HAL & Celebrity Boards ... Very different playgrounds

[HeatherInFlorida]

I have a unique problem. I "joined" CC back in 2003 getting ready for a Celebrity cruise. I could never quite get going on their boards though I did take part in the Roll Call for the cruise. It was a very unsuccessful Roll Call.

This year when we planned our Oosterdam cruise I started posting here and very quickly got to know so many of you. Some of you like me, some of you don't and that's okay with me and it's what I would expect. But I'm very comfortable here ... we may argue and disagree, but there's a good feel to it.

Now we have a cruise planned on the Summit next year so I felt I should try over there. Our Roll Call is just getting going, but the main Celebrity Boards are very strange. Everyone ignores me (with the exception of Lois who "visited" over here for awhile before her disappointing Zuiderdam cruise) . I haven't posted that much, but when I do it's as if I'm invisable. It's not fun.

So what to do??? I can't stay here when I'm going on a Celebrity cruise. I can't do a "doc dance", I can't count down and get excited and write a review when we come back.

You won't believe this but I tried really hard to find a HAL cruise that would be in the same price range at the same time with a similar itinerary and couldn't find one. Do any of you post to both boards? Can you compare your experience? Is it just me:o ?

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Heather, I am sure there will those that would complain but I would think it would be OK to occasionally mention your upcoming cruise on that other cruise line:D I for one would not mind and I am sure several others would like to help you celebrate when you get your Docs. This board is definitely "unique" we have a relatively small base of regulars compared to some of the other boards. I have never had reason to visit the Celebrity Board but have been on the RCL board. This board is active with lots and lots of posters. In the short time I posted over there I always got my questions answered quickly but could not get a feel of who the regulars were. Or maybe I just was not over there long enough.
This board has a lot of long time regulars who really love to cruise and because HAL is a very traditional cruise line it has a different group of posters those not looking for the floating resort, ice skating arenas and rock climbing walls.

[WindyCity]

Heather,

It's like family here and I, for one, would like to hear your ups & downs with your Celebrity cruise - help you celebrate with the doc dance - read your review - get excited with your countdown, although, no having cruised Celebrity, I wouldn't be able to answer any Celebrity questions....Our daughter cruised Celebrity for her honeymoon and loved it.

So, I vote for you posting on this board, where you feel comfortable and "know" the other posters, whether it's for a HAL cruise or an "X" cruise!! :D

Kris

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hi Heather

I know I have never ignored you.

That's all right if you cruise on Celebrity - we have never cruised on them.

But come 2006 - we aren't certain what our plans will be.

So who knows - we may catch you on some other board in that year.

Enjoy your cruise.

And do come back here and post your comparison between the 2 cruise lines.

[98Charlie]

Hi Heather (& other HALers)

I enjoy reading most of the boards. There is a wealth of information on all of CC.

We have cruised on 4 different lines (Celebrity, NCL, Princess and RCI) and haven't eliminated any from future consideration. If the "right" (for us) HAL cruise comes up we will be on it.

Sometimes it is easy to get a group thread going and active and other times not. I certainly wouldn't worry about posting information about a Celebrity cruise on the HAL board or any other. You have made friends on this board and I'm sure they are happy to share the joy of planning and taking your next cruise, even if it is not on HAL.

The great thing about the entire CC board is that you can make a lot of connections with other people from all over the world that share your love of cruising.

You mentioned Lois in your post. She, DW, and I have talked back and forth enough that she seems like a next door neighbor. We have never met. But, if we were considering two cruises and found out that she was on one it would certainly be a selling point for us. I hope our paths cross some day.

Keep posting and Happy Sails To You,

Charlie

[JDee]

Heather: If you have never sailed with Celebrity, you may very feel outside the loop. You can't very well answer any Celebrity related questions, obviously. Neither would it be appropriate to say "I really don't know, but HAL does it this way". However, you could very well answer questions about ports you have visited, excursions taken, Florida related, stuff like that.

I have cruised Celebrity and other lines, but with Celebrity & RCI having so many newer and really different ships, what exists on one may not be on anothers. Stuff like ice skating rinks, wall climbing, completely different type lounges, alternate restaurants, etc. HAL been making almost carbon copies of all their ships, and even with the new Vista, the changes are somewhat insignificant when compared to the other lines.

Can only suggest to keep visiting Celebrity Boards, answer any questions you can, and stay away from those perennial argumentive boards such as tippping, dress codes, kids, lounge chairs, smokers, etc....

Happy cruising.....

[bepsf]

Heather -

You're like family here!

Of course we'll celebrate w/ you on your impending desertion of HAL for Celebrity...:eek:

Seriously tho - I can't wait to read your impressions of your Celebrity cruise since that is the one of the few lines that I would consider sailing if not on HAL.

Just please be sure to have at least one dinner in the "United States" (I think that's what the grillroom is called on Summit...) so we know how it is compared to the Pinnacle.

[iluvcruzin]

Each cruiseline board has their own unique personality. It can also vary depending on who's participating at any given moment. I wouldn't sweat it Heather if it felt strange on the Celebrity board. Give it some time and don't give up. People come and go on the boards. You have plenty of time before your sailing next year. As far as posting to the HAL board.. why not? I see lots of people jump from board to board (me included). There's no rules on where you can or can not post. Just the excitement of knowing you are going to be cruising in the future is enough to celebrate no matter where you choose to post and share your anticipation.

[KenM]

Heather:
I have seen your posts. You have personality..
Give the Celebrity board a chance. I was on the Summit.
It is a great ship. You will really enjoy it........
You can get excited on either board....
Everybody does the DOC dance....................

[Roadwork]

I read the Celebrity board along with many others. Every board is different and has it's own clique. The Celebrity board is dominated by a group of males, this board has the "Iguanas" as lknick has dubbed them. Other boards have a mixed bag. Don't worry about it.

Why not just post and ask your questions? Join in the roll call thread and get to know the others that our on your cruise.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Wow ... what magnificent answers! I think I misled you a bit, Krazy Kruizers, or wrote funny because I never said I was "ignored" on the HAL boards! I meant I was being ignored on the Celebrity boards.

Brian, you're terrific. And I don't know if you remember but back a ways you and I didn't always see eye to eye;) . Now you're the best! ... even if we don't.

Just so everyone knows I've cruised twice on Celebrity and twice on Hal. We were on the Millennium in December '03 and then the Oosterdam in November '04 so I found myself making many comparisons between those 2 ships. Since I came away leaning toward Celebrity in the service and food departments, we booked the Summit for our Panama Canal adventure.

There is a thread over on Celebrity called "Who'd you like to cruise most with...?" (meaning of the other CCers). I posted there explaining how "out of it" I felt on their boards. Lois was wonderfully welcoming while all the others just ignored the post. So I'm a bit gunshy now:o .

Thanks you all for your comments and ideas. I really appreciate it.

[FlorenceItaly]

I post on both boards, but lately, neither one, very regularly. My observation is that the Celebrity board is very friendly. I believe it has more posters than the HAL board, and perhaps that is why you are feeling lost.
I say post on both boards, but keep HAL your "home" board. I know the HAL posters are tired of hearing it, but I LOVE Celebrity. My experience from cruising this year is that Celebrity has better service. I soooooooo wish some of the longtime HAL cruisers would give Celebrity a try.

Marie

[sail7seas]

Heather....


Of course you should continue to post here. We don't want you desserting us. So what if you have a cruise planned on "X". That is your choice and your privilege but no reason to leave all of us. We'd miss you.

I am always happy to hear when a fellow cruiser has received their docs for whatever ship they next plan to cruise. Big deal it will be elsewhere. We'll get over it. ;)

We have cruised Princess about 5 times and the same for Celebrity. For SOME of those cruises on other lines, I continued to post here. Some of them were before I knew about Message Boards at all. I may have posted a few times on Princess or Celebrity Boards in the past but only a handful of times. I don't know anyone except Lois over there, I don't think. I have not even peeked in to read their messages in certainly more than a year.

I'd LOVE for you to post comments here about Summit when you return. I'll be very eager to hear what you think of that ship and that cruise line. We have not cruised them in about 4+ or more years. I don't remember the date of our last cruise with them.

Anyone who isn't friendly over there is missing out. Their loss......don't let 'em get you down. Come back here whenever they don't play nicely with you. You are home when you are here. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Poor Molly is slamming her paw against the screen door as I take a moment to respond your posts.

Marie, I agree about Celebrity's service. I've said it many times here on the HAL boards and nobody has stoned me yet;) ! I noticed you hadn't posted much lately and I've missed you.

Sail, good to hear from you again and thank you so much for your thoughts ... you've been a bit quiet? And who knows what will happen with the "N" ship (I don't even dare say the word since both threads about that cruise have been moved to the "Roll Call" boards ... I'm in a tiff with Walt and Doug about it).

So if we all go on the "N" ship in 2006, then I'll feel fine here on the HAL boards talking about all sorts of cruiselines:D

[sail7seas]

I have been a bit 'less active' lately, Heather.

Thanks for noticing.


But ....I cannot begin to think of any reason why anyone should not post here, there, and everywhere if they choose. Many people cruise one cruiseline after another but they still like to 'keep current' with those they think they may cruise again someday. Or like to visit a particular board because they've made friends there. What could be wrong with that?

As to the "N" word....... :) I noticed the thread was gone. I never go to Roll Call so I didn't know where they put it or if they simply pulled it. I didn't bother to ask. We were having some fun with it but that's okay.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Sail, I noticed because I missed you. Always love your posts. I have an inkling of why you may have been "less active" and if that's it, I can say I understand.

The reason I felt that thread should remain on these boards is because we know so little about the "event" and it would have been a good way to keep up to date on the latest info. I've been emailing with Laffnvegas and Ekerr and we'll just give it a try from time to time and see what happens. Walt is away (Doug told me) so didn't respond when I asked him to reconsider.

I agree with everything else you said, but awhile back someone expressed excitement about getting her docs for another cruiseline and someone posted that she shouldn't be doing it here. I remembered that and I've really tried the Celebrity boards, but the truth is I know so many of you here, consider you my friends, and I'm just more comfortable over there. As you said, I'm "home" here:) .

I'll work it out and I appreciate your support as well as everyone elses.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I read the Celebrity board along with many others. Every board is different and has it's own clique. The Celebrity board is dominated by a group of males, this board has the "Iguanas" as lknick has dubbed them. Other boards have a mixed bag. Don't worry about it.

Why not just post and ask your questions? Join in the roll call thread and get to know the others that our on your cruise.
What's an "iguana"? I don't mean a real iguana, but what does it mean here?

I did post ... no response to me. But I've joined the roll call thread and there's no problem there at all. But most of the roll call are not on the main Celebrity board.

[Lisa63]

Hi Heather,

I'm in the "same boat," so to speak. :) My next cruise is on Princess and I don't have a HAL cruise planned at the moment, yet something keeps drawing me back to the HAL board. After reading this thread, I'm pretty sure it's the people. I learned so much from everyone before taking my first HAL cruise last summer. I do post on the Princess board as well as the roll call for my cruise, and everyone's been nice. But for some reason, the HAL board still feels like "home."

I shall gladly do a doc dance with you when you receive your Celebrity documents. In the meantime, please stick around.

[RuthC]

Just kidding.

Of course we want you to stay friends, even as you plan to cruise the competition. You have much to contribute on this board---both in the sense of information, and in good will.

I believe when you are new on a given board the folks there have to get used to you. It's a little like walking in to the Cheers bar---you either hear people call out "Norm!", or you're ignored until people feel comfortable with you. It takes time.
Patience, Little One. Patience.

[dakrewser]

Like you, Heather, I've booked an upcoming cruise on brand "X", and visited the Celebrity board to garner info. I reacted much as you did, although I also drew more ire with my responses in a couple of "standard topic" threads (dress code, tipping).

There seems to be a number of clueless, classless individuals who attempt to dominate most conversations and resent would new people can bring to the discussion. I felt like a cruising novice and a posting newbie with the way I was treated.

So I'll hang out here with the civilized folks just as long as I can...

[HeatherInFlorida]

Like you, Heather, I've booked an upcoming cruise on brand "X", and visited the Celebrity board to garner info. I reacted much as you did, although I also drew more ire with my responses in a couple of "standard topic" threads (dress code, tipping).

There seems to be a number of clueless, classless individuals who attempt to dominate most conversations and resent would new people can bring to the discussion. I felt like a cruising novice and a posting newbie with the way I was treated.

So I'll hang out here with the civilized folks just as long as I can...
I don't mind admitting that misery loves company and your post made me feel like it's not "just me". Thanks, Dave.

Ruth, I wish you were right but I just didn't get that sense. Still, one never knows.

Lisa, exactly. The HAL boards "draw you back":) . What can I say??? It is what it is.

[Aussie Gal]

Heather,

I know how you feel as I also feel very much at home here on the HAL Board but I do visit the Princess Board occasionally. We went on the Tahitian Princess in March and for a year I was on both Boards. I found the people at Princess very friendly and had a great group of C.C. buddies when we went on the cruise. I will be going back there again early next year as we have another Princess cruise planned but I still will keep coming back to HAL.

Jennie

[Charliesmom]

Heather - I don't know if you smoke. Celebrity has a rule that smokers stay on the port side of the ship. If you are a nonsmoker, you might want to book a cabin on the starboard side - there is less cigarette smoke there.

Roberta

[grannynurse]

I always read your posts, I don't respond if I can't improve on the silence or have nothing informative to offer, but please don't feel ignored!

I too, feel at home here, and although i read the X and Princess boards, I don't contribute because I'm not going, YET. I guess if we do book X or princess I'll participate.

it's nice to know we can stay here even if we try another line in the future.

We've sailed NCL and RCCI, and Premier in the past but have found a home on HAL.
GN

[gizmo]

I post on the X board occassionally and never have a problem getting a question answered. They are a nice group of people, give them a chance.

[venicecruiser]

Heather -

I post on both boards from time to time, as well as the Seabourn and Radisson boards.

I used to be a very frequent Celebrity pax and poster. It seems that for the last few months, that board has been "hijacked" by a few mean-spirited folks. If anyone posts an opinion about Celebrity that is not 100% positive, those few nasty little people rip the poster to shreds. I speak from experience as it happened to me after I posted some very negative comments on a Zenith sailing I did last Dec.

On the other side of the coin, there are some lovely people who post regularly on the Celebrity board. They are always willing to answer questions or make suggestions if asked.

I am actually on your rollcall for the Summit transcanal. When the rest of our "October cruise bunch" start posting, we will have a very lively, friendly, rollcall thread.

Claudia

[stanjj111]

We have two cruises scheduled this winter. The 12/26 cruise is getting alot of action on CC boards. The X cruise in Feb has very few hits even though I check frequently.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I've always found the Roll Calls on both HAL and Celebrity to be non-discriminatory ... meaning that the they are always welcoming, friendly and fun.I was really talking more about the main Celebrity boards. So far, and this could change, the only "friendly" person is Lois who we "met" here on the HAL boards.

There's definitely a difference, because even when I was a "newbie" on these boards, it didn't take more than a couple of posts before I felt part of the group.

Often it's just timing. Claudia feels there's a difference over there right now so we shall see. I really appreciate all your thoughts. It's just more of the support I've always felt here.

[uncialman]

I've always found the Roll Calls on both HAL and Celebrity to be non-discriminatory ... meaning that the they are always welcoming, friendly and fun.I was really talking more about the main Celebrity boards. So far, and this could change, the only "friendly" person is Lois who we "met" here on the HAL boards.

There's definitely a difference, because even when I was a "newbie" on these boards, it didn't take more than a couple of posts before I felt part of the group.

Often it's just timing. Claudia feels there's a difference over there right now so we shall see. I really appreciate all your thoughts. It's just more of the support I've always felt here.

Hey Heather!

Well, there is a mix of folks that post on Celebrity just like here on the HAL boards. Nice folks, mean folks, folks that want to do nothing but praise their favorite line, folks that want to do nothing but criticize their most hated line. I have noticed, however, that there does seem to be a bit more 'harrumphing' over really non-sensical things on the Celeb board, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Most HAL folks are brand loyalists and have been HAL cruisers for a good long period of time. Most are friendly and sociable and are the type that you would invite over for a cup o' joe. Most (but not all) Celeb posters tend to be a bit more on the 'upper crust' side and are the type that you would go to Museum of Modern art with and keep your distance from (Just my humble opinion!). This being said, however, they are mostly reasonable folks that can be very helpful.

My worst 'flaming' experiences over the past four years on this forum have been on the Princess boards. Princess brand loyalists refuse to admit that their cruiseline has turned mass-market (they are the quintessential mass-market line - PC dining, 6 dining rooms, thousands upon thousands of passengers, MUTS, etc. etc.) and take personally any criticism of *their* line. The result? Food and service levels on Princess have dropped to such a low that one really has to compare them to Carnival and RCI as far as quality goes. They have even taken a crowded ship (The Grand/Golden/Star Princess) and *added* a deck of cabins and 500 more passengers to the Caribbean Princess (and soon to be Crown Princess). And yet, the loyalists will defend Princess till the end...

Just my opinion...

[HeatherInFlorida]

Uncialman, I know such people who are devout Princess cruisers. They have even cruised other lines and said "never again" and I KNOW they're complaints are groundless. To compare the Princess food with Celebrity food and say that Princess is better just rankles me. Oh, well.

But I have to tell you I just don't read the Celebrity board people the way you do. I'd almost say it's the other way around. The people I've come across there are somewhat crass and obnoxious, but that could be a misread on my part. It could just be the timing. I haven't exactly asked a question yet, so we shall see what happens when I do:o .

[Vicar]

Heather

Don't you dare dessert us *LOL*

I haven't been around too much either lately, I just moved recently and have been getting hit with a lot of OT lately THANK GOD *LOL*

And on top of that there is good old christmas shopping and preparations. But this is a nice family here and just because you are going on another cruise line does not mean you cannot come here.

I have never been on a HAL cruise , although That all may change with the Statendam cruise to Hawaii we are planning. But I have always felt very welcome here.

So they don't want to talk to you over at Celebrity, their loss is our gain :)

Have a great day

[uncialman]

Uncialman, I know such people who are devout Princess cruisers. They have even cruised other lines and said "never again" and I KNOW they're complaints are groundless. To compare the Princess food with Celebrity food and say that Princess is better just rankles me. Oh, well.

But I have to tell you I just don't read the Celebrity board people the way you do. I'd almost say it's the other way around. The people I've come across there are somewhat crass and obnoxious, but that could be a misread on my part. It could just be the timing. I haven't exactly asked a question yet, so we shall see what happens when I do:o .

Yes on both of your observations...

Princess folks need to admit that Denny's has a leg up on them as far as food quality goes (the same goes for RCI with my last 3 experiences with them! I mean, please tell the chef he can use sugar in the desserts!). Not to mention PC dining has made the service levels, in most but not all cases, abysmal.

I have met some really nice folks on the Celebrity board. However, like I had said, there are some folks who a 'social engagement' would be walking around by themselves in a Modern Art museum: in other words, they are rather cold, indifferent and unfriendly to others (example: cell phone thread). I think the thing to realize is that a lot of these folks would be more comfortable on Crystal or Radisson but enjoy the itineraries and flexibility of Celebrity. Most would HATE having to make small talk to their cabin steward or dining room attendant and just want good service - much different from your average HAL cruiser. This being said, however, I have found great and personal service (although white-gloved) on every Celebrity cruise that I have been on.

Just my Opinion...

[HeatherInFlorida]

Vicar ... how we've missed you! Thanks for what you said ... you're the best.

Uncialman, LOL!!! Denny's has a leg up on Princess! I love it:D .

Truth be known, what draws me to HAL is the same thing that draws me to these boards ... the people. The friends I have met on my HAL cruises are still friends. While I met some perfectly nice folks on Celebrity, we've lost touch. To me, that is the huge difference.

I can't explain it beyond that, but it's interesting that it would be true on these boards and on the ships themselves. I will say that we've already got a good group on our Oct. 2005 Summit Roll Call and considering the amount of time between now and then, hopefully it will be different.

[Vicar]

Heather,

I have missed everyone here too.

I sgree with Unicalmans statement about some people, it may not be that they are ude or unfriendly just either painfuly shy or not overly gregarious.

I am the total opposite, i can have a conversation with an empty chair *LOL* I think its an Italian thing *LOL*

Fiance wonders how I was never kidnapped as a child because i will talk to anyone *LOL*

But that is me, and sometimes I meet a like soul and we can talk for hours, sometimes you meet a person like unicalman describes and a conversation is like pulling teeth. I take people as they come and enjoy the ones I can have fun with , ignore the ones I can't stand, and tolerate the ones I have to*LOL*

[HeatherInFlorida]

Too funny, Vicar ...... kind of like " .... accept the things we cannot change":D .

[Lois R]

Hi Heather:) just popping in after reading this thread...

For those who feel like this is a family....for those of you who post regularly on here of course it is:) ...that is what these different forums are all about...gathering information, meeting people, having fun...etc.

There are those of you who were kind to me....and Heather, thank you for those very complimentary words.....
But I never truely felt like I was part of the "HAL Family".

Probably for the same reasons.....I was very used to my friends on Celebrity...and I think we are civilizied. I always try to help, welcome and give people a smile. And I feel like I am in a "comfort zone"...just as you feel like you are in one here.

It is very hard to post on a new board when you are used to the "old".....
Change is always difficult...and we like our "comfort zones"...that is very normal, (in my opinion).

I hope you have a wonderful cruise on the Summit....if I can help with anything, please ask...though I have not sailed her (yet).

[sail7seas]

Most HAL folks are brand loyalists and have been HAL cruisers for a good long period of time. Most are friendly and sociable and are the type that you would invite over for a cup o' joe. Most (but not all) Celeb posters tend to be a bit more on the 'uppper crust' side and are the type that you would go to Museum of Modern art with and keep your distance from (Just my humble opinion!). This being said, however, they are mostly reasonable folks that can be very helpful.

Just my opinion...


Geez.......Now I sure feel insulted. Like none of us go to the Museum of Modern Art or Fine Arts or the Ballet??!!! ;) You make us sound like an uncultured crowd of boars!!! :D

[uncialman]

Geez.......Now I sure feel insulted. Like none of us go to the Museum of Modern Art or Fine Arts or the Ballet??!!! ;) You make us sound like an uncultured crowd of boars!!! :D



Now, now. :D

I'm sure you know what I mean - I love art (although I have a preference to the Nat'l Gallery of Art in Washington or the Ringling here in Sarasota) and all, but you spend half of your time with a lot of modern art trying to figure out what in world the artist was thinking before you can come to a conclusion on the peice itself. I prefer Thomas Cole over Jasper Johns or Chuck Close.

What I meant to say is that a lot of the Celebrity folks that I run into aren't much into socializing a whole lot and are more into contemplation (many times about what their wants and needs are) as opposed to HAL folks. But, it is probably unfair to generalize like this as I like my quiet time as well.

[Vicar]

S7S

i have been to the ballet ONCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *LOL*

Years ago I was dating a girl who's family had a yearly tradition of going to see the Nutcracker at Christmas time. So we went:(

I guess I am a boar *LOL*

[lipoppop]

Heather its like when you move to a new neighborhood. Takes a while until you feel confortable. Perhaps the locals are trying to size you up.

I'm off to the Veendam in the morning. This evening its off to the opera to see Aida. Does that make me a HAL/Celebrity hybrid?

Will miss the boards for the next week or so. Maybe when I come back i'll try Celebrity but under an assumed name.

:cool:

RuthC. I was in Saugerties (sp.) last weekend and visited the local candy factory. Not as good as Godiva but much cheaper. Check the web site www.krauses.chocolates.com

:cool:

[sail7seas]

Lipoppop....


Hope you have a wonderful time. Wishing you Blue Skies and Calm Seas.

Bon Voyage!!!!


Be sure to come back and tell us all about it.

[JDee]

Have reviewed your Celebrity postings including the threads you started. Nowhere, absolutely nowhere, did I see any flaming of your comments, saw many thoughful replies to your questions. Each and every one was civiil. No "smart alec" repiles.

Show me an example where any Celebrity poster responded to any of your threads in any derogatory way.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Geez.......Now I sure feel insulted. Like none of us go to the Museum of Modern Art or Fine Arts or the Ballet??!!! ;) You make us sound like an uncultured crowd of boars!!! :D

Oh, Sail, LOL!!!:D Do you know I specifically thought of you when Uncialman wrote that? You may have noticed that I said I felt it was the opposite from his perception.

Lois! Hi there! What are you doing way over here on HAL? I have to ask you, don't you remember the hurricanes? How wonderful everyone was worrying about us? It got me through a horribly difficult time and I can tell you I'll never forget it.

But I also understand what you're saying about comfort. Everyone over on Celebrity clearly feels they know you and they adore you. I could see that from the "Who would you like to cruise with..." thread. But you can't have missed that you were the only one who responded to my post and it was inviting answers.

Anyway ... vanilla and chocolate I suppose. I did feel better to see that many here share my feelings.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Have reviewed your Celebrity postings including the threads you started. Nowhere, absolutely nowhere, did I see any flaming of your comments, saw many thoughful replies to your questions. Each and every one was civiil. No "smart alec" repiles.

Show me an example where any Celebrity poster responded to any of your threads in any derogatory way.
I never said they flamed me and I never said they were "smart alec". I said I was ignored. I can't imagine what threads you're talking about. I only started one about Ellen giving away cruises and you're right ... people did post on that, but not to me.

Beyond that the only time anyone has ever answered me is on the Roll Call and I already clearly said that was a whole other ball game.

I can't imagine you took the time to do research on this:o . The fact is that I was specifically referring to a post I made on the "Who would you like to cruise with" thread. If someone wrote what I wrote on the HAL threads, the people here would make them feel welcome. Only Lois replied to my post and call me shy, but when I am totally ignored, I go away.

[Vicar]

Heather,

I know that I appear to be Mr Crazy Goofy guy on here sometimes, but in reality I am very shy when I first meet people, once I get to know them and "feel them out" so to speak I get in my comfort zone.

With my family and my close friends, the people who know me like a book and still love me *LOL* its like a Friars roast *LOL*, but I am very reserved when i am around new people, friendly but reserved.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Vicar, maybe it's a "Connecticut" thing ....:o

JDee, driving over to Target just now I got to thinking about your post and I felt I should add that my observations about the Celebrity threads were not arrived at solely by the lack of response to my post. I've been reading the Celebrity Boards for awhile and it's a sense that runs through the board. It's the manner in which many are "speaking". I hope you understand I don't mean everyone there! Of course there are dozens of really nice people, but there is a group that posts all the time.

Last year when I was planning my Celebrity cruise, the same people were posting. I saw really nasty threads about "newbies". There were threads started that had nothing to do with cruising but rather were pointing out threads on other boards that people should go to and disrupt because it was a bunch of "newbies" who didn't know what they were talking about. These posters are still very alive on the Celebrity boards.

Trust me when I say I didn't blindly make these comments. I certainly didn't think it was appropriate to site specific posts and I won't do it now.

[DFD1]

Heather. You should be whipped and put into chains for sailing on X....but if you do, be sure to keep up posted before, during and after. Heck, I'd like to know more about Celebrity so "post away". I've been yacking about a Carnival Conquest cruise coming in January.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather. You should be whipped and put into chains for sailing on X....but if you do, be sure to keep up posted before, during and after. Heck, I'd like to know more about Celebrity so "post away". I've been yacking about a Carnival Conquest cruise coming in January.
Wash your mouth out with soap!!!!!!:D Talk about whips and chains!;)

[pa.cruisers]

We have posted on and sailed on both. Found a great group on or Rotterdam in04 & we have a great group for our Feb. 05 11 nite. on the Summit. We are very pleased with X at this time you'll love it.

hope you find a good group for your cruise,you never know we may show up!

[Vicar]

Heather

you know its funny, I find in Connecticut especially in Fairfield County, people are much more clicky and clanish.

I go down to Florida to see my Mom and people are way more friendlier.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Oh, come Bucks County! We'd love to have you:) . The cruise is already 60% sold out and most of the lower priced cabins are gone but still plenty of room. I know we'll love it and I'm really excited about a 2 week cruise! The more the merrrier ... we've already got several people on the roll call.

Vicar, almost everyone living in Florida comes from somewhere up North so it must be something that happens to us down here;). Still, I think the explanation is Fairfield County. You have to get out of the ritzy part of the state and get into the guts of Connecticut where the warm people live:D .

[Vicar]

Heather,

That is very true, Being the bedroom communiy of teh rich and famous probably has a lot to do with that.

I was just always amazed when i would go down south or out west and strike up conversations and feel right at home with so many different people, and its a little harder to do that right in my own back yard.

It miht have to do with the warmer climate *LOL*

[Tatka]

I am posting on both boards (plus occasionally on RCCL)... I've been in a couple of fights;) , but I've never felt ignored.:)

Heather, just remember that nobody paid for the right to post on particular boards... So what..I didn't sailed on Princess yet? I have couple of posts there. Post on X and I am sure you will get all answers you need...and if you don't like somebody there it doesn't mean that you should leave!

[JSeals4316]

Last January I was on the Summit so I spent quite a bit of time on the Celebrity Board. I didn't like the Celebrity Board as well as the HA board. I also didn't like the Celebrity web site as well as Hollands. The Celebrity Summit is a very pretty ship. We prefer the food on HA. I also have enjoyed the passengers on the Holland ships more than I did the passengers on the Summit. In general we prefer HA. I can't pinpoint exactly why I prefer HA's passengers to Celebrity. What I am getting at is, can you tell what cruise line you may prefer by whos board you like best. If you are more comfortable with one lines boards, will you be more comfortable on their ships?

[HeatherInFlorida]

........If you are more comfortable with one lines boards, will you be more comfortable on their ships?It doesn't make sense to me that I would necessarily because in reality the people on the boards represent a very small minority of the passengers actually sailing on the ships. So it doesn't seem to me that's a way to judge it. I do think every line attracts certain personalities, but I would guess that Celebrity and HAL would attract the same kinds of people. Who knows? I don't have an answer to that.

[JDee]

Hope you found some goodies at Target.

At times, there are some misunderstandings on the intended message and what the recipient assumes the message to be. I possibly could have read your original post in a different light.

I don't cruise exclusive with HAL (but mostly) and visit the X and RCI boards as I use those lines also. In fact have a Spendour booked for 2/05 and was glad to see it come to Tampa (just an hour away). I do visit those boards pretty regularly, but don't post there that often. Would agree that the largest majority of those posters are very civil, give good advice, very knowledgeable, etc.... Unfortunately, there always will be a few of the others on many boards. I have found that on the "Cruise Discussion Topics", rarely is there a cruel posting ridiculing a Newbie. Most of those posters go out of their way to give the straight scoop and very civil.

Best wishes on your next Celebrity Cruise.

[bepsf]

Brian, you're terrific. And I don't know if you remember but back a ways you and I didn't always see eye to eye;) . Now you're the best! ... even if we don't.

Heather --

We disagreed on something?
It must have been TERRIBLY important, as I seem to have forgotten....
;)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather --

We disagreed on something?
It must have been TERRIBLY important, as I seem to have forgotten....
;)Ah, Brian, dare I risk mentioning it was political? It was waaaaaaay back when I hardly knew ye:D . I've forgotten all about it as well. 'Nuff said:o .

[OCruisers]

Heather .... Gosh, you are lucky to have HAL where you really feel "at home". Lots of us cruise of a variety of different cruise lines and never have a real home on these CC boards.

Must say that on all of the different CC boards people have always answered my questions. In turn, I'll answer the questions from others if I have the information they need. Sometimes, I'll give an opinion ... but, never expect anyone to care one way or the other .....

Heather, you always seem to care about others and are never mean-spirited so just post on X or any other board. You'll get the info you need and certainly will be able to help others as well. That's really what it's all about.

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thank you, OCruisers, that's very nice of you to say though I must tell you there are those who would disagree with you:o about my good nature.

It was just luck, I guess, that I came on the HAL boards this past summer when it was good to have so many people out there pulling for me and all of us here in South Florida during the hurricanes. After that, I felt a bond stronger than just the simple exchange of information.

So maybe I'm just spoiled. Whatever it is, I may sail on different cruiselines, but I'll always come back to the HAL boards:) .

[Ziggy7]

Oh wow! I never thought of it like that Heather, I guess I just didnt think it mattered to mix -N- match cruiselines on here. Now I feel bad cause I did the doc dance for this RCI cruise on here and someone told me I couldnt do that on the HAL board, I just thought they were joking. So if they werernt, they will just have to get over it cause its like Marie said, the HAL board is our family. So even though I'm a bad teenager and wonder elsewhere, I will always post here first! And I never excluded any one from my cruising list, nor will I ever :) Life is too short for games like that :)
Hugsssssssssss, My Friend, your stuck with us!!!

[HeatherInFlorida]

You've got my vote, Ziggy! I'm with you. Besides, no one will dare tell you you're in the wrong place;) . Better not, anyhow!:)

[CaptData]

Heather, I have cruises on both lines coming up. My Hal roll call is zip (55 days and counting) but my Celb roll call has 10 on it over a year away (Hawaii). I think sometimes it is when you are going,which ship and where. The Maasdam is not new or top of line where the Celb Summit is, I think this is part of it. The newer the ship the more people are trying. Also on Hal, I think it is and other crowd with less tech skills. I find if it is a longer voyage, the older crowd has less comp skills, not all but some. If you go on seven day cruises where there is more chance of kids then the roll calls are hugh.

On Maasdam from 6-17 Feb 05 is not idea for any school kid so less likly any children also 11 days. The Hawaii one is usually known as the honeymoon trip and 15-29 Jan 06 may get some collage kids. Feb is not good for those working tax flieds as well.

Sometimes, I will answer a thread but if an answer is already there ie is soda available on the Maasdam, which brand and someone has answered it once I won.t answer again. For one I have not been on Maasdam yet but know because of boards that they have Coke only (same as most ships). Sometimes, I'll ask a question and not get answer too. Maybe they see the number of posts and figure Iknow the answer already but I may just want a confirmation. Other times, I'll get 17 answers that seem to be in disagreement with each other (esp food). Hang in there on both boards. Many on here have been on more then one cruise line and go on various boards, heven knows I do.

[ruthiegirl]

Heather Relax and enjoy. a new site is like sitting in a differant pew on Sunday morning at first it feels odd but give it a few minutes and you'll feel right at home. and as my greek prof. once said "you can always learn one more new thing". have fun with it and let us know whats out there

[marjmy]

Heather, when are you travelling on the summit, we are on the April 11, cruise.
Just wondering if that is when you are going
Marjorie

[catlib55]

I for one would love to hear how your Celebrity cruise went. We will celebrate with you when you get your Docs. Any cruise is a good cruise, no matter what line you travel on!! We have never sailed on Celebrity, but who knows, maybe some day they will have the itinerary we want.
I tried the RCI board for awhile, but felt lost over there. I really enjoy this board because people are friendly, nice, and funny. I've gotten some great laughs from these posts! I love reading this board!!
Happy cruising!!
Mary Ellen

[HeatherInFlorida]

Marjorie, we're not sailing until 10/23/05 ... we're going on the Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale.

Mary Ellen, thanks for your post. I feel the same way. This is a great board. So great, in fact, I'd love to scoop up a bunch of you and talk you into going on the Summit cruise with us!!

[JohnR49er]

We really enjoyed our cruise on the Summit last year.

[Cauvet]

I have a HAL and Celebrity cruise booked for 2005 so I bounce back and forth. I too am not fond of the Celebrity boards. First both Celebrity and RCI have SO many posters that if you post something one day, you can't find it cause it's five pages down. HAL has fewer and friendlier posters and you can get to know the posters after a while even if you just read what's going on. I also find the Celebrity posters a lot snootier. I have been on this board since before Millennium when we went on the Ryndam and have been on the cruise critic boards probably since 97 or 98 when there weren't a gazillion posters.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Cauvet, what you had to say is very interesting. I've noticed, though, that the attitutde on the Celebrity Roll Call boards is completely different and everyone is very friendly. It's kind of strange, but they don't seem to be the same people as on the regular boards.

I first came on the CC boards in 1995 when there were so few people that they had a kind of chat room once a week and everyone chatted together with a moderator. They would send out an email telling us the subject matter and inviting us to join in. It was fun.

[anngie]

Heather, I enjoy reading your posts. Right now I feel that when we sail again we will try Celebrity. I will continue reading the Hal board and participating sometimes. Right now I really don't want to cruise again until we can visit some new ports. I just feel like we have done enough Eastern and Western Caribbeans. We plan to do a St Thomas land vacation in January.
If we do book a Celebrity cruise we will try their board. We may feel just like you do.
Anyway, continue to post over here. You always have something to offer.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Heather, I enjoy reading your posts. Right now I feel that when we sail again we will try Celebrity. I will continue reading the Hal board and participating sometimes. Right now I really don't want to cruise again until we can visit some new ports. I just feel like we have done enough Eastern and Western Caribbeans. We plan to do a St Thomas land vacation in January.
If we do book a Celebrity cruise we will try their board. We may feel just like you do.
Anyway, continue to post over here. You always have something to offer.Anngie, I know just what you mean! DH and I said the same thing: How many more times can we go to the same islands? Of course, we can always just stay on the ship and call it a vacation at sea!!!:D

Years ago we stayed on St. Thomas for 2 weeks and had a wonderful time, but that's a very long time ago. We stayed at Pt. Pleasant which is a really beautiful resort and they give you 1/2 day car rentals (but you don't pay for it).

Or come with us on the Summit 10/23/05 from LA to Ft. Lauderdale!!! It's a 2 week ... the longest we've ever done. Should be really fun.

[kryos]

I'm in the "same boat," so to speak. :) My next cruise is on Princess and I don't have a HAL cruise planned at the moment, yet something keeps drawing me back to the HAL board.
I'm also in the same boat. My next cruise is next month on the Sun Princess, with not another HAL cruise scheduled until October 2005. I never took it that in order to post on one cruise line's board you had to exclusively cruise that line. I, for one, like a bit of variety, and while I've loved all three of my HAL cruises, that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to occasionally branch out and try another line. After all, how could I truly appreciate HAL if I didn't know what the "competition" was like?

I think it's great that you have a Celebrity cruise planned ... and I for one would like to hear all about it when you return! After all ... who knows? Maybe I'd like to try Celebrity one day. :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[HeatherInFlorida]

I was never suggesting we shouldn't cruise other cruise lines! I just meant when you're planning a Celebrity cruise, you wouldn't be celebrating it and chatting away on the HAL boards most likely. But I just might:D because I like it better over here!

[kryos]

I was never suggesting we shouldn't cruise other cruise lines! I just meant when you're planning a Celebrity cruise, you wouldn't be celebrating it and chatting away on the HAL boards most likely. But I just might:D because I like it better over here!
LOL ... I've been chatting away about my Princess cruise on the HAL board occasionally. To me, a cruise is a cruise. And, after all ... I'm not abandoning HAL ... in fact, I have a credit voucher good for close to $200 bucks to apply to a future HAL cruise, so I am sure I will be scheduling something before the end of 2005.

I loved every minute of my three HAL cruises, but I got a pretty good deal on this Princess cruise next month and I figured it wouldn't hurt to try something different. So, I post on both boards now. :)

Just be sure to let us know how you enjoy your Celebrity cruise, and I'll do the same with my Princess one, okay? :)

Blue skies ...

--rita

[HeatherInFlorida]

Will do, Rita! Have a fantastic time. I have a friend just getting off the Caribbean Princess today and can't wait to hear how it was.

[anngie]

Heather, we actually have talked about that cruise before. We will keep it in mind. :)