Civility on CC Board

[Sandifer]

Sometimes it seems to be that many people on the HAL Cruisecritic Board are often very judgemental in answering questions. I am even reluctant to post this because I am afraid it will just invite some responses that I would rather not read. I have not sailed on HAL before; I have sailed often on Celebrity. Now with a cruise scheduled soon on Hal, I am a little worried that I will find the same attitudes on ship that I sometimes find on this board. I try to behave well on ships and expect others to do the same, but it disturbs me to think that I might be constantly judged, in terms of dress, tipping policy, etc. Please tell me it isn't so.

[General Max]

We have been on 3 HAL cruises so far and haven't judged anybody. We only met one couple that we did not care to associate with at dinner.

Cheers

General Max

[ore-ee-gun]

Hi Sandifer,
I highly doubt you will encounter outwardly "judgmental" pax on your cruise - we certainly didn't. I do think that with the relative anonymity one has on these boards, some folks forget their manners, or at least don't realize their tone of "wisdom and experience" might be perceived as arrogance and intolerance. Have a great cruise! :)

[MikeT718]

Sandifer,
I have been on some cruises and I have found that you will find some people that are rude and not very nice..It's like anything in life for the large marjority of us we try to act right..It's like these boards there are some people who always stir the pot and some times it is good because we get to see different sides of an opinion...But don't worry about your HAL cruise I am sure you will have a good time..What I do when I come across these types of people on a cruise I try to avoid them and even if we do cross paths they are not going to ruin my cruise..


I guess I have rambled a little disjointly but I hope you get my idea:o

[Krazy Kruizers]

There has rarely been a cruise that we have been on (all lines) where there isn't at least one couple who are very rude. We always try to avoid them.

Enjoy your cruise and stop thinking about what others think of you.

[tomc]

One of the big problems with message boards is that you can't get the facial expressions, the voice tones, etc. What may be done with a smile and a wink in person could come off as a sarcastic jab in print. A good barroom discussion-style "argument" where everybody has a good time will, on this board, sound like WW2. I think there are people who are accused of flaming who really don't mean to come off that way.

Onboard -- the vast majority of people, the vast majority, are kind and happy and more than willing to accept the dress styles and whatever of others. There will always be a very few who are (a) dissatisfied, (b) boorish, (c) better than everybody, (d) just plain snots. These are rare and, actually, are pretty funny. I write about them in my daily Cruise Critic diary on this board and they provide lots of material for my humor pieces.

[jhannah]

We have met some dear people onboard HAL cruise ships. I've never felt any of them have been judgmental at all. Here on the board, I'll grant you that some FEW folks throw darts from time to time. Maybe they do it intentionally ... maybe not. I will provide my view then move on. If they "cop a 'tude" that's THEIR problem.

You will also find some wonderful cruise mates. Go and have a great time.

[SpuddGirl]

It's possible some people take the term "Cruise CRITIC" a bit too seriously!;)

I too have noticed the negativity at times, but by far the majority of people on these boards are great, and overall very helpful. The kind of folks I would like to meet on a cruise! I don't think you have anything to worry about on a HAL, or any other ship. Having just returned from a HAL cruise, I did not encounter any more rudeness than I would have at a hotel, theme park, restaurant, or anyplace else.

There is an element of truth to what was said about the anonymity, IMO. Many people will post replies that they likely would never say in public. On the other hand, anonymity allows you to be able to ignore those replies that you consider to be rude and judgemental as well.

Please don't let it stop you from posting! Happy cruising!:D

[Bramcruiser]

Hi Sandifer:

Actually you are quite right but I don't think in most cases the person actually intends to be so judgemental to the point of creating a riff.

It not only happens on the HAL boards but on the other threads as well. I was so annoyed with the Cunard people for the longest time and seriously started to think I made a huge mistake booking the QM2 for later this year because I was convinced it was the worst group of judgemental people I ever seen - I mean, steerage class passengers on a Disneyfied ship? Was that what I was being called? Then magically someone mentioned this and the whole tone of the board changed once everyone started agreeing and the more pleasant people came out of the wood work laughing and joking and saying the good things about their experiences on Cunard.

HAL has a fairly nice bunch. I must admit its a close knit circle who has known each other for a long time so don't expect a hug the minute you get in here. Sometimes I felt like I was talking to a brick wall but I never felt that the group was bad or just a miserable bunch. They are a fairly tolerant bunch except just don't bring up topless sunbathing. OH PLEASE DON'T!:D

I guess the point I am trying to make is that sometimes some are just miserable people or people who cannot communicate as well by email/message board as they do in person get misinterpreted. A simple joke or wrong use of a term can rile a crowd into a frenzy and usually when it was not intended to do so. Sometimes someone's disappointment with something is overly dramatized - the perceived worst cruise ever stories I have heard here have yet to compare to the Titanic and usually its a non-issue to everyone else. I find it hard to believe most people are out to deliberately cause trouble except that once in a blue moon there will always be one unhappy soul in a crowd. Those are the ones who either disappear when no one agrees with them or they have to have their posting privileges removed.

To any newbies who may be listening. Stay long enough and you'll know its not all bad here. The way I look at life is that the world doesn't revolve around one. I learned that one a long, long, long,long time ago!

Thanks.

[Randyk47]

I think Tomc nailed it for me. Sometimes even the most trivial or off hand comment can come across to the reciever as rude, argumentative, or snide when that wasn't the sender's intent. Actually I count myself lucky to have only gotten into one circumstance here with somebody who felt I was out of bounds with my comments. :o

[Pudgesmom]

I think most everyone here is interested in reading and learning more about cruising.

One unfortunate thing that happens sometimes is that a newer poster will ask a question about a "hot topic," or one that has been brought up repeatedly and is controversial. (I refuse to say "dead horse" as I own one.;) )

Anyway, some of the regulars who have patiently answered a question umteen million times will digress into a general discussion of the controversial topic. I think the original poster is often left confused over the maelstrom he or she has caused. Sometimes the original question is totally lost in the discussion.

For the first time yesterday, a regular poster made some very disparaging remarks to me. I responded. Her post and my response have been removed at my request by the moderators. So, sometimes if you begin to read a thread well after it has started, you may get a somewhat disjointed reading on what all the fuss is about.

And remember, the edit button is still good for awhile after you hit the reply button.:D

Beth

[NoNoNanette]

I saw that attack on you, Beth. :mad:

Your reply was right on the money, honey. :)

It's always the same individuals. You can count 'em on one hand. I've learned to just ignore them.:rolleyes:

[csg99]

also beware of the pot-stirrers, some of whom have never cruised HAL, who like to keep the friction going. The veteran HAL posters, for the most part, will usually try to resolve miscommunications and move on. For those who feed on conflict, tension and name-calling, just ignore them.

[fridayeyes]

Personally, I find the best way to handle things when I feel I've been sniped is to never, ever snipe back. For one, it's always possible that I misinterpreted the comment that set me off. And two, returning fire only escalates the situation, making me feel *worse* instead of better.

Take the good, ignore the bad and enjoy life. This is just the internet and it's really not worth fussing over.

[Atomica]

It's just my opinion, but I've found the people on this board to be some of the nicest on Cruise Critic. Very knowledgeable and welcoming. When I first started posting I was nervous, but was welcomed to the boards. I've also found the people on HAL ships to be, by and large, very nice.

There's usually one or two people per cruise, on any line, that you'll bump into who will just hate the whole experience and say nothing is good and "I'll never sail "insert line here", I'm going back to "the line i used to sail with"". To me, that's just amusing :) Believe me, 99.9% of the people who are on the ship will be there for the same reasons you are: to have a great time!

[Copper10-8]

Here's one more little tidbit: the folks here on CC only represent a miniscule amount of the fellow passengers you will meet on a cruise ship. I'll be willing to bet you that the vast majority of cruise ship pax have never heard of CC. If you encounter "tudes" here, try to take it for what it's worth (which is absolutely nothing) and don't let it get to you. Think about it: some people wake up like that every morning:eek:

It's been our experience that most cruise ship pax take things as they go, make the best of it and have a great time (if you want to see an example of that, read Krazy Kruizers' review of her last cruise to Hi - great attitude). You will meet some very nice and interesting individuals on a cruise and you could even make friends for life. If you encounter folks with their nose up in the air or being judgemental, just ignore them - their underwear is more than likely too tight and you can't please folks like that anyway ! Go and enjoy your cruise and don't sweat the small stuff!:)

[NoNoNanette]

I'm SO glad that we'll be cruising together on the Volendam, csg99 ! :)

You've always been so kind and helpful when I've asked questions. Dom and I look forward to meeting you.

Race 'ya to the topless deck! ;)

[dakrewser]

Most people are constantly judging others. Heck, those who say I'm "judgemental" are making a judgement! The thing is, no one is going to call you on it while you're cruising (well, unless you're causing an unsafe or very unpleasant situation).

Remember, too, that what someone usually means by "judgemental" is "they don't agree with me."

If you've spent any time on the Celebrity boards, then you'll have no problem here. Most folks will tell you that the HAL boards are much friendlier.

Won't we Heather? :)

[Oceanwench]

Welcome to the playground!

Every message board I've belonged to -- with the exception of one -- operates pretty much in the same way.
There are the bullies and the know-it-alls and the friendly types.
There are the queens and kings and the wannabes.
There are the newbies who post innocently -- and some of the longtime members roll their eyes and say, "Not again!!!"

There are the trolls and the pot-stirrers who will do anything to get attention and enjoy starting trouble. They come and they go ... kind of like the tide.
I am sure a many of us could name the ones who've graced this board, then disappeared.

After my first HAL cruise I came back to CC to report my experience. I mentioned that I'd seen someone in jeans in the dining room -- got my you-know-what kicked and was called a liar!

But I hung in there anyway, despite the less-than-friendly reception.

I agree with Copper: most of the people on your cruise won't know a thing about CC.
And they'll be all shapes and sizes and colors ... some with attitude, most without.
It's like any crowd.

[Valentine's Mom]

I haven't cruised with HAL yet but have my first HAL cruise scheduled for November. We have been with Royal for several years now and most of my "critic" time has been on the Royal board. Now if you want to be attacked for little or no reason visit the Royal board. I don't post there often because of it. I have been mostly hovering here on the HAL board with just a few post now and then but I have really been impressed at how everyone seems to get along. Of course there are always a few but I am impressed so far and am really looking forward to meeting everyone on my November cruise on the Maasdam.:D

[jhannah]

Happy to have you, Valentine's Mom. Welcome! All of us here love to talk cruising. And each of us was a newbie at one time or another. Sometimes we forget that. I'm sure you will really enjoy what Holland America has to offer.

[Valentine's Mom]

jhanna,
Thanks for the welcome. I read the board almost everyday and am really getting excited for my November cruise. There was a thread a few weeks ago that was something like secrete things on HAL. I not only read all of those but printed them out so as not to miss any of them on my cruise. I was surprised and delited to see so many things that none of the other cruise lines that I have cruised on offered. I can't wait!

[mrblack]

Well I'm very new to the board in terms of posting but i find they are a good source of info. For example i was wondering about tipping with respect to the room service and then yesterday I came across a thread dealing with the issue with a variety of views. I was also wondering about the spa. I've been on two HAL cruises and only ventured into the spa area on the 2nd cruise. I never realized there was even a whole area there (thermal beds etc.) that can be accessed for a charge of course. I came across a thread dealing with some info on that too answering questions which I had. I also like reading the board because my cruise is a long way off but reading people's comments about their upcoming cruises helps me enjoy the anticipation of my own cruise more. As for people on the HAL cruises I've cruised on Celebrity, Carnival and HAL. Carnival was the only one I wasn't big on, not so much because of people I met that I didn't like but the absolute numbers (3500--1300 were under 17) but I still enjoyed it and my adult children 19, 21, 23 and 25 and mother in law 85 really enjoyed it--it was their first and as we were paying, Carnival was a great economical way to cruise. In terms of age probably Celebrity is more our age group (early 50's) but the advantage of HAL is often the things we are interested (hiking or active outdoors activities) in there isn't a line up for.

[mrblack]

Well I'm very new to the board in terms of posting but i find they are a good source of info. For example i was wondering about tipping with respect to the room service and then yesterday I came across a thread dealing with the issue with a variety of views. I was also wondering about the spa. I've been on two HAL cruises and only ventured into the spa area on the 2nd cruise. I never realized there was even a whole area there (thermal beds etc.) that can be accessed for a charge of course. I came across a thread dealing with some info on that too answering questions which I had. I also like reading the board because my cruise is a long way off but reading people's comments about their upcoming cruises helps me enjoy the anticipation of my own cruise more. As for people on the HAL cruises I've cruised on Celebrity, Carnival and HAL. Carnival was the only one I wasn't big on, not so much because of people I met that I didn't like but the absolute numbers (3500--1300 were under 17) but I still enjoyed it and my adult children 19, 21, 23 and 25 and mother in law 85 really enjoyed it--it was their first and as we were paying, Carnival was a great economical way to cruise. In terms of age probably Celebrity is more our age group (early 50's) but the advantage of HAL is often the things we are interested (hiking or active outdoors activities) in there isn't a line up for.

[RevNeal]

There was a thread a few weeks ago that was something like secrete things on HAL. I not only read all of those but printed them out so as not to miss any of them on my cruise. I was surprised and delited to see so many things that none of the other cruise lines that I have cruised on offered. I can't wait!

Welcome, Valentine's Mom! And, I agree, threads like the "HAL Secrets" thread reflect the very best aspects of this board. True, we tend to get a bit heated in our discussions and, sometimes, some of us will say things that we shouldn't say. However, in my opinion our virtual bark is far worse than our actual bite.

Sandifer, cruise without any concerns and have a wonderful time!

[OCruisers]

I think Tomc nailed it for me. Sometimes even the most trivial or off hand comment can come across to the reciever as rude, argumentative, or snide when that wasn't the sender's intent. Actually I count myself lucky to have only gotten into one circumstance here with somebody who felt I was out of bounds with my comments. :o

So True! Never allow RUDE people to spoil your day! :D :p

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[kakalina]

Valentine's Mom & Mr. Black: Welcome to the playpen. We have been on many, many HAL cruises and have always come away with new friends; some longer lasting than others ;) .

I have found the boards here to be a font of knowlege and a good primer for what to expect on board. We have found the folks here to be friendly and helpful. This is the only message board I've ever dealt with so I can not compare it to others.

I have "met" quite a few folks here that I can't wait to meet in person and some I have met through these boards have become dear friends.

Enjoy your cruise, don't worry about what others are thinking, you won't ever see them again ( most likely) anyway!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Yes, Dave:D ... the HAL boards are way friendlier! Once you get the "lay of the land" you'll find these boards a great place to visit. But it takes awhile.

Are some over-critical sometimes? Probably ... but often that's a result of a fierce loyalty to the cruise line and all its employees. And believe me, there's some really strong loyalty here.

Sandifer, you have nothing to worry about onboard ... I've met some great friends on HAL ships. And if you're new to the HAL board, give it a chance. You will find that someone who's your friend one day may pounce on you the next. Just let it roll off you and think nothing of it ... and as many have mentioned you have to remember it's just words on a page.

The people who complain the most about how they're treated still keep coming back. So it can't be all bad;) . We all make mistakes. We all sometimes write something that doesn't come across the way we mean it. So it's good to give people the benefit of the doubt. If someone is continually obnoxious, just ignore them. I sure do.

ValentinesMom, hi!:) Royal must be like Celebrity ... that is one tough board as Dave says. I love to cruise Celebrity and I've never met anyone I didn't like on a Celebrity cruise.

So the board has nothing to do with the wonderful experience you'll have on HAL.

[SANDY BEACH]

Posts here are some times very strong. I have found a wealth of information from many loyal cruise critics and always enjoyed my time on the boards until yesterday. One negative comment in all the months I've posted to defend against another negative comment and now I feel like a criminal and feel I should leave. I didn't even start it. Thanks to all of you that have answered my questions and helped to make my cruise experiences so special. Smooth sailing to all.

[herb]

I've found everyone here at the HAL board very helpful when we were looking into booking our Oosterdam cruise and I was very grateful for all the answers to my questions regarding the ship, cabins, etc.
My wife and I are looking forward to our first HAL experience and we'll be taking my mother along (she has sailed on HAL before and really enjoyed her cruises).
When we come back from our Scandinavia cruise this summer we'll start looking into shore excursions for Mexico and I'm sure I'll get alot of help from everyone here at this forum as well as the Mexico forum.

[patwell]

Hello....I too am new to this board. Posting anyway as I've been reading fairly regularly as I consider booking my first HAL cruise next fall on the Westerdam. I've been mostly on the Cunard board as I will be sailing the QM2 in Dec and my fellow passenger Bramcruiser, who posted earlier, hit it pretty much on the head. We have had a fairly rough dose of negativity recently which I'm sure would put any newby off rather fast. It almost did to me when I first considered Cunard, but I hung in, found a wealth of helpful information and some very nice people and realized that it's best to ignore the negative posters. While I know it's impossible to always "read" the tone or intent of a post, it can make one reconsider their choice of cruise line...or ship.

I'll certainly do a search for the HAL secrets thread and look forward to reading and copying it for my future trip. We have one as well on Cunard...'what not to miss on the QM2"...a really wonderful collection of ship info by past pax. When it starts getting negative and depressing one of the long time posters will bump it up where it will be seen again by the new folks.

I guess it's just important to remember that the people we wil cruise with are no different than the people we cross paths with everyday..some we enjoy, others aren't our cup of tea. With the size of ships today it would seem a pretty easy thing to just avoid the unpleasant ones and enjoy your own day.

Thanks to those of you whose advice and suggestions have been very hekpful to me in considering a first HAL adventure. Cheers, Penny

[SDHALFAN]

[quote=Sandifer]Sometimes it seems to be that many people on the HAL Cruisecritic Board are often very judgemental in answering questions. I am even reluctant to post this because I am afraid it will just invite some responses that I would rather not read. I have not sailed on HAL before; I have sailed often on Celebrity. Now with a cruise scheduled soon on Hal, I am a little worried that I will find the same attitudes on ship that I sometimes find on this board. I try to behave well on ships and expect others to do the same, but it disturbs me to think that I might be constantly judged, in terms of dress, tipping policy, etc. Please tell me it isn't so.[/quote


Hi Sandifer, and welcome to the HAL board.

I see that you have "sailed often on Celebrity" and are about to take your first HAL cruise. You have some trepidation - that's understandable - and now you are worried that you will find the same attitudes on a HAL ship that you sometimes find on this board. Don't give it a second thought - just relax and prepare to enjoy your cruise and understand that the people who post on this board are just like the people that post on the Celebrity board. There are some really nice people on the Celebrity board and there are some who constantly judge others in terms of dress, tipping policy, etc., in fact they can get down right nasty at times, just like here.

Have a wonderful cruise aboard a HAL ship and please let us know upon your return how the HAL cruise compared to a Celebrity cruise.

Vallerie:)

[LHC]

I have found in the last 9 months that most of the responders are courteous, kind, and very informative. The regulars Heather in Florida, Rev. Neal, JHannah, and many many others are regular nice and kind individuals, oh and how could I forget Brian!
Everynow and then there is a controversial topic or a Hot, unhappy person who just blasts away. Take these as a normal response from a misery human being, or a hormonal female, or just a hothead responding without thinking.
As my mouth and brain work very quickly, I have to be extremely careful not to spew when angry....some things are harder to eat and swallow the second time around.
Some people I have learned from reading the boards,are those that God has set aside to make you possibly rethink a position, not a bad thing but sometimes perceived as such. Some just like taking an opposing view and running with it (remember we have lawyers on this board too)!
Just write and read and enjoy. Overlooking some short comings. I find that when people truly speak out of turn, the thread dies quickly.
Linda

[Sandifer]

Thanks for all the nice and very civil responses to my original posting. Maybe I was just overreacting to some things that I had recently read on the Boards. Looking forward to my first cruise on HAL.

[HeatherInFlorida]

.................. While I know it's impossible to always "read" the tone or intent of a post, it can make one reconsider their choice of cruise line...or ship.

...............


Oh, Penny, I hope not!!! Never reconsider a line or a ship based on anything you read here. As someone posted earlier, the vast majority of people you'll meet up with on a ship aren't posting here.

So you could reconsider the board, but please don't reconsider a ship based on what people write here.

Believe me it took a long while (and I mean at least a year) for me to feel even slightly comfortable here. But eventually you find your niche and the kind of threads where you're comfortable. And it doesn't hurt to learn the ability to let it all roll off you like water off a duck's back:) .

(and thanks so much, Linda ... you made my day!!!:) )

[patwell]

Thanks Heather...I appreciate your concern. When I was first considering QM2 I found these boards and was intrigued with the info available. Unfortunately one of the first things I read was a SCATHING review of the QM2...this person must have walked around with a clipboard and found fault with everything!! It really made me stop and think...luckily I found other reviews of the same trip he had taken and all were glowing. I have been on the boards long enough now to sift out the chronic complainers and get what I am looking for from others who are most helpful. But I wonder how many new people who haven't the travel experience get put off by some of the negative posters.

I'm eagerly waiting for our cruise on QM2 but not til Dec!! HAsn't stopped me from shopping for it as I just returned today with the gown to-die-for!! Qm2's schedule has her sailing all next winter from NYC and I have no desire to do that so I am looking at a HAL cruise from Lauderdale. Just so much easier for us....we live in SC but have a vacation home on Hutchinson Island so sailing from Lauderdale for us is a breeze. HAL got such good reviews and offers the type of cruise we prefer. We're a little too old for rock climbing walls and the like. Thus I've been hanging out here and reading as I did with QM2 only now I'm looking ahead and in time will surely be asking for advice about the Westerdam as she is doing an itinerary next Nov that we like.

You really gave me a laugh with your "water off a duck's back" comment. Many years ago I gave seminars for high producer sales people and the title was "water off a ducks back"...had to do with rejection and how to handle it...came complete with a session of mimicing a duck shaking the water off his back side. And the symbolism always seemed to work for them. So I shall practise that little maneuver myself! Thanks for the laugh...and the advice. Cheers, Penny

[Bramcruiser]

Thanks Heather for the encouragement to Penny here over at the HAL boards. Penny was absolutely correct in some of the aspects - that sometimes negativity just breeds negativity and if there are no positive responses back then one questions why they have ever joined in the first place. To be honest I never felt this way over here at the HAL board. Yeah, there has been some incidents but the people here are fairly civilized and are helpful.

To be fair, the Cunard bunch turned out to be a decent bunch as well but I felt exactly the same way as Penny when I first decided to join the Dec 2 QM2 cruise. One would think that Cunard sold out to Disney and stopped providing a quality service and that only those people of average means who shouldn't be there where the only ones booking and embarrasing those far superior to the rest of us. The comments started getting downright insulting which I never experienced the same level here. Fortunately someone mentioned the negativity over at the Cunard board and instead of a flame war.......................the average joe came out and started to commend the line for all the good aspects and gave helpful advise , along with a few fun pointers, to us newbies. So in comparison I was exactly the same as Penny over there. I must admit that it really is not that way at Cunard and those negative people who made us feel that way are either gone or laying low. We now know more so I doubt Penny and I would let people do this to us again.

I know what you mean Heather about taking some time to feel comfortable here. I still feel like an outsider despite being here since last fall. However, I don't believe its a deliberate snub. I think the crowd here is more tight and sometimes a newbie has to earn the trust and respect of the others. However, I never felt that an outsider was a bad person in the land of HAL.

Penny, welcome to HAL and I hope things do go your way in booking the Westerdam for 2007. I still think HAL is a good fit and the iteniary you are looking at looks great. And I'll definitely BBQ for you on my balcony on the QM2 in Dec.

[HeatherInFlorida]

A final note on the "insider"/"outsider" feel sometimes on this board (and way more so on the Celebrity board) ... sometimes it does seem to take a while to kind of break into the group that seems to have formed. But everyone is truly very welcoming especially as they get to know you more. It's kind of like moving onto a street where a lot of people know each other. After you're here awhile you get to know people and get along with some better than others, but there's always someone you will like.

As far as the negativity, once you're here for a long time you do come to realize that we have "visitors" from time to time who come in to stir the pot and try to rile everyone. I'm as guilty as the next one in giving into it and fighting back. And I kick myself every time I "bite". But they always end up getting bored and go away. The people who linger here are honestly people who just love to cruise ... mostly on HAL.

And then there's me who prefers Celebrity just a bit, but they forgive me for that;) .

All in all, when the chips are down and you learn the duck routine, it's a great bunch of people who love to talk about cruising between cruises.

Penny, our next cruise is also in December. I love the planning and the shopping and the looking forward. It's half the fun:) ! So enjoy ... and I hope you love the Queen Mary.

[Bramcruiser]

So Heather, does this mean you decided on the Prinsendam after all? That cruise leaves on the same day as Penny's (and my) QM2 cruise. We have to wave at each other from our respective ships!

David

[tomc]

patwell - post #36 Unfortunately one of the first things I read was a SCATHING review of the QM2 ... this person must have walked around with a clipboard and found fault with everything!! There is a classic HAL review somewhere on the Internet; it is so incredibly negative, to the tenth degree, that it approaches being funny. But the guy is serious. He found things wrong that nobody but someone obsessively attentive to small details would have noticed. I'm surprised he didn't send the water in the toilet out for chemical analysis. Maybe he did and I missed it.

[RevNeal]

Tom,

I'd love to read it. Got any idea what ship it was for and any other details that might help me find it?

[HeatherInFlorida]

So Heather, does this mean you decided on the Prinsendam after all? That cruise leaves on the same day as Penny's (and my) QM2 cruise. We have to wave at each other from our respective ships!

David

Yes! We did! But we're out of FLL. Aren't you going out of NY? I'll wave anyway:D .

[patwell]

Thanks Bramcruiser....appreciate the welcome here and your camaraderie over on our Roll Call. And you're so right...no one's negativity will spoil our cruise, no matter which ship it's on. By the by, will a 40 lb kingfish do for the "barbie"??

Heather...we'll definitely wave if you're leaving Lauderdale on Dec 2nd. I'll be the one with the grin from ear to ear...can't miss me! I love your "tag line" by the way. I hug my big fur person every chance I get! He's a big Golden Retriever who has just become a certified Therapy Dog so he can share all that goldie love with people who could use a little cheer in their day. We're soooo proud of him, and the hugging part comes very easy!

Tom C....thanks for warning me about this review. I'd hate to stumble on it! Sounds like the Cunard obsessive compulsive guy. I almost feel sorry for people like that who can't find any joy in life. thankfully I'm a bit more "board savvy" now and better able to ignore these obvious rants.
Cheers, Penny

[Bramcruiser]

Yes! We did! But we're out of FLL. Aren't you going out of NY? I'll wave anyway:D .

No No No! The QM2 trip of December 2 is also out of Fort Lauderdale so we may even cross paths at the terminal on the same day without knowing it. I'll definitely keep an eye out for the Prinsendam and wave to it anyway. It would be extra kewl if both our ships went by each other too.

Penny, bring along the "Hello Prinsendam" banner for your balcony!

David:)

[SDHALFAN]

Tom,

I'd love to read it. Got any idea what ship it was for and any other details that might help me find it?


Tom.

I would love to read the review also.

It is truly amazing the ability (?) some people have to nitpick. My husband and I were on the first leg of the Rotterdam's Inaugural Grand World Voyage back in 1998 and for some reason were invited, along with three other couples, to a Q and A session with the Captain and the Hotel Manager. They of course asked us how we were enjoying our cruise and how did we like the ship, etc. My review was very short and succinct, and I quote, "I'm having a wonderful time and I absolutely love the ship, she is gorgeous". I was totally floored when one of the other invitees complained that there was some dirt on the floors of the public restrooms - how much time does this man spend in the public restrooms? Anyway, the Hotel Manager replied that it was not dirt, it was simply the residue from the grout process and that it would dissipate very quickly with the daily cleaning process. This gentleman had about 20 other complaints but I just tuned him out I'm afraid since I had no idea how he found anything to complain about.

Now, I'm pretty sure that I may have visited the public restrooms as often as the aforementioned gentleman but I never noticed any "dirt" on the floors. Maybe I'm just not picky enough - or maybe I'm just too busy having a good time to find anything to complain about.

Valerie:D

[Grumpy1]

I love your "tag line" by the way. I hug my big fur person every chance I get! He's a big Golden Retriever who has just become a certified Therapy Dog so he can share all that goldie love with people who could use a little cheer in their day. We're soooo proud of him, and the hugging part comes very easy!You need the bumper sticker I saw the other day... My Golden Retriever is smarter than your Honor Student :D

[julia]

Very interesting thread!

I've been an active member of cruise critic for six years now (I know my post count doesn't reflect it, but it was reset a few years back, and I frankly don't really post unless I feel I can contribute). These boards have been an invaluable source of information and amusement to me over the years! I tend to gravitate towards whichever board I currently have a cruise booked with, and I too have been amazed at the differences between them. I've spent time on RCI, Princess, Carnival & HAL's boards and although I don't have a cruise currently booked on HAL, I often come to this board to peruse the conversations. The posters here are (for the most part) fun and informative. So to the OP.... please don't feel judged by anyone, either on yor screen or onboard your ship. Most people are too busy living their own lives to really judge yours. Have a lovely cruise!

[patwell]

Grumpy1....I LOVE it!!! HAve to keep an eye out for that one! Cheers, Penny

[tech]

You will love Hal. On board you just go your way and have fun your way.

Most of the people are too busy having their own fun to notice what others are doing.

Unless one streaks naked down the pool area !

However, there is a pack or clique on this board that does seem to indulge in group attacks.

You will know them when you see them and you can go the other way.

[HeatherInFlorida]

I'm so excited that we'll get to see the QM2 in Lauderdale! I didn't know that! Look for us on the starboard side (I made an exception ... we're always on the port). Our cabin is #197 which is the very last one on Promenade Deck. There are only 4 balconies on that deck and ours is the farthest toward the stern.

I'll definitely wave to the Queen Mary!!!

Grumpy, I have a bumper sticker that says "My dog is smarter than your honor student", but I finally put it on my fridge instead. I got some pretty nasty looks:o !

Penny, good for you with your Golden being a Therapy dog!!! They are awesome. My avatar and tagline are in honor of our cat Sammie (15) who is terribly ill we're having to say good-bye. Thank you for noticing and give your dog an extra hug in her memory ... I'd really appreciate it:) .

[babyher]

Heather

i like your bumper sticker *LOL*

I have seen another good one
"My kid beat up your honor student "

:) :) :)

[patwell]

You poor dear....saying goodby is so painful. Bear and I certainly send a hug to Sammie and especially one to Sammie's Mom who I know from very similar experience really could use one. You and Sammie will be in my thoughts and when the time is right for you and it's not too painful perhaps you'd like to visit the Rainbow Bridge site....it's a lovely place to honor our beloved furkids. Our last Golden Chip is there and it helped me so much to deal with his much too sudden loss.

So, come Dec I will watch for you...maybe I'll even have a bon voyage Heather sign in case we pass close by. Where I'll be on the ship for sailaway I have no idea. We are starboard side with a Deck 11 balcony...our best friends are portside also on Deck 11. I just know I'll be the silver haired gal with the biggest smile you ever saw!! Hugs to you both, Penny

[HeatherInFlorida]

Thanks, Penny:) ... really nice of you. Someone just sent me Rainbow Bridge and it's a wonderful way to think of it, isn't it. It's such a hard time, but the 15 years with her was worth it. We always get through this.:(

I've made a note of your names:) . We could be so far away there's no chance to wave. When we went on Celebrity thru the Canal last year, we visited the RCL roll call for the same cruise because they'd be visiting the same ports on the same days. We all said we would bring blue Hawaiian leis and wave. Sure enough! RCL was pulling out of Hualtulco and one of the guys screamed "Where's Heather?" from the pool deck! I ran into the cabin and got my lei and waved it madly. It was so much fun!!!! From there on we all did that at several ports including the Canal.

[gizmo]

Heather,

So sorry about your cat Sammie. I know how difficult it can be. Hang in there.

[peaches from georgia]

Heather, my best to you. Our Daisy (doxie) went to the Rainbow Bridge at 19 yrs. old on Christmas Day, 2004. We still haven't fully recovered and never really will, but it is comforting to know she is happy and healthy again and waiting for us.

She will welcome Sammie, don't worry.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Peaches ... Gizmo, I swear you brought tears. So, so nice of you. I know at this point it's sheer selfishness that made me keep her here this extra week since our vet visit. Tomorrow morning I'll tell her to look for Daisy:) ... she's used to dogs. My Molly has chased her for 5 years. Thanks so much for your kind words. You can't know how much it helps to know that all us nutty pet lovers go through this at some point. It's the price we pay ... and it's worth it, I think, for what we get from them. Thank you.

We send Molly off to stay with friends when we cruise, but poor Sammie always waited at home alone and my friend came in to feed her everyday. At least the next time we go away I won't have that guilt. For now we're just going to stick with Molly ... she's a loving handful!!:)

Sorry I went OT!!!!

[gizmo]

Glad to hear she is used to getting chased. She may run into Gizmo . She loved to chase cats. :)

[HeatherInFlorida]

LOL, Gizmo:D ! Not to worry, she can outrun anyone! Molly never caught her and as a Bichon she's pretty darned speedy! But she couldn't catch my Sammie! So Gizmo is in for the run of her life! They'll all have a great time.

[Bramcruiser]

Sorry to hear about Sammie. We had to put our Tuffy to sleep about a year and a half ago and it was the hardest thing we ever did. We had that cat for 17 years so I know what you are going through. Tuffy was always a friendly cat who had no problems with the introduction of our second cat years later so I would like to think our big boy is taking Sammie around to all the kewl places for cats to hang out.

[tech]

So sorry to hear about your pet, Heather.

We lost our 16 year old kitty last fall . Throught the years we have lost so many furry children and it never gets any easier.

I would not have missed one hour, day, month or year of the unconditional love that they brought to our lives.

They knew when we were sad and needed to have them sit in our lap.

They waited by the door when we came home and always were excited to have us back.

When you are sick, they would gather around and stay with you.

I am not sure that even the best of your human friends would be there for you like our furry ones.

As with all things, remember all the good times and none of the bad.

[saltydog28]

Heather,
I am so sorry you have to go through this. It is hard not to say, 'just one more day'. Our Buster will be waiting for Sammie also.
Take care,
Pat.

[patwell]

Hi Heather....I'm so glad you found the Rainbow Bridge. There is much comfort there and a place to memorialize our dear ones properly. Chip will watch out for Sammie...he's a BIG guy and so gentle and loving. I like to picture him chasing fetchies in a big lake on the other side of the bridge. And now that we all have tears streaming down our faces thinking of all our babies that have gone ahead.....

What fun that trip must have been waving to each other. We'll do the same on Dec 2nd. I think from what I read there's a whole bunch of us leaving at the same time...6 or 7 ships if I'm not mistaken. Should be a lot of fun getting around the port. We don't know it at all so are going down the night before to meet up with our friends flying in from Boston.

Think happy thoughts..cheers, Penny

[HeatherInFlorida]

Everyone of you ... I am more touched than you could ever know. Such warm hearts you have. Words honestly don't come.

Sammie will love meeting up with everyone. She'll see her old pal Jenny there, too. And my Bridgette from before Sammie will be there too. So she's in good hands ... better than mine.

They probably all get together and laugh at us humans:) .

Thank you again over and over.

[babyher]

Heather,

Got such a chuckle about your bumper sticker I didn't even see the rest of your post about your dear cat.

I am so terribly sorry

I lost my dog (Also a "Daisy") several years ago at the age of 17. Although she was terribly ill and frail and it truly was blessing to see her not suffer anymore ,it broke our hearts.

I know that you will miss her terribly. But take solace in the years of joy she gave you, and the years of joy you gave her being such a wonderful Mommy :)

[flashdog_1]

Which sailing in November will you be on? You will find people on your roll call that you will probably actually meet on there, so it will not be as judgemental as you have found the general board to have been. I'll be on the 11/11 Zuiderdam.