Frank5 Posted August 21, 2018 #1 Share Posted August 21, 2018 I read that the maximum cruising speed for these two ships is only 15 knots versus 19 knots for the smaller ships. This may be a problem for me depending upon the itinerary. Is it a potential problem for anyone else? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted August 21, 2018 #2 Share Posted August 21, 2018 May I ask why it would be a problem for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunprince Posted August 21, 2018 #3 Share Posted August 21, 2018 Fincantieri stats show 18.6. See link below https://www.fincantieri.com/globalassets/prodotti-servizi/navi-da-crociera/seabourn/seabourn-technical-document.pdf I also agree, why is a slower speed a problem....unless you are worried about out running pirates? Most passengers prefer a slower speed than a fast one as the sailing is more comfortable. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
florisdekort Posted August 21, 2018 #4 Share Posted August 21, 2018 I’ve found that the actual sailing speed hardly ever is the ship’s maximum speed. It seems solely based on the average speed needed to get the next pilot station at the agreed time. Floris Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenidallas Posted August 21, 2018 #5 Share Posted August 21, 2018 Is it a potential problem for anyone else? No. I prefer a much smaller and nimble vessel for a regatta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyRollock Posted August 22, 2018 #6 Share Posted August 22, 2018 Very rarely do ships travel at their maximum speed. It’s not a race! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markham Posted August 22, 2018 #7 Share Posted August 22, 2018 I was told by an onboard engineer that Encore/Ovation has the same power plant capacity as the Ody class ships have. But since they are larger ships they will necessarily have a lower maximum speed. But then the itineraries will be adjusted for all the ships in terms of the line's objectives which include fuel efficiency and smooth sailing. So the question about what this all means is not so much an issue of maximum speed except, I guess, in extraordinary circumstances such as delays and trying to recover time en route somewhere. Happy and healthy sailing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Luxury Posted August 22, 2018 #8 Share Posted August 22, 2018 I can say that the Encore is a smooth ship and you hardly notice any movement here in the Med We do not need too much speed as ports are not that far from each other A gentle and comfortable ride we are having Sent from my SM-G955F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Able Seaman H Posted August 22, 2018 #9 Share Posted August 22, 2018 What a bizzare opening post :) I have heard some strange reasons for not choosing one particular ship or cruise line over another but maximum speed isn't one of them. I bet if you were to analyise your cruising history you would find your average cruising speed to be something around 12 knots or so. When purchasing a boat speed is a consideration but usually it revolves around planing, displacement or semi displacement speeds on much smaller craft. 9 knots max, 18 knots or mid 20 knots upwards. There is a large degree of bragging rights amongst owners. Cruise ships have long since moved on from the transatlantic record era. If you want to get the job done quickly then hop on a plane, cruising is all about the journey. Even at my modest sizes the fact my boat can hit 31 knots is immaterial, we generally cruise at lower 20 knots, sometimes only 7 knots plus tide assist of a knot or two. The reason for the lower speeds on Encore class ships is nothing to do with lack of relative power or available power plants. It was a design choice based around actual speeds used in operation and creating efficiency / comfort. Rest assured the theoretical lower top speed won't impede on your cruise in the slightest. Henry :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Luxury Posted August 22, 2018 #10 Share Posted August 22, 2018 Could the OP be hankering after a go at the Blue Ribbond I did love the Normandie didn't you H Sent from my SM-G955F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisr Posted August 22, 2018 #11 Share Posted August 22, 2018 I think this first post must be some sort of joke? Why on earth would that be a problem? I echo Henry. What a bizarre first post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Able Seaman H Posted August 23, 2018 #12 Share Posted August 23, 2018 Could the OP be hankering after a go at the Blue Ribbond I did love the Normandie didn't you H Sent from my SM-G955F using Forums mobile app I still remember when you graciously hosted your 40th on board..... Won't lie, I was surprised to see her in Brittany Ferries livery but happy we only had to pop across the harbour to pick her up in Portsmouth :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted August 23, 2018 #13 Share Posted August 23, 2018 I have to agree that this is an unusual topic for modern cruise ships but it caught my interest. As an aging outlier for modern cruise ships, I was a child on Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and "grew up" on QE2 so sailing around 30 knots was my normal. It still "bugs" me to plod along at 10/12 knots. Passenger ships sailed those speeds in the late 1800s. More "recent" ship passengers know nothing of 30 knots so don't miss it. My point? No point, just an interesting thread.:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wcsdkqh Posted August 23, 2018 #14 Share Posted August 23, 2018 Of course in those days, the ships were actually serving as a means of transportation to get passengers from point A to point B and speed was an important factor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted August 23, 2018 #15 Share Posted August 23, 2018 Of course in those days, the ships were actually serving as a means of transportation to get passengers from point A to point B and speed was an important factor. That is true. Other than ferries, ships are no longer looked at as transport, they are in the entertainment/hospitality realm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahogany Posted August 24, 2018 #16 Share Posted August 24, 2018 C'mon Frank5. Let us in on why you posted this. Did you just wish to start some controversy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank5 Posted August 24, 2018 Author #17 Share Posted August 24, 2018 The question may only be relevant for cruises involving long distances between ports and those who prefer maximizing their time visiting ports rather than enjoying ship amenities. As previously mentioned, additional speed is helpful in being able to get back on schedule due to port departure or weather delays. A more remote advantage is being able to use more powerful engine capacity to hold a docked ship in place when heavy winds hitting the superstructure create a significant risk that mooring ropes are inadequate alone. You probably recall the Encore accident when it broke free from its mooring lines due to heavy wind (gusts) conditions. A captain once told me once that his cruise line sets a docking wind velocity limit for each of their ships and that he feels more comfortable navigating in close quarters and through heavy traffic when his ship has a significant amount of reserve power available for him to quickly access beyond the optimum power designed to maximize fuel consumption. I doubt this should be a concern for an Encore or Ovation passenger. My question is more a matter of curiosity. The explanation someone offered that the addition of a deck to the smaller ship hull without expanding the power plant probably makes good economic sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ab21au Posted August 24, 2018 #18 Share Posted August 24, 2018 I guess with the additional passengers on the Encore and Ovation, there is more people to push if needed. :') Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Avery Posted August 24, 2018 #19 Share Posted August 24, 2018 I guess with the additional passengers on the Encore and Ovation, there is more people to push if needed. :') Row...... Those in steerage row.;p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roxburgh Posted August 24, 2018 #20 Share Posted August 24, 2018 Row...... Those in steerage row.;p Isn't that a Ventures tour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wripro Posted August 24, 2018 #21 Share Posted August 24, 2018 If there is a problem the ship will travel at whatever speed it needs to in order to get to the final destination of a cruise. That's basically all any cruise line cares about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Able Seaman H Posted August 24, 2018 #22 Share Posted August 24, 2018 The question may only be relevant for cruises involving long distances between ports and those who prefer maximizing their time visiting ports rather than enjoying ship amenities. As previously mentioned, additional speed is helpful in being able to get back on schedule due to port departure or weather delays. A more remote advantage is being able to use more powerful engine capacity to hold a docked ship in place when heavy winds hitting the superstructure create a significant risk that mooring ropes are inadequate alone. You probably recall the Encore accident when it broke free from its mooring lines due to heavy wind (gusts) conditions. A captain once told me once that his cruise line sets a docking wind velocity limit for each of their ships and that he feels more comfortable navigating in close quarters and through heavy traffic when his ship has a significant amount of reserve power available for him to quickly access beyond the optimum power designed to maximize fuel consumption. I doubt this should be a concern for an Encore or Ovation passenger. My question is more a matter of curiosity. The explanation someone offered that the addition of a deck to the smaller ship hull without expanding the power plant probably makes good economic sense. Cruise schedules are quite complex in their design. It isn't as simple as saying if we can whiz around quicker we can have fewer sea days and spend more time in port. Port days are generally expensive and certain times of year cruises must represent excellent value for money or you will have insufficient bums on seats. Some people specifically seek out sea days. Main engines aren't used to hold the ship against the dock. The propulsion systems on Seabourn are fixipods which means they are permanently aligned with the centreline of the hull. Azipods can be rotated to generate sideways thrust but even then you would only need a tiny amount of the potential thrust available. Specific side thrusters are used for close quarters manoeuvring and to hold a ship in position until lines have been deployed. All ships will have safe limits for berthing and you regularly see cruise ships in places like Cozumel having to cancel due to high winds. When it comes to manoeuvring in harbour or inshore shipping channels modern cruise ships are extremely capable compared to their cargo counterparts who are often limited when it comes to side thrusters and who rely entirely on the services of tugs. Seabourn ships would see tugs as an insurance rather than a necessity if ever deployed. When doing our maiden trip through the Suez Canal we had to to have a tug escort just in case. Just for the record I think I'm right in saying that the Encore mooring incident was the result of a defective mooring bollard, not underpowered engines. Henry :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roxburgh Posted August 24, 2018 #23 Share Posted August 24, 2018 Cruise schedules are quite complex in their design. It isn't as simple as saying if we can whiz around quicker we can have fewer sea days and spend more time in port. Port days are generally expensive and certain times of year cruises must represent excellent value for money or you will have insufficient bums on seats. Some people specifically seek out sea days. Main engines aren't used to hold the ship against the dock. The propulsion systems on Seabourn are fixipods which means they are permanently aligned with the centreline of the hull. Azipods can be rotated to generate sideways thrust but even then you would only need a tiny amount of the potential thrust available. Specific side thrusters are used for close quarters manoeuvring and to hold a ship in position until lines have been deployed. All ships will have safe limits for berthing and you regularly see cruise ships in places like Cozumel having to cancel due to high winds. When it comes to manoeuvring in harbour or inshore shipping channels modern cruise ships are extremely capable compared to their cargo counterparts who are often limited when it comes to side thrusters and who rely entirely on the services of tugs. Seabourn ships would see tugs as an insurance rather than a necessity if ever deployed. When doing our maiden trip through the Suez Canal we had to to have a tug escort just in case. Just for the record I think I'm right in saying that the Encore mooring incident was the result of a defective mooring bollard, not underpowered engines. Henry :) Why bring informed comment into the discussion when half truths, hearsay and innuendo are much more fun. :evilsmile::evilsmile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thecat123 Posted August 24, 2018 #24 Share Posted August 24, 2018 Just for the record I think I'm right in saying that the Encore mooring incident was the result of a defective mooring bollard, not underpowered engines. Henry :) The mooring lines actually broke If you look carefully you can see the lines snapping http://gcaptain.com/incident-video-brand-new-luxury-cruise-ship-breaks-moorings-crashes-into-vessel-in-new-zealand/ Engineer was not quick enough to hit the start button for the engines Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLSD Posted August 25, 2018 #25 Share Posted August 25, 2018 We are people who seek out a certain number of sea days--not too many--but enough that we can say "aaaahhh, we an relax today." Thank you for the explanation Henry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now