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New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184551 12/18/07 03:45 AM
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Canadagal Offline OP
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I like this as competition is good and so is SS.
So I sure hope this deal goes through.
Pat

17/12/2007 à 17:41
Silver Dawn is potentially 4th Papeete-based cruise ship in 2009

(Tahitipresse) - The Temaru government and the Monaco-based Silversea Cruises have signed a letter of mutual commitment intent that could end up adding a 132-passenger cruise ship to a Papeete-based fleet of three ships in 2009.


The fourth vessel would be the Silver Dawn, which is the former expedition ship World Discoverer purchased by the Silversea Cruises Group Ltd. in September. The ship is in Singapore and is due to undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment before it begins service next spring, according to Silversea Cruises.

The Silver Dawn is being prepared to offer very up market cruises the equivalent of five- and six-star voyages, French Polynesia Tourism Minister Marc Collins said Sunday evening after having signed the letter of intent.

Amerigo Perasso, president of Silversea Cruises, who also signed the letter, already runs a fleet of four ships that operate a variety of cruises throughout the world. They are the 296-passenger Silver Cloud and Silver Wind and the 382-passenger Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper.

The signing occurred on the eve of Collins' expected meeting with cabinet members traveling with French Overseas Secretary of State Christian Estrosi, who is due back from the Marquesas Islands on Monday.

Collins wants to discuss a revised French state decree that took effect on Oct. 25 dealing with visa requests for foreign cruise ship crewmembers. According to cruise ship industry officials, the revised law requires more time to get visa approval, making it difficult to quickly replace a crewmember.

Collins is hoping to obtain a favorable solution, which would also have a bearing on the destination's relationship with three other cruise ship lines. This is why the Temaru government signed a letter of intent and not an agreement with Silversea, Collins said.

Speaking recently before the French Polynesia Assembly, Collins said he was looking at tripling the number of Papeete-based cruise ships from two to six vessels.

The Papeete-based cruise ship fleet will add its third vessel on Dec. 26 with the arrival of the 170-passenger, four-masted sailing ship Star Flyer, which is owned by the Monaco-based Star Clippers Ltd. The Star Flyer will begin four years of 10- and 11-night cruises on Dec. 30 that are expected to produce 6,150 passengers the first year.

The Star Flyer will join the Papeete-based fleet of cruise ships, which include the 330-passenger Paul Gauguin and the 670-passenger Tahitian Princess. However, the Tahitian Princess will end five consecutive years of year-round cruises from Papeete when it moves to Alaska for cruises from June-September next year. The ship will continue its 10-day cruises to Huahine, Rangiroa, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Moorea from January through May and from October through December next year.

The Paul Gauguin is committed to Papeete, its homeport since 1998, through the end of 2008. Collins said Sunday evening that negotiations are underway to keep both the Tahitian Princess and the Paul Gauguin operating in French Polynesia waters.

The present cruising plans for the Silver Dawn in Tahiti and Her Islands call for non-traditional routes, taking tourists to discover the southernmost Austral Islands, the sprawling Tuamotu Archipelago and the northernmost Marquesas Islands, Collins said.

Those plans also call for six months of sailing in French Polynesia waters—from April to October 2009, creating a potential for more than 2,000 overseas visitors, the tourism minister said. The ship is expected to spend the rest of the year cruising in Antarctica waters, he added.

Collins said his aim is to continue the Silver Dawn's presence in French Polynesia for several years.

When Silversea Cruises' parent company, Silversea Cruises Group Ltd. announced the purchase of the expedition ship World Discoverer in September, Silversea President Perasso spoke of the plans for the ship's refurbishment. Those comments were posted on Silversea Cruises Internet Web site.

"…(T)he refurbishment will extend to virtually every area of the ship. Although we will maintain much of the vessel's current configuration, which features all ocean-view accommodations, we will dramatically enhance and redesign a number of public spaces, as well as some of the accommodations and even some aspects of the ship's external appearance.

"This will bring World Discoverer in line with our usual high standards, but with some modifications to better adapt the ship for the special needs of expedition cruises."

Speaking of the passenger accommodations, the Silversea Internet article said they would include "owner's suites, grand suites and 12 yet-unnamed suites that will be similar to the line's popular Silver Suites—offering an intimate club-like ambiance that will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea's award-winning luxury standards. The ship will maintain the line's reputation for intimate yet spacious ships."

The article also spoke of the planned crew for what the Silver Dawn. "…(T)he vessel's crew complement of 106 will continue to ensure the highest level of service with a crew-to-guest ratio that will equal or exceed that of Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, thus being among the highest in this niche market."

And the 6,072-ton Silver Dawn "boasts a strengthened hull with the highest Lloyd's Register ice-class notation (1A), appropriate for navigating waters, without an escort, in some of the world's most remote regions, including Antarctica", the article stated

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184552 12/18/07 04:36 AM
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Pat - thanks for the news. This is an interesting development, indeed!

Cheers, Anne

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184553 12/18/07 08:57 AM
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That is very interesting. Thanks, Pat. I have to say, though, that I'd be more interested in the Star Flyer sailings in Tahiti, than the Silver Dawn. I loved the Star Clipper on a Caribbean, Leeward Islands, itinerary in 2001. But, of course, my first choice for Tahiti will always be the PG! Can't wait for PALM!

Kim

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184554 01/19/08 11:24 AM
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I am not sure I would like a non balconied (is that a word?) ship in the South Pacific but I bet it will be a good luxurious choice for the chilly sailings!


Karen

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Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184555 01/19/08 05:49 PM
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For FP, I would never take a ship that didn't have a balcony. Others may feel differently, but when I am in that climate, I want to be OUTSIDE!

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184556 01/19/08 06:15 PM
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When we were originally considering Antarctica a few years back, the World Discoverer was one of our preferred choices. It will be interesting to see if SilverSeas also adds Antarctica itineraries.



Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184557 01/21/08 01:58 PM
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I'm with Olivia and Karen--no way would we go on a ship without a balcony to French Polynesia. We just don't agree with those who say you don't need a balcony on the PG, especially since there's not that much shade on the ship. We love sitting out on the balcony.

--------------
Eugene

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184558 01/29/08 05:56 PM
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Sure, sitting on your own balcony is nice. But, having one is not necessary. It's a great ship with great spaces to hang-out with people rather than being holded-up on a small balcony by ourselves. We did a b2b on the PG without a balcony. We're going back on Susan's trip in June without a balcony. We know it would be nice to have one, but there's no way we would pass on going just because we didn't want to or couldn't pay for a balcony.

Funny how people make things work the way that makes them happy. I might say I'd never go to a land resort without this or that. Whereas others would say, no problem :cool: !

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184559 01/30/08 04:59 AM
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Seadog, my sentiments exactly. Yes, a balcony would be lovely, but the ambience of the public areas of the ship is so great, the staff are so much fun, that we have never missed it. We also did a B2B without one, and intend to do the 14-day Marquesas trip in December without one as well.


Wendy
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Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184560 01/31/08 03:26 PM
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Susan W Offline
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Kim,
It is always interesting to see others prospectives. I have sailed a number of times on the Paul Gauguin and most of them in a porthole or window suite as I save my money for diving. I can truly say any day on the Paul Gauguin even if I was working in the kitchen to pay my way would be worth it. It is a small enough ship that in just a few minutes you can be up at the pool deck enjoying a 360 degree view. Looking forward to meeting you on PALM.


Susan
Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184561 01/31/08 04:05 PM
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I am really glad to see Silversea entering the FP market. Regent keeps marketing the PG as a six star cruising experience. I'd give her three stars for everything but service. She is the most plain Jane ship I've ever sailed on. The main bar is too small for the number of passengers and my opinion was formed before they added cabins at the expense of pubic space. The main dining room is beautiful but closed for breakfast and lunch--cafeteria service only for those two meals (although you can order from a very limited menu in the cafeteria). I had a great time on the PG and recommend it, but not as a "luxury" cruise. If Silversea fully applies their standards in the new smaller exploration ship slated for operation in FP and the Antarctic, there will be, in my opinion, a real luxury cruise alternative.

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184562 02/01/08 04:13 AM
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Seems a little harsh Pat. I'd hardly call the buffets out on the pool deck or in La Veranda a "cafeteria".

I seem to remember sit-down breakfasts in La Veranda. Indoors or outdoor on the balcony (yes, not L'Etoile.) I guess lunch in that venue was a buffet, and you're right I remember a small menu you could order for table service.

It will be interesting to see how you like your upcoming Silversea trip, and your Navigator trip, so see how they stand up.


Wendy
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Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184563 02/01/08 05:12 AM
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I am curious to see the price tag on the Silversea FP cruises. I have always found the price of PG cruises to be very reasonable!


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184564 02/11/08 04:35 AM
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Just read this on the weekend in a Canadian Travel Magazine, Cruises and Travel Lifestyles.....looks like the ship will have some balconies but I would guess.... only in the upper end suites.

Luxury cruise line Silverseas Cruises is moving into expedition-type cruising by buying World Discover, a 6072 ton ship with an ice strengthened hull capable of navigating some of the world's most remote regions, including Antarctica. After a multi-million dollar refurbishment, the re-named Silver dawn will join the Silverseas fleet in May and visit both polar regions before home-porting in Papeete, Tahiti, in May 2009 for cruises to French Polynesia, the Marquesas, Australes and the Tuamotos. Silver Dawn will accomodate 132 guests and have a single-seating dining room, a specialty restaurant, library, boutique, beauty salon and several lounges. There will be several large veranda suites and a cigar room; staterooms and suites will have flat screen tv's and there will be ship-wide WiFi.
I hope they don't ratchet up the pricing when they debut.....the 2009 pricing for the PG has already gone up too much in my opinion....she's no longer the value cruise she used to be.
Pat

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184565 02/12/08 03:44 AM
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Just read this on Tahiti Presse.....

02/11/2008 at 2:56PM
Cruise ship possibly destined for Tahiti to sail from London in June

(Tahitipresse) - Sporting a million-dollar new look, the 132 passenger Silver Dawn, the former World Discoverer, is due to sail from London in June on its maiden voyage, the Internet Web site TravelMole reported Monday.

The Silver Dawn, now owned by Silversea Cruises, reportedly could join the small fleet of Papeete-based cruise ships next year. It is due to leave London on June 12 for the Orkneys, Shetland Islands, Faros Islands and Jan Mayan before touring the Artic Circle, including Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer.

TravelMole reports that the Silver Dawn will then be repositioned to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter cruises. "Silversea, claims the ship, with 66 cabins, will have the highest space ratio and be the most luxurious in its class," TravelMole reports.

Last December, the Temaru government and the Monaco-based Silversea Cruises signed a letter of mutual commitment intent that could end up adding the 132-passenger Silver Dawn to a Papeete-based fleet of three ships next year.

Silversea Cruises recently announced it is preparing to open an Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Sydney. The Travel Today Web site described the headquarters as Silversea's "largest investment in the Australian market to date". The move will enable Silversea to "take control of the day-to-day running of its business".

According to plans announced in December, the Silver Dawn would spend six months sailing in French Polynesia waters—from April to October 2009. The ship would then spend the rest of the year cruising in Antarctica waters.

The former World Discoverer is undergoing the multi-million-dollar refurbishing in a Singapore shipyard. "It will be equipped with eight Zodiac boats to allow passengers to explore away from the ship," TravelMole reports.

"Facilities will include a main dining room, outside bar and grill, library with Internet access, spa, two whirlpool baths, shop, beauty salon and fitness center."

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184566 02/13/08 07:32 PM
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Hi! Was in Park City on the best ski trip we've ever had last week! So, back now... in CA... well I don't know a lot about ships at all, but doesn't the PG have a shallow draft for specifically sailing close around the islands? And wouldn't a ship sailing to Antarctica want a different sort of hull? Seems to me that the same ship doing FP and Antarctica doesn't make much sense. Well, whatever...

Oh, the "cafeteria" on the PG?!? ha! Bring it on! I love it!

Can't wait to meet you, too, Susan!!

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184567 02/14/08 06:34 AM
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Well, I've seen at least one large ship in FP while on the Paul Gauguin, and yes, they had to moor a bit further out, but they made it into the lagoon (Bora Bora I think). So I doubt if it would make a big difference. (I think it was the Dawn Princess, so one could compare drafts I guess.)


Wendy
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Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184568 02/14/08 11:28 AM
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Well I'm all for the competition! Especially since the Tahiti Princess is pulling out, maybe Regent felt justified in raising those rates skyhigh for 2009...having a Silversea ship in the same area, which is a direct competitor...I'd be surprised if they don't feel like they need to cut prices in order to compete...


Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends ~~M. Angelou~~
Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184569 02/14/08 11:31 AM
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Quote
The main dining room is beautiful but closed for breakfast and lunch--cafeteria service only for those two meals (although you can order from a very limited menu in the cafeteria). [/QB]
Lol Pat! I wish I had some of that cafeteria food right now...with a mai tai and the Gaugines signing in the background. >sigh<


Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends ~~M. Angelou~~
Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184570 02/14/08 11:35 AM
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An update on Tahiti Princess...not a total pullout, only partial. In any case, I still think SS is more apples to apples with the PG

http://www.tahitipresse.pf/index.cfm?snav=see&presse=23000&lang=2


Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends ~~M. Angelou~~
Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184571 02/14/08 02:01 PM
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I'll be on the Silver Whisper in just a couple of months and will be happy to post an apples to apples comparison. The ships are close to the same size--about 390 max on SW vs 340 max on PG (up from 320 max when I was on board). I see Regent is promoting "third passenger in the cabin sails free on selected sailings" in 2008. Wonder how much this adds to the max. Pat

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184572 02/14/08 02:57 PM
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This will be good...I'm not too sticker shocked by PG's 2008...it's 2009 that I think the PG prices just went overboard (pun intended).


Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends ~~M. Angelou~~
Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184573 02/14/08 04:00 PM
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I haven't studied 2009 PG pricing. But we got a firm quote on the price of a Mariner Sydney to Aukland trip in November, 2009. No Seven Seas discount. We booked an H cabin, cheapest on the ship. With the onboard booking discount and the advance booking discount the bottom line is $600pp. For us, given the amount of beverages we consume, that is the equivalent of $500pp before Regent went all inclusive. We consider that a fair price given the overall increases in the cost of travel these days. But for us, the more the prices go up the less frequently we can cruise. It's that simple. Pat

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184574 02/14/08 06:22 PM
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I've been on both the Silver Whisper and the PG and in my opinion the PG does not even come close to the Whisper in service or in dining and in other areas. It will be interesting to see what the other Pat thinks about the two ships upon returning.
Pat

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184575 07/06/08 07:12 AM
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To update this thread and info about the new ship.......she's now called the Prince Albert II They changed it from the Silver Dawn. Supposed to be an expedition ship with 8 Zodiacs, that will act as tenders so no need to worry about her hull or size and getting into tight places. I'm thinking about the FP voyage "in the wake of the Bounty".

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184576 10/19/08 01:27 PM
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SS sent us the 2009 FP pricing for Prince Albert in the mail Saturday...prices seem reasonable (e.g. for their 10 day sailing they start from $3597 pp vs. Regent's 10 day starting at over $5k (but Regent includes low cost air add on)...if you're interested check the SS link at top of page and click on Prince Albert II..r/wes

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184577 10/22/08 02:47 PM
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Wes,
We visited the Prince Albert II recently when it was in Ft. Lauderdale and it was exquisite. What a wonderful addition to the Silversea fleet! As you know I love the Paul Gauguin due to the diving but I definitely see the advantage to an expedition ship with zodiacs, small amount of guests, expedition leader, naturalists, etc. The difference I see with the PG is the incredible dive instructors and also it has a pool. The Prince Albert II does not have a pool but does have two hot tubs which the PG does not. I am not sure how how the Prince Albert is going to handle diving.It will be interesting to hear feedback about their trips to French Polynesia.


Susan
Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184578 10/22/08 03:42 PM
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Thanks Susan..good PA report...would like to do another FP "dive" trip...maybe if I play Earth,
Wind and Fire's Fantasy for Ida:

Every man has a place
In his heart there's a space
And the world can't erase his fantasies
Take a ride in the sky
On our ship fantasise
All your dreams will come true right away

This is Ida's PG theme song...don't know that I can talk her back to FP..would love to dive there again and enjoy the romantic setting with Ida..maybe Kim, Alice, John, U and us can do the PG 2009 or Prince Albert in 2010?

r/wes

Re: New ship for Tahiti in 2009 #184579 10/24/08 09:54 AM
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When I got the Mark Conroy email about the PG, I forwarded it to Alice whose response was of course, "We have to go back before the end". Ok, her first response was "I wonder what's going to happen to the crew?" Well, last night as I was reading the latest issue of Divers' Alert magazine on the flight home from DC, I was seriously considering not going to our Vail timeshare in Dec. 2009 and instead doing a PG cruise. But, we probably can't swing that financially. Still... it's a thought.


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