Sunday, April 8, 2012

Artania Profile and Photo Review; Searching for Alligators, Dolphins and Manatees in Florida




Artania seems to be a ship with nine lives or at least three.  She began as the Royal Princess of Princess Cruises serving primarily the American market.  She subsequently became the Artemis of P&O Cruises serving the British market.  Now she is the Artania of Phoenix Reisen serving the German market.

The main reason that she has been able to endure is that she is a good design.  She remains one of the few ships to have all exterior cabins.  In addition, she was one of the first ships built so that her open decks were free from machinery thus allowing more space for passengers to play.  Also, her size and seaworthiness have allowed her to find a niche  - - longer cruises that include ports where the newer bigger ships cannot go.

When Phoenix Reisen took over the ship last year, it made an investment in the ship’s future.  Numerous balconies were added making cabins that had been oceanview cabins into veranda cabins.  In addition, the line did a considerable amount of work creating new public rooms including a new restaurant.

Our profile of Artania is at  http://beyondships.com/Phoenix-Artania-Profile.html.  The multi-page photo tour begins at http://beyondships.com/Phoenix-Artania-Tour-1.html   We have also retained our profile of the ship as Artemis so that you can compare the difference.  http://www.beyondships.com/PO-Artemis-Profile.html

Also this week, we have a shore excursion review.  This one is about looking for wildlife in the Florida wetlands via pontoon boat and airboat.  Such excursions are often offered during port calls in Florida and as post-cruise excursions for cruises ending in the Florida cruise ship capitals.  The tours discussed in this article were out of Port Canaveral.

The two excursions are quite different.  The pontoon boat ride is pleasant and serene.  You sit back and leisurely scan the waters for dolphins and manatees.  The airboat ride is an adrenaline pumping experience.  You skim across the water at high speeds, pausing now and then to come within feet of wild alligators.



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