Floatel - could it work

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allatc
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Floatel - could it work

#1

Post by allatc »

So here's an idea for a different cruise experience.

A medium size ship say around 60,000 tonnes, around 1200 passengers.
No theatre, limited entertainment.
No formal nights
Breakfast included in price but not lunch or dinner.
Lunch, dinner and snacks available at reasonable prices.

It's a fly cruise.

No sea days, every day in port. Arrival around 09.00, ship stays in port until 11.30pm or midnight, sometimes for two days
The expectancy is that people will eat ashore.
Limited excursions laid on but deals made with on-shore tour companies.

Effectively it's a hotel at sea.

Price reflecting the facilities being provided.

Could it work ?


Quizzical Bob
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#2

Post by Quizzical Bob »

It has been tried - Easycruise.

We flew back from Antigua with a group who had had a wondeful time on it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EasyCruise
https://boards.cruisecritic.co.uk/showt ... ?t=1142119


poole boy
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#3

Post by poole boy »

Would not work for us as we like the sea days and the formal days would get very bored having a port every day and to much like hard work and not a holiday for us

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Happydays
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#4

Post by Happydays »

As QB mentioned it's been tried with Easycruise definitely not for us. Doesn't matter what price it is. I remember watching a program on TV about it and thought it looked a nightmare.
I'm in agreement with Poole boy.

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barney
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#5

Post by barney »

Not for us I'm afraid.

We like sea days.
We like formal nights.
We (generally) like the entertainment.
We like most things to be included.

Thinking about it, we quite like what is on offer at the moment.
Empty vessels .. and all that

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Mervyn and Trish
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#6

Post by Mervyn and Trish »

Yes it was called Easycruise. And that failed.


CaroleF
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#7

Post by CaroleF »

Not for me either. If I was going to be ashore every day, even if in different places, I'd rather book a villa, have a hire car and have all the amenities that a villa holiday offers. If I go on a cruise I want everything that a cruise usually offers and that includes days at sea, formal evenings, entertainment etc.

Carole

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Ray B
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#8

Post by Ray B »

Sounds like a Benny Hill tour to me.
Don't worry, be happy


Finker
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#9

Post by Finker »

I would give it a go. Easycruise was too basic from what I have read.

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oldbluefox
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#10

Post by oldbluefox »

I saw some of the Easycruise programmes and knew it would not be for me.However if anyone likes a lack of formality, the bare bones of cruising with a laid back atmosphere then it may have appealed. My guess is it was aimed more for the young, the young at heart or those who are looking for a very basic cruise at a very basic price. I don't seem to fit either of those!!! :o

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emjay45
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#11

Post by emjay45 »

No sea days! A fly cruise! No thank you. :shock:

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allatc
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Re: Floatel - could it work

#12

Post by allatc »

I think part of Easycruise's problem was painting the ship and all the cabins bright orange, the whole image and concept being extremely brash.
Perhaps it would work better on a much smaller ship making it more like the private yachts you see moored up but then of course it would cost more so maybe not a good idea.

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