Why do people complain after they get home?

[bguppies]

I am thankful that people honestly express their complaints from THEIR cruise.

 

It is up to me to decide if that person's complaint is valid and whether I will let it help me decide on a ship, itinerary, date, etc...(let me decide that a complaint of "it was smoky" in the casino is ridiculous, to me.)

 

It helps to counterbalance the completely overblown, ray of sunshine reviews by the cheerleaders in here. (no cruise is 100% good and no cruise is 100% bad.)

 

I just wish the cheerleaders wouldn't jump into every negative review and try to drown it, with their excuses and reviews from 3-4 year old cruises, which inaccurately reflect what is going on with any ship, currently.

 

Just let people read each person's opinion of THEIR cruise and let everybody else, use their own filter, to sort through and make an informed decision on their own.

 

Thanks to everyone who honestly posts their cruise experience, knowing the cheerleaders will be close behind to clobber them. (and this is on every board, since RCCL and Carnival cheerleaders make the handful in here look like rank amateurs.)

 

Bill

[che5904]

knowing the cheerleaders will be close behind to clobber them. (and this is on every board, since RCCL and Carnival cheerleaders make the handful in here look like rank amateurs.)

 

Bill

 

Maybe that's for a very good reason. Maybe it's because any positive experience is labelled as cheerleading when in fact they are just that, positive experiences.

 

Maybe they are just positive people and don't waste their hard earned vacation concentrating on petty stuff and instead let the positive things in their holiday shine.

 

I agree that there is no 100% one way or the other, that's just plain life in general. But if I had negatives on any vacation I have taken, they have been quickly forgotten because I've actually never had a bad vacation and the good far outweighed the bad.

 

Some people are just negative people and appear to thrive on the bad things, no matter how little. IMO life is way to short to dwell on things. So if my post appears positive whether it is from an experience from yesterday or 5 years ago. I guarantee I am not cheerleading for anyone, just giving the positives of my experience. Because good or bad, it is just an opinion, and mine is just as valid as anyone elses.

[SeaShark]

I am thankful that people honestly express their complaints from THEIR cruise.

 

It is up to me to decide if that person's complaint is valid and whether I will let it help me decide on a ship, itinerary, date, etc...(let me decide that a complaint of "it was smoky" in the casino is ridiculous, to me.)

 

It helps to counterbalance the completely overblown, ray of sunshine reviews by the cheerleaders in here. (no cruise is 100% good and no cruise is 100% bad.)

 

I just wish the cheerleaders wouldn't jump into every negative review and try to drown it, with their excuses and reviews from 3-4 year old cruises, which inaccurately reflect what is going on with any ship, currently.

 

Just let people read each person's opinion of THEIR cruise and let everybody else, use their own filter, to sort through and make an informed decision on their own.

 

Thanks to everyone who honestly posts their cruise experience, knowing the cheerleaders will be close behind to clobber them. (and this is on every board, since RCCL and Carnival cheerleaders make the handful in here look like rank amateurs.)

 

Bill

 

I think Cruise Critic took what you are saying into account when they laid out the message boards.

 

They created a review section where a person could post their expriences. Nobody can post any disagreement with someone's experience (of course, questions about something read in a review can always be asked in the discussion forums) or disparage the reviewer in any way. A person is free to post their experience without having to be concerned about how other people might take react...positively or negatively.

 

They also created discussion forums where people could ask/answer questions or debate issues involving the cruise line.

 

 

Of course, if a poster insists on posting a review in the DISCUSSION forum, then exactly whose fault is it when the inevitable discussion occurs??

[dixielandings]

I was reading that thread earlier and had to stop! I understand people needing to vent but this is my problem with public forums - you just cannot know the person on the other end of the cyber line: whether they're telling the truth, just being overly emotional, have a beef with somebody that they're trying exact revenge on, etc. When I come to places like Cruise Critic, I'm actually seeking information and help in planning my vacation. I am here because I lack experience and hope to find other people willing to share their experience with me. It's hard to know how to decipher who is sharing true and valuable information, and who is just plain mad. Or in the case of the OP on the aforementioned thread, embarrassed. AND mad.

 

Apparently, this goes both ways - today is the first time I've heard the term "cheerleader" on these boards. I suppose the best way to share info is without emotion, as much as possible. In other words: "just the facts, ma'am" :o

 

Having said all that, I'm really glad CC is here - along with Trip Advisor and a few other sites - to answer questions and share excitement about the great trips!

[antsnanny]

I think Cruise Critic took what you are saying into account when they laid out the message boards.

 

They created a review section where a person could post their expriences. Nobody can post any disagreement with someone's experience (of course, questions about something read in a review can always be asked in the discussion forums) or disparage the reviewer in any way. A person is free to post their experience without having to be concerned about how other people might take react...positively or negatively.

 

They also created discussion forums where people could ask/answer questions or debate issues involving the cruise line.

 

 

Of course, if a poster insists on posting a review in the DISCUSSION forum, then exactly whose fault is it when the inevitable discussion occurs??

 

Very well said!

[VegasCrossfire]

We often hear people complaining about the food on the elevators, and guess what we usually do.

 

We start talking about how great the food is. That we are stuffed. Shuts them up in a hurry.

 

When I first read this, I thought people were complaining about the food served on the elevators....I had to read it a second time!:eek:

 

Once I realized what you were saying, I realized that is EXACTLY what we like to do. No matter what they are complaining about, we praise it! It usually does shut them up! I'm sure they complain about us after we get off the elevator, but oh well! :D

[antsnanny]

I agree, Im not a complainer really but the few times I had an issue, I addressed it immediately. The cruise line fixed and in most cases followed up with us to make sure things were right. It only took a minute and it was well worth it because it didn't tarnish the rest of my cruise. I have been on perfect cruises and not so perfect cruises but I always managed to enjoy ever one of them! I also agree with the language issue, I cant imagine how they understand all of the passengers, our body language, our sense of humor and our accents. Also, when I read someone complain about a cruise, whether it be the food, the staff, the entertainment or yes, even bingo ; ) and they don't have one good thing to say, I get suspect and take it with a grain of salt.

[numberguy]

Whenever something minor or non-fixable goes wrong on a cruise (the deck of cards with which I want to play solitaire is missing the six of hearts, for example), I say to myself "Well, that's unfortunate," and move on to the next thing I might do. That even includes the day I lost due to seasickness.

 

If it's major and fixable, I politely ask to have it fixed.

 

The only major problem I have is when people keep asking me if I'm enjoying my cruise. I'm still on board, am I not? If so, I'm enjoying my cruise...

 

--Michael

[Barb Nahoumi]

People like to vent, and this is a public forum. Who knows if these people complain while onboard. You have to take some of the things posted here with a grain of salt. On all of the cruises I have been on, I can't think of an instance where I can say a crew member was rude. Fellow passengers - yes, of course. That is going to happen ... but I can't recall anything specific about a rude crewmember. Also, English is not always the first language of the crew member. Most of the time it isn't, and things can most definitely get lost in translation. What you considered "normal" to ask a crew member to stop her job so you could take a picture ... well, I wouldn't say it's rude, but it's not something I ever would have done. For all you know they have a certain timelimit to complete their tasks. I'd never ask a working person to stop a job for me ... I would have waited until she was done and then taken my photo. But ... that's just me.

 

I agree with you, I would have waited also.

[Medtech2]

Just curious, what was the issue with Bingo?

We were told on a former cruise that if we purchased that expensive T-shirt package that wearing the Bingo T-shirt would get us a free card in the future. Did not happen on the Breakaway.

 

1) I never would have bought the top package without that incentive

 

2) It was embarassing to wear that shirt around the ship (for me :))

[ClaireAndMike]

You know, it really makes me nervous. Me (and about 25 family members) are cruising on the Breakaway in August. While my sister and I have had zero complaints about any of the 3 NCL cruises we've been on thus far, I just have a bad feeling that my family members will somehow manage to have an experience like those who are making all of these complaints. They are far more difficult to please than my sister and I who can always roll with the punches and make the best of any situation - not that we've ever needed to make lemons out of lemonade on an NCL cruise.

 

One of my uncles and his family will be in the Haven (offffff course) and gosh I just really, really, really hope they have an enjoyable time.

 

They're all cruised before, but on different lines. I feel that NCL is "our" line (meaning my sister and I) and any potential "situation" will be thrown in our face.

 

I'm most concerned about long waits in the MDR's. My sister and I don't mind a "leisurely" dinner but there is no way in hell my family will happily tolerate that, I don't think. Then again, I'm hoping they'll be in speciality restaurants most of the time.

 

Eek. :eek:

[luddite]

We have been on 40+/- cruises. We have encountered rude crewmembers on every ship on every line. Just last month on the Allure, we encountered a rude cleaning person. We asked her to move her bucket off a step briefly for us to take a photo and she said, "no, I have to get this finished - that is my instructions". We were frustrated and shocked, but went on to have a fine cruise. I just chalked it up to her having a bad day. I'd never give a crewmember the power to be rude enough to ruin a cruise experience and memories for my family.

 

 

i wouldn't characterize this lady's response as rude. She had a job to do.

I would actually consider your reaction towards her as .....inconsiderate.

Coming back in a few minutes would've been a good idea.

 

I've never encountered a rude crewmember. Ever.

[bingo3]

Some people don't like confrontations and and are not comfortable complaining in person. I personally would not unless it was really serious. I am also pretty easy to please and don't expect to be waited on hand and foot. They vent on these boards in the hopes it will either be read by the appropriate people who may address any "true" issues, or to let others know what to expect. It is up to us to pick out what is important, what is a true issue and what may be unrealistic expectations or petty issues on the poster's part.

 

I too have never seen a rude employee on any cruise I have been on. Some are introverted and not as outgoing, yes, but then so am I (introverted)! I don't expect them to all be bubbly and over the top. Some employees have those personalities, and that is great, but not everyone does. I am sure it is just as difficult for them to be thrown in with all the languages/accents we speak and expected to understand us. As long as they do their job, that is all I expect.

 

And I too would have waited to take a picture, not expected an employee to stop what they were doing for me. I don't think their response was rude, they may have thought it was rude to be asked. All about perceptions....

[ldlewis45]

We were told on a former cruise that if we purchased that expensive T-shirt package that wearing the Bingo T-shirt would get us a free card in the future. Did not happen on the Breakaway.

 

1) I never would have bought the top package without that incentive

 

2) It was embarassing to wear that shirt around the ship (for me :))

Wait, I don't think I'm understanding this. You complained because you didn't ask questions and assumed that what happened in the past on another ship would automatically happen on the Breakaway, and because you actually wore a shirt that you bought? Please tell me I'm reading that wrong!

[antsnanny]

Wait, I don't think I'm understanding this. You complained because you didn't ask questions and assumed that what happened in the past on another ship would automatically happen on the Breakaway, and because you actually wore a shirt that you bought? Please tell me I'm reading that wrong!

 

I get what your saying and I sometimes assume that things would be the same on the Breakaway as they are on on the Jewel Class Ships. There were a few things missing on the Breakaway that I am accustom to from sailing the Gem and the Jewel. Having said that, The Breakaway was slightly different but made up for these things in other ways. I am pleased and not surprised that "Dan the Man" addressed the issue for the OP. He's a great CD..

Edited January 13, 2014 by antsnanny

[DISNEY1975]

When I first read this, I thought people were complaining about the food served on the elevators....I had to read it a second time!:eek:

 

 

Ha! When I first read it, I though it meant people were complaining about other passengers who were carrying food into the elevators! (Maybe bringing a plate to their cabin from the buffet??)

[OCruisers]

Sometimes, people do complain about minor things that annoyed them that weren't major enough to make an issue of while on the ship ... just to let others know.

 

Then, there are folks who had a horrid disembarkation who can't complain until they get home.

 

LuLu

~~~~

[Medtech2]

Wait, I don't think I'm understanding this. You complained because you didn't ask questions and assumed that what happened in the past on another ship would automatically happen on the Breakaway, and because you actually wore a shirt that you bought? Please tell me I'm reading that wrong!

Huh?

 

I was trying to be succinct and illustrate a point.

 

But here goes, if you're interested:

 

On the Epic, we went to Bingo. Packages were being sold. One included a Bingo T-Shirt. We were told that wearing that Bingo T-Shirt got you a free card at all future Bingo games. We forgot the T-Shirt on our Sun cruise but noticed other passengers wearing the shirt and getting the cards. So we remembered it on our Breakaway cruise and I wore it to Bingo, where I was told no free card with the wearing of the T-Shirt.

 

How clear can that be? It did not require me to read rules. It was what was marketed. Apparently not the case on the Breakaway. I questioned the policy. I got an answer. The point of this discussion was people complaining AFTER the fact, on these boards. My example was me complaining while on board, and the resolution.

 

Resolution does not mean I got my way, it means my concern was validated as legitimate, an explanation given in a personal manner, while on board. I moved on. Vacation great. Example told, okay?

[Host Star]

hi folks,

I just returned from a cruise (which cruiseline shall remain nameless) whch was fabulous.... but I notice some of you were not playing nice while I was gone...

 

debates are healthy and encouraged but name calling is not..

[che5904]

hi folks,

I just returned from a cruise (which cruiseline shall remain nameless) whch was fabulous....

 

Welcome back, glad your cruise was great.

[antsnanny]

I have put complaining on my list of other deadly sins!

Beth Allen's website talks about it:

The truth is, complaining is really an outward expression of an inner frustration. We think that by complaining about it we’ll find a solution, but all that really happens is that we end up dwelling on the situation when you could have long since moved on! When you can’t change a situation, you can always change your attitude about it!

 

On top of that, when we complain, we give up our power to do something about it. Not to mention that complaining completely negates happiness! It’s just not possible to be happy and complaining at the same time. And that’s a sad fact! ;-)

 

Successful people understand that negativity zaps energy, motivation and focus, so avoid complainers at all costs. Therefore, if you’re a complainer, well, you’ll likely find yourself hanging out with other complainers! Yikes! That’s reason enough, right?!

 

I love this post! Thank you for your perspective, it is so true.

[mpk218]

hi folks,

I just returned from a cruise (which cruiseline shall remain nameless) whch was fabulous.... but I notice some of you were not playing nice while I was gone...

 

debates are healthy and encouraged but name calling is not..

 

Oh sure now your back :D

 

Can we start a new section where we can all vote a member off the island ??

 

Please.

 

welcome back ( Playing nice ; )

[SissasMomE]

'bout time. Hope you had a nice cruise!

[greekmike]

I am thankful that people honestly express their complaints from THEIR cruise.

 

I just wish the cheerleaders wouldn't jump into every negative review and try to drown it, with their excuses and reviews from 3-4 year old cruises, which inaccurately reflect what is going on with any ship, currently.

 

Just let people read each person's opinion of THEIR cruise and let everybody else, use their own filter, to sort through and make an informed decision on their own.

 

Thanks to everyone who honestly posts their cruise experience, knowing the cheerleaders will be close behind to clobber them. (and this is on every board, since RCCL and Carnival cheerleaders make the handful in here look like rank amateurs.)

 

Bill

I couldn't have said it better myself, there was a "Shame on NCL" thread that was EXCELLENT that was closed because the cheerleaders wouldn't let it up that they didn't appreciate the OP complained.

 

Just so I don't get accused of hijacking this thread I will answer the OP. People probably do complain when they are on the ship and they should also express their complaints on forums like this.

 

I have done both, complain to someone on the ship; in which case it may or may not resolve anything, and then complain on a message board like this. I think it's more crucial to complain on message boards because I am sure people from the cruise companies read these threads and want to keep them to a minimum; hence complaints on message boards, may eventually trickle to "Less complaints and better service on the ship"

No complaints or people fearing too much of "Cheerleader" Bullying or Browbeating can lead to issues getting overlooked or ignored on the ships which can lead to poor customer service and a poor cruising experience.

 

I don't classify myself as a complainer and always look for the positives when I vacation, but at the same time I also expect to get a positive experience. If a ship employee is laughing it up with a passenger and you patiently wait for their conversation to end to ask them a question and they change their complete tone and mood with you as if you are a nuisance to them then I see that as a problem.

I've read many times from people saying "Was I on the same cruise as these complainers? I had the best time"; I'm sorry but that is a very myopic view of the cruise, expecting everyone to have the same experience as you is truly unrealistic, and people are entitled to and should express their concerns or complaints when they are paying for a service they are not getting.

[ldlewis45]

Huh?

 

I was trying to be succinct and illustrate a point.

 

But here goes, if you're interested:

 

On the Epic, we went to Bingo. Packages were being sold. One included a Bingo T-Shirt. We were told that wearing that Bingo T-Shirt got you a free card at all future Bingo games. We forgot the T-Shirt on our Sun cruise but noticed other passengers wearing the shirt and getting the cards. So we remembered it on our Breakaway cruise and I wore it to Bingo, where I was told no free card with the wearing of the T-Shirt.

 

How clear can that be? It did not require me to read rules. It was what was marketed. Apparently not the case on the Breakaway. I questioned the policy. I got an answer. The point of this discussion was people complaining AFTER the fact, on these boards. My example was me complaining while on board, and the resolution.

 

Resolution does not mean I got my way, it means my concern was validated as legitimate, an explanation given in a personal manner, while on board. I moved on. Vacation great. Example told, okay?

So, basically, I read it correctly, lol. Like I said, with the information that you gave, it sounded like you were told information on a prior trip, assumed without asking staff on the current ship that it would be the same on your latest trip, and then filed a complaint when it turned out the policy had changed. I guess I just don't understand complaining on one ship about something you were told on another ship, three years in the past (per your signature), when you didn't take the time to verify that the policy was still in effect in the first place.

 

It's awesome that NCL responded like they did, and it's certainly great customer service, but I wish they could have devoted the time and effort that was wasted on responding to a trivial complaint to someone that may have had a valid, serious complaint.