I have resisted posting info I learned from a knowledgeable source before this in order to protect his identity ...
The problem is not simply a bearing problem, it is also a shaft (within the pod) deformation problem. The pods that Celebrity uses have the longest internal shaft length (9 metres) of any pod system currently on any ship.
Celebrity's failure analysis of the "bearing problem" has also revealed deformation of the shaft (non-concentricity). This was measured by lasers measured at every two degrees times 180. The lack of concentricity of the internal shaft puts the bearings at increased risk of failure. (If you are a "techie" you can understand why this is so.).
Soooo, it is not just a bearing problem but an inherent design problem whereby the internal shaft due to its length and the torque it is subjected to, cannot maintain concentricity which results in premature failure of the bearings.
Having said this, I would not hesitate to book on an M class ship. We've been on Celebrity 8 times, twice on the infinity, and on 30 cruises overall.
I just thought the additional technical information would be of interest to a few posters.
Thread Discussing Rolls Royce Mermaid Pod ("Pod") Issues Affecting Celebrity Vessels
in Celebrity Cruises
Posted
I have resisted posting info I learned from a knowledgeable source before this in order to protect his identity ...
The problem is not simply a bearing problem, it is also a shaft (within the pod) deformation problem. The pods that Celebrity uses have the longest internal shaft length (9 metres) of any pod system currently on any ship.
Celebrity's failure analysis of the "bearing problem" has also revealed deformation of the shaft (non-concentricity). This was measured by lasers measured at every two degrees times 180. The lack of concentricity of the internal shaft puts the bearings at increased risk of failure. (If you are a "techie" you can understand why this is so.).
Soooo, it is not just a bearing problem but an inherent design problem whereby the internal shaft due to its length and the torque it is subjected to, cannot maintain concentricity which results in premature failure of the bearings.
Having said this, I would not hesitate to book on an M class ship. We've been on Celebrity 8 times, twice on the infinity, and on 30 cruises overall.
I just thought the additional technical information would be of interest to a few posters.
Regards to all--
Bill