Perfect Lives ~~~~ Perfect Cruises.....

[sail7seas]

I can only speak for myself but my world isn't perfect. Sure, it's pretty darn good but it isn't perfect and I doubt many of us can say our individual worlds can't use a little improvement here and there.

My Point:

Why do we expect near perfection when we cruise? If we really think about some of the comments we find ourselves or others making either while cruising or here, we seem to spazz or at a minimum grumble if something falls short of the perfect '10'.....or in HAL speak "9" as they accede nothing is perfect. Yet, in most other facts of our lives we know there's lots of room for improvement.

It seems to me we expect more from a crew on a ship than we expect from most hotels we visit, most land restaurants, most bars/lounges.......

I find myself annoyed sometimes with some small petty ridiculous things and shake my head and say, Self....what is your problem??

You too?

[jhannah]

Mea culpa! I know I've groused about some things in the past that were really inconsequential. Yes, I'd have to agree that there is sometimes apparent indignation over things that are simply a part of living in an imperfect world.

I've never had a major goof-up on any cruise ship that caused a "ruined" vacation. Sure, some things I would have preferred some other way ... but at the end of the day I still had what I consider the perfect sort of holiday.

[May4]

I strongly agree with what you've said. What's amazing to me is that so many, many things occur smoothly and with clockwork precision day after day on these HAL cruises, given that the people who work aboard get very little sleep and no days off.

I do think that some people see the world through a certain filter. That is to say, they are constantly afraid that someone will trick them or cheat them rather than assuming that the vendor has the best of intentions. It must be exhausting to live that way.

(27 days until I sail again):)

[cruisinbulldog]

Totally agree! I think it is just some peoples nature to complain.. To me life is to short to be dwelling on the bad all the time, understand we all have are bad days..

When I go on vacation, be it by land or sea, I try to make the best out of it.. When I have a bad experience I will go look for a good one..:) Vacations for me are too short and too $$ to have it ruined by certain situations..

[Krazy Kruizers]

Well as you know we both have had many health problems this past year.

And when we get on a ship we always go with high hopes that everything will run smoothly. Alas that has not been the case on our last several cruises. DH is getting to the point he doesn't want to cruise anymore because we no more than get on the ship (sometimes have had problems there as well) and things that we though were supposed to have been done, i.e, shipboard credit, etc. -- HAL suddenly doesn't have any records.

Seems as though we have not started our last several cruises on a good note.

[sail7seas]

You've made references a few times to problems aboard, KK, but I never knew what you were referring to.....specifically.

I'm sorry things have not gone smoothly for you particularly during a year when you have had health issues. You want things to be easy when you're not at your best; not for there to be snags.

You are a very experienced cruiser so I know that you have done all that you should in order to facilitate an easy embarkation etc

What do you think is happening?
Why are these sorts of problems arising where they did not in the past?
You are still using the same TA; you are still sailing in Suites; you certainly know the ins and outs of sailing HAL?

Do you know what the problem is? Have you addressed any issues with Seattle?

I'm sorry for the questions. I genuinely feel badly you've had bad experiences and I'm trying to understand how you can get back to excitedly looking forward to boarding an HAL ship. You've cruised and loved it way too much to be chased away if it can be 'fixed'.

JMHO......

[fcorey]

Guilty as charged, and you'd think from time at sea with USN I'd know better. Things happen. I think we sometimes forget how many things that the crew does well on a daily basis for which they deserve credit. I think its very easier to get worked up when things dont go our way on vacation. I cant wait to experience HAL for myself.

[Orlandocruiser]

I can't say we have had any bad experiences on board. Some cruises have been better than others. Our first cruise (on the Maasdam) was wonderful, perhaps because we had no expectations - looking back embarcation and disembarcation pretty much s***ed,but that didn't really cloud our enjoyment. Each cruise since then has been different - on some cruises our cabin steward was not as good as others we have had or the dining room service not as good or tablemates better but on the whole everything was in retrospect OK(really more that just OK). (as you can see we are not complainers) As a matter of fact when we book a new cruise (our 6th on HAL is coming in Nov.) I always have the doubt that we are never going to have as good a cruise as the previous ones but we always do and always find that the money we plunked down was worth it.
But when you look at the glossy ads and the web site's videos I think the cruise line raises expectations beyound what might be reasonable. After all you see only beautiful people of a certain age, no lines in the Lido, deck chairs that are always available and toilets that always flush. Of course no resort is going to show the bad sides but once you board the ship you are kind of stuck. This is not to denigrate those who have had truly bad problems but I think especially for new cruisers the expectations are very high and the philosophy of "ship happens" is ot something they are willing to embrace.

[NHCruisr]

This is such an important post. In an effort to provide information about a cruise and give as much detail as possible to future cruisers of a certain ship or of a particular cruise line we sometimes get too picky and too focused on small negatives. I know I do anyway.

It seems that complaints fall into certain categories. The most useless thing is to complain about is weather and events caused by weather. The next is condition of a ship. This is fair game to point out, in my opinion. If a cruise line is keeping a ship in poor repair or dirty then future cruisers should know. If service is poor (which I think is a real exception to the rule on HAL) then I feel that I need to address it on board and if it doesn't get better, then I'll write about it on CC. If the system is flawed as to booking, record keeping, communication with the home office, etc. then Seattle needs to hear about it and the information should be on CC.

All in all, though, I try to have a positive attitude. I've enjoyed cruises where things have gone wrong. I never look for things to go wrong. Even the one cruise out of fourteen which was not good (on NCL), I still had a good time because of the people I was with and the port we visited (Bermuda).

[kakalina]

It would seem to me that the core of the problem that S7S brings out is expectations. Most of us here are seasoned cruisers but there are a lot of newbies out there. They hear of amazing food and entertainment, the see movies and TV shows that infer cruising is so special, so wonderful, so perfect that nothing can or does go wrong. We are all aware that this is not the case. Those who save and plan, and read magazines about crusing don't know what to expect. They do however, know that they expect the "perfect" vacation. Their expectations are unresonable because so many have never heard of places like CC where they can get serious information.
Even those of us who cruise often are sometimes guilty of over expectations. As others have mentioned, no one is perfect. But IMHO HAL does it better than most.

[lougee1043]

your glass is either half full or half empty --- depends on your viewpoint

have never been on any vacation where EVERYTHING has been absolutely perfect-------life isnt always perfect so why should your vacation always be- you only go around once so why not enjoy yourselves and dont sweat the petty stuff- as bad as an situation can be it can always be worse -----------just take a moment to smell the roses or the salt air and consider how fortunate you are to be on a cruise when so many other people are not ------------we can order 2 entrees and there are people in the world who have not eaten for days ---------

[sail7seas]

I think HAL (all cruise lines) are victim of their own marketing....as pointed out. So many people see the glossy brochures and expect perfect.

One piece of overcooked steak and reality sets in. What!!! My steak is overcooked!!! Grrr.....How could this Happen??? Everyone in the pretty pictures in the brochure was happily eating away!!!! Get me the Manager!!! I want him to explain how this happened to ME!!!!

Okay, probably an exagerration but there it is.

I'm an experienced cruiser and still sometimes a little thing will get my goat. Put into the perspective of the whole cruise, it probably rates a minus 2 but still for a brief moment in time, it was annoying.

I think the difference is that as quckly as it irritates me, is as quickly as I dismiss it and move along.

Those believing there really can be perfection will dwell on it for hours/days......the rest of their cruise. Then it's time for the comment sheets and they slam everything about their cruise because they're still irritated their toast wasn't brown enough for their taste.

[hammybee]

Sail: Thank you for starting this timely thread.

I board expecting to be welcomed, a clean enviornment and cabin, a variety of food I do not have to cook, the majesty of the sea, good conversation with people I did not know yesterday and with any luck, discovering a new port. And if the unexpected and unavoidable happens, I want passenger safety above and beyond it all. Every cruise I have taken on HAL, X, CC, RCCL, Orient and NCL has exceeded my expectations.

On a cost per day, I absolutely cannot independently achieve the same thing on my own, which is why I continue to cruise.

It was not that long ago that leisure cruising was something that only the wealthy could afford to do. Economies of scale, technology, and greater real or financed disposable income combined to put cruising within the grasp of more people. And for many, a 7 day or less cruise is a dream come true.

Orlandocruiser hit the nail on the head that most cruise lines create consumer expecations that cannot be reasonably met, if the consumer is not reasonable. Who has not seen, or maybe been the subject of, the photo opportunity, on HMC where a crew member is serving a passenger champagne, as they stand at water's edge?

Some passengers board with expectations that are not going to be met and they are going to be dissappointed. Others chuckled to themselves when, for the first time on HMC, they saw the staged photo for what it was and decided what the heck, and ordered a beer.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Our problems began even before HAL switched over to the new computer system.

Our TA even after the documents have arrived has called HAL back to make certain that everything is in order. But still problems and we can't pinpoint what or why this all happening.

On our Amsterdam cruise, our Mariner numbers were on our documents. I filled out the number of days and cruises on the on-line immigration form. But when we got on the ship - no record of us being Mariners' So now we have to check on that as well when we get on the ships.

We have contacted HAL - our TA has contacted HAL when we come back home and tell her of all our problems. Answer: So sorry - won't happen again.

[sail7seas]

Our problems began even before HAL switched over to the new computer system.

Our TA even after the documents have arrived has called HAL back to make certain that everything is in order. But still problems and we can't pinpoint what or why this all happening.

On our Amsterdam cruise, our Mariner numbers were on our documents. I filled out the number of days and cruises on the on-line immigration form. But when we got on the ship - no record of us being Mariners' So now we have to check on that as well when we get on the ships.

We have contacted HAL - our TA has contacted HAL when we come back home and tell her of all our problems. Answer: So sorry - won't happen again.

I agree that is annoying.......very irritating.

For the interim, until you are sure things will finally be straightened out for you, I suggest you use the paper Immigration Form instead of the on-line.

I have personally seen them by hand reviewing all those sheets at the office. Not to say there can't still be a mistake made. :(

We never do it on line but are always sure to have it completed and signed before we get to the terminal. It doesn't hold us up at all to use the paper form in the Suite Check In Line. At least we know they got the form and have the information in hand.

You have cruised with HAL way too much for these mistakes to not be very annoying to you. I wouldn't like it either...... ;) But I'd be on the phone personally to Seattle. I wouldn't have my TA doing it.

[middle-aged mom]

Good thread, and good replies. It's the kind of topic I can't resist joining in!

Because I spent more than a year on these boards before we embarked on our very first cruise just a little over two weeks ago, I had some idea of what to expect. I wasn't anticipating perfection, in fact, I had steeled myself for some downright disappointments and problems, should they come our way. As it happened, our cruise was pretty darn near perfect, with a few minor glitches and adjustments here and there. My family and I learned a few things about ourselves and how we handle new situations, which is always beneficial.:o

As I've mentioned before ad nauseum, I flew for Pan American as a flight attendant back in my younger days. I've observed, first-hand, breakdowns in communication and passenger service. Heck, I've even been part of the problem myself! Pan Am acquired several French Airbus planes when we were all used to flying American Boeing craft. We had to go out and handle a flight with no experience on the Airbus, after only a couple of days of requisite training.:eek: Reality always differs from practice.(I still have nightmares about one flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK! Really! It took us four hours to do the hot lunch service in economy class!!:eek: )

My own past experience really makes me appreciate the round-the-clock teamwork that occurs on a cruiseship. I think everything falls into place remarkably smoothly when you consider what it takes to launch what is virtually a small town upon the seas.

The information I gleaned here at CC helped me tremendously on my first cruise. Even the arguments are helpful! I also find that I prefer the service I receive from a tangible person in the form of a travel agent who knows me, knows my family, and whom I can visit in person whenever I need to. She helps me keep things in perspective, and makes sure to articulate the reality for me versus the marketing hype.

Karin

[Scrumpy]

We don't expect things to be perfect, but we do expect good communication to quickly resolve any problems that occur. Our last cruise had several glitches, most of which were small and easily resolved. However, it's never good to start off with a problem because each additional issue seems to piggyback on the first. When the very first day is a rollercoaster of excitement and disappointment, it does tend to make one apprehensive and probably over-sensitive.

In terms of expectations, these boards can play a bigger role than any marketing. A disappointment for us was the new bedding which had gotten a lot of hype on CC. Sometimes, one gets the feeling that a concern must be a result of some expectation that is too high and there are always those who perpetuate that view and blame the disappointed party. In truth, that isn't always the case. Sometimes, there are simply problems and it is your turn to encounter them. In hindsight, the good always outweighs the not-so-good (for us) and we remember the pleasant aspects, but a lot of people hold onto the problems and their significance grows over time. Looking back, we have never had an experience on any holiday that made us wish we hadn't gone at all (although Molokai is awfully close). Or, at least nothing comes to mind ;) Sometimes, being forgetful comes in handy!

[bepsf]

While I agree that many cruiselines set themselves up for disappointing their passengers, I think that HAL does a pretty good job of managing/meeting expectations overall.

You don't see HAL ads depicting former passengers raving about how they were treated like royalty, or imagery of butlers waiding into the surf with buckets of caviar and champagne. Other lines emphasize the extra-charge amenities in their ads: rock climbing walls, spas, roses in their staterooms, butler service, helicopter/glacier/parasailing excursions, whereas HAL (for the most part) shows "standard" amenities in their imagery: We see handsome people enjoying beautiful scenery and trays of fruit and coffee borne by friendly smiling waiters.

While I certainly don't expect perfection and will be the first to admit that HAL has failed to meet certain expectations at one time or another (like not bringing my entree before the Baked Alaska parade - GRRRR...) I have found from my experience that certain other lines don't even attempt to meet minimum standards, nor give a rats-a** about the overall quality of their product. At the risk of sounding like a "Rah-Rah", it's been my experience that HAL has done a better job of meeting the expectations that other lines have 'promised' than the other lines have.

[hammybee]

I think everything falls into place remarkably smoothly when you consider what it takes to launch what is virtually a small town upon the seas. Karin

I appreciate your perspective and the "it takes a village" thing.

[bepsf]

A disappointment for us was the new bedding which had gotten a lot of hype on CC.

Scrumpy--

I don't know if you'd ever experienced the old beds, but compared with what they had, these new ones really are a dream!

Of course, if you're accustomed to great bedding at home and had never had the 'opportunity' to enjoy the old slabs w/ their scratchy sheets - you'd say that the new beds are 'No Big Deal'

As in all things, it's a matter of perspective...
;)

[SANDY BEACH]

I found that imperfection was noticed much more after I started reading these boards. I, too, had to catch myself and realize how lucky I am to sail at least a couple of times a year. Several cruises were definitely 9 plus. Others were great also. I'm no longer looking for perfection.

[hammybee]

[SIZE="4"]You don't see HAL ads depicting former passengers raving about how they were treated like royalty, or imagery of butlers waiding into the surf with buckets of caviar and champagne. SIZE]

HAL used to use pix of butlers in the surf. Then passengers themselves, started showing off their own pix of being served in the surf. And finally some want the turf with thier surf.

BTW, could not agree with you more on the bed thing. Compared to the old, the new is heaven. But then again, my heaven may be the next guy's hell-o.

[Scrumpy]

Scrumpy--

I don't know if you'd ever experienced the old beds, but compared with what they had, these new ones really are a dream!

Of course, if you're accustomed to great bedding at home and had never had the 'opportunity' to enjoy the old slabs w/ their scratchy sheets - you'd say that the new beds are 'No Big Deal'

As in all things, it's a matter of perspective...
;)

Brian, we had the old beds last year. We also had the good sense to ask for an egg crate. :D This year, we kept thinking "it must be US because everyone else raves about the bedding" and never did pull our heads out and ask for an egg crate. I didn't notice any improvement in quality in the mattress itself, but did think the bed linens were nicer than last year. At home, we do have a nice mattress with feather topper and 600+ t.c. sheets, so I (belatedly) realize that we are more likely to be disappointed when we cruise. (Considering how much I fall asleep on couches and in easy chairs, I really should be able to sleep regardless of conditions, LOL!) An egg crate will always be requested from now onwards because how well I sleep at night definitely influences my ability to have a good attitude during the day. :o

[Scrumpy]

BTW, could not agree with you more on the bed thing. Compared to the old, the new is heaven. But then again, my heaven may be the next guy's hell-o.

You're so right. (And, if it ain't broke at your house, don't fix it!) It is partly what we're accustomed to having at home that will dictate how comfortable we are away from home. I started a bedding crusade around our house about 5-6 years ago and have found that we both sleep better than we used to. DH travels and has had some lousy beds, but now that Marriott has done some upgrades I think he is much more comfortable than he was a year ago. It's a matter of priorities and I finally realized that for us it was well worth it to upgrade an area where we'll (hopefully) spend about a third of our lives. Obviously, we are in the minority about the HAL bedding, though, and that is okay. Live and learn :) There are so many wonderful things about HAL that we don't have to obsess over it when things aren't wonderful. I really tend to forget most of the negatives as time goes by anyway.

[Copper10-8]

Great thread! Like many (included here, I think;) ) we board a cruise ship to enjoy ourselves, get away from the stress of our everyday lives and have a great vacation. IMHO, the perfect cruise line hasn't been invented yet (and probably never will). HAL is certainly not perfect.

When on a ship, you're dealing among other things with machinery (the ship itself and everything on it), individuals (crew), product (primarily food), the environment (weather), and I'm probably leaving out a bunch. Any one of these can fall apart and cause problems (big and small) and, consequently, expectations are not met. Disappointing, aggravating? Sure, it is - no doubt, but try to deal with it! There are bigger problems in the world and you're still on one of best places you can be to enjoy some time off. Even though cruising is not for the "priviledged few" anymore (and that's a good thing), think of all the billions of folks who, unlike us here, will never see the inside of a cruise ship. Don't sweat the small stuff!

If you feel the issue(s) is/are not taken care off, seek out the appropriate person onboard (i.e. the guest relations manager) and bring your problem to her/his attention. Believe me, HAL (and other lines) don't want problems no matter how big or small on their ships! They want their pax to have a great time so they come back as good little Mariners and do the whole thing over again (and again, and again). I've read numerous posts here from people whose expectations (small and big, reasonable and unreasonable) were not met, never brought it to anyone's attention onboard, but started griping about it here on this site. What good does that do? Start with the first step and go up the ladder all the way to the head cheese if you have to. If you don't get the satisfaction you think you deserve, assess your options. If you think the problem ruined your vacation and HAL did nothing to make you want to come back to them, hey maybe it's time to go elsewhere!

When a problem occurs, I'm sure HAL wants it handled to conclusion and to everyone's satisfaction. That doesn't always happen. Communications and follow up are biggies! Both can be handled in great fasion or completely messed up (look at some of the examples on threads here). We're dealing with human beings with various skills. I can only speak for myself when I say that HAL has handled the problems we've encountered (and they've been minor) better than similar situations on our two Carnival cruises.

[J&R Cruisers]

:) Okay, we don't live in a perfect world. Just to prove HAL is trying, on a recent cruise we were invited to attend a small meeting and give our opinion on the ship. What were they doing right and was there anything we felt should be corrected.
This indicated to me and dh that someone was really putting forth some effort.
Been on many cruised(8 lines) and have discovered no one is perfect. Just try to enjoy the moment.:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

sail --- as I said -- we have called Seattle -- our TA has called Seattle -- we all get the same answers. Really getting tired of talking to them.

You don't know how many times we have been to the guest relations person in the last cruises - far too many times - JMO.

[sail7seas]

I assume (hate to do that) there must be other issues. I'm sure you aren't spending all that energy over Mariners Numbers.

I do recall you mentioned about your pre-payment for Pinnacle not being reflected.....that you had to show them your credit card statement.

I guess we've been overly fortunate.
We've had no issues of any sort that needed that kind of attention.
Better be careful and not jinx us. ;)
I hope your next cruise(s) go more smoothly, KK.

[Bramcruiser]

Well I think with some people its a case of they work hard for their money and thus are out to hope for a few days of better-than-average living. At least that's me who works far too hard and have been told by many that I overdo it. The few days I am off I want a good, relaxing and pampered vacation. That being said though, I do agree that some people are just expecting things to be too perfect and thus are setting themselves up for a fall of their own making.

Sometimes there are real problems. Sometimes a cruise line does bad in terms of customer service and its okay to vent one's frustration. People found that getting frustrations off their chests is rather cathartic.

However, I agree that there are certain people who are just always out to look for the negatives in life. I see that everyday in the condo complex I live in. We have a mixed lot and there is always that certain group of people who are just never happy and complain about the cost of every repair and this or that activity and thus would be the same type to complain about every smell, noise and activity on board a cruise ship.

The reality for some is that they just have nothing major in life to focus on anymore and thus they focus on the really insignificant things in life that means nothing to others around them. As I told my partner I fear the day I retire!

With the OP, the negativity of some does get tiring and we do tend to get our backs up more than once. Try at least once or twice to bring the topic back to reason and show them that it could be worse but if they continue then the best you can only do is walk away. If they are born to be negative then you are never going to turn them around.

David

[hammybee]

[QUOTE=Copper10-8 When on a ship, you're dealing among other things with machinery (the ship itself and everything on it), individuals (crew), product (primarily food), the environment (weather), and I'm probably leaving out a bunch. Any one of these can fall apart and cause problems (big and small) and, consequently, expectations are not met. Disappointing, aggravating? Sure, it is - no doubt, but try to deal with it! There are bigger problems in the world and you're still on one of best places you can be to enjoy some time off. Even though cruising is not for the "priviledged few" anymore (and that's a good thing), think of all the billions of folks who, unlike us here, will never see the inside of a cruise ship. Don't sweat the small stuff.

You are my kinda guy and I liked the machinery alalogy.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Sail, this has been an interesting thread. Thanks for starting it.:)

Not to throw a wrench in here but in a way the CC board is to blame for people who come back being negative and or saying it was all right but I doubt I will ever cruise again. We spent a lot of hard earned money and it was just OK...... I think the problem is they read so many threads about those of us that have cruised so much, we talk about how great the Pinnacle was, how wonderful Shy on the Maasdam or Hunkey Dory on the Zuiderdam was. We talk about the Black and White Balls and we talk about all the new amenities in our suites. But the true first time cruiser who has never set foot on a cruise ship may be in for a rude awakening. First off it is a ship, the rooms are smaller including the bathrooms. The ship moves and the ocean has motion. The ship is mechanical and can have problems just like our automobiles. To be honest we did not find the CC boards till after our very first cruise and in many ways I am glad. We went into cruising positive we would hate it. Yes, I said hate it. I won the cruise, we enjoy going to Hawaii several times a year and I was sure I would get motion sick every day(I take Bonine daily and my body has become acustom to the motion). Had we found the boards prior I am sure we would have gone on the first cruise with much high expectations and would have come home complaining never to return. But because we had no expectations just bare minimum information given to us we had a wonderful time. Then we found the CC board prior to our our second cruise and first with HAL on the Zuiderdam. I have to admit we were just a bit more disappointed. We were able to upgrade to a Verandah Suite and we made reservations for the Pinnacle. All were not as perfect as I had read on the boards. I expected a bigger cabin, I expected far more from the Pinnacle. Now we still loved the cruise and returned to HAL (again and again:D ) but I just think reading and learning here on the boards can be a bit dangerous.

Now I am not putting down CC, there is a wealth of information here and it should continue. I can honestly say I get at least 3 to 6 emails a week from many CC readers and members asking me questions. I like answering these questions and try to be as honest as possible. We did not always travel in Suites and only a very small percentage do. Many of the readers that have emailed me are just so excited about going on their first cruise and by some I can tell they are expecting the Red Carpet treatment. Many think they are getting a glamerous suite because they we upgraded from a Cat. D to a VD. I have tried to explain to some and have even sent pictures.

I guess what I am saying is I can see why some come back upset. Yet another thing, NOT EVERYONE wil like cruising no matter how perfect it was. Just like not everyone will like mountain climbing, back packing, or a week at Disneyland. We are all different which is what makes the world a bit fun.

Tom and I like to be positive and looking back we really have enjoyed all our cruises some more than others. We also found we really like to cruise and for right now it is our hobby so to speak.

I guess what I am saying is we need to be more sensitive to those that come back and complain because maybe us as the HAL board and the Internet are just a little bit to blame. We live in such a fast pace high speed all knowing world. Perhaps before the Internet we enjoyed cruising because we didn't know what to expect. Unfortunately now what we have read to expect is not our interpretation of what we recieve.

My word for all First time cruisers is, Go have a great time, don't worry about anything and do not expect perfection.:)

You will come back a Happy Cruiser:D

[Scrumpy]

Lisa, I agree with you. I have said before that I am happy that we didn't find CC until AFTER our first cruise. We had no idea what to expect, did it on the spur of the moment, and were thrilled with almost every aspect of the cruise. There were some surprises, but most of them were pleasant and we didn't have any preconceived notions about the cruise experience itself.

[kryos]

I think people's vacations fall short of their expectations ... especially cruise vacations ... because we set ourselves up for disappointment in many cases. We set our expectations too high and when they are not met, we've had a lousy experience.

Frankly, I've yet to have a bad cruise. Have things gone wrong? Why, certainly. Nobody's perfect. But, the difference with me is that I don't go into the cruise expecting perfection. I go into it expecting a good time, decent food, a reasonably attentive service staff, and the facilities with which I can avail myself to make my vacation experience a good one.

This set of expectations is not hard to meet. HAL meets them fine. Other cruise lines have also met them. Hence, I come home bubbling over about what a great cruise I had.

Of course, in all fairness to others on this board, I do have to say that if I were spending the money required for first class accommodations, I would probably have much higher expectations, and thus may very well set myself up for disappointment at some point in time. But, since I travel in the "cheap seats," I don't spend top dollar, and thus my expectations merely revolve around comfort, not luxury, and HAL (as well as probably many other cruise lines) can easily meet them. The reason I choose HAL to meet them is more a matter of the specific ambience of the line's ships ... and not necessarily because their food, service, facilities, etc. ... are any better than on other similar lines.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[jagsfan]

the cruise I've gotten the most mileage out of because it's so funny in
hindsight was the small ship, storm at sea, my friend and I were laid out on
our beds sick as dogs....especially me, in spite of my Bonine. Knock knock...
a maintenance man came in with a step ladder and proceeded to take off the
cover of the air conditioning vent. Soot all over me, my bed, my nightgown, and the floor. He called for someone to vacuum, and that steward knocked over the ice bucket. Our steward came in to pick up the ice while the man still had his head in the vent and the other guy still vacuuming. Knock knock...in comes a waiter with a tray with champagne, strawberries and two glasses. We were green, sweaty, sooty, gasping and had 4 crew members bustling around in the cabin...........I laugh every time I think of it, because they all pretended they couldn't see us......even though we were lying on top of the bedspreads.
No cruise experience is really a bad experience for me.........Mimi

[middle-aged mom]

:D

Jagsfan:

Good laugh!

Sounds like the stateroom scene in the 1935 Marx Brothers Movie, " A Night at the Opera". Glad to know you recovered.

[sail7seas]

Jagsfan........I laughed and laughed reading your post. GREAT!!!!

[Copper10-8]

The ship is mechanical and can have problems just like our automobiles.

Whoaa Lisa! You guys sell automobiles, no let me refrase that...you guys sell new automobiles that have problems??:eek: Not good Ma'am - bad advertising - I knew there was someting wrong with those 2006 Yugo's

[sail7seas]

Excellent post, Lisa.

I didn't find CC until we had been on at least 20+ cruises.....probably more than that as we had already done about 10+ on cruiselines other than HAL.

DH and I went almost kicking and screaming on our first cruise. We didn't want to cruise and were sure we'd hate it. We had to idea what to expect but it didn't take us long to figure out how much we liked this 'cruising stuff'. :)

In many ways, it is unfortunate that people going on their first cruise get so very much information here. There are few surprises left for them to be 'wowed' with. But aside from that, Lisa, your points are so well made.

They often get an unrealistic expectation. They look forward to more than any mass market cruise line can possibly deliver.

We didn't know what to expect and were 'wowed' many times during that first cruise (on Royal Princess).

[SanDiego Single]

The last thing I am going to complain about is if the food was bad a night or 2 in the dining room. Or I had to wait an extra 30 minutes for an embarkation process etc. Unless something seriously goes wrong ie a fire or a missed night of cruising because of something that the cruiselines could have prevented then I am happy as a clam. To many people let to many of the small things effect the way they enjoy any vacation onboard a ship or staying at a hotel. Just let the small things slide.

[Aussie Gal]

We have had one bad cruise and that was way back in 1980 on the old Oriana out of Sydney with our children. Never again was what my DH said after they cruise.

It took many years to get my DH back onto a ship but since then we have enjoyed all our cruises. I am a very positive person and can truthfully say I have not had any complaints with any of our recent cruises. If something goes wrong, we immediately get in touch with whoever is responsible and get it fixed. We do not demand but always ask in a cordial manner and we find that we do get attention to the problem.

After very long airflights to our port of embarkation, nothing is going to take away from us our enjoyment of our time on board. We realize that the food will not be as tasty as we have here at home, how can it be when there are over 1000 passenger on board, but it is still enjoyable and at least I am not doing the cooking. As long as our bed is comfortable and our cabin is clean we are happy. We have each other and we are away from the stresses of everyday living.

We do look forward to every cruise, seeing lots of new ports and meeting new friends from far and wide.

Jennie

[HeatherInFlorida]

So many times I have said here that I have never been on a cruise I didn't like. If I had, we probably wouldn't be cruising anymore. Are some better than others? Absolutely. But they're all wonderful.

And I think most people (not on CC) feel like that. Much as I enjoy it here I take so many comments with a grain of salt because when I get on a ship, most of it just doesn't ring true. So in some ways I think CC is not a good thing ... it makes people pick at stuff they wouldn't otherwise.

So as many said, much of it is in the expectation. If you go into any day thinking it will be perfection all the way through you're going to be disappointed.

Sure I'll post that food on one line doesn't measure up to food on another, but I've never said it was inedible or anything close. I've never had a "horrific" cruise;) or a cruise from H***:) .

For me the glass is always at least half full because I've lived through some of the worst of times. I'm lucky we can cruise ... I'm so lucky just to be alive. Just put me in anything that floats and a calm blue sea and I'm happy.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Whoaa Lisa! You guys sell automobiles, no let me refrase that...you guys sell new automobiles that have problems??:eek: Not good Ma'am - bad advertising - I knew there was someting wrong with those 2006 Yugo's

:D ;) Oh John, I work in the finance department where we sell those 50 year million mile warranties that you need to make sure you read the fine print:rolleyes: If you buy one of those you never will have problems. But of course that is only for our Fine Well maintained USED cars. Of course everyone know that New Toyotas are perfect;)

[Copper10-8]

Of course everyone know that New Toyotas are perfect;)

Agreed 100% - My wife drives an Avalon and swears by it - I mean she likes it...a lot, no complaints;) !

(BTW, great post!:) )

[duck tune]

DH and I are fortunate to have cruised 7 times counting our first cruise in 2002 on NCL. We had no expectations and didn't know what to do or how things operated on a cruise ship. When we walked into our balcony cabin we were amazed and truly excited. We took advantage of every moment and decided this was something we wanted to do again!

Yes, we've had a few minor problems - toilet that wouldn't flush, sprinkler over the bed started leaking after a cleaning of the lines, some not so tasty food items and observed some really obnoxious behavior by some really rude people. I've been seasick a couple of days but learned never have too much alcohol the first night on board:o ! However, as I've said on other threads, a cruise is what we as individuals make of it and a bad day cruising beats a good day at work!

DH and I have decided to give up spending our money on material things in order to enjoy one or two cruises a year as long as we can. Once we book the cruise we have something to look forward to, something to get us through the difficult, dark days that happen now and then. Some days knowing that a cruise was down the road was a lifesaver.

We are not as experienced as many cruisers but we feel like we "know the ropes" much better now, and yes I've learned some tips here on CC. We know that having a balcony is important to us, but realistically we can't afford the suites. We are more fortunate than most. What matters most is that we enjoy every minute on a cruise and don't dwell on things we can't control.

December 16 - Oosterdam to Mexico --Yipee!:D

[HeatherInFlorida]

John, was that an upgrade from a Celica?:)

Whoops! Sorry ... wrong thread;) .

[babyher]

:D ;) Oh John, I work in the finance department where we sell those 50 year million mile warranties that you need to make sure you read the fine print:rolleyes: If you buy one of those you never will have problems. But of course that is only for our Fine Well maintained USED cars. Of course everyone know that New Toyotas are perfect;)

LISA,

they are not USED CARS ......

They are PREVIOUSLY OWNED ........*LOL* JEEEEEEZ :)

I also wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed and agreed with your post. I too didn't come here to CC til I had 3 cruises under my belt, so I knew there were many different categories of cabin, and not every passenger would have a butler following them to the bathroom with champagne and caviar *LOL* and not everyone gets a balcony that seats 50.

What I do enjoy from coming here are the different view points of so many people ,who have been to so many places, on so many different ships and their experiences. Learning and laughing along the way.

But you are so right, I can see a total "Newbie" coming here , reading all about the "suite life" and then being dissappointed because they didn't get any of these things in a lower category.

[Copper10-8]

John, was that an upgrade from a Celica?:)

Whoops! Sorry ... wrong thread;) .

Nope, she used to have a Yugo;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Agreed 100% - My wife drives an Avalon and swears by it - I mean she likes it...a lot, no complaints;) !

(BTW, great post!:) )


She has good taste in cars;) I too drive an 05 Avalon, it is my 4th Avalon in 11 years.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

LISA,

they are not USED CARS ......

They are PREVIOUSLY OWNED ........*LOL* JEEEEEEZ :)

I also wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed and agreed with your post. I too didn't come here to CC til I had 3 cruises under my belt, so I knew there were many different categories of cabin, and not every passenger would have a butler following them to the bathroom with champagne and caviar *LOL* and not everyone gets a balcony that seats 50.

What I do enjoy from coming here are the different view points of so many people ,who have been to so many places, on so many different ships and their experiences. Learning and laughing along the way.

But you are so right, I can see a total "Newbie" coming here , reading all about the "suite life" and then being dissappointed because they didn't get any of these things in a lower category.

Yes, you are correct they are Previously Owned :D

Thanks:)

[cruznon]

Lisa,
I agree with your post. We can expect too much after reading CC boards.

ALL vacations have blips. I try to not dwell on them. Many minor inconveniences/irritations can be soothed when you step onto your balcony at sunset. There's something so wonderful about being at sea. I tend to put things in perspective when I watch the sea. I feel so privileged to be able to cruise. My computer wallpaper always has a picture of the ship for our next cruise!
However....there can be horrible cruise experiences. (We had one and didn't sail again for years.) So glad my DH said let's try it again.
peggy

[7x5090g]

I strongly agree with what you've said. What's amazing to me is that so many, many things occur smoothly and with clockwork precision day after day on these HAL cruises, given that the people who work aboard get very little sleep and no days off.

I do think that some people see the world through a certain filter. That is to say, they are constantly afraid that someone will trick them or cheat them rather than assuming that the vendor has the best of intentions. It must be exhausting to live that way.

(27 days until I sail again):)

Absolutely. It's funny when you read members' reviews on the cruise ships and how you can get both end of the spectrum on their experiences, especially those poor and excellent reviews on the same cruise!!. One could say they had horrible food while the other one could not enjoy it more (yes same restaurant on the same ship at the same cruise). It really depends on how picky you are.

[7x5090g]

Lisa,
I agree with your post. We can expect too much after reading CC boards.

ALL vacations have blips. I try to not dwell on them. Many minor inconveniences/irritations can be soothed when you step onto your balcony at sunset. There's something so wonderful about being at sea. I tend to put things in perspective when I watch the sea. I feel so privileged to be able to cruise. My computer wallpaper always has a picture of the ship for our next cruise!
However....there can be horrible cruise experiences. (We had one and didn't sail again for years.) So glad my DH said let's try it again.
peggy

Couldn't agree more. One of my friends was on the Star Princesss when the fire broke out. Her stateroom was on the other side of the ship and was in no way affected. She stayed on board for 3 more days while the ship anchored in Jamaica. She got shipped off to a 5 star resort after for an extra 2 nights before being flown home (all expense paid). On top of that, she got a credit with Princess for the entire amount of her cruise.

Not that I am looking forward to this kind of blip. But my friend's blip was not too bad to swallow>:)

[happy cruzer]

Hi, I happened to see this article this morning on the RCI board. did not read anything but the first post. The first item seemed familar?
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=407566

I love details, good and bad. then we just need to put them in perspective and set expectations accordingly. disappoinment when expecations aren't met is usually worse than the actual event. You are tested when life gives you lemons.

[jhannah]

Yes, you are correct they are Previously Owned And we have this little jewel for a really good price. Just a few minor cosmetic blemishes ... but it runs like a champ!

27945

:D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

And we have this little jewel for a really good price. Just a few minor cosmetic blemishes ... but it runs like a champ!

27945

:D

Now Jim, you know we are not suppose to do any advertising on these boards:) But if you want to email me I can get you a realllly good deal;)

[Copper10-8]

And we have this little jewel for a really good price. Just a few minor cosmetic blemishes ... but it runs like a champ!

27945

:D

Now, that looks familiar - car versus pole - 1-0 pole!

[Sueseb]

I think that some people have the need to complain, whether deserved or not. We had a very inattentive room steward on the Zaandam several years ago but it sure didn't ruin our cruise (someone else's dirty underwaer in the HAL bag in our cabin when we arrived, couldn't find DH's shoes after he polished them etc.) We can laugh about it now.
Any cruise is what you make it, on what ever cruise line and we go to have a great time, no matter what.
if you get lemons, you can always make lemonade.