Happy New Year (2010)

Review of 2009

As another maritime year draws to a close, you could easily forget that we have been in a global recession given the number of new builds entering service and those on the drawing board.  From a mass media point of view, only one ship mattered in 2009, and that was Royal Caribbean’s ‘Oasis of the Seas’.  Given the fact that she is the biggest cruise ship ever built by a margin 40%, they should have just called her ‘Wow’ because that what everyone says when they see her.

Of course every ‘Goliath’ has his ‘David’ and in Oasis’s case the name was announced in January: ‘Norwegian Epic’.  A potentially exciting and innovative big ship on the inside, but surely the ugliest purpose built passenger ship ever, on the outside.  Whether Epic will actually do any giant slaying will be revealed in 2010 when she enters service.

Now my knowledge of pirates comes exclusively from ‘Disney movies’, but real modern day piracy reared its ugly head off the coast of Somalia in 2009 with some passenger ships being attacked.

In February the future of two old friends became more uncertain. The Queen Elizabeth 2 Dubai/Hotel project began to look unsteady and the greyhound of Ocean Liners, the SS United State currently rusting away, was put up for sale.  It would seem that promises have been broken in both cases.

In April it was announced that from 2010 Royal Caribbean’s ’independence of the Seas’ will sail from Southampton all year round. This is a ground breaking (and brave) deployment, given the fact that there are few winter cruises from UK ports, with fly-cruises dominating the market.  I can imagine the scene: sun loungers on the pool deck covered in snow.

In June, a small luxury ship (450 passengers) entered service, ‘Seabourn Odyssey’ their first newbuild in fifteen years and the first one of three.  Now unlike mega-ships which seem to almost promote themselves, ‘Odyssey’ slipped under the radar. However the quality of the onboard experience is likely much higher that onboard most of the big ships which gain most of the media coverage.

In July Celebrity Equinox entered service, the second of four sisters. These modern ships are very well designed, have remarkable décor and even feature a real lawn on the upper deck.

In September the largest river cruise ship (or is it a boat) ‘Victoria Jenna’ entered service carrying 416 passengers. I though I would mention this just to remind us that not all vacations afloat are on oceans.

In October, Fred Olsen’s tiny ‘Black Prince’ retired after 43 years of service. Probably no bigger than one of ‘Oasis of the Seas’ lifeboats, she provides further proof that not everybody wants to cruise on a floating theme park.

In November, the Carnival cruise line continue to make more money than they can count, but their new ship ‘Carnival Dream’ proved to be simply another variation of a tired design. Mind you, externally she’s ‘hot’.

So with more newbuilds due in 2010, cruise passengers are going to have more choice than ever. We now have the best of both worlds: the biggest cruise ship ever built and some intimate smaller vessels being built, plus lots in-between.  If you can’t find a ship to suit you in 2010, I’ll eat my lifejacket. 

A Happy New Year to all my blog readers.

Malcolm Oliver

Disney Dream’s Water Coaster

The Disney Dream™ is the majestic third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Boasting 14 towering decks, a ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet, the 128,000-ton vessel includes 1,250 staterooms and has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers—along with the over 1,458 Crew Members who tend to the needs of every cruise Guest each and every day. Disney Dream will enter service in 2011.

AquaDuck is the first water coaster on a Disney Cruise Line ship—or, for that matter, any cruise ship—setting the standard for height, length and excitement.

AquaDuck is a thrilling “water coaster,” whose entrance is on Deck 12, Aft aboard the Disney Dream. In a cruise industry first, Guests are propelled at high speeds from Deck 12, Aft through an acrylic tube on a breathtaking journey up, down, around and off the side of the ship, through the Forward Funnel and—following a mammoth drop—into a lazy river.

Developed by the Disney Imagineers, this elevated water coaster—the first of its kind at sea—travels 765 feet and features an exciting 4 deck drop. It was designed for Adults and Children at least 48″ or taller.

AquaDuck affords breathtaking views of the ocean and ship below—that is, if you’re brave enough to keep your eyes open during this exciting ride! It also offers a bird’s-eye view of the exciting new pools available to family, kids and adults on the Disney Dream.

(Disney)

Farewell to Saga Rose

Image By: Andrew, "Ocean Voyager" Hythe, southampton

The charaming ‘Saga Rose’ (1964, formerly Cunard’s ‘Sagafjord’) sets out on her farewell cruise on 30th October 2009, from Southampton, heading for the Mediterranean before her retirement.  Unfortunately, she does not fullfill the requirements of the new SOLAS 2010 (safety)  regulations.  It is claimed that she has done 44 world cruises, but this is in dispute*!

Saga purchased the ‘Astoria’ earlier this year and will be re-named Saga Pearl II – in homage to the original Saga Pearl, which sailed under the Saga flag until 2004 when she was replaced by Saga Ruby.

Saga Pearl II will match the classic style of Saga Rose and will build on the success of the Saga cruising brand. Her inaugural cruise will be on 15th March 2010 departing Southampton and heading for the magic of the Norwegian cost and the northern lights in the high arctic.

Andrew Goodsell, Executive Chairman, Saga Group commented:

“I am very excited that we at long last have Saga Pearl II. She is a lovely a mid-sized ship true to the Saga tradition and a perfect addition to our fleet. In her traditional Saga livery she will carry no more than 446 passengers. The ship will have an intimate atmosphere and a personal service with the attention to detail that our passengers have come to expect. Regular Saga cruise passengers will find many familiar faces on board, as the officers and crew of Saga Rose will transfer to the new ship.

A multi-million pound refit will ensure that the ship is fabulous throughout. What’s more, there will be many new features including the addition of new balcony cabins. I am sure that Saga Pearl II will win the hearts of Saga cruisers, just as Saga Rose did a decade ago.”

The ship will undergo a comprehensive £14m refit in Europe over the winter. The refit will include the creation of balcony cabins and the superior classical Saga ambiance that our customers enjoy; upgrading the show lounge, spa and two swimming pools; creating one of the best libraries afloat; and, new kitchens to support the gourmet dining experience in the stylish single-sitting dining rooms – including a new elegant Veranda Restaurant

She will also have a special coating applied to her hull which will enable her to travel with greater ease through the sea and will significantly reduce fuel consumption and lower her carbon footprint.

(Saga)

*Malcolm Says:  If one defines a World Cruise as a complete world circumnavigation, Saga Rose has done possibly 39 or 40, open to discussion/argument.  One year she didn’t do anything, 2 years were Grand Cruises rather than a circumnavigation and one year her World Cruise was aborted. (thanks PamM)

Epic’s sails for the UK Travel Trade

A two-night inaugural cruise for the travel trade by Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship Norwegian Epic is to run from Southampton next summer.  The line’s largest vessel, which is currently being built, will visit the UK next June en route to the US where it will be christened in New York on July 2.

Norwegian Epic, which will offer 20 different dining options and multiple nightlife venues, will sail on June 19 to Rotterdam and will run an overnight cruise from the Dutch port back to Southampton on June 21.  The ship will then depart on its transatlantic crossing to New York on June 24.

Following the christening celebrations in the Big Apple, Norwegian Epic will move to its home port of Miami prior to the start of regular seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises on July 10, 2010.

(Travelmole)

Malcolm says:  Best make friends with a Travel Agent!

Royal Caribbean reviews Tipping for Brits

A major US cruise line is considering an overhaul of its on board tipping arrangements due to the reluctance of British passengers to pay gratuities to staff.

Independence of the Seas, Southampton Aug 09

Royal Caribbean International vice president and UK managing director Robin Shaw disclosed that the payment of gratuities to renumerate cruise ship employees had become a “significant issue”.

Speaking at the first Cruise Forum as part of the ABTA Travel Convention in Barcelona, Shaw said the company was experiencing a “huge cultural difference” between US passengers who are used to tipping for service and those from the UK who are not. He admitted that cruise ship staff received far less tips when British passengers are on board.

This comes at a time when the company is committing one of its largest ships, Independence of the Seas, to year-round ex-UK sailings from the end of next year and introducing the first summer season of Celebrity Cruises’ departures from Southampton on new ship Celebrity Eclipse in 2010.

Addressing the issue of paying gratuities – seen by UK consumers as a negative to taking a cruise – Shaw said: “We are evaluating what our options can be in the UK. This is certainly a challenge for us and one we have to address.”

His comments came as part of a wider discussion on add-ons cruise companies charge on top of the holiday price for items such as speciality restaurant meals and other extras.
Shaw said it was almost impossible to cost everything into the up front price, but it was a “commercial reality” that on board revenue was a key component for cruise lines to recover their return on investment .

Journalist Jane Archer, cruise writer for the Daily Telegraph, had pinpointed gratuities and on board add-ons as among the “turn-offs” for cruise passengers, saying that there was a perception that people were paying for more things as lines added optional extras to new ships.

She described cruise line tipping polices as “antiquated” and something that can lead to resentment and upset amongst travellers.

by Phil Davies (Travelmole)

Malcolm Says: About time!  Thomson manage to make a no-tipping policy work very well indeed.

Time-lapsed building of Seabourn Odyssey

Leaving Dry Dock Nov 08

See the video:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXDlBWOSrb0

They never used to build them like this!  Facinating stuff.

The Seabourn Odyssey is the first new ship for the Seabourne Cruise Line in over a decade. About 90% of the ship’s suites have private verandas. Some of the Seabourn Odyssey’s features include one of the largest spas featured in a cruise ship, a built-in marina, and expanded guest services compared to the older Seabourn fleet.

The ship’s keel was laid in early July 2007.  The ship includes 11 decks with two swimming pools, six outdoor whirlpools, water sports from the marina and a private diamond showroom. The Retreat features a nine-hole mini golf course, a giant chess board and shuffleboard.  The ship was completed in May 2009, a few weeks earlier than planned. A sister ship, Seabourne Sojourn  is being planned and due to launch sometime in 2010.  Her gross tonnage is 32,000 and her passenger capcity is a comfortable 450.

100,000 Hits, and Counting.

This humble blog has just achieved its 100,000th hit, in just over one year.  I must say that I am truly amazed. 

The information on ‘Norwegian Epic’ and ‘Oasis of the Seas’ have been the biggest draw, plus some of my cruise reviews.  I like to think that the more unusual items helped to. For example:  I publish artists images of the ‘F3′ (Epic) before NCL made them available to the media or public.  Many contributors though I was wrong and/or it was a photoshop hoax.  They thought: surely it was not possible for a ship to be designed so ugly? But it was true!

Thank you to all of you that have contributed by posting feedback.

Norwegian Epic Float out

Float Out - Old news, but still a nice image (Flicr)

Southampton’s New Ocean Terminal

(Aurora hides behind the new Ocean terminal Aug 09)

On the 2nd of August I visited Southampton’s new Ocean Terminal. Firstly let me say that I welcome more terminals and more ships to the UK coast with open arms.  However the Terminal that once held the name of Southampton’s ‘Ocean Terminal’ was an Art Deco masterpiece. 

The original ‘Ocean Terminal’ was built in 1950 and designed to compliment the decor of the great Ocean Liners of the period, such as the Queen Mary.  There were two floors: the ground floor had space to accommodate the ships stores and freight. The upper level accommodated two sumptuous reception halls for the public. They boasted  island settees, a refreshment buffet, an international telephone bay, a flower shop, a bank, a railway booking office, a writing room and a press room.  The  decor comprised of eight types of wood.  There was also a railway platform to cater for the ‘Boat Trains’ from London bringing passengers to the liners.  Unfortunately this splendid building was demolished in 1983, to make way for a car park.

Southampton’s new £19 million ‘Ocean Terminal’ handled its first ship, P&O’s Oceana on the 9th of May 2009.  Now I don’t doubt that the building is very spacious and practical. It appears to have plenty of car parking space, but no longer a train station. (This is now several miles away). 

Internally it resembles a branch of B&Q’s – a big metal warehouse. Only the curved roof and some internal metal up-lights  (designed in a ‘Sc-Fi’ style art-deco approximation) suggest that someone has spent at least ten minutes thinking out the aesthetics and maritime.  On a positive note, it does have forty check-in desks, but I wonder if they will ever actually staff all forty at once?

Are those strange metal up-lighters, slightly Art Deco?

The Café in the new terminal is particularly funny. It’s not really café, it is more of a hatch with a metal roller-shutter. In fact it resembles the snacks sold on a couple of trestle tables, through a serving-hatch at a Church halls annual fate.  There was no Cappuccino, just hot water from an erne and instant coffee. What a missed opportunity for some income generation.  (Hopefully this was not the finished refreshment facility).  There of course was no bank, no flower shop and little wood, let along eight types.

Another concern of mine is that although Southampton has increasingly bigger ships, a new terminal, plus a big shopping centre (with a new Ikea),  the main roads to the port are the same as they ever were. They can be gridlocked at the best of time – but just imagine a day with four mega-ships are in port all at once.  I’ve no idea how efficient the baggage handling is in the new terminal, but a  Southampton baggage Manager once told me: “The passenger capacity of many ships has double in size, in recent years, but they have only given my team of eight men, two extra men, per ship”.

I’ll stop moaning now and will let you decide which Ocean Terminal, past or present, you prefer.

(Welcome http://www.cruisingtalk.com )

Oasis of the Seas Dining (Opus Dining Room etc.)

Freedom of the Seas Dining Room (not Oasis)

A look at the eateries the line plans for the ship, organized by neighborhood:

Central Park

– 150 Central Park. The most exclusive dining venue on Oasis of the Seas will have “a trend upscale ambiance” and serve “leading-edge cuisine.” Signature features will include a tasting menu with customized wine pairings. Open for dinner; $35 cover charge.

– Giovanni’s Table. A casual Italian eatery with indoor and outdoor seating offering rustic dishes with a contemporary flair, including toasted herbal breads, pizzas, salads, pastas, Italian sandwiches, braised meat dishes and stews, all served family-style. Open for lunch and dinner; $10 lunch and $15 dinner cover charge.

– Park Café. A casual, indoor/outdoor gourmet market with walk-up counters serving freshly prepared salads, made-to-order sandwiches, paninis, crepes and hearty soups. European pastries, sublime chocolates and decadent fudge will round out the offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.

– Vintages. Royal Caribbean regulars will recognize this popular wine bar, also found on Voyager- and Freedom-class ships, but it is moving into a larger space on Oasis of the Seas. In addition to wine, it’ll offer a selection of cheeses and a broad tapas menu. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.

– Chops Grille. Royal Caribbean’s popular signature steakhouse is back, serving premium cut, quality meats. Open for dinner; $25 cover charge.

Boardwalk

– Seafood Shack. An indoor/outdoor casual family restaurant serving seafood. It’ll offer an extensive beverage menu of non-alcoholic cocktails and over-sized desserts. Open for lunch and dinner; $7.95 lunch and $9.95 dinner cover charge.

– Boardwalk Bar. The main bar in the Boardwalk will offer on-the-go snacks and a variety of pre-packaged sandwiches, fruit and salads. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

– Donut Shop. A classically styled shop with casual snacks available all day. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

– Ice Cream Parlor. An 1950s-style ice cream venue serving classic sundaes and a ice cream mixed with toppings to order on a frozen slab. Open throughout the day; á la carte pricing.

– Johnny Rockets. The branded burger joint, found on a number of Royal Caribbean ships, is back with even longer hours (it’ll offer a breakfast menu on Oasis, too). Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; $3.95 breakfast and $4.95 lunch and dinner cover charge.

The Royal Promenade

– Mondo Cafe. A new addition to the Royal Promenade that features coffee, sandwiches and pastries native to countries such as Italy, Spain and Cuba. Open for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and late night treats.

– Sorrento’s Pizzeria. The New York style pizzeria will offer a more extensive menu with made-to-order pizza pies and slices, in addition to the ready-made selections introduced with the Freedom-class ships. Open for lunch, dinner and late night snacks.

– Café Promenade. Located on the opposite end of the Royal Promenade from the Mondo Cafe, this coffee house willl continue serving Seattle’s Best Coffee, fruit shakes, pastries and sandwiches throughout the day and night. Open 24 hours; á la carte pricing.

The Pool and Sports Zone

– Solarium Bistro. Located in the Solarium, the contemporary bistro will offer health-conscious dining for breakfast and lunch in a casual setting. In the evenings, Solarium Bistro will transform into a romantic and intimate dining setting for specialty healthy-fare dinner and dancing under the stars. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner has a $20 cover charge.

– The Wipe Out Café. A casual self-service buffet with pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, fresh salads and the like aimed at young cruisers on-the-go. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center

– The Vitality Café. Located at the entrance of the Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the Vitality Café will feature healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps and fruit, in addition to refreshing juices and smoothies from the Vitality spa menu for the calorie conscious guest. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Other options

– Opus Dining Room. The ship’s three-level main dining room, featuring decor that the line says will “revive the grandeur of the 1920s.” Passengers will be able to choose between Royal Caribbean’s newly introduced My Time Dining and My Family Time Dining, as well as the traditional main and late seating options will be offered. Passengers who sign up for My Time Dining will be able to go to dinner in the dining room whenever they wish during dining hours (they can make daily reservations for specific seating times or choose to walk in). My Family Time Dining accommodates parents and children by offering an expedited 40-minute dining service for young cruisers, ages 3-11. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

– Windjammer Marketplace. The ship’s casual buffet eatery will have multiple islands.

– Izumi. A new Asian cuisine restaurant with a sushi bar and hot rock cooking, as well as other Asian fare in a more formal setting. Open for lunch and dinner; á la carte pricing.

– In-Cabin dining. As always on Royal Caribbean ships, room service will be available for breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and is generally free of charge. A recently introduced Dine in Delights menu, which offers name-brand culinary options ranging from the Original Johnny Rockets hamburger to Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookies, will come with a la carte pricing, and there is a $3.95 service charge for in-room deliveries between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.

(From USAToday)

How to Visit a Cruise ship

I am often asked by friends: “How do I visit a cruise ship”. Now although it is possible, it is not always easy to achieve either. In these times of international terrorism, you stand no chance of turning up at the dock and expecting to be let onboard a cruise ship. It does not matter if you know a crew member or your friends are onboard, the answer is still ‘No’.

Read on…(Menu right, Industry Comment, How to Visit a Ship)

Norwegian Epic Pool Deck View

Note the four pools: 1 aft as serving Spice H20 (adults only), 2 on the main pool deck and 1 in the centre of the villa complex.

Norwegian Epic Latest Construction Images

June 2009:

(From shipspotting.com)

Inside Liverpool’s Cunard Building

Short BBC news movie file, see here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7816440.stm

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.

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.

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

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.

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.