Otvoritveno križarjenje: Besedna zveza spominja na ekskluzivno naravo glamuroznih krstov s šampanjcem, slavnih boter ter popolnoma novih elementov in opreme ladje. Navdušeni križarki dodajajo ta potovanja na vrh svojih seznamov počitnic zaradi številnih ugodnosti in bonusov jadranja.
Trenutno je predvidenih 79 ladij, ki naj bi debitirale od leta 2017 do 2020, strokovnjaki za križarjenja pa so sestavili seznam sedmih stvari, ki jih je treba imeti radi na uvodnem križarjenju.
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. Navdušenje nad ekskluzivnostjo. Zapisali ste se na stran zgodovine kot član »elitne« skupine potnikov, prisotnih na prvi plovbi nove ladje. Da ne omenjam, obstaja nekaj resnih pravic hvalisanja, ki sodijo skupaj z možnostjo reči: "Bil sem na prvi plovbi te čudovite ladje".
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
