The disadvantages of learning too much

[CruiseCentric]

No, actually I believe just the opposite. Learning as much as you can helps adjust your expectations so that you are not disappointed by things that "would surprise" you once on board.

 

For example, I have learned that the deli is no longer on the Imagination. Now I know this does not sound like a big thing to most people, but my daily lunch was my grilled reuben sandwich ( I know, I am boring eating the same thing all the time...that's just me).

 

I would have been disappointed had I arrived unaware that the deli was gone. Now I know to adjust my expectation and look for alternatives. No surprises means less disappointment to me.

 

 

According to the Hotel Manager of Imagination, there is a deli, grill and rotisserie. Here is a link to the video interview.

 

http://www.carnivalconnections.com/cruisetalk/blogs/the_carnival_channel_blog/archive/2007/11/21/video-interview-hotel-director-for-the-carnival-imagination-on-evolutions-of-fun.aspx

[In2why]

I think cruise critic cuts both ways. In some ways it helps keep the excitement alive, especially when the cruise is so far away. The port boards to me are the best part of the site. I have learned so much that I couldn't have found elsewhere without a ton of research, and even then it wouldn't be first hand experience.

On the other hand when I read the "horror" stories it is also easy to focus on them, and wonder whether that might happen on the cruise I am taking. As the saying goes "don't judge a line by one cruise" but vacationing costs a good chunk of change, and if the experience is negative then it would be impossible not to judge or to want to spend the same amount of money again just hoping that the bad experience doesn't repeat itself.

So as a first time cruiser I would rather spend time on cruise critic than not. But at the same time I need a break at times to put it in perspective.

[ClerkPatsy]

I managed to cruise five times before having discovered Cruise Critic, and I loved every one of those cruises.

 

Do I think I'm better informed for my next cruise? Of course!

 

But I learned an awful lot all on my own by cruising and learning through doing!

 

And because you share that knowledge, it makes CC all the better. If it weren't for experienced cruisers sharing information, CC would be a waste of time =)

[*Mach*]

I think cruise critic cuts both ways. In some ways it helps keep the excitement alive, especially when the cruise is so far away. The port boards to me are the best part of the site. I have learned so much that I couldn't have found elsewhere without a ton of research, and even then it wouldn't be first hand experience.

On the other hand when I read the "horror" stories it is also easy to focus on them, and wonder whether that might happen on the cruise I am taking. As the saying goes "don't judge a line by one cruise" but vacationing costs a good chunk of change, and if the experience is negative then it would be impossible not to judge or to want to spend the same amount of money again just hoping that the bad experience doesn't repeat itself.

So as a first time cruiser I would rather spend time on cruise critic than not. But at the same time I need a break at times to put it in perspective.

 

Ya' know, I read as many of the reviews as I can and I swear that although it's the same ship, same date that there is NO WAY that the people who write the reviews could have been on board at the same time. Some of these reviews are polar opposites. One cruiser will say it was the best cruise they have ever been on and another will claim it was Armageddon and they'll never sail said cruise line again.

 

I imagine that it's all a matter of perception. For most folks a cruise is a wonderful opportunity to get away from the daily grind and chill for the duration. Others expect to be treated like royalty and are disgusted if they only receive the same treatment as other passengers. Some folks think the shows are funny and entertaining and others think the shows are risqué and should be boycotted for being soft core porn.

 

All in all, the positive comments far outweigh the negatives. That being the case, you might reasonably expect that you'll have a good time on your vacation. As many, many folks here have said, pack a good attitude and you'll have a great time.

 

Just my $.02...

 

;)

[AdrenalineRush]

Ya' know, I read as many of the reviews as I can and I swear that although it's the same ship, same date that there is NO WAY that the people who write the reviews could have been on board at the same time. Some of these reviews are polar opposites. One cruiser will say it was the best cruise they have ever been on and another will claim it was Armageddon and they'll never sail said cruise line again.

 

 

;)

 

It not that hard to believe. You can put 5 people at the same table in a restaurant, have them all eat the same meal and receive the same level of service. Yet, if they wrote all reviews, one might say it was the best meal they ever had, another might say it was horrible, another might say the waiter was rude, another that the waiter was lively and witty, the last person might say it was overpriced and mediocre.

 

As you said its all about perception and perspective. Expectations also has much to do with how people see things.

 

I think another factor that determines review is the type of cabin people book. Some will book a Cat 12 for the first time and feel that Carnival should bend over backwards to please them, because they paid so much for their cruise.

 

I read reviews for the details not so much for people opinions. It doesnt really matter to me if someone had a good or bad time on a cruise. If they write a detailed review of the cruise then thats all I care about. Just the facts :)

[MrPete]

Who doesn't enjoy knowing more than the guy to the left and the right of you?

 

I'm reading for ten years and still learn new things.

[MrPete]

You were on the Elation 16 years ago:confused:

 

Don't see "years".

[Glama]

Hmmm, I kind of agree with the OP. We just sailed on Enchantment, this ship was the first we ever sailed on 5 years ago, we were total newbies and knew nothing about cruising. This last cruise was just so different, and I really missed the ignorant bliss that we had on our first few cruises. I do think that knowing too much makes you be more watchful for things that you wouldn't normally care about, or even notice.

 

On the flip side though, we now know how to make the absolute best of our vacation, and get the most for our money. :)

[Jsme]

I think if you are looking forward to something and then learn they are no longer doing that or the venue has been changed to something else you can fill a letdown. However, at least you learned it prior to the cruise so you are not upset during your cruise.

[dan40]

No such thing as too much knowledge, how one uses that knowledge can cause or prevent problems.

 

Dan