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TYPE: Cruise Ship Including CASINO WE HAVE 2...For Sale...2...  | | Click on image to enlarge | | 590' BLOHM & VOSS 840 Passenger Cruise Ship - Year: 2002
- Current Price: US$ Make Offer..?
- Located in Cruising
- Hull Material
| CATEGORIES: P3 CRUISE SHIPS (Non-RoRo) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- SIZE: 593' AND BUILD: YEAR : 2000 LENGTH: 593.7 ' 181 PRICE: TRY OVER $110M USD REGISTERED TONS: (GRT): 30,300 MAIN ENGINE(S): 4x Wartsila 12V32LNE diesel engines, each of 4,860 kW at 720 rpm SPEED: 18 knots ACCOMMODATIONS: 373 crew, 684 passengers, 342 passenger cabins (232 with private balcony), LOCATION: STATUS: Active COMMENTS: Twin sisterships available Diesel-electric propulsion by 4x Wartsila 12V32LNE diesel engines, each of 4,860 kW at 720 rpm, all resiliently mounted to reduce vibrations, and two Cegelec electric propulsion motors, each of 6,750 kW. With a cruising speed of 18 knots, these ships have a maximum speed of 21 knots. The vessels are also fitted with SNACH folding fin stabilizers, and a Sperry integrated system. Waste treatment systems allows waste, including sludge oil, to be recycled or incinerated. There are three restaurants on board, all open seating, a buffet and an outdoor barbecue. The ship is compact and has a well balanced design. Inside is one of the most elegant, more traditional-looking ship on the market with plenty of character, style and personality. The Atrium Located on Deck 4, the atrium is discreet in size (only two decks high), but it is beautifully crowned by a lighted glass dome, which gives it a sense of spaciousness. Aft it has a magnificent white marble staircase which divides into two sets of steps at the landing, with a black rough-iron railing, fitted with gold painted flower details. On the landing of the staircase, there are beautifully hand crafted wood classical columns, a big mirror and a big fresh flower bouquet. Passengers enter the vessel on the lower level of the atrium, which houses forward the Reception desk, open 24 hours a day, and is in green marble. Opposite port side is the Excursion desk, also in green marble. Forward there are two columns, splendidly lined and panelled in dark wood. There aren't any cabins on lower decks, and so the atrium works well both as focal point and as reference point on board. The red carpet is the same on both decks of the atrium, and also on the aft stairs, and so passengers soon know when they are near the atrium. On deck 5 (which houses all public rooms), the atrium has less breadth, because this deck houses the lifeboats and tenders. There is a piano on a semicircular balcony over the atrium, and comfortable seating areas both port and starboard, where art work, that the passengers can buy on auction, is shown. The furniture and carpet are the same as on the lower deck and there are armchairs, sofas, with golden upholstery, in splendid combination with the red and green carpets. In this area and in other parts of the ship as well, we can see classical tables with collapsible edges, a splendid nautical detail. Other classical aspect are the curtains, with window shades, that fit almost every window on board. The Main Restaurant All four restaurant on the ship are located aft, and this fact help orientation on board. Aft the atrium, on deck five, is located the main restaurant, with an asymmetrical layout. Its entrance is located starboard. Here we find Club Bar a gathering point, before meals, for friends. It is semicircular with brown marble floor and classical furniture. A nifty divider, in the form of a "faux" fireplace, adorned with a fresh flower bouquet and dummy bookshelves separates this area from the Main Restaurant. The decoration is completed with elliptical ceiling painting, of celestial inspiration, and a big mirror opposite the bar. Here, the carpet is mainly blue with flower motif and the panelling is dark wood. The 370 seat Dining room has a raised central zone, with a blue carpet decorated in floral motif. There are only two wooden pillars. The Captain's table is located starboard aft, while in the opposite corner there is a little stage with a piano, and also a little wooden dance floor, with dinner dancing at night. Both corners have mirrors. There are three large windows aft, with splendid views to the ship's wake. The space between windows is wooden panelled, with very classical lighting. The ceiling has curved forms, with soft lighting and, in the center of the room, classical paintings. The separation between zones is done through rough-iron glass like railing, the same that exist on the stairs. The chairs are very comfortable and the tables easily seat 2, 4, 5 and 8 people. The waiter stations are numerous and well located, they all have a marble floor, and this helps to give guests an excellent service. There is a cold buffet in the forward bulkhead of the restaurant, though all the food is served by waiters. Undoubtedly, the main restaurant is another design highlight of the ship. The Casino Forward of the atrium, on deck five, first there are two shops and then the casino, which occupies all the breadth of the ship. A calm sitting area is located aft port with a "faux" fireplace, with classical chairs and armchairs upholstered in different colours, surrounding the nautical table with collapsible edges. Furthermore a big monitor describes the cruise calls and the onboard programs. A photo gallery is situated on the starboard side. The photo panels fold away when not in use giving the idea of huge bookshelves and creating a corridor separating the game tables. Dark panelled walls are maintained in this space which gives an elegant and distinctive appaerance. The bulkheads panels are made of the same dark wood that gives coherence to the ship. The casino cashdesk is decorated in the same green marble found in the Reception desk, as well as the Casino bar floor. In this area there aren't any neon, flash lights, noise, etc. This is one of the most elegant casino afloat. The carpet has a combination of blue and red tones. The red tones link the Casino to the red carpet of the Atrium zone and the blue ones link to the forward Cabaret room. The Cabaret Lounge The space between the casino and the Cabaret Lounge is realized through a semicircular gallery, with dark wood classical columnes, slightly lighter than the ones found in other rooms of the ship, with golden adornments over green leather, and a splendid hand crafted blue carpet. The roof here is in stucco. This 358 seat room is a nice size (only one deck high) and has two ambiences clearly different. Aft is the bar, anusually low, without stools, and fitted with the same green marble found in the other bars on board. The bar perimeter is slightly higher than the rest of the area. On the starboard side of the bar there is the control room, perfectly dissimulated. Around of the bar there are high tables with high stools, upholstered in blue, though they are identical to the ones existing in the casino. The slightly higher zone has two semicircular counters with blue stools, slightly lower, in order to take a drink while enjoying the show. Forward is the stage, used for bingo, lectures and the shows. The dance floor is wooden with floral details. The decoration of this part is very classic as well: blue carpet with golden details, blue courtains, and small table lamps that provide an intimate atmosphere. The Spa On deck 9, forward the outside pool, is located the Spa, above the wheelhouse deck. The Spa is managed by Steiner, the well known spa service specialists. All carpets here are in navy blue, with a lot of mirrors on the walls. Almost all floors are marble made and between the male and female dressing rooms there is a splendid Japanese themed painting, plenty of birds. All very sophisticated. The Spa has a horseshoe layout. In the center is located the reception hall, the dressing rooms and the steam rooms. Forward on port side is located the hair saloon while, on the starboard side, there is an ample aerobic room and the gym machines space. Outside sun shades to avoid head-on sun when on the machines. Even here, the dark wood is mantained as the rest of the ship. The forward outside area, sheltered from the wind by blue glass walls, has a little pool for thalasso treatments, with magnificent views forward. The floor here is traditionally teak decked, as well as the chairs and tables, the only ones in teak onboard. The rest are plastic made and I think they should be changed. The outside decoration is clearly less elaborate than the inside one. In other ships of classical decoration such as the Deutschland, the deck decoration is also first-rate. Card Room The Card Room is located forward on deck 9 on the port side, this space has been divided into two different rooms. Forward is the card room, with its dark wood panels and classical lamps, of the same type that are used in the Cabaret Lounge, the carpet is mainly blue, and the blue and red upholstered chairs are very confortable, but the ceiling is metallic white, very plain and disappointing and doesn't match the classical decoration of the room. Aft, an ample e-mail room, fitted with seven PCs of the latest generation, has the same decoration as that of the Card Room. There are some old US President portraits, and the tables have wooden partitions for privacy. The partition between these rooms can be open to create a bigger space. Panorama Buffet The Panorama buffet is located aft, like the other restaurants, on deck 9. It provides diners with a great view of the ocean through large windows port and starboard. There are two sections: the outdoor area is aft, on a teak decked covered terrace, with tables and umbrellas. The "U" shaped inside section has a gay decoration, with yellow and green chairs on the outer side, and drink and buffet table on the inner part, which also incorporates a small pizzeria. The yellow walls have landscape paintings and the area has plenty of light. It's never overcrowded, and there are tables that seat 2, 4, 6 and 8 people. Outdoor Pool Forward of the buffet is the pool, which is adequate in size for a tour and port intensive cruise operation. Even though some people say that it's on the small side, but not everyone is at the pool on many cruises, especially in the winter European season. The small pool has two Jacuzzis, and a lot of padded chairs. Usually passengers never have problems getting deck chairs or chaise lounges. One deck above, a jogging track circles the pool area and, on deck 11, there is a spacious sunbathing area, sheltered by blue glass screens, fitted with golf driving net and shuffleboard court. There are some tables, with green umbrellas, near the wooded pool bar in the bow section. Aft starboard is also a barbecue, and there is a canopied band stand. I think that in a classical decorated ship such as this, all outside decks must be fitted with teak. The beige turf doesn't match well with this designed area. Horizons On deck 10, above the Spa rooms, Horizons is a multirole space, cleverly designed. Forward is an observation room, and aft is a sport bar. In the day time it is mainly used as and observation room, with splendid forward views. Like other similar rooms, there are binoculars and nautical memorabilia forward, and also natural plants. The front window slopes towards the inside and is protected from the sun. Behind this slope window a large buff made sofa is fitted, so as to make better use of this space and also to prevent bumping your head. This is an excellent idea. Here the other armchairs are upholstered in blue, the chairs are blue and red with a blue and red carpet. The colour scheme is excellent once again. The windows on the sides have curtains, with window shades, and the floor is lowered to allow views from the center of the room. There are several intimate areas, with big buff armchairs facing the sea, oval tables and red upholstered chairs. In the center of Horizons is located the Sports Bar, the most "American" space on board. Here, the floor level has been raised and a large shell shaped dance floor and a band stage, give way to the bar, which features 8 TV screens that all show a different channel. In the two entrances the walls have dark wood panels, with a lot of black and white photos of famous American sports superstars, such as Bob Beamon, Joe di Maggio, Sam Husf, Pelè, Bill Walton, etc. The Library The library, one of the most splendid library afloat, and quieter than others, is located aft on deck 10. This room has the two alternative restaurants, which open late in the afternoon, nearby and this means that the only movement here is the passengers who want to use the library, furthermore the fact that there are few announcements on board enhances the sense of calmness. It's a "U" shaped room, with entrance doors, both port and starboard, and a forward picture window with pool views, fitted with curtains in green tones, and window shades. There are windows on three side. So, the library is very bright. In the center of the ceiling there is a glass dome (like the one in the atrium), which gives it a sense of spaciousness. It's painted with birds, and looks like a greenhouse. The library is presided by a "faux" fireplace in green marble, which contains a precious flower bouquet. It has a golden railing with green leather... which is the same colour as the centers of the upholstered tables. The armchairs are also upholstered in various colours (mainly green and red), but all of classical shape. The carpet is red, but has a floral decoration in green. There are Chinese vases here, splendid china lamps, a globe, Egyptian sphinxes, many splendid decoration details, and a lot of dark wood bookcases opposite the windows which give that special "country house" personality to the ship. The library is open 24 hours a day, and there is no control of any sort. Passenger can take the books out themselves and later return them. But they are too busy to have time to read except on longer itineraries. There are no CDs, or DVDs or video tapes. The only modern thing are two PCs, that can be used only for surfing the Internet. As the card room is far, the library also doubles as a card room, and passengers play chess here. According to me the library is the best place on board. Italian and Grill Restaurants Three restaurants and a buffet, all located aft. The two little alternative restaurants, are located aft the Library, on deck 10. The seating capacity is 120 passengers each and both have a splendid decor, but I think the better is the Italian restaurant which is decorated in white tones and is very bright. Booking is necessary for these restaurants. Waiting is inevitable, but all restaurants on board have a bar where you can pass your time and meet other people on board. The menu changes every five days. Both restaurant are "L" shaped, with picture windows on two sides. The aft part has excellent sea views through its slooping windows. The Italian restaurant is located on the port side. There is a metope over the inside wall and numerous classical columns, which give this space a Roman feel. Grey and white are the predominant colours, complemented with real plants. The Grill is decorated floor to ceiling with the omnipresent dark wood, with black and white photos of Hollywood stars. All the chairs in the dining rooms are well padded, very comfortable and beautifully designed. The tables are predominantly for four persons. The Cabins The vessel has a double occupancy passenger capacity of 684 and carries an international crew of 373, giving a splendid crew/passenger ratio of 1.84. All 349 cabins are located on four decks: 4, 6, 7 and 8. The cabin sizes are 14.86 sq. m. (inside), 15.3 (outside), 20.0 (with private balcony), and 49.5 / 55.5 sq. m. (owner's suites with balcony). All have twin/queen bed configuration, TV with movies & CNN, personal safes and hair dryers. 92% of the cabins have ocean views and 232 have private balconies. Even the cheapest room is splendidly furnished, with wooden vanities and blue carpet. The cabins are much larger than I expected. They have more than enough storage and closet space. The bathroom has tiled floor and ample storage as well, and while some passengers had told me that they are small, I found them very adequate. The balconies are very nice, but passengers could enjoy them only on longer trips, due to the port intensive itineraries. The balcony furniture is made of plastic, and once more this is disappointing in this classical ship, as so are the partial balcony partitions. The ten owner's suites are the most spacious cabins on board. They have separate living rooms with dining table, large bathroom with jacuzzi, small bath for guests and extensive private balconies. Six owner suites overlooking the stern, and four more are enjoying prominent positions across the front on deck 6 and 7. Stairs The forward stairs and elevators have a red carpet, whereas the aft ones are blue carpeted like the atrium nearby. A splendid way to improve the orientation on board. All stairs have glass railings, which are similar to the iron railings on the atrium stairs. All landings are furnished with mirrors, portraits, and antiques, and the ceiling decoration is good as well. But I think they are small, mainly on lower decks, and in some cases they are cramped. The elevators are not large, but they work properly. The corridors are like all the other public areas in old style with decorated pillars and stucco in the ceiling. On board a medium size ship, the signage is not so important as on large megaships, but the designs of directional signs and directories is good, making the passenger orientation an easier task. Accommodation There are eight cabin categories. All standard inside (no-view) and outside-view cabins at the lowest four grades are extremely tight for two persons, particularly for cruises longer than five days. They feature twin beds or a queen-size bed, with good under-bed storage areas, personal safe, vanity desk with large mirror, and good closet and drawer space. Color televisions carry a major news channel when available, plus a sports channel, and several 24-hour movie channels. Bathrobes are provided. Cabins with private balconies (66 percent) have partial balcony partitions, sliding glass doors. Only 14 cabins on Deck 6 have lifeboat-obstructed views. The bathrooms, which have tiled floors and plain walls, are compact and standard units. The bathroom has a shower stall with a hand-held shower unit, a hairdryer, cotton towels, toiletry shelves, and a retractable clothesline. Personal toiletry items include soap, shampoo, body lotion, shower cap and shoe-shine mitt. There are 52 mini-suites, which are actually large cabins with undivided sleeping and lounge areas. Although not large, the bathrooms feature a good-sized bathtub and good space for storing toiletries. The living area features a refrigerated mini-bar, lounge area with breakfast table, and a balcony with two plastic chairs and a table. The ten Owner's Suites provide the most spacious accommodations. They are fine, large living spaces located in the forwardmost and aftmost sections of the accommodation decks. Those on decks 6, 7, and 8, that overlook the stern, are particularly nice, though they are subject to more movement and some vibration. The suites have larger, truly private balconies that cannot be seen by anyone on the decks above. There is an entrance foyer, living room, bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass door, CD player with discs, fully tiled bathroom with Jacuzzi bathtub, and a small guest bathroom. Dining There are four different restaurants: The Club Restaurant has 338 seats and a raised central section. There are large ocean-view windows on three sides, several prime tables overlooking the stern, and a small bandstand for occasional live dinner music. The lunch and dinner menus change daily. The screw-in table lamps are just a little too tall for the tables. The Italian Restaurant has 96 seats, windows along two sides, and a set menu with added daily chef's specials. The Grill Room, an "American steakhouse," has 98 seats, windows along two sides, and a set menu with added daily chef's specials. The Panorama seats 154 indoors (not enough during winter months) and 186 outdoors. It serves breakfast, lunch, and casual dinners. It is a self-serve buffet restaurant, and incorporates a small pizzeria. Good salads, a meat carving station, and a decent selection of cheeses are featured daily. There is also a Poolside Grill Bar. All restaurants feature open seating, so you dine when you want and with whom you want. Reservations are required in the Italian Restaurant and the Grill, which has tables mostly for four or six. Service in all restaurants is very good and attentive. All espresso drinks cost extra, even when ordered in the restaurants. Other comments A lido deck features a swimming pool and good sunbathing space, and one of the aft decks has a thalassaotherapy pool. The uppermost outdoor deck has a golf driving net and shuffleboard court. The interior décor is stunning and elegant, a throwback to the ocean liners of the 1920s and 1930s. This includes detailed ceiling cornices, real and faux wrought-iron staircase railings, leather-paneled walls, tromp l'oeil ceilings, rich carpeting in hallways, an impressive staircase in the main foyer, and other interesting décorative touches. The overall feel is of an old-world country club. The public rooms are spread over three decks. This is totally a nonsmoking ship except for a smoking room for the crew. The reception hall features a staircase with intricate wrought iron railings. A large observation lounge is located high atop the ship. This has a long bar and a stack of distracting, large-screen televisions tuned to the same channel. There's also an array of electronic gaming machines. There are plenty of bars aboard this ship—including one in each of the restaurant entrances. Perhaps the nicest of all is the casino bar/lounge—a beautiful room reminiscent of London's grand hotels. It has an inviting marble fireplace (one of three onboard) and comfortable sofas and chairs. The library is a beautiful and grand room in the Regency style, with a fireplace and a high, tromp l'oeil ceiling. There's an excellent selection of books, some very comfortable wingback chairs with footstools, and sofas you could sleep on. Kind regards. Charles Louis Broker
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