Disclosing Age Demographic Before Booking

[spongerob]

It's a floor polish!

 

 

It's a dessert topping!

 

 

It's a floor polish!

 

 

It's a dessert topping!

 

 

 

Relax.....it's both!

[SWLinPHX]

I think Royal Caribbean Incorporated is trying to give each of their brands certain image, so they tend to appeal to different passengers. I like both and sail both regularly, so I feel fairly comfortable with the differences. Royal Caribbean cruiseships are tend to be a bit larger. Their newer ships have features not found on Celebrity such as flow rider, ice skating, rock climbing walls, etc. I'm middle aged and have enjoyed all of the above, but those features seem to really draw active young people (preteen, teens, young adults). In contrast, the corporation seems to be trying to give Celebrity a bit more polished, more sedate, more upscale image. It is subjective, but I find the service on X to be a bit more attentive and refined, the ingredient quality seems a bit better. The menu choices a bit fancier. smoking policy is more restrictive.

 

I only cruised HAL once and that was several years ago. That time the age was much older. I think HAL has been trying to reach some newer cruisers before they become obsolete.

 

 

Oh yeah, I know that. As you can see I've cruised each once (plus Carnival) and liked them both. I have no second thoughts about Celebrity whatsoever. The ship, the service, the food will definitely be awesome. Plus, my friend has done three cruises (all Carnival) so I know he'll be in for a surprise with Celebrity! I'm not too hard to please (despite what some of you may think, LOL). I'm happy with a nice gym and facilities for exercise (which I'll need because I love the food!). I just may do two short Celebrity or RCCL back-to-back next time to see the difference. In the Caribbean though, they're mostly round trip so back-to-back means two similar. I priced them and it may actually be even cheaper that way, plus you get to enjoy two different groups of passengers. I mean you don't pay any more tax or gratuities on two 5-day's vs. one 10-day. I wanted to do Sapphire Princess round trip L.A. - Hawaii - L.A. (14 day) but I know that would definitely be all seniors. But I'd have no airfare since it's round trip and L.A. is only 5.5 hours from me by car. When you do a back-to-back on the same ship, do you just stay on in your cabin or do you have to disembark first with everyone else?

 

Also, I know I like Celebrity and RCCL and probably wouldn't choose Holland America (and not Carnival again). What do you all think about Norwegian and Princess?

[kitty9]

PHX, you're jumping to conclusions with my post. I'm not in any way suggesting that you you only want a narrowly defined age demographic---but in all reality, if age is not an issue, why even start this thread. What I did say is that there are lines, itineraries and time of year that automatically determine the average age. But if you aren't concerned with age, and talk about diversity, why even start this thread in the first place? Just go with the flow, if age is not a concern.

 

I've been on over 25 Celebrity cruises, and the one I was on last week had an average age above 65. Of course there were some below that age, but there were far more above 65. I prefer to cruise with as few kids as possible, hence my choice of Celebrity, cruising when school is in session and taking longer cruises. We had less than 50 kids total on my cruise. But as an example, the Solstice this week has 576 kids on board (the cruise director informed me of that number) and next week they are scheduled to have 617 kids on Solstice. So, as you can see, time of year has a huge impact on the average age of any line.

 

As for other Celebrity cruises, I've taken mostly 10 to 14 day cruises on X, and I can count on one hand the number of school age kids on those cruises. Of course, those cruises were in November or mid January, or March when kids are usually in school. And I can report that the average age of those cruises was wayyyy high. It's obvious that most in their wage earning years usually cannot take that kind of time off work, or have families where they decide not to pull their kids out of school.

 

But I guess being thick headed, I just don't understand why this is a concern if, as you have said, diversity is something you're interested in. Just pick a cruise, and go for it.

[celle]

Thanks, I totally agree. The thing is I didn't expect people for whom this did not concern or apply to or were not interested to answer. I was asking people who could be of help (like many of you were, thanks!) and give me some insight. But what I did not expect was for those people it did not concern to not only answer but to start lashing out at me starting as early as Post #4. You can see the thread was totally civil and attempts were then made to steer it back in that direction over and over, only to have it digress into something unpleasant. How about people who have something to add or help answer, and those who can only be hostile or to whom the topic does not apply not answer?? Sounds good to me. :)

 

1. On any forum, you can't control who posts, so you will always get answers you don't expect. You can't filter who you consider is allowed to answer.

2. I am really interested to hear why you reacted so strongly to Post#4 and my Post#6. My post was, to me, a simple statement of fact. It was not meant as an attack. Would you have reacted so strongly in person, if told something was not your business?

3. Have you considered that your apparent need to answer each and every post that disagrees with your argument and the somewhat bullying tone you used could have contributed something to the heat of the discussion? You did tend to shoot from the hip.

4. The purpose of a discussion is to bring out different points of view. It isn't to convince everyone that you are right. So, I do not agree with you. You do not agree with me. There is no need for agreement. Just accept that someone with a different point of view - even if in a minority - is just as entitled to their perspective as you are to yours.

[sail7seas]

Life is full of risks and lacking in guarantees.

There are some things in life that you just plain choose to take the 'risk' or you do not.

If you feel uncomfortable your fellow passengers may not be to your liking, why gamble your hard earned dollars? They have the same 'privilege' of being there as anyone else.

 

Buy your ticket and consider meeting your fellow guests as part of the adventure or ignore them entirely and do your own thing on your own.

[wg6530]

?.I'm not too hard to please (despite what some of you may think, LOL). I'm happy with a nice gym and facilities for exercise (which I'll need because I love the food!). I just may do two short Celebrity or RCCL back-to-back next time to see the difference. In the Caribbean though, they're mostly round trip so back-to-back means two similar. I priced them and it may actually be even cheaper that way, plus you get to enjoy two different groups of passengers. I mean you don't pay any more tax or gratuities on two 5-day's vs. one 10-day. I wanted to do Sapphire Princess round trip L.A. - Hawaii - L.A. (14 day) but I know that would definitely be all seniors. But I'd have no airfare since it's round trip and L.A. is only 5.5 hours from me by car. When you do a back-to-back on the same ship, do you just stay on in your cabin or do you have to disembark first with everyone else?

Also, I know I like Celebrity and RCCL and probably wouldn't choose Holland America (and not Carnival again). What do you all think about Norwegian and Princess?

Oh, I do not get the impression that you are hard to please. I can understand your desire for a diverse group of passengers. in an ideal world, I'd like a diverse group of adults with relatively few kids. Functionally, I just take an educated guess about the cruise and try to enjoy. I have been surprised at times by the passenger mix. On a Panama canal cruise, a Bavarian agency booked a lot of rooms. On a transatlantic, it was a block of Koreans. On my most recent cruise, there were many Americans of Chinese decent. All good cruises, all interesting in their own way.

I too am flexible and find things to like on every cruise line. Celebrity probably my favorite by a hair. We have cruised Royal a lot this year and it has been fabulous. NCL is my husband's favorite, mostly because he hates to pack dress clothes for vacation. Mixing in freestyle NCL cruises with the others works well for us. Our NCL cruises have delivered great value for the dollar. I like NCL's salad bars and some of their specialty restaurants, but otherwise IMHO Royal and Celebrity have the edge on food. I've never gone hungry:D. NCL is very casual and friendly, but the service seems, overall, a bit less polished and a bit slower. It is a casual atmosphere and seems best for laid-back, low maintenance types. If you really love certain aspects of traditional cruising like getting to know your waiter and tablemates, stay away from NCL. NCL's suite perks are among the best. NCL often gets younger, fun loving passengers (itinerary dependent, of course). We have done a few Princess cruises and had a nice time. A bit like Celebrity in style and service, but more liberal smoking policy. Princess' dining scheme seems to be in constant evolution. I would read the Princess forum before I'd book with them to see if the latest dining scheme is working or not. I doubt Princess would offer significantly more age diversity that Celebrity as both go for the refined, sedate style.

[wg6530]

Oops, I forgot to answer the back to back question. Both our back to backs were on Royal Caribbean, but I think others may handle it similarly. We had the same cabin for both legs, so all our stuff stayed in the room. If we had needed to change cabins, the stewards would have facilitated the move. In the US, the authorities insist you get off the ship to visit custom and immigration. Staff walked us off ship, waited for us to do the quick formalities and escorted us right back to the ship, though we could have spent the day on shore if we wished. In Europe, they delivered our new keycards and we could either stay on the ship or get off to tour. Both times we were treated wonderfully. Cruise lines seem to like B2B guests. It is rather fun watching everybody else pack while you continue to vacation.

[SWLinPHX]

I've been on over 25 Celebrity cruises, and the one I was on last week had an average age above 65. Of course there were some below that age, but there were far more above 65. I prefer to cruise with as few kids as possible, hence my choice of Celebrity, cruising when school is in session and taking longer cruises. We had less than 50 kids total on my cruise. But as an example, the Solstice this week has 576 kids on board (the cruise director informed me of that number) and next week they are scheduled to have 617 kids on Solstice. So, as you can see, time of year has a huge impact on the average age of any line.

 

As for other Celebrity cruises, I've taken mostly 10 to 14 day cruises on X, and I can count on one hand the number of school age kids on those cruises. Of course, those cruises were in November or mid January, or March when kids are usually in school. And I can report that the average age of those cruises was wayyyy high. It's obvious that most in their wage earning years usually cannot take that kind of time off work, or have families where they decide not to pull their kids out of school.

 

But I guess being thick headed, I just don't understand why this is a concern if, as you have said, diversity is something you're interested in. Just pick a cruise, and go for it.

 

Great, looks like I just paid a hefty sum on my first cruise in 6 year just for us to be "odd men out"-- just like on my first cruise. And yes, you are right; exactly what I said is correct: I want diversity. How is everyone being over 65 diversity? That is senior citizens. Having a retirement community feel to me is not diversity. Maybe it is to you. Again, you reference only over 65 or little kids. What happened to 21-50? No one mentions that. I guess cruising is mostly for couples, seniors and families with kids and those people can't understand anyone else wanting to cruise or be around their peers. Oh well, too late now. At least I can be disappointed in advance and not suddenly upon my arrival. I'm not sure which is worse to be honest. :(

[SWLinPHX]

There is no need for agreement. Just accept that someone with a different point of view - even if in a minority - is just as entitled to their perspective as you are to yours.

 

Problem is, a thread I started asking about a demographic on a cruise and why they won't divulge that wasn't calling for an "opinion". I am not asking your opinion on what I am interested in or what you think about what I am looking for or your approval. And I certainly wasn't asking for the responses I got with a very bitchy tone. I had a very respectable tone from the start and have tried to maintain that.

[SWLinPHX]

Oops, I forgot to answer the back to back question. Both our back to backs were on Royal Caribbean, but I think others may handle it similarly. We had the same cabin for both legs, so all our stuff stayed in the room. If we had needed to change cabins, the stewards would have facilitated the move. In the US, the authorities insist you get off the ship to visit custom and immigration. Staff walked us off ship, waited for us to do the quick formalities and escorted us right back to the ship, though we could have spent the day on shore if we wished. In Europe, they delivered our new keycards and we could either stay on the ship or get off to tour. Both times we were treated wonderfully. Cruise lines seem to like B2B guests. It is rather fun watching everybody else pack while you continue to vacation.

 

Thanks for that insight. Once again you have been very helpful and seem to understand what I'm saying. I now realize I made a huge mistake and should've booked two back-to-backs. I called my friend a couple hours ago and let him know that from what I've gathered on here, we can expect a senior citizen cruise. I guess I can forget about "meeting anyone special". This all sort of took the wind out of my sails (pun intended). Maybe I shouldn't have started this thread or posed the original question. At least I could be optimistic for the next 5 weeks leading up to my arrival.

[smeyer418]

Interesting posts.

I don't think there is any prohibition from posting compiled demographic non controversial information such as sex, age(including number of children), single, married married but free to look{a joke} etc.

there would be an uproar if number of each religion was posted as well as race and maybe country of origin(although many times when you are on the ship they will tell you the number from each country)....as well as sexual preference(i.e. gay). the cruise lines don't like to cater to your prejudice.

as for whether there are groups on board and what types of groups, cruise lines don't like to disclose this because it discourages people from this particular cruise although the group is free to self disclose when it recruits people(bears cruise or Rosy's cruise as examples).

 

A good TA should have a good idea of the type of people on a particular cruise(based on time of year length and destination) but its not fool proof.

 

All of this would cost money to do and the cruise lines just don't see a reason to. word of mouth and posts on cruise critic gives lots of information...

 

I personally wouldn't want to travel with non-gay cross dressing transsexuals druids.

 

you can of course pick a group you want by joing an affinity group that is sponsoring the type of cruise that you want....

i.e. a singles cruises

a 50's cruise

a younger cruise

or to get on with a group 21-50 try any one week Carnival cruise.

[beachchick]

A couple of thoughts. If I book a cruise 12 months out, there are usually going to be lots of cabins available. Should the cruise line call me (or me call them) for updates about how the ship is filling? Would the amount of time involved in that be reasonable? And when the ship isn't filling to someone's age preference, the cruise line would get to deal with more cancellations and possible rebookings. Once it's past final payment, you'd then have passengers screaming "false advertising" if the age demographic changed as cabins continued to be booked.

 

Second thought, if cruise ships should do this, then hotels and resorts and such should also. So when I go to book at a resort, I should be able to find out the age demographic of everyone booked there...except that age is not a required element of booking at a resort. There's no valid reason to make it be.

 

It seems to me that such information would only be helpful for those booking the last cabins. Until then, there's no way to know what the ages will be onboard. To ask the cruise line to keep us updated or to field thousands of extra calls a day from people already booked who want to know the latest is impractical at best and costly (to them and thus to us) at worst.

 

beachchick

[cruisemom42]

In my experience (started cruising at age 9), there really aren't a lot of passengers in the demographic you're looking for. It's true that cruising is mostly for a) seniors, b) families, and at certain times of the year (and on some lines) c) college kids on spring break.

 

That's diversity, but I get the feeling it's not the diversity you want. Cruising ain't exactly "The Love Boat."

[Jesscap5]

In my experience (started cruising at age 9), there really aren't a lot of passengers in the demographic you're looking for. It's true that cruising is mostly for a) seniors, b) families, and at certain times of the year (and on some lines) c) college kids on spring break.

 

That's diversity, but I get the feeling it's not the diversity you want. Cruising ain't exactly "The Love Boat."

 

I don't think anyone mentioned before you that cruising is "The Love Boat". I know a lot of friends that go in groups and half or more are single. Not saying all singles go just to find love..but you never know. It is nice to know there are other singles on the ship as well...and there are..even if most of them are families, or seniors.

[wg6530]

Thanks for that insight. Once again you have been very helpful and seem to understand what I'm saying. I now realize I made a huge mistake and should've booked two back-to-backs. I called my friend a couple hours ago and let him know that from what I've gathered on here, we can expect a senior citizen cruise. I guess I can forget about "meeting anyone special". This all sort of took the wind out of my sails (pun intended). Maybe I shouldn't have started this thread or posed the original question. At least I could be optimistic for the next 5 weeks leading up to my arrival.

 

Oh, don't be down. At very least, you will on a terrific new ship, sailing a wonderful itinerary, seeing nice islands in the company of a friend, enjoying the food, letting somebody else cook and clean...While I would guess your cruise will have an older clientele, so what? You never know who will board the ship or where you might meet someone special. I just sailed with a couple who met on a cruise; they appear just a few years older than you. another time we showed up at the pier to learn that many people had booked it as a "jazz cruise." Though tempted we didn't try to wiggle into their events, but we had a really diverse and interesting mix of fellow passengers. you may get a pleasant surprise.

[Carolin]

Just a suggestion there are sites and groups that specialize in singles and solo cruises. Perhaps that is what you are looking for. just google single cruises and you will find a ton. Have a happy cruise.

[SWLinPHX]

Interesting posts.

I don't think there is any prohibition from posting compiled demographic non controversial information such as sex, age(including number of children), single, married married but free to look{a joke} etc.

 

Right, general anonymous statistics are not "personal" information.

 

A couple of thoughts. If I book a cruise 12 months out, there are usually going to be lots of cabins available. Should the cruise line call me (or me call them) for updates about how the ship is filling? Would the amount of time involved in that be reasonable? And when the ship isn't filling to someone's age preference, the cruise line would get to deal with more cancellations and possible rebookings. Once it's past final payment, you'd then have passengers screaming "false advertising" if the age demographic changed as cabins continued to be booked.

 

Let me say that although that may be your first thought, it is not at all what I was suggesting and I've covered it in earlier posts. No cruise line is being asked to call anyone. We have computers nowadays (you know that thing you're all typing on and that you may have used to get all the stats to book your cruise in the first place). I'm surprised how many people don't seem to understand computers and data. They already collect each passenger's age and enter all data into the system. A running, evolving demographic would be posted up and until the day of the cruise. No human interaction necessary, no phone calls, nothing. I'd like to move past this idea that divulging data they already have in an automated system is "too much trouble" or impractical. Secondly, just like there are rules now about cancellation, etc. those same rules would still apply. The difference is people would have a general idea of the demographic of that particular sailing at the time they booked. They could only cancel according to the current policies; nothing would change there. And yes, once cancellation time passes and they can't change at least they can see if it has changed and what to expect not only at booking but then before arrival so there are not sudden surprises like I had on my first cruise trans-Pacific to Hawaii. Knowing what to expect upon booking and then again once filled is key (it's not about changing it or complaining or altering any of the current rules).

 

Second thought, if cruise ships should do this, then hotels and resorts and such should also. So when I go to book at a resort, I should be able to find out the age demographic of everyone booked there...except that age is not a required element of booking at a resort. There's no valid reason to make it be.

 

No correlation whatsoever. Hotels are of people coming and going and not interacting for the most part, and you don't book a hotel to meet people. A cruise is a whole different story and usually something you spend far more time in than at a hotel. Apples & oranges, unless you are talking about a week-long, contained, all-inclusive resort, then I think it's a good idea there too.

 

It seems to me that such information would only be helpful for those booking the last cabins. Until then, there's no way to know what the ages will be onboard. To ask the cruise line to keep us updated or to field thousands of extra calls a day from people already booked who want to know the latest is impractical at best and costly (to them and thus to us) at worst.

 

Like I said, it helps you twice: once when booking (and you know how likely it is to change by how far in advance you book) and then again before the cruise once it's filled, so you can see what to expect in advance. No having to call anyone. A peek at their current status of the sailing on their website is all that would be required.

 

In my experience (started cruising at age 9), there really aren't a lot of passengers in the demographic you're looking for. It's true that cruising is mostly for a) seniors, b) families, and at certain times of the year (and on some lines) c) college kids on spring break.

 

That's diversity, but I get the feeling it's not the diversity you want. Cruising ain't exactly "The Love Boat."

 

So basically anyone 21-65 who isn't a couple or a family with kids is not considered? That is definitely not a minority in my opinion. That's a huge demographic of this nation.

 

Oh, don't be down. At very least, you will on a terrific new ship, sailing a wonderful itinerary, seeing nice islands in the company of a friend, enjoying the food, letting somebody else cook and clean...While I would guess your cruise will have an older clientele, so what? You never know who will board the ship or where you might meet someone special. I just sailed with a couple who met on a cruise; they appear just a few years older than you. another time we showed up at the pier to learn that many people had booked it as a "jazz cruise." Though tempted we didn't try to wiggle into their events, but we had a really diverse and interesting mix of fellow passengers. you may get a pleasant surprise.

 

I agree. I am not saying I will be unhappy from here on out, just that the wind was let out of my sails. I have plenty of time now that I know not to expect anything as far as meeting anyone special or romantic. That is a huge part of my interest down the drain, but as you said, there are other things: an awesome ship, activities, working out, eating, and ports of call. Again I am gun shy because the last time I booked without knowing it tuned out it was everyone twice my age and older non-stop at sea across the Pacific for 6 days. When we got to Hawaii finally it was like night and day (weather, age, etc.). It was a retirement home at sea, which is okay but not necessarily what I would pay for.

 

Anyway, there will be no surprises, so by time the day comes I won't be disappointed (and I told my friend last night too).

[matj2000]

I have asked the cruise planners before but they say that they don't have that info. The cruiselines won't give it out. They should however tell you if a big group is onboard.

[Gunther1]

Where have I been :)...I just discovered this thread today.To further add fuel, I offer the following:

 

 

 

 

 

Assuming that such stats (more than just age, which I realize is the original post) were to be given out to a potential customer, what if they were wrong ? IE, what if other passengers gave out false info to skew the data....or the cruise ship company entered the data incorrectly ? Would passenger "y" (I won't use x.....hehehe) have any recourse if they got on the ship based on faulty data ?

 

Discuss amongst yourselves....I gave you a sub-topic :).

 

 

As an aside, IMHO the original poster is not being rude to anybody. On the contrary, I think he's being quite calm considering some of the responses that have been put on here.

[zgwortz]

So... just to add a few thoughts to this. First, if indeed the Cruise Lines are keeping all of their data in a large single database, collating and determining demographics would indeed be fairly easy. Even if it were, however, as someone already pointed out, it's not to the Cruise line's advantage to release such demographics *before* the cruise.

 

Further, since a lot of cruise bookings are made online, and doesn't necessarily include the demographic information about the traveller until a later point, and there are also often a lot of last minute bookings, the demographics may well be skewed until the day of sailing itself, so releasing them might be misleading, causing further skewing of demographics as people in one demographic make their decision to sail or not to sail based on demographics previously collated.

 

Finally, I suspect, because personal information *is* a privacy concern, that it is not kept in a easy to collate fashion. I'm a computer professional, and there's a lot of very deliberate compartmentalization of data, particularly personal information such as dates of birth, and things like that, in the business world due to government regulations -- I wouldn't be at all surprised if the cruise industry works the same. Collating age demographics in a situation like that is *not* a trivial process.

 

So... Nice idea, but the likelihood that cruise lines will ever actually release such demographic information is pretty much zero.

[O2cruise_again]

A couple of thoughts. If I book a cruise 12 months out, there are usually going to be lots of cabins available. Should the cruise line call me (or me call them) for updates about how the ship is filling? Would the amount of time involved in that be reasonable? And when the ship isn't filling to someone's age preference, the cruise line would get to deal with more cancellations and possible rebookings. Once it's past final payment, you'd then have passengers screaming "false advertising" if the age demographic changed as cabins continued to be booked.

 

Second thought, if cruise ships should do this, then hotels and resorts and such should also. So when I go to book at a resort, I should be able to find out the age demographic of everyone booked there...except that age is not a required element of booking at a resort. There's no valid reason to make it be.

 

It seems to me that such information would only be helpful for those booking the last cabins. Until then, there's no way to know what the ages will be onboard. To ask the cruise line to keep us updated or to field thousands of extra calls a day from people already booked who want to know the latest is impractical at best and costly (to them and thus to us) at worst.

 

beachchick

I've attended several conventions of my women's group when we've nearly booked the hotel. I've felt sorry for those staying at the hotel who weren't part of our group. Nearly impossible for them to get elevators, meals at the restaurant, and drama when men discovered that the hotel accomodated us by turning some of the male restrooms near the ballroom into female restrooms. Long answer to say yes- paying customers should be told (if they ask) if there is a large group during their stay in a hotel.

 

WRT cruises, I always have a little anxiety about winding up on a cruise with a large group. Not talking about the couple of hundred folks, but the groups that are large enough to take up every public space, dance floor, etc and keep to the same schedule which causes gridlock. Not enough anxiety to stay home, but enough to make me wish someone could answer what seems like a simple question: Is there a large group on this cruise?

[kitty9]

Great, looks like I just paid a hefty sum on my first cruise in 6 year just for us to be "odd men out"-- just like on my first cruise. And yes, you are right; exactly what I said is correct: I want diversity. How is everyone being over 65 diversity? That is senior citizens. Having a retirement community feel to me is not diversity. Maybe it is to you. Again, you reference only over 65 or little kids. What happened to 21-50? No one mentions that. I guess cruising is mostly for couples, seniors and families with kids and those people can't understand anyone else wanting to cruise or be around their peers. Oh well, too late now. At least I can be disappointed in advance and not suddenly upon my arrival. I'm not sure which is worse to be honest. :(

 

Uh, where did I say I thought a group of 65 year olds was diverse???? I merely was informing you that the average age of my cruise last week was over 65 !!!! And yes, I don't give a rats azz who's on my cruise, unless it's inundated with kids, hence my choice to cruise when school is in session. I'm no oldster, by any means, but I don't cruise based on the average age of my fellow passengers. And yes, I'm a solo cruiser, and I still don't base my cruising choices on whether I'm going to be the youngest on board, which many times I have been, especially when I've taken multiple segments of world cruises on Crystal. Don't go on a world cruise where the average age is well over 70.

 

What you seem not to understand is that those in the age group you mention are working, with kids. They are restricted to the times when they can cruise. And, do you realize that less than 10% of the population of the US has even taken a cruise? And a vast majority of that 10% are retirees. Those who are younger have jobs and families and other responsibilities that probably prevent them from cruising.

 

If you want younger, stick with NCL, Carnival or RCI. Stay away from Celebrity, Princess, HAL and the luxury lines. Cruise in summer or the holidays, when the average age goes a lot lower.

[beachchick]

Right, general anonymous statistics are not "personal" information.

 

Agreed.

Let me say that although that may be your first thought, it is not at all what I was suggesting and I've covered it in earlier posts. No cruise line is being asked to call anyone. We have computers nowadays (you know that thing you're all typing on and that you may have used to get all the stats to book your cruise in the first place). I'm surprised how many people don't seem to understand computers and data. They already collect each passenger's age and enter all data into the system. A running, evolving demographic would be posted up and until the day of the cruise. No human interaction necessary, no phone calls, nothing. I'd like to move past this idea that divulging data they already have in an automated system is "too much trouble" or impractical. Secondly, just like there are rules now about cancellation, etc. those same rules would still apply. The difference is people would have a general idea of the demographic of that particular sailing at the time they booked. They could only cancel according to the current policies; nothing would change there. And yes, once cancellation time passes and they can't change at least they can see if it has changed and what to expect not only at booking but then before arrival so there are not sudden surprises like I had on my first cruise trans-Pacific to Hawaii. Knowing what to expect upon booking and then again once filled is key (it's not about changing it or complaining or altering any of the current rules).

 

I'm really surprised at how many times you've basically told members that they are computer illiterate, whether you know they are or not. I have something of a tech background (a tad out of date to be sure) and know a thing or two about computers and data compilation/databases. There's no such thing as completely automated systems. Programs must be written and, simple or not, they must be maintained. It wouldn't require a whole department or staff, but it would require some human involvement. And how do you propose to keep passengers informed if they do not use computers? I know, it's shocking to think that not everyone is online, but well, not everyone is.

 

Be all means let's move past how much trouble it might be as soon as you detail the way that the system will function automatically with no human interaction and how non-online passengers would access the information. I'm guessing by phone through automated systems, which also require some human involvement and maintenance. As noted, if the data is compartmentalized, there would be more involved. I suspect too that the cruise lines might be leery of risking data leaks that could compromise personal information. It's happened enough times with other types of companies that they have reason say no. And it's certainly not in their best interest for the bottom line.

 

I certainly didn't mean to imply that you would complain about false advertising if the demographic changed once past final payment. But there are many people out there who would. Unfortunately, that's pretty much a given.

 

No correlation whatsoever. Hotels are of people coming and going and not interacting for the most part, and you don't book a hotel to meet people. A cruise is a whole different story and usually something you spend far more time in than at a hotel. Apples & oranges, unless you are talking about a week-long, contained, all-inclusive resort, then I think it's a good idea there too.

 

I disagree that there is no comparison. Not everyone books a cruise to meet people and some do book resorts to meet people.

 

While I would certainly love to know if a large group (or 1000 children or 800 singles, etc.) is booked on a cruise or at a hotel, I can't see it happening. I'm not at all against the concept, believe me.

 

Like I said, it helps you twice: once when booking (and you know how likely it is to change by how far in advance you book) and then again before the cruise once it's filled, so you can see what to expect in advance. No having to call anyone. A peek at their current status of the sailing on their website is all that would be required.

 

Considering how many people check their cruises daily, I suspect that many would be looking for those age demographics just as often. And again, not everyone is online.

 

So basically anyone 21-65 who isn't a couple or a family with kids is not considered? That is definitely not a minority in my opinion. That's a huge demographic of this nation.

 

Completely agree with you there.

 

I agree. I am not saying I will be unhappy from here on out, just that the wind was let out of my sails. I have plenty of time now that I know not to expect anything as far as meeting anyone special or romantic. That is a huge part of my interest down the drain, but as you said, there are other things: an awesome ship, activities, working out, eating, and ports of call. Again I am gun shy because the last time I booked without knowing it tuned out it was everyone twice my age and older non-stop at sea across the Pacific for 6 days. When we got to Hawaii finally it was like night and day (weather, age, etc.). It was a retirement home at sea, which is okay but not necessarily what I would pay for.

 

Anyway, there will be no surprises, so by time the day comes I won't be disappointed (and I told my friend last night too).

 

You never know, there could be just the right person onboard your cruise. At the very least, there will be some passengers in your age and interest group. And you'll start right off with shared interests, which makes the "getting to know you" part a bit easier. I truly hope you have a great time and that you meet a special someone too.

 

beachchick

 

p.s., Being 65 doesn't automatically equate to being of the "retirement community" demoagraphic. I think you'll find that more and more 65 year olds are hardly senior citizens. Who knows, some of them might even be cruising with younger family members.;)

[spongerob]

How 'bout a Cougar Cruise?

[euro cruiser]

As Kitty said early in this thread, mass market cruise lines do not, and will not, release information on the composition of any particular cruise because doing so could have a negative impact on sales. Period.

 

It's not about the cost of gathering and publishing the information ... that amount is negligible. It is all about their ability to maximize occupancy, and the very real problem of potential passengers opting out because they are not finding the demographics they want.

 

Think about how many passengers would knowingly choose a cruise where a large percentage of the passengers belong to a particular group, regardless of what the group is. Just the fact that 30%, or 50%, or whatever large number of the passengers are part of a group is off-putting to those who are not. The line has already lowered their profit margin to attract the large group; if the only way to fill the remaining berths is to lower the price until people don't care about being in the minority, the line is left with a minimally profitable (or worst case, unprofitable) cruise.

 

Also, as ships get larger, the pressure to fill them will cause the lines to be more conservative ... and therefore even less willing to give out any information that could limit their ability to fill vacancies (or to fill them at full price).

 

Smaller ships = more specificity and the ability to tailor to particular audiences.

 

Larger ships = less specificity, but potentially greater passenger diversity.

 

From a cost perspective, one full mega ship is more efficient than two full smaller ships, so I would expect the industry to continue to evolve (as it already is) toward mass market carriers with fewer, bigger ships and specialty lines with smaller ships and more segmented customer targets.