Seabourn Staff Receive Unique Training and Compensation

Goldring Travel August 11, 2008

Last week I discussed a bit about Seabourn taking back control of its officers and ship’s management by abandoning a short-lived V.Ships relationship. Today I thought I would mention a unique aspect of Seabourn as it relates to its hotel staff; that is stewardesses, waiters, etc. One thing that is unique about Seabourn is that

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

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

Perspectives on Travel Agents – “Only The Best Are Likely To Survive”

Goldring Travel August 1, 2008

Last night I received a most unusual, and welcome, email from CruiseMates.com; a website that I visit once in a great while. It is more of an information hub than a message board community (which also has information but mostly from its members) such as CruiseCritic.com. The CruiseMates email was entitled, “Thank Your Travel Agent”.

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

I Demand a Free Cruise!

Goldring Travel July 29, 2008

I have been reading a thread on Cruise Critic about Seabourn cancelling a March 28, 2009 repositioning cruise from St. Thomas to Ft. Lauderdale. Seabourn – giving eight (8) months prior notice – has offered a 10% discount plus a $200 onboard credit. The Host chimes in immediately that the compensation sounds low and then

It’s Like a Sandwich! Seabourn Spirit – New Ports for 2009

Goldring Travel July 24, 2008

It is not the bread that usually distinguishes or defines a a sandwich. Tuna or cheese, roast beef or chicken salad; you don’t usually mention the bread. It is not that the bread is unimportant, but it is just not as important for most. “Tuna on rye” or “Chicken salad on a hard roll”; never

Windstar’s Wind Surf – Caribbean – January 2014

Goldring Travel Blog – Making Waves

Cruise & Travel News, Reviews, Opinions, Deals & More