Just Cruises Plus

Epic Arrives in Big Apple and Lowers Lifeboats

The Norwegian Epic arrived in NYC on Thursday.  Her christening will take place today (Friday) with Reba McEntire serving as her godmother.

Her arrival was a bit strange.  She had to lower 6 of her starboard lifeboats before she could dock.  It seems that the lifeboats are carried outboard on this ship.  Unfortunately, they would hit the pier in New York if not lowered and moved away.

With or without the lifeboats, she is big and ugly.  Her protruding “forehead”  is particularly unattractive.

However, she does have some good points.  She may very well be the best ship in the world for singles.  She has over a hundred studio rooms for one.  The cozy (100 square feet) rooms have large picture windows  looking out onto a common corridor.  Singles have their own clubroom so that they can meet and mingle.

The bathrooms in most staterooms have been controversial.  Seems the doors are frosted glass so that privacy is less than total.

Reprieve for SS United States

A generous donation of 5.8 million dollars from philanthropist Gerry Lenfest will enable the United States Conservancy to purchase the vessel.  As most Philadelphians know, the once proud liner lies rusting at a pier in South Philadelphia.  Norwegian Cruise Line, the current owner, has agreed to sell the ship for 3 million dollars even though scrappers have offered considerably more.

The United States was by far the fastest liner in the world, steaming at over 50 miles per hour during her brief but spectacular career.  While her steaming days are long gone, the Conservancy hopes to turn the ship into a museum with restaurants and stores and perhaps hotel rooms.  Let’s hope she stays in Philly.

Celebrity’s Silhouette to Sail from Cape Liberty

The Celebrity Silhouette will cruise from Cape Liberty between November 6th 2011 and April 10 2012.  She will feature 12 day cruises to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

Century to Replace Mercury for Baltimore Cruises

The Century will begin sailing from Baltimore on 11 and 12 night cruises beginning November 18 2011.