Well, I think I'm done with cruising....

[watermelon5]

I'm thinking of not cruising for a while...all the "I don't like what he/she wore in the dining room" comments, the inconsiderate chair hogs, the adults who let their kids run wild on the ships, the nickel and diming by the cruiselines, the deteroration of food quality and service etc....have all given me reason to look at all-inclusive land vacations instead.

 

I really have mixed feelings about this......there's nothing like that first step onto a cruiseship at the beginning of the week, but frankly, I think I need a change.:confused:

 

Does anyone else feel the same way?

[paul929207]

Nope, I ignore the negative and still havea great time everytime I step on board.

[watermelon5]

Nope, I ignore the negative and still havea great time everytime I step on board.

 

Really glad to hear that! Maybe I just need an attitude adjustment....and another cruise! Thanks.

[endosunshine]

Consider the all inclusive cruise lines instead. Very luxurious, very few kids!:):):)

[cruzincurt]

Ahh.....No......#26 coming up.:)

[Pearlbill]

If I were a first time cruiser and came to this board for information, I would cancel any cruise plans I had. A lot of the posting on here makes a cruise ship seem like a war zone!

 

Fortunately, I know better.

 

While I do a lot of non-cruise holidays, (next week I'm travelling the Canadian Rockies to Prince Rupert by VIA Rail) I still enjoy cruising. Pick and choose your cruise line and itinerary. Cruising can be a very enjoyable holiday!

 

Pearl

[GeckoGirl]

I'm fairly new to cruising so I am still in the "honeymoon phase". I am awestruck everytime I get on a ship.

 

What I am tired of is flying, so much hassle with the charging for baggage, constant flight changes and delays, prices going up, long lines etc. So I am glad I live close to a port and within driving distance of 4 others.

[2sunny]

I think it is a GREAT idea! If you stay off of the cruise ships that is more stateroom choice for me!

 

We have our favorite cruise line and we think that their food is GREAT; we think that their service is GREAT; we appreciate that folks are most often asked not to return to another formal night or even removed if not dressed properly on formal nights on our favorite cl; we have yet to have a problem with children on that cl; so we plan to cruise as often as DH has the leave time!

 

I have found that each CL is quite different and that is a good thing because all of us like different things. We were VERY fortunate in that for our very first cruise we had an EXCELLENT TA that said "I only have one cruise line that I would recommend to the two of you", and she was 100% correct!! We have since tried some of the others, for various reasons, BUT always come back to our original choice, it has always suited us best. To us that is the secret of a GREAT CRUISE, finding the cruise line that 'suits you'=happy and joyful cruising.

[klfrodo]

We do both AI's and cruising.

 

When cruising, I miss staying at an AI and getting to know the people of the island better. Their customs and cultures. Meet more people from other countries on "holiday". The relaxation vs the go go go on the cruise.

 

When I'm at the AI, I miss the ambiance and excitement of the ship, the variety of ages of people, the shows at night, the casinos, and the different ports.

 

Therefore,,,we do both.

[2Cruise4Ever]

Ok, unruly kids: sometimes: chair hogs: most of the time: line-jumpers: most of the time; rude pax: most of the time. I still look at it this way: Hey, I'm on a cruise! I'm not cooking, cleaning, or picking up after anyone. AND, the best part: I'm NOT at work!!! I try to ignore the negative and focus on the fact that I'm on vacation!!! In all my land-based vacation experience (not vast, but enough to make a judgement call), I've never had more fun than on a cruise. Count me in!

[luddite]

I would never not go on a cruise.

I can always avoid or get over the few negatives. Really, there are only two negatives. Whiny adults and rugrats who haven't been taught how to behave in public.

I wish we had a cruise booked. :D

[KAYEF]

I was so, so, so excited on our first cruise (24 day)............felt everything was "perfect" and was just excited about each new thing. My only "problem" was when people sat down next to me and complained about things..............food, what others had the nerve to wear, service, etc.

THEN, thank goodness, a lady said to me, "You are enjoying yourself so much and seem to be loving each new thing. I have advice for you; when the Negative Nellies sit down by you, just MOVE. You don't have to listen to them."

Best advice I've ever had when on a vacation................I made the choice to not let someone else infect my delight in my cruise(s). I just smile and move on (and keep my positive attitude).

I LOVE CRUISING........think it's that feeling of someone taking care of all my needs after many years of doing for others at home and in my profession.

Take me to the next available ship; I'm up for any cruise..........the longer, the better.

June 5th here I come.:p 14 more days..................;)

[Livin4Real]

I'm thinking of not cruising for a while...all the "I don't like what he/she wore in the dining room" comments, the inconsiderate chair hogs, the adults who let their kids run wild on the ships, the nickel and diming by the cruiselines, the deteroration of food quality and service etc....have all given me reason to look at all-inclusive land vacations instead.

 

I really have mixed feelings about this......there's nothing like that first step onto a cruiseship at the beginning of the week, but frankly, I think I need a change.:confused:

 

Does anyone else feel the same way?

 

Your posting this 3 days before a B2B? Your cruise is doomed with that kind of attitude :rolleyes:

[Grandpaul]

In fact I'm heading out tomorrow for another cruise. I go as often as possible. And will continue to do so. Chair hogs are no problem. I just move their gear. As far as kids, I like kids. And it also reminds us of when we raised our 4 boys and what an interesting time it was. We also look at the tired looks on the parents faces and makes us realize what a hard job it was and that we deserve the life we are providing ourselves with. I guess if you want to look for problems you can find them anywhere. I'll bet even at an all inclusive. For me though you can't beat the relaxation you get on a cruise.

[tipsy]

I'm thinking of not cruising for a while...all the "I don't like what he/she wore in the dining room" comments, the inconsiderate chair hogs, the adults who let their kids run wild on the ships, the nickel and diming by the cruiselines, the deteroration of food quality and service etc....have all given me reason to look at all-inclusive land vacations instead.

 

I really have mixed feelings about this......there's nothing like that first step onto a cruiseship at the beginning of the week, but frankly, I think I need a change.:confused:

 

Does anyone else feel the same way?

 

 

How sad for you. but do have to wonder how serious this post is, since you are leaving for a b2b this wknd??? very interesting. maybe you like to stir up things?

 

if you pick your dates right, there s/b a min of children onboard, but have found that no matter where you go, there are children who are unruly & rude. 1st cause they weren't raised according to what we think are "our" standards and 2nd cause the world / parents today are not teaching them manners & good behavior. It's the "ALL ABOUT ME" society.

 

as for chair hogs, 3 choices, ask a crew member to remove the pers. items, or you remove them if you are sure that the people are not in the area. or find chairs in another area. we always search out, out of the way places w/ chairs, don't need to be poolside or among the crowds. can walk to the pool or bar. when we're relaxing, want peace & quiet, not loud music and 100's of convos going on around us. or you can book a balcony cabin &have you own privacy there.

 

as for nickel & diming, have not seen any changes in what ships are charging as extras and there is no rule that says you have to pay these extra charges. it's your choice. the only change is the tips being inc. in your billing, which I for one think is a good idea. it saves us from having to bring all that extra $ for the envelopes (if we want to add to it, do so on our own w/ the person) and it ensures that all crew members get a tip. which is what they really depend on, if people took the time to find out what these crew people really make & figure out the hrs they put in, its way below the min wage as we know it... so because too many people don't tip on cruises, the lines have gone this route. it's a small price to pay for the service we get.

 

as for the food & service, it's all in what you expect. for me, a clean stateroom, decent, warm food that is served to me is all I need. am not looking for gourmet cuisine, have gone to top quality rest here in NYC, paid top $ for a meal & walked away hungry & dissatisfied.

 

my expectations for a cruise are relaxation, seeing diff places & not having to work, clean, cook etc for a week or so, and to meet new,interesting people and to not let all the petty things in life bother me.

 

I hope you will make it on your b2b coming up, with all your complaints and attitude, I have my doubts that this is going to be an enjoyable cruise for you.

[NCTribeFan]

... Does anyone else feel the same way?

 

Nope.

 

I don't care one bit what others have to say.

 

I have no idea what their expecations are and don't trust anyone else's perceptions of what is "good" or "not good" on any particular cruise.

 

We should know by know that two people on the same sailing can have vastly different perceptions of the same cruise.

 

I know what MY expectations are, though! I cruise to get to beautiful, exotic ports. The fact that I'm a ship, with good food, lots of fun things to do, time to rest and relax, is just an added bonus.

 

In fact, I'm going to book a 3rd 2009 cruise as soon as I return from my Southern Caribbean cruise next month.

 

I don't let what others are saying and/or doing affect my decisions. If I - personally - decide that my cruise experiences are no longer providing me with good value for my vacation dollars, I'll look at other options.

 

But no way am I going to base my decisions on what someone says on a cruise discussion board. :rolleyes:

[GORDONCHICK]

Absolutely not! While many are canceling cruises because of financial concerns, that is leaving more bargains for the rest of us. While many feel nickel and dimed, I don't feel compelled to participate in that, just like I'm choosing not to participate in the doom and gloom of the economy.

 

And I like the advice another poster was given about just moving if you are sitting next to someone complaining! I've not had to do that, but I have avoided some people on the ship just from hearing them complain while in line to embark... :D :D :D

[printingchick]

Nope! I loved cruising after my first cruise and, after eight cruises, it's now more of a passionate obsession!!

 

Unless you're talking about an adults only AI, you will not excape kids running wild.

 

Negative people and chair hogs? Why would you assume such things do not exist at resorts?

 

And as far as the nickel-diming stuff, I understand that this is a tough economy and the ships have to make money to keep sailing. I don't HAVE to pay extra for stuff on the ship. I don't dine at specialty restaurants. I don't gamble. I do drink...and buy some photos, but I don't HAVE to do those things either.

 

I've always had amazing service on my cruises. It's one of the main reasons I love cruise vacations so much.

 

I can't see myself EVER giving up cruising.

[noobcruiser]

I'm thinking of not cruising for a while...all the "I don't like what he/she wore in the dining room" comments, the inconsiderate chair hogs, the adults who let their kids run wild on the ships, the nickel and diming by the cruiselines, the deteroration of food quality and service etc....have all given me reason to look at all-inclusive land vacations instead.

 

I really have mixed feelings about this......there's nothing like that first step onto a cruiseship at the beginning of the week, but frankly, I think I need a change.:confused:

 

Does anyone else feel the same way?

 

Nope...and here's why: everything you listed will occur on land too...sometimes even more so.

 

I am not as seasoned a cruiser as others, but my wife and I travel every year (regardless of the type) and we see that behavior everywhere (that is unless you go to to places that way off the beaten trail).

 

I agree with other posters, perhaps you need to change the type of cruising that you do.

 

Go with strictly all-inclusive cruise lines (like RSSC) and\or go for lengthier cruises at off-peak times of the year to minimize the little darlings running around.

 

The idea of RSSC really intrigues me and I've already talked to my DW about booking with them in a few years.

[Happy ks]

I'll have to add another no.

 

You do have to understand this CC community is small compared to how many people are out there cruising. Many of them are complaining over and over here on CC, they have found a place to vent their frustrations. Some of them are so jaded because of a bad experience for some reason they think they are singularly going to take down the cruise industry.

 

When you get onto a cruise ship, there are, say, 2995 pax onboard having a great time and 5 complainers. Who do you want to sit with???

 

We got home from our last short weekend trip, a fun 3 days in San Francisco. Within a week my husband asked me "when is our next cruise???".

[allenee]

Nope, I love cruising too much. I've read reviews of a cruise I was on and wondered what the complaints were about. Cruises are what you make of them just as life. Go with a positive attitude and enjoy your cruise.

 

A bad cruise is better than a good day at work.

[Zam]

Hey Watermelon, I understand where you are coming from. We've been crusiing since the early 80's and have seen a lot of changes and charges on cruise ships. We did take a break from cruising and tried several all inclusive resorts and had a great time at them; however, we did find the same rude people, the same comments, the same kid issues, and the same buffet style food that you find on cruise ships. We still love cruising as it is a great way to see some great destinations without all the travel hassels (multiple airports, transfers, packing, unpacking, etc) and it is still one of the best travel values out there. We just balance it with other vacations like all inclusives and single destination trips.

[linda_22003]

I'm thinking of not cruising for a while...all the "I don't like what he/she wore in the dining room" comments, the inconsiderate chair hogs, the adults who let their kids run wild on the ships, the nickel and diming by the cruiselines, the deteroration of food quality and service etc....

 

If I had ever had any of those experiences while cruising, I wouldn't be eager to go again, either! As it is, I'm hoping airline travel won't cease in the next three weeks due to the flu, so I can go again!

[linda_22003]

The idea of RSSC really intrigues me and I've already talked to my DW about booking with them in a few years.

 

There's no time like the present - they're putting a lot of cruises on sale! :)

[Bonnie J.]

Know what you mean! We started cruising in the mid 80's on small ships with fantastic food and reasonable ship's tours. We have been on 50-60 cruises since we started but never on the small luxery ships which aren't in our budget. We've been to just about every port, always enjoy most ports and one cruise my husband never left the ship! (I left to buy booze in St. Thomas.) Most we've done is 5 in one year but usually do 2 or 3.

We love last minute prices & cruises (last minute is LESS than ONE week from sailing!) Our best price cruises were $299, 7 days, balcony cabin on deck 9 and $499, 10 days, deck 8. We hate freestyle & NCL but love their small Majesty which is going to Louis Cruises in November. (I remember when Dolphin Cruise Lines built her!!)

We have thought of an all inclusive but for the cost vs. a cruise, a cruise can't be beat - and we don't drink on cruises anymore. We did a B2B in Sept., 14 days (on Majesty) in Nov. and a B2B in Feb.

Just can't stop cruising!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.....

CRUISE LINES (We've been on!)

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