Another cruise line bites the dust

[beerman2]

17 minutes ago, legaljen1969 said:

 I don't even have kids, but the worst behavior I see from cruisers is usually from adults- the super drunk, the super old and the super entitled.   By entitled, I am NOT talking about those with lots of loyalty status. I am talking about the ones in general who believe the entire world must fall at their feet for whatever reason.  

Care to explain " super old"?

[legaljen1969]

3 minutes ago, beerman2 said:

Care to explain " super old"?

I would say 80+.   My father is 80 and I still think he's "relatively" young considering both of my grandmothers lived to be over 100.   The way people are living today, soon 80 will be "middle aged."   Anyhow,  I have a hard time thinking of my parents as "elderly" when I see all they do and how well they get around. But then I remember that they are definitely getting older.  

My main point was that just because someone has lived many years and acquired much life experience- it doesn't mean they have a right to be hateful to other people.  Yes, I know sometimes people are experiencing dementia or other issues that might make them unusually unkind, and I have the greatest of compassion for such people and their caregivers.  Maybe they are just terrible people. 
 

Maybe it's not even age related, but I find that many people with scooters tend to just cruise around without looking quite often- especially in places like the Windjammer. My nieces who were 6 and 11 on our last family cruise are quite mindful to make way for people in wheelchairs and scooters as they were often with my grandmother and know that you have to be on the lookout.  They try very hard to be considerate of others.  You never know how hold people are. They could be 40 year old sun worshippers and heavy smokers who have done a number on their skin, but many of them appear to be good friends with father time.  

[twangster]

1 hour ago, Dennis#1 said:

Thought Grandeur was going to permanently stay with RCCL.

 

When Pullmantur went into reorganization they announced Grandeur was not going to Pullmantur as a result but they stopped short of saying Grandeur's future is with Royal Caribbean.  Some assumed that but they never said anymore than the transfer to Pullmantur was called off.

[ipeeinthepool]

12 hours ago, beerman2 said:

Care to explain " super old"?

 

10 years older than me. 😉

[SRF]

21 hours ago, Dennis#1 said:

Thought Grandeur was going to permanently stay with RCCL.

 

Maybe now, but she was scheduled to go to Pullmantur the end of March 2021.  

 

We had been booked on an April 12 night, but had to move to early March, as she was to be gone.

[Biker19]

Not quite a cruise line but:

 

The MS Satoshi project is dead as the former Pacific Dawn has been sold for scrap, according to a statement from Ocean Builders, which was aiming to setup a floating tech hub for small businesses with the aim to support crypto currency off the coast of Panama.

 

After buying the ship, hiring a vessel management company and even completing a class drydocking, the company said they had hit an insurance roadblock.

 

The ship has since quickly been sold to scrap and will sail to India.

 

"After an exhaustive search for an International Group P&I Club insurance group to insure the Satoshi we have hit the roadblock of having no insurance company willing to insure the MS Satoshi upon dropping anchor in the Gulf of Panama," read a statement from Ocean Builders. "The closest we came was a company toying with us with a million dollar premium for a maximum of $5 million in coverage. Nothing close to the coverage we would need to be legally compliant. We did not foresee that the big boys club would be against such a small operation such as ours."

 

The company had opened bidding on cabins for residency in November and has promised refunds.

"We had requested from the Panama Marine Authority to be considered a non-seagoing vessel which likely would have lessened our burden for insurance, eliminating the requirement to comply with about 32 of the 35 international maritime treaties which Panama has agreed to. However they came back letting us know that because we have an engine and we have a flag, we are to be considered seagoing," the company wrote. 

 

"While we could have spent months and millions of dollars fighting, lobbying (see: bribing), or coming up with some complex alternative insurance solution to comply with the laws, we just did not have the support from the very communities which we created this project to support. Namely the seasteading community and the Bitcoin community. On the contrary, we were constantly attacked by the very people that we were trying to help.

 

"With so many roadblocks ahead of us with the insurance being a show stopper and no support behind us, it is with a heavy heart that we have decided to sell the MS Satoshi and go back to focusing on our floating homes here in Panama."

[chengkp75]

12 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Nothing close to the coverage we would need to be legally compliant. We did not foresee that the big boys club would be against such a small operation such as ours."

It's not that the P&I clubs are against a small operator, but since the club is a mutual insurance, and this owner/operator has no track record, the premium is going to be high to cover potential claims.

 

12 hours ago, Biker19 said:

"We had requested from the Panama Marine Authority to be considered a non-seagoing vessel which likely would have lessened our burden for insurance, eliminating the requirement to comply with about 32 of the 35 international maritime treaties which Panama has agreed to.

Did they really think they could bribe their way out of this?  A wooden sailing vessel that has an engine and propeller is considered a "screw-powered motor vessel", and therefore must have watertight bulkheads, etc.

 

Another maritime newbie who just didn't want to spend the money on admiralty lawyers  to see if their entire concept was legal or economically feasible.

[twangster]

2 hours ago, chengkp75 said:

Another maritime newbie who just didn't want to spend the money on admiralty lawyers  to see if their entire concept was legal or economically feasible.

 

That's what surprising to me.  They went as far as they did spending significant sums of money without a solid business plan.  If they mismanaged this project as they have, why would anyone want to do business in their other ventures?

[Biker19]

In a weird way the Sitoshi ^, is saved (will be named Ambiance) and and contrary to the theme of this thread is getting a new life in a new cruise line (formed by former CMV executives):

 

Just a few days before Britain welcomes back cruise ships to its waters, an investment group has announced the launch of a new cruise line to be based at London’s Tilbury. Named Ambassador, the cruise line says it will target an older demographic looking for a traditional yet premium value maritime experience.

 

Group chairman Gordon Wilson told the Telegraph that there is a market for activity-packed family vacation cruises, but that Ambassador wants to return to a more traditional experience. “There’s a certain style and cachet to cruising – and we want to bring that back,” he said, adding that they will aim to offer style without being stuffy.

Scandinavia and the Arctic showcased

The Norwegian fjords will be among the headline destinations on offer when the line launches in April 2022. Scandinavia and Iceland, Greenland and the Baltics are among the other destinations that will be visited on 33 sailings during the first year of operation. During the winter months, expedition-style voyages will visit the Canary Islands, Cuba and the Caribbean, Cape Verde and Scandinavia.

 

Formerly known as P&O Australia’s Pacific Dawn, the 1,400-passenger Ambience will be overhauled and upgraded to new environmental standards. The vessel will feature five restaurants, two cafes, nine bars and lounges, a swimming pool and spa.

 

An inaugural short break cruise to Hamburg will kick off the maiden season for the Ambience on April 6, 2022.

Future looks bright for post-Covid cruising

The launch is another sign that cruising is set to recover well after the pandemic. Recently, a $53,000 round-the-world cruise sold out in just one day, while summer cruises with no ports-of-call are also selling well.

 

While Ambassador claims to be the first new British cruise line for ten years, other lines have shown interest in the U.K. market. Norway’s Hurtigruten previously announced a series of no-fly cruises departing from Dover to the Norwegian fjords and Arctic. Previously, Hurtigruten customers wanting to experience the Norwegian coastline had to fly to Bergen first.

Meeting green standards early

The no-fly offer is part of a solid green push from Ambassador. Wilson highlighted his belief that the environmental credentials of a cruise ship will play an increasing role in customer decision-making.

 

Before its 2022 debut, the Ambience will be upgraded to Tier 3 environmental compliance, reducing NOx emissions three years ahead of the IMO deadline. The ship will also be equipped with modern ballast and water treatment systems. Single-use plastic will not be used onboard.

 

Ambassador: New British Cruise Line Promises Return To Stylish Cruising (forbes.com)

[John&LaLa]

10 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Formerly known as P&O Australia’s Pacific Dawn, the 1,400-passenger Ambience will be overhauled and upgraded to new environmental standards. The vessel will feature five restaurants, two cafes, nine bars and lounges, a swimming pool and spa.

 

Great, my favorite ship. Prettiest ship ever in my opinion.

Edited May 17, 2021 by John&LaLa

[robtulipe]

1 hour ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Great, my favorite ship. Prettiest ship ever in my opinion.

 

Yes, I agree.

We did a full transit on her through the Panama Canal in 2006 when she was first Regal Princess and saw her again in the Darling part of Sydney harbor, second shot below,  before boarding Voyager OTS for our first Australia cruise which was in 2013.

Edited May 17, 2021 by robtulipe

[John&LaLa]

12 minutes ago, robtulipe said:

Yes, I agree.

We did a full transit on her through the Panama Canal in 2006 when she was first Regal Princess and saw her again in the Darling part of Sydney harbor, second shot below,  before boarding Voyager OTS for our first Australia cruise which was in 2013.

 

We sailed both Crown and Regal in the 90's when they were fairly new.

 

Loved the pizzeria, and the casino above bridge was a huge wow.

 

Her lines are still futuristic today. Not sure why they chose her to bring back an old fashioned experience.  Must have been dirt cheap

Edited May 17, 2021 by John&LaLa

[Biker19]

1 hour ago, John&LaLa said:

Great, my favorite ship. Prettiest ship ever in my opinion.

Her sister, former Crown Princess, hasn't fared so well.

 

Edited May 17, 2021 by Biker19

[John&LaLa]

13 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

Her sister, former Crown Princess, hasn't fared so well.

 

 

I prefer these views. Nice stroll down memory lane.

https://cruiseradio.net/final-look-remembering-crown-princess-and-her-history-photos/

[Biker19]

An update to the saga of the former Regal Princess/Pacific Dawn/Satoshi:

 

 

Ambassador Cruise Line, the new UK-based line set to debut in April, has announced the ceremonial godmother for its first vessel, Ambience. The line is pleased to welcome British athlete Sally Gunnell to the role, and she will formally christen the ship on April 14, 2022, prior to its maiden voyage for the line later that month.

Sally Gunnell to Be Godmother to Ambience

Essex-born Gunnell is a former track and field star, and is the only British woman to hold four major track titles simultaneously – Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth – all for the 400-meter hurdles.

 

In addition to her recognition for that demanding event, Gunnell is also accomplished at the long jump and the heptathalon, which includes seven sprinting, high jump, long jump, hurdles, shot put, and javelin events.

 

“We’re incredibly proud to have Sally as our first ship’s godmother. She is a wonderful advocate for the 50-plus market and her ambitious drive and dedication to achievement echoes Ambassador’s determination for expansion,” said Christian Verhounig, CEO of Ambassador Cruise Line.

 

 

Since retiring from international athletics, the 55-year-old mother of three has become an advocate for health and well-being for the over 50s.

 

“I’m delighted to be godmother to Ambience, Ambassador Cruise Line’s first ship. I’ve a fondness for Ambassador’s homeport London Tilbury being in Essex, the county I was born and grew up in,” Gunnell said.

 

Not only does Gunnell appreciate the hometown closeness she feels with the ship and cruise line, but the line’s commitment to community, wellbeing, sustainability, and ethics are all core values she upholds.

 

“We’re all responsible for the seas we sail on,” Gunnell said. “This dedication from the off demonstrates that Ambassador is a responsible cruise line and one that I’m extremely honored to be working with.”

Maiden Voyage Planned

Ambience will enter service on April 20, 2022 with a maiden voyage to Hamburg, Germany, followed by a further 31 sailings calling at over 90 different ports. Itineraries will include the British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, Greenland, the Arctic and Iceland, plus several short break cruises.

 

For the winter months, a range of exploration-style voyages will sail to the Canaries, Cuba, the Caribbean, Cape Verde, and Scandinavia.

 

All departures will be from London, bringing convenient cruise travel to the British market without the need to fly to a more distant embarkation port.

 

Ambassador Cruise Line is the first new British cruise line to be launched since 2010, and features a wide range of options designed for more mature travelers.

Special events and activities are available for solo travelers, and the line is generally geared toward passengers ages 50 and older, but there will be designed multi-generational cruises during school holiday periods.

 

In appealing to a more classic market, the line harkens back to vintage cruise experiences, such as the “baked Alaska parade” and events such as cabaret shows, a Captain’s Gala Dinner, crafting classes, informational speakers, and more. The line will also offer a number of theme voyages, as well as a cruise book club.

First Ship for the Cruise Line

Ambience – currently named Ambassador Ambience until its official renaming in two weeks – was originally built as Regal Princess for Princess Cruises at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and was delivered for service in 1991.

 

 

In 2007, the ship was heavily refurbished, renamed Pacific Dawn, and transferred to P&O Cruises Australia. The ship’s fate was uncertain in 2020 as P&O Cruises had intended to retire the vessel and she was initially going to be sold to Cruise & Maritime Voyages at that time, but the operational suspension associated with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted those plans.

Instead, the ship was sold to Ocean Builders Central, renamed Satoshi, and intended for use as a floating residence in the Gulf of Panama, but those plans also failed to materialize. In 2021, the ship was sold once again to Ambassador Cruise Line to become the first vessel of that new line.

 

In October 2021, the ship began another extensive refit to prepare for her new role as Ambassador Cruise Line’s premier ship, and she is now ready to begin her new service life.

 

Ambassador Cruise Line Names Godmother of First Ship (cruisehive.com)

[John&LaLa]

Did Crown actually get scrapped?

 

Oh, and here is Empress

[Biker19]

Ambassador Cruise Line is launching service with its new Ambience, set to be followed by the Ambition in 2023.

 

Highlights of the ship’s inaugural season, according to Head of Destination Management Michelle Lupino told Cruise Industry News. Include the 12-night Round Britain and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration departing May 26; a 34-night Grand Canada, Greenland and Iceland Experience departing on Sept. 12; and the 42-night Escape the Winter Cuba and Treasures of the Caribbean voyage sailing on Jan. 5.

 

“These destinations have been picked for their diversity, popularity and leaning towards longer duration voyages with a blend of marquee and more remote and less visited ports of call,” Lupino noted.

 

‘Careful’

Lupino said that every Ambassador itinerary involves “careful consideration and planning.”

 Itinerary creation includes a variety of elements such as a “balance of ports versus time at sea, destination highlights, destination infrastructure, availability, costs and more.”

 

Ambassador’s itineraries range from two to 42 nights and cover various regions.

 

"Sailings closer to home may allow us to include more ports within the cruise duration, however, we must be mindful of the length of stays and if they will give a full guest experience,” she said. “Longer cruises require in-depth review, time zone changes to consider and a variety of regulations and requirements, so they can take more time to plan while we consider all the factors to include established favorites interspersed with new destinations.”

 

Port Selection

When creating itineraries, Ambassador factors in what ports will appeal to its guests, the availability and suitability for the ships, sailing times, speeds, fuel requirements and the seasons that give the best experience and will create consumer demand.

 

A successful itinerary offers both a range of destinations and enough time to enjoy the onboard experiences.

 

"While we recognize destinations are key to our itineraries, we want to ensure our guests also enjoy scenic cruising of rivers and fjords, providing a balance of time at sea and ashore. Successful itineraries create consumer demand for Ambassador, and we look to receive feedback from guests that will confirm demand for our future plans,” Lupino noted.

 

Ambassador’s first ship, the Ambience, will soon be joined by a second ship, the Ambition in 2023, which is the former AIDAmira.

 

"The Ambition, like her sister ship the Ambience, will offer no-fly sailings, part of our core brand offering. In addition to London Tilbury, she will also offer a summer 2023 program of regional departures from ports such as Newcastle, Dundee, Belfast, Liverpool, Bristol and Falmouth, enabling guests across the UK to have a shorter distance to travel to the ship,” said Lupino.

 

Having both the 1,590-passenger Ambience and 1,428-passenger Ambition operate from regional ports will give Ambassador’s guests “a greater choice of sailings and ships on which to enjoy them,” she added.

 

Lupino told Cruise Industry News that the full 2023-2024 itinerary program for the Ambience and Ambition was expected to be announced in the second quarter of 2022.

 

Port space as the industry grows is a concern for Ambassador.

 

“Many regions have limited cruising seasons, and so availability is always something that we are aware may cause us to reconsider our programs. many ports of call are now introducing ‘out of season’ possibilities which we are happy to consider if they fit within our plans.” 

 

Ambassador Cruise Line Is Britain’s New Cruise Operator - Cruise Industry News

[cublet]

2 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Ambassador Cruise Line is launching service with its new Ambience, set to be followed by the Ambition in 2023.

 

Highlights of the ship’s inaugural season, according to Head of Destination Management Michelle Lupino told Cruise Industry News. Include the 12-night Round Britain and Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration departing May 26; a 34-night Grand Canada, Greenland and Iceland Experience departing on Sept. 12; and the 42-night Escape the Winter Cuba and Treasures of the Caribbean voyage sailing on Jan. 5.

 

“These destinations have been picked for their diversity, popularity and leaning towards longer duration voyages with a blend of marquee and more remote and less visited ports of call,” Lupino noted.

 

‘Careful’

Lupino said that every Ambassador itinerary involves “careful consideration and planning.”

 Itinerary creation includes a variety of elements such as a “balance of ports versus time at sea, destination highlights, destination infrastructure, availability, costs and more.”

 

Ambassador’s itineraries range from two to 42 nights and cover various regions.

 

"Sailings closer to home may allow us to include more ports within the cruise duration, however, we must be mindful of the length of stays and if they will give a full guest experience,” she said. “Longer cruises require in-depth review, time zone changes to consider and a variety of regulations and requirements, so they can take more time to plan while we consider all the factors to include established favorites interspersed with new destinations.”

 

Port Selection

When creating itineraries, Ambassador factors in what ports will appeal to its guests, the availability and suitability for the ships, sailing times, speeds, fuel requirements and the seasons that give the best experience and will create consumer demand.

 

A successful itinerary offers both a range of destinations and enough time to enjoy the onboard experiences.

 

"While we recognize destinations are key to our itineraries, we want to ensure our guests also enjoy scenic cruising of rivers and fjords, providing a balance of time at sea and ashore. Successful itineraries create consumer demand for Ambassador, and we look to receive feedback from guests that will confirm demand for our future plans,” Lupino noted.

 

Ambassador’s first ship, the Ambience, will soon be joined by a second ship, the Ambition in 2023, which is the former AIDAmira.

 

"The Ambition, like her sister ship the Ambience, will offer no-fly sailings, part of our core brand offering. In addition to London Tilbury, she will also offer a summer 2023 program of regional departures from ports such as Newcastle, Dundee, Belfast, Liverpool, Bristol and Falmouth, enabling guests across the UK to have a shorter distance to travel to the ship,” said Lupino.

 

Having both the 1,590-passenger Ambience and 1,428-passenger Ambition operate from regional ports will give Ambassador’s guests “a greater choice of sailings and ships on which to enjoy them,” she added.

 

Lupino told Cruise Industry News that the full 2023-2024 itinerary program for the Ambience and Ambition was expected to be announced in the second quarter of 2022.

 

Port space as the industry grows is a concern for Ambassador.

 

“Many regions have limited cruising seasons, and so availability is always something that we are aware may cause us to reconsider our programs. many ports of call are now introducing ‘out of season’ possibilities which we are happy to consider if they fit within our plans.” 

 

Ambassador Cruise Line Is Britain’s New Cruise Operator - Cruise Industry News

Hello,

 

There is a mini review of the first sailing here: https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/topic/2848109-just-back-from-ambassadors-ambience/#comment-63095803.

 

I am looking forward to the Ambition (pretty crap name IMHO) if only because it will have some sailings from Bristol and I can walk to the cruise terminal from my home in about 20 minutes. The term 'Cruise Terminal' rather embellishes it, it is the former warehouse for fruit and vegetable imports/exports.

 

Regards,

 

Cublet

 

[Biker19]

"

One of the last assets of Pullmantur Cruises is set to be sold, as the company’s brand is being auctioned in Spain.

 

According to reports in local media, the insolvency administrators of the former cruise line are accepting bids for the brand name since Feb. 1.

 

The tender submissions will continue through March 27, with the value for minimum bids fixed at 177,000 euro.

 

Interested parties are requested to submit a payment schedule, in addition to an operation structure and the business plan that they intend to develop with the brand.

After evaluating the offer, Pullmantur’s insolvency administrator plans to complete the sale of the brand before the end of April.

 

The previous bhe brand filed for reorganization amid the COVID-19 operational pause in 2020.

Operating as a joint-venture between the Royal Caribbean Group and Springwater Capital since 2016, the cruise line saw its former fleet scrapped at Turkish shipbreakers soon after the process.

 

Following different comeback attempts – one including ships from Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur ended up liquidated in 2021.

 

Founded in the early 2000s, Pullmantur Cruises operated as an independent brand before being sold to the Royal Caribbean Group in 2006.

 

With a strong presence in Spain and Portugal, the company remained under the U.S.-based corporation’s umbrella through 2016 – when Springwater Capital acquired a controlling stake of the brand and its main assets.

 

In the past, Pullmantur also had significant business in France, where it operated under the Croisières de France brand, and in Brazil, where it lastly operated through a partnership with CVC Viagens, a local tour operator.

 

Pullmantur was also strong in Colombia, where it offered year-round homeport operations, and other Latin America countries including Argentina, Costa Rica, Panamá, Venezuela and more.

The brand was known by its all-inclusive concepts, with a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages included in the basic cruise fare."

 

Pullmantur Brand to be Auctioned in Europe - Cruise Industry News | Cruise News