How is a cabin is built in this day of containerization and commodization? Remotely of course. Eurodam News, Holland America’s blog showcasing the shipyard activities around their latest new build project, brings us photos of the stateroom installation.

Of potential interest to readers of this blog the method shown here is very similar to how accommodation blocks are built aboard modern commercial ships. In conjuntion with this trend is the movement towards equality among crew members, which means the Captain’s cabin is often identical to that of the most junior crew member minus the extra rack. This is in stark contrast to my first ship, a Wrecks Act tanker built in Japan, which contained bunkrooms for junior crew members and a four room (day room, office, sitting room, cabin) suite for the Captain. [Continue Reading →]

Royal Caribbean has released the first of many “webisodes” on the highly anticipated Oasis of the Seas. The webisodes will be released weekly on the Oasis of the Seas website and will offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a cruise ship as technically advanced as Oasis of the Seas – with its 16 decks and capacity of 5,400 passengers at double occupancy – to life.

This first webisode is entitled “Evolutionary Revolution” and uses architectural design sketches, ship renderings, and interviews with key figures behind the development of Oasis of the Seas to help illustrate just how the ship came to be.

Other webisodes will feature safety preparations, construction milestones, design and architecture, and the conception of innovative guest amenities.

Spiegel Online has a pretty good photo gallery of the pirate attack on the MSC Melody cruise ship over the weekend. Click on the image above to go to the collection of photo’s.

The Melody, carrying about 1,000 passengers and 500 crew, was en route from Durban, South Africa to Genoa, Italy, on a 22-day luxury cruise when pirates in skiffs opened fire late Saturday. The cruise ship’s security detail returned fire, startling the pirates, who gave up and turned around.

Nine suspected pirates believed to be behind the attempted hijack have been arrested. The cruise ship wsa about 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) north of the Seychelles when the attack occured.

One of the first questions I routinely get asked when people find out I work aboard ship is “Do You Get Seasick”. I find this question rather amusing considering that no amount of monetary compensation can justify the look I’ve seen on the faces of those prone to this ailment. For those in love with the idea of cruise ship travel but unwilling to step foot off the dock architects in Turkey might have your solution. News.com.au tells us:

Situated between the legendary Toros Mountains and the sparkling turquoise Mediterranean in Göynük, the Queen Elizabeth Elite Suite Hotel & Spa is a five-star luxury hotel in the guise of a massive cruise liner.

The hotel has been constructed on a purpose-built harbour, with ship-shaped villas, swimming pools, bars and vistas, as well as theme park rides.

Inside the 325-roomed hotel, guests can relax in saunas, Turkish baths, shock pools, steam rooms and Jacuzzis, while the spa and wellness centre offers a variety of therapies and treatments. (Photo Gallery - Video)

If you are looking for some more a authentic stationary cruise then you will have to wait for the QEII to reach Dubai, where she will become part of the new Dubai Maritime City. You could also just shop in a ship or visit maritime inspired destinations in a city near you.

For those looking to avoid sea sickness aboard a real ship here are a few tips:

Watch what you eat, avoid unusual smells, stay away from those who are prone to getting sick and, if all else fails, get topside and look at the horizon. Sea Sickness is most often triggered by confusion in your brain so, like most activities aboard ship, the best prevention is a relaxed but occupied mind.

Today Disney announced the names of their new build cruise ships: Disney Fantasy & Disney Dream. Disney also announced that steel cutting has begun at at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The company tells us: [Continue Reading →]

Strong winds in Palma de Mallorca, Spain caused the cruise ship MSC Fantasia too break away from her moorings, causing the gangway to collapse as passengers were boarding the vessel.  One elderly passenger was thrown into the sea but was quickly rescued by crew members and taken to hospital with a head injury.

It is reported that winds of up to 110 km/h were affecting the area at the time of the accident.

(Image: Popular Mechanics)

Ever wonder what it takes to construct the world’s largest passenger ship?  Well, Popular Mechanicss takes a step by step look at the construction of Royal Carribean’s Oasis of the Seas, from massive chunks of metal to the 5,400 passenger luxury cruise liner that is set take the title of the world’s largest (and unique) passenger vessel.

Check out the great photo collection HERE

(Photo: Reuters)

The Bahaman-flagged cruise ship, Ocean Nova, ran aground in Antarctica’s Marguerite Bay amid high winds and rough seas Tuesday morning with 64 passengers and 41 crew members aboard.  The incident occurred about 1 mile from the Argentine naval base in San Martin.  No injuries have been reported and there have been no signs that the ship is leaking oil or taking on water.

All attempts to dislodge the ship have proven unsuccessful.  The ships operator, Quark Expeditions, has sent another vessel to retrieve the passengers and crew, who will be taken to the southern Argentine city of Ushuaia.

Ocean Nova Images

[Continue Reading →]

The classic American oceanliner, SS UNITED STATES appears to be going up for sale:

The SS United States Conservancy has learned that the SS UNITED STATES will soon be listed for sale. The SS UNITED STATES was purchased by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) in 2003, and ownership of the vessel was recently transferred to a holding company controlled by NCL’s parent company, Hong Kong-based Star Cruises. In light of current economic conditions, the SS UNITED STATES is now in grave danger of being sold for scrap. The Conservancy’s press release related to the impending sale of the ship is available here. - SS United States Conservancy

Looks like the clock is ticking. Unfortunately, I can’t see this ending well. After all, the ship has been out of service since 1969.

Here is the Condé Nast’s annual list for top cruise ships of the year, as voted by more than 11,000 of its readers.  We have taken the top five for each category vessel type, along with links to the whole list.  If anyone has worked on any of the ships mentioned, let us know in the comments.

Top 5 Small Ships (fewer than 500 guests)

1. Bizet, Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises
2. Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud Cruises
3. Oberoi Philae, Oberoi (pictured)
4. River Baroness, Uniworld
5. River Duchess, Uniworld [Continue Reading →]