rotterdam17601 Posted September 24, 2004 #1 Share Posted September 24, 2004 I've heard that Jerry Herrod has sold Discovery World Cruises to British investors. Does anyone have additional information? If this information is correct, will the "Discovery" still be marketed in the U.S.? Will the vessel even operate under the name "Discovery". ANY information would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougnewmanatsea Posted September 24, 2004 #2 Share Posted September 24, 2004 This is indeed true, but she will continue operating as DISCOVERY just as she has been. The ship and US-based operation have been sold to Voyages of Discovery (no, the company was not named after the ship, though for all I know the ship may have been named after the company), the UK firm that chartered her during the summer season. Thus all her cruises, all year round, will be offered both by the US- and UK-based sales organisations. Despite the change in hands, no big changes in the product are forseen. Mr. Herrod is to stay on as a consultant. Reason for selling (Do I sound like I'm selling a house ;) ?) is apparently that Mr. Herrod is experiencing health problems. I think this is good news, mainly because her summer itineraries will now be widely available in the US. Hopefully the product will keep up the high standards the ship has become known for in her short time as DISCOVERY. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mancunian Posted September 24, 2004 #3 Share Posted September 24, 2004 Interesting news indeed. I wonder however, how the Orient crew and officers who moved with Jerry Herrod feel about the change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotterdam17601 Posted September 25, 2004 Author #4 Share Posted September 25, 2004 I know of at least one key person on the Discovery who has had her position eliminated. Hopefully, she will make her way back to the Marco Polo, where we all loved her for her personality and spirit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mancunian Posted September 25, 2004 #5 Share Posted September 25, 2004 Interesting rotterdam. I can think of two women who might find themselves in this position - I wonder to which one you refer. Of course they possibly won't be able to return to Marco Polo even if they wanted to if there is now no vacancy. I was also wondering what would happen to David Lawton. We go on Marco Polo next week and I will listen out for any rumours at that end! Has the information about Jerry Herrod and Discovery been published and if so where did you or Doug see it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magwa Posted September 25, 2004 #6 Share Posted September 25, 2004 It came from Seatrade Insider "All Leisure Group to buy Herrod's Discovery 8/9/2004 All Leisure Group, the parent company of UK-based Voyages of Discovery has signed an agreement with Gerry Herrod to purchase the 610-passenger Discovery and the tour operations of Discovery Cruises UK and Discovery World Cruises USA. Completion will take place at the commencement of Voyages of Discovery's Summer 2005 programme mid-May. Herrod, the present owner, is selling due to medical reasons, says All Leisure, but he will continue to work as a consultant. Voyages of Discovery is in its second summer chartering Discovery and reports a very successful season with fewer than 100 cabins remaining to be sold. Advance bookings for 2005 are also very encouraging, says the company, as nearly 25% of capacity has been sold, a high percentage to repeat clients. During December to April the ship operates principally for the US market under the brand name of Discovery World Cruises. Going forward, Discovery World will have access to year-round inventory and its Fort Lauderdale-based management team will remain in place. Chairman of All Leisure Group, Roger Allard states: `This agreement is a vital element in the continuing development of the group. Our clients appreciate the spacious and elegant Discovery and particularly enjoy the high level of service provided by its European Officers and Filipino crew. The Discovery Cruises Worldwide winter operation provides similar destination led itineraries and thus we will have a consistent year round product being actively sold in the UK, US and Australasian markets.' " Pam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rotterdam17601 Posted September 26, 2004 Author #7 Share Posted September 26, 2004 I received my information via an email from Bill Miller to members of the "Ocean & Cruise Liner Society". Since it's poor form to give out the name of anyone who has lost a position, I'll simply say that she was one of the M.P.'s original employees, and that if you frequently sail on the M.P. you know her well. I'm hoping that a position aboard the M.P. will soon become available to her, since she was truely an asset to the line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mancunian Posted September 26, 2004 #8 Share Posted September 26, 2004 Many thanks Magwa for posting that information. Rotterdam. Yes I wouldn't mention names either but as I say I think there are two who could fit your description and I suspect them both to be in danger as Voyages do not carry either of their roles as such. Shame. Yes it is our fifth cruise with Orient next week - four days and counting!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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