Carnival to Dump Six Ships

[tring]

18 hours ago, Presto2 said:

 

Are they the one that Jayne MacDonald sailed on as the itinerary was amazing and we had even looked at sailing on them? The ships we a 'no' for us. Am actually getting excited if one of the Greek companies we trust buy her and use her for Greek Cruises we would jump at the chance to book with them ...................... once it has all settled down.

 

It was the Celestial Crystal that Jane went on twice.  She did the around Cuba fly cruise (Cuba Cruise), which we have also done, as well as a Greek one on the same ship.  When we booked ours it was chartered to a Canadian Company.  Obama allowed "people to people" trips to Cuba before we sailed so the ship became full of Americans on their package.  We had one of the balconies like hers, but that balcony was added before we sailed, so we got it for an inside price.

 

A lot of the cabins are very small, so need to be careful what you book, but the good ones were well priced.  The ship was probably a similar size to the Renaissance ships, but a lot less balconies and the ship had a lot more people on board so seemed more crowded.  The restaurants were open dining I think, but very slow with service - we walked out once after sitting there for almost 3/4 hour and had not even had our order taken.  The self service was nice though and we used that quite a lot.  AS mentioned more pax for the size of the ship c.f. Renaissance ships, but fine with a good cabin if you were in port a lot, which their fly cruises are.  I would go on her again, but for the itinerary rather than the on board experience - but that is what we choose anyway.

Edited July 13, 2020 by tring

[molecrochip]

The latest I have on Oceana is that Greek based Majestic International Cruises has acquired her for long term charter to a Chinese domestic cruise operator. I wonder if that will turn out to be Astro Ocean Cruises.

[Britboys]

So it looks like one of the earliest thoughts on her future is accurate then...

[showingdiva]

1 hour ago, molecrochip said:

The latest I have on Oceana is that Greek based Majestic International Cruises has acquired her for long term charter to a Chinese domestic cruise operator. I wonder if that will turn out to be Astro Ocean Cruises.

 

Blimey!   Them of Ocean Majesty ownership, which looks like she's bending in the middle.   

[Presto2]

19 hours ago, joeecco said:

Although I won’t be watching it with her replacement, Susan, she irritates me so much. 

 

Who is Susan ????

[Presto2]

1 hour ago, molecrochip said:

The latest I have on Oceana is that Greek based Majestic International Cruises has acquired her for long term charter to a Chinese domestic cruise operator. I wonder if that will turn out to be Astro Ocean Cruises.

 

😞 I suppose they may send her back to Greece one day ...........  oh well, better than being scrapped and good on the Chinese for liking her.  Hope she has a good home and lots of tlc !

[Britboys]

27 minutes ago, showingdiva said:

 

Blimey!   Them of Ocean Majesty ownership, which looks like she's bending in the middle.   

Proper, ocean liners were always built with a significant rake to the bow...

[Jack McGowan]

Carnival Fascination next destination supposedly a scrapyard in Turkey, where Pullmantur Monarch is due to arrive shortly. 

[molecrochip]

9 minutes ago, Jack McGowan said:

Carnival Fascination next destination supposedly a scrapyard in Turkey, where Pullmantur Monarch is due to arrive shortly. 

Won’t surprise me. She already had no Itinerary planning from winter onwards.

[Josy1953]

 

1 hour ago, Presto2 said:

 

Who is Susan ????

Susan Calman, Scottish comedienne, has been reported to be the next host of the channel 5 "cruising with" series.  I don't think that I will bother turning the tv on, she irritates me.

Edited July 13, 2020 by Josy1953

[Presto2]

Just now, Josy1953 said:

 

Susan Calman, Scottish comedienne, has been reported to be the next host of the channel 5 "cruising with" series. 

 

Just looked her up - can't say I am impressed really 😞  I am one of those who like JM (and think she can sing) and she has the experience of being on a cruise ship. Oh well ... not sure if I want to watch a programme about cruising at the minute. Quite enjoying things like Celebrities go Barging etc etc

[Presto2]

1 hour ago, Jack McGowan said:

Carnival Fascination next destination supposedly a scrapyard in Turkey, where Pullmantur Monarch is due to arrive shortly. 

Oh dear ----- looks pretty grim and the older the ship the worse it is

[PrincessPete]

The references to Ocean Majesty brought a smile to my face this evening.

We had two wonderful cruises on her, one  round Britain, including sailing right up the Thames and just beyond Tower Bridge, and the other to Norway.

Just over 10,000 tonnes and, rather stating the obvious, she had few of the facilities of the modern day ships - but the food was excellent, plenty of outdoor space, a minuscule swimming pool, the friendliest crew ever and all so hugely enjoyable.

We look back fondly on what can be called cruises from a different era, even though they were only 15 or so years ago. I suppose in reality that IS a different era!

Edited July 13, 2020 by PrincessPete
Spelling

[Denarius]

32 minutes ago, PrincessPete said:

We look back fondly on what can be called cruises from a different era, even though they were only 15 or so years ago. I suppose in reality that IS a different era!

I know what you mean.

I started cruising in 1994. In those days a typical cruise ship displaced less than 30,000 tonnes and carried 600 to 800 passengers. The ballroom was the hub of the ship, where passengers congregated after dinner to chat and perhaps dance to the sound of the ship's band. During the day it was very much a multi purpose space, and often the venue for afternoon tea. There was also usually another lounge bar with a pop type group or disc jockey, and a pub or cocktail bar; and of course the ships cinema. And that was it.

By present day standards choice was extremely limited, and people socialised with their fellow passengers instead of dashing off to see the next show or cabaret performance. But that led to a camaraderie usually missing on modern ships and made cruising a much more sociable experience. Overall I prefered that experience, which I suppose is why I still prefer to sail on small ships.

 

Edited July 13, 2020 by Denarius

[showingdiva]

35 minutes ago, PrincessPete said:

The references to Ocean Majesty brought a smile to my face this evening.

We had two wonderful cruises on her, one  round Britain, including sailing right up the Thames and just beyond Tower Bridge, and the other to Norway.

Just over 10,000 tonnes and, rather stating the obvious, she had few of the facilities of the modern day ships - but the food was excellent, plenty of outdoor space, a minuscule swimming pool, the friendliest crew ever and all so hugely enjoyable.

We look back fondly on what can be called cruises from a different era, even though they were only 15 or so years ago. I suppose in reality that IS a different era!

 

I'm a port volunteer in Edinburgh, which is how I come to know Ocean Majesty.   The captain often enjoys a little bit of last minute indecision, but I agree that the crew (and the passengers) have always been lovely and enjoyable to help.

 

[Jack McGowan]

Heavy machinery also being offloaded from Carnival Fantasy & Carnival Inspiration

[Josy1953]

1 hour ago, Presto2 said:

 

Just looked her up - can't say I am impressed really 😞  I am one of those who like JM (and think she can sing) and she has the experience of being on a cruise ship. Oh well ... not sure if I want to watch a programme about cruising at the minute. Quite enjoying things like Celebrities go Barging etc etc

 I also liked Jane and can't imagine that Ms Calman will be as good.  We are not thinking about cruising for the time being, just hoping that there will soon be a vaccine otherwise it will be UK holidays for us.  We have cancelled this year's cruises and will make decisions for next year at balance due times.

I am feeling quite depressed tonight and have resorted to opening a bottle of wine because I have had 2 bad news phone calls, the first from a close friend and the second from my niece both telling me that they have been confirmed with breast cancer today.

Tomorrow has to be better.

[joeecco]

7 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

 I also liked Jane and can't imagine that Ms Calman will be as good.  We are not thinking about cruising for the time being, just hoping that there will soon be a vaccine otherwise it will be UK holidays for us.  We have cancelled this year's cruises and will make decisions for next year at balance due times.

I am feeling quite depressed tonight and have resorted to opening a bottle of wine because I have had 2 bad news phone calls, the first from a close friend and the second from my niece both telling me that they have been confirmed with breast cancer today.

Tomorrow has to be better.

Oh my goodness how heartbreaking. There’s us moaning about cancelled cruises as if it’s important, when news like that proves it really isn’t. There’s no words that make moments like this feel better, just take it easy and I wish you and your friend and niece all the best xx

[Presto2]

11 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

 I also liked Jane and can't imagine that Ms Calman will be as good.  We are not thinking about cruising for the time being, just hoping that there will soon be a vaccine otherwise it will be UK holidays for us.  We have cancelled this year's cruises and will make decisions for next year at balance due times.

I am feeling quite depressed tonight and have resorted to opening a bottle of wine because I have had 2 bad news phone calls, the first from a close friend and the second from my niece both telling me that they have been confirmed with breast cancer today.

Tomorrow has to be better.

 

That is really tough - can't imagine. Thoughts and prayers with them both and your families.

x

[AndyMichelle]

24 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

 I also liked Jane and can't imagine that Ms Calman will be as good.  We are not thinking about cruising for the time being, just hoping that there will soon be a vaccine otherwise it will be UK holidays for us.  We have cancelled this year's cruises and will make decisions for next year at balance due times.

I am feeling quite depressed tonight and have resorted to opening a bottle of wine because I have had 2 bad news phone calls, the first from a close friend and the second from my niece both telling me that they have been confirmed with breast cancer today.

Tomorrow has to be better.

So sorry Josy. 

Stay strong, they need you. 

Andy x

[Adawn47]

7 minutes ago, Josy1953 said:

 I also liked Jane and can't imagine that Ms Calman will be as good.  We are not thinking about cruising for the time being, just hoping that there will soon be a vaccine otherwise it will be UK holidays for us.  We have cancelled this year's cruises and will make decisions for next year at balance due times.

I am feeling quite depressed tonight and have resorted to opening a bottle of wine because I have had 2 bad news phone calls, the first from a close friend and the second from my niece both telling me that they have been confirmed with breast cancer today.

Tomorrow has to be better.

Josy,  what terrible news I'm so sorry to hear this. I really understand how you must be feeling right now and can only say that I found  the support of our family and friends made it a little easier to cope with . Stay strong. My thoughts are with you, your niece and your friend. 

Avril 

[pete14]

1 hour ago, Presto2 said:

 

Just looked her up - can't say I am impressed really 😞  I am one of those who like JM (and think she can sing) and she has the experience of being on a cruise ship. Oh well ... not sure if I want to watch a programme about cruising at the minute. Quite enjoying things like Celebrities go Barging etc etc

I found the continuity on Celebrities go barging amusing when they came round our neck of the woods. They seems to go backwards and forwards, calling at Westport several times. Enjoyable programme though.

[wowzz]

2 hours ago, Josy1953 said:

 

Susan Calman, Scottish comedienne, has been reported to be the next host of the channel 5 "cruising with" series.  I don't think that I will bother turning the tv on, she irritates me.

She did pretty well on Strictly.

I  might actually watch the Cruising With programme once she starts.  

 

[pete14]

9 hours ago, wowzz said:

She did pretty well on Strictly.

I  might actually watch the Cruising With programme once she starts.  

 

She presented the Great British Menu a couple on months ago and I thought she did a reasonable job.

[zap99]

10 hours ago, wowzz said:

She did pretty well on Strictly.

I  might actually watch the Cruising With programme once she starts.  

 

At least it's not Tony Robinson. How about cruising with Michael portillo?🚢😂