One More Big Step
On Friday, I was pleased to participate in the formal opening of Port Everglades’ new terminal. I could tell you that the terminal was a great success but (a) I already said that when it was 90% complete and (b) I don’t need to since there is so much independent evidence of that success.
The best evidence is that every politician that is in Broward, from Broward or related to Broward County was in attendance or represented. If this had been a “normal” government construction project (i.e. one that was uninspiring and/or over budget), we would have played to an empty hall. But here, everyone knew that this facility was a winner and everyone wanted to see and be seen participating at the event. Standing room only; we even ran out of scissors for all the dignitaries to cut the ribbon. And they deserved the kudos. They had the foresight to undertake the project and to allow it to be built in an efficient and businesslike way. Hats off to Phil Allen and his team, as well as all the Hollywood and Broward officials. And I’d take a point of personal privilege and congratulate Craig Milan, Juan Trescastro and Juan’s whole team for working so cooperatively with the authorities to make this facility such a success.
In full disclosure, I should mention that our confidence does not rest solely on how things appear. We have already had three ship turns in this terminal and they were terrific.
But we also got some frustrating news. The heavy Atlantic weather has delayed the ship by two days. It doesn’t affect our schedule because we build in a cushion for such things but I’m still disappointed. I accept that there is no logical reason for this, but I am still eager for her to arrive and the delay frustrates me. Captain Bill reassured me that they were making good use of the time onboard for training etc. I know he was trying to make me feel better, but it didn’t.
Filed under: Chairman
Would love to see some photos of the new terminal including some of the kids area and art. Since your turning ships in it already you could put up photos empty as well as when it’s in use. Also, are there going to be any savings for the cruise line using this terminal? For example do some of the design changes and technologies implemented allow for less staff per passenger?
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Frustrating? No doubt! But with Murphy and his Law lurking around every corner things seem to have gone amazingly smooth…and my wife and I can’t wait to see her either!
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I wrote to sugest that the event that will take place for Make-a-Wish would offer your clients the opposite offer, but no one called me back from that specific attendance.
Royal offered a special rate for the first trip, for people who engaged on that event.
As a customer who reserved the first voyage since March, I sugest you also offer a special price for the EVENT, for people who are already reserved for the trip.
This way, who believen in this great ship in advance, would not loose comparing to whom comes now.
I’m also not sure if the people who goes to the event and decides to take the trip, will already be fitted in the ship one day in advance, which is a serious advantage that I would like to take.
thanks!
Sami Paskin
spaskin@terra.com.br
directly from Rio de Janeiro!
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Continue to be amazed by the crew and ship, and am sure I’ll be amazed by the new terminal! Too bad I have to wait a year to experience it all!!!
I’m sure the two days is a blessing in disguise!
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Awesome! Do you think we could see some photos?
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So please tell us what sea conditions the largest cruise ship in the world is facing to slow it down.
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I enjoy the blog and wish that the updates were more often. It has been great to be able to follow the progress of the ship as it has been making it’s crossing. Is there going to be access to ship for viewing before it starts cruising??? I look forward to my cruise in Oct 2010
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Hi Richard, how exciting to read yoru Blogs and watch the video diary Captain Wright is submitting to the world. The Oasis of the Seas looks simply magnificent. My family and I can’t’ wait to step aboard and marvel at her splendor. We were unable to secure the first passengers experience but we will be sure to travel on her asap. We are on the Jewel of the Seas this December 10th out of Miami. WE LOVE CRUSING!!!!!!
All the best to the Royal Carribean family.
Cheers the Carters in Toronto, Canada.
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Mr. Impatient heh? I guess nature thought she would give your boat a work out to prove to everyone that even a near-hurricane does not ruffle her feathers. You couldn’t even buy passenger-comforting proof like that! Are you sure you did not arrange it on purpose?
How about (for the mechanically minded seafarers amongst us) getting your team to do one or more of those fine videos on your magnificent boat’s machinery? The mains, the stabilisers from inside, the inside of the azipods and so on. Some of us love that stuff.
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THIS NEW SHIP IS JUST GREAT. WE ARE PLATIUM MEMBERS WE ONLY HAVE ONE CRUISE LEFT UNTIL DIAMOND. THIS WOULD BE THE WAY TO GO BUT THE PRICES ARE SO HIGH. WE WILL BE GOING ON A CRUISE IN NOV. OF 2010 FOR OUR TWENTY FIFTH WEDDING ANYIVERSARY AND YOU ARE ONE OF THE TOP ONES WE ARE LOOKING AT.
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Hey brother, don’t let mother nature get the best of you. You accomplished a great thing here with the Oasis. A couple more days won’t hurt anyones expectations. This is exactly WHY you made a cushion for this type of thing. Cheer up… you are about to open the BEST cruise ship in the world for business.
A fan
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i completely agree!!! please update the photo gallery section of your website… the ship is finished…. looking at drawings is not the same.
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We booked this ship on the first day it was offered. When the 4 day was offered we booked that cruise. When I saw some of the pictures of the new termial being built I was very happy. We sailed on the first trip on the FREEDOM OF THE SEAS and was very disappointed by the way we had to go through customs. It was like a stock yard. I felt like steer being led to slaughter. I would like to see some video or pictures of the termial if that is possible. I have watched Captians Bill’s video presentations very day and we loved thaem, But they coild be a little longer with more information about staterooms and eating locations.
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