Troubled Waters on the Luxury Cruise Front…And A Safe Harbor: Seabourn

Goldring Travel October 29, 2008

Over the past days I have seen a number of troubling things happening in the luxury cruise market. I preface my comments below by stating just because it is “troubling” it doesn’t mean it is a disaster. So please take a breath and then read on…. One of my Seabourn client’s wrote two weeks ago,

Silversea Has Some Extraordinary Deals!

Goldring Travel October 21, 2008

Silversea is making a big move into heavily discounting its cruises and incentivizing it travel agents. While it raises some red flags with me, it does provide some really fantastic buying opportunities for those looking to try Silversea and/or explore with an exotic itinerary. For example, Silversea is offering (lowest fares, subject to availability and port charges

Report: Regent Seven Seas to Cease Operating Paul Gauguin in 2009 – UPDATED- Renovations Announced

Goldring Travel October 13, 2008

A reliable travel industry source is reporting this morning that Regent Seven Seas will be announcing that it is ceasing operating the Paul Gauguin at the end of 2009. While I have heard this sort of news previously – believing it to be more of a negotiating tactic than anything else – the fact is

Sommelier and Masseuse – Specialists for Some

Goldring Travel August 18, 2008

There is a very interesting article in the August 31, 2008 edition of Wine Spectator concerning people’s expectations and use of sommeliers, wine service and wine with food generally. I think there is a lot to be learned by the luxury cruise lines not only as to what is expected, but what is perceived as

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

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

Windstar’s Wind Surf – Caribbean – January 2014

Goldring Travel Blog – Making Waves

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