Do you see changes in the cruise experience?

[bububr]

But the OP was asking about what we have noticed that has changed since we started cruising, and I simply spoke from my experiences.

 

"You criticize Americans (and generalize) in many of your posts"

 

As far as what I've been seeing on TV and reading in the news, both obeisity and living beyond ones means are a reality in America....not an opinion and not a criticism...but a truth.

 

"Really? You think secondhand smoke would be more pleasant than the current situation?"

 

Actually I would. I can remember the days when there were actually smokers that were somewhat considerate. And I'd rather sit at their table than one with cell phones , walkie talkies or a bunch of 'who-haas' that feel they are TOO good to follow the rules of the dress code. Different strokes for different folks.

 

"You are American, aren't you? Maybe you should consider a nice, expensive, fancy cruise full of people from somewhere else."

 

Yep, 100%. And I was raised to respect people of authority, my elders and conduct that others expect of me.

 

So when I disagree with folks that break the rules, I do so because I follow the rules, not because I am above anyone.

 

My point was that people should know what they are buying into, and follow the rules accordingly. Not just decide to change the rules because they are not suitable to them. It falls under respect and courtesy. Plain and simple.

 

There are many lines that offer different variations on itineraries, dining options, dress codes, etc.... My point is that many do not buy the vacation that suits them the best, they by what ever is cheapest....and usually blindly. There is plenty of information out there. So there is NO excuse for being ignorant to the rules, however most are simply defiant.

 

Once again...."Maybe you should consider a nice, expensive, fancy cruise full of people from somewhere else."

 

Maybe if you took your own advice your attitude might change.;)

 

There is power in knowledge.

 

Dave:eek:

[BaltiGator]

Once again...."Maybe you should consider a nice, expensive, fancy cruise full of people from somewhere else."

 

Maybe if you took your own advice your attitude might change.

 

Not sure about that. My family and I had a WONDERFUL time on RCI, on a relatively inexpensive cruise full of Americans. Yes, the ship was full of fat people and some overly rowdy children. And yes, in the dining room there were I'd say perhaps 15-25% of the guests on any given night not adhering to the dress code - not even close. And yes, there were parts of the ship where there was enough tobacco smoke to send signals to a passing ship. And yes, some people were quite inconsiderate and had to have their way at the expense of others.

 

Still, we didn't spend our time worrying about that stuff. Other people not being considerate or not being dressed right or not being the right physical dimensions - those people have been around since life began. And life goes on. We had a great time anyway.

 

And by the way, you aren't "ruffling" my feathers. Not in the least. I enjoy these trival forum discussions tremendously. It's a nice break from the real world with its real problems, most of which I try not to let get to me too much either, even though those are things that matter. But a cruise ship forum? No, unlike some people, I don't get hot and bothered by comments herein.

 

One other thing, Dave - would you mind telling us about your own past cruise history, since those cruises are not in your signature? Since you clearly seek a more refined cruising experience, and have stated more than once that people should expect to pay for such, and yet you also complain about bad behavior on cruise ships, I'm curious - exactly which cruise lines have you patronized and how well did they live up to your expectations?

[bonbon663]

I can't speak to whether or not the cruise experience has changed because I am going on my first one shortly. I have noticed a change in travel in general. I remember when people used to "dress" for airline travel. It used to be a really big deal. Certainly not the case anymore.

 

 

 

 

[BaltiGator]

I have noticed a change in travel in general. I remember when people used to "dress" for airline travel. It used to be a really big deal. Certainly not the case anymore.

 

True, but it's been a long, long time (decades) since people dressed up to get on a plane. Flying is not especially comfortable, at least not in coach, and it would be not a matter of refinement but of absurdity to sit back there all scrunched in while wearing anything but loose fitting, casual clothes.

[Hplar]

Things have not deteriorated at all at Celebrity. Just take a look at the new, improved elite benefits.:rolleyes:

 

My cabin cleanliness varies from voyage to voyage but I seldom have complaints. A+

Excellent service in the dining room varies by the length of service of the waiter and the busboy but is overall excellent. A+

I have seen different levels of service and friendliness that differs by ship rather than by time. A+ Mercury (Feb) B Galaxy (May)

Food quality over the last year has declined Century (May 2005), Connie (Sept) Summit (Nov B2B), Mercury (Feb B2B2B), Galaxy (May B2B). Food quality is the most subjective of evaluations but the biggest change occurred in our B2B Summit last November. We found the greatest decline in the quality of meat and the change from sole to a fake replacement. My favourite cold soups really deteriorated on May's Galaxy sailing but I'm sure that was just the chef on that cruise. I still think the X cruising experience is great but that additional fuel cost has not led to increased prices but lower food quality... B+ (PS. I did not need all those calories anyways, and now I don't have to excercise as much)

loved your answer!

See you 1/8/07

[kitty9]

I don't think cruises have deteriorated, per se, but things have changed. Since my first cruise in 1975 until now, the focus is now more towards being an all-encompassing vacation, trying to pour as much stuff into a cruise ship as possible. Back in the day, the focus was more towards civility, total relaxation, gourmet food and five star service. You occupied your time reading, sitting in the sun or shade and relaxing. Now, it's how much of a sensory overload can we give the passengers. It's all fun and activities, all the time. I always ask myself, have we become so bored as a society that we have to be constantly inundated with shows, games, ice rinks, boxing rinks and surf pools on our cruise ships? If so, I think that's rather sad.

 

Now if you want to talk downward trend, talk about airlines. I did my first plane ride to NY for my senior high school trip. You dressed up in hats and gloves. Men wore suits. Stewardess, the name they used to go by, were totally professional, unlike nowadays when so many of them spend their time sitting on their behinds reading magazines and slurping noodles out of a cup (yes, that's happened to me on my last 4 flights). Food was excellent and service exceptional. Now, you get pretzels and a plastic cup of soda that's 3/4 ice. Fortunately, the non-US airlines, especially the Asian carriers, know how to treat their passengers, even in coach.

[bububr]

"there were parts of the ship where there was enough tobacco smoke to send signals to a passing ship.":D :D :D

 

I can picture this vision in my mind.

 

As for my history....its mixed.

 

Everything from Regal to Carnival to Of course X.

 

You have to remember many lines have gone belly up or merged since the 80's. I could give you a list, but I won't. To be honest, irrelevent. They are all what we would consider 'Mainstream' lines now. With the exception of more "Class", and less ammenities. Never sailed Radisson, or Crystal,or Oceana...if thats what your looking for, nor have I sailed any of the Q's( which by the way is now carnival by all means ). These were all cruises as a teenager my parents 'forced' me to go on, and I was forced and had to comply with not only their rules, but the dress codes or I was in deep do-do. Not like today. And the food was more scarce inthe daytime, but we had the MOST WONDERFUL midnight buffets every night instead of this quick bites, or finger foods...whatever.

 

BTW: we also used to dress up when we flew. and it was the 70's and 80's. It might be a good question to ask bonbon663 which carriers she used since you seem to be such a skeptic.

 

P.S. I also enjoy the banter and even though I seem like a hard **s,

I think you'd like me.

 

Dave:eek:

[bububr]

for telling it like it is! (was)

 

Dave:eek:

[tumeroll]

denial is not a river. I am sure the folks monitoring the board at Celebrity are breathing easier tonight knowing that they have thrown a fast ball past the majority of passengers who have postedthat cruising has not deminished over the eyars.

 

Lower and lower fares mean more and more mass market passengers. Nice as they may be they do not as a whole bring the same level of ambiance with them. Not their fault because they do not have it in their everyday life. When most of the passengers are rom a working class background vs an executive background dressing up is a totally different thought process.

 

Nothing wrong with that but it has deminished the experience for many. And also lower and lower fares have to be made up somewhere on the ship in savings. Hence a slightly lower level of food, entertainment and general service. If the cabin stewards clean 10% more cabins that means a reduction of 10% of the staff. and so on. A paper clip here and a pencil their and suddenly you have hufge savings.

 

So deny all you want, the overall cruise experience is simply not what it was years ago. yes the ships are bigger, better airconditioning better air cleaners, and more activities for those under the age of 40 but still it has declined from the romantic days. So unless those who miss the good old days can band together and buy a cruise line and put back the high priced exclusive cruises, it istime to get used to what is offered. Don't deny it just get used to it sad as it may be.

[cruisingdelt]

SOme interesting points have been made in this thread. I have to really save to take my family on one cruise a year. Maybe this is what makes each one GREAT:) . They are a brainless vacation where the only thing I have to do is remember to show up for dinner. Regardless of the quality of the food, which I have always found very good, my wife or I don't have to cook it. ANother joy is watching your kids, yes they have been on each of my 5 cruises, grow up and start to appreciate the cruises also. They love them and are beginning to talk avbout cruising as often as possible once Mom and Dad are no longer paying. By the way, they were always taught to behave and respect others, especially when the others are also on vacation. While things may have changed over the years a cruise is still a great buy when you factor in the total cost. I can't think of a better way to spend one or two weeks with my family and hope I will always find some $$$$ to take a cruise. I have been on five and hope to be on at least 20+ more:D :D :D

[newmexicoNita]

Sorry Jim,But I have a little problem with your facts.While the room stewards may have twice as many rooms ,they each have an assistant.

On Celebrity,I've never had a waiter with 36 passwngers to serve. Sometimes as few as ten.

As far as prices being 50% cheaper when everything else costs two or three times what it did in the seventies ...sounds great to me,and,if drink prices are higher than they were then,maybe they could use that money for buying better meat.

As far as your shoes,I don't really believe anyone else on a cruise wants them,nor do I want my running shoes polished.

Finally what about all the added features on the ships today.More and faster elevators, increased dining opions,larger ,better equiped gyms and spas,thallassotherapy pools,better casinos,shops,more varieties of entertainment,a much wider array of excursions,better heating and air conditioning.I don't remember the basketball courts on the old ships.

How about stability...those older ships rocked so much many couldn't enjoy the cruises because they were seasick.Fact!

Did you enjoy the secondhand smoke that was everywhere in the good old days---unhealthy--Fact!

Does anyone else enjoy balconies? Why in the good old days , because of the way the ship was set up, most of the cabins were inside, and those on the outside often had only portholes.

How about saftey and navigation? I feel a lot safer today than in the days of the Andrea Dorea or the Titanic---no icebergs to worry about anymore.

Every era has its plusses and minuses,but please don't take me back to the days of saturday night baths and the 5 day deoderant pad...yuk !!

Golly, I don't think Jim said the stewards don't have assistance, but maybe I mis-read;they do have many more cabins to clean; as for the wait staff that I don't know about but I do know the price of cruising has dropped considerably over the past several years. I also don't think anyone is referring to the "good old days" of cruising having more to offer, of course they didn't. We had a dining room and maybe a small buffet line. That being said, service was much better. We also are not going back to the Titanic days, but to 10-20 years ago. I am one that would never say cruising is better or worse than those days, but it certainly is different. This applies to life period. I think about how Vegas has changed in 20 years: Better or worse, no, but I will say, like cruising it is geared to the 30 an 40 somethings, not those of us who have been part of the scene for 20 plus years.NMNita

[drfun48]

"Golly" ?! I trust you would be more comfortable in days gone by.

Sure cruising is different. Whether we view it as better or worse is a matter of personal preference and perspective.There is no doubt though that as we age we all tend to glamorize the past.

fortunately cruising offers many options-it is what you make it and you really have the latitude to determine your own pace...or you can choose a different cruise line. You will have a very different experience on Carnival from that on Crystal .

My suggestion is that if you are not happy seek our the type of line that appeals to you and don't complain if Celebrity is not what you want it to be.

Finally with regard to the room stewards,in 25 years and as many cruises I have never found my stateroom cleanliness to have changed.

[newmexicoNita]

"Golly" ?! I trust you would be more comfortable in days gone by.

Sure cruising is different. Whether we view it as better or worse is a matter of personal preference and perspective.There is no doubt though that as we age we all tend to glamorize the past.

fortunately cruising offers many options-it is what you make it and you really have the latitude to determine your own pace...or you can choose a different cruise line. You will have a very different experience on Carnival from that on Crystal .

My suggestion is that if you are not happy seek our the type of line that appeals to you and don't complain if Celebrity is not what you want it to be.

Finally with regard to the room stewards,in 25 years and as many cruises I have never found my stateroom cleanliness to have changed.

Maybe not changed but different: I am referring to the cabin. One example: our first cruise, first day we asked for a fresh bucket of ice about 4;30pm as we wanted to have a couple of cocktails with our cruising friends; from that day on, every afternoon about 4:30 our cabin steward brought us fresh ice, we never asked again; the last 2 cruises we have taken, one on Celebrity and one on NCl we have asked our cabin steward about ice late in the afternoon: both cases we were informed they were off duty at that time, but would be glad to give us ice in the evening. This may be a little thing, but does show the changes. NMnita

[Drew B]

True, but it's been a long, long time (decades) since people dressed up to get on a plane. Flying is not especially comfortable, at least not in coach, and it would be not a matter of refinement but of absurdity to sit back there all scrunched in while wearing anything but loose fitting, casual clothes.

 

I don't see the difference. Dress codes are not MEANT for comfort. If comfort was to be the priority, then people would be encouraged to wear whatever they find most comfortable EVERYWHERE, including the dining room of a cruise ship. Dinners on cruises are LONG, and, let's face it, most of our waistlines expand a bit over the course of the meal. I admit that I'd be more COMFORTABLE in "loose fitting casual clothes". However, I choose to put something else -- a sense of elegance and propriety -- ahead of my personal comfort.

 

I may not wear a jacket and tie to fly, but I also wouldn't wear sweat pants or what amounts to pajamas, despite the fact that I may find that most comfortable. It would simply not be considerate of the people around me. If I have to suffer very MINOR discomfort to create a more pleasing environment for others, I am happy to do so. I would hope they would do the same for me. The question is, where is the BALANCE between comfort and respect/consideration?

[BaltiGator]

I don't think cruises have deteriorated, per se, but things have changed. Since my first cruise in 1975 until now, the focus is now more towards being an all-encompassing vacation, trying to pour as much stuff into a cruise ship as possible. Back in the day, the focus was more towards civility, total relaxation, gourmet food and five star service.

 

And this 5-star cruise you took in 1975...how much did it cost in today's dollars? How many middle-class families could afford it?

 

Now if you want to talk downward trend, talk about airlines. I did my first plane ride to NY for my senior high school trip. You dressed up in hats and gloves. Men wore suits. Stewardess, the name they used to go by, were totally professional, unlike nowadays when so many of them spend their time sitting on their behinds reading magazines and slurping noodles out of a cup (yes, that's happened to me on my last 4 flights). Food was excellent and service exceptional. Now, you get pretzels and a plastic cup of soda that's 3/4 ice. Fortunately, the non-US airlines, especially the Asian carriers, know how to treat their passengers, even in coach.

 

Oh please. I've been flying planes for 40 years, since I was a toddler. Hats and gloves my patootie. Dressing up on a plane was going out of style just about the same time I was being born. In "those days" there were wonderful, caring flight attendants (stewards AND stewardessess, if you don't mind) and bored, careless ones too. Same as now. Food was NEVER excellent in coach, not ever, unless you consider the average frozen dinner or a steamed hot dog (as they used to serve us kids) excellent. You're better off with the pretzels and a glass of water anyway. But sure, this is all an American problem. :rolleyes: Next time, let's all fly the Asian airlines from Boston to Fort Lauderdale for $99. :rolleyes:

[BaltiGator]

So deny all you want, the overall cruise experience is simply not what it was years ago. yes the ships are bigger, better airconditioning better air cleaners, and more activities for those under the age of 40 but still it has declined from the romantic days. So unless those who miss the good old days can band together and buy a cruise line and put back the high priced exclusive cruises, it istime to get used to what is offered. Don't deny it just get used to it sad as it may be.

 

I'll say it as often as necessary in the hopes that at least one of you so-called "romantics" will actually open your misty eyes long enough to perceive LOGIC.

 

You can still have a "romantic" "classy" "refined" cruise upon which ship everyone knows how to dress and which fork to pick up when. It will cost you about what it would have cost you in "those good old days" (in relative, inflation-adjusted figures, of course).

 

The mass-market concept didn't exist. The 2,000 pax ships didn't exist.

 

So again, all together now: cruising has expanded, but the "old world style" of crusing, for those who want it and can afford it, is still out there. Those of you who want it but can't afford it, guess what! You wouldn't have been able to afford cruising at all 40-50 years ago! You should be glad that cruising is now accessible to the "common" mand.

[drfun48]

The ice story is hard to understand when you can get room service at any time delivered promptly,including ice.Personally,if I needed that bad I would take the elevator up to the buffet and fill it at the ice machine,just like I do when I am in a 4 star hotel.I understand that you are using this as an example of diminished service but for me that would be sweating the small stuff and even the attendants are entitled to a break. A little anticipation on your part the next day and the "problem " would be solved...or you could call room service.

[BaltiGator]

They are all what we would consider 'Mainstream' lines now. With the exception of more "Class", and less ammenities. Never sailed Radisson, or Crystal,or Oceana...if thats what your looking for, nor have I sailed any of the Q's( which by the way is now carnival by all means ).

 

I wasn't "looking for" anything in particular, but I'm not surprised by your response. Hey, it turns out you're a real person, an ordinary Joe (or Dave, in your case) just like the rest of us. Yet you have the refinement and perhaps eye for quality of an oligarch. I applaud you for seeking out the finer things in life. I do too. I'll bet you do so while nevertheless living within your means, right? I applaud you for that too. I do that also. Assuming (for the sake of argument) that you wouldn't be as easily or as comfortably able to afford cruising if the current luxury line prices were your only option...then guess what Dave - you would never have been able to afford cruising in those "good old days" of cruising you so pine for! So be happy for the mass-market lines and the nickel-and-dime pricing schemes and the screaming kids and the defiant parents who dress however they like! Mass-market cruising has made cruising possible for a huge class of customers who could never have afforded it before. Luxury lines with their eye-popping prices remain available to those who want utter refinement and civility and can afford it. But you won't get it (consistently) on mass market lines, not even X. Better, I think, to accept reality and enjoy things as they are.

 

P.S. I also enjoy the banter and even though I seem like a hard **s,

I think you'd like me.

 

You don't seem like a hard ass, and I'm sure I would like you. As I said, this is all just trivial amusement.

[BaltiGator]

Maybe not changed but different: I am referring to the cabin. One example: our first cruise, first day we asked for a fresh bucket of ice about 4;30pm as we wanted to have a couple of cocktails with our cruising friends; from that day on, every afternoon about 4:30 our cabin steward brought us fresh ice, we never asked again; the last 2 cruises we have taken, one on Celebrity and one on NCl we have asked our cabin steward about ice late in the afternoon: both cases we were informed they were off duty at that time, but would be glad to give us ice in the evening. This may be a little thing, but does show the changes. NMnita

 

It might just be random luck, and you might find on your next cruise that you can get ice whenever you want again. But if it does represent a real change, the only change it represents that I can see is that (1) the steward is getting a well-deserved break that maybe they didn't get a few years back, and (2) the cruise line is not willing to raise costs (and prices) by having more stewards - and this means you get to cruise for less (yay!) but golly! You've got to get your own ice at 4:30 in the afternoon.

 

Or...fork over the dough for a Regent cruise. I'll bet you get your ice at 4:30 in the morning if you want it too.

[BaltiGator]

I don't see the difference. Dress codes are not MEANT for comfort. If comfort was to be the priority, then people would be encouraged to wear whatever they find most comfortable EVERYWHERE, including the dining room of a cruise ship. Dinners on cruises are LONG, and, let's face it, most of our waistlines expand a bit over the course of the meal. I admit that I'd be more COMFORTABLE in "loose fitting casual clothes". However, I choose to put something else -- a sense of elegance and propriety -- ahead of my personal comfort.

 

I may not wear a jacket and tie to fly, but I also wouldn't wear sweat pants or what amounts to pajamas, despite the fact that I may find that most comfortable. It would simply not be considerate of the people around me. If I have to suffer very MINOR discomfort to create a more pleasing environment for others, I am happy to do so. I would hope they would do the same for me. The question is, where is the BALANCE between comfort and respect/consideration?

 

Please tell me you're kidding. If you're not, I got a good laugh anyway. By your logic, I should wear a tuxedo to the public toilet so that I create a more pleasing environment for others, not to mention that much-needed sense of elegance and propriety!

 

Dress codes may not be for comfort, but there's a time and place for them. Should we all dress up to go to the grocery store? No? Then why dress up for a ride on an uncomfortable plane, sitting on a seat with peanut bits and pretzel crumbs and stains from who knows what? How am I being disrespectful to the other airplane pax by wearing jeans and a t-shirt, or sweat pants for that matter? Ridiculous.

 

Dressing up at dinner is not about being respectful to anyone. It's about enhancing a wonderful social occasion with nice clothing. Have you flown domestically in the last ten years, in coach? It's not a wonderful social occasion. It's a bus with wings that gets you somewhere you want to be.

[skandls]

I did my first cruise in 1980. We did 2 cruises on RCCL in the mid 80's. Cruising is not the same 'product' anymore.

Passengers now demand 24 hour dining. Being late sleepers we often missed breakfast and with lunch for late seating at 1:30 we found ourselves in long lines when the lunch buffet opened at 12. Entertainment was much more passengers finding their own thing - card games, reading, napping on the deck. And remember the passenger 'costume' contests. Tablecloth and sheet wearing adults. There was much more hurry up and wait in line in the old days than on todays much larger ships.

I think todays cruises make for a great bargain vacation. Entertainment, hotel, food all for one price. And the passenger can control what they spend. If you are on a budget - there are the inside rooms - not everyone sails with a balcony. During off season the fares are often less than the cost of a hotel room per nite. Service has declined as has the food. Bargain hunting and price comparisions mean the cruise lines are forced to cut corners and try to up the average shipboard acct. And also big big thanks for the modern stabilizers.

[bububr]

It was an interesting experience, to say the least.

 

Would I say never again, NO. But would I prefer this over another line...definetly NOT. Its the new Carnival, european style.

"Tablecloth and sheet wearing adults"

So what do you wear under your toga?

 

Dave:eek:

 

IMHO: Worst food ever....fun atmosphere, but NOT my speed.

[Drew B]

Please tell me you're kidding. If you're not, I got a good laugh anyway. By your logic, I should wear a tuxedo to the public toilet so that I create a more pleasing environment for others, not to mention that much-needed sense of elegance and propriety!

 

Dress codes may not be for comfort, but there's a time and place for them. Should we all dress up to go to the grocery store? No? Then why dress up for a ride on an uncomfortable plane, sitting on a seat with peanut bits and pretzel crumbs and stains from who knows what? How am I being disrespectful to the other airplane pax by wearing jeans and a t-shirt, or sweat pants for that matter? Ridiculous.

 

Dressing up at dinner is not about being respectful to anyone. It's about enhancing a wonderful social occasion with nice clothing. Have you flown domestically in the last ten years, in coach? It's not a wonderful social occasion. It's a bus with wings that gets you somewhere you want to be.

 

Well, what I would complain about on a plane, I would also complain about in a grocery store (e.g. sweatpants, pajamas, slippers, unclean clothes, curlers in the hair, etc.). Decent jeans and decent t-shirts are acceptable, I guess, although I tend to wear a pair of trousers and a button-up shirt most times I fly. It's mostly about being tasteful. I don't really want to see a guy wearing baggy jeans around his knees with his underwear sticking out. I don't want to see a fat woman in too-tight hip-huggers with an exposed midriff rolling over the top of her pants. It's just unpleasant and, yes, disrespectful towards me and anybody else who has to view it.

 

Honestly, I'm most comfortable in a pair of underwear, or even naked. Should I be able to fly dressed that way?

[skandls]

"Tablecloth and sheet wearing adults"

So what do you wear under your toga?

 

It was 1980 - anything polyester

 

Tablecloth - sheet wearers were on the QE2. Very dignified parade - also included were crepe paper homemade outfits. And the overshopped 'tourist' with multiple bags. Passengers provided the entertainment at very low cost to the cruise line.

 

I much prefer the shows and lounge acts - even the 'line' dance theme evenings on RCCL.

[DaisyGirl55]

Lots of opinions, and lots of food for thought. Like many of you, I remember my first cruise with the gilded memory of a series of wow! look at that! what a show! great food! let's do it again!

 

I still feel the wonder of most of this every time I cruise. I plan, I make lists, I pack, look at my paperwork, and then begin my countdown with anticipation and delight. Do I miss how some things were? Of course. Would I stop cruising? NEVER! But what I miss are things like theme nights where we could dress accordingly (country/wester, Caribbean, 50's/60's and so on). I miss having room on the deck without having to hunt down a chair by the pool before breakfast. Even so, today's ships are smoother, sleeker, and way more fun! The shows are fantastic, almost way too many choices on what to eat, lots to do or not do...come on, you know what I mean.

 

But like most of you, I have a hard time with those who choose not to follow the rules. I see people in lines who are rude, and who push in front just to be in front. I see plates piled high from the buffet, and then left with half of the food uneaten. I see people who do not understand the meaning of resort casual.

 

But I also see so many more people that do. People who love to dress up and look fabulous, almost in a fairy tale sort of way. People who will sit and talk about their home town or country, about their lives, and jobs, and families. Cabin stewards who fill all of our little requests. Servers who work both day and night to bring me what I want, who call me by name, and who clean up after me. Cruise directors who seem to be everywhere at once, who keep us laughing and involved, and always ask if there is anything they can do for us.

 

IMHO, cruising is still the ultimate vacation. I was on one of the last voyages of the SS Norway. Even though there was some wear and tear, I still felt like I was part of something special when I sailed on her. So while I miss the "good old days" I look forward to my tomorrows just as much.

 

Enough rambling from me....Happy Cruising Ya'll! :D