CRUISES, tell the truth!

[Liberty6277]

I find that a lot a first time cruisers don't know what to expect from a cruise and although their is obviously many opinions on whether a cruise is the best type of vacations here is my list on pros and cons about cruising.

Pros"
1. You get to stay in 1 spot as the ship moves you to different locations.
2. The food , all kinds to eat and choices.
3. Entertainment is free
4. Various games during the day run by cruise directors/Helpers are also free.
5. Visiting different ports( although not guaranteed)are fun and interesting.
6. Very relaxing while the ship moves and you watch the ocean go by.
7. Very good service from stewards to ding staff.
8. Value for money spent? depends what ypu want.
9. Getting dressed up for dinner is nice once in a while.
10.Meeting new people at your dining room table is different and usually enjoyable that you would never do otherwise.


Cons"
1. Don't get sick or it could cost you a fortune.
2. Your stuck on a ship , if your room is too hot/cold too bad usually no way
to change rooms.
3. Drinks are not cheap or free even that diet pepsi cost you money for
dinner.
4. Way too crowded on sea days especially around the pools.
5. Rooms are a lot smaller on a ship then a land vacation offers unless you
pay thousands for a suite.
6. There is no smoke free rooms in all categories.
7. You may get bored on sea days during the day time as not much to do,
except lay around all day.BTW the TV choices are lousy if ypu want to
watch TV.
8. Be ready to like crowds,like a cattle call when loading and unloading off
the ship.

These are just some of the Pro and Cons, feel free to add your own so that all first timers are truely informed about the Pro and Cons about going on a Cruise.

[cb at sea]

Most of your "cons" are "non-issues" on most ships!

[TrentS]

Originally Posted by cb at sea

Most of your "cons" are "non-issues" on most ships!

+1!

Con#1 - buy insurance, very inexpensive
Con#2 - never had a problem with the thermostat in any of the ships I've been on
Con#3 - drinks are no more expensive than at any resort/hotel, restaurant, etc.
Con#4 - pick the right ship and that's not a problem, however I've never had a problem getting a lounge even on the largest ships and I'm no early riser
Con#5 - so much to do on the ships you won't spend much time in your cabin
Con#6 - I can't stand cigarette smoke but I've never found it to be a problem
Con#7 - are you kidding??? there's so much to do it's impossible to get bored!!!
Con#8 - crowds even on the largest ships are quite manageable, don't run to get off as soon as the ship is cleared and you won't have a problem

[uppitycats]

Originally Posted by Liberty6277

I find that a lot a first time cruisers don't know what to expect from a cruise and although their is obviously many opinions on whether a cruise is the best type of vacations here is my list on pros and cons about cruising.

Pros"
1. You get to stay in 1 spot as the ship moves you to different locations.
2. The food , all kinds to eat and choices.
3. Entertainment is free
4. Various games during the day run by cruise directors/Helpers are also free.
This is not always true. Bingo, for example, can be very expensive (and it is run by "helpers").
5. Visiting different ports( although not guaranteed)are fun and interesting.
6. Very relaxing while the ship moves and you watch the ocean go by.
7. Very good service from stewards to ding staff.
8. Value for money spent? depends what ypu want.
9. Getting dressed up for dinner is nice once in a while.
10.Meeting new people at your dining room table is different and usually enjoyable that you would never do otherwise.
This of course only happens if you choose 'traditional dining". Many of the main stream lines now offer flexible dining options (they go by different names, "freestyle", "anytime", "my time", and other things) where you eat with who you choose to eat, and don't eat with strangers.


Cons"
1. Don't get sick or it could cost you a fortune.

This is true, which is why most experienced cruisers will advise that you get cruise trip insurance, or at the very least, check with your health insurance plans before you leave home to see if they'll cover you, and if so, how you access that coverage.
2. Your stuck on a ship , if your room is too hot/cold too bad usually no way
to change rooms.

While it's true that you generally can't change cabins, you should also let the hotel manager (or whatever that position is called on your ship) about the problem. Generally these things can be fixed, and if it truly is an issue, sometimes there are other options -- other cabins -- that you can be moved into. Most often, though, it's a matter of adjusting the thermostate and the ducting coming into the cabin.
3. Drinks are not cheap or free even that diet pepsi cost you money for
dinner. True
4. Way too crowded on sea days especially around the pools.
The pool area likely will be crowded, particularly if you're on a cruise to a warm beach area and everyone is clamoring for sun. But there are often lots of other places on the ship that are not crowded. I've always been able to find a quiet place without a lot of people, sea days or otherwise.
5. Rooms are a lot smaller on a ship then a land vacation offers unless you
pay thousands for a suite.

True. People think they're going to be in a space like a hotel on land. Cabins are generally much smaller.

6. There is no smoke free rooms in all categories.
While cabins may not literally be designated "smoke free", I have never had an issue with my cabin smelling of smoke. I have heard of others who have -- a call to the hotel manager will usually fix the problem. They'll change the bedding and curtains, re-clean the cabin, and in an hour or so the smell will be gone.
7. You may get bored on sea days during the day time as not much to do,
except lay around all day.BTW the TV choices are lousy if ypu want to
watch TV.
Every cruise line issues a daily newsletter to every cabin every day of the cruise. That newsletter is full of activities to do, some free, some with a charge, for both sea days and for port days. Many folks don't leave the ship on port days and still find more activities than there are hours to fill the day. It is true that there is not much on the tv -- but most of us don't realize that, because there isn't time to watch more than a few minutes of catching the morning's headlines, or watching the bridge-cam.
8. Be ready to like crowds,like a cattle call when loading and unloading off
the ship.
This is true, especially if you feel like you need to be the "first on, first off". If you're not in a rush (which requires planning your flights to and from the ship, and your excursions), you can get on and off the ship at will. If you do excursions through the ship, they'll have designated areas where you meet up with the others on your excursion, and exiting the ship can be quite orderly.

These are just some of the Pro and Cons, feel free to add your own so that all first timers are truely informed about the Pro and Cons about going on a Cruise.

Cruising is not for everyone. Some folks take just one cruise, don't like it, and find that land vacations are much more to their liking.

[wishtago]

Thanks heaps for this kind of info. I find the original post as well as the responses, along with a lot of the info I've found in other posts helping first timers like myself, very informative and they are helping me get a feel for the stuff I should be taking note of overall to eventually make informed decisions.

Much appreciated that you all take the time to help us newbies!

[cruznjan]

Originally Posted by wishtago

Thanks heaps for this kind of info. I find the original post as well as the responses, along with a lot of the info I've found in other posts helping first timers like myself, very informative and they are helping me get a feel for the stuff I should be taking note of overall to eventually make informed decisions.

Much appreciated that you all take the time to help us newbies!

We were all newbies once. Just remember every cruise is different, even if you sail on the same ship more than once. Just relax and have a good time.

[RunnerNic]

Originally Posted by cb at sea

Most of your "cons" are "non-issues" on most ships!

agreeed

[Fredr]

Hello,

Cruising is not for everyone. And the thread starter misses the most important point of all...a cruise is an adventure and a way of travel that is very different from others. Further, it is a way of travel for you to see the sea, sky and the stars, the spiritual and romantic.

Sadly many travel agents seem to think that people interested in cruises want to eat and drink with no thought of what a cruise vacation really is about.

[firefly333]

Originally Posted by Fredr

Sadly many travel agents seem to think that people interested in cruises want to eat and drink with no thought of what a cruise vacation really is about.

Maybe they think that because eating and drinking is a BIG part of a cruise for so many people. How many threads have you seen with your favorite and least favorite food?? How many threads about drinks?? The activities offered for many are a way to get from one meal to another. How much do DOH cost, what drinks are free on the ship, etc. Oh cruise Carnival, their food is better than RCLs (some must think this is a reason not to book RCL?? for real). Not to mention the smuggling threads, how much water and diet coke can I bring onboard? Can I slap a label on a suitcase sized carton of water and have it delivered to my cabin.

I have a lot of posts and read a lot and I think drinks and food are a HUGE part of the cruise experience.

[uppitycats]

Originally Posted by firefly333

Maybe they think that because eating and drinking is a BIG part of a cruise for so many people. How many threads have you seen with your favorite and least favorite food?? How many threads about drinks?? The activities offered for many are a way to get from one meal to another. How much do DOH cost, what drinks are free on the ship, etc. Oh cruise Carnival, their food is better than RCLs (some must think this is a reason not to book RCL?? for real). Not to mention the smuggling threads, how much water and diet coke can I bring onboard? Can I slap a label on a suitcase sized carton of water and have it delivered to my cabin.

I have a lot of posts and read a lot and I think drinks and food are a HUGE part of the cruise experience.

You're right -- the boards here are full of that kind of thing. It's always amusing, because food in particular is so subjective! I'll read a thread where someone rants about how awful the food was, and a fw posts later someone will be raving about how wonderful it was.

Which is why I really don't pay attention to those. I cruise for the itinerary, and feel that since I don't have to cook, clean, pick up after myself, look far for beverages of my choice, and will be entertained, any cruise is a good cruise!

[Liberty6277]

Originally Posted by Fredr

Hello,

Cruising is not for everyone. And the thread starter misses the most important point of all...a cruise is an adventure and a way of travel that is very different from others. Further, it is a way of travel for you to see the sea, sky and the stars, the spiritual and romantic.

Sadly many travel agents seem to think that people interested in cruises want to eat and drink with no thought of what a cruise vacation really is about.

Sadly it's true, after my first cruise i have NEVER seen so many people stuffing their face because it's free! You may not like what i say but most of the free loaders only cause it is free overeat and believe me no wonder they are overweight! I do agree that a lot of people take cruise vacations so they can stuff their faces!
Cruising is obviously a different way of travel , that is what makes it interesting for people to try?BTw you can see the sea, sky and stars for a lot cheaper price by sitting on a dock somewhere for free. lol.

[Aquahound]

Originally Posted by Liberty6277

3. Drinks are not cheap or free even that diet pepsi cost you money for
dinner.

6. There is no smoke free rooms in all categories.

Just a comment on these 2 points:

The drinks are cheaper than in my hometown.

All of Celebrity's rooms and balconies are smoke free.

[Liberty6277]

Originally Posted by Aquahound

Just a comment on these 2 points:

The drinks are cheaper than in my hometown.

All of Celebrity's rooms and balconies are smoke free.

Thanks for the info, had no idea that all Celebrities' rooms were smoke free.That were drinks were cheaper than your hometown., well you must live in a awful expensive town. I can usually get 2 beer for $4 were i live and liquor drinks are usually $3.50 to $4.00 . Drinks on any cruise run you a lot more then that plus you failed to mention the taxes on the ship drink?
BTW the 3 land all inclusive vacations i have been on all HAD FREE DRINKS!!, something i don't think 1 cruise line offers unless i'm wrong?

[Aquahound]

Originally Posted by Liberty6277

Thanks for the info, had no idea that all Celebrities' rooms were smoke free.That were drinks were cheaper than your hometown., well you must live in a awful expensive town. I can usually get 2 beer for $4 were i live and liquor drinks are usually $3.50 to $4.00 . Drinks on any cruise run you a lot more then that plus you failed to mention the taxes on the ship drink?
BTW the 3 land all inclusive vacations i have been on all HAD FREE DRINKS!!, something i don't think 1 cruise line offers unless i'm wrong?

As far as I know, the free drinks only come with special functions or high-level loyalty program perks. For example, the concierge lounges and diamond lounges on RCI have an open bar every evening.

I live in Key West. The bars are ridiculously expensive. Even the "locals" bars have jumped on the tourist pricing bandwagon. A typical draft beer is $5-$8, mixed drink or glass of house wine $8-$10, martini $10-$12.

As for Celebrity, their new smoking policy has cut smoking everywhere inside their ships, including the casino. Smoking is also banned on balconies.

[uppitycats]

I live in very rural Wisconsin, where an "expensive" bar drink runs $4...

but go 60 miles to the nearby big city, and prices there are comparable to what is charged on most cruises.

As for smoking, even on those lines where smoking is allowed in cabins, I've not encountered any smoke smell, except near and in the casino..which is usually "blue" with smoke!

[uppitycats]

Originally Posted by Liberty6277

Thanks for the info, had no idea that all Celebrities' rooms were smoke free.That were drinks were cheaper than your hometown., well you must live in a awful expensive town. I can usually get 2 beer for $4 were i live and liquor drinks are usually $3.50 to $4.00 . Drinks on any cruise run you a lot more then that plus you failed to mention the taxes on the ship drink?
BTW the 3 land all inclusive vacations i have been on all HAD FREE DRINKS!!, something i don't think 1 cruise line offers unless i'm wrong?

I've not done one of those all-inclusive vacations. Can you give me an idea how much they cost per day? My last cruise cost me $125 / day (before drinks).

[Liberty6277]

Originally Posted by uppitycats

I've not done one of those all-inclusive vacations. Can you give me an idea how much they cost per day? My last cruise cost me $125 / day (before drinks).

Well it does depend on where u travel from and to. For example my last land all inclusive which i got from air canada vacations, Toronto to Punta Cana direct flight there and back, stayed in 5 star resort had all drinks/food free, 4 speciality resturants to choose from for 4 night dinner meals other 3 buffet, free entertainment and deluxe queen room for 1250 canadian which included my trip insurance as well. So flight /drinks/food/and entertainment free as well as 4 pools and the beach. Food was excellent better then my last cruise on carnival Liberty. But the cost of my cruise( without air flight) for a balcony room ran me the same price, so you decide what you think was the better deal.

[uppitycats]

Originally Posted by Liberty6277

Well it does depend on where u travel from and to. For example my last land all inclusive which i got from air canada vacations, Toronto to Punta Cana direct flight there and back, stayed in 5 star resort had all drinks/food free, 4 speciality resturants to choose from for 4 night dinner meals other 3 buffet, free entertainment and deluxe queen room for 1250 canadian which included my trip insurance as well. So flight /drinks/food/and entertainment free as well as 4 pools and the beach. Food was excellent better then my last cruise on carnival Liberty. But the cost of my cruise( without air flight) for a balcony room ran me the same price, so you decide what you think was the better deal.

Not a bad deal, to be sure. The downside for me, at least, is that most of these all-inclusives that I've seen are to beach resorts, and of course you're at the same place every day. Now if you're a beach person and/or pool person, I suppose you could alternate pools, and find different sections of the beach..but it's the same scene.

So let's see: My vacation, which included air fare (but not liquor) was for 10 days, New York to Quebec, Canada and back, with stops in Boston, Halifax, two other towns, meals in main dining room plus buffet, cafe, couple of what you might call "fast food" venues, entertainment on the ship (also free), use of two pools and hot tub, and a balcony cabin.

I don't know which of us got the "better deal", as you obviously weren't happy with your cruise, and I would not be happy sitting around on a beach or poolside each day.

As I said elsewhere in this thread, cruising isn't for everyone!

[uppitycats]

Originally Posted by uppitycats

Not a bad deal, to be sure. The downside for me, at least, is that most of these all-inclusives that I've seen are to beach resorts, and of course you're at the same place every day. Now if you're a beach person and/or pool person, I suppose you could alternate pools, and find different sections of the beach..but it's the same scene.

So let's see: My vacation, which included air fare (but not liquor) was for 10 days, New York to Quebec, Canada and back, with stops in Boston, Halifax, two other towns, meals in main dining room plus buffet, cafe, couple of what you might call "fast food" venues, entertainment on the ship (also free), use of two pools and hot tub, and a balcony cabin.

I don't know which of us got the "better deal", as you obviously weren't happy with your cruise, and I would not be happy sitting around on a beach or poolside each day.

As I said elsewhere in this thread, cruising isn't for everyone!

I was going to put this down -- total was $2,300 each, my husband and me.

[uppitycats]

Regarding liquor -- I see you're Canadian? We just spent 10 days in Edmonton, earllier this summer. Great city -- if you don't mind the one-way streets everywhere! But to the point: we stayed in what would be a 3-star hotel. Very nice, with a pool, but not near anything of importance except industry. There was a bar there -- a whiskey and sour (and they never did have any sour mix) cost $6.50. Same for a vodka and tonic. Beer was $5 a glass. Breakfast was $13.50, set price, whether you just wanted coffee and a roll, or a full-course breakfast (except they didn't know how to make waffles. Tried 3 times one morning, always undercooked them. I gave up. We only tried to eat there twice in the 10 days we were there.) Dinners started at $14.50. We weren't there for lunch, so I don't know what the prices were. I could have gone on 3 cruises for the amount we spent in the 10 days, where we ate out 3 meals a day, took in some museums and other activities, had to rent a car to get from place to place (no ship to take us there!)

We had a good time, liked Edmonton, and are llikely to go back..but we can't compare our Edmonton vacation with a cruise. Two very different activities. Much like an all-inclusive resort is very different from a cruise.