I think they have a solid business plan and from what I read a pretty good product, so I do hope they stick around. It's really nice to have an option that is not part of the "big three" cruise companies.

I've never been a fan of the R-Class ships, but I've also never sailed one. If I do, for certain it will be on Oceania.

If you remember a few months ago, there was rumour about their financial position because of one of the travel insurance companies dropping them from their coverage list...Frank DelRio immediately responded to this, and as such the insurance company withdrew their statement.

They should be around for a long time...they are building gradually and not adding full time capacity when the market doesn't exist yet.

quote:

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Originally posted by wile1170:

Don't be surprised if you see the possibility of Silversea and Oceania merging somewhere down the road....rumour of course..

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I would hope this doesn't happen. Two totally different products for two completely different markets. I don't see a good fit. Silversea and Seabourn would make a far better match.

Oceania is doing well so far. I have heared lots of very good comments about their cruises and know they currently offer the best product with the former R-class vessels.
TMR has currently chartered their third ship, the NAUTICA, for French passengers.

I would love for V.ships to join forces with MSC creating a joint venture in the cruise industry. Together these two giants of the shipping world could have the skills and resources to take on the other large cruise companies. They would have a strong base in Europe (MSC Cruises) and a good reputation with in the American luxury market (Silversea and Radisson).

They could easily launch a new brand to go head to head with RCI, Princess, HAL, and NCL. And it would be wonderful to see the service we once loved with Sitmar back in this market.

I know- its just a dream, but how exciting would that be.

quote:

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Originally posted by Britanis:
V. Ships' connection to Silversea really is pretty remote. The only major cruise ships V. Ships Leisure manages are Club Med 2, Island Escape, Minerva II, Saga Pearl, and World Discoverer. Plus the ferry Cesme. Any one of these ships probably has more in common with Sitmar than Silversea would.

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I really thought, V-Ships would own Silversea... well, thanks for putting the clearance into that.

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By utilising the experience and expertise of company shareholder Vlasov, owners of the pioneering Sitmar Cruises until its sale to P&O in 1988, V.Ships identified the high growth potential of the cruise industry at an early stage in its development.

V.Ships Leisure was established to provide services to those cruise lines, including new market entrants, wishing to outsource various management activities.

V.Ships Leisure now employs over 80 shore-based staff, and 5,000 crew, of which 20% are deck & engine crew, and 80% are hotel staff. With over 35 passenger vessels under management, V.Ships Leisure is the only ship management company providing integrated deck & engine and hotel management.

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Here's my question. If the Vlosov family owned Sitmar until its sail in 1988, how does the Lefebvre family fit in? Did Vlosov really only own 10% as Liner Buff says?

BTW, V.ships also manages new ship construction (below is a list of ships they've built). Included in the list are Radisson Seven Seas' ships, and Silversea's:

• Fair Sky
• Arcadia
• Crown Princess
• Regal Princess
• Silver Cloud
• Silver Wind
• Minerva
• Seven Seas Navigator
• Seven Seas Mariner
• Seven Seas Voyage

[ 07-27-2004: Message edited by: Fairsky ]