Une croisière inaugurale : L'expression évoque la nature exclusive des baptêmes au champagne glamour, des marraines célèbres et des caractéristiques et équipements flambant neufs du navire. Les croisiéristes passionnés ajoutent ces voyages au sommet de leurs listes de vacances, en raison des nombreux avantages et bonus des traversées.
Il y a actuellement 79 navires dont le lancement est prévu de 2017 à 2020 et les experts en croisière ont compilé une liste de sept choses à aimer dans une croisière inaugurale.
1. Global Celebrations. Depending on the significance of the ship, there may be a very impressive pomp-and-circumstance inaugural ceremony, with esteemed guests from all over the world. Then too, the arrival of a new ship in port may be cause for local celebrations all along the voyage, with festivities in several cities during the course of the itinerary.
2. A Memorable Voyage. The lines frequently offer mementos to passengers of a maiden voyage. When Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 launched, she offered “Limited Edition” QM2 maiden-voyage commemorative items, including t-shirts, playing cards, cups and saucers, stamps, baseball caps and key chains… and even painted ostrich eggs! These small souvenirs are a tangible way to remember your voyage. Sometimes the lines even go a bit further, giving each cabin a very special present, usually customized, worth $50 or more.
3. Introductory Pricing. To create interest in the ship, some maiden voyages offer rates on an itinerary that will be priced significantly higher in the future. Since public opinion has not yet been formed and the cruise lines are eager to put their best foot forward, the inaugural sailing of a ship can sometimes translate to a steal on cruise fares.
4. L'excitation de l'exclusivité. Vous êtes entré dans une page d'histoire en tant que membre du groupe « d'élite » des passagers présents pour la toute première navigation d'un nouveau navire. Sans oublier qu'il y a de sérieux droits de vantardise qui accompagnent le fait de pouvoir dire: «J'étais au voyage inaugural de ce magnifique navire».
5. Beyond Special Amenities. Positive word of mouth is the key to better booking for future sailings, so the line may offer extra special food options, entertainment and activities. Passengers on a maiden voyage can take advantage of perks that may not exist on future sailings.
6. An Immaculate, Sparkling Environment. Just like a new house, or car, there’s a certain appeal to being on a brand-new ship…. where accommodations have no wear and tear, and there’s no sign of the passengers who have come before. Every part of the ship is in untouched condition – the rooms are pristine, the carpets spotless, and every dish, sheet and towel has never been used. Is there such a thing as a new-ship smell? There’s only one way to find out.
7. Customized Services- Because the shipboard routine is still fluid, the ship’s staff tends to be quite flexible with things like menus, seating options and the scheduling of on-board activities. There is an accommodating flow in areas that simply won’t be possible on later cruises as schedules solidify.
There is unquestionably something special about being on board a cruise ship during the inaugural cruise, but these voyages do fill up early. an
