today... https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2016/06/23/panama-canal-expansion-cruise/86279180/ At 180 feet wide and 1,400 feet long, the canal's new lock chambers should allow such massive new vessels as Norwegian Getaway and Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas to enter the waterway. But some of the biggest cruise ships still will be unable to cross the Panama Canal due to height restrictions. The passage requires sailing under the Bridge of the Americas near the canal's Pacific entrance, which has a clearance of just 201 feet at high tide. The world's biggest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's one-month-old Harmony of the Seas, rises 236 feet above the waterline as do its slightly smaller sisters Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted April 1, 2018 #33 Share Posted April 1, 2018 I learn something everyday. And so do I, as height is still an issue for some ships, not in the locks but above them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted April 1, 2018 #34 Share Posted April 1, 2018 That is interesting...had not thought that height would be a restriction... found this..from USA Today... https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2016/06/23/panama-canal-expansion-cruise/86279180/ At 180 feet wide and 1,400 feet long, the canal's new lock chambers should allow such massive new vessels as Norwegian Getaway and Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas to enter the waterway. But some of the biggest cruise ships still will be unable to cross the Panama Canal due to height restrictions. The passage requires sailing under the Bridge of the Americas near the canal's Pacific entrance, which has a clearance of just 201 feet at high tide. The world's biggest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean's one-month-old Harmony of the Seas, rises 236 feet above the waterline as do its slightly smaller sisters Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas Thanks David, I didn't consider the height issue, just that the new locks were 400 ft longer and 70 ft wider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryhere Posted April 1, 2018 #35 Share Posted April 1, 2018 That is the appeal to many.:D Too true :'):D:') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted April 1, 2018 #36 Share Posted April 1, 2018 And so do I, as height is still an issue for some ships, not in the locks but above them. There is no problem with height above the locks, the limiting factor is the Bridge of the Americas at the Pacific end of the Canal. Larger ships can go half way to Gatun Lake, then go back to the Caribbean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted April 1, 2018 #37 Share Posted April 1, 2018 There is no problem with height above the locks, the limiting factor is the Bridge of the Americas at the Pacific end of the Canal. Larger ships can go half way to Gatun Lake, then go back to the Caribbean. Agreed, as posted by David's from the article. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunter69 Posted April 1, 2018 #38 Share Posted April 1, 2018 That is the appeal to many.:D Yes it does. but RCL cruisers want more then 4/5 month commitment.. Yes you can go to a RSL club, 3 star motel & Shopping mall 12 months a year & that's what RCL fans want... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tigerlily75 Posted April 1, 2018 #39 Share Posted April 1, 2018 Yeah Oasis can't transit the Panama Canal. Carnival's Panorama also won't be able to transit, it will be going the long way around to get to its home port of Long Beach. Apparently it will take about 20 days from Italy, and will be doing it sans passengers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted April 1, 2018 #40 Share Posted April 1, 2018 Yes it does. but RCL cruisers want more then 4/5 month commitment.. Yes you can go to a RSL club, 3 star motel & Shopping mall 12 months a year & that's what RCL fans want... I would put the accommodation at better than 3 star but yes, people like this type of cruising and not just aussies. A floating resort that takes in different locations every other day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banzaii Posted April 1, 2018 #41 Share Posted April 1, 2018 I would put the accommodation at better than 3 star but yes, people like this type of cruising and not just aussies. A floating resort that takes in different locations every other day. Was trying to work out how many stars some of the new Vs old ships are by Australian standards. I reckon they're more like 4 star but the standard seems rather subjective. https://www.starratings.com.au/docs/default-source/s-gs/ams---s-amp-gs-criteria_hotel---moo14470-(web).pdf?status=Temp&sfvrsn=0.9459524776320904 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliburn Posted April 2, 2018 Author #42 Share Posted April 2, 2018 I would put most Ships like RC & Carnival middle of the road at 4 stars. The Star rating can be complex. I’ve stayed in 5 star hotels where the room was nothing to talk about and 3 Star that was impressive. One thing cruise ships don’t have is valet parking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aus Traveller Posted April 2, 2018 #43 Share Posted April 2, 2018 And so do I, as height is still an issue for some ships, not in the locks but above them. I posted my earlier comment because you said the limitation was above the locks. The Bridge of the Americas is around 8km from the Miraflores Lock. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banzaii Posted April 2, 2018 #44 Share Posted April 2, 2018 I would put most Ships like RC & Carnival middle of the road at 4 stars. The Star rating can be complex. I’ve stayed in 5 star hotels where the room was nothing to talk about and 3 Star that was impressive. One thing cruise ships don’t have is valet parking. I agree - and in regards to the valet parking, the system allows for dispensation on parking even when the hotel is located in the city so I reckon they'd be generous when it comes to a hotel that requires its own "valet" whenever it visits a foreign harbour or port! Looking at Symphony of the Seas - perhaps this ship is trending toward if not exceeding the 5 star rating. Interesting article on Symphony and the future of RCCL builds http://www.wired.co.uk/article/ms-symphony-of-the-seas-royal-caribbean-largest-cruise-ship Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliburn Posted April 2, 2018 Author #45 Share Posted April 2, 2018 I agree - and in regards to the valet parking, the system allows for dispensation on parking even when the hotel is located in the city so I reckon they'd be generous when it comes to a hotel that requires its own "valet" whenever it visits a foreign harbour or port! Looking at Symphony of the Seas - perhaps this ship is trending toward if not exceeding the 5 star rating. Interesting article on Symphony and the future of RCCL builds http://www.wired.co.uk/article/ms-symphony-of-the-seas-royal-caribbean-largest-cruise-ship Cheers Especially if you had a suite with a slipreee dip in it and a spar on the balcony. Not counting Concierge,genie, coastel kitchen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toryhere Posted April 2, 2018 #46 Share Posted April 2, 2018 I agree - and in regards to the valet parking, the system allows for dispensation on parking even when the hotel is located in the city so I reckon they'd be generous when it comes to a hotel that requires its own "valet" whenever it visits a foreign harbour or port! Looking at Symphony of the Seas - perhaps this ship is trending toward if not exceeding the 5 star rating. Interesting article on Symphony and the future of RCCL builds http://www.wired.co.uk/article/ms-symphony-of-the-seas-royal-caribbean-largest-cruise-ship Cheers Overall it’s still a floating RSL with some 5 star bits for the cashed up punters who haven’t yet discovered the luxury brands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chiliburn Posted April 2, 2018 Author #47 Share Posted April 2, 2018 Overall it’s still a floating RSL with some 5 star bits for the cashed up punters who haven’t yet discovered the luxury brands. Yes a floating RSL. American mass marketing .Henry Ford would be proud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banzaii Posted April 2, 2018 #48 Share Posted April 2, 2018 Overall it’s still a floating RSL with some 5 star bits for the cashed up punters who haven’t yet discovered the luxury brands. I don't think the RSL comparison holds water anymore. And do you mean the luxury brands that charge so much people convince themselves it's better so they can justify the extra cost? So are these more like the country club? Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
banzaii Posted April 2, 2018 #49 Share Posted April 2, 2018 Yes a floating RSL. American mass marketing .Henry Ford would be proud. The article I quoted above actually covers the amount of research and thought that goes into cruise ship innovation. If we truly believe nothing has changed for the better in say the past 10 years - then they have failed miserably. I for one have never enjoyed the RSL clubs but I sure love cruising! Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted April 2, 2018 #50 Share Posted April 2, 2018 I don't think the RSL comparison holds water anymore. And do you mean the luxury brands that charge so much people convince themselves it's better so they can justify the extra cost? So are these more like the country club? Cheers When I refer to an RSL, I am generalising in the fact that you have a building that provides a variety of eateries including a bistro and restaurants, a variety of bars, a casino, sports and social activities, a variety of entertainment (bands and music, etc). There are activity centres catering for kids and for oldies. There is usually a gym. The only thing missing is the shopping, the spas and the accommodation. As for luxury lines being country clubs, I think they are more like floating club med resorts.:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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