Hula Hips

Just want to say we are going on our very first cruise in Jan on Azura.Joined this site for some info and some advice,can't believe how many negative comments are posted on here about P&o.so have decided to stop reading as its starting to annoy. If you an afford a Caribean cruise then in my opinion you've got nothing to moan about .Be grateful for what you've got lots of people would give anything for these kind of holidays,you moaners should be ashamed of yourselves. Merry Christmas

I have to disagree with you. But this is Cruise Critic and with FREE speech still in America we should all be able to voice our opinions. Actually I see much more Positive statements than negative on this site. With the negative you may learn something that could possibly help you. also if people worked their whole lives and saved up money to travel and have come to expect good services for their hard earned money spent I think they have a right to complain. The older you get the wiser you become (supposedly) which is a Good thing!!

When we were younger we never did anything but take the kids to Disney. Now that we are older and worked our whole Lives we can appreciate what we have worked so hard for, travel more , upgrade home etc... We didn't have granite counters, a large home when younger so now that we are older we do appreciate all the more. Set goals and learn in time it will all come. If young, Save Save and Save more. Set priorities. Travel is a luxury and will come in time if planned properly.

what are the advantages to cruising on a small ship (such as Ocean) compared to the larger?

andy how is the food? how is the entertainment? looking forward to hearing all about your trip

wow we just returned from Princess and pretty much experienced the same thing. Lots of cut backs. Food was awful - not even sandwiches or a yogurt for lunch. Very limited menu in FDR and the shows also nothing to brag about. Same crew on all week except we did have one good comedian. I was attacked when posting my critique however I see you noticed the cut backs also.

When people don't complain the cruise lines will continue to cut back even more. We plan on being very selective when cruising in the future. We have one more lined up and if no improvement we may cut back our cruise travel to land vacations.

Hello!

 

For the last several months, I have been trying very hard to get my husband to go on a cruise. He found out today about a themed Steampunk cruise, which he is very excited about. I know less than nothing about Steampunk or even themed cruises, so wanted some ideas as to what to expect. I'm not wild about the ship or itinerary (RCI, sailing out of Jersey, and going to Port canaveral, Nassau, and Coco cay- just not the itinerary I would have chosen) So, do I just suck it up and count my lucky stars that he is willing to go on a cruise? It's at the end of February, so I would imagine spring break time as well. Would RCI have their regular shows, if I wanted to see those instead of the Steampuck activities, if I find out its not up my alley?!

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and advice!

sounds different might be Fun!!

want to know everything as we are booked. how is food? any sandwiches for lunch? how is breakfast? any omelets cooked to order? how is entertainment ? Does it last more than 30 minutes? how are activities on ship? are there any? how are lounge chairs? are they in a quiet area? are they easy to find? are their seats around pool that are available? how is music at night? anything besides piano bars? any disco, any country, any different type of dancing? let us know all details. can't wait to hear.

your pics are beautiful When you say all inclusive do you mean a place like Sandals?? the pics look beautiful of Sandals however isn't it all young couples??

Please save the daggers.

 

What is it with the Indian food on the buffets? Our last cruise had it on the tables for lunch almost everyday. Sorry It's nasty ! We were on Carnival for 5 days. I can understand one day. But 4 out of 5 Come on! And it looks like NCL also has it on there buffet. I just can't take another cruise filled with Curry ...I hope they don't serve in morning noon and night.

 

Am I the only one who doesn't like it ??

Please tell me I will only see it 1 day on my next trip? (ncl-jewel)

Agree don't care for Indian food either! Chinese would be better than Indian and of course American is best when cruising out of U.S.A.

The Eclipse is an S class ship as are the Solstice, Equinox, Silhouette and Reflection. The M class are the Millennium, Summit, Infinity and Constellation.

 

The M Class have plenty of comfortable chairs but the S class do have some nicer ones.

but what Exactly is the difference in the S and M ships?? Is one better than the other??

We are booked on the Ruby during Christmas week. We will be at Princess Cay on Christmas Eve and at sea on Christmas Day. Can anyone who has sailed Princess on the actual holiday state specific Christmas activities we can expect ? Is it true they make it "snow" and of so is that every evening or only on Christmas Eve or day ? I imagine there will be Turkey etc offered at Christmas dinner but do they do any type of special foods for Christmas Eve or snacks? Is there a special breakfast Christmas morning ? Are there scholarship@sea Christmas crafts ? Is there Christmas songs on karaoke ? I heard there will be staff members caroling but are there any activities with guests caroling? Is there cookie decorating or gingerbread house making or anything like that ? Does anyone have a past patters for Christmas for the Ruby or any Christmas cruise ??

 

If this turns out to be festive enough we may make this a annual thing to avoid the hustle and bustle on land , all the stress of cooking and cleaning and baking., but I still want it to feel like Christmas

 

Please , II am interested in any insight here as we've never sailed on Christmas

sorry to say I wouldn't expect much. WE just got off PRincess for Thanksgiving and it was nothing special. just like any other day on the ship.

Nice quiet area on the ships is the Solarium which is an adult area only. Might help to know which ship you are looking at. On the M class ships the Solarium has a warmer pool and the chairs are not comfortable at all. On the S class ships, the pool is a regular pool and their chairs are very comfortable with nice cushions.

we are going on eclipse. so does this mean it's a S ship or a M ship?? the M ships the chairs are NOT comfortable?? please help with this. It really is important. thanks so much

they have what is called a lawn club, the closest to golf will be PUTTING, do you thin kit is advisable to have "golf" aboard? Remember there is smoking, a bar, the hot glass, and it allowed for kids to visit, not stay... if you have...

I meant a "driving range" of course where men could practice. Or perhaps a golf "pro" to give instruction. We don't smoke or drink so bars are not our thing. We look for more activities to do to keep us busy.

Good morning...the shows stay the same for multiple years.

You would have to post what shows you saw and then maybe someone

who has sailed very recently would be able to tell you if they are the

same. Otherwise, not sure how anyone can help you with the answers.

Yes please post shows you saw. If you thought they were good and how long did the show actually last? 30 min or 1 hr?? would be helpful to those going on cruise thanks

we would be going on the Eclipse do you have any info on that one? thanks

Does Celebrity have any golf on board? how are shows? how is food? where on ship would quiet area be and will they have comfortable lounge chairs in that area? Pls tell me about ship if you just experienced?

just some more thoughts of what we do enjoy. Tai chi, Qigong, exercising in gym (great) country music, disco music, comedians, adult rated comedy, a variety talent show for cruisers (not just singing) , where are you from club, speed socials, art auctions, art lessons, dance lessons (not just line but how about ballroom, hula, belly dance, etc...) all day long to choose from. one heated pool on board for those of us who can't take the cold but still like to swim which is good for all medical conditions, bunco, left right center game, family fued game, name that tune from the 70's , 80's,

disco nights, country nights, blues night. Wow we love so many activities I could go on and on. I should have been an "activities coordinator on a ship" I could think of a million activities to keep everyone busy.

Just a few quick questions for Hula Hips....

 

What are you looking for in a cruise/vacation? Cruising is a very economical way to see some nice ports, but each line seems to cater to a different 'clientele'. Maybe you haven't picked the cruise line/type that is more in line with your expectations. (as my Mother says, part of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at!)

 

There are a lot of really smart people on CC. If you could tell us what you are looking for in a vacation maybe we can help you pick something that you will enjoy. Can you tell us what you did on the last vacation that you really enjoyed?

Sure I can tell you what we are looking for. Be happy to. While on a ship (especially more than a day) being we are from a very active community we like to keep busy. So Activities would be what we enjoy. Dance lessons, golf, a talent night (not just for singers) but every talent would be nice and a good variety to enjoy, lectures, classes (whether it be art, educational, cooking, etc..to choose from ) things to keep us busy. We don't drink so the bingo and trivia in bars would not be suited for us. Also a nice quiet comfortable place to read would be ideal. The sanctuary on the Princess looked very nice however there was a charge. Will Celebrity be different? Food that is yummy such as Royal had back in 2012. Entertainment (besides piano bars) where we can dance, dance and dance some more. Would be wonderful if disco music was earlier in evening so we could enjoy (not 11 pm opening up) Batting cage for hubby? We're now too old to climb rock walls. Great shows that last at least an hr in the evening. I gave you quite a bit of just some things we would love. Do you think it is an unreasonable request to expect activities on a ship to keep us busy? Many are being very critical of what I expect but when I spend good money and believe me we spent a fortune on the last cruise and the Panama one we do expect a lot. We enjoy many many activities just not bingo, trivia and gambling. So what say you??

Hi Hula Hips. Check out the huge roll call thread for our cruise over on the Celebrity roll call section. All your questions and more will be answered. Cheers!

 

 

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How do I find this threat you speak of ?

I really hope you don't take offense as I'm only trying to help address the questions you raised, and keeping in mind the written word can appear harsh, here's my thoughts.

 

I read your previous posts to try and get a sense of what it is you are looking for in a cruise vacation. I see you have tried different cruise lines and that food and entertainment are priorities and unfortunately your expectations on the cruises you have taken have not been met.

 

We have cruised many times, on many cruise lines including the ones you have tried. Our tastes are all different, what you may prefer, I might not, and having said this on every cruise we have always found food we enjoyed, sometimes we've had to look a bit harder than others, but we've always been satisfied with the different options.

 

The same with the entertainment, some we like, some we don't, but we've always been able to find enough to do to keep us happy.

 

For us Celebrity meets all of our cruising needs, but ........and here's where I hope you don't get offended...... from reading your previous posts I have to ask if perhaps cruising on any mass market line can really meet your expectations?

 

Your dining expectations haven't been met on your other cruises, and I doubt given your expectations if Celebrity will meet them either. I keep in mind the menus are designed for the mass market, most people won't care for food too spicy, too much sauce, too rich, too bland, so the middle ground is the one chosen by the cruise line. This may not be what you are looking for.

 

The same with entertainment, bingo, casinos, trivia, reading, spas, sunning, shopping, exploring the ports visited are what most people want on a cruise, and if those entertainment options aren't what you are looking for then Celebrity or any mass market cruise line may well not be for you.

 

I hope I haven't offended or sounded harsh, but in conclusion given your previous posts on what you have said about your previous cruises, and what our experience on Celebrity has been, cruising may well not be for you.

 

Whatever you choose, I hope you have an enjoyable vacation.

I know I may have sounded critical on previous posts however I guess I expect a lot when spending good money. I did find the food on Royal was quite Fabulous as I even purchased the cookbook, that's how great it was. Basically it's trying to find a comfortable lounge chair in a quiet area is what I Need (being I have a medical condition) so if the chairs on the outside deck overlooking the water are nice and comfortable and quiet we should be fine. Yes understand the food is subjective and also entertainment. I do expect a show that lasts more than 1/2 hr. Don't you? Hope to get some good info on celebrity to help make it easy and enjoyable as we continue to experience the "cruise lifestyle" to see if it is for us. At least we don't give up easily. We are willing to try all lines to find the perfect fit.

has anyone cruised the eclipse lately?? how did you enjoy it? Was the food and entertainment good? Are there any sports on board? It would be especially helpful if you could tell me how the lounge chairs are , especially outdoors in a quiet area as I have MS and comfort is sooo important. thanks

to be with Like minded people I think would be very enjoyable!! To be able to vent and not worry about what you say. Where would I even look for one??

ok thanks sounds good to me have you tried one??

I notice no one directly answers or addresses the complaints I have made. First of all, the food, have you cruised Princess recently?? Second the chairs outside, not being lounge chairs?? The quiet area is quiet for a price?? And lastly, the shows being ONLY 35 minutes. All this ok with everyone for the price we pay?? I would like to see someone address each and every topic I did bring up Especially if you have cruised Princess within the last couple months

First of all, I'm sorry you did not enjoy your cruise. These things happen, and food is an extremely subjective thing. The people next to you may have LOVED the food on Princess.

 

Also, in reading some of your previous comments over the years, it appears that you have not had much success with cruising. Many, if not most of your posts are complaints about various things. Perhaps, I dare say, cruising is not for you. It's not for everyone. Maybe another type of vacation would suit your needs better. :)

 

Best to you.

.

yes perhaps it isn't for us but we were not going to try one or two and say we hate cruising so we decided to try every line and then make our final decision on how to travel in the future. This way we can say we certainly gave it a fair shake and take it from there. Our final attempt will be Celebrity and we do expect a lot from them. Hope they are great. We are looking forward to it.