First of the 2012 cruise ships

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• Keith Sansum1

  • Location: london
  • Registered: 25 Aug 2010
  • Posts: 23,942
  25 May 2012     16:59174588
  #221       report
  ray;
  heres your opportunity to jump ship and say you were joking you didnt realy agree with me before they come after you lol
  ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
• Guest 673

  • Registered: 16 Jun 2008
  • Posts: 1,388
  25 May 2012     17:12174589
  #222       report
  Keith, all you said was that everything ran smoothly implying that this was not the case in Dover but you have not seen fit to elaborate. I have no idea what the cruise passenger experience is in Dover, apart from the positive feedback mentioned, so would be interested to hear what you are complaining about. The only other thing you said was that their computers didn't work and you got a free biccy.
• Guest 703

  • Registered: 30 Jul 2010
  • Posts: 2,096
  25 May 2012     17:14174590
  #223       report
  I'll get my tin hat on and say I still agree with Keith!
  
  Yes Ed, we've had cruises from Dover where there was just one ship in and service was generally excellent. The problem is when there's more than one ship in then staff seem to be stretched and shore-side space for cars, taxis and coaches is limited.
  
  Also when we were diverted the sea was coming over the Admiralty pier and drenching the passengers' cars parked there - some very angry owners of very expensive cars being hosed down by staff but there's nothing that can be done about that given the geography of the harbour.
• Keith Sansum1

  • Location: london
  • Registered: 25 Aug 2010
  • Posts: 23,942
  25 May 2012     18:28174601
  #224       report
  ray;
  you do realise this could be your end
  none of your postings will be the same
  you will be viewed as a loony daring to rock the boat lol
  ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
• Guest 673

  • Registered: 16 Jun 2008
  • Posts: 1,388
  25 May 2012     18:31174605
  #225       report
  No tin hat required, Ray. There is a lot of agreeing going on but nobody is disagreeing, just trying to find out what the problem is, if there is one.
  
  You seem to have answered Keiths question "wonder if Dover will do like Southampton does" by pointing out the lack of space to expand on the Admiralty Pier and the impossibility of sheltering from the weather. Unlike Southampton which has masses of space along the line of the docks and is sheltered by Southampton Water and the Isle of Wight.
  
  Not much they can do about this, apart from moving the port inland up the valley of the Dour and rebuilding it at Temple Ewell!
• Keith Sansum1

  • Location: london
  • Registered: 25 Aug 2010
  • Posts: 23,942
  25 May 2012     18:40174613
  #226       report
  thankyou ray
  please don't go out at night lol
  ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
• Guest 640

  • Registered: 21 Apr 2007
  • Posts: 7,819
  25 May 2012     20:03174647
  #227       report
  I havent been through either Dover or Southampton as never had a cruise as yet. But I think Dover's meteoric rise from cruise obscurity really does prove they are doing it right or very near it. When I fiirst came here I dont think there was a cruise ship at all to be seen, so to go from nowhere to the country's no2 port outside of Southampton must speak volumes. This has happened in the time I've been doing this website.
  
  Some of the worlds best cruise fleets are coming here this year. Staggering when you think about it.
  
  
  
  email: dover7@msn.com
• Keith Sansum1

  • Location: london
  • Registered: 25 Aug 2010
  • Posts: 23,942
  25 May 2012     20:08174650
  #228       report
  looking at the size of the cruise liners in southampton may answer some of the questions compared to dover.
  ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
• Guest 656

  • Registered: 13 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 2,262
  25 May 2012     23:04174699
  #229       report
  I must add at this stage that the vast majority of passengers coming through Dover can't speak highly enough of the service they experience at our cruise terminals. They seem to always make a point of complimenting the staff there and commenting on the swiftness of ease and the well mannered way that they are welcomed, which really impresses them. They seem to like the more personal treatment they receive at Dover preferring it to the larger busier Southampton terminals.
  Its nice to hear this at ground level
  
  Mark, I love the Photos of The Costa Fortuna dwarfing the beautiful city of Venice
  
  No cruise ships today or the rest of the weekend, Monday sees the Saga Sapphire back in Dover TR, Tuesday AIDAMar TR.
  
  On Thursday its a three ship day, Braemar TR, Costa Magica TR+PoC, and the Seabourne Pride TR, at AP3. That ends the month of May.
  
  June will begin with the Ryndam TR, on Saturday June 2. Then on Sunday, Seven Seas Voyager TR, and Ocean Princess TR. Monday Discovery PoC and Tuesday AIDAMar PoC.
  
  Then on Wednesday June 6, we will have the wonderful Quest for Adventure returning, TR, and the Marina TR. Friday will bring two ships, the Athena TR, and the returning Costa Magica TR+PoC.
  
  To end the week, on Saturday, we will have the Ryndam TR, coming back from its travels with no ship on the Sunday.
• Guest 718

  • Registered: 28 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 195
  26 May 2012     02:55174712
  #230       report
  The one that interests me is the Athena. I think Ed mentioned this ship but I can't seem to find his post at the moment. This ship is 64 years old and gained world-wide news coverage when, as the Stockholm, she was in a collision which resulted in the sinking of the luxury Italian liner Andrea Doria in 1956. Although Athena's appearance has altered dramatically since then she's still a head-turner!
  
  

  
• Guest 640

  • Registered: 21 Apr 2007
  • Posts: 7,819
  28 May 2012     07:33175105
  #231       report
  Lovely picture as ever John..
  
  The Saga Sapphire is manouvering into Port as we write, with the help of the two tugs on this benign but misty morning. For those who want another look at its classical lines well now's yer chance.
  
  See also John's extensive feature on this very ship in the other thread..
  
  http://www.doverforum.com/letters/viewtopic.php?id=10382 " target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer"> http://www.doverforum.com/letters/viewtopic.php?id=10382
  
  it has been pictured previously on this thread too.
  
  
  email: dover7@msn.com
• Keith Sansum1

  • Location: london
  • Registered: 25 Aug 2010
  • Posts: 23,942
  28 May 2012     07:35175107
  #232       report
  collette;
  just on the southampton issue
  this was my first visit and cant be faulted, good customer service, lots staff,
  lots of help, lots of friendly faces, well organised, etc etc
  ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
• Guest 640

  • Registered: 21 Apr 2007
  • Posts: 7,819
  28 May 2012     07:42175112
  #233       report
  Gazing out for another view but the ship has disappeared for the moment in thick fog..here one minute gone the next, its not the return of the Bermuda Triangle is it?? Brrrr shiver me timbers!
  
  
  The fog is moving slowly about..some places clear, some places thick. The foghorns blastin' out from a nearby ship early this morning woke yours truly with a leap..Gadzooks! said I.
  
  
  
  email: dover7@msn.com
• Guest 643

  • Registered: 12 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 1,321
  28 May 2012     10:06175145
  #234       report
  Paul I left Dover just before 7am today. It was a beautiful sunny morning (inland anyway!) By the time we got to Lydd we were in thick fog and the temperature had dropped 3 degrees! Came back to this wonderful sunshine again.
  
  The foghorns woke me up this morning too, but at least I was up bright and early lol.
  
  Now about the Southampton thing - how can you compare Dover port with that? As Colette has said already, most people praise the personal and efficient service they get here. I know of seven or eight families that have sailed from Dover and all said what a relaxing experience it was because of the smooth running of operations here. If you want a nice quiet meal with personal service and a calm ambiance you go to a small, well run cafe/restaurant. If you want a good night out with noise and music but not so personal quick service you go to a large restaurant.
  
  
  Now I'm not saying Southampton isn't well run, it probably is, but it's a massive port with a lot going on. Personally I would rather sail from here, much less hassle.
  
  So Keith please don't knock our port. I know you'll come out with "everyones entitled to a view" etc etc. Well yes they are but I do get sick of the constant criticizing of our town. I may be a nobody but Collette has personal experience and I totally agree with all she says.
  
  Thanks Collette for your updates on which liners are coming in, and for the reports you give us.
  There's always a little truth behind every "Just kidding", a little emotion behind every "I don't care" and a little pain behind every "I'm ok".
• Jan Higgins

  • Location: Dover
  • Registered: 5 Jul 2010
  • Posts: 13,894
  28 May 2012     10:22175149
  #235       report
  Yes that foghorn was very loud at about 4.30 this morning.
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
  -------------------------------------------------------------------
• howard mcsweeney1

  • Location: Dover
  • Registered: 12 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 62,352
  28 May 2012     11:09175156
  #236       report
  i really wouldn't know jan, i slept all the way through the great storm in the eighties.
  
  a foghorn is small beer in comparison.
• howard mcsweeney1

  • Location: Dover
  • Registered: 12 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 62,352
  28 May 2012     12:02175167
  #237       report
  the fog took it's time to go, these two were taken from my front door step 10 minutes ago.
  
  

  

  
  
  

  
• Guest 717

  • Registered: 16 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 468
  28 May 2012     12:53175176
  #238       report
  The fog horns sounded fantastic last night. Another reason I live living in Dover.
  Keeps politics to myself
• Guest 656

  • Registered: 13 Mar 2008
  • Posts: 2,262
  28 May 2012     17:03175271
  #239       report
  Dramatic pix there Howard
  
  Yes the fog was so thick this morning that the Sapphire had to be helped loads to get her in and berthed safely, consequently she was rather late getting in than scheduled.
  
  The fog horns woke me up rather early this morning too, they even managed to make an impact up here under the Castle.
  
  You're very welcome Jacqui, its nice to keep up to date with the cruise activity here in Dover
  
  Keith, pleased to hear you enjoyed your experience as a cruise passenger in Southampton. It is indeed a very large and very busy terminal and operates very effectively, I dealt with passengers there quite a few times last year. It was so busy that I didn't have the same time with the passengers as I do in Dover. Generally passengers feedback is that the ambience and personal touch they receive in Dover is hard to beat. I'm liking that
• Keith Sansum1

  • Location: london
  • Registered: 25 Aug 2010
  • Posts: 23,942
  28 May 2012     19:29175315
  #240       report
  its all about personal preferance and jackie, im never knocking dover, just an observation on another port on how they do it.
  
  dover maybe could learn from it
  unless of course they are already perfect which is doubtful
  ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS

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