Conference abbott::cruise_travel

59.0. "South Pacific/Sitmar/Princess" by VINO::FLEMMING (Just the facts ma'am.) Sat Dec 24 1988 12:24

Just returned from a cruise and land adventure in the South Pacific on
the Fair Princess (formerly the Sitmar Fairsea). Other than the fact
that there was still somewhat of an identity crises (noone was sure in
all cases whether it was Sitmar or Princess cruise lines - especially
land and air arrangements), the merger seems to have resulted in the
best of both lines.

We started off very early (4:00 AM) the day before Thanksgiving. Logan
was just beginning to get its act together. Flew to Dulles, changed
planes and then on to LAX. The jog through Washington was a pain but
Sitmar/Princess had chartered a plane for the trip from LA to Payeete.
I wasn't very pleased about that (no frequent flier miles, etc.), but
it turned out to be a super winner. We did get frequent flier miles,
the drinks and movies were free for everyone and there were only enough
people to fill the 747 about 2/3rds full so everyone had some room. It
turned out that since we booked late, we wound up with higher category
cabins that we would normally go for (we like the cheap seats and as
has been pointed out in this file many times, how much time do you spend
in your stateroom awake) but this also had an affect on our accommodations
on the charter. We wound up in business class. This doesn't really do
anything to alleviate the jet lag but it makes it easier to live with.

Leaving Tahiti the next afternoon, the ports of call were Moorea, Bora
Bora, Pago Pago (American Samoa), Fiji, Auckland, New Zealand, Bay of
Islands, New Zealand (I'd recommend this for a holiday in its own right -
very quiet and beautiful place), and then Sydney. Also, lots of days at
sea for those who like that (I do). The only unfortunate thing about
this itinerary is that Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora get bunched together
on the first couple of days when the jet lag is at its worst. Perhaps
going the other way would be a better option (but then you are going
the wrong way wrt time zones, i.e., you're losing an hour every other
night or so). Shore excursions were adequet but then it would be hard
to screw that up with these ports of call. We also spent a few days in
Austrailia post cruise. We went up to Cairns (great barrier reef), and
then spent a few days (with friends) in Sydney. All in all, it was a
super trip. Perhaps if I were to do it again, I'd take the option that
allows a couple of days stopover in Hawaii on the way out and then on to
Austrailia (to break up the jet lag a bit but the worst part of it occurs
on the Hawaii to Sydney leg of the flight - 13 1/2 hours with not only
large time differences but the international date line) and then come
back but that suffers from the above.

As far as the results of the merger are concerned, it seemed that at least
as far as this cruise was concerned, the best of both lines was what 
emerged. Everything was the high quality that one has learned to expect
from both Sitmar and Princess (food, service, the exception was the
entertainment but thats always an iffy thing at best), but the things that
make you sail with a line again seemed to really encompass the best of both
worlds, e.g., the captain's circle from Sitmar. As far as I'm concerned,
my fear that the merger would result in the least common denominator of
both was unfounded but of course its early and they haven't sorted everything
out yet (personel that will survive for example) so they still have a chance
to screw it up. However, as things stand now, I'd highly recommend the
combined company.

    I just found this conference, and I'm excited.....I was glad to
    hear of your view on the merger.  I have sailed Sitmar twice in
    the past and am booked for another this summer.  I, too was worried
    about the merger.  Mostly I am concerned about the family oriented
    Sitmar .  Princess seldoms mentions family (Teencenter or Youth
    Center)  I hope they do it right.
    
    Joe