Last weekend, I went for a cruise from Mumbai to Goa on Star Cruise Libra!! I will soon post some pictures of the trip but it was a life-altering experience.
Firstly, I now rate Columbus, Vasco Da Gama, Captain Cook and gang much higher. The feeling of being on a ship surrounded by water on all sides is something amazing. How on earth can some guy stand on a shore and dream about crossing the wide ocean! Ok I understand curiosity must have gotten better of discretion but what about the second time. What on earth were these people thinking when they started their second voyage! And the most important, how did these guys convince their mothers! These guys were not simply good "sailors" they were good "sellers" also!!
Secondly, there are sights seen to be believed! I was totally enthralled seeing the ship cut the water and splash it around. Watching the moon set in the sea you realize why moon is called a heavenly body! Just before the moon sets it paints the entire sea silver! Boy a site to watch! The breeze is so strong that you realize how sailboats could make their way across the world!
Thirdly, what a wonder is this Star Cruise Libra!! I am told its a 15 + year old boat! Its like a great factory, everything is impeccably right. Things (tables, racks etc) are fixed to the ground in a neat manner. The decks are cleaned every night! The wood is polished and everything is very perfect. The rescue boats are cleaned regularly and look in perfect shape! The staff is impeccably dressed. Perfection is everywhere. There is a gym, swimming pool, sauna, jogging track, basket ball court (half court), table tennis and what not! Sailors will have a complete life just like a factory worker.
Fourth, there is party atmosphere everywhere. And I believe so it must be even on cargo liners. I must say sailor life is something very organised and well planned and loads of fun! Two days definitely left me longing for more!! Maybe if I have a lot of it I will be bored, will I?
Of course there were sore points!!! The service at the restaurants leave a lot to be desired. The staff is very courteous but simple courtesy is not enough. We need GOOD food!!
I believe these people have created a problem for themselves. They have created a faulty system and they follow the system effectively. They are not empowered to circumvent the system for better results. I believe they need process consultant to work with them. Guys if you are reading this, please invest time and resources in TPM, 5S, 6 Sigma, Kaizen, Quality Circles etc. It will help you be perfect. If you want even I can help!