I must admit, I am not a friend of converting ships into a hotel or another "venture". A ship is a ship, as long as it sails. After that, it becomes a hotel, a shopping-center, a museum, whatever, but not a ship. Of course there are different examples as well, like Hamburg's "Cap San Diego".
One thing, I usually prefer newbuilds above any of the old stuff, but I think in case of the cruiseships we are not only loosing just some old ships, but we are loosing cruiseships with a certain style. I have seen many photos of these ships' interior and they do look like SHIPS where you can have a relaxing sea-voyage, some amenities and good food, but as well alot of deck-space (best a wooden deck of course) and you were reminded everywhere that you are onboard a ship. Not a huge shopping-mall, a casino or a huge hotel. I am not interested in entertainment, as well I'd not do fancy dress, but I would for sure enjoy a voyage across the sea in style ! :-D
If I see the interior pictures of modern cruiseships, these do not remind me in ships anymore and my mood for trying any of these ships for a trip was gone. That's why I think, we do loose something. The other thing what I can hope for, although I think it's pretty hopeless is, that a medium sized cruiseship could be built, with all these classic features, and nice old-fashioned plush interior :-) No glitter and show-off, plese but cosiness instead.
Here is the link to a website, a German woman who is a dedicated fan of the "Maxim Gorkiy" has created it !!
http://www.schiffe-maxim.de/Maxim2.htm
