Where are the coin-operated binoculars?

Maybe not coin-operated but with your card. Anyway, the binocolars we got as a "perk" were a joke in all my 4 cruises, and I don't own a proper one. I wonder why there are binocolars available at nearly every tourist destination where it might be useful, but they are absent on a ship filled with tourists and often lots to see in the distance.

Maybe not coin-operated but with your card. Anyway, the binocolars we got as a "perk" were a joke in all my 4 cruises, and I don't own a proper one. I wonder why there are binocolars available at nearly every tourist destination where it might be useful, but they are absent on a ship filled with tourists and often lots to see in the distance.

Actually not bad for the bargain price and one of the most common sizes used by mariners and yachtsmen:

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/8154864204276138581?lsf=seller:2709845,store:11855424283182518811&prds=oid:372501594875148272&q=west+marine+binoculars&hl=en&ei=grVWWv_zFM6EjwO_y6ygBQ&lsft=gclid:Cj0KCQiAkNfSBRCSARIsAL-u3X_qCvGaEi36Ed9TqzZVGN6ndslnVohWzI9wauamJ0JYSjYqGQ2cojwaAiPKEALw_wcB

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Beyond the obvious safety issue of having a huge static metal apparatus pressed against one's eye sockets--I didn't think those things even still existed anymore. But if any cruise line is going to drag a few of them out of mothballs maybe they can also bring back the vending machines that mold those cheesy wax souvenirs while you watch.

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Beyond the obvious safety issue of having a huge static metal apparatus pressed against one's eye sockets--I didn't think those things even still existed anymore. But if any cruise line is going to drag a few of them out of mothballs maybe they can also bring back the vending machines that mold those cheesy wax souvenirs while you watch.

Everything is a safety issue nowadays. I haven't heard of people losing eyesight by using a static binocular, but of course one could try by banging their head against it. If cars, or cola, or cruising were invented today they would be forbidden. "What if people jump over the railing, what's going to protect them from drowning?". (Actually, that IS a common theme on a certain lawyer's website).

Those old-fashioned binoculars are still to be seen everywhere in Europe. There are also vending machines that turn coins into souvenirs and I did that on my last cruise.

We always bring our own binoculars...lots to see at sea! We take them on almost EVERY vacation, anywhere! You should invest in a decent pair! They come in very useful...not only on trips, but anywhere! We border on some woods...and we've seen many wild animals, birds, etc from our deck at home! We take them to sporting events, too!

I know I didn't make my previous post as clear and direct as I wanted. I am not one of those H & S nuts; I believe a life well spent is spent taking a few chances here and there. But a human body subject to the inertia of a moving ship whose face is pressed against a bolted down metal fixture that is not, is not on my list of chances. Nor one that the ship's medical center would I imagine wish to regularly deal with.

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Maybe not coin-operated but with your card. Anyway, the binocolars we got as a "perk" were a joke in all my 4 cruises, and I don't own a proper one. I wonder why there are binocolars available at nearly every tourist destination where it might be useful, but they are absent on a ship filled with tourists and often lots to see in the distance.

Considering the cost cutting on food quality and service, why do you think mass market cruise lines would invest in quality binoculars - which might be dropped or otherwise abused?

Bring your own.

We always bring our own binoculars...lots to see at sea! We take them on almost EVERY vacation, anywhere! You should invest in a decent pair! They come in very useful...not only on trips, but anywhere! We border on some woods...and we've seen many wild animals, birds, etc from our deck at home! We take them to sporting events, too!

Yes, I'm thinking of buying a decent one. But I was wondering why ships offer zip-lines and whatever in an attempt to empty our pockets don't offer the most straightforward service I'd expect on a ship.

Yes, I'm thinking of buying a decent one. But I was wondering why ships offer zip-lines and whatever in an attempt to empty our pockets don't offer the most straightforward service I'd expect on a ship.

Because those "ships" really aren't ships. They're apartment complexes situated on a floating amusement park.

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I know I didn't make my previous post as clear and direct as I wanted. I am not one of those H & S nuts; I believe a life well spent is spent taking a few chances here and there. But a human body subject to the inertia of a moving ship whose face is pressed against a bolted down metal fixture that is not, is not on my list of chances. Nor one that the ship's medical center would I imagine wish to regularly deal with.

I'm trying to imagine what possible damage could occur. Even a black eye seems very unlikely. Yes the ship and fixture moves, but the user is moving at the same speed. It would be different if the user is on land, trying to use binoculars fixed to a bouncing ship, but that's not what I was thinking of.

Everything is a safety issue nowadays. I haven't heard of people losing eyesight by using a static binocular, but of course one could try by banging their head against it. If cars, or cola, or cruising were invented today they would be forbidden. "What if people jump over the railing, what's going to protect them from drowning?". (Actually, that IS a common theme on a certain lawyer's website).

 

Those old-fashioned binoculars are still to be seen everywhere in Europe. There are also vending machines that turn coins into souvenirs and I did that on my last cruise.

Well, onboard a ship they wouldn't be all that static. The ship moves up and down, side to side constantly. And not always in rhythm. Trying to stand perfectly still in order for the focus spot to remain clear while on a moving object could be an issue.

If these are important to you then I too would bring my own.

Keith

Yes, I'm thinking of buying a decent one. But I was wondering why ships offer zip-lines and whatever in an attempt to empty our pockets don't offer the most straightforward service I'd expect on a ship.

Royal Caribbean does have a zip line on several of their ships, they do not charge extra to use them. Norwegian does have zip lines built into their ropes course, there is no extra charge to use these. Thus, your argument is mute; pockets are not being emptied by these included activities. Even if there were a charge, you would have the choice as to participate in the activity. You would be emptying your own pockets.

Royal Caribbean does have a zip line on several of their ships, they do not charge extra to use them. Norwegian does have zip lines built into their ropes course, there is no extra charge to use these. Thus, your argument is mute; pockets are not being emptied by these included activities. Even if there were a charge, you would have the choice as to participate in the activity. You would be emptying your own pockets.

My bad, I thought they would charge for the zip lines.

Then again, what I read from people that have worked on ships, or still are, the whole ship is designed to increase on board spending. Bars everywhere, a spa, art auctions, gift-shops, jewelry. All are designed to empty your pockets in the most efficient way. The binoculars would be low hanging fruit. Hardly any space needed, no crew except for maintenance. Just weld them to a deck and see if people spend enough money to keep them there.

Considering the cost cutting on food quality and service, why do you think mass market cruise lines would invest in quality binoculars - which might be dropped or otherwise abused?

 

Bring your own.

I will probably bring my own next time, but the toy binoculars provided as a "perk" are an insult. Free sparkling wine doesn't imply there's an expensive bottle of Champagne waiting in my cabin. Free binoculars IMHO does mean that it will offer a better vision than looking through a potato.

The Norwegian Breakaway (and perhaps other's in her class, not sure), does have binoculars on both sides of the ship on her "Boardwalk" outdoor area on Deck 8...I believe two on each side.....:)

And no coin necessary....

I will probably bring my own next time, but the toy binoculars provided as a "perk" are an insult. Free sparkling wine doesn't imply there's an expensive bottle of Champagne waiting in my cabin. Free binoculars IMHO does mean that it will offer a better vision than looking through a potato.

Why is it understandable for a cruise line to provide bottom of the line sparkling wine but unacceptable for them to provide bottom of the line binoculars.

While the ones I have seen on Celebrity and Cunard are not impressive -- they do work better than a potato. Did you try removing the lens covers?

Maybe not coin-operated but with your card. Anyway, the binocolars we got as a "perk" were a joke in all my 4 cruises, and I don't own a proper one. I wonder why there are binocolars available at nearly every tourist destination where it might be useful, but they are absent on a ship filled with tourists and often lots to see in the distance.

RCI's Oasis Class has high powered binoculars mounted on the public deck above the bridge wings. In the military, we called them "big eyes."

The problem with providing binoculars "free" in a cabin is that they won't be treated well.

Binoculars are quite delicate optical instruments; it doesn't take much of a knock to put the two optical paths out of alignment, and then anyone trying to use them will either see two separate images or will end up getting a headache as their eyes strain to see one image.

So my wife and eye ;) always bring our own binoculars. I bring two; one is for off-ship use, they are small, lightweight and are fastened to my belt. The others are large rather heavy image-stabilised binoculars for use at sea.

VP

The Norwegian Breakaway (and perhaps other's in her class, not sure), does have binoculars on both sides of the ship on her "Boardwalk" outdoor area on Deck 8...I believe two on each side.....:)

And no coin necessary....

Norwegian Escape:

These are the binoculars on Oasis Class.

These are the binoculars on Oasis Class.

Cool! Now I wonder why they aren't installend on the ships I've been on :)

Yes, I'm thinking of buying a decent one. But I was wondering why ships offer zip-lines and whatever in an attempt to empty our pockets don't offer the most straightforward service I'd expect on a ship.

those would never cross my mind as being a requirement/straightforward 'of course this is on board' thing.

while underway, there tends to be very little of note to see unless you are in or near a port or busy channel. the most exciting things we do is try and figure out the parent company of that container ship on the far horizon . we've been escorted exactly once by a Pod of dolphins, and I have seen exactly one breaching whale. now IIRC , they are standard on Alaskan cruises. a LOT more potential on those itineraries.

Last summer, I was fortunate to sail the Northwest Passage on the Crystal Serenity....

They provided every cabin with decent binoculars, and in addition, they set up six very high-powered tripod mounted binoculars in the observation lounge. And if that wasn't enough, they had a super-high powered high definition camera mounted on the mast that could zoom in at incredible levels, broadcast in the lounge, and also on all cabin tv's....it was operated by a pro....:cool:

those would never cross my mind as being a requirement/straightforward 'of course this is on board' thing.

 

while underway, there tends to be very little of note to see unless you are in or near a port or busy channel. the most exciting things we do is try and figure out the parent company of that container ship on the far horizon . we've been escorted exactly once by a Pod of dolphins, and I have seen exactly one breaching whale. now IIRC , they are standard on Alaskan cruises. a LOT more potential on those itineraries.

Actually, for someone who does own a pair of binoculars, cruising is probably the activity most likely to have reason to use them - unless you are interested in checking out your neighbor's bedroom windows. Being at sea is one of the few times you are likely to want them - approaching shorelines, passing other ships and sea creatures -are exactly when you might want them.