Cruise Talk: Inaugural Cruises--Good idea or bad mistake?

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Topic: Inaugural Cruises--Good idea or bad mistake?

Shipshape Shipmate
First Class Passenger
Member # 422

posted 06-09-1999 12:21 AM

Given the recent problems with the stretched Royal Majesty (now under the NCL flag) and the fiasco on the refurbished Q.E. 2 back in 1994 (?), I am somewhat hesitant to book a maiden voyage or a voyage on a ship coming out of drydock after it has been refurbished, lengthened, etc.
Am considering several transatlantic crossings to Ft. Lauderdale; one is on the new Radisson Seven Seas Navigator Oct. 2 - 18. This would be the ship's sixth voyage. Would the kinks be ironed out by then??? The second is on the former Royal Viking Sun which is now under Cunard stewardship and will be sailing as the Seabourn Sun November 27-Dec. 12. According to the brochure, she is to undergo a "major refurbishment" in November, and this would be her "inaugural voyage.
Am interested in hearing the experiences of others on maiden voyages. Barryboat, are you there??? I would love to hear your opinion. That was a great photo of the Mercury you sent.

Posts: 26 | From: Boston, MA | Registered: Mar 99

Barryboat
First Class Passenger
Member # 33

posted 06-09-1999 01:14 PM

I'm here, I'm here!

Inaugural voyages are very exciting, and I would always jump at the opportunity. Yes, sometimes you may run into staff that are new or still getting oriented with a new ship, but some of those little problems usually don't out-weigh the excitement of being among the first on a new or refurbished vessel. The reason QE-2 had so many problems was because they were doing major work on the plumbing. The reason the Norwegian Majesty had some difficulties was because stretching a ship is a MAJOR job and includes new plumbing and wiring etc. etc. I have every confidence in Radisson Seven Seas Navigator being shipshape - she is upscale, and has a very professional staff that will have everything ironed out before they even take on passengers. The Seabourn Sun will be a wonderful experience. She is getting an overhaul in her decor mostly, so the existing plumbing probably won't be messed with. Because of the problems Cunard experienced with the QE-2 you can be sure they will not want to repeat that problem, so I don't think you will have anything to worry about.

Posts: 1851 | From: Bloomington, Minnesota (Home to the Mall of America) | Registered: Mar 99

Cruiselvr
First Class Passenger
Member # 96

posted 06-16-1999 11:03 AM

Thank you, I too would like to hear about inagural cruises since I am thinking of trying to book on one of Celebrity's Millenium Class ships that are being put into service in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Anyone out there go on the inagural trip of the Mercury, Galaxy, or Century with Celebrity?

Posts: 34 | Registered: Apr 99

usha
First Class Passenger
Member # 818

posted 06-19-1999 01:29 AM

Cruiselvr, my first cruise was an inaugural on Century, and I swallowed the hook! I didn't even want to go on a cruise; hubby dragged me on it, but I cried at disembarkation. It was the most perfect vacation of my life, up to that point. Of course, the next 4 cruises were also in that category. There is something special about being on a ship that is so new, but a little more cruising experience shows you that there is just something special about being on a ship, period. Century is still a lovely girl, four years later. She's not as new, but the only diningroom that's prettier is resting on the bottom of the Atlantic.

Posts: 94 | From: Hobart, IN USA | Registered: Jan 99

pvh
First Class Passenger
Member # 739

posted 06-19-1999 11:23 AM

I, too, want to go on the inaugural of the Millenium I next year--just don't know if I can afford it (probably cannot).
Also, what is so beautiful about the Century's dining room. We just got back from our first cruise (it was on the Galaxy--have another one booked on Galaxy 12/4)--please compare it -- if you can.

Posts: 22 | Registered: Feb 99

usha
First Class Passenger
Member # 818

posted 06-19-1999 11:46 PM

We were on Galaxy's 15 night trans-canal on April 24th of this year. Century doesn't have the aft glass-enclosed pool area that's so nice on Galaxy, and Galaxy's cafe is much more refined looking, and the angled floor-to-ceiling glass is really nice for great views while having lunch or breakfast. The pool area design was more cluttered on Galaxy, with that center raised whirlpool and the "twisted canoe" metal sculpture. Century has a gaudy metal sculpture by the pools, too, but the design of its pool area makes for better sightlines if you want to see the band or one of the pool games, etc.. Okay, Galaxy's Orion Restaurant has a carpet that looks like Walt Disney threw up on it! The center ceiling thing with the stars was lovely, but the rug belongs in an video arcade, not a formal diningroom. Century's Grand Restaurant is just much classier. Check out the brochures. The colors and patterns are rich and subdued. As far as food & service, we've had delicious food and outstanding service on our Galaxy cruise, and both cruises we took on Century. Both ships are wonderful places to call home for as long as you can afford it. I'd recommend either ship whole-heartedly, but why not go after the New Year for two weeks, for about the money it'll cost for a 1 week millenium cruise? (Sorry this is so long...oops!)

Posts: 94 | From: Hobart, IN USA | Registered: Jan 99

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 07-07-1999 10:43 AM

Stolen from this web sites: 'Cruise News'

:Celebrity Cruise Lines revealed some of the features on its new Millennium ship.
The original 85,000-ton ship is now 91,000-ton. Cruising speed will be 24 knots
allowing it to have a bigger variety of itineraries. Eighty percent of the 1,019
cabins will be outside and 59% will have private balconies. There will be two
10-deck high class towers in the middle of the ship one on each side with a glass wall connecting them. The a la carte restaurant will be themed after the Titanic and Olympic (sister ships). Original wood paneling from the Olympic will be used in the dining room. It will be the first cruise ship to have gas turbines and podded propulsion. It will be fitted with two General Electric gas turbines and a single steam engine.

See the ship:

http://www.bobforrest.com/Millennium1.htm

(Thanks to Joe)

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago!

Gerry
First Class Passenger
Member # 168

posted 07-07-1999 12:59 PM

Believe it or not, there is a group of passengers who only book cruises immediately after refits. The thinking behind it is that there is an increased liklehood that things may go wrong and that they will be awarded with another free cruise at a later time as a result.
We in the cruise companies actually have a file of these, known folk and try to ensure nothing goes wrong for them in the first place.
I work for Cunard Line and Barry boat is right when he says that we will do everything in our power to ensure we don't repeat mistakes made before (under previous management). Royal Viking Sun will be beautiful when she makes her crossing for the first time as Seabourn Sun, there has been a great deal of planning and thought gone into the refurbishment and I am personally looking forward to seeing her here in Florida as I used to be Chief Officer on board. ( OK, Yes I am a little biased....)

Posts: 315 | From: Miami, Florida, (originally from UK) | Registered: Jun 99

LLS
Just Boarded
Member # 264

posted 07-07-1999 07:58 PM

Love inaugural cruises!! Went on Song of America ages ago. Now husband and I are booked on Voyager of the Seas Nov.21. Excited is an understatement. I just hope they still have what they called "pillow presents"? Boy, that shows my age. Those were gifts they put in your room that were only available on the inaugural. Anybody else going then?

Posts: 8 | From: Indianapolis,IN,USA | Registered: Jul 99

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