Isang inaugural cruise: Ipinapaalala ng parirala ang eksklusibong katangian ng mga kaakit-akit na champagne christenings, mga celebrity godmother at mga bagong feature at amenities ng barko. Idinaragdag ng mga masugid na cruiser ang mga paglalakbay na ito sa tuktok ng kanilang mga listahan ng bakasyon, dahil sa maraming perks at bonus ng mga paglalayag.
Kasalukuyang mayroong 79 na barko na naka-iskedyul na mag-debut mula 2017 hanggang 2020 at ang mga eksperto sa cruise ay nag-compile ng isang listahan ng pitong bagay na magugustuhan tungkol sa isang inaugural cruise.
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. Ang Kaguluhan ng Eksklusibo. Isinulat ka sa isang pahina ng kasaysayan bilang isang miyembro ng "elite" na grupo ng mga pasahero na naroroon para sa pinakaunang paglalayag ng isang bagong barko. Not to mention, there are some serious bragging rights that go along with being able to say, “Ako ay nasa unang paglalayag ng magandang barkong iyon”.
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
