Silversea getting more competition in the Expedition cruises...

Beaujolais, yes remember those 35+ft swells and 75mph winds well, Ida even more so as she got Mal de mer.

Please excuse a little more off topic posting.

And, special thanks for remembering such a special moment for Ida, I, and Doug and Lynn. Still use as my Avatar, the photo we had taken on the bridge during our vow renewal.

Capt Corsaro and Fernando went out of their way to make our renewal vows so memorable--horse dervies w/champers on the bridge prior. Stenciled vows on parchment paper (given to us) read by Fernando and overseen by Angelo, Followed by a SS hosted cocktail party for about 50 guests on the veranda of the Panorama lounge. Finally, hosted dinner with Capt Corsaro.

Don't know if u recall, Capt Corsaro, Doug, Wellseasoned, and Malcom harrassed me incessantly during the voyage being Army considering their nautical background.

Don't know if u recall, Capt Corsaro, Doug, Wellseasoned, and Malcom harrassed me incessantly during the voyage being Army considering their nautical background.

That's not strictly true. I was on the Seabourn Quest in Antarctica and South Georgia earlier this year. There were 450 passengers. Landings by zodiac took place each day in four groups. While not a traditional expedition experience, I have absolutely no regrets taking this ship - it had masses of deck space, a high level of luxury, choice of dining options etc. Most importantly, it was stable in rough seas and we did the Drake in a day.

 

BTW, those two photos of the beach in Phi Phi Island. It was just like the first photo when I was there back in 1985.

I was unaware that there could be more than 200 passengers as most of the expedition ships I have been reading about indicate they limit the number to 200 in Antarctica. I think it's because of the number of people who are allowed off at any given time. Since only 100 are allowed off the ship at a time they want to give everyone a chance to get off at the landing sites. I assume most of the people who go on an expedition cruise want to get off, unlike on a larger ship as you mention with 450 passengers where some don't get off. We thought the size of the Cloud was just fine and there were dining options and everyone has a butler. Some of the new expedition ships being built have more dining options. We traversed the Drake Passage with no issues. It was calm on the way down and a little rough on the way back. We loved that there were around 20 naturalists on board who gave lectures and were on the landings to answer questions. We loved that there were lectures on board instead of shows, and the casino was a photo studio. It was an amazing experience and is why we booked another expedition cruise (Arctic).

We thought the size of the Cloud was just fine and there were dining options and everyone has a butler. Some of the new expedition ships being built have more dining options. We traversed the Drake Passage with no issues. It was calm on the way down and a little rough on the way back. We loved that there were around 20 naturalists on board who gave lectures and were on the landings to answer questions. We loved that there were lectures on board instead of shows, and the casino was a photo studio. It was an amazing experience and is why we booked another expedition cruise (Arctic).

Ah yes and Ritz Carlton as well now that I think of it. Gonna be an interesting couple years!

Ritz Carlton won't be expedition ships. In fact, they will be sailing the most cliche and boring itineraries out there.

Hapag-Lloyd has two luxury expedition ships now and are building three more. One will be adult only. From what I have read they will have the highest ice rating. I have sailed on the Europa2 and it is really great so I would these ships are as well.

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Ritz Carlton won't be expedition ships. In fact, they will be sailing the most cliche and boring itineraries out there.

Totally agree! Personally, I think they are making a big mistake with their itineraries. But, only because I'm probably no longer their target as I believe the demographic they seek are working families who have young children and limited vacation time.

Exactly right, Which is why they'll never see me on board.

Totally agree! Personally, I think they are making a big mistake with their itineraries. But, only because I'm probably no longer their target as I believe the demographic they seek are working families who have young children and limited vacation time.

Ugh, I didnt realize their target demographic....yep, think I can take a pass on that one...

Totally agree! Personally, I think they are making a big mistake with their itineraries. But, only because I'm probably no longer their target as I believe the demographic they seek are working families who have young children and limited vacation time.

Why do you “believe” this? I just booked a B2B and I do not fit that demo at all. And the itinerary is interesting to me because all but one port will be new to me. So don’t see how a port cam be “cliched”.

Why do you “believe” this? I just booked a B2B and I do not fit that demo at all. And the itinerary is interesting to me because all but one port will be new to me. So don’t see how a port cam be “cliched”.

If you look at the Ritz itineraries, while the ports are new to you, they are virtually the same as all of the luxury lines have plied for years. This lack of uniqueness will be unattractive to many seasoned cruisers who are seeking new experiences and have the means to afford sailing with Ritz.

When you examine the Ritz’s ship design and marketing materials, there is a heavy slant towards families with young pre and school age children as compared to the other luxury lines. They have basically commandeered their resort properties marketing model for their sailing program.

Trust me, I’m a Ritz fan as witness to my lifetime platinum elite status in their loyalty program. They have taken great care of my family for years and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you during your voyages. Enjoy!

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If you look at the Ritz itineraries, while the ports are new to you, they are virtually the same as all of the luxury lines have plied for years. This lack of uniqueness will be unattractive to many seasoned cruisers who are seeking new experiences and have the means to afford sailing with Ritz.

 

It looks like the demographic being targeted may also be new cruisers who may enjoy the total experience regardless of itinerary. Many upscale luxury travelers wouldn’t be caught dead on any kind of group travel or cruise so the RC brand with a built-in market may be very attractive to their core customer.

When you examine the Ritz’s ship design and marketing materials, there is a heavy slant towards families with young pre and school age children as compared to the other luxury lines. They have basically commandeered their resort properties marketing model for their sailing program.

 

That is certainly not obvious in my research. To say “heavily slanted” seems a stretch. The only “family” reference is the mention of a kids club and the pricing for a third passenger in a stateroom.

I agree that RC and FS resorts can be overrun with over-indulged kids during school breaks but that may not necessarily translate to a cruiseship with a pricepoint that seems quite premium even by RC standards. For example, the FS Jet Journeys don’t seem to attract very many children at all.

Trust me, I’m a Ritz fan as witness to my lifetime platinum elite status in their loyalty program. They have taken great care of my family for years and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you during your voyages. Enjoy!

 

Thanks. I notice that some of the old-timers here seem leary of the competition to their favorite cruiselines. I will report my findings in 2020!

 

 

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Look forward to your report! Hopefully CC will start a Ritz forum so that like minded folks will be able to easily stay abreast of the development of this new line.

Best Wishes!

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