Inaugural Cruise?? Yes?? No?

[Bassethound]

Thinking about he new Crown Princess inaugural, in June 06. Noticed it is still wide open while the next cruise is quite full already, so I am a little wondering.

 

Also, there seems to be no inaugural cruise from the shipyard in Italy to the announced inaugural cruise from New York. Is their usually some pre-inaugural cruise that is not generally available for the public? IN this case, a Translatlantic?

 

Anthing helpful is really appreciated.

[kitty9]

The first cruise from Italy is probably reserved for special clients, very frequent cruisers, travel agents and high ups from the cruise line. Maiden voyages do have their problems, such as being canceled because the ships building is behind schedule, things not running as they would on future cruises and many first cruise problems.

[spongerob]

Princess used the transtatlantic crossing of Caribbean Princess to train the crew and check out all the cabins to make sure everything was in working order under sailing conditions.

 

We were on CB's inaugural and I'm not sure I'd go on another first cruise. What we found disappointing was the presence of a lot of invited guests and other VIP's. The staff went out of their way for these people, and left the paying passengers (aka US) feeling very second class. But, we did get to experience that "new ship smell".

 

There is a bit of a risk with inaugural cruises. If the ship isn't quite ready, there might still be work going on or things that need to be fixed. The worst case is that the cruise might be cancelled entirely. Depending how far in advance that decision is made, you might not be eligible for any compensation, or might make out like a bandit.

 

In this case, the ship is based on an existing design so there shouldn't be too many surprises. You'll get a nice little memento celebrating the first cruise. Be aware, though, that the ship will probably do a one or two-night VIP cruise prior to the first scheduled cruise.