What Cruise Amenities do you NEVER use!

I never use the spa. I don't like thermo pool, I don't want to lay on heated ceramic stones, I don't want massages, I don't want to be wrapped in seaweed :D and most of what goes on in the spa is not to my liking. :D

I do use the salon from time to time and used to enjoy mani/pedicures until I ran into a few poorly trained, unpleasant techs who turned me away from even doing that now.

Just curious. We love to cruise more than anything, but DO NOT do a lot of the things that others say they love about cruising.

 

We NEVER get in a hot tub - I usually get in the hot tub a few times.

We NEVER get in a pool - I usually get in the pool a few times.

We NEVER get room service - I get Room Service Breakfast almost every day.

WE NEVER go to Specialty Restaurants or pay for specialty coffee/dessert. Rarely go.

We NEVER eat breakfast in the MDR. I eat breakfast in MDR only if I'm with friends.

We NEVER get soft serve ice cream. Often get soft serve ice cream.

WE NEVER go to the Comedy Club. Never go to Comedy Club.

We NEVER watch TV or use the internet services. Watch TV a lot at night and use internet services a few times.

We NEVER watch anything on the horrid Big Screen. Never cruised on a ship with Big Screen.

We NEVER go to a TALK. Ditto

We NEVER learned how to fold towels. Ditto.

We NEVER take a TOUR. I take tours but not at every port - sometimes private and sometimes ship's tours.

We NEVER go to the Spa. Always go to spa once.

We NEVER got a temperary tattoo. Don't need temporary tattoo as I have a real one.

We NEVER go to an Art Auction or Jewelry sale. Ditto.

We NEVER walk the track or jog or work out. Ditto.

We NEVER care to eat at the Chef's table. Ditto.

We NEVER go to the Captain's reception. Sometimes go.

We NEVER play shuffleboard, mini golf or go down the slide. Ditto.

We NEVER stand in line at Guest Services to complain. Ditto.

 

We SELDOM buy anything in the shops. Ditto.

We SELDOM go into the Casino. Go in a few times.

We SELDOM play bingo. Ditto.

WE SELDOM go to any activity on the list except for trivia games. Ditto.

 

I hate to say it but we USUALLY buy pictures. Sometimes buy pictures.

We ALWAYS buy a few Drinks daily. Ditto.

We ALWAYS go to a dance club for a little while go.. Rarely

DW ALWAYS buys a Soda Card. Never buy a Soda Card.

We ALWAYS go to the Love and Marriage Gameshow. Go only if with Friends.

We ALWAYS take an afternoon nap. Sometimes.

We ALWAYS lay out on deck for an hour each day . Sometimes.

We ALWAYS go to the Welcome Back Party . Sometimes.

We ALWAYS go to the Show, when there is one. Rarely.

We USUALLY go to some Kareoki. Never.

We USUALLY see the sunrise and the sunset. What's sunrise?

We ALWAYS have pizza out under the stars before going to bed. Never.

WE ALWAYS love every minute and feel that every day is busy and full ! Definitely.

 

I am always amazed at how different people enjoy a cruise differently. It can truly be anything you want it to be......

 

What about YOU?

Add to above.

I almost always buy a wine package.

I always read at least one book, sometimes two or more.

I don't use the pools or hots tubs, never use the gym, spa or any of their services, never go to any of the pay options for food or specialty restaurants, no art auctions, don't do room service, don't take advantage of the free laundry service.

Newbie here: great thread to help me learn what one can do on a cruise, or choose not to.

Any activities getting short shrift here? Lots of list copying and commenting, which is great, but how do you all feel about other activities?

Newbie here: great thread to help me learn what one can do on a cruise, or choose not to.

 

Any activities getting short shrift here? Lots of list copying and commenting, which is great, but how do you all feel about other activities?

I enjoy the exercise classes, or a dance class on the rare occasion it isn't line dance or ballroom. The yoga & pilates classes have been worth the surcharge most of the time I thought.

It's good to try new things, especially if you are new to a cruise line or cruising in general. I should probably be more open to some of the stuff I don't do - but the thought of bingo, gambling or the hairy chest contest just makes me want to run screaming. So I haven't - will one day do the big slides though.

I don't use the spa, beauty salon, whirl pools -- they just don't interest me.

Don't go to art auctions.

AHOY SHIPMATES

Never and Always are so prone to restricting freedom of choice. I prefer to say seldom or rarely and frequently or often. Mostly it depends on the ship and length of the cruise. During my 1100 days on board I've developed habits that eliminate some activities but then my DW gets me to try new activities in my weaker moments.

I understand that past experiences can cause one to narrow their scope of things to do....sense of adventure can be enjoyment enhancing....GO FORTH AND SOAK IN THE

PLEASURES OF THE HIGH SEAS!

gary

We are blessed in that we can stay in suites whenever we cruise. Princess offers a private portrate sitting for suite guests. Have never nor will never use it

We NEVER

 

• 
   
  
• play BINGO
   
  
• attend a religious service
   
  
• watch Faux News
   
  
• buy photos
   
  
• avoid having photos taken
   
  
• go to the disco
   
  
• attend an art auction
   
  
• go to the spa or beauty shoppe
   
  
• rent a tux (or wear one for that matter)
   
  
• pollute the air of others with second hand smoke
   
  
• buy even one inch of gold
   
  
• go to a wine tasting
   
  
• pay to have pizza delivered
   
  
• send laundry out
   
  

We ALWAYS

 

• 
   
  
• attend trivia
   
  
• go to a specialty restaurant at least once
   
  
• walk the promendade or jogging decks
   
  
• have a balcony after having spent several cruises in isolation (i.e. inside room)
   
  
• use the library
   
  
• use the self serve laundry (if only the ships would have it available!)
   
  
• read on the balcony
   
  
• get ice cream (sometimes more than once a day!)
   
  
• attend the meet and greets
   
  
• participate in roll calls
   
  
• listen to classical music when available
   
  
• use Anytime Dining
   
  
• take a nap
   
  
• RELAX!
   
  

Much of your itinerary sounds very familiar. [emoji1303]

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Much of your itinerary sounds very familiar. [emoji1303]

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Congrats. You've resurrected a 5-year-old thread. :eek:

We NEVER get in a hot tub I rarely do, partly out of a lack of interest and partly because it's always full

We NEVER get in a pool I get in the pool at least a few times, depending on how busy it is, what else is occupying my time, and whether it's a warm-weather cruise

We NEVER get room service I did once, and it was fine but not worth the extra tip.

WE NEVER go to Specialty Restaurants or pay for specialty coffee/dessert I just bought a 7-day specialty dining package on an upcoming 9-day cruise, so...that answers that question. I'm not bothered about special coffees, though.

We NEVER eat breakfast in the MDR I don't usually eat breakfast. I sometimes do, especially on sea days, and I keep intending to do it in the MDR, and I honestly never manage to get around to it or care enough.

We NEVER get soft serve ice cream I generally don't.

WE NEVER go to the Comedy Club I have done so...depends on my mood and what else there is to do.

We NEVER watch TV or use the internet services Nope.

We NEVER watch anything on the horrid Big Screen Nope.

We NEVER go to a TALK I've been to a few presentations.

We NEVER learned how to fold towels Nope.

We NEVER take a TOUR I've done a tour of the galley before.

We NEVER go to the Spa I got a spa pass on one cruise, and it was nice, but it had its downsides.

We NEVER got a temperary tattoo I haven't seen this offered, apart from on from one of my excursions.

We NEVER go to an Art Auction or Jewelry sale I've been to jewelry/gift shop sales.

We NEVER walk the track or jog or work out I've been known to walk/jog. That was a very brief period of me behaving myself.

We NEVER care to eat at the Chef's table I don't think this has been a thing on my cruises.

We NEVER go to the Captain's reception No one's invited me.

We NEVER play shuffleboard, mini golf or go down the slide I've done some of this. It's good stuff.

We NEVER stand in line at Guest Services to complain I guess not? We've had issues before and had to wait. And I thought this thread was about cruise amenities? If this is an amenity, I'd like different amenities.

We SELDOM buy anything in the shops I usually end up doing so for one reason or another.

We SELDOM go into the Casino I don't--bad odds. :)

We SELDOM play bingo Nope.

WE SELDOM go to any activity on the list except for trivia games Eh, it's varied a bit. I did a painting class on my last one.

I hate to say it but we USUALLY buy pictures Never, apart from one trip where my parents decided to get some done with the photographer because it'd been so long since we'd had decent photos. I never buy the ones they put in the rack to sell.

We ALWAYS buy a few Drinks daily Awww yiss...although with NCL, I get the free package.

We ALWAYS go to a dance club for a little while Maybe

DW ALWAYS buys a Soda Card Never. Haven't had a soda in 6 years.

We ALWAYS go to the Love and Marriage Gameshow I try to.

We ALWAYS take an afternoon nap Nope.

We ALWAYS lay out on deck for an hour each day I usually spend a little time on deck, just reading paperbacks and stuff. I don't "lay out."

We ALWAYS go to the Welcome Back Party I don't know what this is.

We ALWAYS go to the Show, when there is one. Yes.

We USUALLY go to some Kareoki Generally, yes.

We USUALLY see the sunrise and the sunset. No.

We ALWAYS have pizza out under the stars before going to bed. No.

WE ALWAYS love every minute and feel that every day is busy and full ! Yes, I hope.

We used to look forward to when we would be in the higher frequent cruiser categories and qualify for lots of amenities. Now, having cruised far more than 1000 days (on 14 cruise lines) we are in the highest or near highest category in lots of different cruise lines. But, perhaps because of having a lot of cruise experience, we seldom attend any of the various parties/receptions extended to frequent cruisers. In most cases we hate those events. When we see folks standing in a long line for a Captain's reception (or similar event) we know it means that we can go to our favorite bar where it will be less crowded and get great service :). In many cases those events mean standing in line for 15-30 minutes, rubbing elbows with the hired help (Captain, Hotel Manager, etc) and being served a glass of cheap flat sparkling wine...or cheap boxed red/white wine. On some ships if you get a friendly waiter you can actually order a specific cocktail...but its usually a hassle. Then they crowd you into a public lounge where you have to listen to the Captain make the usual speech (it is similar on nearly every cruise line). It is not our idea of fun. On HAL they have a "Mariners Lunch" which is even more of a hassle. It happens on a sea day and one must dress smart-casual. We are normally relaxed in a deck chair...so this means going to our cabin to change into acceptable clothes. We then get a lunch in the MDR with a less than great menu....and a free glass of cheap wine. And you often get to hear lots of fellow cruisers bragging about how many days they have....how many cruises, etc. But we have discovered that the best thing about that luncheon is that because so many are at the luncheon, it is easier to find a table in the lido....where the food variety is a lot better then the MDR :).

As to Art Auctions, we sometimes will go because its truly the best comedy show on many cruise ships. Listening to the auctioneers lie (or strongly spin) a lot of baloney about the art pieces is often a hoot. And then watching some folks bid ridiculous prices for near worthless glycees is sometimes worth the price of admission (usually drinking a free glass of the world's cheapest sparkling wine). We once met a real professional Art Appraiser (he appraised art collections for a living and was a real art expert) who sat with us at an art auction and quietly told us the truth and value of many of the pieces. It was eye opening. We thought we knew a little about fine art, but this guy was truly in the major leagues. What he had to say about Park West is not fit for print. But he did tell us that when he had to explain to families why their deceased parents art works were near worthless....it was not a good day. One comment he made which we have never forgotten is that the true financial value of any art work is what somebody else is willing to pay for the piece. So if you own a $10,000 oil painting and the most you can get for the piece is $50....then your $10,000 painting is actually a $50 painting. This sounds like common sense...but many folks just do not get it....until they try to sell a piece.

The other lessen was about "glycee's" which are various painting, drawings, etc. that are actually cranked out by a sophisticated computer printer. At the higher end the results are truly amazing, but the real value is often a fraction of what is put forward by an art auctioneer or even an art shop. Some known artists will even enter into deals with art auction companies to put a real signature on a glycee...thus making folks think they are even more valuable. There is nothing wrong with this kind of art (we have seen some productions that were truly stunning) but it should be disclosed by the auctioneer that what they call "a limited edition print" is actually an ink jet manufactured print...that can be cranked out in large quantities whenever the art house needs more product.

Hank

Hank, you were lucky you quit attending mariner lunches when you did. You missed spiels by the cruise director and the future cruise consultant. Aah, the good old days when only the the captain spoke at mariner lunches.

I never buy coffee, acupuncture, reflexology, teeth whitening, massages, shoe inserts, "art", or aromatherapy.

We NEVER get in a hot tub Hot tub every day, sometimes more than once

We NEVER get in a pool Seldom get in except to cool off

We NEVER get room service Only once on our first cruise. Haven't since and our 7th cruise is a month away.

WE NEVER go to Specialty Restaurants or pay for specialty coffee/dessert Never have. MDR good enough.

We NEVER eat breakfast in the MDR Have MDR breakfast once or twice per cruise.

We NEVER get soft serve ice cream Eat maybe one ice cream per cruise.

WE NEVER go to the Comedy Club Only been on one ship with a comedy club. Seen comedians at other venues.

We NEVER watch TV or use the internet services Watch TV every day; never use internet onboard

We NEVER watch anything on the horrid Big Screen Haven't yet. Upcoming cruise has MUTS with blankets & free popcorn. Might try it if there is a good movie.

We NEVER go to a TALK Only once. Never again.

We NEVER learned how to fold towels They fold the towels for me...

We NEVER take a TOUR Did a galley tour once. It was fun.

We NEVER go to the Spa Can't justify expense. Daughter-in-law a massage therapist if I need one.

We NEVER got a temperary tattoo Only once in Hawaii, but not on a cruise.

We NEVER go to an Art Auction or Jewelry sale Never, never would do either of these

We NEVER walk the track or jog or work out I like to walk the track & do stairs. Makes it easier to keep from gaining weight on cruise.

We NEVER care to eat at the Chef's table Never have.

We NEVER go to the Captain's reception Not yet.

We NEVER play shuffleboard, mini golf or go down the slide Enjoy the mini golf if it's not crowded.

We NEVER stand in line at Guest Services to complain Never felt the need, thank goodness

We SELDOM buy anything in the shops Only once when I needed sun glasses and some liquor to bring home when we needed to use up OBC.

We SELDOM go into the Casino We go every night, but have a $20.00 limit.

We SELDOM play bingo Only once, never again.

WE SELDOM go to any activity on the list except for trivia games NEVER!!

I hate to say it but we USUALLY buy pictures Only on our first cruise. Not any more.

We ALWAYS buy a few Drinks daily Depends on how much OBC we have.

We ALWAYS go to a dance club for a little while Very seldom.

DW ALWAYS buys a Soda Card Never

We ALWAYS go to the Love and Marriage Gameshow Nope. Live it every day. Don't need to re live it.

We ALWAYS take an afternoon nap Not very often.

We ALWAYS lay out on deck for an hour each day Depends on the day

We ALWAYS go to the Welcome Back Party No. Never have.

We ALWAYS go to the Show, when there is one. ALWAYS. Good entertainment MAKES a cruise for us

We USUALLY go to some Kareoki We've been twice. Only saw one performance that was worth listening too.

We USUALLY see the sunrise and the sunset. Ditto

We ALWAYS have pizza out under the stars before going to bed. Not very often.

WE ALWAYS love every minute and feel that every day is busy and full ! Usually the case.

We never:

• Play bingo
  
• go to the spa
  
• go to auctions
  
• go to the casino
  
• go to sales pitches
  
• have our photo taken
  
• eat in the steakhouse
  
• stay on the ship in port
  
• use the basketball court
  
• buy overpriced brands in the shops
  
• book balconies
  
• take part in Karaoke (but watch)
  
• pay extra for food in the dining room
  
• pay corkage charges on our wine
  
• buy full bottles of wine
  
• buy stuff from the minibar
  
• use the arcade
  
• use the kids club (no kids yet)
  
• use the smoking decks (ew)
  
• use salons
  
• use gyms
  

I never use the laundry but my hubby does!

We never:

 

 

 

• 
   
  
• Play bingo
   
  
• go to the spa
   
  
• go to auctions
   
  
• go to the casino
   
  
• go to sales pitches
   
  
• have our photo taken
   
  
• eat in the steakhouse
   
  
• stay on the ship in port
   
  
• use the basketball court
   
  
• buy overpriced brands in the shops
   
  
• book balconies
   
  
• take part in Karaoke (but watch)
   
  
• pay extra for food in the dining room
   
  
• pay corkage charges on our wine
   
  
• buy full bottles of wine
   
  
• buy stuff from the minibar
   
  
• use the arcade
   
  
• use the kids club (no kids yet)
   
  
• use the smoking decks (ew)
   
  
• use salons
   
  
• use gyms
   
  

I never use the laundry but my hubby does!

We don’t do any of these either!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Never use the laundry? Wonder what they do if taking a 2 month cruise :).

Hank

Only thing we don’t do on board is drink alcohol, for medical reasons. Oh and no zip lining thanks!

Never use the laundry? Wonder what they do if taking a 2 month cruise :).

Our longest time at sea was 18 nights and we did not send out any laundry. We managed just fine in our sink and shower. :D

No:

Spa, beauty salon, bingo, religious services, jewelry store,photo shop, art auction, frequent cruiser events, casino (unless smoke free always-not just that evening), at least half of the MDR formal dinners, meet the officers events, half off sales events on things we don't need and no one else wants as a gift, $9.99 sales that clog the public areas (we have seen most of it for $5 or less in our SE Asia travels), port talks, aka shopping pitches.

Never use the laundry? Wonder what they do if taking a 2 month cruise :).

 

Hank

Not done a 2 month cruise yet unfortunately....

My husband loves to wash all his stuff on the last day so there's no washing when we get home...I find it odd. :)

Just curious. We love to cruise more than anything, but DO NOT do a lot of the things that others say they love about cruising.

 

We NEVER get in a hot tub (never ... it's like a Petri dish!)

We NEVER get in a pool (do that enough on land)

We NEVER get room service (love it!)

WE NEVER go to Specialty Restaurants or pay for specialty coffee/dessert (Love the Tamarind on HAL!)

We NEVER eat breakfast in the MDR (never)

We NEVER get soft serve ice cream (not available on HAL)

WE NEVER go to the Comedy Club (wish they had this on HAL!)

We NEVER watch TV or use the internet services (watch TV every night before we sleep)

We NEVER watch anything on the horrid Big Screen (gave it a try once -- ugh!)

We NEVER go to a TALK (never)

We NEVER learned how to fold towels (went once, never tried it at home!)

We NEVER take a TOUR (have enjoyed lots of them)

We NEVER go to the Spa (went a couple of times. Just can't spend that much onboard when I can get the same thing at home for half price)

We NEVER got a temperary tattoo (Never!)

We NEVER go to an Art Auction or Jewelry sale (Checked out the "art" auction once. Can't understand the attraction but that's okay)

We NEVER walk the track or jog or work out (I should! Hubby walks a mile around the promenade every day)

We NEVER care to eat at the Chef's table (We don't sail on Carnival anymore but it was a highlight on one of our first cruises)

We NEVER go to the Captain's reception (Nope)

We NEVER play shuffleboard, mini golf or go down the slide (Nope)

We NEVER stand in line at Guest Services to complain (To get a problem resolved, yes)

 

We SELDOM buy anything in the shops (Same here)

We SELDOM go into the Casino (Spend way too much time there)

We SELDOM play bingo (for THAT price, heck no!)

WE SELDOM go to any activity on the list except for trivia games (Yep)

 

I hate to say it but we USUALLY buy pictures (Never)

We ALWAYS buy a few Drinks daily (Never)

We ALWAYS go to a dance club for a little while (Never)

DW ALWAYS buys a Soda Card (They don't sell what I drink)

We ALWAYS go to the Love and Marriage Gameshow (Once was enough)

We ALWAYS take an afternoon nap (Sometimes accidentally!)

We ALWAYS lay out on deck for an hour each day (Nope)

We ALWAYS go to the Welcome Back Party (Nope)

We ALWAYS go to the Show, when there is one. (40% of the time?)

We USUALLY go to some Kareoki (They don't have it on HAL anymore)

We USUALLY see the sunrise and the sunset. (Sunset, yes. Sunrise, never)

We ALWAYS have pizza out under the stars before going to bed. (Never)

WE ALWAYS love every minute and feel that every day is busy and full ! (Always!)

 

I am always amazed at how different people enjoy a cruise differently. It can truly be anything you want it to be......

 

What about YOU?

My favorite thing is having all of my meals made for me and brought to me!!!