It's all about attitude....

[shiprat]

It has always been interesting to me while visiting these boards how two people can go on the exact same cruise and one person will have the time of their life, and another a miserable time!! Occasionally, miserable people will emerge on the cruises I've been on, anxious to tell me what a horrible time they are having.

 

My response is WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE? You're on a CRUISE!!

 

shiprat

[SailorsMate]

I had the same experience on a cruise on the Crown on 8/29-- Had a few people come up to state this was "the worst experience"-- HUH??? We had a fine time. After coming back I noted someone had posted a review that was about 180 degrees out from my experience. I would say "no accounting for tastes" but their review went into how the pool wasn't cleaned ( not true, it was emptied and steam cleaned nightly)--How rude the staff was ( I didn't have any problems) etc. I think you are correct, miserable people are miserable regardless of where they are.

[johnslig]

I find it really sad that the only thing I worry about on these cruises is that miserable people will try to make it horrible for everyone. The last time I went some guy was screaming and the waiter because his coffee carafe wasnt hot enough. Who raises these " adults" ?

[johnslig]

:D smile and have fun. THATS MY RULE!!

[johnslig]

I find it really sad that the only thing I worry about on these cruises is that miserable people will try to make it horrible for everyone. The last time I went some guy was screaming at the waiter because his coffee carafe wasnt hot enough. Who raises these " adults" ?

[sealgs2000]

I also find it funny how much people complain. My first cruise was on the Carnival Fantasy. I was on these boards finding out as much as I could and read many bad reviews. I had serious doubts about going on the cruise and even considerd canceling the trip. But we went and had a great time and have not stopped cruiseing since. We now have a trip booked for the Sea and I have not read many good reviews on that ship. But that won't stop me, I can guarantee we will have a great time even though we will be packed like sardines in our tiny little cabin.

[Ceramicpro]

While on our 9/19 Pride of Aloha cruise we met a lady who said "I have not found one thing I liked about this cruise". My husband thought about telling her "Well, the boat is up and running and hasn't sank", but he decided to keep quiet just in case she didn't have a great sense of humor. (By the way, we liked our cruise!)

[mbisson]

My response is WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE? You're on a CRUISE!!

 

AMEN!

 

-Monte

[starr52]

I have not cruised yet but we are taking our first on June 4th. To Alaska on the Spirit. I have been amazed at the differences in opinions in the reviews. I for one.. well for two ( counting hubby ) will have a GREAT time!!!

[shiprat]

I noticed that when I focus on the POSITIVE, the positive is magnified. When I focus on the NEGATIVE, the negative is magnified! That's why I choose to focus on the postive!!

 

As for any vacation, they are all great. But the memories we laugh at most later are the ones where things went awry.

 

For instance, my son fell out of the top bunk (about 6 feet down) in a sleeping car of a train traveling from Vienna to Rome. He was five years old and scared the living tar out of us! That was ten years ago and that's the most vivid memory I have of that trip. We laugh and laugh about it now!

 

 

shiprat

[shiprat]

I just remembered when I was on the Carnival Triumph, and this laday was whining about what a bad time she was having in the buffet line. Another cruiser said, "If you aren't having fun it's your own fault!" Everyone kind of smiled all around us and it shut her up good!

 

shiprat

[smiggy]

Shiprat... you are so right! It is far healthier to be positive and laugh.

 

During our last cruise our waiter tripped and spilled a cup of cocktail sauce on me.... I yelped and jumped up.... not because I was angry but because I didn't see it coming and he scared the ^%@! out of me and then to see if he was hurt when he hit the back of my chair. The staff was not incompetent.... the poor waiter was mortified.... the staff appologized but it was simply an accident. The waiter and manager approached us and I tried to lighten the situation by laughing and saying something like "I expect you will be paying for dinner tomorrow night." Everyone laughed and I went back to cabin and changed. When we got back to our cabin later than night my dress was gone and they left a note telling me that they would bring it back cleaned the next day.

 

My husband still laughs when he talks about how I managed to hold onto a glass of wine with my left hand, push my seat out, and grab the waiters arm to break his fall... all without spilling my wine! We still giggle about this.

 

What really shocked me (although it shouldn't) was the couple in the table next to us who wanted to be comped a round of drinks because of the commotion they had to "endure" from this incident. Now, if this couple happens to read this thread.... I was the one hit with a flying cup of cocktail sauce, had to walk out of the restaurant and back to my room looking like I'd been hit by a paintball gun.... the waiter had a day that I am sure could be rated far worse than mine... if you had taken the time to ask this man how he was you would have realized that he suffered a terrible bruise on his arm the size of a grapefruit.

 

If I wanted to be negative I could complain and whine and say terrible things about the staff that are over exagerated. The fact is the NCL staff are wonderful, open, and friendly and you get out of any cruise what you want to get out of it.

[shiprat]

Laughing Out Loud Smiggy,

 

Great example of how you turned a mishap into something fun and memorable! That poor waiter was only human, and humans do make mistakes.

 

I hope the table next to you didn't get their drinks! Even a cruise line should set limits on negative weirdness!!!

 

shiprat

[johnslig]

I wonder how miserable these people must be in their lives. I cant imagine talking down to a staff member or being rude and malicious. I am always so greatful that all these people are trying to serving me and 2000+others, while I'm on holiday.

 

I guess people cant find fun in the events of a day. Its like brides on their wedding day that freak at any little mishap. Its the mishaps that make like memorable.

[shiprat]

No kidding Johnslig,

 

On my last cruise I realize I didn't lift a finger for a week! My food was brough, my bed was made, I was entertained night and day!!

 

Anyone who talks down to those who are making that happen for them need a serious attitude adjustment!

 

Well, I'll check this thread later. Gotta take the kiddies trick or treating!

[SailorsMate]

Well one thing to be glad of-- That those of us who encountered "miserable people" don't have to LIVE with them-- If this is what they are like on vacation- can you imagine them in "real life"???? YIKES!

[TheDivineMsM]

ahem..I'm the most positive, upbeat person you'll ever meet. In fact, I teach teachers how to teach using positive reinforcement. But when I cruise the Dream across the Atlantic, I couldn't believe the incompetence I faced day after day. Attitude is good, but it cannot outweigh a poorly trained staff.:eek:

[shiprat]

OK Divine,

 

But did you make jokes about it and still have a good time?

 

shiprat

[TheDivineMsM]

My sense of humor left me the first night.:(

[ColoradoJuli]

I am really glad to hear that some people have read rotten reviews and then went on that ship and had a blast. I have planned a cruise for the family. Cost is an issue and so I found the best deal. That happened to be the Dream. After reading several reviews I started to doubt myself and my decision. I was very happy to hear that reviews are not always right. And gives me a little bit of confidence that I did not make the wrong decision.

[newmexicoNita]

It certainly is about attitude and no matter how positive you think you are, anyone who can go on a cruise and say that from the first day everything was awful needs to sit back and re-think the experience. We have had good cruises, outstanding cruises and a few so so, but always find some positive experiences. Like shiprat said: one week, no cooking, order food you would never fix at home, no housework, you are waited on, you visit exotic places, you get to see a show every night, can visit a casino, swim, use the spa, what more could anyone ask for? Some have a less than postive experience form listening to those who think complaining is more fun that complementing: we once had a lady behind us gripe about the long line at the buffet. A whole bunch of people (about 5) were in front of us and it was enbarkation day. After she finished ranting and raving, she asked us to hold her place so she could check the other side and see if the line was shorter. This same lady had a gripe about something the entire week. Instead of my daughter and I letting this bother us, we just had sympathy for her poor husband........NMNita

[bssc]

On our Crown cruise, the biggest problem were the other passengers (especially the psycho jogger who kept trying to run over the little old ladies on the deck who were in his way). Fortunately, he was in the minority.

[happytogoing]

Same here Juli.....

 

I found a great deal on the "Spirit", booked, then read a few reviews and my heart slowed down a bit... I sure am glad I kept reading other reviews and kept seeing different opinions..... the complaints I've read are things I can deal with (ie. complaints about Freestyle.... HELLO - why complain about something you booked????? I think Freestyle will be great) I fully expect to have a wonderful time.... AND.... I did book a bargain, so I don't expect 5-star service.... from what I have read NCL and Spirit will be a great match for me.

 

Some of the complaints are legit, some are......entertaining to say the least... "the steward didn't remember my name, my water glass was empty for 3 seconds, the steak was pink in the middle", etc. etc....

[shiprat]

I think happytogoing has a great point - a lot of times you get what you pay for. Would you book a room at the Ramada and then whine because they didn't put chocolate on your pillow?

 

Honestly, I found the NCL staff to be EXCELLENT. In fact, if you read my NCL Star Mexican Riviera cruise on this site you'll see I listed that as a strong point!

 

shiprat

[gofeo]

I booked on the Sea for Feb/05 and then started reading the reviews on CC.

I too felt that their was a lot of bad reviews. I also felt maybe I had made a mistake. But then I remembered one thing in dealing with the public for 34 yrs. The people with the bad attitudes and the the constant complainers were the ones who usually wrote or voiced the opinion. I was glad to see that the reviews on CC were about equal for good and bad. A bad cruise is still better than a good work day. Gary.