What was that thing in the harbour today- neither a ship nor a hotel, but huge?
The only good thing was the trade its escaping prisoners brought to Corfu Town, but lots of extra security, I suppose as most of them appeared to be Americans
Message posted by Elliemay on 03 May 2011 at 5:39pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Talking of the huge floating thing---we were invited to lunch and a tour of the Azura in May by a Hungarian musician friend who plays on her until October.
Alas we opened our emails too late, he then phoned us and asked could we meet him at the port as the ship sailed at 4-o'clock, again too late as the phone call came at 3-o'clock, fingers crossed a pre arranged visit is now set for August.
She arrives in port two more times up to September
Message posted by lymmbo on 07 June 2011 at 3:27pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
The Azura is a hybrid of 2 other class of ships built by Fincantieri in Italy, one being the Ruby Princess (Princess cruises) and the P and O Ventura. Azura is not quite a sister ship to Ventura as the designs differ but look similar and both are similar weight wise to the Ruby Princess at around 115,000 tons.
While theses ships do look very Big, been on the Ruby and moored next to Azura last year, they and Ventura are eclipsed by both the Oasis of the seas and its sister Allure of the seas which are almost double in size and weight at 225,000 Tons.
Corfu may never see these two monsters and their 6,000 passengers due to their size.
Message posted by janmanessi on 07 June 2011 at 4:26pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Am I alone in thinking that a stay on such a leviathan would be like being in a luxurious prison?
Message posted by seaangler (Chat Room Administrator) on 07 June 2011 at 4:43pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
seaangler
Quote: Originally posted by janmanessi on 07 June 2011
Am I alone in thinking that a stay on such a leviathan would be like being in a luxurious prison?
I would not knock it until you have been on one...Not every ones cup of tea I know...
We have been on a Princess liner out of Porta Valarta (in Mexico to L/A and back). The princess that we was on is a big liner but half the size... But thease new super liners are so vast and so luxurious in every way. I would not say a prison but a prison with out bars..
I was always looking for the way out and up after seeing the film The Poseidon Adventure
If you also suffer from Claustrophobia some of the passage ways deep in the ship with a bit of a swell can be very up setting...
And its no good if you are on a diet, Chris
Message posted by Viv D on 07 June 2011 at 5:37pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Quote: Originally posted by seaangler on 07 June 2011
Quote: Originally posted by janmanessi on 07 June 2011
Am I alone in thinking that a stay on such a leviathan would be like being in a luxurious prison?
I would not knock it until you have been on one...Not every ones cup of tea I know...
We have been on a Princess liner out of Porta Valarta (in Mexico to L/A and back). The princess that we was on is a big liner but half the size... But thease new super liners are so vast and so luxurious in every way. I would not say a prison but a prison with out bars..
I was always looking for the way out and up after seeing the film The Poseidon Adventure
If you also suffer from Claustrophobia some of the passage ways deep in the ship with a bit of a swell can be very up setting...
And its no good if you are on a diet, Chris
Sorry Chris have to go with Jan on this one.
Yes I suffer from Claustrophobia .
I also have seen The Poseidon Adventure a few times .
I like my feet on Terra Firma for my Holiday bad enough I have to get on a plane to get to destination.
Even though every year other half says why do we not try a cruise. Every year I say NO.
Viv
Message posted by Graham T-A on 07 June 2011 at 5:39pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
We saw the Azure in May when we were over. A friend of mine at work said it holds 3,000 passengers.
Message posted by julesx2 on 07 June 2011 at 6:28pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
julesx2
Quote: Originally posted by janmanessi on 07 June 2011
Am I alone in thinking that a stay on such a leviathan would be like being in a luxurious prison?
Im with jan on this one as well! I dont do ships very well and usually head for the loo as the ferry just turns in the harbour to departand also as huge as this thing is I would go a bit stir crazy and feel horribly hemmed in. My mind set may change as I get older but I doubt it..julesxx
Message posted by julesx2 on 07 June 2011 at 6:32pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
julesx2
Ha ha Viv I have just seen your comment!!!
I have also seen Titanic as well and although I wouldnt grumble about Di Caprio I will also give it a miss!! Not sure how many icebergs are floating about though!..julesxx
Message posted by Deedee on 07 June 2011 at 6:41pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Deedee
Gosh! Those are big. If they were 'parked' end to end would I be able to walk from Kalami to Corfu town?
Deedee
Message posted by seaangler (Chat Room Administrator) on 07 June 2011 at 6:41pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
seaangler
Viv..
Have you thought half the people THAT came to Corfu in the first place that have stop comeing to Corfu now (MAY) go crewsing on thease big wonderfull luxurious ships, and are getting a better deal seeing all the other Greek islands en-rout.. A thounsend pounds or there abouts each full board for ten days. Think about it...
A useless bit of information on ships... Queen Mary 2, Length: 1,132 feet, Approximately 151,400 gross tonnes, has just lost it's title as the largest ocean liner in the world. The Oasis of the Seas, owned by Royal Caribbean International, is now the largest, at 1,182 feet and 225,282 gross tonnes
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 07 June 2011 at 7:01pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
I guess the size of the Mega ships can be daunting for some people especially anyone with a phobia, the Oasis and Allure have plenty of open spaces and both have a place called Central Park which is filled with hundreds of trees and plants and is open to the sky, they also have a place called the Boardwalk which is also open to the sky as is the Aqua theatre so no need for people to feel closed in.
The Tenders on these ships (Lifeboats) hold around 320 people and are like a small ship themselves! Titanic would only be a baby next to these things.
Ferries in no way compare to cruise ships which also have stabilisers approx 20 feet in length that can be used to stop the sideways rolling motion.
Message posted by janmanessi on 07 June 2011 at 7:12pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
seaangler- yes, but what do you actually see...when you see the flock being herded to the Achilleon Palace, or round Corfu Town- or possibly a quick flip to the monastery at Paleocastritsa they are not really getting any of the atmosphere of Corfu itself, and probably never even meeting a local!
The claustrophobia bit would not worry me, but if I want trees and plants I would rather go to a wood or a garden!
Ferries- great, they go from one place to another, hopefully both interesting and a good relaxing means of transport, but just sea in the company of thousands of others- no thanks!
The only cruise ship that did appeal was called (I think) Wind Spirit, and was a sailing ship, albeit a very modern one with a couple of hundred passengers maximum, small enough to berth in most places and not dwarf its surroundings- one of the most upsetting sights was one of these giant ships moored in Venice literally looming over the Doge's palace, totally out of proportion.
If I was a potential terrorist it would make a much more attractive target than a well guarded aeroplane!
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 07 June 2011 at 7:19pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
jan .. Wind spirit is still sailing we saw it on our recent cruise in Piraeus and later as we passed it with its sails hoisted up.
With ships there is one for those who like Big, Medium or Small.
Message posted by julesx2 on 07 June 2011 at 7:25pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
julesx2
Quote: Originally posted by Dave and Kerry on 07 June 2011
I guess the size of the Mega ships can be daunting for some people especially anyone with a phobia, the Oasis and Allure have plenty of open spaces and both have a place called Central Park which is filled with hundreds of trees and plants and is open to the sky, they also have a place called the Boardwalk which is also open to the sky as is the Aqua theatre so no need for people to feel closed in.
The Tenders on these ships (Lifeboats) hold around 320 people and are like a small ship themselves! Titanic would only be a baby next to these things.
Ferries in no way compare to cruise ships which also have stabilisers approx 20 feet in length that can be used to stop the sideways rolling motion.
Thanks Dave and Kerry but Im still not convinced!! Feet on dry land me thinks!! Even a trip to Paxos makes me feel dodgy..and I with jan on the herded sheep bit!! I want to do what I want to do not be told when/where/what!! Good info on these big beasts though..julesxx
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 07 June 2011 at 7:54pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Jules ... we have only ever taken 2 trips that have been arranged via the ship or with others before sailing! We always go our own way but making sure we are back before the ship departs.
Message posted by julesx2 on 07 June 2011 at 8:04pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
julesx2
Maybe I would have to try a mini cruise before I make up my mind. I just seem to suffer from the wobbles on boats.julesxx
Message posted by maureenandbrian on 07 June 2011 at 8:12pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
I was sitting with friends in Agni bay last autumn having enjoyed a late lunch and all of a sudden this enormous abhoration drifted into view. It reached half-way up the Epirot mountains. When I got home I looked up the marine traffic website and saw that it was the Azur. I quite agree with Jan that it is like a floating prison...and I could see Magwich happily taking up residence, although it is probably much more luxurious than a convict ship.
I saw the Azur last autumn going up the Corfu Channel and it reached half-way up the Epirot mountains. What an abberation. I seem to remember that it had eleven storeys of decks. When I saw it, I imagined Magwich on board!
But, each to their own and I hope all the people who disembarked today enjoyed themselves and the beautiful town of Corfu (and of course spent lots of money!).
Message posted by seaangler (Chat Room Administrator) on 07 June 2011 at 10:49pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
seaangler
janmanessi
All I can say is what the people wont nowadays...Its not for me like I have said in a post further back.
These ships are catering for people who like doing it, its as simple as that. If it was not why are they building more bigger and better ships to cater for the multitude that like doing it...(as it works out for around 75 pounds per day it cost) Does take some beating for the price and they get to see a far lot more...
I could say who wonts to be stuck on just one island day in and day out..you have to see it from both side of the coin...
And the amount of people that take these cruise ships are in there late middle age bracket. Its what they wont in life. At are fellowship most of the oldies I talk to all say they are of going on a Cruise, so there must be some thing in it surley. I know they only get a short time in Harbor before they are of again...but thats Cruising...
Message posted by elizajay (Moderator) on 08 June 2011 at 12:33am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
We discovered cruising about 5 years ago, and now we go on a cruise once a year...and interestingly enough, it is at the request of our son who is 17.
The reasons?...he is 'bored' with beach holidays, and he loves the idea of the fabulous food and entertainment on the cruise ships, not to mention the interest of seeing a different port /country each day. We never take the organised trips, as we dont like the idea of being herded about, but then again we dont do organised trips from any holiday so no difference there really.
We have done one of the huge american superliners, in the Caribean, and it really wasnt our cup of tea...common as muck us - we like the Thomson cruises, smaller, more intimate and fabulous service/amazing food.
As has been said it's each to their own, but for great service and food, and no chance of being bored...a cruise is great. I still like my landlubber hols as well though, and look forward to my week in Corfu just as much as my week on a cruise
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 08 June 2011 at 12:58am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Eliza ... we have seen many teenagers on cruise ships and younger kids as well, and as you will know they are all well catered for and not just with food.
Seaangler ... the ages vary from cruising company to cruising company, Cunard I would say have the oldest passengers, Royal Caribbean a mid age range similar to Princess and Carnival probably the youngest.
Over the last 3 years we have visited more places and countries than we could ever hope to do with land vacations despite only seeing parts of them, but then again how many people visit Corfu but have never left their chosen area while on a 2 week holiday? so they do not even get to see one island.
Message posted by Dasia on 08 June 2011 at 5:34am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
A couple of years ago we were eating at Chryssi/Ninos and were able to help the waiter explain the food to a French couple. They told us they were on a cruise on a sailing ship; I don't think it was the Wind Spirit but one like it. The lady was an opera singer, and other passengers were musicians. They stopped in various ports e.g. in the former Yugoslavia, Venice etc. and held concerts with the towns' symphony orchestras. This sounds just wonderful to me compared to being on a giant ship with casinos and discos and having to line up for everything, but to each their own.
(By the way, they didn't tour Corfu in a herd but wandered around on their own. They ended up a Cyrissi after asking at the international newsstand behind the Liston for a recommendation to an authentic local restaurant.)
Message posted by seaangler (Chat Room Administrator) on 08 June 2011 at 10:56am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
seaangler
Dave and Kerry...Quote..
Over the last 3 years we have visited more places and countries than we could ever hope to do with land vacations despite only seeing parts of them, (but then again how many people visit Corfu but have never left their chosen area while on a 2 week holiday? so they do not even get to see one island)... (well said)
I agree in what you say...
Most ships dock for up to ten hours. I know you can not take and island in that time but some of it you will..I have seen the lines of pasengers get of these cruise ships and all go marching in a line. The Japanese are the best for this All in Regimental file all clicking away with there camers its so funny...
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 08 June 2011 at 3:36pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Chris ... part of the problem with the cruise lines is that they do not do a good job in selling Corfu either beforehand or onboard to their guests! 2 years ago we were on the Brilliance of the seas and we stopped at Corfu for the day, we had hired a car in advance as quite a lot of passengers do (not everyone goes around in groups) and picked up 2 friends who were on holiday for 2 weeks and took them to many places in the North West of the island and to meet some of the friends we have made during our previous 16 visits to Corfu.
Sadly the cruise ships only go to the well known places like Achillion palace or Paleo and Bella Vista, we have found over the last 3 years and this includes the Caribbean that the people more likely to book a group tour are the Americans and the same applied on our last cruise just over 2 weeks ago. After all there are people who are not confident doing things on their own in another country and sadly many believe comments and remarks made by others on cruise message boards about certain places not being good instead of finding out for themselves.
Dasia ... having been on a ship with 5,999 other people (the one in our avatar) I cannot recall having to queue once for anything on it! Such was the size and space ratio and places to eat, drink and be merry.
Dave.
Message posted by BBB on 08 June 2011 at 6:05pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
BBB
Having retired we went on our first cruise last year just to see what it was all about. We sailed on Cunard's Queen Victoria and absolutely loved it. We chose Cunard as we wanted a mainly adult trip. The passengers are older but many younger people 30-50s were onboard too. The ship is stunning and the whole experience was first class.
We had our second cruise on Queen Mary 2 and have now book a smaller ship, the Azamara Quest for a less formal holiday.
We research every port before we arrive and tend to do our own thing. There are often Hop-on, Hop-off buses which are reasonably priced and take you to all the main attractions.
We love all sorts of holidays and travel, including driving to Corfu and back several times a year. As we have time we take our time visiting places on our way.
We're looking forward to arriving by cruise ship in Corfu later this year!
Message posted by seaangler (Chat Room Administrator) on 08 June 2011 at 6:21pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
seaangler
Thats why in my post I said dont knock it until you have tried it...
My club The Oddfellows the amount that love to cruise I would say 40% are going on cruises this year rather than coaches...They go on to say the food is far better on board ship than the cattle truck hotels they usealy go to on coach trips...
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 08 June 2011 at 6:57pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
BBB ... Good to hear you liked the Cunard ships, we were not overkeen on the Queen Victoria and prefer not to have to dress up every night of the cruise as we did on the QV although the food was the best we have had on a ship.
The strange thing with Cunard is that they refuse to allow you to keep the seapass card when the holiday is over! Every other ship we have been on has allowed us to keep them.
Message posted by janmanessi on 08 June 2011 at 6:59pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
seaangler All I can say is what the people wont nowadays.
Fair enough comment, and each to his own choice, but what we want is not always what is good for us. I also worry about the damage to the environment generated by these huge vessels- the pollution etc. In Venice they are now building a terminal way out in the lagoon because of the damage to the city caused by ferries and cargo ships going in and out, yet these are minute compared to these vast monsters who currently have to moor beside St Mark's Square because they are too big to get into the port.
This is just one example, but there is no justification for the majority to have to suffer because the well heeled minority want something!
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 08 June 2011 at 10:20pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Jan ... are you sure about building a terminal in the lagoon? As far as I am aware via a TV documentary what they are actually building are barriers to stop the high tides and have nothing to do with Cruise ships! It is not often that ships moor near to St Marks square and when they do it is usually because the port is full and nothing to do with their size!
As for pollution I am not sure where you come to that conclusion from...cruise ships are cleaner than almost every city in the world and have far stricter monitoring regulation systems in place than most if not all of those cities, nothing that goes onboard ever goes off unless the ship is in a port! The brown waste water is cleaned before it goes into the sea and as such is drinkable.
As for a well heeled minority! I do not get where you get that from? Lots of ordinary working class people travel on cruise ships and not just the idle rich as you are trying to make out.
Message posted by elizajay (Moderator) on 08 June 2011 at 10:33pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Ooooops, we were trying for tolerance on peoples posts...but it's not really happening here is it?
Re pollution...now I have done no research, but I know that aeroplanes leave a huge carbon footprint, not sure how that compares to the carbon footprint of a cruise liner...no doubt somebody knowledgeable will come along and let us all know!
But please, can we all just agree to differ on this? If you dont like cruising, it doesnt offend me...I still come to the beautiful island very year and spend my hard earned cash (not well heeled just very hard working!)...
so please dont be offended that some people do like cruises.
XXX
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 08 June 2011 at 10:37pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Dave and Kerry, have inboxed you...wasnt aimed at you two xxx
Message posted by julesx2 on 08 June 2011 at 11:32pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
julesx2
If I wasnt such a bad sailor I might be more tempted but paying lots of money for a cruise with the large possibility of my spending a week in the bathroom does not bode well julesxx
Message posted by elizajay (Moderator) on 08 June 2011 at 11:43pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Jules, if you go on a decent ship there is no problem with seasickness! Even on the lowly (!) Thomson tugs...if you travel in high season, there is hardly the merest swell on the Med. We only ever felt it once and that was mid March...never again LOl...but honest to god...in the summer you would never know you were on a ship! xxx
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 09 June 2011 at 12:17am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
jules ... There are lots of stuff you can take that helps prevent sea sickness like Ginger and there are small patches that you can buy and put behind your ear, many times on the Oasis we did not even know the thing was moving! A good idea is to get a cabin that is in the middle of the ship for people who think they might be ill.
Some cruises this year with Royal Caribbean in the Med have been as little as £450pp for 7 nights full board! Which includes all the entertainment as well.
Message posted by Dasia on 09 June 2011 at 4:44am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Dave, I had a friend who went on a Caribbean cruise on a pretty big ship and if they didn't sign up for things early or get in line they'd be left out of tours or other activities. I'm sure it's a matter of reading reviews and message boards like this one to find the well-organized cruises.
Another friend whose husband is a travel agent had the opportunity to take a cruise that stopped in Corfu, unfortunately after we'd left. I sent her plenty of info about the island, and she and her husband got together a group who rented a van and visited Paleokastritsa and the nearby monastery as well as Pontikonissi. They topped it off with a snack at Andranik and finally taking a photo of the front door of our apartment in Corfu town! How exciting!! Yes, she said not much was offered in the way of a tour on her ship, that's why they put the tour together themselves. But I agree, not everyone would want to do that.
Message posted by janmanessi on 09 June 2011 at 9:20am - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Dave and Kerry- lying in bed last night I realised too that I was wrong and it is indeed a barrage being built in the Venice lagoon. I wish it was a port though to save the city from the waves all the commercial traffic is making.
I'm not saying that by our standards all who go on cruises are the idle rich, but especially those going to undeveloped countries, however 'ordinary' they may be by our standards, are rich beyond the wildest dreams of most of the locals. And to most of these people all a cruise causes is inconvenience, they do not gain by its arrival, yes I know some do, but it is a small number.
re docking in Venice, the port was empty and when I asked why this 'ship' was by St Marks I was told that it was because of its size, and also the ease of getting so many people from their ship to St Marks Square, but it did ruin the look of the city.
Anyway, I did not mean to cast aspersions at anyone who enjoys cruising and I hope those who do have many more wonderful holidays- one trip which I promise myself when I am too decrepit to walk far is a cruise round the Norwegian fjords- as someone said, everyone's choices are different- thankfully, but I personally hate seeing these leviathans!
Message posted by Dave and Kerry on 09 June 2011 at 12:37pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Dasia ... Good to hear that your friends were able to do their own thing while visiting Corfu unlike many others who simply only see the town while on a cruise stop.
Jan ... The most damage around Venice actually comes from the high tides that the new barriers will stop, damage from a cruise ship waves is less than those created by the many Vaparetto`s and other small craft. Usually cruise ships have to be taken into and out of Venice by 2 Tugboats which provide the power with the cruise ships propellers or Azipods turning slow but enough to help the passage to the port.
Many places around the world actually rely on cruise ship trade such as Grenada and may other small islands, around 90% of earnings in Grenada come from cruise ships and the other small holiday industry there! Take Haiti for example .. without Royal Caribbean ships docking at a place called Labadee the area devastated by the earthquake would not have had anything delivered to the island, the port there was rendered useless and the airport was unable to take aircraft so it was Royal who delivered goods there from their own funds until it was possible for aircraft to get in there.
The ship you mention in Venice do you remember its name? Some ships moor at St Marks Square for photoshoots for the brochures.
Make sure at some point you take the trip to Norway as it is a stunning place especially Gerainger Fjord.
Eliza .. found out that aircraft are not the biggest polluters with regards to the carbon footprint you mentioned, it is in fact concrete plants which produce way in excess of all aircraft put together, but you do not hear of them having a Green/Eco tax levied on them unlike air passengers! Just another way of taxing people or so it seems.
Message posted by Graham T-A on 09 June 2011 at 3:16pm - IP Logged
Legal Disclaimer
Graham ... the Costa Victoria is also visiting Corfu today as can be seen from its webcam, we saw the Grand in Messina a few weeks ago it was formerly the Carnival Celebration.
All Rights Reserved. No part of the Corfu Travel Guide web site may be reproduced without permission.
Infringement will be pursued.
The Corfu Travel
Guide and Lefkada Travel Guides are brought to you by Agni Travel.
Agni Travel is the sister company of Taverna Agni and also the sponsor of the Agni Animal Welfare Fund
Topic:
. 
.
Goto Page: [1] 
