Cruise-n-Views January 06, 2004 Newsletter

NEXT WEEK

The wait is over! The official debut of the Dynamic Dream Cruise Club, the only cruise club that offers rewards, bonuses, discounts, and even cashback awards and gives you credit for every cruise taken, no matter which cruise line.

They say good things take time and great things take a lot of work. This helps confirm that the Dynamic Dream Cruise Club is indeed a GREAT thing!

It has taken a lot of time, but even more important, it has taken a lot of work and effort by many people to make sure that it truly stands up to the slogan,
"The World's BEST Cruise Club"!

Look forward to next week and full details about all the benefits and opportunities that come with membership.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Q & A

Question: I overheard some people talking about cruise ships and they were discussing something about space rate on different ships. What is that and what does it mean?

Lori G.

Answer: What they were talking about is actually called "Passenger Space Ratio". This is a form of measuring that provides a comparison of "elbow room" on a particular ship. You can find out the size of the ship, which we explained earlier, which is listed as Gross Registered Tons. However, since that number has no connection to the number of passengers using that space you still have no idea how crowded a ship will seem. That is where "Passenger Space Ratio" comes in.

You divide the GRT of the ship by the total number of passengers and this gives you a number for comparison purposes. This number will typically be between 20 and 60, with most ships in the 30 to 40 range.

If the ratio number is above 50, it is considered to be the ultimate in space. Ratios between 30 and 50 are considered very spacious. 20 to 30 are reasonably spacious. 10 to 20 is moderate to high density(not good). Anything below 10 is considered extremely cramped (think stowaways!)

This Passenger Space Ratio is available in some books detailing individual ships or can be obtained from a travel agent. Most cruise lines web sites do not list this number for one reason or another.

Again, thanks for the question.

If anyone has a question dealing with any aspect of the cruise industry or cruise market, do not hesitate to drop us an email and we will get you an answer.

Send questions to:
Editor@Cruise-n-Views.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

QUEEN MARY 2
INTERESTING START!

As you read here several weeks ago, the Queen Mary 2 suffered a tragic accident when a dockside passenger walkway collapsed killing 32 people and injuring many more. This was indeed a dockside constructed walkway and not actually a part of the ship itself, but it causes feelings and reactions none the same.

You also know after last week that the ship was completed and delivery was turned over to the new owner, Cunard Lines. After several days of sea operations and final tests the ship arrived at her new homeport of Southampton, England on December 26th.

Then on December 28th, FOX News reported that the new ship was "on top of the terror network's list of ocean bound targets." Both Cunard Line and the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) stated emphatically on December 29th that no specific terror threats against the new Queen Mary 2 had been received. Exactly one month earlier, November 29th, Cunard Line released a press release which stated, "While we cannot go into detail about the ship's security regimen, it is important to note that Cunard works closely with U.S. and U.K. authorities and is continually updated with worldwide security advisories. The line has undertaken major security precautions."

The Queen Mary 2 was then out on a short shakedown cruise on New Year's Eve with Cunard employees, families, and friends when at 23:30 local time on New Year's Eve, the Coast Guard was notified that an elderly woman had broken a leg. Coast Guard responded by immediately launching a SAR (Search and Rescue) boat to their location. While enroute, the QM2 reported a second incident about two hours after the first of another elderly woman who had also broken a leg! Both women were removed from the QM2 and transported via the SAR boat ashore and were reported as doing well and resting comfortably!

All of this before the Queen actually has the official naming ceremony on January 8th! What does all of this mean? In my opinion, absolutely nothing!

This ship is getting worldwide attention because it is the largest (148,528 grt), longest (1,132 feet), tallest (236 feet), widest (135 feet) and the most expensive ($800 million USD) passenger ship ever built. Not to mention it is the first true transatlantic liner to have been built since the Queen Elizabeth 2 entered service back in May 1969.

With all of these facts on the table, anything and everything, no matter how significant, makes major news.

As for the security issues, every single cruise line has implemented extensive security precautions since shortly after 9/11. Is there a possibility that it could become, or any ship for that matter, a terror target? Sure! But then consider this, what isn't a possible target?

With all the security forces in the world on high alert for any unusual activity and considering all the concern about New Year's Eve celebrations around the world, seeing between three quarters and a million people standing out on the open streets of Times Square, as well as many millions more around the world on the streets of Australia, China, Japan, England, and many others openly celebrating and welcoming in the New Year, I have to say, I feel pretty secure. 9/11 was a tragic date for the United States and the world as a whole, but it has resulted in the U.S. as well as every other major country in the world employing the very best, very brightest and most advanced security measures and personnel available. We all have to do our jobs, which in my opinion is two fold. One is to be alert and on the lookout for "truly unusual or suspicious activity" and most importantly number two, to CONTINUE to live our lives to the fullest!

Be ALERT, but continue to ENJOY YOUR LIFE!

Cruise-n-Views Newsletter For Complete Up-To-Date Information On The Cruise Industry Issue #015 January 06, 2004
FOR OUR NEW SUBSCRIBERS Welcome to another issue of Cruise-n-Views Newsletter. If you are new to our newsletter, welcome. We are glad to have you as a subscriber and hope you enjoy the information this weekly newsletter provides you to stay up-to-date on all the exciting happenings in the cruise industry. We also hope you take part in this newsletter, by submitting questions you want answered, providing feedback to help us improve the newsletter to make it even more enjoyable, and even participating in occasional surveys and then reading the results of our readers once posted. The more participation from the readers, the better the newsletter will be. Editor: Daniel A. Hoffman, MCC This newsletter contains current news and information on the "Cruise" industry. It will also contain the "Views" of the editor on different issues within the industry. The editor owns and operates a cruise oriented travel agency located in Pennsylvania. This newsletter's main purpose IS NOT AND WILL NOT BE for the purpose of selling cruises. It will at times contain ads from different sources. All ads will be cruise or travel related. It will list cruise specials from time to time in the ad section, but as stated, this is not the primary purpose of this newsletter.
DID YOU HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR? WE DID, AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT YEAR OF CRUISING!
	In This Issue First-A Word From Capt. Lou #1 Stanley, Falkland Islands #2 Puerto Madryn, Argentina "Off The Tract Fact" PLUS -Next Week- -Q & A- -Queen Mary 2-Interesting Start-	Contact Info: You can email us at the following: Feedback@Cruise-n-Views.com for input about the newsletter Editor@Cruise-n-Views.com for submitting questions to have answered Reply@Cruise-n-Views.com for general replies or responses to articles in the newsletter
***Serving Over 45,000 Opt-In Subscribers Weekly!***
FIRST-A WORD FROM CAPT. LOU Before we tender to our thirteenth port of call on this 30 day voyage, Captain Lou hopes that you all had a very Merry Christmas and that your upcoming New Year may be a very enjoyable and profitable one-- filled with excitement and adventure. That adventure should include a few cruises with at least one being a South American Adventure. *** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * #1 STANLEY, FALKLAND ISLANDS Port-Of-Call #13 By virtue of its history, geography, and political affiliations, Port Stanley offers much that is contradictory to all our other ports-of-call. It is not Spanish--except that it is "claimed" by Argentina, whose last unsuccessful invasion of the Falklands was in 1982. It is not inexpensive as are most of our other ports-of-call, partly due to the use of the British Pound or Sterling currency-(here your dollar is worth only .60 of the British unit). It is on an Island located in the Atlantic Ocean, 400 miles northeast of Tierra del Fuego. This setting in combination with the productive marine waters supports a large population of breeding and visiting birds--albatross and penguins are abundant and represent a small part of the 185 recorded bird types. It is "claimed" and controlled or run by the United Kingdom. It is British and the language is English! Port Stanley is small. Its 1,900 inhabitants are fiercely independent, productive, and protective of their freedom. The settlement reflects its Scotland and Wales origins. The vehicle of choice is a four wheel drive SUV--steering wheel on the right or passenger side and again "before" you step off the curb you should look to the right. Capt. Lou and crew bundle up--It may be early spring but it’s really windy, cold and if not sunny, it’s snowing or raining today. It does all of those within a fifteen minute period. While we are inside the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral, built in 1892, it snows heavily for nearly 15 minutes. Christ Church was built on the site of the Holy Trinity Church, 1862, which was destroyed following unusually heavy rains which caused peat diggings on the hill behind the town to give way and a black mass of liquid earth flowed down to the harbor. Adjacent to the church we find a huge whalebone arch erected in 1933. (see photo above). The 4 jawbones from two blue whales are a gift to the Islands from the whalers of South Georgia as a commemoration of 100 years of continuous British Government. Our tender is about the fifth to make the trip--winds are now blowing a small gale, water is getting rougher and many of our fellow "tenderers" are getting soaked as the boat takes wave after wave on and over the bow. Nothing interferes with our ability to enjoy new ports! Port Stanley is a place of color! Splashes of scarlet and green, brilliant yellow and cornflower blue, decorative barge boards and finials, wooden fences are everywhere. Stanley is charming, and tasteful--sunshine or not. The Falklands offered only isolation and hardship to its early settlers. The treeless islands and the unyielding guartzite rock gave no alternative but to import building materials. The lightest and easiest to ship at a reasonable price are wood and tin. Thus, timber-framed structures are clad in wooden weather boarding or iron sheets and then the color is added. Although there are other things to do in the Falklands, Capt. Lou concentrates on getting to know Port Stanley and its people. There is much to do as soon as the dock is reached. Most can be and is covered on foot. The Falkland Islands are sparsely inhabited, except for the numerous sheep farms. These, we did not see! However, the results of their labor is evident in the quality woolen items available in Stanley. The preceding article was written and contributed by: Capt. Lou Hoffman * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * #2 PUERTO MADRYN, ARGENTINA Port-Of-Call #14 We have 348 Nautical Miles to go before we reach Puerto Madryn, Argentina…and we are being followed! More than 20 large Albatross have been with the Norwegian Crown for awhile and are now joined by an equal number of the smaller "Black-Browed" variety. Capt. Lou mans the camera, Dan’s at the computer, and our ladies and other passengers try to adjust to the roughening sea conditions. Conditions go to 60 knots of wind and 12’ to 15’ seas--on the beam. "Rough as a corn cob" states an elderly gentleman. The next day is Thanksgiving Day, and we are "thankful" for a lot-- especially the improved sea conditions. We also appreciate the decorations in the dining rooms calling attention to this "American only holiday"…and not recognized on all ships. The Norwegian Crown docks at 11 am. The sun is bright and we are told that the temperature is 71 degrees. However, the brisk Patagonia winds are back…making it feel more like 50 degrees. What to do? Visit Peninsula Valdes, one of the finest wildlife reserves in South America; Travel to Estancia San Guillermo to watch a sheep-shearing demonstration; or Explore the old Welsh Settlement of Gaiman, that still maintains its Celtic Roots. Since we have only a few hours ashore, Capt. Lou opts to forego the wildlife and the Welsh Tea to mix with the locals in the central square. The choices dictate at least three visits to Puerto Madryn--now that’s a great idea! In the Central Square Park, artists are everywhere creating jewelry, hand loomed shawls, fine leather items, knitted hats, and an incredible variety of knives.(see photo below) Everyone selects a treasure for purchase at very reasonable prices and superb quality. Capt. Lou’s choice is an armadillo handled hunting knife, which he justifies by calling it a "sailing accessory". After all, the armadillo suits his sail boat--- named "Texas Truck". We’re back to the Norwegian Crown --on time and enjoying a drink on deck and are delighted by the Local Dance Performance on the dock below. As we move away from the dock we are really moved by the banner prepared and displayed by the young dance group which reads, "THANKS FOR COMING: SEE YOU SOON! We head to sea, after a much too short visit to an enjoyable and interesting port. Now, let’s see what the chefs have in mind for our "traditional" Thanksgiving Dinner. Of course, traditional is in the eyes of the beholder? Dan thinks corn must be included, while Capt. Lou thinks green peas are included! Neither is right today. So what, maybe the dinner is not traditional--but, the turkey is delicious and enjoyed! The preceding article was written and contributed by: Capt. Lou Hoffman * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * "Off The Track Fact"** by Judy The Puerto Madryn area of the Patagonia is a natural playground for whales, sea lions, elephant seals, dapper penguins, and numerous birds. Thus, it is oft called "The Galapagos of the East Coast".			NEXT WEEK The wait is over! The official debut of the Dynamic Dream Cruise Club, the only cruise club that offers rewards, bonuses, discounts, and even cashback awards and gives you credit for every cruise taken, no matter which cruise line. They say good things take time and great things take a lot of work. This helps confirm that the Dynamic Dream Cruise Club is indeed a GREAT thing! It has taken a lot of time, but even more important, it has taken a lot of work and effort by many people to make sure that it truly stands up to the slogan, "The World's BEST Cruise Club"! Look forward to next week and full details about all the benefits and opportunities that come with membership. *** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Q & A Question: I overheard some people talking about cruise ships and they were discussing something about space rate on different ships. What is that and what does it mean? Lori G. Answer: What they were talking about is actually called "Passenger Space Ratio". This is a form of measuring that provides a comparison of "elbow room" on a particular ship. You can find out the size of the ship, which we explained earlier, which is listed as Gross Registered Tons. However, since that number has no connection to the number of passengers using that space you still have no idea how crowded a ship will seem. That is where "Passenger Space Ratio" comes in. You divide the GRT of the ship by the total number of passengers and this gives you a number for comparison purposes. This number will typically be between 20 and 60, with most ships in the 30 to 40 range. If the ratio number is above 50, it is considered to be the ultimate in space. Ratios between 30 and 50 are considered very spacious. 20 to 30 are reasonably spacious. 10 to 20 is moderate to high density(not good). Anything below 10 is considered extremely cramped (think stowaways!) This Passenger Space Ratio is available in some books detailing individual ships or can be obtained from a travel agent. Most cruise lines web sites do not list this number for one reason or another. Again, thanks for the question. If anyone has a question dealing with any aspect of the cruise industry or cruise market, do not hesitate to drop us an email and we will get you an answer. Send questions to: Editor@Cruise-n-Views.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *** QUEEN MARY 2 INTERESTING START! As you read here several weeks ago, the Queen Mary 2 suffered a tragic accident when a dockside passenger walkway collapsed killing 32 people and injuring many more. This was indeed a dockside constructed walkway and not actually a part of the ship itself, but it causes feelings and reactions none the same. You also know after last week that the ship was completed and delivery was turned over to the new owner, Cunard Lines. After several days of sea operations and final tests the ship arrived at her new homeport of Southampton, England on December 26th. Then on December 28th, FOX News reported that the new ship was "on top of the terror network's list of ocean bound targets." Both Cunard Line and the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) stated emphatically on December 29th that no specific terror threats against the new Queen Mary 2 had been received. Exactly one month earlier, November 29th, Cunard Line released a press release which stated, "While we cannot go into detail about the ship's security regimen, it is important to note that Cunard works closely with U.S. and U.K. authorities and is continually updated with worldwide security advisories. The line has undertaken major security precautions." The Queen Mary 2 was then out on a short shakedown cruise on New Year's Eve with Cunard employees, families, and friends when at 23:30 local time on New Year's Eve, the Coast Guard was notified that an elderly woman had broken a leg. Coast Guard responded by immediately launching a SAR (Search and Rescue) boat to their location. While enroute, the QM2 reported a second incident about two hours after the first of another elderly woman who had also broken a leg! Both women were removed from the QM2 and transported via the SAR boat ashore and were reported as doing well and resting comfortably! All of this before the Queen actually has the official naming ceremony on January 8th! What does all of this mean? In my opinion, absolutely nothing! This ship is getting worldwide attention because it is the largest (148,528 grt), longest (1,132 feet), tallest (236 feet), widest (135 feet) and the most expensive ($800 million USD) passenger ship ever built. Not to mention it is the first true transatlantic liner to have been built since the Queen Elizabeth 2 entered service back in May 1969. With all of these facts on the table, anything and everything, no matter how significant, makes major news. As for the security issues, every single cruise line has implemented extensive security precautions since shortly after 9/11. Is there a possibility that it could become, or any ship for that matter, a terror target? Sure! But then consider this, what isn't a possible target? With all the security forces in the world on high alert for any unusual activity and considering all the concern about New Year's Eve celebrations around the world, seeing between three quarters and a million people standing out on the open streets of Times Square, as well as many millions more around the world on the streets of Australia, China, Japan, England, and many others openly celebrating and welcoming in the New Year, I have to say, I feel pretty secure. 9/11 was a tragic date for the United States and the world as a whole, but it has resulted in the U.S. as well as every other major country in the world employing the very best, very brightest and most advanced security measures and personnel available. We all have to do our jobs, which in my opinion is two fold. One is to be alert and on the lookout for "truly unusual or suspicious activity" and most importantly number two, to CONTINUE to live our lives to the fullest! Be ALERT, but continue to ENJOY YOUR LIFE!

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