Where Did the “Critic” in Cruise Critic Go?

Goldring Travel July 2, 2008

As many of you know, I had posted for years on Cruise Critic under the moniker of Iamboatman. My postings have stopped essentially because the concept of “critical” discussion of cruise lines has become forbidden and anyone who dares challenge a poster’s comments could summarily have his/her posts removed, be suspended or banned. In essence,

The Oceania-fication of Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line

Goldring Travel July 1, 2008

After months of Regent Seven Seas (luxury) claiming that is not and will not be Oceania (premium), and being blasted by loyalists on such message boards as Cruise Critic that I was just stirring the pot, reality is setting in and, to be sure, I was correct; but alas it is bittersweet. As reported in

Seabourn – Double Keel Laying

Goldring Travel June 30, 2008

Seabourn and T. Marrioti held a double ceremony today commencing the laying of the keels for the two sister ships (still unnamed) to the Seabourn Odyssey. By laying the keels for ships to be delivered in 2010 and 2011 Seabourn is making a strong statement that its 32,000 Gross Registered Ton ships that are 650

Travel Agents and Yacht Brokers

Goldring Travel June 30, 2008

During the American Superyacht Forum I spoke on a panel addressing the issue of yacht brokers/agents who are so focused on booking a charter or making a sale that they actually undercut and weaken the very market they are serving. The parallels to travel agents is undeniable. Two concepts quickly took center stage: 1. If

Homage to George Carlin – Air Travel

Goldring Travel June 23, 2008

There is some “adult” content, but I think it is a wonderful tribute to George Carlin who died today. Part I [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DagVklB4VHQ&hl=en&w=425&h=344] Part II [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjKciefHo38&hl=en&w=425&h=344]

American Superyacht Forum

Goldring Travel June 23, 2008

This week I will be attending a conference on Superyachts which is run by The Yacht Report, one of the preeminent journals of the industry. I will be on a panel discussing “Doing the Deal vs. Making the Market”, which is basically about the standards of conduct expected or desired of yacht brokers. Not so

To Book Onboard or Not To Book Onboard? That Is The Question re: Seabourn.

Goldring Travel June 20, 2008

A reader of my blog has asked an excellent question: Assuming I have the experience most people seem to think I will have on my Seabourn cruise, is there any advantage to signing up for another cruise while I am on the ship or should I come home and let a travel agent find a

Seabourn Food & Wine Cruise – September 27, 2008

Goldring Travel June 19, 2008

On September 27, 2008 I will be hosting a special Food & Wine Cruise on the all suite, all luxury, Seabourn Spirit cruising from Athens to Istanbul. I have a number of events and tours planned which should make this cruise even better than the one I hosted last year on the Seabourn Legend which

An International Experience – Travel Agents That Is!

Goldring Travel June 18, 2008

One of the most curious, and antiquated, aspects of the travel business is the protectionist approaches of various cruise lines. In this world of international travel and essentially boundary-free internet access, many cruise lines slice up the market so that American travel agents are prohibited from selling cruises to residents of the United Kingdom, Australia,

Getting Started

Goldring Travel June 18, 2008

For years I have posted information and commentary on various cruise message boards; especially about my favorite cruise line: The Yachts of Seabourn. Recently I have found that the boards have become less of a source of information and place to truly discuss travel issues, but more of a place to complain (regardless of merit),

Windstar’s Wind Surf – Caribbean – January 2014

Goldring Travel Blog – Making Waves

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