Discovery World Cruises SOLD???

[rotterdam17601]

I've heard that Jerry Herrod has sold Discovery World Cruises to British investors. Does anyone have additional information? If this information is correct, will the "Discovery" still be marketed in the U.S.? Will the vessel even operate under the name "Discovery". ANY information would be appreciated.

[dougnewmanatsea]

This is indeed true, but she will continue operating as DISCOVERY just as she has been.

 

The ship and US-based operation have been sold to Voyages of Discovery (no, the company was not named after the ship, though for all I know the ship may have been named after the company), the UK firm that chartered her during the summer season.

 

Thus all her cruises, all year round, will be offered both by the US- and UK-based sales organisations. Despite the change in hands, no big changes in the product are forseen. Mr. Herrod is to stay on as a consultant.

 

Reason for selling (Do I sound like I'm selling a house ;) ?) is apparently that Mr. Herrod is experiencing health problems.

 

I think this is good news, mainly because her summer itineraries will now be widely available in the US. Hopefully the product will keep up the high standards the ship has become known for in her short time as DISCOVERY.

[mancunian]

Interesting news indeed. I wonder however, how the Orient crew and officers who moved with Jerry Herrod feel about the change.

[rotterdam17601]

I know of at least one key person on the Discovery who has had her position eliminated. Hopefully, she will make her way back to the Marco Polo, where we all loved her for her personality and spirit.

[mancunian]

Interesting rotterdam. I can think of two women who might find themselves in this position - I wonder to which one you refer. Of course they possibly won't be able to return to Marco Polo even if they wanted to if there is now no vacancy. I was also wondering what would happen to David Lawton.

 

We go on Marco Polo next week and I will listen out for any rumours at that end!

 

Has the information about Jerry Herrod and Discovery been published and if so where did you or Doug see it?

[Magwa]

It came from Seatrade Insider

"All Leisure Group to buy Herrod's Discovery

8/9/2004

All Leisure Group, the parent company of UK-based Voyages of

Discovery has signed an agreement with Gerry Herrod to purchase the

610-passenger Discovery and the tour operations of Discovery Cruises

UK and Discovery World Cruises USA.

 

Completion will take place at the commencement of Voyages of

Discovery's Summer 2005 programme mid-May. Herrod, the present

owner, is selling due to medical reasons, says All Leisure, but he

will continue to work as a consultant.

 

Voyages of Discovery is in its second summer chartering Discovery

and reports a very successful season with fewer than 100 cabins

remaining to be sold. Advance bookings for 2005 are also very

encouraging, says the company, as nearly 25% of capacity has been

sold, a high percentage to repeat clients. During December to April

the ship operates principally for the US market under the brand name

of Discovery World Cruises.

 

Going forward, Discovery World will have access to year-round

inventory and its Fort Lauderdale-based management team will remain

in place.

 

Chairman of All Leisure Group, Roger Allard states: `This agreement

is a vital element in the continuing development of the group. Our

clients appreciate the spacious and elegant Discovery and

particularly enjoy the high level of service provided by its

European Officers and Filipino crew. The Discovery Cruises Worldwide

winter operation provides similar destination led itineraries and

thus we will have a consistent year round product being actively

sold in the UK, US and Australasian markets.' "

 

Pam

[rotterdam17601]

I received my information via an email from Bill Miller to members of the "Ocean & Cruise Liner Society".

 

Since it's poor form to give out the name of anyone who has lost a position, I'll simply say that she was one of the M.P.'s original employees, and that if you frequently sail on the M.P. you know her well. I'm hoping that a position aboard the M.P. will soon become available to her, since she was truely an asset to the line.

[mancunian]

Many thanks Magwa for posting that information.

 

Rotterdam. Yes I wouldn't mention names either but as I say I think there are two who could fit your description and I suspect them both to be in danger as Voyages do not carry either of their roles as such. Shame. Yes it is our fifth cruise with Orient next week - four days and counting!!