Other than cruising across the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferries my first cruise experience was on Shaw Savill’s “Ocean Monarch” in 1970.
Reading a report recently I learnt that “Ocean Monarch” could be described as the vessel that destroyed Shaw Savill Line. They spent a great deal of money purchasing and refitting the vessel, but she was never popular with travelers, suffering endless engine problems, and just five years after her purchase was sold to shipbreakers.
Built for the Canadian Pacific as “Empress of England, she was launched on 9 May 1956 and entered service in April 1957 between Liverpool and Montreal. Accommodation was provided for 160 first class and 898 tourist class passengers.By early 1960’s the passenger trade to Canada had declined so much the both ‘Empress of England” and “Empress of Britain” spent much of the year cruising.In February 1970, “Empress of England” was sold to Shaw Savill. The liner arrived in Liverpool on 31 March at the end of a cruise, and next day was handed over to her owner.
Renamed “Ocean Monarch”, her funnel repainted in Shaw Savill colours. On 14 April, she left Southampton on a line voyage to Australia, which terminated in Sydney on 15 May.With the EXPO being held in Osaka she made two cruises there, I sailed on the first cruise departing 22 May. The cruise itinerary was Sydney to Yokohama, Osaka, Hong Kong, Singapore, Fremantle, Melbourne and return to Sydney.
After the second cruise the vessel then made a line voyage back to Britain, and was sent to Cammell Laird shipyard for an extensive refit.A refit was badly need as all areas were in need of refurnishing, and the crew look and acted as though they were ‘pressgang’ into service.
Ocean Monarch built in 1957 Tonnage 25,971 gross October 1997
The second cruise I made was in October 1997, onboard Carnival Cruises’ “Holiday” on a three night round-trip cruise from Los Angeles, where I attended a Conference onboard.These short cruises call into Ensenada Mexico to enable the cruise line to meet the requirement for an international cruise, to enable them to open the casino, offer duty free and employ international crew.These cruises are very popular with the locals in California as a weekend ‘short-break’ and are promoted as a ‘fun break’
Scandalously garish at a time when cruise ships were expected to be elegantly somber, they’re now seen as representing chief Carnival interior designer and whimsy-monger Joe Farcus at his most restrained! “Holiday” appears to be the ship where Joe Farcus discovered one of his favorite color combinations; red, blue and purple. These colors dominate the main lobby and the dining room, but elsewhere the ship encompasses every color of the rainbow, and a few more. Expect lots of chrome, brass, and mirrors, as in a late-’70s disco; keep your sunglasses close at hand even when inside
“Carnival Holiday”46,000 tones Passengers 1,48610 Decks Entered service 1985
Saturday 15 June 2002
I cruised out of Piraeus (Athens) aboard Windstar’s “Wind Spirit” cruising to Istanbul via Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and Kusadashi.
“Wind Spirit’ is a long sleek-looking craft that is part-yacht and part-cruise ship, with four giant masts that tower 52m above the deck, and fitted with computer controlled sails; the masts, sails and rigging alone cost US$5 million.The computer keeps the ship on an even keel (via the movement of a water hydraulic ballast system of 540,000 litres) so there is no heeling over 6 degrees.There is little open space when the ship is full, due to the complex sail machinery, a tiny dip pool and a small water sport platform at the stern.The ship has finely crafted interior with pleasing blond woods, together with soft, complementary colours and décor is chic, even elegant.No scheduled activities help make this a real relaxing unregimented ‘get away from all cruise’.The dress code is casual (no jackets or ties required) no formal nights or theme nights.
“Wind Spirit”53,350 tonnes Cabins 74 Passengers 148 Entered service
1988 January 2003I inspected and had lunch aboard
Fred Olsen’s – “Black Watch”
Royal Caribbean’s – “Legend of the Sea”
January 2004 I inspected and had lunch onboard
Crystal Cruises’ – “Crystal Harmony”
February 2004
Cruised from Auckland to Sydney aboard P & O UK’s “Oriana”
When “Oriana” was added to the fleet in April 1995 it was the first new ship for P & O Cruises in more than 25 years.The interiors are gentle, welcoming and restrained, a great amount of open deck and sunbathing space. It has an extras-wide wrap-around promenade deck outdoors.The unique stern superstructure is nicely rounded and has several tiers that overlook the aft decks, pool and children’s outdoor facilities.A large number of public entertainment rooms provides plenty of choice; Anderson’s Lounge (named after the founder) contains an attractive series of 19 Century marine paintings, and decorated in the manner of a fine British gentleman’s club.Atop the ship and forward is the Crow’s Nest, a U-shaped room with a great view of the bow, a great place to relax during the day or meet for pre-dinner drinks or dance after dinner.
January 2005
I inspected and had lunch on
Holland America’s “m/s Amsterdam”
“Seven Sea’s “Mariner”
February 2005
Cruised from Auckland to Sydney aboard P & O International’s “Aurora”
Specifically designed for the British market, therefore most passengers will be British and on her round world cruises when she calls into Auckland, the passengers will mostly be retirees.The ship offers a wide range of public rooms (17) to satisfy all tastes and lifestyles.Evening classical concerts take place in the Playhouse, which also serves as the cinema, while extravaganzas debut in the Curzon Theatre, and the nightclub acts come alive in Carmen’s. Monte Carlo is the casino, small by American standards.For many the favourite room is Crow’s Nest a superb spacious observation bar lounge.
Aurora76,152 tonnes Cabins 914 Passengers 1,868
Entered service 2000
December 2006
Cruised from Sydney to Christchurch aboard Princess Cruises’ “Pacific Princess”
“Pacific Princess’ was originally one of eight almost identical ships ordered and operated by the now defunct Renaissance Cruises. As one of the “R-class” ships, this one operated in Tahiti and was delivered by the shipyard through French Government funding.After the collapse of Renaissance Cruises (following the September 11 2001, terrorist attacks) Princess Cruises announced the lease/purchase of this ship alone with another renamed “Tahitian Princess’.The Lido Deck has a swimming pool, a good sunbathing space, while one of the aft decks has a thalassotherapy pool. A jogging track circles the swimming pool deck (but one deck above). The uppermost outdoors deck includes a golf driving net and shuffleboard court.The interior décor is quite stunning and elegant, a throw-back to ship décor of the ocean liners of the 1920’s and ‘30s executed in fine taste.The public areas are spread over three decks, the nightclub with its forward facing views, the Library is a beautiful, grand room designed in regency style.
Pacific Princess Cabins 344 Passengers 686
30,277 tonnes Decks 9
January 2007
I inspected and had lunch onboard
Princess Cruise’s “Sapphire Princess”
February 2007
I inspected and have lunch aboard
Cunard’s QE2 and Queen Mary 2
September 2007
As one of P & O Cruises ‘Top Sellers’ I was invited to attend a Partnership Conference aboard “Pacific Star” on a round-trip cruise from Brisbane to Noumea and Vila.
I was impressed with the new Portside Terminal in Brisbane with facilities that include shops, restaurants, cafes and even a movie theatre.I enjoyed a comfortable ocean-view cabin and late dinner in the Bordeaux Restaurant.Cruising is about visiting destinations but more importantly is about the ‘cruise-experience’. The entertainment provided, the facilities onboard and the number of new friends you make. As “Tropical” she was the first new ship for Carnival Cruise Lines, the ship was then sold to Costa Cruises (owned by Carnival Cruises) in January 2001 given a US$24 million refit and renamed “Costa Tropical”.The interior design was reasonably well laid out, and the ship generally had good passenger flow. Sadly there was no wrap-round open promenade deck, or any walking space outdoors.Subsequently the ship was purchased by P & O Australia (owned by Carnival Cruises) and repainted, refurnished and renamed as “Pacific Star”After many cruises from Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland the ship was sold to a Spanish company and left service in 2008.
Pacific StarEntered service 1982 Cabins 600 Passengers 1,200
46,392 tonnes
November 2007
I experienced a seven night cruise aboard APT Discovery chartered Amadeus River Cruise-boat “Amadagio” from Nuremburg to Budapest.Something I would highly recommend and endorsed by clients who have just returned. A very relaxing way to experience Europe.No early mornings, no packing and unpacking, no long coach rides.The seven night cruise takes you on a casual journey through Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava to Budapest.At each stop you are taken on a guided walk into the city center and then left to relax, explore or shop.Each evening after enjoying another fabulous dinner served with complimentary wines you are entertained by locals.
www.amawaterways.com.
“ms Amadagio”Entered service 2006 Cabins 75 Passengers 150 Length 110m
December 2007
Cruised from Auckland to Sydney aboard Princess Cruises’ “Sun Princess”
“Sun Princess” – along with its sister ships Dawn and Sea – has more than 400 balcony staterooms, so you can wake up to your own exclusive vista. Take a dip in one of three spacious pools or spend your evening at one of the show lounges with unique performances each night. Dining options are also plentiful, including two formal dining rooms, the Sterling Steakhouse and the 24-hour Horizon Court. And don’t miss the Lotus Spa for some pampering.
“Sun Princess”Entered service Cabins 975 Passengers 1,950
77,000 tons Length 261m Decks – 15
February 2008
I inspected and have lunch aboard
Cunard’s “Queen Victoria”
Oceania’s “Nautica”
Royal Caribbean’s “Rhapsody of the Sea
July 2008
Roundtrip cruise on P & O Cruises’ “Pacific Sun”
The vessel was constructed for Carnival Cruise Lines and entered operation in 1986 as Jubilee. Jubilee was one of three Holiday class ships constructed for Carnival, along with near-sister ships Holiday and Celebration. In 2004, the vessel was transferred to P&O Cruises Australia, and was renamed Pacific Sun.Since arriving in Sydney in November 2004, Pacific Sun has welcomed thousands of Australians and New Zelanders onboard. Pacific Sun’s features include a two-storey waterslide and a host of entertainment options.
“Pacific Sun”
Entered service 1986 Cabins Passengers 1,896
47,262 tons Length 223m Decks 10
Hi, this is a comment.
To delete a comment, just log in, and view the posts’ comments, there you will have the option to edit or delete them.