quote:

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Originally posted by Karsten:
I recently heard that the DELPHIN RENAISSANCE will go to Pullmantur Cruises very soon. Today I read in a German forum that the ship will become the "R7 BLUE MOON"... is it confirmed??? What about a replacement for DELPHIHN CRUISES?

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Pullmantur has confirmed the puchase of "Delphin Renaissance" in a press release issued today, together with the announcement of the "Pacific Sky" purchase.

From what I've heard, none of the two vessels is going to replace "Oceanic" - at least next year. "Blue Moon" (ex "R Seven") will take over the Baltic sailings that the chartered "Nautica" operated this year while "Pacific Sky" (they apparently don't have a new name for her, yet) will operate the "Rondo Veneciano" itinerary out of Venice.

Best,

Link

[ 12-20-2005: Message edited by: cruceromania ]

I have received confirmation from Delphin Seereisen that they will continue to operate "Delphin Renaissance" until May 21st, 2006. I also asked whether it is planned to resume operations with a replacement ship or whether the company will cease operations. The answer was that all options are possible.

Best,

There seems to be a fight on for the ex R-vessels.

quote:

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PamM wrote:
Interesting. The Spanish Cruise Market seems to be expanding hell for leather, in large leaps and bounds.

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According to the lastest figures available, those of 2004 and released by the European Cruise Council/IRN Research, Spain has actually gone backwards:

2003...307,000 pax
2004...300,000 pax
a difference of -2%

Now, whether that has changed into the positive for 2005, I don't know, but you'd think so.

******

Pullmantur sure has an eye for quality : their ships are secondhand, but were all designed for high quality cruising and delivering what is now called a "premium" or "luxury" product.
*SS Oceanic
*Europa
*Fairsky
*Pacific Princess
*The R-ships

An interesting fleet, with not really non-descript dull cookie-cutters, and on the other hand not clearly antiquated, or clearly "classic (in the negative sense, 'old tubs'). Some-one at Pullmantur has an eye for quality.

J

[ 12-20-2005: Message edited by: Johan ]

[ 12-20-2005: Message edited by: Johan ]

However looking at the list of members there seems to be quite a number of the smaller lines missing and I can't see any Spanish Lines there at all. So I wonder how accurate these figures are?

******

quote:

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Originally posted by Karsten:
DELPHIN will get another ship: The CRUISE ONE (ORIENT VENUS) which will be completely rebuilt in Greece.

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Karsten,

this is not more than just a rumor. On the contrary, Hansa Kreuzfahrten has confirmed that it will operate the "Cruise One" following an extensive refurbishment.

Best,

nothing is official at this time. And actually I'm somewhat surprised that Delphin Seereisen would make comments regarding a "replacement ship", as the company is now firmly in the hands of "Delphin Renaissance's" owners, which have no intention to continue operations with a replacement ship. The company's former owner, Heinz-Herbert Hey, plans to "continue" through the creation of a new company (reportedly called Delphin Kreuzfahrten), which is also to take over Delphin Seereisen's employees. But one must know that these are two different entities now!

Of course "Cruise One" could ultimately end up with Delphin Kreuzfahrten instead of Hansa Kreuzfahrten, due to Mr Hey's involvement in both companies. However, Hansa Kreuzfahrten's managing director confirmed two weeks or so ago that Hansa has chartered "Cruise One" and will likely begin operations with the ship later this year.

Best,

little has been announced as far as "Cruise One" is concerned. There has been no official news release, yet, only the confirmation by Axel Schmidt, Hansa Kreuzfahrten's managing director.

From what I've heard it is planned to dramatically increase the number of passenger cabins so that the ship will be able to accommodate approx. 700 passengers. Balcony cabins will be added and the restaurant will have to be enlarged as Hansa plans to stick with a single-seating operation. I'm sure that additional crew accommodations will also be required.

As for the name "Cruise One", I'm sure this is only a "transitional name". The ship has been acquired by Greek company Enterprises Shipping and Trading S.A. - an established shipping company which is a newcomer as far as owning a cruise ship is concerned, however. Earlier reports indicated that the ship is currently in South Korea where parts of its extensive refurbishment are to be carried out. Apparently the ship will arrive in Greece shortly where the work is going to be completed.

Best,

quote:

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Originally posted by r.fiebig:

From what I've heard it is planned to dramatically increase the number of passenger cabins so that the ship will be able to accommodate approx. 700 passengers. Balcony cabins will be added and the restaurant will have to be enlarged as Hansa plans to stick with a single-seating operation.

Raoul

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Orient Venus has/had an auditorium(or Main hall) just above the restaurant on deck 3/Aft, while Main Lounge is located forward, the Main hall is best for conversion to additional restaurant. IMPO

[ 01-25-2006: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]

[ 01-25-2006: Message edited by: Ocean Liners ]