Another Reason Conde Nast Traveler Bugs Me!

Goldring Travel August 8, 2008

I received an email notification of another blog claiming Conde Nast Traveler’s editor said the NCL Gem was simply the best. When I went to find the article I found that was not exactly what was said, but I also found the Conde Nast Traveler’s Cruise Finder, so I gave it a shot. I gave

Seabourn Brings Technical and Marine Operations In House…What’s With V.Ships?

Goldring Travel August 8, 2008

In 2006 Seabourn contracted with V.Ships to operate its technical and marine operations on its three ships. This created a good bit of upset with the non-hotel crew and officers and, quite frankly, puzzled me. Well, obviously Seabourn was not happy with the V.Ship operations and/or costs. (Neither was Prestige Cruise Holdings re: Oceania and

Cruise Vacation Sales Are Strong…For Some

Goldring Travel August 7, 2008

I am being asked more and more if my sales are up or down compared to last year. This is asked by cruise lines, other travel agents, clients and potential clients. Frankly, everyone who asks shocked by the answer: My sales have more than doubled and on the luxury and premium lines my 2009 sales

New Regent Seven Seas Ship Delayed Until 2012…At Least.

Goldring Travel August 6, 2008

On Monday, Prestige Cruise Holdings announced its plans for the new Oceania Marina…and some interesting insight into the future for any Regent newbuild(s). According to Seatrade, PCH has entered into a deal for potentially five (5) ships to be built by Fincantieri…all with the same hull; three for Oceania and two for Regent. While there

Silversea To Give Regent SERIOUS Competition in French Polynesia

Goldring Travel August 4, 2008

It is now official. Silversea has announced that is exploration ship, Prince Albert II, is going to be cruising Tahiti and French Polynesia from mid-March 2009 through October 2009. The ship is significantly different than Regent’s Paul Gauguin both in size and approach. The Silversea experience is defined as “luxury” and “exploration” rather than a

Message Boards – Do They Reflect The Cruise Experience Being Discussed

Goldring Travel August 4, 2008

One concern I frequently encounter, and a commenter on this blog mentioned again yesterday, is that some message boards reflect a certain personality and people wonder if the board’s posters are a reflection of passengers on board. My answer is emphatically: NO. There is a very interesting dynamic. Taking any cruise line, message board posters (those

Ship’s Tours, Private Tours or Doing It On Your Own

Goldring Travel July 31, 2008

I am frequently asked if the generic question of I would recommend taking a ship’s tour. My answer invariably is, “It depends.” And it depends on a number of factors. The first thing I look at is whether there is anything unique about the tour. In October I am taking a Seabourn tour in Kusadasi

Seabourn Odyssey – The Suite Details

Goldring Travel July 23, 2008

Some of you have inquired about the suites on the Seabourn Odyssey and how the compare to the triplets and other luxury cruise lines. I will give it a shot, trying not to be too numbers oriented (as many can’t tell size from reading square footage) or adding too much “stuff” about things you would

Seabourn Odyssey – The Details.

Goldring Travel July 21, 2008

So what is this new Seabourn Odyssey all about? First, let me state the obvious…which might not be that obvious to those who have not cruised on Seabourn. The new ship is about service. Consistent service. The service you expect. Carnival, Princess and Royal Caribbean have far more toys and venues than the Odyssey, but

Regent, Oceania and Information

Goldring Travel July 18, 2008

One the best things I have found from my brief time blogging (don’t let all the posts fool the new visitors, I’ve only been doing this a short time) is that there is a really great mix of people reading this blog. And the result is that I am getting some great input, interesting insights

Windstar’s Wind Surf – Caribbean – January 2014

Goldring Travel Blog – Making Waves

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