Luxury is in the eye of the beholder

[Myrtle Ave. Mayhem]

14 minutes ago, Heidi13 said:

 

Royal Viking Line might be history, but the CEO is still going strong - Torstein Hagen. Had Mr Hagen succeeded with his management buyout of Royal Viking, the current Viking Ocean may have operated since the 1980's, rather than 2015.

 

 

Indeed. I think Torstein Hagen would have steered Royal Viking Line to much smoother favorable waters. Unfortunately the Kloster Co. was the winner. Head office from San Francisco to Coral Gables & everything changed. Too bad the Vlasov family didn't keep Sitmar. I often wish Sitmar didn't get absorbed by Princess. 

Edited March 26, 2023 by Myrtle Ave. Mayhem

[Heidi13]

3 minutes ago, Myrtle Ave. Mayhem said:

Indeed. I think Torstein Hagen would have steered Royal Viking Line to much smoother favorable waters. Unfortunately the Kloster Co. was the winner. Head office from San Francisco to Coral Gables & everything changed. Too bad the Vlasov family didn't keep Sitmar. I often wish Sitmar didn't get absorbed by Princess. 

 

When P&O bought Sitmar they were after the 3 new ships they had on order, as P&O had only built the original Royal Princess since SS Canberra in 1960. Not sure why the family was convinced to sell, as I had already left P&O.

 

In the mid-70's, I recall P&O almost purchasing the 3 Royal Viking ships, around the same time they purchased Princess, but they backed out in favour of building gas tankers.

[LibertyBella]

I suppose I will jump in and say I think about luxury more from a hotel perspective than a cruise ship.  I consider that there are two types of luxury hotels--old world glamour and new modern glitz.  Some people gravitate more towards the bright lights, sleek chrome polish, and spic and span interiors of casino hotels, modern skyscraper hotels, business hotels, etc.  Every convenience is available.

 

Husband and I enjoy that, but we truly LOVE the quaintness and quirkiness of historic buildings, wood paneled walls, velvet chairs, stained glass lamps, four poster beds, etc.  We often try to stay in converted castles, monasteries, etc. when we travel, for one-of-a-kind experiences, versus chain hotels. 

 

For cruise ships, I enjoy the "luxury" of the Cunard Queen Mary 2 decor the most, but decor is only one component.  Overall service, delicious dining, imaginative shore excursions, creative itineraries, ship facilities, and on-board activities all play important roles. 

 

Many people say that Viking offers a "country club casual" perspective, which I think is very nice, soothing and relaxing.  Sometimes for us, however, we want the New Year's Eve gala celebration, which means break out the tuxedo/suit and long gowns. We will always consider our favorite luxury  experiences those that are very unique, rather fancy, and extremely memorable.