A Virtual Tour of Norwegian Epic

I have written a ‘textual’ tour of Norwegain Epic (Menu right) using deck plans, press releases and artists renderings.

Join me on a tour of this amazing ship, before it has even been completed.

QE2 hotel project on hold in Dubai

 By Keith Hamilton, Southampton Daily Echo, 27th May 2009

LOOKING forlorn, forgotten and unloved, Southampton’s former queen of the Atlantic swelters under the glare of the fierce, unremitting Dubai sun as temperatures climb to 109F.

This is how the one-time Cunard liner QE2 looked just two days ago, tied up at a berth in Dubai’s container port where she has been languishing ever since she arrived in the Emirate in November last year.  Partly hidden behind a row of container carriers, QE2 appears to be deserted.

For 40 years, she was a familiar sight at Southampton docks in between voyages criss-crossing the globe, but ambitious plans to convert the former liner into a luxurious floating hotel and tourist attraction seem to be on hold.

Dubai, like much of the rest of the world, is in the grip of recession, and has seen dramatic cutbacks and the postponement of many high-profile projects.

Little progress seems to have been made transforming QE2 since she has been in the Middle East, although her government-backed owners, Nakheel, insist that the conversion is still set to go-ahead.

Plans for QE2 include the creation of 200 hotel rooms as well as the development of 130 apartments.

Malcolm Says: Very few ships have ever become successful hotels. Even Long Beach’s ‘Queen Mary’ has had maintenance issues and has struggled to generate a profit over the years. Many ship fans are now beginning to think that scrapping the QE2 would have been kinder.  Even if the renovation does happen, she will no longer be the QE2.

Will Norwegian Epic be a Success?

Sink or Swim?

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m pretty optimistic about the Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), ‘Norwegian Epic’, which will enter service in summer 2010.  She will be one of the most exciting mass-market ships sailing in the Caribbean. Many of her design elements will outdo Carnival’s rather predictable and garish fleet. Only Royal Caribbean’s (RCI) ‘Oasis of the Seas’ and their ‘Freedom/Voyager’ classes will outshine her.  That for me puts the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) firmly in second place in terms of innovation.

I don’t doubt that NCL have probably got the ‘hardware’ right with Epic (if we overlook her aesthetics).  I’m sure the private Courtyard Villas in that large ‘carbuncle’ on her front superstructure will prove very popular with those passengers who are not on a tight-budget.  However, I am a little worried about if NCL can get the ‘software’ right; i.e. the food, service, organization and general onboard experience.  The last thing that we all want to see is negative passenger reviews, like: “The lines for the Manhattan dining room were ridiculous”, “I never got to see the shows that I wanted to as they were always full”, “There were always people everywhere”, “Embarkation and disembarkation, even for excursions, was a complete nightmare” etc.

Let’s be honest, NCL can be rather inconsistent and do appear to make some bad management decisions at times. ‘Freestyle Dining’ is a very impressive innovation.  Most other cruise lines have already adopted some aspects of it, be it under other names such as RCI’s ‘Mytime’ dining’ or P&O’s ‘Freedom’ dining. However NCL have struggled to operate it efficiently and with quality, at times.

I was onboard ‘Norwegian Jade’ last summer and I found that if you wanted a good meal, you had to pay a surcharge for the alternative dining rooms.  The ‘non-surcharge’ dining rooms generally served ‘mediocre’ food at best and sometimes it was simply ‘poor’. This did not feel like I was getting a good value experience.

A percentage of passengers clearly do not warm to the ‘Freestyle’ system and its potential for creating long lines at peak times.  Passengers do NOT always feel that they can really dine when they like.  Although I must say that I personally enjoyed ‘Freestyle.  Even with its shortcomings it is infinitely more flexible that ‘traditional’ dining, although I’m pleased that there are some ships that still retain traditional dining.

Epic will be a high density ship with 4,200+ passengers. If my maths is correct, Epic will have a space-ratio of 30 and Oasis of 42, based on double occupancy. Epic will be approximately the same size (volume) as the QM2 but will carry over 1600 more passengers!  That’s the difference between ‘premium’ and ‘mass market’. In some cases Epic’s fares are not dissimilar to the QM2, due to the inflated ‘maiden’ season effect.  In contrast, RCI’s ‘Oasis of the Seas’ will be approximately 73,000 tons bigger than QM2/Epic in order to accommodate around 1400 more passengers. 

Much of the public space on board Epic is dedicated to dining rooms; so far NCL have revealed 16. There do not seem to be an awful lot of bars/lounges.  Maybe NCL are relying on areas like ‘Posh’ and ‘Spice H20’ are outdoors and open air.  So what happens when the dining rooms close? What happens if it rains?  There will be no RCI style indoor ‘Royal Prom’ for passengers to frequent. Are there enough interior lounges to accommodate the thousands of passengers if they are not eating?  Hopefully NCL have done the math.

In addition the entertainment venues are all relatively small for the size of ship: the Epic Theatre, for example, has less than 700 seats.  Obviously some shows, such as the ‘Blue Man Group’ (another innovative idea) will be more popular than others.  Ticket allocation will have to be well managed, unless NCL risk leaving it to a ‘first come first serve’ basis, which could cause a few riots.  I did hear that Epic would utilize some sort of passenger ‘smart-card’, so maybe access to entertainment will be bookable with entry by swipe-card?

Then there is also the fundamental question of can NCL fill so many cabins in this financial downturn.  Remember that originally there were going to be two F3’s (Epic-like sisters), but NCL cancelled one.  However, let’s not be too negative, maybe NCL will get this one right?  I certainly hope so.

Malcolm Oliver

Marco Polo

On the subject of cruises from UK ports: here is my image taken at Tilbury, London, Sunday 24th May 2009.  Unfortunately Tilbury is not playing host to  many ships this summer. The Marco Polo (22,000 GRT), now operated by ‘Transocean Tours’,  is the ONLY regular this year.

Cruises from UK ports are Up

According to official new figures, British cruise passengers are increasingly opting to depart from British ports.

Latest figures according to the Passenger Shipping Association’s (PSA) Annual Cruise Report shows that 1.47 million British people cruised in 2008 – an 11% rise in the 1.33 million cruising in 2007. This number is predicted to increase to two million by 2012.

And a large percentage of the 140,000 extra UK passengers were booked on cruises sailing from and returning to UK ports. This represents a 23% increase on 2007 – with 110,000 extra ex-UK passengers.  William Gibbons, director of the PSA was quoting saying ex-UK cruising would continue to grow.

Epic Entertainment!

May 20, 2009 – Norwegian Cruise Line today announced it is changing the face of cruise line entertainment on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic. In another industry first, the company will welcome Blue Man Group, performing in the 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment.

Norwegian Epic will have multiple, specially-designed entertainment venues throughout the ship so that guests can choose from a wide variety of entertainment each evening of their cruise. No longer will entertainment be focused on two nightly shows in one large main theater. Norwegian Epic takes Freestyle Cruising to the next level by offering a number of entertainment options in specially-designed venues, some offered for the first time ever at sea, with choices to appeal to a broad audience.

Spiegel Tent: On Norwegian Epic, guests will find the only “big top” at sea. In this intimate 265-seat theater-in-the-round, famed producer/director Neil Goldberg will present Cirque Dreams® and Dinner. This one of a kind interactive theatrical dining experience will be performed in the air, while juggling dinner courses, with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination.

Headliners Comedy Club: This 280-seat comedy club will feature the hilarious improvisational comedy of The Second City, as Norwegian continues its exclusive partnership with the famed troupe. The venue’s design centers on a show lounge format with a small raised stage, concrete floors and brick walls with a full bar.

Fat Cats: Guests on board Norwegian Epic can sit back and relax listening to the cool vibes of jazz and blues in this 200-seat jazz club. Fat Cats will feature nightly live blues and jazz performances by world-class talent. The urban setting creates a hipster vibe complete with full bar and comfortable leather sofas and chairs.

Epic Casino: This appropriately named casino is Norwegian’s largest casino at sea, spanning more than 13,000 square feet. It features an elegant Monte Carlo inspired design theme and is open to Taste, the Atrium restaurant below, and to the excitement of Bar Central above. Here, guests will find many opportunities to try their luck including 340 of the latest slot machines; along with gaming tables featuring poker, black jack, roulette and craps. Cascades Bar, with a grand central crystal chandelier, serves as the casino’s centerpiece.

Epic Theater: In addition, the theater will be home to another featured show which will be announced later this year.

Webcast:
www.ncl.com/nclweb/cruiser/cmsPagesPopup.html?pageId=EpicVideoPlayer

Deck Plans:  Have now been fully updated and there is a cool 360 Degree image of the ship. Just use the scroll bar below the ship:

http://ncl.worldmedia.net/the-ship/deck-plans/

Norwegian Epic on Sale Now!

The cabins are now on sale for ‘Norwegian Epic’, due to enter service in July 2010. Bookings can be made via NCL’s dedicated web site: http://ncl.worldmedia.net

I glanced at the fares and they look similar to Oasis’s – a bit high, but typical for a newbuild. The ‘Studio’ cabins at a modest 100 sq ft cost the same as the basic ‘inside’ grade at 128 sq ft, although the studio cabins have a corridor window (odd I know) and access to a private lounge, the ‘Living Room’.  Here’s how NCL describe the ’studio’ experience:

“Only on Norwegian Epic will you have the opportunity to experience all the Studios & Living Room have to offer. For starters Studio guests have private key card access to The Living Room which is a shared private lounge that boasts a bar, two large TV screens and comfy seating…perfect place to hang out. When it’s time for a little R&R escape to your urban pad, complete with room for two, a window view to the corridor, funky lighting and flat screen TV. This completely new exclusive key card access-only category is unlike anything you have ever experienced before”

The basic balcony cabin cost around 50% more than the inside grades. The Courtyard Penthouse, Villas and Owners suite have some large numbers next to them.

Malcolm

P&O’s Azura

Sorry to be negative, but I I just cannot get excited about P&O’s forthcoming ‘Azura’ which will enter service in April 2010. In fact I did not get excited about her sister ‘Ventura’, which entered service in 2008…

Please see Menu right (Industry Comment) for the full article.

Malcolm

Will Royal Caribbean’s year round UK cruises get a frosty reception?

“Royal Caribbean (RCI) has intensified competition in the ex-UK cruise market by opting to base one of the world’s three largest ships year-round in the UK for the first time. The 4,000-berth Independence of the Seas (IOS), which in 2007 was the first new ship the line dedicated to the UK, will sail its first ex-UK winter season out of Southampton in 2010″.

Will Brits want to cruise from Southampton in the winter?

Loyal readers will recall that I discussed this announcement a few post back, when the news first broke. Well, given the amount of discussion generated on the net chat forums, that I have decided to take a closer look at the announcement.

One of the biggest questions surrounding the announcement is whether Brits really want to cruise from a cold and often wet Southampton in the winter? P&O and just about every other cruise line do not think so. All of the P&O ships either reposition to warmer waters, such as the Caribbean, or undertake world cruises during the winter. Some ships of the smaller operators are even laid-up each winter, due to low demand.

Here are some of the comments from the ‘cruisetalk’ chat forum members:

• “I can’t help but feel that RCI are pushing their luck with these mega-ships, during the current financial downturn.

• “Don’t want to appear rude but why would anyone want to cruise out of Southampton in winter”.

• “…which is why UK based ships disappear off for the first 3+ months of the year. Independence of the Seas arrived yesterday from her repositioning cruise. I was talking to someone who came off her and all he kept going on about was the crowds all of the time. Different in warmer climes, but is not ideal for our weather most of the year”.

• “This seems like a great move to me. IOS has been receiving great reviews during the last summer season from British passengers in comparison to very mediocre ones from P&O Ventura and Norwegian Jade…RCL seem to be really getting a proper grip on the UK Market”.

• “With IOS clearly designed for the US market of shorter 7 night cruises in the Caribbean, I would like to see how it is going to handle longer cruises of up to 18 nights…”

• “I can’t see it. There may be some demand for winter cruises, but I don’t think it’s for ex-Southampton cruises”. “IOS seems to have found a niche in the UK. Her yields are some of the best in the RCI fleet and the people seem to love her”.

Another important factor to consider when studying RCI’ move is the fact that Independence of the Sea will be offering 11 night and 18 night cruises in the winter. Now we Brits do enjoy longer cruises, which probably stems from the fact that we often take a couple of weeks leave in the summer. However, if I was going to cruise from Southampton in the winter, it probably would NOT be my main holiday; therefore I would not want a longer cruise. A one week or mini-cruise would suit me better. However a ship can’t get too far from Southampton in one week, apart from the Norwegian Fjords and the nearer European ports. She certainly cannot reach any guaranteed sun in one week, return. I bet RCI will have to offer some fantastic fares for an 18 night cruise in January and February 2010.

On a positive note, I certainly feel that the increased security measures at UK airports makes flying to your cruise more aggravating than ever before. Maybe RCI are right. Maybe British cruising is not all about sunshine. Cruises to the Baltic States, around the British Isles and the Norwegian Fjords are all very popular in the summer months. Although these are fascinating itineraries, sunbathing on deck cannot be guaranteed, even in July and August.

Cunard’s occasional winter transatlantic crossings are also very popular – but hardly attract beach-bums. Ships like Independence of the Seas certainly have a wide range of interior public rooms, dining options, entertainment and an indoor ’street’ which are all ideal facilities when the outer decks are unusable. Who knows, a breathtaking ship coupled with competitive fares may wake the British masses from our usual winter hibernation.

Malcolm Oliver

QE2 Dubai Hotel Concept

The exact detail of the QE2 Dubai/Palm Jumeirah Hotel project are still somewhat secretive, in fact one wonders if Dubai-owned Nakheel have even fully decided yet, assuming the funding is available in the current economic climate.  Little seems to have actually happened apart from the Cunard logos have been removed from the QE2. 

The concept model revealed a few post earlier, surely give us an idea of how extensive the remodelling of the QE2 might be. The image below is one I have not seen before, hence I decide to share it with you.

Concept rendering

 

NCL Norwegian Epic Hull Art Revealed

 May 7, 2009 : Norwegian Cruise Line today unveiled the contemporary hull design which will adorn Norwegian Epic, the company’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, scheduled for delivery in May 2010. In addition, the company will begin taking reservations for Norwegian Epic’s 2010/2011 inaugural season on Thursday, May 21, 2009, with a special preview day for Norwegian’s past guests (Latitudes members) on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

Norwegian Epic’s hull artwork, designed by the company’s internal marketing team, is painted on both sides with free form rolling waves of varying sizes that run through a modern color spectrum of lime, aqua, red, and purple and are dotted by silver circles.

Norwegian Epic’s hull design is a departure from the rest of the line’s signature hull artwork which typically is inspired by the ship’s name or the destination the ship sails from. Instead, the hull artwork on Norwegian Epic takes on the characteristics of the ship’s interior features – a sophisticated, modern and sleek design and color palette that is seen in everything from the innovative curved design of the New Wave staterooms to the more contemporary design of the ship’s public areas.

“A Norwegian Cruise Line ship is instantly recognizable with its distinctive hull art that conveys each ship’s personality and the freedom and flexibility that is found on board,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “With Norwegian Epic, we are taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level, so it is fitting that her hull artwork conveys more of the modern, sleek design guests will find once they are on board the ship.”

(NCL)

Malcolm says: It’s funny, we used to complain about the very existence of hull-art, but now most of us accept it. NCL sure have used a lot of words in their press release to describe Epic’s almost ‘understated’ hull art. I was expecting something more innovative (over-the-top). I’m almost disappointed.

Fred Olsen’s Black Prince Sold?

Its been reported that BLACK PRINCE has been sold to Servicios Acuaticos de Venezuela CA (SAVECA) for cruising in Venezuelan waters. She will be handed over in October when she retires from Fred Olsen service.   Her farewell cruise is  2nd to 16th October 2009, to the Canaries from Southampton, return.

Malcolm Says: I believe that she will need upgrading to the new SOLAS (maritime safety) regulations  which I assume Olsen thought was too costly for such an old/small ship.  Her accommodation is now very dated, so not ideal for a Hotel. Therefore I’m surprised that she has found a buyer (if it’s true).

Please see my article ‘Goodbye Black Prince’, menu left.

One year old this Month!

This blog is one year old this month. It has had approximately 70,000 hits, which averages at nearly 200 per day. This is not bad considering I do not do anything to promote the blog. Thanks to all those that have contributed.

HAL’s Veendam – Things turn Ugly!

The HAL blog has photos of the Veendam’s refit in Freeport. She’s getting a reverse make-over making her stern more uglier than before.  New aft balcony cabins and additional deck require the instalment of a ducktail for stability. Also, the bridge wings are being extended result.

Before

 

After!

Now some commentators (my Friend sread) have said: “Who cares what a ship looks like from the outside, because you can’t see it from the inside? It’s the experience for passengers who are on board that matters more, I would have thought”. “I imagine HAL will pay more attention to people on the inside pee(r)ing out, than those on the outside pee(r)ing in”.

Sread has summed up the difference between a ‘cruise passenger’ and a ’ship nut’.  Would you buy a car that you thought looked ugly, even if you could not see it when you drive?  I know ship nuts that would just not cruise on an ugly ship.

Just imagine the embarrassment of walking back to the port to board a monstrosity, especially if a more attractive ship were berthed nearby. A true ship nut would have to wear a disguise. It would be like a car park full of BMW’s and you had to walked back to your Reliant Robin – oh the shame.

Another friend, PamM, says “She  now looks like Norwegian Epic sailing back-wards”.  

 However I do agree that HAL, NCL et al are not at all worried about us few ship-nuts. 

I have written a whole article about ship aesthetics called ‘Do Looks Matter’ (see menu right).