Fugly cruise ships.

[Mad Doug Biker]

I was surprised recently to see that the good ship Tor Scandinavia, on which a small MnG went on a mini-cruise to Gothenburg, is still around, albeit renamed Moby Otta and sailing in the Med.

Oh, the old Scandinavian Seaways one??

Brilliant! I never sailed on it, I only ever sailed on the Sir Winston Churchill, but I saw it (or was it Dana Anglia?? Anyway) and I also have a small metal or pewter model of it that they were selling onboard the Winston Churchill.

 

[Crackle]

A cruise appeals but not in one of those Butlins of the seas things and I'm not the right sort for the Hebridean Princess, which is also astonishingly expensive.

We did 7 days on a Brixham trawler in the Hebrides once, that was wonderful. Like this but not this one

 

[marknotgeorge]

Oh, the old Scandinavian Seaways one??

Brilliant! I never sailed on it, I only ever sailed on the Sir Winston Churchill, but I saw it (or was it Dana Anglia?? Anyway) and I also have a small metal ot pewter model of it that they were selling onboard the Winston Churchill.

That's the one. I was about 10 at the time. I remember playing in the ball-pit, eyeing up the ginormous Toblerones and Lego kits in Duty Free and being advised to eat the muesli at the breakfast buffet by my Scottish granddad as you could get more (the muesli being served from a big bowl) than in the packets of cereal.

 

[ufkacbln]

I was "lucky" earlier this year

My wife is disabled and we fancy a cruise. So as a result I booked the Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen trip with Hurtigruten on the Kong Harald

When I got to Bergen we were told the ship had problems and were flown to Trondheim. Then we were told the cruise was cancelled.

I was able to transfer to their 1964 built MS Lofoten

It was a failure in that I did not manage to assess the practicality of the cruise for my wife, but being on the older ship was an absolute pleasure... if a little rough on some of the open sea areas

This isn't my photo, but the one on the left is the sister ship of the one I was meant to be on, and the Lofoten is on the right

 

[ufkacbln]

They don't build them like they used to

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

Ahh...

The good old days, Ships of Wood and Men of Steel, nowadays it is Ships of Steel and Men of Wood

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

I went on a huge ship last year. My parents paid for me so I couldn't say no. I don't think I would ever do it again though, was nice to visit some nice places in the Med, Lisbon being my favourite. The only problem there was getting approached by drug dealers every 30 seconds, trying to sell me gange, or cocaine. Was convinced I was going to get mugged.

The ship was just far too big, and it was organised chaos trying to get off the thing because of the huge amount of passengers. Every single thing was aimed at getting as much money out of you as possible. It had all nationalities on it, but mainly Americans. I found some of the American men, extremely arrogant.

The food was really good though, the entertainment was pretty lame, I think you had to be into gambling to really enjoy it, as it had a huge casino, and that's where most people were, not my thing though.

I'd maybe do it again when I am older, but I doubt it. It's ok if you like eating, drinking and gambling, and getting ripped-off.

I was on the Norwegian Epic, one of the bigger ships. The amount of time that the ship docked for, was simply not enough to really explore the Cities. I'd imagine that these huge ships are limited to the port's that they can visit, as possibly some are not designed for such huge ships.

 

[pawl]

You hit the nail on the head with apartment block. Bleeding awful looking things

Ah but you do get aSat Nav to find your cabin.

 

[Brandane]

I went on a huge ship last year. My parents paid for me so I couldn't say no. I don't think I would ever do it again though, was nice to visit some nice places in the Med, Lisbon being my favourite. The only problem there was getting approached by drug dealers every 30 seconds, trying to sell me gange, or cocaine. Was convinced I was going to get mugged.

The ship was just far too big, and it was organised chaos trying to get off the thing because of the huge amount of passengers. Every single thing was aimed at getting as much money out of you as possible. It had all nationalities on it, but mainly Americans. I found some of the American men, extremely arrogant.

The food was really good though, the entertainment was pretty lame, I think you had to be into gambling to really enjoy it, as it had a huge casino, and that's where most people were, not my thing though.

I'd maybe do it again when I am older, but I doubt it. It's ok if you like eating, drinking and gambling, and getting ripped-off.

I was on the Norwegian Epic, one of the bigger ships.

You've just confirmed my worst fears of what it's like to actually go on a cruise on one of those things.
I love the sea, and had the time of my life after joining the Merchant Navy and spending 3 year at sea after leaving school.
The only way I would contemplate a trip to sea these days is as a passenger on a cargo ship; which would be basically doing what I did all those years ago! The problem being I would have to pay for the privilege. There are companies who take a few passengers on their ships, and I have looked into doing it. It costs about £70+ per day, and your schedule/itinerary is obviously at the mercy of the shipping company. Maybe one day.....

 

[Cletus Van Damme]

You've just confirmed my worst fears of what it's like to actually go on a cruise on one of those things.
I love the sea, and had the time of my life after joining the Merchant Navy and spending 3 year at sea after leaving school.
The only way I would contemplate a trip to sea these days is as a passenger on a cargo ship; which would be basically doing what I did all those years ago! The problem being I would have to pay for the privilege. There are companies who take a few passengers on their ships, and I have looked into doing it. It costs about £70+ per day, and your schedule/itinerary is obviously at the mercy of the shipping company. Maybe one day.....

It's not all bad, I had an outside cabin, low-down close to the sea, obviously this costs more. But was lovely sitting on the balcony relaxing with a drink, saw a whale and numerous dolphins.

My parents had been on numerous Norwegain cruises, but they didn't like this one nearly as much. The main reason being that the ship was much bigger than the others that they had been on, it really just spoiled it, and made it hard work. For a such a huge boat it was not as stable as I thought it would be. Was fine in the Med, but when it got into the Atlantic it was certainly rocking quite a bit, took a bit of getting used to. I went near the end of September.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

I went on a huge ship last year. My parents paid for me so I couldn't say no. I don't think I would ever do it again though, was nice to visit some nice places in the Med, Lisbon being my favourite. The only problem there was getting approached by drug dealers every 30 seconds, trying to sell me gange, or cocaine.

On the ship?

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

I was "lucky" earlier this year

My wife is disabled and we fancy a cruise. So as a result I booked the Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen trip with Hurtigruten on the Kong Harald

When I got to Bergen we were told the ship had problems and were flown to Trondheim. Then we were told the cruise was cancelled.

I was able to transfer to their 1964 built MS Lofoten

It was a failure in that I did not manage to assess the practicality of the cruise for my wife, but being on the older ship was an absolute pleasure... if a little rough on some of the open sea areas

This isn't my photo, but the one on the left is the sister ship of the one I was meant to be on, and the Lofoten is on the right

My parents did one of those and really enjoyed it, but they were on the..... Spelling here.... Versterelen... Sorry crap spelling there.

Those are totally different from the 'cruises' spoken of here though.

 

[Dayvo]

I saw this moored in Stockholm a dozen or so years ago:

It's not so much a cruise ship, it's more of a floating home for very select (and presumably mega wealthy) passengers.

It even has a morgue for when things get too exciting.

 

[PeteXXX]

When I were a lad, I used to go on the old Woolwich Ferry in the '60s to meet my dad, during his lunch-break from Tate & Lyle, in Island Gardens for a picnic.
I was allowed, without a hi-viz jacket or safety boots, to wander around the engine room to see the massive old engines, blurting steam and smelling of oil, that propelled it across the Thames.
Nothing like the modern bow thrusting ferries of today, sadly.

I guess it was something like the one this pic.

 

[PeteXXX]

Most cruise ships do - or they have a freezer for bodies. They know their demographic...

A bit of old tarpaulin and a couple of 14lb shot should suffice....

 

[derrick]

This is a scratch built model one of the guy's i ride with built.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhEuOsu1NU8