A Quantum Leap.

The big cruise news in the coming weeks is going to be the unveiling of royal Caribbeans Quantum of the seas.

Royal have done a great job keeping things under-wraps about their new ship. since it was announced and open for bookings there are still many UN-answered questions.

Namely "more to come"

I don't know how royal can hide key features from the booking public, if I was booking myself on the Quantum I would want to know if the cabin I was booking was near a nightclub, bar or a shop.
but its Royals decision to hide some details for the big unveil.



things we do know

Dynamic dining - Royals new dining concept
North star - the pod swinging people off the top of the ship.
Dodgems !! - this says it all (i cant wait)
Robot-bartenders- ordering your drinks from a robot sounds interesting - but who gets the tips?


The mystery of the promenade,
Royal have neither confirmed or denied the existence or a on-board promenade, studying the deck plan there seems to be a large sweeping shopping plaza type area.
but the absence of a popular feature like the promenade is a risky move for royal.

Viking UN-Crowned.
A permanent feature of Royal Caribbean ships since the beginning has been the viking crown lounge.
ever since the song of Norway there has been a Viking crown lounge atop the ship.

I always enjoyed the crown lounge on my royal cruises - sitting atop the ship, watching the world go by (with a refreshing drink) was always a favourite cruise pastime.

but now the crown has gone :(

there are still announcements to come and we'll have to see what royal have up their sleeves.

I'll be blogging my way through the announcements

- unfortunately royal have NOT invited me on board (shame on them) :)

tarar for now

C'apn

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Have a free tour of the largest cruise ship in the world - on me !

Now that got your attention !!

Royal Caribbean have teamed up with the people who made Google street view to create an online tour of the worlds biggest cruise ship, the Allure of the seas.

From the comfort of your computer you can cruise the Caribbean and look around the most inovative ship afloat. there's not even a dress code - fee free to wander round in your pants (nobody will notice)

Take a look for yourself 

Captain Cookson's Royal Tour

Happy touring !

Share, +1 & follow 

Tarar for now

The Cap'n

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The WOW Factor.

Afternoon all,

Thought I'd have a brief blog about the WOW factor.

There's been so many exiting features added to cruise ships, all jostling for your attention.
every cruise line wants that spectacular feature to entice people to book with them. A jaw dropper on the front page of the brochure which you'll remember all the time you look at cruises.

I've had people looking at booking a cruise based on.
"I want the cruise with the surfing, the grandchildren will love that"
"Is that the ship with the car on it"
"I saw a ship in port with a lawn on it, is it that one?"

Some people claim they're gimmicks - pointless trinkets to make big ships more appealing, but the gimmicks work!

Rope climbing course on Carnival

Surfing and skydiving - on Royal Caribbean

Glass bottom Bar !! on Princess

Water slides on NCL

One that REALLY stands out to me as a nice thought that didn't work.

Royal Caribbean toyed with the Idea of Blimp rides - until one broke free & flew away in testing.
- they Quickly abandoned the idea & came up with....

the North star - coming soon. the views like a blimp without the horrible floaty-away'y ness.

Of course there is also the Rumours.

hanging roller-coaster anyone?

a lazy river - this is one id love to try!

The days of Shuffleboard are long gone.....
But what would you like to see or what is your favourite current feature.
What do you think the next big thing will be?
Let me know & we'll make it happen....... (in a picture)

Tarar for now

- the cap'n

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MSC reveals plans for two newbuilds

Good afternoon all.

Some very exiting news today from MSC cruises (unusual).
They have signed a letter of intention to construct 2 new ships code-named "project seaside"

These two new ships will be out in 2017 & 18 - with options for more.

The ships seem to be very ambitious ship for MSC, and I can see this could be a very interesting design of ship for them.

Italian shipyard Fincantieri has been given the task of building these two ships and it'll be the largest ships Fincantieri has ever built.

At a tonnage of 154'000 and capable of holding 5300 passengers that give 29 tonnes per passenger of space onboard.

if we compare.....

Oasis of the seas has 225'000 tonnage for 6400 passengers = 35tonnes per pax
Celebrity Eclipse has 122'000 for 2850 = 42tonnes per passenger
The Norwegian Breakaway has 144'000 for 3970 = 37per passenger
P&O's New Britannia has 141'000 for 3611 passengers = 39per passenger
MSC's current newest ship Preziosa has 138'000 for her 3959pax = 34tonnes per passenger

So project Seaside certainly is their biggest ship yet - but they're planning on cramming in as many fare paying guests as possible.

- tonnes are not a measurement of weight in cruise ships but a quantity of public space measured in tons
(this is an old term for barrels) so if the ship was converted to cargo this is the amount of barrels it could hold if everything was taken out bow to stern.
- I'll blog about that another time, but if you want to read try this in the meantime
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonnage

Anyway back to the news.
according to MSC
"Project Seaside will feature a wrap around promenade deck featuring shops, bars & restaurants"

- Bit like NCL's Breakaway then....

Is it just me or does the aft have a Hint of Oasis of the seas.

Good luck to them, this certainly is an ambitious design compared to their other ships.
some will say its ugly & not a flattering design.

Well most ships look ugly on the drawing board, I say you look from the ship - not at it.
if its got plenty of sea views & interesting things to do, it'll be a ship I'd love to go on.

let me know what you think and will you cruising on it

Tarar for now

Cap'n

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Cruises on TV

Well that was a busy week !
sorry I've been away for a while but things have been busy on the day job.
But I can't neglect the blogging world for long.

Today's ramblings.....
Cruising on TV.

Hot on the heels of ITV's announcement that the Royal princess will be featured as part of a 4 part documentary this summer.

Coming soon.... but will it be Realistic (or any good)

I started hoping that this would be a realistic documentary about modern cruising.

Unlike some other programmes that have portrayed cruises recently, shamefully talking about the stereotypical "Purple rinse" cruises.

I speak of course of the BBC's

I only watched one of those programmes and I was appauled. Nearly throwing the remote through the TV screen. I remember a vicar who went on a cruise so he could perform sermons at sea. ballroom dancing classes on a small ship bobbing around the pacific.

What an outdated image of cruising that was!
Not my cup of tea (or coffee) at all.
- I understand that is some passengers ideal, but I'm talking my personal taste here.

I dreaded my friends watching it and saying "ooh is that what your Caribbean cruises are like"
luckily it didn't make waves & the programme died off as soon as it set sail.

Of Course there was

the BBC 1990's Docusoap.

the BBC docusoap "the Cruise"
Responsible for Launching Jayne McDonald to fame (on loose women).
1990's nostalgia at its very best - Caribbean cruises of Glitz, Excess & cheese.
- I never watched it, so would be please to hear your memories.

And there was 

The Love boat = sitcom at sea - not a documentary

Princess Cruises first (original) on board TV sit-com ran for 9 years 
and interestingly the Royal Princess (star of the new program) has a Ship horn that will play the theme to the love boat.
also the Love boat was filmed (in part) on the Original Royal princess
but I'm FAR too young to have watched that show.

Anyway,
This summers "The Cruise ship" holds allot of promise for me
Brand new ship (Tick)
Modern cruise line (Tick)
Chances of a total purple rinse population (low)
but time will tell.....

what cruise TV programmes do you remember / enjoy
let me know
Like / comment & share I'd love to know.

tarar for now
the Cap'n

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Obstructed view from your cabin, is it really that bad??

One of the recurring problems on new Mega-ships is the quantity of Obstructed view cabins on board.
As cruise lines search for more profit  Cabins are being squeezed in - regardless of the quality of the view.

Don't Miss-understand me
there is nothing more than frustrating than paying good money for a excellent cabin & finding a cleaning gantry in front of you.

A superior cabin with a less than superior view!

What I'm looking at is the cost saving of having a "obstructed view" cabin
(being fully aware that it will be obstructed)
But when getting into your cabin finding that its not really that bad.

These are the cabins honestly labelled as obstructed view - the price is Great (as its obstructed)

Celebrity Solstice Class 2D (obstructed view balcony)

Cunard Queen Victoria CA Grade

Royal Caribbean Radiance Class E3 (obstructed view balcony)

I personally would take any of those views and not have a problem at all.
(I'd have a smile on my face for having saved £200 - £400 compared with the people with a "clear view")

PS, "clear view" can have an overhang - blocking sunlight from your balcony 
Look at the Royal Caribbean one above, the deck can be longer than your balcony & stick out up to 6foot !

Again it pays to do your research 
Ask a Professional & look on line

I'd really like to hear your opinion. 
Have you sailed obstructed, would you recommend it (or not) ?
let me know

Tar-ar for now 
the Cap'n

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2015 is going to be a BIG year.

2015 is really shaping up to be a MASSIVE year in Southampton.

After the recession allot of the cruise lines are now investing in new ships to cater for the rising demand in cruises.
There are allot of new ships sailing in 2015 - most are heading to Southampton.

We've got

P&O's New Britannia - Arriving March 2015 - 3600 passenger

the (near identical) Royal Princess Arrives in May - 3600 passenger.

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the seas - May - 4180 passenger. 

And there is the returning ships
Celebrity Eclipse  - 2850 passengers
Royal Caribbean's Explorer O.T.S -  3110 passengers.
P&O Aurora, Azura, Ventura, Adonia & Arcadia (10596 passengers)
Cunard Queen Elizabeth 2092
Caribbean Princess - 3114
Fred Olsen & Saga - not counted.

Luckily they don't all sail on the same day, looking at the calendar there don't seem to be more than 4 ships at once. even 4 ships at once is the equivalent of 10 thousand people.
so Southampton is a major test for the cruise lines biggest and best in 2015.

Which ship do you want to go on?
Which one would you like to visit but not stay on?
Which one do you think will be the most popular?

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Which Cruise-line is for me?

Doing this job one of the most common questions I get asked is "which cruise line should I go with"
so I thought it was time to put pen to paper (electronically) and give my honest views.
I'll go in alphabetical order (so there is no order of preference)

+Azamara Club Cruises
+ Small ship cruising, lovely sized ships, lots for your money, small ports of call that other ships cant do.
- Regional (non London) flights can be very messy, you do pay more but get allot included.
Best for  = Couples & Singles

+Carnival
+ Amazing ships with lots to do on board, plenty of fun & entertainment.
- not too many exiting ports of call,
+/- very American if you like that kind of thing  (or not)
Best for = Families

+Celebrity Cruises
+ Beautiful ships, first class service, modern contemporary decor & plenty of space on board
- can be costly on board
Best for = Couples & First timers

+Costa Cruises
+ Excellent prices, modern ships with plenty to do, nice itineraries & great single traveller prices.
- Automatic gratuities, Majority Italian/European customers,
Best for = Everyone
- Personally I like the European cuisine & people but I understand that some do not.

+Cunard Line
+ Cruising as it used to be, timeless elegance, white glove service, afternoon high tea spectacular ships.
- very formal attire and approach, this may be off-putting for some.
Best for = couples

+Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
+ Small ship cruising for mainly British guests, wide variety of itineraries all over the world. great single prices
- tends to have a high percentage of "senior" clients.
Best for Couples + Singles

+Holland America Line
+ Modern decor and high service, very loyal customers is always a good sign of excellent quality on board
- the ships are just standard no real wow features on board. itineraries are very repetitive.
Best for couples

+MSC Cruises UK & Ireland
+ Beautifully appointed ships, exceptional prices, a great returning guest discount & single traveller rates
- my customers give me allot of feedback about poor service on board.
Best for All

+Norwegian Cruise Line
+ The original freestyle cruise line, flexible dining, dress codes and approach. innovative modern ships.
- If you like a formal environment & socialising over dinner might not be best for you.
Best for families, couples, singles and First time cruisers.

+P&O Cruises
+ British cruises, departing from Southampton, or from your local airport, best drinks & tips prices at sea.
- Same itineraries every year. Very British on board!
+/- Britishness is great for some (but not for all.)
Best for All / first time cruisers.

+Princess Cruises
+ American can-do service, excellent food, casually formal, beautiful ships & decor.
-  In recent years seems to have forgotten about the UK market. Ships are not very ("wow")
Best for Couples

+Royal Caribbean International
+ a great mid-range cruise line with the most innovative ships afloat, always improving their product.
- a family cruise line that can charge hefty prices for children to go.
Best for - Families & Couples
This is a general guide, personally I would go with any cruise line if the date and itinerary was right for me!
Like and comment if you agree - id love to know what your thoughts and favourite cruise lines are !

Bye for now
- The Cap'n

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When is the right time to book?

A question I'm asked constantly is when is the right time to book my cruise.

Should you book now, or wait until a couple of weeks before.
to be absolutely honest I don't know, but I can give you some advice.

Case for booking early.
1) Pick of the cabins - the cabin you want / where you want
2) Early booking discounts / free drinks / money off / on-board credit
3) The pick of the route - chose any itinerary you want  from the 1000's on offer
4) Pick your date - tied to work / childcare, you can have the date you want.

Case against booking early
1) Money - people round the pool "I paid £56 for this cruise"
(I'm joking but you know what I mean)

Case for booking late
1) Saving money - distressed stock on ships can have the prices slashed closer to departure.
2) Upgrades - paying for inside cabins & getting balconies !!

Case against booking late
1) You don't get to pick & choose your itinerary - you get what is left.
2) You don't get the free drinks / credits etc.
3) Flights can be very EXPENSIVE at the last minute.
4) You get the cabin you're given (under the nightclub / obstructed view)

These days the cruise lines want people to book as early as they can, there are attractive early booking perks. recently celebrity cruise gave drinks packages and tips to people who had booked early - meaning they overall cost was as good as a late booking price (by the time you had accounted for the freebies)

So overall there is no definite answer (as I said) but if you know where you want to go or have a particular date when you have to go, book early.

If you don't mind where you go / when you go or what cabin you have - wait and get a deal.

If you're in doubt - ask a professional, they know what the trends are & will give you honest advice.

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That's a new way to dock.

Its not a cruise ship.

Its a ferry arriving at a scrap yard in Turkey.

(arriving dramatically)

#cruise #abitoffun #interesting

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Hot dogs - yes please.

Cant wait to have a nice cold beer, a dog from the dog house truck & watch the world go by.

Coming soon on Anthem & Quantum of the seas.

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Curious Cabins

Right let’s get blogging.

Throughout my years (not too many!) of selling cruises I've always been impressed with the unusual cabins on offer. I'm talking about getting more for your money & trusting the sales person's knowledge to get you something spectacular at a bargain price.

Something like Celebrity Millennium class's sweet 16 balconies.

You pay the rock bottom price of an obstructed view stateroom - but get a bigger balcony than people who've paid for suites!

As you can see those cabins have huge balconies & are payable as obstructed views.

Not just that, how about the "cove balconies" on Carnival.

For little more ££ than an Oceanview & allot less than a balcony, these balconies are low down (under the lifeboats) have a clear view and are close to the water.

..... Yes you're banned from using it in stormy weather, they've got MASSIVE drains incase of waves.

But the view of the sea from deck3 is second to none!!

I'd take it anyday.

Some cabins have more balcony than the deck plans say they have -

Some inside cabins have views (I’ll cover that another day)

Some.... have hidden flaws.

Every ship has quirky cabins - you just have to know where to look.

That’s why in this age of internet / DIY holidays I would always recommend using an expert.

The cruise costs the same - but the Knowledge is free.

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FIRST POST !!

Welcome to my blog.
If you can see this it means I've managed to get it working. as the title suggests I'm Captain Cookson and i'll be talking cruises here.

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