Checklist for posting & replying to a bad review.

[private92656]

My 2 pesos:

 

Looks like we always have a cat fight when someone posts a not-so-postive

review on this board, I hope we can have some kind of README_FIRST note to

reduce the tension here. Let's keep this board as a pleasant place for All

cruisers to gather and exchange experience, opinion, and tips.

 

First some general comments

 

1) All reviews/opinion only reflect what the writter had gone through.

That person's experience was shaped by that particular cruise/ship/CD,

staffs on board and weather during that time. If it differs from yours,

doesn't necessary mean that person is lying, trolling, is a whiner,

or didn't have the right attitude.

 

2) We are all humans and sometimes we do like to vent a little, especially

a long waited vacation costing $$$ didn't turn out to be as great as

expected. So be a little bit more understanding.

 

3) Vast majority of posters here are fans of Princess CL, me included,

So some of us do get a little defensive over allnegative comments.

 

4) As this board is known as Cruise CRITIC, we should welcome comments

both + & -, so we can learn from other people's experience, and set

the right expectation. However when you do decide to make a general comment

on the ship or cruise line, please re-think your whole experience and

then decide whether it was as bad or good as you initially think.

 

If you had only one unpleasant encounter with a staff member, don't generalize

by saying "the service on this ship sucks". My last cruise on Star princess,

I ran into a very unfriendly fellow at purser's desk, but the waiters and

room attendant were just fantastic, so I brush off that as an isolated incident.

(now I do like to vent a little here, why do all the cruise lines have to

man the purser's desk with our friends from commonwealth? I personall don't

care for those a bit. I'd rather have Asian or East Europeans there).

 

 

For the person about to write negative comments:

 

1) Please be precise. Instead of saying "the food is bad", you could write

"the beef was tough, and hot soup was served at room temp".

 

2) Don't blame the cruise line for thing they cannot control, such as whether,

flight delay, virus brought on by passengers, or passenger mix.

 

3) Check to see if you have the realistic expectation. NO need to complain

about too many kids while school is out. You should know better.

 

4) If your cruise was bad, please let us know if you have tried to correct

it while onboard and what the response was from the management.

 

5) We know that cruise line has been cutting corners, but look at the price

you are paying. 10+ years, they serve caviar in DR, but I also paid 5K for

2 even during off season.

 

For those who believe cruise line can do no wrong:

 

1) S*** happens, and when it does, the perception of the whole experience

can be tilted, it's just human nature. No need to put on your armor and

get into attck mode.

 

2) There are bad apples amoung thousands of employees hired by cruise lines.

 

3) The cruise lines HAS been cutting corners. This is a fact. And overall

service level has been going down. I personally think Princess experience

has gone from super wonderful to just wonderful (don't ask me what they

means). BUt considering the price we are paying, the value of a cruise on

a princess ship has gone from wonderful to super wonderful.

 

4) Sometimes the cruise lines do drop the ball handling unexpected events.

I think most people understand nature of "unexpectness", but if the cruise

line was or perceived as evasive and/or unresponsive, the pax do have a

legitmate complain here. It's all about communication.

 

 

I'm cetain that I have missed many many points, and some of things I said

may not sit well with you. You are more than welcome to correct me.

 

 

That's all from a semi-experienced cruisers.( 11 cruises so far, 5X princess,

3x CCL, 3X RCI).

 

BTW, I have enhjoyed reading the posts here for the last year or so. Keep up the good work!

[ahracer]

Very good points.

 

Scott

[mii]

Right on. I also agree there are some many fine points.

 

 

Marilyn

[srphnx]

All great points additionally I would hasten to add, we are all entitled to a view point.

 

Bashing a poster is bad IF it is bashing.

 

Bashing someone because you THINK they might be bashing a poster is bad.

 

Bashing someone who defends the poster, and using bashing as the primary method of defense is bad.

 

Bashing someone who defends the original basher and using bashing to do it is also bad.

 

Ok.. so in general.... bashing = bad. Lets remember community guidelines, disagreements over opinions are commonplace, the way we try to do it graciously is paramount.

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

One MORE open Booking(s).

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Sapphire Princess 09/04

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[sue d. miller]

AMEN!!!

 

Sue

7 days on Star Princess 10/24

 

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GandGinSoCalif]

I've just been trying to figure out how to appropriately reply to this post....

[sue d. miller]

I did the same thing!! And I am still going to get hit!!

 

Sue

7 days on Star Princess 10/24

 

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[srphnx]

If you do get hit Sue, I will kiss it all better

 

*please hit Sue somewhere good everyone*.

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

One MORE open Booking(s).

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Sapphire Princess 09/04

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

[private92656]

As the OP on this thread, my intention was to generate some productive discussion on things to consider when posting a message on this or any board. Any comment, both for and against what I have said, is welcome. I believe a little more understanding and a little more patience goes a long way to make this board a oasis for fellow cruisers.

 

GandGinSocal, please don't hesitate to say what's on your mind. BTW, what's up with those lakers? Looks like we, SoCalers, are not going to have a sport champ parade this year.

 

Sue, don't get discouraged. If we just all count to 10 before we hit the send button, this will be a much better place.

[GandGinSoCalif]

Private,

I was just trying to add a bit of levity with my earlier post. Now, though--since you brought up the Lakers--I'm compelled to adhere to your suggestion and count to 10....

[sue d. miller]

Thanks, he came back and got me again, and this time it didn't hurt!! Steve, he hit me everywhere!!!!! LOL

 

Sue

7 days on Star Princess 10/24

 

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY..... GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Flintstone]

"Readers Digest Version"....Bashing is Bad!!

 

GO PISTONS !!!!!!!!

 

9/2000 Carnival Tropicale

12/2001 NCL Norway

9/2002 NCL Norway

10/2003 Disney Wonder

6/19/2005 Sapphire Princess

[imsulin]

Very good post, private! I appreciate your taking the time to put into writing the thoughts that many of us feel, especially the part about "be a little more understanding". Being appropriately defensive is one thing - bashing and being inconsiderate is another.

 

All of these Boards have their little "cliques", where they will stick up for each other, right or wrong. It's refreshing to be able to by-pass some of this and get to the heart of the matter, which is that any poster has the right to post their opinion of their cruise experience, without fear of the really nasty and over-used "Oh, good! XXX more cabins for us"! typical comment, and others like them. What's the point with those comments? They don't generate much respect.

 

I'm like you, and prefer to read a post with some substance, rather than a one-line zinger that really doesn't say much, other than to portray mediocrity and uncreativity.

 

Thanks again for taking the time to post the things that really should occur on these Boards! (But many times don't).

[JanMD]

Just a reminder on this board, you can post negative events that happen on the ships, and can post positive things. Don't bash people for posting things that occured on there trip!

We live in America, we are allowed to reflect our opinions. Respect someones posting and what they went through. Again, respect is the word on this board, if you can't do that then don't post, just observe.

[Geema]

Pistons Rock. Sorry Lakers.

[imsulin]

Originally posted by srphnx:

 

Ok.. so in general.... bashing = bad. Lets remember community guidelines, disagreements over opinions are commonplace, the way we try to do it graciously is paramount.

 

 

I think that "the way we try to do it graciously is paramount" would hopefully eliminate the one-line zingers that have very little meaning, and gain very little respect. Thanks.

[spongerob]

Not a bad first attempt, except for that "commonwealth" comment. What you call venting might be seen as bashing by those with "commonwealth" home addresses.

 

Let's face it, sometimes people post things that are just plain wrong, sometimes unintentionally but often intentionally. I think it is incumbent upon those who know better to politely question such statements, without fear of being accused as a member of a secret clique of undercover PCL operatives. Those who come here looking for information (newbies) deserve no less.

 

I agree with the intent of private's post, but I have at times felt that some of those who complain most loudly about the "bashing" are among the best at it.

 

Completed:

Sea Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess (3X), Caribbean Princess, Golden Princess

[srphnx]

Spongerob

 

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>I agree with the intent of private's post, but I have at times felt that some of those who complain most loudly about the "bashing" are among the best at it.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

Perhaps if you substituted most prolific for best.

 

I am instituting a new campaign of ignoring those posts that are clearly just seeking an argument or bashing contest, beating them at it has become a bore and most aren't bright enough to know when beaten anyway, so from now on this:

 

CC5

 

is the (un)official CC five sign for *I am* or *let us* ignore the offensive.

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

One MORE open Booking(s).

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Sapphire Princess 09/04

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[Florida Beach]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by srphnx:

If you do get hit Sue, I will kiss it all better

*please hit Sue somewhere good everyone*.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

 

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by sue d. miller:

Thanks, he came back and got me again, and this time it didn't hurt!! Steve, he hit me everywhere!!!!!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

You guys are SO BAD. My drink almost went out through my noses.

 

March 28, 2004 - Mariner of the Seas

July 4, 2004 - Sapphire Princess - Alaska

[Jacqueline]

And guess what , if it is your first post and a bash, it does NOT have the same degree of credibility as someone who is a regualr poster.

Why ? Because we have a better sense of what people are about when we KNOW them !

That isnt to say that people arent entitled to their feelings or their posts but there is bound to be a question as to why one never asked a question or joined in the Roll Call board prior to their sailing.

 

Jacqueline

Constellation 3/20/04

HAL Westerdam 7/30/04

Tahitian Princess August 2003

Grand Princess Western Caribbean 2003

Brilliance of the Seas Baltic 2002

Ocean Princess- Alaska 2001

Celebrity Zenith- Bermuda 2001

Grand Princess Med 2000

 

[srphnx]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Jacqueline:

And guess what , if it is your first post and a bash, it does NOT have the same degree of credibility as someone who is a regualr poster.

Why ? Because we have a better sense of what people are about when we KNOW them !

That isnt to say that people arent entitled to their feelings or their posts but there is bound to be a question as to why one never asked a question or joined in the Roll Call board prior to their sailing.

 

Jacqueline

Constellation 3/20/04

HAL Westerdam 7/30/04

Tahitian Princess August 2003

Grand Princess Western Caribbean 2003

Brilliance of the Seas Baltic 2002

Ocean Princess- Alaska 2001

Celebrity Zenith- Bermuda 2001

Grand Princess Med 2000

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

!!!

 

Life is at it's best when your address floats

One MORE open Booking(s).

<FONT color=red>Alaska</FONT>

Sapphire Princess 09/04

Diamond Princess 05/04 ~~ Mercury 06/02

Rhapsody o.t. Seas 05/98 ~~ Legend o.t. Seas 09/95

<FONT color=red>Mexican Riviera</FONT>

Diamond Princess 12/04

Diamond Princess 11/04 ~~ Diamond Princess 04/04

Sea Princess 01/02 ~~ Vision o.t. Seas 04/02<FONT color=red>

West Coast-Baja Mexico</FONT>

Ecstacy 09/01

<FONT color=red>Eastern Carribean</FONT>

Century 12/97

<FONT color=red>Western Carribean</FONT>

Century 9/96

 

[DoniaG]

Some food for thought:

 

"There is no greater mistake than the hasty conclusion that opinions are worthless because they are badly argued."

Thomas H. Huxley (1825 - 1895)

 

Donia

[imsulin]

Originally posted by Jacqueline:

And guess what , if it is your first post and a bash, it does NOT have the same degree of credibility as someone who is a regualr poster.

Why ? Because we have a better sense of what people are about when we KNOW them !

That isnt to say that people arent entitled to their feelings or their posts but there is bound to be a question as to why one never asked a question or joined in the Roll Call board prior to their sailing.

 

Wow! It's a good thing that CC frowns upon correcting another poster's spelling and grammar and punctuation! It's also good that CC specifically states that a poster MUST be a member of CC before they book their cruise, and are NOT allowed to post a negative review as a new member! It's also good that CC requires that a new poster is not allowed to "bash" their cruise! I have to tell you, that in 1978, after I completed my first cruise, there were not only no PC computers/Internet/forums/calculators/VCRs/DVDs/CDs/ available to share cruise experiences, but we actually had to WRITE letters to express any satisfaction or discontent! I'm just wondering if I can be a regulair poster and avoid using apostrophes! It would certainly gain me the credibility and respect that I deserve!

[dosi]

No I think it would take much more than not using apostrophes.

 

doris

 

"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine"--Caskie Stinnett

 

Elation 10/20/02

Paradise 9/21/03

Pride of Aloha 6/07/04

Star Princess 10/24/04

[NASH99]

If you do not say what you feel, who will?

The effect may remain long after the cause in gone.

When two share the same pain, they are one.

Don't jerk people around, do it smoothly!

AMEN !!! cc5

Steve

 

Golden 2/04

Grand 11/03

The three most exciting sounds in the world: Anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles....George Bailey