Nanette

I've sent out my feelers for quotes on a Royal Olympic VOYAGER cruise out of Houston in March.

Today, I was informed by an agent that "even if she COULD, she WOULDN'T" book the cruise.

Apparently, you can't even get insurance for this line.

The itinerary looked FABULOUS, and I've heard rave reviews about the crew.

Any feedback/gossip????

*pouting*

rita

Nanette, rumours regarding this line going down have been around for years . . . suprisingly the line keeps on sailing despite the gloom sayers. It is my understanding that after September 11th many insurance agencies refused to cover cruiselines, regardless of the line. I'm not sure if this is still the case.

I've sailed ROC many times in Europe and in the Caribbean and I really like the ambience of the cruise. If you would like more comments on the line try cruisecritic.com.

Nanette

Your post is reassuring, Rita.

I was SO HOT on this cruise, and then felt like I got an icepick in the forehead.

Thanks-

Sandra

Natalie,
You would be very foolish to feel better because of what Rita has written. It is not true that after Sept. 11th many insurance companies refuse to insure cruise lines. They only refurse to insure cruise ines that are a BAD RISK. Royal Olympic is a bad risk because of their balance sheets, not because of Sept. 11th. Long before 9-11, Royal Olympic was having financial difficulties. There were serious questions about whether or not Olympic Voyager was ever going to make its debut, because the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. Travel agents tried to tell the public about Renaissance, but people didn't listen. TA's who specialize in cruises know the business and know what's going on. You should follow the lead of your travel agent and the insurance companies, and protect your money by not booking Royal Olympic!

Nanette

Well, gang...

We're booked on the Royal Olympic VOYAGER! (And I couldn't be more excited).

TRAVELGUARD insurance is covering this cruise, and my mind is at ease.

But, I really appreciate the warning, Sandra. Thanks.

LEANNA

Any comments about the Olympic Countess which sails the Greek islands??? Just how small is that 125 sq. ft. cabin I"ve booked!?! Also are there portholes or windows??? Thanks

Paul Therault

Hi Leanna,

The Countess is in pretty good shape for an old ship. It was refurbished in 1996 and I took a look around inside 2 years ago in Athens. It is marketed in Europe and the passengers are not as "fussy" as Americans. Your travel agent should tell you about the category you booked and whether it has a pothole or not. Your stateroom is 12.5' by 10' and you can mark it out in your living room. Not much room for storage but Royal Caribbean passengers have been living with these size cabins for years.

The bankruptcy rumors have been around for 4 years. ROC has no problem filling their ships with a limited amount of advertising. They had no delay in delivery of the Voyager after it was built. It is a unique cruise ship and a wonderful experience. The newer Explorer was delayed by ROC due to items that were not up to specs.

ROC was never Renaissance who drowned themselves by eliminating travel agents, did not answer passenger complaints and many other atrocities.

Paul

LEANNA

Paul..thank you for the super reply!!! I'm booked on the Countess thru Grand European and will take their 9 day island cruise. I've done lots of river cruising so dont need splendor galore, also I'll be alone in the cabin which gives me more room for starters. Just finished a China YR river trip and I had 155 sq ft in that cabin and I did fine...but I will measure out your numbers and that will help envision it a bit more! I will have my travel agent check on the window situation. Again thanks!!!!