Mariner of the Seas/Asia/October 27, 2013

[jjduck]

Hi CC Experts!

 

We have booked the above cruise, from Shanghai to Singapore, but in the past few weeks, the reservation page shows "N/A" for booking. When we called Royal, they said their information shows cabins are available, but not ready for booking at this time. Noticed a roll call has been started, but looks "inactive".

 

Anybody know what's going on? ANY information is appreciated.

 

Thanks!

Jon

[Merion_Mom]

Other websites, belonging to travel agencies, list this cruise as "not available to book yet."

 

That's all that I can tell you.

[jjduck]

Thanks for replying, Merion Mom.

 

I wonder if this popular itinerary is going to be "chartered" or something. Oh well, just wait and see.

 

Aloha.

[CruzinSuz]

Just got off her today. The ship is being chartered for a couple of years to a Chinese company, the ship will be catering to the Chinese, noodle stations and their ethnic foods. You may want to consider Voyager instead since MA will be catering to the Chinese market. I'm sure there will be lot's of smoking, and a lot of gambling. Expanding the casino for them too.

[jjduck]

Thanks for the information, CruzinSuz. Appreciate your posting. Looks like our gut feeling is correct.

[caribill]

Just got off her today. The ship is being chartered for a couple of years to a Chinese company, the ship will be catering to the Chinese, noodle stations and their ethnic foods. You may want to consider Voyager instead since MA will be catering to the Chinese market. I'm sure there will be lot's of smoking, and a lot of gambling. Expanding the casino for them too.

 

From a post (not by us) on another thread:

 

We just sailed the Mariner Jan 13-20. During the poker tournaments, the casino employees told my husband there were going to be some "big changes" made to the casino that will cater to the way the Chinese gamble. They also said the Chinese don't like to drink but do like to gamble. :eek:

 

The staff (waiters and room steward) also told us by the time the ship got to Singapore the crew would be almost all Asian The first language for announcements would be in Chinese, the shows would be in Chinese, etc.

 

Even on our cruise, they were already changing out the crew to more Chinese wait-staff in the dining areas and bar service. When we got to Galveston, there was a huge group of Asian newbies waiting to board.

[jjduck]

Thanks for that posting, caribill. Appreciate the information.

[springaussie]

Cruises like that are very popular with Aussie Travel Wholesalers.

I have seen a few cruises sell out overnight caused by large groups.

Glen

[jjduck]

Ok, good information to know. Thanks, Glen!