Starting to get depressed about upcoming cruise

[golfer1966]

You are worring too much!! The Majesty is a great ship with a great itinerary - especially for teens. The repeat passengers make up the majority of the crowd and they are back because it is an IDEAL getaway for those with limited time. Go, have fun and don't worry!!!!! ;)

 

Donna

 

 

we did this same cruise in April with some friends who had two teens and we all had a blast. ( OP ) Dont let the Negative Nancy's get to you. Dont focus on the 10% of the bad things, but the 90% of the good things.

You will have a blast !!!

[realtreebar]

HAVE A GREAT CRUISE!! you will have a good time! go into your cruise open minded and make your own opinions, then you will see everyone has a different opinion. no two are alike you will have a great cruise I just know it!!!!:)

[ballet2410]

I just got off Majesty about a week and half ago, and LOVED it. I think I like the smaller ship more than the larger one. So much easier to get around. Some things in the dinning room I didn't like, but they always had something I thought was good. Buffets aren't my thing on land or on a ship, but I thought it was good for breakfast. Try the Compass Deli. Only thing I didn't like on that cruise was Nassau...I have decided it isn't for me. But Coco Cay and Key West are great!

 

A vacation is only going to be as good as your attitude about it. It you are going into it thinking you will be miserable, then you will be. You will be so concerned the entire time about finding things that are wrong. For the sake of those you are traveling with, don't complain the whole time. My entire family went on my frist cruise and my Aunt complained the ENTIRE time. Nothing made her happy. She ruined her own vacation.

 

Give it a shot and go with a good attitude!!

[twinkle toes]

As I stated in the title, thanks for all the positive replies:) When I was on the Premier 18 years ago, we had a bad storm, but I thought it was beautiful. I am one of those people that find beauty in bad weather. I would much rather be driving in rain and snow than sunny day, likewise, if I had an afternoon off to sit on a deck, I would prefer a good lightning show than sun and light breeze. I most look forward to finding a semi quiet spot on the boat, in or out, which has a great view. Food wise, I'm easy to please. I remember on the Premier, they had ice sculptures, etc. and a midnight spread you could munch on. I hope that this type of thing is still available on the Majesty. Some posts on this forum have stated that the sculptures are no more as are the midnight "feedings". We have booked 2 cabins so that the girls have their own space. I have bought up sunblock galore, seabands, ginger, and bonine. Other than that, I am packing ultra light and planning on just winging it.

[lollypopj]

My hubby didnt think he would like Cruising either..:o

At 62, he thought he was "too young"..lol

Then , he discovered the great folks, great food, exciting shore excursions and hes hooked..

 

NOW, we are 3 days away from our Alaska cruise and hes as excited as an 18 year old going to prom..buying hiking shoes, researching weather, etc.etc..

 

If you can't CHANGE something, change the way you THINK about it..

You sound like you NEED a good vacation..;)

 

AND you get waited on hand and foot..anywhere people cook for me and make my bed twice a day, is utopia for two weeks!

[Guest carlogesualdo]

People really do like to complain. If something bad happens they will dwell on it. I'll give you an example. I am still really ticked off because I booked a cruise on the Rhapsody that was supposed to have a stop in Jamaica. Without having any reason at all, our itinerary was switched to Key West. I was really looking forward to Jamaica, for more reasons than just the fact that it has beaches and Key West wasn't a good substitute. In fact, I didn't particularly enjoy Key West. I still tell people about this. HOWEVER, we could have cancelled our cruise and gotten our money back. We could have rebooked on Carnival and gone to Jamaica. Instead, we stuck with the Rhapsody and made up our minds to have a good time. And guess what? We had a great time. I wrote a long review in the member review section about what a great time we had. I would do it again. I would even go to Key West again, I just wouldn't get off the ship in that port. So pay attention when particular complaints are specific and repeat themselves, but you can tell when people are just complaining because it's in their nature. Go expecting to have a good time. I can just about guarantee you will.

[broberts]

You may want to check out the member reviews for Majesty at http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=76. Out of 31 reviews in 2008, 3/4 of them rate the experience 5 or 5+ and only 2 give the cruise a rating less than 3.

 

Its been my experience that no matter how fine a ship one is on, there will always be someone who is experiencing the "worst cruise ever". On the same cruise there will always be at least one party experiencing the "best cruise ever".

 

Part of it is one's expectations - don't expect gourmet food and five star service on a mid-priced cruise. Part of it is how one handles various situations. Undoubtedly most cruisers have had experiences that were not the best - a waiter who was inept, a room steward who could not be found sometimes, a front desk person who didn't seem to appreciate your problem, rules that sometimes interfere with ones desires. Except for the most picky of people, all cruisers generally find most staff friendly, efficient, and willing to go the extra distance to make your vacation pleasurable and memorable. Ignore the occasional irritant, concentrate on enjoying yourself.

[petesweet]

LOST MY POST. Hope this does not show up as a duplicate.

 

Twinkle Toes: I hope you have read the Cruise Critic reviews on Majesty of the Seas. They have terrific ratings. Go to http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/getreviews.cfm?action=ship&ShipID=76

 

Hope you enjoy your cruise. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.:)

[RetireeWannabee]

dreaded double

[RetireeWannabee]

Please do not base your expectations on the opinions and experiences of others. Some people are harder to please than others. Some people always have to have something to gripe about. And sometimes, perfectly normal people end up in odd circumstances that are VERY unlikely to recur.

 

Even if the things you read are true, how much are you going to care about that when you and your family are enjoying a delicious meal? Will you care if the waiter doesn't address you by name or magically remember that you like iced tea? I don't think so. Will you somehow know that this (insert entree here) is not as good as when it was prepared differently X years ago? I don't think so.

 

Relax. go prepared to ENJOY. You have earned this vacation and you will have a great time. Do not go looking for things to go wrong, or you will find them.

[COMBOY]

I've been cruising with RCCL since 1980. My last cruise was Oct 2007 on Radiance and it was fabulous. The food was very good but not gourmet. I never heard any complains about the food at any of meals or during the cruise. Unless something has really changed since October (which I doubt) I think you are in for a wonderful cruise. My next cruise is July on the Vision of the Seas to Mexico. RCCL offers a superb product and they wouldn't be so successful if they didn't offer a wonderful cruise experience which includes dining. Food is very subjective to different people so don't always go on what you read on these boards. I think many people go with such high expectations that the food will be gourmet and when it doesn't meet their expecations then they claim "it's gone downhill." Pleazzz...You need to make the decision for your yourself what you liked or didn't like during your cruise. Let's us know what you think when you get back. So go..enjoy and have fun.

[floridacruiser63]

Please, no flames.

 

As I have stated in past posts, I have only cruised one time before, and that was on Premier Cruises for my honeymoon 18 years ago. Even though I had a severe sunburn on my lower legs that landed me in a wheelchair, I still have wonderful memories of the cruise. Due to the demands of our jobs, etc. we have only had 2 other "vacations" since that cruise. It has always been short nearby excursions because I couldn't pull DH that far away from work. I finally decided that enough was enough, the company would survive without you for a week, and made reservations for all 4 of us. I did quite alot of looking around at brochures, etc. to figure out which cruise would be best for us taking into consideration time, 2 teenagers, type of things that are interesting to each of us, etc. I decided on Majesty of the Seas which hits Nassau, Cococay, and then Key West. I didn't want to do a cruise that had any "at sea" days since I didn't know if our DH's would have trouble with seasickness or not. Once all the reservations were made, paid for, and passports updated, I then started surfing all the forum boards to try to get as much insight into what we would soon be embarking on since it has been so long. Now I wish I hadn't. So many of the posts are about how the service has gone downhill, buffets are gone, meal quality is poor, etc. that I really wonder why people spend the money to still cruise? If it has gotten so bad, then why don't people just fly to their destination and stay in a hotel? Why do people still cruise?

Hi,

We are sailing on the Majesty of the Seas this July 4th, for the three day cruise. We have done it three or four times before and have enjoyed every time.

The food is still very good, the entertainment is great and we have no complaints.

We also sail on longer cruises and have enjoyed every one of them.;)

[vickiw0318]

I think you made a great choice - fun ports, length of time for your first cruise, etc. Once you get onboard, all your reservations will vanish. The food is fine, the pools are fun, the entertainment is great, Coco Cay is great to visit - it's all good!!

[laseiber]

Our 1st cruise was on Premier (Big Red Boat-Disney), without the kids, next was Commodore (great ports-terrible ship), 3rd back on BRB but with kids inlaws, everyone, great just like the first time, since have done Princess, and the rest RCCL. We took our daughters now all grown up (18-25) when we cruised the Majasty for our anniversary two years ago, we had the very front two cabins overlooking bow, side by side, the girls in one and us in other. We all had a great get away. This is a smaller ship than the voyager class with their inside shopping, and specialty restaurants, to date we have not tried them, not even johnny rockets. This yr oldest daughter getting married on our cruise and we will be booking the specialty rests this time. Future son-in-law will be in for a surprise again this year, last yr was his first trip outside our state and on a plane for first time, with a trip to Disney. It was like seeing our girls yrs ago on their first trip. Once you get back into cruising you will go again an again. Looking now for our next cruise after the wedding one this summer. MAKE SURE TO TAKE SUNSCREEN AND lots of pictures.

[cruiser2101]

I've taken many different kinds of vacations. Road trips in the car all over the US, traveled fulltime for almost 5 years in an RV, flown to different countries and cruised. By far the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations we have taken have been on a cruise.

 

It boggles my mind when I read negative reviews about cruises that I just got off of when I had the time of my life. The old saying goes that you can't please all of the people all of the time. I always try to make the best of anything I do even though it's inevitable that something won't go quite as you had planned.

[carmelninetysix]

shold be the MOST EXCITING and an Enjoyable time for you! If some people's comments are making you upset or depressed start doing your own research! Perhaps you could go to the library and find a Frommer's or Foder's book on cruising or go to a bookstore and buy a fun travel book! Buy a liitle something new for yourself on your upcomming cruise! Start a fun countdown clock to your cruise vacation! Start focusing and only doing things that will make you happy! This is your vacation! Enjoy the moment when you first step onboard this beautiful ship! Enjoy the ports, the sunrises, sunsets on the ship and meeting fun and happy people! Enjoy taking walks around the open promenade deck on this ship! Look forward to spending time with those you are traveling with! Perhaps look online about the ports you will be visiting! Perhaps learn about the Islands local culture, cuisine and local beverage choices! There is so much infomation out there!!! Happy Sailings and BON VOYAGE!!! Sincerely, Melissa

[sandytoes03]

I've done 5 cruises, and now we are doing our 6th in August. I love RCCL. I think the food and service are both excellent. If we didn't love cruising we would choose to do land based vacations for much less. Read no more negative comments and just go and have fun. No worries, no stress. I have a feeling you will love your vacation.:)

[SLH]

Please, no flames.

 

As I have stated in past posts, I have only cruised one time before, and that was on Premier Cruises for my honeymoon 18 years ago. Even though I had a severe sunburn on my lower legs that landed me in a wheelchair, I still have wonderful memories of the cruise. Due to the demands of our jobs, etc. we have only had 2 other "vacations" since that cruise. It has always been short nearby excursions because I couldn't pull DH that far away from work. I finally decided that enough was enough, the company would survive without you for a week, and made reservations for all 4 of us. I did quite alot of looking around at brochures, etc. to figure out which cruise would be best for us taking into consideration time, 2 teenagers, type of things that are interesting to each of us, etc. I decided on Majesty of the Seas which hits Nassau, Cococay, and then Key West. I didn't want to do a cruise that had any "at sea" days since I didn't know if our DH's would have trouble with seasickness or not. Once all the reservations were made, paid for, and passports updated, I then started surfing all the forum boards to try to get as much insight into what we would soon be embarking on since it has been so long. Now I wish I hadn't. So many of the posts are about how the service has gone downhill, buffets are gone, meal quality is poor, etc. that I really wonder why people spend the money to still cruise? If it has gotten so bad, then why don't people just fly to their destination and stay in a hotel? Why do people still cruise?

Like others have said there are always negative people.:( I predict you'll not only have a fabulous time you will realize that a cruise less than 7 days is too short! :D Enjoy.

[old bag]

Twinkle toes ... married to a work-a-holic???

 

Well, I'm the work-a-holic in our family, and I plan cruises every other year, because when we are on land vacations something always comes up to cut our vacation short. That can't happen on a cruise. I suspect we would cruise yearly if we could afford it the kind of cabins my husband insists upon.

 

Firstly, know that it takes me a good day or two to relax. Secondly, I don't wait for seasickness, I just pop the appropriate meds for me. Thirdly, though I will say the worse food and service vacation my family had was last year, the good news is ... it was not on a ship in was in Washington DC.

 

Look, I love a good meal, I am particulary fond of great deserts! Not every meal I've had on every ship was a great meal, but they were good almost every time, and I'm really, really picky!

 

Paraphrasing my Texas friend, Joy's comments ... some people mitch for the sake of mitching, the grass is always greener, and life was better back then.

 

In the past 10 years, I've gone on 5 cruises, cruise #6 is coming up, and I am far more concerned about how I'm going to relax than I am how the service is going to be or whether the food and service will be up to my liking.

 

I don't believe there is a better vacation for a work-a-holic than a cruise, particularly a cheap one like me who won't pay 55 cents to access the internet, oh, and my husband is hiding my blackberry for when we are ashore!

 

I hope you can adopt a positive mindset, as if you go on the ship looking for negatives, you will find them. Instead, I look for positive memories and moments when I can truly relax ... as I feel the breeze on my face watching my children play putt putt or splash in the pool, and I try to suck in all of the memories of my husband and children running in the surf or discussing a museum exhibit.

 

I hope your family enjoys their vacation!

[triplej2484]

But the thing also is all the people who complain about this, nit pick that, hate this, or were PO'd about that still come back. Most of the reviews on here are nit picky to the extreme. Don't worry, relax, you'll be fine.

[TigerLady]

Please, no flames.

 

As I have stated in past posts, I have only cruised one time before, and that was on Premier Cruises for my honeymoon 18 years ago. Even though I had a severe sunburn on my lower legs that landed me in a wheelchair, I still have wonderful memories of the cruise. Due to the demands of our jobs, etc. we have only had 2 other "vacations" since that cruise. It has always been short nearby excursions because I couldn't pull DH that far away from work. I finally decided that enough was enough, the company would survive without you for a week, and made reservations for all 4 of us. I did quite alot of looking around at brochures, etc. to figure out which cruise would be best for us taking into consideration time, 2 teenagers, type of things that are interesting to each of us, etc. I decided on Majesty of the Seas which hits Nassau, Cococay, and then Key West. I didn't want to do a cruise that had any "at sea" days since I didn't know if our DH's would have trouble with seasickness or not. Once all the reservations were made, paid for, and passports updated, I then started surfing all the forum boards to try to get as much insight into what we would soon be embarking on since it has been so long. Now I wish I hadn't. So many of the posts are about how the service has gone downhill, buffets are gone, meal quality is poor, etc. that I really wonder why people spend the money to still cruise? If it has gotten so bad, then why don't people just fly to their destination and stay in a hotel? Why do people still cruise?

Not to flame... but it sounds like you're looking for a reason NOT to go. GO... You'll both have a blast and DH will be fine.. You two deserve it...

[Wildcatter]

I like cruises because no one can get a hold of me from work! Cell phones don't work out at sea unless you pay a silly fee and I stay off the internet except to make my fantasy baseball or football changes! I've always found that my work is still standing when I get back and any problems that have popped up while I was gone are minor at best (I have a good management staff).

 

Plus you can nap in the afternoon, stay up late, sleep in, get on and off the ship when you want in port, eat however much or little you want without pulling out cash or a credit card, see shows, movies, play in the casino, walk around, go to the gym, etc. all in one place!

 

My daughter loves cruising and she's 14. We've been on 5 family cruises and always had a good time. We are going on another one this summer with my brother in law and his family and my mother and father in law (their first cruise).

 

You'll have fun and so will your husband and family! Just chill and don't sweat the small stuff.

[laurspag]

Just a few random thoughts here, from someone not going on her first cruise until August.

 

My daughters and I often talk about what "all the other kids are doing". You know the drill....they all drink, the all have sex, etc. During the course of conversation, we often discover that the majority are much better than you think, it's just that a few loud people often sound like a large number of people.

 

I'm not worried about my upcoming cruise, just excited! Haven't you ever noticed how the complainers always do that? I think it's just an attention getter. The bullies beat up other kids because they lack self esteem, that kind of thing.

 

Have yourself a great vacation and a great cruise. Sounds like it is well deserved!

[inkboy95]

We did that exact same cruise as are 1st cruise. We loved it some much and had so much fun that we booked the same cruise again and took our 12 and 15 year old chikdren with us they also loved it .So musch so that are youngest siad when are we going again now we are booked on freedom of the seas in sept.

[skandls]

Cruises make great vacations. And yes somethings have been 'downsized' but many things are better now than the old days. Prices - cruising is less expensive then it use to be. Entertainment options - much more stuff to do and see. So what if we don't get filet mignon and big lobster tails, there is plenty to eat and many ships now have specialty dining.

 

When I first cruised if you missed a meal - your only option at times was room service. There were no constant buffets, pizza or burgers now you can go somewhere for food from the time you get up until you hit the sack.

 

Have a great time and ignore the negative posts. RCCL is a great cruise line with lots of fun things to do.