Photographers toning it down ?

[Olliesmum]

Boarding QM2 July 28th for TA, I was astonished to hear photographers telling boarding passengers that they needed to have their photographs taken, for ID purposes on board.

 

I met several passengers who complained to the to Purser, that this behavior must stop. One first time couple were very angry when they found out they had spent money for pictures they did not need for ID

 

Very pleased to read that their behavior has been modified. I can ignore them at the gangway but I dislike them interrupting dinner in the dining room.

 

I was on the 5th Aug trip directly after this TA. The photographers were telling passengers they needed their photos taken for ID.

 

It caused a huge bottle neck at security, with a lot of people who knew otherwise arguing with them.

[Jimsgirl]

I was on the 5th Aug trip directly after this TA. The photographers were telling passengers they needed their photos taken for ID.

 

It caused a huge bottle neck at security, with a lot of people who knew otherwise arguing with them.

 

Thank you Olliesmum, I am sure someone will write to say "this has never happened on any time I have been on QM2" This time it did not only once but twice - maybe more, they were definitely telling passengers, that they needed the photograph taken by the photographers for ID on board.

 

For someone making their first cruise ever, they could be forgiven for "falling for the scam.

[Fifer]

Perhaps, I can shed some light on this issue?

 

On our recent QE Baltic trip, immediately prior to boarding we were encouraged to have our photos taken. We chose to do so and were then asked for our ID cards. As this was not normal practice, I asked why. I was told that this was so that they could establish a record for us on their database. This would then allow them to associate all photos taken of us with our cabin number. This would make it easier for them - and us - to find those photos. (Presumably this would involve some sort of face recognition software - which is perfectly feasible these days)

 

I found this a plausible explanation and thought no more about it. I can see how some passengers, less familiar with the ways of the ship and its onboard photographers, might confuse this explanation with some sort of official ID process.

[pepperrn]

Thank you Olliesmum, I am sure someone will write to say "this has never happened on any time I have been on QM2"

Hi Jimsgirl,

 

I will... "This has never happened on any time (sic) I have been on QM2". (Or QE or QV or QE2).

 

Never (so far... ).

 

So there you go. My own personal experiences and observations. Glad to let you know, and reassure you, just how exceptional your poor experience was. I like to help where I can.

 

(I bet it was a new guy/gal who hadn't been trained properly. Do they employ an agency or do the photographers work for Cunard directly?)

 

Olliesmum and Jimsgirl had the same terrible problem :( , and I was sorry to read of it.

Very best wishes to both of you, isn't it great to make new friends via CruiseCritic :) .

 

Best wishes and happy sailings to all. Esp Jimsgirl and Olliesmum :) .

[cunardaddict]

Perhaps, I can shed some light on this issue?

 

On our recent QE Baltic trip, immediately prior to boarding we were encouraged to have our photos taken. We chose to do so and were then asked for our ID cards. As this was not normal practice, I asked why. I was told that this was so that they could establish a record for us on their database. This would then allow them to associate all photos taken of us with our cabin number. This would make it easier for them - and us - to find those photos. (Presumably this would involve some sort of face recognition software - which is perfectly feasible these days)

 

I found this a plausible explanation and thought no more about it. I can see how some passengers, less familiar with the ways of the ship and its onboard photographers, might confuse this explanation with some sort of official ID process.

 

I can second this for Southampton in June this year. But I refused to give my ID to them.

 

Gesendet von meinem Transformer TF101 mit Tapatalk 4

[NomDePlume]

Perhaps, I can shed some light on this issue?

 

On our recent QE Baltic trip, immediately prior to boarding we were encouraged to have our photos taken. We chose to do so and were then asked for our ID cards. As this was not normal practice, I asked why. I was told that this was so that they could establish a record for us on their database. This would then allow them to associate all photos taken of us with our cabin number. This would make it easier for them - and us - to find those photos. (Presumably this would involve some sort of face recognition software - which is perfectly feasible these days)

 

I found this a plausible explanation and thought no more about it. I can see how some passengers, less familiar with the ways of the ship and its onboard photographers, might confuse this explanation with some sort of official ID process.

 

This system has been in place for over two years. It allows you to insert your ID card into a contraption in the photo gallery (not unlike an ATM machine in size), and if I remember correctly one needs to punch in a code (PIN?), to find all the photos where one appears. Makes it simple to pick-and-choose.

 

I agree that it would be confusing for a first-timer or one not familiar with the system. :eek:

[pepperrn]

Perhaps, I can shed some light on this issue? On our recent QE Baltic trip, immediately prior to boarding we were encouraged to have our photos taken. We chose to do so and were then asked for our ID cards. As this was not normal practice, I asked why. I was told that this was so that they could establish a record for us on their database. This would then allow them to associate all photos taken of us with our cabin number. This would make it easier for them - and us - to find those photos. (Presumably this would involve some sort of face recognition software - which is perfectly feasible these days) I found this a plausible explanation and thought no more about it. I can see how some passengers, less familiar with the ways of the ship and its onboard photographers, might confuse this explanation with some sort of official ID process.

Hi Fifer,

 

As I said above, I've not come across this (yet).

But your explanation sounds reasonable and, as you say, with modern technology, quite possible.

I've always refused to have the "boarding photo" taken in the past, although friends have said to me "let them take it, you don't have to buy it".

 

I'm not sure, if your excellent theory is correct, that I'm happy with them knowing who they've just photographed. With that information they can deliver the photos directly to my cabin (instead of me actively looking for them (or not, in my case)).

 

That is only one short step away from me finding a large envelope in my cabin with... "Please find enclosed your twenty exclusive photographs of your voyage, at an amazing price of only $xxx. For your added convenience, the cost of these professional quality photographs will be charged to your on-board account unless you return any unwanted prints to our desk by xxx".

Many passengers will keep all the prints, not wanting to make a fuss, or will miss the deadline.

More revenue.

 

Best wishes.

[Fifer]

Hi Fifer,

 

More revenue.

 

Best wishes.

 

Now, now, Pepper, that's very cynical. Surely they wouldn't...would they?

[pepperrn]

This system has been in place for over two years. It allows you to insert your ID card into a contraption in the photo gallery (not unlike an ATM machine in size), and if I remember correctly one needs to punch in a code (PIN?), to find all the photos where one appears. Makes it simple to pick-and-choose. I agree that it would be confusing for a first-timer or one not familiar with the system. :eek:

Thank you NomDePlume, most helpful.

 

I've seen this machine several times and wondered what it was for.

I had assumed that it was for ordering reprints of photos one had already chosen from the racks.

I thought the "key-card" slot was there to charge the right person's onboard account.

And the "pin" part was the reference number from the bottom of every photo (at least on the ones I've seen), so the right reprint was ordered.

I shall look very closely next time!

(And will still refuse to have the boarding picture taken!).

 

All best wishes to you, great to see you post :) .

[pepperrn]

Now, now, Pepper, that's very cynical. Surely they wouldn't...would they?

Hi Fifer,

 

If I can think the nightmare up in a few seconds... :eek:

 

Seriously, I think we've only seen the start of new and inventive ways of increasing onboard revenue.

I very much doubt that in ten years time room service will be free. Or afternoon tea in the Queens Room ("Afternoon Tea is free in the Kings Court/Lido, or for a nominal charge, discerning guests can enjoy exclusive traditional white-glove service, with our resident string quartet playing carefully selected melodies, in the glorious Queens Room" (I missed my calling :D )).

I'm sure there will be further examples...

 

I have never trusted bean-counters not to ruin everything they touch :mad: .

 

Very best wishes to you :) .

[ToadOfToadHall]

Pepperrn,

 

You've managed to get "nominal charge" and "for your convenience" into you last 2 posts !! Have you considered taking a position with Cunard ?:D

[fantasy51]

Please Pepper, don't give them ideas!!! They can think up enough by themselves without you suggesting more revenue-raising ideas.

[pepperrn]

Pepperrn, You've managed to get "nominal charge" and "for your convenience" into you last 2 posts !! Have you considered taking a position with Cunard ?

:)

 

Thank you ToadOfToadHall,

You can tell I read a lot of cruise-line brochures (not just Cunard); hotels, restaurants, banks, stores, their "marketing blurb", as well :( .

They all read the same, or very similar.

 

I only wish I could say that I find their reality "convenient", and that my accounts have only "nominal" charges on them. But more often the opposite is the case :mad: .

 

Best wishes,

[Olliesmum]

Perhaps, I can shed some light on this issue?

 

On our recent QE Baltic trip, immediately prior to boarding we were encouraged to have our photos taken. We chose to do so and were then asked for our ID cards. As this was not normal practice, I asked why. I was told that this was so that they could establish a record for us on their database. This would then allow them to associate all photos taken of us with our cabin number. This would make it easier for them - and us - to find those photos. (Presumably this would involve some sort of face recognition software - which is perfectly feasible these days)

 

I found this a plausible explanation and thought no more about it. I can see how some passengers, less familiar with the ways of the ship and its onboard photographers, might confuse this explanation with some sort of official ID process.

 

 

I was on that one as well! I know what you mean; however, on our 5th August voyage they were definatly telling people the photos were for ID.

[pepperrn]

Please Pepper, don't give them ideas!!! They can think up enough by themselves without you suggesting more revenue-raising ideas.

:o Sorry fantasy51 :o !!!

 

I do hope I'm forgiven... if I promise not to add a few more I thought up? ;)

 

All best wishes, :)

[fantasy51]

:o Sorry fantasy51 :o !!!

 

I do hope I'm forgiven... if I don't add a few more I thought up? ;)

 

All best wishes, :)

 

So that makes it conditional forgiveness? :rolleyes:

 

Granted!

 

(If only Cruise Critic had private messaging and then you could tell me your other ideas.)

[seasidegal]

Hi Fifer,

 

If I can think the nightmare up in a few seconds... :eek:

 

Seriously, I think we've only seen the start of new and inventive ways of increasing onboard revenue.

I very much doubt that in ten years time room service will be free. Or afternoon tea in the Queens Room ("Afternoon Tea is free in the Kings Court/Lido, or for a nominal charge, discerning guests can enjoy exclusive traditional white-glove service, with our resident string quartet playing carefully selected melodies, in the glorious Queens Room" (I missed my calling :D )).

I'm sure there will be further examples...

 

I have never trusted bean-counters not to ruin everything they touch :mad: .

 

Very best wishes to you :) .

 

pepper:

 

If by chance I'm still kicking around on the top of earth's dirt in 10 years, we can see if your prediction has come true. If it has, we will pay your 'nominal charge' for Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room. Of course, it will depend on the amount of 'nominal' in future dollars :D

 

Don't lose your rose coloured glasses.....they are very hard to replace. :-)

 

Biddy and Coot

[ToadOfToadHall]

Well, they now charge for "premium" afternoon teas as opposed to the "standard one".

 

$15 for the "deluxe" (as I recall, or whatever they call it).

 

$30 for the "champagne" (i.e. deluxe+1 glass of champagne)

 

So charging for the Queens room tea but not for the lido/kings court sounds like a logical move to me.

 

The cruise industry is going (slowly) towards the Ryan Air business model, i.e. have a very low base price, but charge for every extra going (the argument used is that because no everyone uses the extras, why should everyone pay ?), i.e. not everyone has afternoon tea, so why should those that don't pay for it ?

[glojo]

Boarding QM2 July 28th for TA, I was astonished to hear photographers telling boarding passengers that they needed to have their photographs taken, for ID purposes on board.

 

I met several passengers who complained to the to Purser, that this behavior must stop. One first time couple were very angry when they found out they had spent money for pictures they did not need for ID

 

Very pleased to read that their behavior has been modified. I can ignore them at the gangway but I dislike them interrupting dinner in the dining room.

Hi Jimsgirl and anyone else that can answer this query.

 

I was under the impression that the ship's photographers (I take it there are more than one?) take lots and lots of photographs of passengers and it was then up to the passengers to order whatever prints they wanted?

 

Another contributor has suggested they leave pictures in your cabin and there is some sort of deadline in which to pay for these images and if they are not returned, then we have to then pay for all of them? Hopefully that last point was very much tongue in cheek?

 

As an aside would these folks have more custom if their prices were reduced?:o

[pepperrn]

pepper: Don't lose your rose coloured glasses.....they are very hard to replace. :-)

Hi seasidegal,

I will try not to lose my rose-tinted glasses, nor my huge grin everytime I step on board and enter the Grand Lobby of QM2 :D .

But I am a realist as well... ;) .

With sincere best wishes to you and Mr seasidegal...

[ToadOfToadHall]

Formal photos were $35 on the QV last week. I think the getting on/off ones were $17.

 

They would most likely sell more if they were cheaper but I can't see that happening.

[Deely]

Formal photos were $35 on the QV last week. I think the getting on/off ones were $17.

 

They would most likely sell more if they were cheaper but I can't see that happening.

 

$35:eek: is that the most expensive at sea, perhaps?

 

Someone mentioned a package for $500 does anyone know what that includes? This will be our first cruise with Cunard (over Christmas and New Year) and we do usually buy some photo's with other lines.

[ToadOfToadHall]

$35:eek: is that the most expensive at sea, perhaps?

 

I know they were $30 in 2008, because we bought some (like most people do I suspect when it's their first cruise). I've not bought any since. But I certainly recall them being $35 a pop this time round.

 

They have also made them a bit smaller (the overall size is the same) but now there are 3 little photos of the same thing on the top of the picture. Why ? Mrs Toad suggested it was so you could give the small copies to other people. Maybe, or you could just copy them on your printer/scanner.

[Jimsgirl]

Hi Jimsgirl and anyone else that can answer this query.

 

I was under the impression that the ship's photographers (I take it there are more than one?) take lots and lots of photographs of passengers and it was then up to the passengers to order whatever prints they wanted?

 

Another contributor has suggested they leave pictures in your cabin and there is some sort of deadline in which to pay for these images and if they are not returned, then we have to then pay for all of them? Hopefully that last point was very much tongue in cheek?

 

As an aside would these folks have more custom if their prices were reduced?:o

 

Hullo Glojo,

 

The problem ( at least as I see it ) is that the photographers actually stop passengers going about their day, and insist the passenger stop and has a photo taken.

 

In July and Aug on at least two cruises ( see Ossiesmum's posting as well as my own) they did not take a "no thanks" as meaning "I do not want my photo taken ,- instead they stopped passengers as they boarded, and told them that they needed to stop and pose for a photo because quote "you will need it for ID on the ship". The implication being that without it the passenger would be denied service .

 

This of course was a lie , and legally the photographer was committing fraud.

 

Past passengers knew this and told the photographers so, but there are always first timers, someone who normally does not travel, for whom the cruise was a once in a lifetime event, perhaps they booked with their local travel agent who also had never cruised.

 

Such passengers would get "suckered".

 

At dinner, you are enjoying your meal and having pleasant conversation, up comes a photographer interrupting and insisting we should

a/ "have a photo of your companion." (regardless than most likely we had never met until that meal), and

b/ "you need a group photo".

 

Why would they think anyone would need a photo of themselves with a bunch of strangers????

 

Of course no one is forced to buy at the outrageous prices , but and speaking only for myself of course I find the intrusion of these photographers into my day/evening a "blankety blank" invasion of my life.

 

In fact I have a hard time trying to maintain a ladylike behavior with them, I feel like grabbing their cameras and stamping them under foot into little pieces.

 

There should be a area OUT of the MAIN area where those who wish to pose in front of a piece of canvas, can do so , without intruding on the rest of us.

 

Why should the rest of us find our walkway blocked , why should I have to walk through the casino to get past these people? . Why should I have to be careful where I put my feet because they have cables running across the walkway?

 

We would soon find a difference if someone fell and Cunard had to pay compensation because they allowed an "unsafe public area".

 

The photographers may be "independent contractors" but Cunard still has the right to insist that they not endanger passenger safety

[rsquare]

What is the etiquette when you are sitting at a table for 6 or 8 and the photographer comes over and wants to take a group picture, which will require you to push your chair over or perhaps stand behind some of your seated tablemates, and you'd rather not participate? I've been at tables where a quick glance around and a few shakes of the head made it clear that no one wanted the table photo, but if the signals are unclear or absent, I suppose that I wouldn't want to be the grouch who spoiled it all for everyone else. How have others handled this?