Fincantieri Shipyards in Trouble, Repositioning for Success or Both?

Goldring Travel January 29, 2009

Fincantieri is the Italian government controlled company which owns and operates a number of Italian shipyard involved in the construction of both cruise ships and superyachts. Last week Fincantieri was “forced” (not my word) according to Lloyd’s List, the preeminent shipping publication, to deny that it had lost as cancelled the contract to build the

Fresh Reports Regarding Regent Seven Seas Post-Refurbishment Abound (Note: Some Interesting Discussion in the Comments)

Goldring Travel January 28, 2009

It seems like every day I am receiving Google alerts about yet another review, blog or travelogue by someone currently on a Regent cruise. My guess is that Regent is trying to quell some of the bad news of late by exposing chosen writers to write about their experiences…or at least encourage those that do

More Bad News for Cruise Value Center Customers: They Have Another Problem – Prime Travel Protection Protects No More!

Goldring Travel January 28, 2009

On November 13, 2008 I wrote about Cruise Value Center closing its doors (http://goldringtravel.blogspot.com/2008/11/cruise-value-center-shuts-its-doors.html). Today the company that insured many of the Cruise Value Center clients has gone into liquidation and is probably going to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy (i.e. no chance of recovery). According the ASTA, American Society of Travel Agents, in a

Seabourn is Limiting Discounts on Close-In Sailings

Goldring Travel January 22, 2009

As I warned a few days ago, don’t expect many of the deep discounts on Seabourn…and most certainly don’t look for them on close-in sailings. Through April there is only one cruise (other than the transatlantics) that has a discount over 30% from the brochure fares and many are actually discounted less than is set

First Hand Account of The “Cheeky” Pirate Incident Involving Oceania Nautica

Goldring Travel January 22, 2009

Back on December 2, 2008 I wrote about my displeasure with the hype surrounding the pirate incident involving the Oceania Nautica. It is not that piracy in the Gulf of Aden is not a serious issue – it is, but rather that the media prostituted the incident to sell papers and clicks and commercials instead

Mark Conroy Speaks About Regent Seven Seas Cruise’s Highest Prices in the Industry

Goldring Travel January 21, 2009

Sometimes it is just better to say nothing. It is a hard lesson to learn. Before writing this post I thought about not saying anything. But then I thought, “I am not going to say anything I haven’t said before. All I am doing is confirming its accuracy by an irrefutable source.” As you know

Oceania Cruises – Comfortable In Its Own Skin

Goldring Travel January 21, 2009

I haven’t written much about Oceania Cruises. I guess, in part, is because its new sister (Regent) has so preoccupied my thoughts. Oceania is a solid performing cruise line that consistently does what it does well and without pretense of being something it is not. Oceania is not, and does not pretend to be, a

Regent Seven Seas Announces Plan For Big Improvements

Goldring Travel January 19, 2009

I know I seem to be beating on Regent Seven Seas Cruises and that, at times, it just seems unfair. So with this post I am conflicted. Do I cheer for Regent’s below mentioned commitments to improve its product or do I rehash what I have been saying for years: Regent does not deliver what

Seabourn: New and Very Cool Itineraries Are Coming – Very Soon!

Goldring Travel January 16, 2009

While I continue to read from some their skepticism as to what will happen with the Seabourn triplets after the new ships, starting with the Seabourn Odyssey, arrive, I am forced to hold back information that I know will put those “concerns” to rest. What I can tell you is that, in addition to the

Waiting for Last Minute Cruise Deals or Lower Prices For Your Preferred Cabin or Suite? You May Miss the Boat!

Goldring Travel January 15, 2009

While all you have been hearing is news of new sales by the cruise lines, the fact is that while prices may be lower, passenger loads are actually increasing nicely and are, on some lines, even ahead of 2008. Princess just sent out an email that the other day was the busiest booking day in

Windstar’s Wind Surf – Caribbean – January 2014

Goldring Travel Blog – Making Waves

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