newmexicoNita

I can't remember which Chandris ship we were on, but it was the worst cruise we every had, I was with a friend, her bed was cracked down the middle, somehow we took the elevator one deck below debarkation level the last morning and we ended up in the kitchen. Pipes were leaking like crazy; I can't think of anything positive to say except cruising is always fun, no matter what. NMnita

the staff we had was amazing. we still look back at the video of that trip where my hubby is laughing so hard he drops the camera...and we laugh again. plus we had the inside room that was extra big. hard to sit through the newly wed game after that one. even the bingo games were falling down funny. AND we don't drink!!

We cruised her in the mid 80s about 6 months after she was purchased by Costa: the service was really bad, the food average at best (liver and onions or meatloaf the first night) and non of the crew spoke English unless they found it convenient. There were a few things we really liked: our table mates were the best we have ever had, we could always get a lounge by the pool, by the pool, and he toga party was the most fun we have ever had on a cruise. There are very few cruises or vacations period that are all negative, but this wasn't the best for me. Of course it was our second cruise and the first usually is so wonderful that it takes a long time to find something else that measures up to it. NNnita

it's been awhile since we cruised, but this time....port location (have family in seattle), sunday departure (hubby didn't want to lose saturday sales)...ship matters, but we were on the costa riveria toward the end of her sailing days...she was great (heard some people thought she was too old and small). heard people complaining about the stella solaris, they had been on the cruise 2 weeks before we were...we have no complaints. it's all in the mind of the beholder

the crew on the riveria was the best, very international, very entertaining. on the stella the ports were so busy we were too tired to enjoy much of the entertainment or activities on the ship. the crew was very polite and friendly.love the cruise experience, but it's not for everywhere.

Isn't it amazing how we all see differently: after 20 plus cruises I can say, the Riviera was our least favorite or close to it and we sailed her when she had first joined the Costa line, after being refurbished. I did like her looks, but that is wher it ended. NMNita

For us it would have to be itinerary, then ship and price. Again it depends on why we are cruising. Once in awhile it is just to get away, usually that will be a 5 night cruise and price would be our number 1 consideration. NMnita

Heard a few horror stories about the Norwegian Wind such as; Rude waiters, bad food,unclean etc. Has anybody been on the Norw. Wind lately. We're planning on cruising her around Hawaii this fall and any info would help.

Thanks to all.

you must be reading only the negatives: there have been several great reviews: everyone has to remember she isn't new and glitzy, but many love her, say she has a great crew and if you read the reports on her cleanliness they are great as are all NCL ships. Rememaber more people will write negatives than positives. We expect to be happy and often forget to let everyone know how good things are, but if they go bad we can't wait to spread the word. NMNita

Merg, I am glad you enjoyed the Hilton, it is one of my favorite hotels. Food expensive? you are kidding? Seriously I haven't been there for about 8 years but last time I went I was with my DD and 2 granddaughters: this was in the days of Denny's grand slam breakfast being $2.99 stateside: $7.00 in Hawaii. I could, of course go on and on.

 

Jan is pretty low season for Hawaii, the specials should be coming out in a couple of months. I do not know exactly but it shouldn't be too much longer. good luck, NMNita

I think the most important thing for anyone to remember is the older ships do not have the glitz or offer the glamour of the new mega ships. As long as you go with an open mind and decide what you expect from a cruise you should have a wonderful time. We did the Sea a couple of years ago, it was our second time on her. The first she was in her prime and actually considered a pretty large vessel, the second she was showing her age, (so are most of us) LOL. Regardless she was clean and well maintained. The food, though not gourmet was very good and the crew wonderful. We knew what we had paid, we didn't expect her to be like a Radisson cruise and knew how small the cabins would be. I would go on her or the Wind in a second for the right price. Most bad reviews of older ships come from those who are accustom to sailing the mega ships or come from cruisers who didn't do enough research prior to sailing. NMNita

Amazing how we differ in opinions: We never cruised the Carla but did cruise the Costa Riv in about 1986. It was a fun ship but a big disappointment after the Caribe. I think the most fun thing about Costa cruises is the Toga party the last night. What a blast!!! NMNita

Doug' date='

 

My first and second cruises were on Commodore. Caribe I in 1988 and Enchanted Isle in 1996. There have been many more since then on various lines, but those two will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you so very much for your Commodore Fleet History report. And also thank you for all your hard work on the boards!

 

Kat

Our 1st and aboaut 4th cruises were on the Caribe 1: I think it was probably 85 or maybe even 84. I remember buying this awesome T shirt sleeveless (when I could wear sleeveless) it was lavender with turquoise lettering. To this day, I think I remember every detail about that cruise. Not that we don't fully enjoy all our cruises, but oh how I wish there were some lines out there today just like Commodore. NMNita

As stated Princess is the only mass marketed line that offers fresh water pools, but the filter system and the chemicals used on both RCL and NCL are so good you can hardly realize it's salt water, certainly not like swimming in the ocean. To us it makes almost no difference and certainly isn't anything we think about when we book a cruise.

 

NMNita