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Open For Bookings: Nearly All-Inclusive, Viking Ocean Cruises’ New Viking Star

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Fri, 17 May 2013 07:06:02 +0000

Last night, from the International Ballroom at The Beverly Hilton, Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises, told media and top travel agents that cruises on Viking Star will cost 38 percent less than similar cruises in the ship’s competitive set. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

THE BEVERLY HILTON, BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA — Perhaps the biggest surprise announced last night during the Viking Ocean Cruises’ reveal: lead-in per diems at just under $300 per person with included WiFi, an included tour in each port of call, overnight stays in embarkation and disembarkation ports, and complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

When bookings open on Friday May 17, the new Viking Star’s 15-day cruises between Bergen and Stockholm will go for $4,499 per person for accommodations in a 270-square-foot Veranda Suite, featuring a king-sized bed, a sitting area, an expansive balcony, and a large bathroom with a shower spacious enough to bathe in “without touching any of the walls,” says Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking River Cruises, and, as of last night, Viking Ocean Cruises.

In developing the concept for Viking’s ocean product, Hagen wanted a no-nonsense ship that delivered in seven key areas:

The destination will be key to the experience
Small ship, but at a great value
Designed for comfort, function and understated elegance
Great food, locally inspired
Culturally enriching shore excursions and onboard programs
No nickel and dime’ing
Don’t be everything to everybody

There will be no casino, no charge for speciality restaurants, no formal nights — and no ties. The vessel will carry 928 passengers, all double occupancy veranda staterooms (in several categories and some suites), not family friendly but appealing to “explorers” ages 55 and up.

Speaking from the same stage where the Golden Globe Awards ceremony is presented annually, Hagen displayed renderings to media and some of the nation’s top cruise sellers that showed Viking Star to be innovative — with sliding windows that open in the main dining room for al fresco dining, a spa that features a sauna and snow room, a forward-facing two-level Explorer’s Lounge, an infinity pool with an aft glass wall exposed to the sea, and much more.

Viking Star begins service in 2015. Stay tuned. We’ll have more about the new Viking Star this weekend. Meantime, check out renderings of the new Viking Star in the Youtube video below.

Trouble viewing the video? Click here.

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Photo Tour & Five Things I Like About Europa 2

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Fri, 10 May 2013 20:12:55 +0000

On Europa 2, they thought of everything. Among the latest health trends, edible seeds were in good supply for breakfast at the Yacht Club on Europa 2. The selection included the latest trendy seed, chia, an expensive “superfood” that packs a lot of nutrition in a small package. The breakfast also featured a full selection of traditional and non-traditional items. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

After I posted Seven Reasons Why Europa 2 Can Command The Luxury Cruise Segment’s Highest Prices — For Now, a few people wrote to me to ask if I liked the new ship. In my first post, I tried to be as objective as possible, withholding my opinions. But because you asked, yes, I do like Europa 2 — quite a lot. The photo tour will show you some of the things I liked, but if I were to put them in order, my favorite aspects of Europa 2 would be:

Space. As noted in a previous post, Europa 2 has the highest space ratio of any cruise ship. You don’t need to be 6’5″, as I am, to appreciate the double-height ceilings, the overall airiness and the additional real estate. I like the fact that Europa 2 would feel uncrowded when sailing at full capacity with 516 passengers. I enjoy space to breathe, and my guess is, so will those who cruise Europa 2.
Decor and furnishings. I appreciate the color schemes, which I suppose could be characterized as lots of earth tones and generous use of wood. I don’t quite know how to describe the design. Is it Nordic-inspired? Perhaps. It’s certainly a clean design that appeals to my inner aesthetic.
Eight restaurants. In my hometown I have a handful of restaurants that I like to frequent. Europa 2 emulates that experience by allowing me to dine in a different restaurant each evening. I might find myself in France one evening (Restaurant Tarragon), Asia, the next evening (Restaurant Elements), and Italy, the next (Restaurant Serenissima). I’d need to cruise for nine days/eight nights to experience all of the dining venues — make that 10 days/nine nights. After all, doesn’t room service count as a dining venue?
Those big bathrooms. I don’t suspect that I’ll be residing in any of the large suites on Europa 2, but I can still appreciate my aspirations to do so and imagine myself sprawled across a sofa in those spacious suites. As I wrote in an earlier post, however, the bathrooms were the Wow! factor. They were, in fact, much more than bathrooms. They were more like mini-spas with windows looking out on the sea.
Healthy options. Europa 2 has one of the best cruise ship gyms I’ve ever encountered. I’d spend 45 minutes each day of my cruise using the fitness facilities and another 45 minutes or so using the spa facilities. And I also know that I could maintain my healthy lifestyle on Europa 2. During my 24 hours on board, I had breakfast in The Yacht Club, where I found the healthy and trendy (and expensive) chia seeds on the buffet. Breakfast in The Yacht Club wasn’t all that much different than breakfast at Whole Foods in my experience.

I’m sure there’s a lot more that I would come to appreciate about Europa 2, but with only 24 hours to experience the ship, these five emerged as top of mind.

Tip: View the photo slideshow full-screen by clicking the icon in the upper right corner.

Europa 2's Bilingual Cruises

Targeting an international mix of passengers, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' new Europa 2 features bilingual cruises (German and English). Its current English-language brochure will be updated in the fall of 2013. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Wasted Space On Europa 2?

Executives for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises told press on board Europa 2 this week that they had purposely "wasted space" on the new vessel. What they were referring to was the fact that Europa 2 reportedly has the greatest space ratio of any cruise ship afloat. The actual number in the chart (76.5) is inaccurate, however, as Europa 2 has a space ratio of about 83. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Reception Area On Europa 2

Premium Space Europa 2

Double Height Ceilings On Europa 2

Europa 2 Pool With Retractable Roof

Wrap-Around Promenade Europa 2

Launching Europa 2

Aft Deck Chairs And Sun Beds

European Crew

Words of Wisdom

Jazz Club

Jazz Club Bar

Restaurant Serenissima

One of eight dining venues on Europa 2, Restaurant Serenissima features Italian cuisine. Guests are encouraged to make reservations at the smaller restaurants, such as Serenissima. Reservations can be made only for the next 48 hours. Dining throughout Europa 2 comes at no extra charge, except in Speisezimmer, a private dining venue that can be booked for up to 16 people for €1,500. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Restaurant Elements

Restaurant Tarragon

Chateaubriand From Restaurant Tarragon

During our one night on Europa 2, we sat down for dinner in the largest dining venue, Restaurant Weitmeere, where Executive Chef Stefan Wilke had prepared a menu with samplings from Europa 2's speciality dining venues. Pictured here, Chateaubriand from the French-inspired Restaurant Tarragon. Wilke told us that Europa 2 typically carries 25 different types of beef. He also said that the ship strives to as much freshly caught fish as possible, often sourcing from local vendors wherever the ship is in port. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Seeds For A Healthy Start

Among the latest health trends, seeds, which were in good supply for breakfast at the Yacht Club on Europa 2, The selection included the latest trendy seed, Chia, which can be expensive but oh so good for you. The breakfast also featured a full selection of traditional and non-traditional items. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Latte Macchiato

Inspired By Germany, Made In France

Europa 2 was constructed at the STX Europe in St. Nazaire, France. French shipyard workers endured 29,120 architectural drawings. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' executives confessed that the Germans can be somewhat meticulous when it comes to details. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

From Sylt To The Sea, Sansibar

Toast For Two

Renowned ship critic Douglas Ward, author of the Berlitz Complete Guide To Cruising And Cruise Ships, toasts his wife on Europa 2. Speaking of Europa, which he ranked as the world's best cruise ship, Ward says, "I've always been interested in how achieve service levels that they (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises) do." He cited such attention to detail as the use of linen coasters underneath cocktails, and silver covers for room service drinks, as well as what he calls the "incredible choice" on Europa 2. Ward cited the eight dining venues and more than 30 brands of gin, including his favorite Monkey 47, mixed with tonic, a sliver of cucumber, and a toast with his wife. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

German Products, At A Price

Golf Simulators

Catering To Families

Europa 2 caters to families. In fact, children 11 and under travel free of charge when accompanied by two full-price cruise guests. Dedicated kids' facilities include the “Knopf Club," equipped with cots, changing tables and a lounge furnished with toys by the renowned manufacturer Steiff; the "Kids Club," for ages 4 to 10; and the "Teens Club," for children 11-15 years. Shore excursions for children, teenagers, or the entire family are offered on all family cruises. Europa 2 has seven family style suites with two separate areas, connected by a door and shared balcony. For a fee, childcare is available for children two and older. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Sauna On Europa 2

Fitness Studio

Spacious Spa

Eight Treatment Rooms

Couples Treatment Room

Pleasant Color Scheme

Spa Suites

Grand Penthouse Suite

Grand Penthouse Suite Bedroom

The Grand Penthouse Suites also feature separate living and sleeping areas, showers with steam saunas, whirlpools, day beds in the bath areas, guest toilets and Butler service.

Complimentary Mini-Bar

Soft drinks are available free of charge in the mini bar in all suites as well as some additional drinks such as high quality spirits in certain category suites. Pictured here, the selection from my Veranda Suite. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Desk In My Veranda Suite

The 141 Veranda suites measure 28 square meters (301 square feet), plus they feature verandas measuring seven square meters (75 square feet). The Samsung television measure 32 inches and has internet access for a fee (note the keyboard beneath the desk). © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Owner's Suite Europe 2

One of the two Owner's Suites that measure 99 square meters (1,066 square feet), plus they have verandas that measure 15 square meters (161 square feet). Raised with the click of a button, a flat-panel television resides in the furniture at the foot of the bed. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Smoking Allowed, Owner's Suite Veranda

Bath With A View

Entertainment, A Little Risqué

Europa 2's exclusively produced stage shows are language independent, such as the one previewed on our cruise. Called "Water," the show used tubs as props to present a mix of acrobatics, music and dance. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Six Good Nights On Europa 2

From the start of the morning to the end of the evening, Europa 2 strives to provide a custom-made, high-quality experience, even down to the pillow snacks on its seven-day (six-night) cruises. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

The post Photo Tour & Five Things I Like About Europa 2 appeared first on Cruise Reviews, Ship Reviews by The Avid Cruiser.

Pre/Post Cruise Hotel: The Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:01:12 +0000

The Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour viewed facing west from Cockle Bay. Harbourside retail and dining complex located immediately in front.

by guest contributor, Roderick Eime

Now that the era of cruise ships, indeed heavy shipping in general, will soon be a thing of the past in Darling Harbour, that’s no reason to discount any of the great hotels that offer top notch accommodation in this alternative to the sometimes pricey, often fully-booked CBD properties. In fact, with the opening of White Bay terminal this year, the Western located Darling Harbour hotels, which include Accor’s Ibis, will be at a distinct geographic advantage for cruise passengers.

The Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour dates back to the opening of Darling Harbour itself, following its radical transformation from ramshackle railyard to entertainment and leisure precinct in the late 1980s. The hotel was opened in 1991 and underwent a major redecoration and refurbishment in 2006.

With 525 (all smoke-free) rooms, it is one of the largest in Sydney, hence there is better availability. But that may change when cruise traffic starts flowing through nearby White Bay.

Dining at The Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour

Dish, a Restaurant

While it may not be on Sydney’s to-die-for restaurant list, there is no reason to shun the in-house restaurant, the oddly named Dish, a Restaurant. Two of us ate a Saturday night dinner with a most magnificent city view. Starters, mains, dessert and wine cost AUD$170 for a perfectly satisfactory meal. Because the main dining arena is located within the hotel lobby, it might lack a bit of intimacy, but the view is more than adequate compensation.

At breakfast, the whole place comes alive, especially on the weekend and Novotel’s brand-wide ‘fresh start’ option means plenty of healthy alternatives. As a minimum standard, all Novotel breakfast buffets include organic options such as organic banana bread, organic fruit compotes, organic toasted muesli and organic jams. Coffee is dispensed in auto-grinder machines which make a top shot. At $25/head, breakfast is great value. For after hours, there’s Liquid, a Bar, offering casual snacks with extensive cocktail and wine list. 24hr room service too.

Facilities at The Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour

As a large city hotel, there are the expected conference and meeting facilities if you and your 150 delegates need these, but for cruise passengers and tourists, there’s a gym, outdoor swimming pool with city views, a gaming room, full-size floodlit tennis court, fully equipped business centre and a Dolfi kids’ corner for young children. In fact Novotel love kids (under 16), so ask about the special deals for families. Undercover parking is available right at the hotel at $45/24hrs, on par for Sydney.

Rooms at The Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour

Standard Double Room

As you’ve already gathered, there are lots of rooms, but not all face the harbour, which is the preferred, eastern-facing side. Although not huge, the massive windows add an open feeling that gives space and plenty of light. If you’re staying on a Saturday, you might be lucky to see one of the regular fireworks shows in the harbour. The rooms have everything you’d expect in this 4.5 star category including free and paid internet options with both wired and wireless. There’s flat screen TV (with cable and free-to-air channels), safe, min-bar (one liter water is $9, so watch out) and ample sized work desk. There are 58 rooms with extra easy access and 92 fancier suites. Unfortunately none of the rooms have balconies, but there are outdoor areas to enjoy the view.

Live-it-Up Option

The lash-out option for this property is definitely the much newer, top-floor Loft Suites available in split-level one- or two-bedroom layout. There are six of these, all with spa bath of course.

Access, The Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour

The hotel is just 1 kilometre from the CBD and a pleasant, flat stroll across the old Glebe Island Bridge. It’s not really walkable for passengers with luggage embarking at Circular Quay OPT (Overseas Passenger Terminal), which is about 3kms by shortest route. Cab is the best option.

White Bay, in the opposite direction, is between 3 and 4kms, making the Novotel one of the closest large hotels. Depending on your berth and if you get the traffic in your favour, travelling time could be just 5 minutes in a cab. Weekday morning rush hour (7-9am) could be a hassle, so have a Plan B.

While the modern light rail is right on the doorstep (Harbourside) and heads both to the city and toward White Bay, its practicality for cruise passengers is untested. While the Rozelle Bay stop is geographically near the new cruise terminal, it is not clear if special consideration for cruise passengers is being offered as part of the terminal development. (We will update this post as information becomes available). See Sydney Light Rail website. The light rail journey between Rozelle Bay and Harbourside stops would be between 15-20 minutes.

From the airport (9km), Darling Harbour is no better or worse for access than the CBD and, while public transport (train to Central, light rail to Harbourside) is technically possible, cab presents the most practical option for 2-4 people with luggage.

The iconic Sydney Monorail is also located right at the hotel, but it is planned for demolition in mid-2013. So if you are a fan of such things, you’d better get in quick.

Roderick Eime is perhaps best known for his adventure and expedition cruise contributions, but is also an avid hotel and resort reviewer.

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Seven Reasons Why Europa 2 Can Command The Luxury Cruise Segment’s Highest Prices — For Now

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:36:45 +0000

With average per diems of 600 euros per person, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ new Europa 2 is attempting to command some of the industry’s highest cruise fares. Its cruises will cost an American couple — the U.S. is one of Europa 2′s target audiences — around US$12,000 for the privilege of spending six nights/seven days in a 301-square-foot Veranda Suite on the industry’s newest luxury cruise ship.

The pricing is largely unprecedented, although some luxury expedition ships as well as barge vacations in Europe can cost even more than Europa 2. Read about two of my best luxury cruise experiences on French Country Waterways and Silversea Cruises Silver Explorer.

For those who can afford it, is the cost of cruising Europa 2 justified?

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ executives are emphasizing a few unique features that certainly will pique the interests of sophisticated, well-heeled travelers.

1. Europa 2 Boasts The Industry’s Highest Space Ratio

Europa 2 has the highest space ratio of all cruise ships. At a press conference on the new luxury vessel this past Monday, company executives displayed a slide showing a space ratio of 76.5. We calculated, and confirmed, even higher, 83. Space enhances the elegance of Europa 2 and reduces the potential for claustrophobia. Nearly all other luxury cruise ships have similar space ratios, but Europa 2 currently leads the pack. By contrast, the world’s largest cruise ships, Oasis of the Seas and its sister Allure of the Seas, have space ratios of around 40. Confused about space ratio? See Nautical Nomenclature: How Space Ratio Affects Your Cruise

2. Serving You: European Food & Beverage Staff

It would be hard to fault Asian servers, the backbone of the food & beverage departments on nearly all cruise lines. They are hard-working, friendly and eager to please. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, however, believes sophisticated travelers will pay more to be served by European, English-speaking food & beverage staff. Whether that is true or not remains to be seen. Some luxury cruise lines have shifted from European staff to Asian dining room and lounge staff with great success. What was apparent during my 24 hours on Europa 2 was that servers were friendly, professional and able to anticipate needs before being asked. About 60 percent of the crew was sourced from other ships within Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The remaining 40 percent were sourced from other cruise lines and hospitality segments.

3. Cruise The Industry’s Newest Luxury Ship

Simply, some cruisers will pay to cruise on the industry’s newest luxury ship. Europa 2′s first booking, in fact, originated eight years ago. In 2005, a passenger on Europa said that if the company ever built a new ship, he wanted to book the largest suite. Eight years later, his wish was granted. There probably are quite a few cruisers who will help Hapag-Lloyd sustain its price point for as long as the ship remains a novelty. Only time will tell whether such pricing can continue.

4. Seven-Day Luxury Cruises Will Appeal To Some

For those who have the money and are squeezed for time, seven-day cruises can be more practical than longer itineraries. Europa 2′s itineraries are designed so that they can be combined, however. Up to three itineraries can be put together with no repeating ports of call.

5. Experience Eight Restaurants

Foodies who want choice will appreciate the fact that they can dine in a different restaurant every night — and they’ll need to combine two seven-day voyages to experience all eight dining venues. See Photo Tour: Europa 2′s Restaurants.

One of eight dining venues on Europa 2, Restaurant Serenissima features Italian cuisine. Guests are encouraged to make reservations at the speciality restaurants, such as Serenissima. Reservations can be made only for the next 48 hours. Dining throughout Europa 2 comes at no extra charge, except in Speisezimmer, a private dining venue that can be booked for up to 16 people for €1,500. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

6. Bathrooms With A View

The two Owner’s suites and the two Grand Penthouse suites are gorgeous, but it was the bathrooms that caused jaws to drop during our tour of Europa 2 this week. All four feature ocean views, with huge whirlpool tubs and daybeds against floor-to-ceiling windows.

7. German Engineered, French Built

Europa 2 is German-engineered and French built. In some ways, it is an unlikely marriage, and indeed, we were told that the French could become frustrated when confronted time and again with the German penchant for punctuality and perfection. The end result, however: Europa 2 exudes high quality throughout, evident in the public rooms, staterooms (which the company refers to as suites) and service.

Why Some May Not Cruise On Europa 2

Some prospective cruisers may put off by Europa 2′s non-inclusive alcohol packaging, its pricing, its lack of a casino and its smoking policy. Smoking is allowed on verandas and in designated areas, including some in public rooms and lounges. With only 24 hours on board, I was not able to assess the impact of smoking on other travelers.

Who Will Cruise Europa 2

Europa 2 may appeal to cruisers for other reasons that are not exclusive to Hapag-Lloyd: Europa 2′s relaxed dress code (in Germany the company advertises “21 knots without a tie” — SeaDream Yacht Club also has a relaxed dress code); its catering to children with dedicated kids’ activity centers and shore excursions (Crystal Cruises also caters to children); and the on-board international ambience (nearly all luxury cruises have an international ambience; however Europa 2′s is German-inspired).

Initially, the new ship is aiming to attract passengers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. The company is currently analyzing the market potential in Scandinavia.

The largest ship in Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ fleet, Europa 2 needs 516 passengers each week to sail at full capacity. That alone may create future pricing.

The ship will sail on 26 routes with 123 ports of call in four regions of the world — Western and Eastern Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, and Southeast Asia. Up to three itineraries can be combined with no repeating ports.

How Will Europa 2 Handle The Bilingual Element?

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises seems to have thought through every element of the bilingual component, and after hearing details in a press conference, I’m confident that the bilingual aspect will be handled well. On board, German staff spoke and understood English at a high level during my sailing. Only once did I utter a few words that presented a challenge for a German-speaking crew-member (when I ordered whole wheat pasta), but we worked it out with good humor and by pointing. Overall, my 24 hours on board was what you might expect: smooth sailing on Europa 2.

The post Seven Reasons Why Europa 2 Can Command The Luxury Cruise Segment’s Highest Prices — For Now appeared first on Cruise Reviews, Ship Reviews by The Avid Cruiser.

Photo Tour: EUROPA 2 Restaurants

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:14:19 +0000

During our one night on Europa 2, we sat down for dinner in the largest dining venue, Restaurant Weitmeere, where Executive Chef Stefan Wilke had prepared a menu with samplings from Europa 2′s speciality dining venues. Pictured here, Chateaubriand from the French-inspired Restaurant Tarragon. Wilke told us that Europa 2 typically carries 25 different types of beef. He also said that the ship strives to as much freshly caught fish as possible, often sourcing from local vendors wherever the ship is in port. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

The gourmet dining concept on EUROPA 2 features eight dining venues, including a sushi bar and three speciality restaurants.

With a total capacity of 266, the largest restaurant on EUROPA 2 is the “Weltmeere,” offering both international and refined vegetarian menus.

The “Yacht Club,” the second largest restaurant on EUROPA 2, provides specialities fresh from the grill as well as variety from the buffet. Guests can dine al fresco here if they wish. The Yacht Club is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Fans of French cuisine will be at home in the 44-seat “Tarragon” restaurant.

Guests can experience Asian delicacies in “Elements” (48 seats).

The “Serenissima” (56 seats) provides high quality Italian cuisine, where guests can enjoy Mediterranean classics and also modern interpretations of Ligurian, or Neapolitan cooking.

The culinary “around the world journey” on board is completed by the “Sakura” sushi restaurant (58 seats), which offers the celebrated miso soup and fish specialities, plus green tea ice cream for dessert.

Classic wines from all over the world with accompanying dishes, are available for guests on the EUROPA 2 in the “Grande Reserve” wine bar. Individual wine tastings can also be arranged with real vine rarities for a maximum of 12 guests.

Private Dining will be available in the “Speisezimmer” restaurant, which can be booked for exclusive dinners for small groups at a cost of $1,800 for an evening. The price includes an aperitif, amuse-bouche with caviar and a lobster dinner. The dining venue can be booked pre-cruise.

Also see Seven Reasons Why Europa 2 Can Command The Luxury Cruise Segment’s Highest Prices — For Now

If you feel like cooking yourself, book a cooking course in the Miele Culinary School. Here the chef de cuisine of the Tarragon — the French style restaurant on board ‚ will demonstrate the cuisine of EUROPA 2′s various cruise destinations. The cooking courses take place in the morning and can be booked as an alternative to a shore excursion. Participation costs 80 Euros per person (US$96), which includes accompanying wines, cooking aprons and recipes.

Guests on the EUROPA 2 enjoy pure, informal luxury as there are no fixed eating times, or fixed table allocations in the restaurants within the opening times. All meals are included in the cruise price (except drinks).

Guests are encouraged to make reservations at the specialty restaurants, Serenissima, Elements and Tarragon. Reservations can be made only for the next 48 hours.

The post Photo Tour: EUROPA 2 Restaurants appeared first on Cruise Reviews, Ship Reviews by The Avid Cruiser.

Good Morning London! Boarding EUROPA 2, Your Questions Answered

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:08:37 +0000

Arriving in London after a pleasant (nowhere near full capacity) flight from Chicago. I’m on the way to Southampton to board – for one night only – Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ new Europa 2. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

It was a picture-postcard morning when United Airlines’ flight 928 began its descent to London’s Heathrow Airport this morning. I’m here, courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, to step aboard the new EUROPA 2, which will dock Monday in Southampton, about two hours from my hotel here at London’s Victoria Station (see Boarding Next Week: Hapag-Lloyd’s New EUROPA 2).

With only one night on board, I’ll be working in hyper mode to answer questions posed by Avid Cruiser readers. They (and possibly you) want to know such things as the ship’s general ambience. One reader says Hapag-Lloyd’s brochure makes EUROPA 2 look “Retro” and “70-ish,” as in 1970s-ish. I wouldn’t mind that — the 70s were one of my favorite decades — but I’ll be sure to take lots of photos so that readers can judge for themselves.

Some want to know how passengers are dressed. On EUROPA, the predecessor to the new ship, the dress code is less casual than on EUROPA 2. While Hapag-Lloyd is relaxing the dress code on the new ship, I packed a tie just in case. Will I need it? I’ll know tomorrow, and so will you.

Along with the relaxed dress code on EUROPA 2 are shorter itineraries (seven days compared to 14 and longer on EUROPA) that allow for working professionals and their families to enjoy “casual” luxury getaways.

Readers have asked me to check on drink prices. Our one night on board is hosted by Hapag-Lloyd, so I need not worry about the cost of a glass of wine or a cocktail. Unlike other luxury cruise companies, however, Hapag-Lloyd does not include alcohol in its cruise pricing. Is that a plus or minus? I’ll find out how the company sees it, and I’ll peruse the price list and report to our readers.

Others want to know about the restaurants and the service levels. Some are concerned about where Hapag-Lloyd recruited staff for EUROPA 2. The concern is that the company may have raided its other vessels, “diluting the quality” of service on the other ships, as one reader put it.

Finally, a few folks want to how the company manages the bilingual (German and English) service on board. I’m on the case dear readers.

Stay tuned as I step aboard Monday for a preview of the newest luxury cruise ship to enter the market, the EUROPA 2. Meantime, if you have questions, leave them in the comments section below this post. Your comments are emailed directly to me and posted on this page.

The post Good Morning London! Boarding EUROPA 2, Your Questions Answered appeared first on Cruise Reviews, Ship Reviews by The Avid Cruiser.

Boarding Next Week: Hapag-Lloyd’s New EUROPA 2

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:53:25 +0000

EUROPA 2, making her way to Southampton — and so am I. Photo courtesy Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

This past Friday, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises took delivery of what the company is calling a “casual” luxury ship, the EUROPA 2. Next Monday, when I step on board the new vessel in Southampton, I’ll relay what I can — via Twitter, Facebook and on Avid Cruiser — about EUROPA 2′s positioning in the luxury sector.

What’s “casual” luxury? A company press release indicates that one aspect of casual luxury is the doing away with such traditions as the captain’s dinner. For our one-night on board, dress code recommendations suggest casual dress during the day, and in the evening, smart casual, meaning that I can skip packing a tie. I am eager to learn more about Hapag-Lloyd’s philosophy when it comes to catering to today’s luxury cruisers.

EUROPA 2, Beautiful & Spacious

The photographs and renderings of EUROPA 2′s suites and public rooms are appealing. EUROPA 2 features only suites (none smaller than 301 square feet) with verandas. Eight restaurants and six bars are dedicated to serving up culinary diversity, and a large spa and fitness area accommodates the well-being trend on cruises.

Carrying up to 516 guests, the vessel will provide the greatest space per passenger of any cruise ship in the world, according to a company press release. I’ll need to confirm the numbers, but my back-of-the-napkin calculation shows a space ratio of around 83. For more about how space ratio is calculated, see Nautical Nomenclature: How Space Ratio Affects Your Cruise.

MS EUROPA 2 Veranda Suite (28 square meters + 7 square meter Veranda/ 301 square feet + 75 square-foot Veranda). Photo courtesy Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

EUROPA 2 was constructed by the STX France shipyard in Saint Nazaire. Dr Wolfgang Flägel, managing director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises signed the takeover protocol, noting: “By adding the EUROPA 2 to our fleet, we are acquiring the latest generation of cruise ship, which embodies an entirely new type of luxury cruising at sea. I am certain that we will raise the bar with the EUROPA 2 in the luxury cruise sector.”

Check out our September 2009 coverage of what was then called the world’s best cruise ship, EUROPA

EUROPA 2 will be christened in Hamburg on May 10, 2013, as part of the port’s anniversary celebrations. The luxury vessel will then embark on a 14-day maiden voyage toward Lisbon.

Unfortunately, I’m on board for only one night, but I will have the chance to experience EUROPA 2′s dining, entertainment and drinks in the Sansibar from 11 p.m. “until the last person goes to bed,” our hosts tell us. The Sansibar was a favorite watering hole on the now-more-than-decade-old EUROPA, when I cruised it in 2009.

Questions or comments about EUROPA 2? Leave them here in the comments section below or at @avidcruiser.

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Cruise Europe: Fuel Costs, Family & The Beauty Of Being Foreign

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:45:57 +0000

This past week, I attended Cruise Europe’s 22nd annual general meeting (AGM) in Le Havre, France. A thriving cruise destination and turnaround port, Le Havre’s maritime history includes the inaugural voyage of the Normandie, which crossed the Atlantic to New York in 1935 and made nearly 300 subsequent transatlantic voyages before being scrapped in 1946. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Observations from the international setting at Cruise Europe’s Annual General Meeting in Le Havre last week: The Danes don’t differentiate between the taste of beer in the evening, afternoon or morning, and that is perhaps why they see no harm in sipping on a lager before lunch or shortly after breakfast or even with breakfast — or tipping a bit of Gammel Dansk into their morning coffee. The world’s happiest nation may be happy for a reason.

Stereotypes can be stubbon, and while it is not always advisable or prudent to make generalizations, it is tempting to draw some conclusions when it comes to observing cultures.

It’s safe to assume, for example, that many Swedes will become unsettled and mildy irritated when there is not a proper toast along with the obligatory eye contact before and after the first sip following skål.

Likewise, it’s fairly common knowledge that the Brits take their tea and biscuits; the Americans, their coffee and cake. The Irish joke in a manner that would sometimes benefit from subtitles, so strong is their dialect. The Scots are pragmatic; the French, frivolous (they are simply embodying joie de vivre); the Spaniards, puzzled by such customs as dinner beginning before 11 p.m. Germans can be counted on to always be on time — and often early for dinner.

Dutchmen colonized much of the world and thus feel at home with anyone. Poles and their Baltic neighbors — Latvians, Lithuanians and Estonians — are simply glad to have shaken Soviet occupation, some more recently than others.

Finns can be reticent and reserved. Did you hear the joke about the Finnish man who loved his wife so much that he almost told her?

The Beauty Of Being Foreign

As much as we take comfort in the fact that we are somewhat alike, we are, in fact, very much different.

The fact that we are different is what gives travel its charm. Our senses engage as we confront customs that are foreign to us. For Americans like me, being in Europe is particularly intriguing, because many of us are, in fact, them.

Ten generations ago, John Grizzle (also spelled Grissel) left Europe, landing in America in 1722. Now, nearly three centuries later, I am back in Europe, completing a circle, a foreigner on the soil where my great, great, great (and more) grandfather was born.

Still, even if I am a foreigner, last week in Le Havre, I felt I was with family. Some of us attending the Cruise Europe AGM have known each other — and worked with each other — for decades. While many industries may foster camaraderie, the cruise industry seems to unite cultures worldwide. From France to the Far East to Fort Lauderdale, we work together so that vacationers can achieve what they desire: once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered to them by ships.

At the Cruise Europe annual general meeting, this past week as in past years, the goal was to improve and expand the European cruise experience. Destination and port representatives joined cruise line executives to forge the future of cruising in Europe.With more than 100 member ports in Northern and Atlantic Europe, Cruise Europe brings a lot of destinations to the table.

Perhaps the biggest issue discussed was the impact of regulation and fuel costs on itinerary planning. Simon Douwes, director deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line, told delegates during a morning presentation that his company is slowing down the speed at which ships travel between ports in order to save on fuel costs.

Worldwide, HAL ships will travel 1,401,552 nautical miles in 2013 at an average speed of 16.7 knots, compared to a distance of 1,477,866 nautical miles in 2011 at an average speed of 17.6 knots. The reduction in nautical miles traveled and in fuel savings due to lower speeds are enormous on a fleetwide basis, Douwes told the audience.

He also said that fuel consumption for HAL is highest in Alaska, when calculated on consumption per passenger day. The Baltic comes in second.

One fuel-savings technique is to depart ports earlier than in the past to be able to cruise to the next port at speeds that conserve fuel. On some southern European itineraries, HAL will reduce speeds from an average 15.7 knots in 2012 to 13.8 knots in 2013, some of this achieved by open-jaw itineraries, where passengers embark in one port and disembark in another — as opposed to roundtrip itineraries.

Fuel savings in Europe are important, as HAL sails to “far more ports of call in Europe than anywhere else,” Douwes said. “In 2013, Holland America Line will visit 161 different European ports . . . that’s a huge number.”

Indeed, HAL is extending the season in much of Europe. A decade ago, Baltic Cruises started in mid-June. Today, those cruises begin in mid-April.

Brian Powell, whose title is market planning & consumer insights for Celebrity Cruises, echoed Douwes’ comments about the popularity of Europe as a cruise destination. He told delegates that Celebrity is discovering that among its affluent vacationers, two words are emerging when it comes to what they want to experience, authenticity and trendy.

He encouraged destinations to develop shore excursions that offer these two components, and many already do. One of the challenges for destinations is to inform cruise lines of all that they offer. Cruise Europe provides a good forum for such exchanges.

Europe is poised to overtake North America as the world’s largest source market. From 2006 through 2011, the number of Europeans taking cruises increased by 80 percent. Europe also will overtake the Caribbean as the number-one cruise destination this year, according to Peter Wild, managing director for the consulting firm GP Wild International Ltd.

From my point of view, Europe’s emerging presence in the cruise industry comes as a welcome change, as more and more people will have a chance to see the region on both ocean cruises and river cruises — and to experience the variety of cultures in this wonderful part of the world. Douwes said that Holland America Line would not cruise to 161 European ports “unless we thought it was a very good idea.” Indeed, he added: “The future here is very, very bright.”

That’s a sentiment that all cultures can toast to.

Photos from Cruise Europe’s 22nd AGM in Le Havre, France.

Valérie Conan, cruise director for the city of Le Havre, with Jens Skrede, managing director of Cruise Europe. The two, along with their teams, were responsible for organizing events for the Cruise Europe AGM. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Checking out Le Havre from the tower of Hotel de Ville (Le Havre’s City Hall), Simon Douwes, director deployment & itinerary planning for Holland America Line says: ” There is nothing like visiting a place to bring it alive and find out whether it is somewhere our passengers would like to visit. And I think that they would like Le Havre very much.” © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Le Havre’s City Hall, within the UNESCO Heritage region of the city, which was heavily bombed during World War II. The region was rebuilt according to the plan of a team headed by Auguste Perret, from 1945 to 1964. UNESCO cites Le Havre as an outstanding post-war example of urban planning and architecture based on the unity of methodology and the use of prefabrication, the systematic utilization of a modular grid, and the innovative exploitation of the potential of concrete. © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Terje Søreide and Laurens Brock from Høyanger, Norway, attended Cruise Europe for the first time with the hopes of attracting cruise ships to Sognefjord, which is billed as “the world’s most majestic fjord.” Which cruise line will be the first to visit? © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

Cruise Europe Chairman Michael McCarthy performs for delegates following the gala dinner. Earlier in the day, he commented: “It is a great honor for Cruise Europe to be welcomed to host our 22nd annual general meeting in the beautiful city of Le Havre. Le Havre has a very historical link with the transatlantic liners going back to the 19th century so it is fitting that we should return. As the cruise business grows Le Havre is very well positioned to capitalize on this exciting new business opportunity. The growth in your cruise vessel calls is testament to the appeal the region has for the cruise lines and the passengers.” © 2013 Ralph Grizzle

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This Week, Reporting From France: Cruise Europe Meets In Le Havre

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:09:42 +0000

Photographing the Alabaster Cliffs in beautiful Etretat, near Normandy’s cruise capital, Le Havre, France.

Monday afternoon, I’ll step ashore in Le Havre, France, along with many of my industry colleagues. We won’t be landing by boat on the beaches of Normandy, however. Rather, most of us will be arriving via wheeled transportation — motor coaches, automobiles, and who knows, if our friends from Amsterdam are up for a good spin, even bicycles.

We’re gathering here for an annual meeting of Cruise Europe, an organization with more than 100 members along the shores of Northern and Atlantic Europe.

Nearly every port, from the tip of Arctic Norway all the way down to sunny Lisbon, will be represented by professionals who have become more than colleagues over the years. Many are good friends, and some are like family to me (that’s another story entirely, however).

I’ll tell you more about Cruise Europe’s initiatives in the coming days. I’m sure to learn things that will make a difference in cruise vacations within this broad region.

For the moment, I’d like to tell you a little about Le Havre. I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent a few weeks in this lovely city over the past few years, and it’s definitely a destination that should go on your must-see list.

To convince you of that I’ve compiled links to stories depicting my experiences in the Le Havre region and a video that will give you a taste of what you can expect when you are the one stepping ashore here in the northwest of France.

Trouble viewing the video? Click here.

Stay tuned this week as we report from Le Havre, France and the Cruise Europe annual meeting.

The post This Week, Reporting From France: Cruise Europe Meets In Le Havre appeared first on Cruise Reviews, Ship Reviews by The Avid Cruiser.

Six Tips To Extract More Joy From Your Cruise

ralph.grizzle@gmail.com (Ralph Grizzle) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:31:00 +0000

Our most popular report: Six Tips To Extract More Joy From Your Cruise. Download it by clicking the image or here.

Downloaded more than 1,000 times, the Avid Cruiser’s Six Tips To Extract More Joy From Your Cruise, is perhaps more relevant than ever as cruisers continue to trudge through tough economic times in search of memorable cruise vacations.

Our goal is to travel smart — and not break the bank. After all, it’s one thing to get a great deal on a cruise (and there are plenty of deals these days), but it’s another to budget so tightly that you extract any possibility for pleasure on your cruise. Yes, inside cabins are cheaper than balcony cabins, but balcony cabins can be much more rewarding.

Of course, only you can know how much moolah you’re willing to part with for the best possible cruise vacation. So balance your budget against our recommendations. No one is asking that you break the bank, but you may want to consider our six tips, which we have found can make the difference between cruise vacations that are memorable and others that fail to measure up to all you had hoped they would be.

Coming into Kotor: In their bathrobes, these early-risers stepped out of their staterooms and onto their balconies to snap shots as Seabourn Odyssey charted a course through a stunning passage to one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays and the village of Kotor. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Old City of Kotor is listed as a UNESCO “World Natural and Historical Heritage Site.” Because of the bay’s beauty, it is often called the “Bride of the Adriatic.” © 2009 Ralph Grizzle

1. Balcony Cabins Are Best

You’ve heard the argument time and again that as you’re only sleeping there, inside cabins are a better value. Perhaps, but if you enjoy a room with a view, book a balcony. From my balcony, I have watched the sun paint pastel on the morning sky during the three-hour transit of Stockholm’s archipelago. On another morning, I dined on coffee and croissants as our ship glided past a captivating landscape to Kotor. I’ve pulled back the curtains to gaze on glaciers in Alaska and admire the fjords of Norway. Don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. You only get one shot at seeing some of the world’s greatest attractions from the balcony of your stateroom.

Book a balcony and step outside for a breath of fresh air and views that will last a lifetime.

Book business class when you can afford it. When you can’t, work with your travel agent or study the seat maps to get comfortable seating on long-haul flights. One good option: Economy Comfort, Economy Plus or Economy Extra seats, where there can be 4 (or more) extra inches of legroom for a reasonable incremental cost or free for members of some airline loyalty programs. Those are my legs on a flight from Europe. I scoped out the seat map to find a seat with generous legroom in the Economy Plus cabin on United Airlines, where I paid no more than economy thanks to my “Platinum” status on United. Economy Plus is complimentary for United’s Gold elites and higher. © 2012 Ralph Grizzle

2. The Cruise Begins With Business Class

Gone are the days when flying was an elegant (or even tolerable) experience — at least in economy class. If you can afford it or if you can find a creative way to make it happen, book yourself in Business Class when flying long distances. Business Class is where the vacation begins. You’ll experience faster check-in, faster security clearance (at some airports), lounge access, comfortable on-board seating, and most times, refined dining and service. Of course, you’ll need to weigh the benefits against the costs, but if it’s within reason, book Business to begin your vacation before arriving at the ship. Alternatively, book what the airlines are calling Economy Comfort, Economy Plus or Economy Extra, which can be had for a reasonable incremental cost (and often for free with certain loyalty programs).

In the Caribbean, two small luxury vessels. On the left, SeaDream I, carrying only 110 guests; and at right, Silver Cloud, carrying only 296. Both are all-inclusive luxury cruise vessels that often provide better value than the mega-ships, when all costs are tallied © 2009 Ralph Grizzle

3. Small Ships Offer Big Value

Big ships offer tremendous variety and activity, and for families, those huge floating resorts may just be the ticket. But small ships carrying 800 or fewer passengers often provide better value. Small ships call on ports that big ships can’t reach. With only a few hundred passengers in port rather than a few thousand, you’re not part of a mass tourism experience, plus you get to see destinations that you can’t visit on big ships. Another plus for small ships: They are like small towns; you get to know to everyone. On big ships, you may meet friendly people and never see them again for the entire cruise. On small ships, however, you’re likely to develop lasting friendships with like-minded people. One more plus for small ships: They are more inclusive than big ships. That could be worth a few hundred dollars a day, and certainly it can be comforting to know what your costs are before setting sail as opposed to being taken by surprise at the end of your cruise.

Stop by the cruise consultant’s desk during your sailing for special offers — or to explore the options. On Silver Wind (pictured) and other Silversea vessels, the future cruise consultant’s desk is situated in the reception area, where you’re always welcome to take a seat and plan your next cruise. © 2010 Ralph Grizzle

4. Book Your Next Cruise On Your Current Cruise

Cruise lines know that they have a captive audience when you’re on their ships, so they typically offer incentives for booking your next cruise during your current cruise. You’re not likely to miss the cruise line offers while on board, but if you do, check with the on-board sales consultant for savings you might not otherwise get ashore.

5. Pre- and Post-Cruise

Explore and enjoy the cities where your cruise begins and ends by adding on at least one hotel night. First, you’ll get to experience a great destination — and recover from jetlag. There is the additional advantage that booking a pre-cruise hotel night practically assures that you — and your luggage — arrive at the ship on time. It’s good to build in an extra day just in case flights are delayed due to inclement weather — or your baggage gets misdirected. And post-cruise stays alleviate the dreaded end-of-cruise and back-to-real-life feeling. There’s the effort and expense to get to the great cities of the world where your cruise begins, so why not make the most of the experience by adding a few days to your vacation?

Book a back-to-back cruise so that you don’t have to disembark. Back-to-back involve combining two cruises (or segments) into one longer cruise. Of course, you could always jump ship, as I did once before, from one cruise line to the other, but there are often incentives for staying on the same vessel — or with the same company. © 2009 Ralph Grizzle

6. Book Back To Back

Even better than disembarking when your cruise is over is staying on board. Check with your cruise seller. Cruise lines often offer incentives for booking back-to- back cruises.

What about you? Do you agree/disagree with our six tips? Do you have more tips that will help others extract more joy from their cruises?

Download Six Tips To Extract More Joy From Your Cruise.

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