Comments for MaritimeMatters

Comment on OCEAN DREAM Spirited To Haikou by B. Grady

B. Grady — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:13:54 +0000

Excellent news! I had my first cruise on her back in the early 90s. I was sad to hear that she was going to be scrapped. I’m glad she has a new lease on life, hopefully she sails for many years to come!

Comment on COSTA CONCORDIA Conversations by Former Cruiseline employee

Former Cruiseline employee — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:44:30 +0000

First off, they had not done a lifeboat drill BEFORE embarking, which is what nearly ALL American cruise lines do. I worked for another line, but which is also owned by the owners of the Costa. To not have a lifeboat drill BEFORE embarking *as required in the USA***is boneheaded. the lines get away with putting it off for up to 24 hrs when not in the us as a point of embarkation. Bottom line, in my honest (and formerly professional) position is to not sail on ANY cruise line that has you embarking out of anything other than a us port, or if u do, stick with carnival itself, princess, celebrity or Norwegian. Costa is IN many ways AN OFF BRAND of Carnival. Most cruisers are unaware of this, but more well known cruise lines offer many of the same cruises. The captain in this case was also a bonehead too.

Comment on West Coasting Along On The SPLENDOR (MV CARNIVAL SPLENDOR Preview Cruise) by Peter Knego

Peter Knego — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 03:06:59 +0000

Thanks, Lou — so happy you enjoyed it! Hope you have a great time on the SPLENDOR. Don’t miss the Wok!

All the best,

Peter

Comment on West Coasting Along On The SPLENDOR (MV CARNIVAL SPLENDOR Preview Cruise) by Lou Halpern

Lou Halpern — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:09:06 +0000

I loved this article. I will be sailing on the Splendor in about a week and a half and loved reading all of the wonderful comments you made. It makes me even more excited about my sailing!! Thanks!!

Comment on COSTA CONCORDIA Conversations by Jerry

Jerry — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:00:43 +0000

The owners of the Costa Concordia should not be allowed to get away with just a slap on the hand. This accident was totally preventable and I’ve also read where cocaine was found on the captain. Acts of God often wreck ships, but not in this case. Passengers and crew should be compensated to the tune of (at least) $50,000 euros each and substantially more for those famalies who lost loved ones due to the captains’ negligence. This compensation should be the net amount each passenger and crew receives after the lawyers are paid of course. The Costa Concordia should be re-named the Costa Lot. I wonder if such gross negligence and incompetance is grounds for voiding the insurance policy? One thing for sure, The Costa Concordia will never be sucessfully used as a cruise ship again. Who wants to take a fun filled cruise on a death ship?

Comment on COSTA CONCORDIA Conversations by San

San — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:05:01 +0000

And the Italian authorities are keeping this coward as state guest. Also it is important to pull out the credentials of crew members, who knows if they were appointed by act of nepotism. May be they were not trained to handle the cruise ? A true officer or crew will honour the respect for lives and will battle till last hope. What are the Captain’s and technical crew’s credentials ?

Comment on British Maritime Heritage Cruise Aboard The MV MARCO POLO by Peter Newall

Peter Newall — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:52:25 +0000

I think I better repost this as I obviously had too few wake up cups of tea when I wrote it!

ALEXANDR PUSHKIN is a fabulous ship although unlike some of the other vintage ships, virtually nothing remains of her original interior.

She was also the first purpose-built Russian transatlantic liner and has an ice-strengthened hull. That is why she has lasted so long and is a great seaboat.

Peter
PS She has the best cruise director I have ever sailed with.
PPS I agree with PK’s posting above as the crass remark was totally out of order.

Comment on British Maritime Heritage Cruise Aboard The MV MARCO POLO by Kenneth Eden

Kenneth Eden — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:39:36 +0000

Thank you Peter>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I read a missive above and was shocked beyond pale. I almost fell off the chair!

That is akin to “The man in moon is a lady”, thank you Bea Arthur.

Comment on British Maritime Heritage Cruise Aboard The MV MARCO POLO by Peter Newall

Peter Newall — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:42:32 +0000

ALEXANDR PUSHKIN is a fabulous ship although unlike some of the other vintage ships, virtually nothing remains of her original interior.

She was also the first purpose-built Russian transatlantic liner and has a ice-strengthened hull. That is why she has lastest so long and is a great seaboat.

Peter
PS She was the best cruise director I have ever sailed with.

Comment on British Maritime Heritage Cruise Aboard The MV MARCO POLO by Peter Knego

Peter Knego — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 02:12:18 +0000

Not even close! That ship was Epirotiki Line’s OCEANOS and that particular captain was Greek, not Italian. Best to not incite ill will towards any person (or ship, for that matter) without having all the facts handy. –Peter