That's an epic cruise Bob. We're doing 17 nights on the Arcadia this year but that's about the limit. I don't think my bosses would be too pleased if I was off work for any longer.

I'd love to do a tour of a shipyard - some amazing photo opportunities.

I've often said that the best shipspotting opportunities are from another ship and cruising is ideal for that. Looking forward to your next 200 photos!
Brgds
Phil

Hi all,
I read with interest your comments about cruising. I have just returned from 31 days on the Sapphire Princess. There is one thing for certain - it is great for ship spotting! I have at least another 200 photos to upload and I trust you will enjoy them.

The AIDAmia was captured when we were arriving at Nagasaki. Last October I toured the MHI shipyards and museum. Highly recommended.

Cheers,
Bob

No offence taken Bryan, I just wondered why.

Modern cruising isn't for everyone but, like Ian, I think it is an amazing experience, especially if you like ships and a contemporary environment.

Personally, I have an aversion to flying, so it's the ideal solution for myself and my wife to get away to places we would not otherwise visit. We cruise from Southamption and you can be on board a 3000pax ship literally 20mins after parking your car. That beats an airport check in any day!

Bryan, Just returned from Allure of the Seas,FT.Ldale,Malaga ,Barcelona.
5100 passengers, 4391 miles.
Check in and out Excellent.my big worry.

Some people on the sight , call them FBOF, I call them masterpieces of mans imagination.
After walking on board Istopped and did a 360 view of the inside promenade unbelieveable this is a ship.
Marvelous tile work everywhere, no cracks.
no squeaks no rattles only on bridge observation deck with 4 bow thrusters doing there job, leaving Lauderdale,no tugs anywhere.
Need directions to walk port to starboard its that wide.bow to stern long way walked it afew times.
slight vibration on stern and nice quite hide away.
Watched build video, STX Finland. superb, I believe France also builds them.Ship 5yrs old I cant imagine what a new one is like to sail on.
Not sure how japan can compete with the Finns, but like Phil explains, it sounds like they are already in the hole.
I also like Meyers cruise ships.
our cabin was deck 14 portside forward with balcony real nice,shower was round like me, but you can pick the soap up if you drop it, or so im told???.
So Bryan nip over to the med and sail on one these,
fantastic ships youll love it.

Why do you call me Mr English? My name is Phil.

Sadly, for MHI, this is nothing like a car assembly line. MHI has racked up losses of around $900 mill on these two ships and build progress is slower than expected. It's unlikely that MHI will build more cruise ships in the forseeabale future and the Japanese breakthrough in this market will remain on the back burner.