CFC Postpones Inaugural Cruise to June

[Host Jazzbeau]

New article on Cruise Industry News:

CFC Postpones Inaugural Cruise to June

 

Problems discovered during refurb will take extra time to fix

[jimdee3636]

@Host Jazzbeau

This is the former HAL Maasdam, right? I love those smaller HAL ships. I hope the French company can prove there's still a market for ships of that age and size.

[Host Jazzbeau]

I'm not sure which HAL ship it is, but I agree that those smaller ships are still wonderful [although the lack of verandas hurts many of them].  We love the ex-Renaissance R-ships from around 2000 that Azamara sails [with around 700 passengers and lots of verandas for ships of that age].  When we look at Oceana we are seduced by their newer O-class ships' larger cabins and multiple specialty restaurants – they can't get in to the small ports that Azamara does, but Oceania isn't that imaginative with their itineraries [even on their R-ships] anyway.

 

If you really want a classic small-ship experience, take a look at Noble Caledonia.  They sail two of the original Renaissance ships from around 1990, with just over 100 passengers and really classic design inside and out.  The cabins and bathrooms are more spacious than the later R-ship design.  Prices are high because of the small size, but it is truly all-inclusive:  shore excursions in every port [and good ones, not basic walking tours]; all wine/beer/spirits; gratuities even of the shore excursion guides and bus drivers.  [All quoted prices include coach airfare from/to London, but you can waive this and get a credit.]  And because of the small size the Cruise Director's staff and all the crew get to know you and remember you on future cruises like a long-lost uncle!  It's our favorite cruise line.

 

On all of our Noble Caledonia cruises we have been the only Americans onboard, but we were accepted very warmly by the Brits and were able to generate our own entertainment as per our wont by closing down the dining room every evening whilst continuing the conversation with our stablemates.  And the language barrier is fairly minor compared to a French ship [unless you get a Geordie or a Highlander 😉].

[CPT Trips]

3 hours ago, Host Jazzbeau said:

original Renaissance ships from around 1990, with just over 100 passengers and really classic design inside and out.

I’ll second that the original Renaissance ships are delightful. The 98 pax M/V Corinthian, originally the Renaissance Four, is now used by OAT/GCT on some interesting itineraries.