that Radisson will commission a new ship with 350 passengers or less? Since Song of Flower is retired and Diamond is next on that list, don't you think the fleet will be sorely lacking these smaller ships with an intimate feel? Richard mentioned that the "powers that be" lurk here at times. Maybe they will take notice!

Nancy

Nancy,

I'm one of those legions who loved the Song of Flower -- the small size, the fabulous staff, simply the whole undescribable experience. So heaven on earth for me would be a new RSSC small ship that combines those special aspects of the Song, together with the cabins of the Navigator (or Voyager apparently, which we will experience for the first time in July). I've got my fingers crossed, but some knowledgeable types seem to think that a small ship isn't as feasible economically, and that may be the case. We'll wait and see, and hope otherwise.

I don't know the answer to this, but we talked with Laurie, the cruise consultant aboard the PG, and mentioned the angst on this board when the SOF was taken out of service. She said that while there were many very vocal SOF devotees, bookings fell far short of that which was needed to keep her afloat, financially and therefore literally. So who knows?

MarnaLou

Would it be feasible (from an engineering perspective) to build a small ship (10,000 to 15,000 GRT) in which all cabins were suites with balconies? Clearly the size of each cabin would have to be a lot smaller than on Voyager or Mariner...

Isn't that just about what the Silver Shadow and Whisper are? Under 400 pax with over 80% verandas, and Navigator type accomodations? Not that I wouldn't like the same ship on Radisson, but what a nice reason to try Silversea.....

What do you think the main reason was for SOF not booking enough people to keep her profitable? Was it that she was showing her age and wasn't able to compete with her larger sisters as far as size of rooms, etc. or was it perhaps that people just were unaware of her special qualities? I think if I had heard all the wonderful feedback that I have heard from this group earlier, I would have sailed on her! Such a shame!

Sheri, Mark Conroy explained to us on the Voyager shakedown cruise that today's passenger is looking for more creature comforts such as larger bathrooms, closets, and cabins, and they want verandahs. The Song just couldn't offer that. He also explained that there were safety issues that would have to be addressed to bring the ship up to modern codes that would cost an enormous amount of money. Since the ship was already paid for, I guess they could go with lower occupancy rates for awhile. They didn't even fill the ship for those last 3 "swan song" cruises when Dag was aboard, as I recall. Perhaps Seabourne and SeaDream will fill in the niche for people to whom the size of the ship is more important than the physical amenities. Seabourne seems to have a loyal following.
Even the smaller Diamond seems to be struggling, given that they are constantly having 2 for 1 fares when competing in their own markets. As much as I would love to see a new small ship, I don't see any signs pointing in that direction.

I had forgotten about the safety issues. That was mentioned a while back on cc. I AM surprised that her last 3 cruises were not fully booked! I would have loved to have experienced her, but was already on VOF, and unlike SOME ;) people, I couldn't afford to do both!!! :D But I must admit that I like the large walk-in showers etc. on the other ships.

I've been spoiled by the Navigator. Though I love Seabourn, the spacious cabins and real balconies are hard to give up! That's why a good alternative sounds like the Whisper or Shadow. Can't wait till JHP reports on her upcoming cruise.

Lawrence:

Yes, it would be PHYSICALLY possible to design just such a small ship with 300+ square foot balcony suites. Each deck housing suites would have to have only one hall in the center fore to aft. the suites might have to be more "squarish" than those on, say, the Voyager. But it could be done. As others have mentioned above, it appears that real or perceived lack of economic incentive is the barrier to construction of new ships of this size, not architecture.

Thanks,
Richard :) :) :)

Sue:

We also love Seabourn - mostly because there are only 200 guests and it seems as though you get to know everyone in no time flat. And it's a bit like the 6 degrees thing - we almost always find that we know someone else in common - it a small world!

I hope we can try the Navigator soon, but for now 700 is really the maximum size we feel comfortable with. We've done ships that carry more passengers - they just can't offer the same ambiance.

Sue, my personal preferences for a spacious cabin and balcony are the main reasons I booked Silversea over Seabourne. And the only reasons I booked it over RSSC were primarily 1)because of an itinerary which met my limitations of time and money, and 2)of course, curiosity!

Now that Dad has tried the Navigator I doubt I'll ever get him back on Seabourn for the same reason. I love the service level, but I've also grown accustomed to a spacious place to call my own, and a balcony with room to relax.

I've never understood the mentality that says size doesn't matter. It does indeed! ;)

On DDD I learned that the Diamond has been averaging over 80% full for the entire year. (the best within the fleet). The 2 for 1 promos must be working well! I just love the size of a ship such as the Diamond. I sure pray that RSSC will keep this gem!

Marci, those 2 for 1 promotions are a great way to bring people up from mass markets lines and lure them into RSSC. Once hooked, who wouldn't want to try another cruise? I, too, would love to see the Diamond stay around. That's great news about the occupancy, hope it stays that way.