Dumbing down cruising.

(From Lloyds List)

It is perhaps unsurprising that something of a fierce backlash against the disappearance of the brand of Swan Hellenic, which has 'done cruising' for people who otherwise would not have been seen dead on a cruiseship, has manifested itself.

Swan Hellenic has had an honourable career for many years, offering cruising replete with cerebral stimulation and as far from the mass market attractions it is possible to be.

The redeployment of the Minerva II, which was a popular ship for the discerning souls who had cut their teeth on her predecessors, has enraged the repeat cruisers who have enjoyed this sort of holiday.

Where are they to obtain their cultural fix in a world full of ships with roller rinks and climbing walls, not to mention the wall-to-wall gambling and showboat attractions?

It is a reasonable enough question, although there is arguably a dearth of smallish cruiseships available as the market has traded up in terms of size.

It is so much easier to market the monsters and the same sort of philosophy which has seen the supermarket extinguish the small stores tends to apply. It is rather sad.