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Post by Northern Exploration on Mar 17, 2009 19:43:37 GMT -8
Yes, the Aurora Lounge is the reserved seating lounge. There is a swipe card scanner next to the door to allow access for paying passengers. The Buffet is located below the Aurora Lounge. However, there is no forward viewing in there. This is a significant disappointment to me. This makes the ship very much comparable to the NorAd to me now, as there is effectively no forward viewing on either of those ships if you're not willing to pay through the nose. I am one of those people who won't sit for long periods of time and stare out the window on these cruises, so spending the money for a reserved seat is not a worthwhile investment. However, if the lounge, or at least part of it, was available to be used for short periods of time, that would be useful. I'm very disappointed in this use of space. I think the reserved seating is a good idea, but I don't think it needs to be consuming the only lounge with a decent view. I am disappointed as well by the lack of forward viewing. I had hoped the NorEx would be an improvement in that score. However, let me remind everyone that, my comment would include my all time favourite ferry to date the QoftN. If you have seen the recent videos or have seen pics of the most forward section of the Prince of Wales Lounge, there was forward viewing however that section of the Lounge was fairly small. The windows also weren't great for viewing though. They were tall and narrow. The curtains also inhibited viewing somewhat. The seats were placed back a bit from the windows. The only way to look forward reasonably well, I found was to stand at the windows. If you stood there you blocked the view of the people in the few rows of seats behind. In addition that section seemed to fill up quickly. Since the day trip was 15 hours people often saved their seats for the whole trip. Their coats etc. were left on the seats. Heads and seat backs further blocked the view. So in effect their was one row of seats that had a somewhat front row seat. On the QoftN there was no forward outside viewing area, unless you count the narrow section behind the yellow/blue (depending when you sailed on her) plexiglass on the top deck. It was very narrow, quite hot on a summer day, and seemed to be used most by smokers or lovers. Further back on the ferry where the outer decks jutted out just behind the lifeboats, actually gave a pretty good view forward. You could see very nicely up Grenville Channel for example. Frankly I thought the side pay lounge of the QoftN worked really well. I always had a cabin so I certainly wouldn't pay extra to use one. However, what I don't know is how many people actually used it. I think the QPR has the best forward viewing and only outside forward viewing of the 4 Northern Ferries. However, I think the biggest impact is only during the summer daylight cruises. So much of the trips the remainder of the year is done in the dark and the curtains are drawn to prevent disturbing the bridges night vision. In the open water between the Queen Charlottes and Prince Rupert, there isn't much to see but water for the bulk of the trip. |
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Post by WettCoast on Mar 17, 2009 20:38:26 GMT -8
I am disappointed as well by the lack of forward viewing. I had hoped the NorEx would be an improvement in that score. However, let me remind everyone that, my comment would include my all time favourite ferry to date the QoftN. If you have seen the recent videos or have seen pics of the most forward section of the Prince of Wales Lounge, there was forward viewing however that section of the Lounge was fairly small. The windows also weren't great for viewing though. They were tall and narrow. The curtains also inhibited viewing somewhat. The seats were placed back a bit from the windows. The only way to look forward reasonably well, I found was to stand at the windows. If you stood there you blocked the view of the people in the few rows of seats behind. In addition that section seemed to fill up quickly. Since the day trip was 15 hours people often saved their seats for the whole trip. Their coats etc. were left on the seats. Heads and seat backs further blocked the view. So in effect their was one row of seats that had a somewhat front row seat. On the QoftN there was no forward outside viewing area, unless you count the narrow section behind the yellow/blue (depending when you sailed on her) plexiglass on the top deck. It was very narrow, quite hot on a summer day, and seemed to be used most by smokers or lovers. Further back on the ferry where the outer decks jutted out just behind the lifeboats, actually gave a pretty good view forward. You could see very nicely up Grenville Channel for example. Frankly I thought the side pay lounge of the QoftN worked really well. I always had a cabin so I certainly wouldn't pay extra to use one. However, what I don't know is how many people actually used it. I think the QPR has the best forward viewing and only outside forward viewing of the 4 Northern Ferries. However, I think the biggest impact is only during the summer daylight cruises. So much of the trips the remainder of the year is done in the dark and the curtains are drawn to prevent disturbing the bridges night vision. In the open water between the Queen Charlottes and Prince Rupert, there isn't much to see but water for the bulk of the trip. Generally, NE, I agree with your comments. A few things though... The Northern Expedition should have a super view, so long as you don't mind paying the extra fee. I no doubt I WILL pay because I do like to see the view ahead. The QPR forward lounge, the QotN forward buffet and the NorEx forward buffet all have limited views due to fore deck gear being in 'the way'. I am not certain that the NorEx even has forward facing windows in that location. The QPR had windows but they are now covered over I guess due to taking some pounding in Hecate Strait & Queen Charlotte Sound. The QPR is, however, a good boat overall for forward viewing. The restaurant has just possibly the best view in the fleet, and I dare say is the best located place to eat in all of BC. The food is usually 'okay' also. Hopefully the NorEx forward view lounge has been designed such that they do not have to curtain it over as night falls. They just have to turn down the lighting. It is possible. You mentioned the QPR as having 'the only outside forward viewing of the 4 Northern Ferries'. I immediately said 'not true' as I thought of the Q of Chilliwack, Kwuna, QotN, and QPR. But on second thought I assume you meant the NorEx, NorAd, QotN, and QPR. The Q of Chilliwack and Kwuna both have excellent outer deck forward viewing. Could it be that less fancy northern ferries have better viewing? |
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Post by Northern Exploration on Mar 17, 2009 20:42:18 GMT -8
Yes my bad. You are correct I was thinking QPR, QoftN, the Big Fat Greek Ferry and now NorEx. Chilli is only a part timer  . Just made an enemy of Brent. ;D |
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Post by Canucks on Mar 18, 2009 17:35:59 GMT -8
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rt1commuter
Chief Steward
JP - Overworked grad student
Posts: 167
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Post by rt1commuter on Mar 18, 2009 17:44:12 GMT -8
I like the funnel picture  . |
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Post by DENelson83 on Mar 19, 2009 7:21:37 GMT -8
Well, look at that. BCF has put an extra mooring buoy off the NE's port bow.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 21, 2009 16:26:01 GMT -8
Here are some photos taken from Pipers Lagoon park in Nanaimo, on March 21, 2009. The NorEx is on trials. This might be my only opportunity to take shots of the NorEx while she's moving, in my local waters. ================== Here are some shots while she's in the middle of Georgia Strait, off of Sechelt.    ...and here's a shot with some of the houses on the lower Sunshine Coast in the background. Thank you, digital zoom.  |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 21, 2009 16:33:08 GMT -8
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 21, 2009 16:59:28 GMT -8
From Pipers Lagoon: ==================== No, not Egg Island ;D. It's Entrance Island.  Here's a close-up, at 5-Fingers rocks:  Between 5-Fingers and Snake Island:   --------- ....and now she meets her other German cousin, C'Inspiration:  ----------- Here's a close-up of the aft area of outside side-decks. Those who are like me are still imagining where the passenger outside walkways will be, and which areas will be crew only.  ------------- |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 21, 2009 17:07:33 GMT -8
From Pipers Lagoon: ==================== Passing Harmac mill:  The NorEx has a dinghy in her wake.  Here she is, about to enter into Departure Bay:  Little boats are attracted to the NorEx. Here's on on the bow.  Disappearing into Departure Bay:  And here's the man in charge of the Northern Expedition, Chaing Kai-Shek  |
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FNS
Voyager 
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,957
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Post by FNS on Mar 21, 2009 17:19:40 GMT -8
From Pipers Lagoon: ================= And she's turning in towards Nanaimo, starting to come in from her Saturday trial.   I just can't keep myself from commenting on these photos. THIS SHIP IS MEANT TO BE PICTURED UNDER GRACEFUL MOUNTAINS! Absolutely beautiful photography!! No matter where a ship is built (like the flat lands of the Baltics), she looks better under towering mountains. I love mountains and these photos mean a tremendous lot to me. Thanks for sharing, Mr. Musical Moderator!  |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 21, 2009 17:27:29 GMT -8
I just can't keep myself from commenting on these photos. THIS SHIP IS MEANT TO BE PICTURED UNDER GRACEFUL MOUNTAINS! Absolutely beautiful photography!! Thanks for sharing, Mr. Musical Moderator! Thanks for the kind words. Here's a favourite close-up from today.  |
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Post by Scott on Mar 21, 2009 18:06:50 GMT -8
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2009 21:30:47 GMT -8
Lovely photo's everyone she's a beauty.
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Post by Northern Exploration on Mar 22, 2009 7:56:40 GMT -8
You see the little black dot on the COASTAL RENAISSANCE?? That's me:) I headed over on the 8:30 from Horseshoe Bay and came back on the 3:00 from Departure Bay. Fortunately, the NORTHERN EXPEDITION was departing as we arrived in Nanaimo and coming in when we left! You make a very good dot John. At least you know you have a fall back during these times. Good dots are always in demand. Heck the whole internet would collapse without dots. Nice pics too. |
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Post by Northern Exploration on Mar 22, 2009 8:00:08 GMT -8
I echo the comments on the pictures and expecially the scenes of the mountains in the background. Flug now that you are fully entrenched in the digital what is the next "mountain to scale?"
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 22, 2009 8:09:02 GMT -8
Flug now that you are fully entrenched in the digital what is the next "mountain to scale?" To learn to operate our DVD player, to change the time on my car's clock display, and to learn to open an ale-bottle with my teeth. |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Mar 22, 2009 22:45:56 GMT -8
Here are a few that were taken this morning prior to her departure for sea-trials...    NorEx in the Strait of Georgia.
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ProudCanuck
Chief Steward
Champ Car - Gone, but not forgotten!
Posts: 242
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Post by ProudCanuck on Mar 23, 2009 9:07:25 GMT -8
Here are a few that were taken this morning prior to her departure for sea-trials... That is an awesome shot !!! |
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,957
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Post by FNS on Mar 23, 2009 9:33:31 GMT -8
Here are a few that were taken this morning prior to her departure for sea-trials... That is an awesome shot !!! Incredible is my adjective! Now, there needs to be a click-able area to hear the whistle. ;D She looks very clean after her long trip. |
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Post by Ian on Mar 23, 2009 21:21:05 GMT -8
That is a fierce looking ship. I still think that the sloping lines on the end of the V hull connecting with the sides are a bit too sharp. All in all, incredible European design.
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Post by timmyboy on Apr 7, 2009 12:41:52 GMT -8
From Pipers Lagoon: ================= And she's turning in towards Nanaimo, starting to come in from her Saturday trial. I just can't keep myself from commenting on these photos. THIS SHIP IS MEANT TO BE PICTURED UNDER GRACEFUL MOUNTAINS! Absolutely beautiful photography!! No matter where a ship is built (like the flat lands of the Baltics), she looks better under towering mountains. I love mountains and these photos mean a tremendous lot to me. Thanks for sharing, Mr. Musical Moderator! I couldnt agree with Ferrynut more. Awesome photos showing the new pride of the fleet. |
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Post by WettCoast on May 9, 2009 21:33:43 GMT -8
I was in Rupert today - another track meet that my son was competing in. I managed to sneak down to the water front and I saw the new girl, the injured Greek girl, and the Nicola. This makes up just a little bit for missing last week's 'open ship' in Rupert.  NorEx Life Boat Drill - Rupert Harbour  Northern Expedition at anchor with Nicola passing by - Prince Rupert Harbour - ~ 6:00 pm on 9 May 2009  The view from the fishing floats in Cow Bay - 9 May 2009 |
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Post by WettCoast on May 17, 2009 19:58:50 GMT -8
Open Ship Day, Port Hardy....   Northern Expedition @ Bear Cove, Port Hardy, on the eve of her official entry into service - 17 May 2009  View toward stern from starboard bridge wing  Cavernous Car Deck |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on May 17, 2009 21:32:07 GMT -8
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. Just made an enemy of Brent. ;D
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