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Author
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Topic: The Royal Viking Sisters
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Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 11-12-2000 05:48 PM
   
I returned from an excellent cruise on Fred Olsen's 'Black Watch' in the summer. She was a charming smaller ship (28,000 tons) with classic lines.I was later surprised to find that she had two sisters: Hyundai Kumgang and Norwegian Star. Originally they were Royal Viking Star, Sky and Sea. They were built in Finland in 1973/73. Has anyone here cruised on the Kumgang or Star? I think that they are both still operational? Any information about there role now or history with Royal Viking would be welcome.
[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 02-10-2001).] IP: Logged |
Beezo
First Class Passenger Posts: 177
From:Massachusetts, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-12-2000 11:55 PM
were they the ships in Royal Cruise Line??by the way...i think one of them was the NORWEGIAN STAR from Norwegian Capricorn Line...the ship is now apart of Star cruise (i believe) Brian IP: Logged |
juddy
First Class Passenger Posts: 24
From:sydney australia
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 11-13-2000 04:53 AM
The Norwegian Star has just finished a year
cruising out of Sydney Australia. The people
who cruised on her said she was a excellent
ship. unfortunatley they tried to sell her as
a 5 star ship , she might have been too
compared to the 45 year old Fair Princess
her oppositon. But towards the end of this year numbers fell away , so they decided to
take her back to asia i think. but im not
100%
Jason
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Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 11-13-2000 06:51 AM
Black Watch is rated as 4 star by Berlitz. I personally rated her food and entertainment as 5 star and I'd also give her 5 stars for charm! However, I accept that a 28 year old ship is bound to show her age a little! IP: Logged |
Patrick
First Class Passenger Posts: 772
From:L-8358 Goeblange, Luxembourg / EUROPE
Registered: Nov 98
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posted 11-13-2000 01:54 PM
Here a little historic and technical review:MS ROYAL VIKING STAR:
built in 1971 for Royal Viking Line at Wärtsilä Yards, Turku
21847 grt length: 177,70 m beam: 25,20 m
streched at Schichau Seebeckwerft, Bremerhaven in 1981 (now 28034 grt)
1987: Royal Viking Line was aquired by Kloster Cruises, Oslo
April 1991: the ship was transfered to Kloster´s Norwegian Cruise Line, renamed WESTWARD
May 1994: the ship was transfered to Kloster´s Royal Cruise Line, renamed STAR ODYSSEY
October 1996: sold to Fred. Olsen Lines, Oslo, renamed BLACK WATCH
(still in service) ROYAL VIKING SKY
built in 1972 for Royal Viking Line at Wärtsilä Yards, Turku
21891 grt, length: 177,70 m beam: 25,20 m
streched in 1982 at S. Seebeckwerft, Bremerhaven (now 28078 grt)
1991: the ship was transfered to Kloster´s Norwegian Cruise Line, renamed SUNWARD
1992: sold to Birka Cruises, Marienhamn, renamed BIRKA QUEEN.
October 1992: chartered back by NCL, renamed SUNWARD
1993: chartered to Princess Cruises, renamed GOLDEN PRINCESS
1996: fire in the engine room destroyes all engines
1996: chartered to Star Cruises, renamed SUPERSTAR CAPRICORN
1998: sub-chartered by Hyundai Merchant Marine, renamed HYUNDAI KEUMGANG
(still in service) ROYAL VIKING SEA
built in 1973 for Royal Viking Line at Wärtsilä Yards, Turku
21848 grt, length: 177,70 m beam: 25,20 m
streched in 1983 at S. Seebeckwerft, Bremerhaven (now 28018 grt)
1991 transfered to Kloster´s Royal Cruise Line, renamed ROYAL ODYSSEY
1996: Engine - failure, repairs needed in Vancouver
1997: sold to Actioner Shipping, Oslo chartered by Norwegian Cruise Line, renamed NORWEGIAN STAR, later managed through Norwegian Capricorn Line
2000: chartered by Star Cruises after Norwegian Capricorn ceased operations, ship will be renamed SUPERSTAR CAPRICORN II
(still in service) further ships of the Royal Viking Line were: ROYAL VIKING SUN
built in 1988 at Wärtsilä Yards for Royal Viking Line
April 1996: arrest in Sharm el-Sheikh after destroying a natural reef with the hull, passengers had to be disembarked and flown home.
June 1996: Royal Viking Line is aquired by Cunard Line Ltd. with all rights to keep name and logo
1999: ship transfered to Seabourn Cruise Line, renamed SEABOURN SUN
(still in service) ROYAL VIKING QUEEN
built in 1992 at Schichau Seebeckwerft, Bremerhaven for Royal Viking Line after not been taken over by Seabourn Cruise Line like its two sisterships SEABOURN PRIDE and SEABOURN SPIRIT.
July 1996: transfered to Kloster´s Royal Cruise Line and renamed QUEEN ODYSSEY
1998: transfered to Seabourn Cruise Line, renamed SEABOURN LEGEND.
(still in service) All together, the three Royal Viking-sisters are some of the most beautiful cruiseships around. Classic, traditional, good profile, not too old, well maintained and in the right size. Even though the new owners / operators manage them well and it´s still something special to cruise with the once highest rated cruiseships, I wouldn´t mind seeing the old Royal Viking Line coming up again with this trio.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 11-13-2000).] IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 11-14-2000 05:57 PM
Thanks for the info Patrick. MS ROYAL VIKING STAR was stretched too. She's now 28,492. Interestingly all three ships are a similar size and have similar passenger capacities (based on 2 per cabin). However, according to Berlitz, Black Watch has 330 staff, Star has 380 and Kumgang 600! Can this be right? IP: Logged |
skyej
First Class Passenger Posts: 126
From:Vernon Hills IL USA
Registered: Jul 99
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posted 11-14-2000 06:25 PM
The original Royal Viking Line sisters (star, sky, and sea) have an interesting origen. Three shipping tycoons wanted to start a luxury cruise line. Royal Viking Line was born and each of the three partners owned one of the three identical ships.When the line wanted to increase capasity rather than building a new ship all three sisters were stretched. They were famous for their top-notch service, larger single-seating dinning rooms, and exotic itineraries. Royal Viking Line was an early trail blazer of the luxury lines of today like Seabourn, Crystal, and Radisson Seven Seas. IP: Logged |
Beezo
First Class Passenger Posts: 177
From:Massachusetts, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-15-2000 02:55 AM
Does anybody have any more pictures of the ...Star, Sky, Sea?thanx
Brian [This message has been edited by Beezo (edited 11-15-2000).] IP: Logged |
PauloMestre
First Class Passenger Posts: 242
From:Alhos Vedros, Setubal, Portugal
Registered: Sep 2000
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posted 11-15-2000 07:23 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Beezo:
Does anybody have any more pictures of the ...Star, Sky, Sea?thanx
Brian [This message has been edited by Beezo (edited 11-15-2000).]
 Golden Princess (ex Royal Viking Sky) Regards Paulo Mestre IP: Logged |
NAL
First Class Passenger Posts: 508
From:
Registered: Feb 2000
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posted 11-15-2000 09:36 AM
FIRST CLASS CRUISING....For those who think Royal Viking Line was
tops, I wish you had sailed on Swedish-
American Line. They really knew how to do
it.......they were truly deluxe cruising!!
RVL was good with the original ships, but
can you imagine the Kungsholm, 26,000 GRT,
and only 450 pax.....tops! IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 11-15-2000 07:13 PM
Fred. Olsen, a Norwegian Company, are doing a pretty good job of looking after the Black Watch. O.K she has a few little rust spots, but that is to be expected with any aging ship! The engines are still the original 2-stroke ones! I spoke to the Chief Engineer who said it was quite a challenge keeping the old lady going! She has not had a multi-million pound refit like the QE2. She only ever spends a minimal time in dry dock. Most of the maintaance is done by the ships crew, while she is at sea or in port! Spare parts often have to be made! She is really a charming and classic ship. She just about cruises everywhere in the world, from Scandinavia, the Med, Caribbean and even Africa. The prices are reasonable too. My Review: http://www.travelpage.com/yourfav/cruise/yfc_fb_watch_2.htm Travelpage Profile: http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/cruiselines/f_olsen.asp The Black Prince is a strange little ship, she used to be a Banana Cargo ship! However, she has a very loyal following with older Brits. I'm told that she is one of the most friendly ships at afloat.  [This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 02-10-2001).] IP: Logged |
gohaze
First Class Passenger Posts: 532
From:Vancouver.BC
Registered: Sep 99
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posted 11-18-2000 11:26 PM
Hi...the three companies, Bergen Line Nordenfjelske and Klaveness, which founded RVL built one ship each.
If you check the ship profiles on this site you'll find the their story listed under Royal Cruise Line and the Star Odyssey.
...peter
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Jesse C
First Class Passenger Posts: 136
From:Houston, Texas, United States of America
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 11-19-2000 04:22 PM
The Ocean Princess I is now the Hyundai Pumgak, owned by Hyundai Merchant marine in South Korea. Here is something else: They are the same guys who made your Elantra, Tiburon, Santa Fe, or Accent, if you have one.IP: Logged |
gohaze
First Class Passenger Posts: 532
From:Vancouver.BC
Registered: Sep 99
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posted 11-19-2000 04:40 PM
Jesse...the Hyundai Pungak is the ex Island Princess of P&O/Princess. The previous Ocean Princess of Ocean Cruise Line, originally the Italia, Princess Italia, etc. is now the Sapphire of Louis Cruise, on charter to Thompsons.
She was a good ship when Ocean had her.
...peterIP: Logged |
Eric Lee
First Class Passenger Posts: 247
From:Hong Kong, China
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 11-20-2000 12:12 PM
Sorry, Patrick. Star Cruises will keep the name Norwegian Star, she will be not renamed after tranferr to Star Cruises.
Here is the pics of Norwegian Star operating under Star Cruises.   ---------------------------------------------
Royal Viking Star now is operating under Eric Cruises Corp.'s flag and sail out Taiwan. (JUST MY IMAGINARY) 
http://hometown.aol.com/ericcruises/EricDream.html  Thank You! [This message has been edited by Eric Lee (edited 11-20-2000).] IP: Logged |
Patrick
First Class Passenger Posts: 772
From:L-8358 Goeblange, Luxembourg / EUROPE
Registered: Nov 98
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posted 11-20-2000 01:37 PM
Thanks for the updated info Eric !IP: Logged |
CRUISOLOGY
First Class Passenger Posts: 29
From:Mt Pleasant, SC USA
Registered: Nov 2000
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posted 11-28-2000 09:23 AM
Thanks for the memories. I sailed all three.The Sky was my least favorite, but I had my best cruise on Her. Even met a woman in 1983 that I married in 1997.I still wear my Skald Pin but as years go by less and less cruiser know what it is. IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 02-08-2001 06:36 PM
Feb. 2001There are still rumours that Fred.Olsen will buy the 'Norwegian Star' (ex Royal Viking sea). It is know that Olsen has a disire to own all three of the viking trio. IP: Logged |
Beezo
First Class Passenger Posts: 177
From:Massachusetts, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-09-2001 10:48 PM
Is that true? I would love to see those ships back together! that would be really nice. how long do you think it will be??Brian IP: Logged |
Grant
First Class Passenger Posts: 203
From:Victoria, BC, Canada
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 02-09-2001 11:59 PM
A little more trivia about these Royal Viking ships. They are almost identical to the 3 original Royal Caribbean vessel, have the same general arrangements of public rooms, mechanical systems and decks. The engine rooms and bridges are identical, including the same main and auxillary equipment. The same architect designed all six ships, with the Royal Vikings being about 20 feet longer and fitted out to a much higher standard including a forward "look out" bar atop the bridges. All 6 were constructed one after the other in the same shipyard, Yard # 392-397, and 5 of them (not Sun Viking) were lengthened at the same time, using the same plans, but in different shipyards. All have had very successful careers, seldom making the news. An exception to this was a nasty murder in a Penthouse suite by a personal butler just off Vancouver Island. This became a movie, the title of which I never did remember. IP: Logged |
gohaze
First Class Passenger Posts: 532
From:Vancouver.BC
Registered: Sep 99
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posted 02-10-2001 05:15 AM
Grant...I'm surprised you didn't go to the murder trial in Victoria. I used to have the book but gave it to a friend from San Francisco who knew some of the people.
...peterIP: Logged |
Beezo
First Class Passenger Posts: 177
From:Massachusetts, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 02-10-2001 08:25 AM
Were they really all streched at the same time? wow! that line must have been doing good then! what ended up happening to them?Brian IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 02-10-2001 09:00 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Beezo:
Is that true? I would love to see those ships back together! that would be really nice. how long do you think it will be?? Brian
Brian, we should shortly here if Olsen has purchased the 'Norwegian Star'. IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 02-10-2001 09:11 AM
The Black Watch will be having a refit in March, 2001. However, there is a sad piece of news, in my opinion. The Marina Deck Theatre is being converted into 16 inside cabins. The Marina Theatre, is a charming little tiered Cinema, with 156 seats, decorated in a retro style. In my opinion this will be a sad loss. Although the Black Watch has adequate public rooms, the Marina Theatre did provide an additional choice for the passengers. My wife and I particularly enjoy seeing a movie in it during our cruise in August 2000. Although I welcome the creation of 16 more budget cabins, I assume that this equals as many as 32 extra passengers? The show lounge and dining room will soon have to accommodate these. Although the Black Watch does have a reasonable passenger to space ratio, additional cabins will not help matters.
However, she will still be a charming old lady, in a good condition, with a surprising amount of public rooms and deck space. Fred has just launched a brand new web site. Although it looks very fancy, it is very slow and simply does not work properly yet  I think that the web master needs to put in some overtime!
http://www.fredolsencruises.co.uk/
[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 02-26-2001).] IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 02-12-2001 04:33 PM
Feb. UpdateFred.Olsen has changed their mind. They are NOT converting the Black Watch's Marina Theatre into cabins in the March refit.  I'd like to think that they have read this post and re-considered? However, I suspect that it may just be a stay of execution?
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AJL
First Class Passenger Posts: 236
From:Helsinki, Finland
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 02-12-2001 05:23 PM
Here's the Seabourn Sun in Helsinki in 2000. 
 AJL IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 02-26-2001 04:58 PM
Nice pics! Just in case anyone is interested: The Black Watch will be having a refit between the 14th and 27th March, 2001. I have no offical details of exactly what is being done to her public rooms, but I understand that her engines are having a major ovehaul.  She should be in great shape for her Spring and summer cruises. Fellow Brits may wish to concider her as an affordable alternative along side the Thompson, Airtours, First Choice and P&O's ships? Bart has a great photo Black Watch review/tour too: http://psp.club.tip.nl/bw/bwatch1.htm
[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 03-25-2001).] IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 03-16-2001 07:03 AM
So the rumore now is that Fred.Olsen has purchased 'Crown Dynasty'. So is the 'Norwegian Star' still for sale? Has someone else purchased her? IP: Logged |
bmajor
First Class Passenger Posts: 44
From:Auckland New Zealand
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 03-16-2001 04:24 PM
Malcolm, I think that the announcement this week by Star Cruises that their new ship, under construction now in Germany which was to be called Superstar Libra will now be Norwegian Star, is a sure sign that the present Norwegian Star will be sold and renamed by its new owners.....Fred. Olsen maybe????IP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 03-16-2001 07:29 PM
Olsen is only looking for one ship...but which one? 'Crown Dynasty' sounds like the stronger rumour at the moment. IP: Logged |
Deck 9 001
First Class Passenger Posts: 54
From:Taipei, Taiwan
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 03-16-2001 10:38 PM
Hi,
I just returned from a cruise on Norwegian Star. I purposely spoke to some of my "friends" working aboard. Starting April, the NS will change her itinerary calling at Hualien in Taiwan for 3d/2n cruise which will cancel some of the overnight high seas cruises. She still will keep her 4d/3n cruises to Naha. This new itinerary will be in effect until the end of June.
None of my "friends" knew of any plans for the sale of the ship and/or its transfer.
They said that no one has heard anything from the home office. But, they do have the feeling that something is up!!!
Regards,
MikeIP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 03-18-2001 10:39 AM
Mike, how about writting a review for CruiseTalk?IP: Logged |
Deck 9 001
First Class Passenger Posts: 54
From:Taipei, Taiwan
Registered: Dec 2000
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posted 03-28-2001 04:06 AM
Malcolm,
Yes, for sure I will submit my opinions about Norwegian Star.
But, in my e-mail to you I said that Miss Nana Mouskouri has been in Taiwan for concerts, and has decided that she will take her "r&r" here, instead of going to Hong Kong. This is really tearing out a great deal of my time, not to mention the pain in my ass that I have!!!
Regards,
MikeIP: Logged |
Malcolm
Cruise Director Posts: 2968
From:London (So good, they named it once!)
Registered:
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posted 03-28-2001 05:30 AM
Sure, take your time. I look forward to it!
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Cunard
First Class Passenger Posts: 369
From:Australia
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 03-28-2001 06:16 AM
Its sad to see RVS going to HAL, and also in Seabourn colours - I say Carnical should put her in Cunard - build up the Cunard Line rather then keep it small. RVs is perfect for that job... Ah well...IP: Logged |
