Abandon Maiden Voyage

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Abandon Maiden Voyage
Reviewed By: Glib, London on 14th Apr 2009
Cruise Line: Spirit of Adventure	Times cruised before: 6-10
Cruise Ship: Explorer II	Sailed: April, 2009
Destination: Northern Europe	Age: 56-65

Noble Caledonia, MS Explorer – Maiden Cruise An enthusiastic group assembled in the Azores to participate in the maiden voyage of the re-fitted MS Explorer. The ship arrived from Finland a day late however these things happen an d a couple of freebie trips were laid on to keep us happy. We boarded a day late. The ship was in a terrible state. The bedrooms were refitted with basic utilitarian furniture although as an expedition ship robustness should be expected. The rest of the ship is still as it was when acting as a ferry for commercial traffic in the Baltic. The bar is bare with stand-up tables where lorry drivers once sunk their pints, or was it vodka. Carpets are frayed and rubber matting that seems to be the covering of choice on the main thoroughfares and staircases. The decks are unpainted and rusting. The observation deck has so many trip hazards that it would be dangerous to lift your eyes from the floor to the horizon. The rear deck behind the bar, the only smoking area, is cluttered with drums of fuel and chemicals. All surfaces are coated in black grease which covers your hand if you grab a rail or touch a surface. We assumed that during a refit that the engines would be serviced and be running smoothly. The whole ship wreaked of fuel oil and one of the engines failed before its maiden cruise could start, the cruise was cancelled. Given the state of the ship passengers were relieved to go home. Where was the quality control of the owners, Gap, or the main tour organisers Noble Caledonia? They have a lot of work/compensation needed to reinstate the goodwill of their clients.
Quality of Food

Entertainment	n/a

Shore Excursions	n/a

Staff

Children's Facilities	n/a

Onboard Activities	n/a

Cabins

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Comment by Holtam, Cheltenham (25 Jun 09 07:54) about this REVIEW

Wrong Clasification, Iie; seems to have nothing to do with the ship "Spirit of Adventure"

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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Martin, Aston (19 Apr 09 19:42) about this REVIEW

Please do not think that this is anything remotely connected with the excellent Saga run Spirit of Adventure

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Comment by Glib, London (17 Apr 09 13:14) about this REVIEW

Noble Caledonia are good eggs - they have made a full refund - no legals/no fuss - just a cheque in the post. 3 cheers for integrity Goodwill reinstated

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Opinion: Disagree Comment by Morris, Northwood (15 Apr 09 09:26) about this REVIEW

This ship has nothing to do with Spirit of Adventure.

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Comment by Glib, London (15 Apr 09 12:26) about a COMMENT by Morris (15 Apr 09 09:26)

Agreed but website forces a cruiseline list - Noble Caledonia & GAP are not on the list. I assumed that this would be picked up by the editor from the heading.

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