ldubs

33 minutes ago, catgirl411 said:

Exactly the feeling we felt.  Sometimes it happens with large family reunions too. On a recent Christmas and New Year’s cruise a multigenerational family of 26 ( who were very nice) took over the piano bar (Crooners) every night, making it difficult to get a seat and driving the music selection. It is difficult for large groups to see that there are other passengers on board.

I think a family group is entirely different than venues being closed off to everyone because of a charter group. I understand the disappointment in not getting a seat, but don't know what the family should be expected to do instead.   I don't think anyone is obligated to stay away from Crooners because someone else might want to enjoy it?  That family group should be allowed to enjoy Crooners like anyone else.  

My two cents.  

On 5/17/2024 at 4:16 PM, Frenchkona said:

On every Celebrity cruise, I’ll wait the required 45 minutes then remove their belongings and give them to one of the pool attendants. When they return and ask where their belongings were, I tell them the pool attendant has them. I usually get a dirty look, but I just smile and wish them a good day.  One couple I did this to 3 times on the same cruise. They finally got the point. I hate entitled people. 

You shouldn't have to hang around for 45 minutes before being able to enjoy an unused chair.  There has to be a better way.   Chairs shouldn't sit unused while someone is elsewhere.  My recommendation, which is never received well, is to eliminate any chair saving once one leaves the pool area.   

In reality, the policy posted in a comment above says "no reserving" of chairs.  The 30 minute rule is about when something becomes lost & found.     

43 minutes ago, shipgeeks said:

I see a lot of those hearsay things.

And then there are those who reply to "I'm so excited; I just booked a cruise on XYZ" by saying "That was stupid; that's the worst ship in the fleet!"  Some people are just mean.

Yes, there is entirely too much of that.  

On 5/16/2024 at 11:28 AM, skynight said:

Here is the Princess FAQ regarding power strips. Basically disallowed if surge protected, allowed if not.

*Electrical devices such as small fans, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, power strips/extension cords without surge protectors and electric extension cords with surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution and following inspection/tests from the onboard electrical department. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard then they will be removed and returned the last day of the cruise prior to debark.

When I read the Q&A you pasted, the part in bold above says "extension cords with surge protectors are allowed onboard".  Am I misreading this?  

On 5/16/2024 at 11:56 AM, jeromep said:

 

But there may be others that are better and newer.  Biggest recommendation is to get a travel transformer that has a cord that goes from the transformer to the outlet.  Don't get the wall wart versions because you never know if you'll have sufficient space for the wall wart when it is plugged in.

Every device we charge needs only a simple adaptor from European to US plug styles.  A transformer is not needed.  It really depends if you are intending to use something that is not dual voltage.  Like older hair dryers or curling irons.  

17 hours ago, john watson said:

The big problem with internet website forums with topics such as cruising is that not every contributor is genuine.  People post information which they know is not true disingenuously and others have heard what a friend of a friend said about a specific aspect of cruising.  Others have heard things which were true many years ago but no longer happen.

 

Regards John

It is kind of sad to think someone needs to intentionally mislead.  I'm sure many folks, myself included, have unintentionally provided bad info.  Especially with those hearsay type things that seem to take on a life of their own.   

On 5/17/2024 at 3:21 PM, mom says said:

One, or two pier runners; and hundreds of observers watching from the ship(s). So no surprise there.

I didn't know that was a thing unitl last time in Caribbean (can't remember which port).   The port-side rails were crowded with pier runner watchers.  

16 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I want to note that I never mentioned compensation as a remedy (although there are times when that might be appropriate).   A good start is to ask for a higher degree of transparency.  I also think there are times when the cruise line's should waive their cancellation penalties, when they make significant last minute changes of itinerary.  Once upon a time we had booked an Oceania Marina 18 day voyaged that was to end in Lima, Peru.  Less than 3 weeks prior to the cruise, the line changed part of their itinerary and moved the final port (disembarkation) about 1500 miles to Santiago, Chile!  This put many cruisers (including me) who had booked their own air in a bad place.  Since it was also near the Christmas holiday, there were additional issues related in air travel at a very busy time of the year.  The cruise line did their best to resist refunds, although they were open to the idea of a cancellation along with a future cruise credit.  We ultimately were able to get a 100% refund, but this took a personal message to the CEO by both ourself and our influential high volume cruise agency (who was part of one of the largest travel consortiums).  

 

Over our 50+ years of extensive cruising, we have had very few major glitches, but it has happened.  Because we book through reputable high volume cruise agencies, we have been able to leverage their influence and our own persistence to get favorable outcomes.  In fact, we have often suggested, here on CC, that one reason to use a decent high volume cruise agency is that they have more leverage, when dealing with problems, than a lone cruiser.  

 

We do think that most cruise lines generally "do the right thing" when pushed by knowledgeable cruisers/cruise agents.  But in chats with other cruisers, some of whom lacked a lot of cruise/travel experience, it has occurred to me that those who are somewhat naive/innocent do sometimes get the shaft (I cannot think of a better term).  

 

Part of the problem is that the cruise contracts and/or "terms and conditions" are very one-sided.  The cruise lines can quickly fall back on their legal language (which they have authored) and the consumer capitulates or quickly finds themselves in a tough situation.  

 

We have all met cruisers who "demand compensation" for everything from a lousy excursion to rough seas (I kid you not).  In more than 50 years of extensive cruising (worldwide) we have never asked for any compensation.  At times we have asked for an accommodation (such as a cabin change when our cabin was flooded).  On one cruise, where our cabin (and some others) was filled with paint fumes (they were painting near an outside air intake) we "demanded" they either stop, or pay for us to fly home from the next port (they did stop and apologize).  In that case, multiple complaints (by an entire group of cruisers and even some crew) went unanswered until we finally made a demand (fix the issue or we leave).  That particular issue turned out to create an internal disagreement between the Hotel Manager and Chief Engineer (I kid you not).  

 

Many years ago we were on a cruise (large mass market ship) where nearly half the ship was taken over by one large group.  That group took over multiple public venues (for many evenings) thus depriving the other passengers of several venues that should have been part of the voyage.  The cruise line knew, far in advance, they had booked space for a large group that would disadvantage other cruisers.  But not only did they not disclose this info, but they went to some length to keep the info from cruisers until after embarkation.  This is the kind of thing that can (and should be) covered by a bill of rights.  

 

Hank

Well said Mr Hlitner!  That is a pretty good skeleton for a passenger bill of rights.  

10 hours ago, clo said:

What do you do with the old ones?

I guess most are destined for the Rag bin or trash bin.  

12 hours ago, clo said:

Did you see my #20?

I've also read tons of things that say "your kids don't want your stuff, get rid of it."

 

 

I did and I've seen that advice before.  I think it is a highly individual thing, so to me it sounds presumptive.

41 minutes ago, clo said:

But I'm in my 70s and there is little that I have a "use" for. We're even getting rid of 'stuff.'   Can you give an example and maybe I'll say "oh, right :)" 

For me that would be caps & T-shirts.   I seem to always need a new supply of those.  

1 hour ago, Mum2Mercury said:

I don't get the concept of needing (or even wanting) an item to remember a trip.  I'll only buy something if I actually have a use for it ... and cluttering up my house isn't a use. 

Well, I understand the concept, but I kind of get what you are saying.  It has been a long time since we have bought any kind of  keepsake type things.  

The basic concept is something that will be a reminder of some place enjoyed.  I suppose the word souvenir is often associated with cheap junk, but they can really be any manner of things from fridge magnets to original carvings or artwork.   Some folk collect things from around the world like thimbles or mugs.  Besides being a keepsake and adding to the collection, they might enjoy the hunt for the addition.   In our early days of travel Mrs Ldubs bought Swarovski figurines each trip.  She stopped doing that some time ago because while the curio is large, it doesn't have limitless space.  

BTW, only recently I was told curio cases full of various collectables are considered more of an older generation thing these days.  

2 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

 

We all must be diligent of what we read on any online platform today.

 

I have witnessed quite a few first time cruisers get some good information here on CC, but of course it is subjective to the person providing the guidance.

 

Your impression may be different than mine, and sometimes someone rushes to post an answer that may not be completely true....

 

But, how do you know if you need a filter if you don't know anything about what you are reading?

The answer to your last question is your opening sentence!

I agree about there being a lot of good info on these forums and should be careful to not downplay that.  

On 5/16/2024 at 2:37 AM, CDNPolar said:

 

Absolutely leave all the negative energy behind.  Don't pack negative energy.

 

I am not saying that everything is always perfect on a cruise vacation, but there are some folks that just seem to invite and find negative wherever they go.  We just chuckle under our breath and think - here he/she/they go again - they found a new problem to whine about.

Hey, that isn't fair!  I put a lot of time and energy into finding things to complain about.😀  

2 hours ago, shipgeeks said:

First Time Cruisers: I started this post to point out the fact that many of you seem to be very worried about things that should not be a concern! Any of us can be misled or misinformed, but I see so much wrong information that I'd love to be able to set a few things straight. Remember, it's the internet!  Anybody can post anything.

Some of the things I read this week:

"Only the newest and biggest ships have stabilizers."  "Our stabilizer broke off during our cruise."

 

"I made the mistake of booking a Guarantee cabin. Now I know that means my booking will probably be cancelled, maybe even as late as sailing day."

 

"My travel agent said food was included, but now I know it's not. How do most of you pay for your meals?"  "Is it cheaper to get all my meals in the buffet?"

 

"I booked an OV cabin on Deck 3. Now I'm terrified!  Is Deck 3 under water the whole time?"

 

"I know everyone gets seasick."

 

So, how is a first-timer to know what's true and what isn't?

Unfortunately, as well as misinformation, there are people with agendas, and there are mean people.  Some people love to follow up an innocent question with rude replies, and with stories of their own "extreme" experiences.  It reminds me of my younger days, when one might say "Guess what, girls, I'm pregnant!"  First friend says "Oh that's great, by the way, did I ever tell you that my labor lasted for twelve days?"  Another friend says "I'm so happy for you, by the way, I had morning sickness for six months."

I'm not sure what the remedy is, except perhaps to take everything with a grain of salt...and remember, It's The Internet.

I have often wondered if these forums might be best avoided by first time cruisers.  Like you say, wrong info, negatively, rudeness.   Filtering is needed to get to the good stuff.  

On the other hand, it must be true because I read it on the internet! 😀 

23 minutes ago, leaveitallbehind said:

I respect your perspective on many of your posts and agree with most of what you say here.  My only contention is that I don't believe that cruise lines deliberately initially offer itineraries on which they have no intention to deliver. I see no point to that. To me, that is bait and switch. How they manage changes that unintentionally subsequently occur is IMO the point, to which I am in agreement.

Might not have been initially deliberate, but is that a criteria?   It is deliberate the minute they know they are offering a thing with the intention of not providing it.  It is incredibly intentional.  I have no need to sugar coat shady business practices.  

18 hours ago, KBS1607 said:

My daughter was 11 and we were flying home from France. My husband and I were as jumpy as drug mules then DD got up there. We could see laughing and talking and didn’t know what was up. 
 

Turns out he was asking if her Tweety Bird sweater was accurate. It said “small bird, big attitude”. 
 

I have opiates that I would be afraid to fly with to some countries. 
 

I fly in August and it’s my first time with pre check. 

When traveling with our minor kids, they never went through customs without us by their side. Who knows what they might say.  Probably the same reason Mrs Ldubs doesn't let me go by myself. 😀

4 minutes ago, leaveitallbehind said:

I don't disagree but IMO it also depends on when they understand that and how it is handled with the passengers. Most itinerary changes occur well into the selling cycle, and most IMO for valid reasons at the time. When this occurs, what is being offered instead and how is it being communicated?

 

My point is with intent, and that B & S implies the intent to change to something different when initially offered for sale.  Again I'm not disputing that changes occur that can be poorly managed for the customer.  Just with the terminology of B & S that implies that an itinerary change was the intent all along.

 

And not arguing in the least.

It doesn't matter if the reason is valid.  If the cruise line withholds notification of the change, then they are being dishonest.  The longer they withhold material changes it is likely fewer people will cancel.  Intentionally withholding past the final payment date is incredibly dishonest.   

I agree with your point and it appears that is exactly what some lines are doing.  If they know ahead of time but continue to collect fares for an itinerary they know they won't do, then they do have the intent to change to something different -- bait and switch.      

2 hours ago, Hlitner said:

We have noticed a disturbing trend, with multiple cruise lines, to announce cruise itineraries, accept bookings, and later make major modifications to the itinerary with no explanation to those already booked.  In some cases, the changes might even happen after final payment, and inside penalty periods.  The cruise lines can fallback to their "Terms and Conditions" which give the lines the right to change itineraries at their whim, with little or no opportunity for booked cruisers to cancel.   Just this past year, on our own bookings, we have run into major changes on Seabourn and Oceania.  Others have recently posted about changes (the last-minute elimination of the Alaskan Inside Passage route) in a HAL cruise.  Sometimes the cruise lines will offer compensation (because of changes) and other times cruisers get nothing but a sour taste in their mouths.  

 

For many years, I have talked about some kind of "Passenger Bill of Rights" that would shift some rights from the cruise lines to the customers/passengers.  While itinerary changes will often happen for very good reasons (bad weather, wars, etc) there now seems to be many times that it seems like the cruise lines must be aware of changes long before they are announced to cruisers.  Some recent examples involve ports such as Key West and Bora Bora, which have adopted cruise ship restrictions.  Certain cruise line's will keep these ports (and others) on their itinerary until late in the booking process, or even after embarkation, and then make a change/cancellation like this is unavoidable!  

 

As a frequent cruiser who has run into this problem on an increasingly common basis, I think it is a topic worthy of constructive discussion (and perhaps some investigation by the CC editors with the goal of posting an article about the subject).  Let us all try to keep this topic. civil, and not turn it into a rant about this subject.  What do you think?

 

Hank

 If the cruise line knows ahead of time, the itinerary change should be communicated as soon as it is known.   I think basic customer service would include providing the reason for the change.  

So other than timely notification, what would be included in a Passenger Bill of Rights?  Refund regardless of timing for changes without good reason?   Will need to fully define good reason.   

I have some hesitancy about this if it would result in any pressure to not make safety the #1 priority.   A passenger bill of right should have the same priority.  

1 hour ago, leaveitallbehind said:

While I don't disagree with the context of your concerns regarding late or unclarified changes in itineraries, IMO using the term "bait and switch" in describing the action implies, at least to me, an intent to lure one into one into an itinerary with a designed plan to later change that itinerary once one is committed to a booking.

 

With itineraries planed typically 18 months or more in advance many things can happen that could not be predicted that over time could legitimately result in a change in itinerary.  IMO to say that any given cruise line intentionally would plan to change a given itinerary with its' publication is questionable.  What would be the benefit to the cruise line in doing so?  With bookings as high as they are today I don't see a favorable motivation.  And while there certainly have been a number of itineraries in recent years that have been changed late in the booking cycle or without clear explanation, the percentage in comparison to all itineraries booked is very small.  

 

Again, I don't take issue with your opinion regarding your concerns, only the use of the what IMO is provocative wording in your thread's title.  I also don't take issue in theory with your position on an improvement in a customer's rights.  You have discussed that before and I respect your opinion regarding that.

When the cruise line knows that it will not being doing the advertised itinerary but still sells tickets then I would call it deceptive.   

I don't really have anything to complain about, but I'll take the 50 smackeroonies if they want to give it to me!  

18 hours ago, clo said:

Our daughters are in their mid40s and both have very responsible jobs. They eventually made the commitment to themselves that they weren't reading emails at night or on weekends or on vacation. There had been that self-expectation and they eventually they figured out that they were simply not that important.

Nothing wrong with that.   Gee, I must have been important!  😀

Seems odd they would take this approach.   I suspect many who say "never again" don't really mean it.  The $50 might just edge them to another booking.  Maybe they waited two years to see if folks were serious. 😀   Either way, it is a pretty meager carrot.   

7 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

I feel that even some 'seasoned' cruisers are not necessarily taking advantage of everything. 

 

I have heard many people that have cruised with our favourite cruise line more than once say:  "I didn't know this or I didn't know that."

 

Take for instance a Galley tour or a Bridge tour....  on our favourite cruise line, these are not advertised per se but available if you go to Guest Services and ask.

I think that is very true and not just for less advertised things.  We have used Princess enough to have elite status, and yet have never attended a pub lunch.  We have yet to attend an afternoon tea on any cruise line.  Nothing against either.  We just haven't done them.  Maybe next time.  

3 hours ago, 9tee2Sea said:

remember the puzzles on the back of kids cereal boxes ( my fav was Captain Crunch).  As for the topic, I only take my cell one when on a cruse ship.  I use it as my camera ( even thought i have a really nice digital camera).  The phone is left in Airplane mode until I get on land in a port, then I connect to the port wifi, check emails, respond if I need to, then turn airplane mode back on.  On sea days, I just leave my phone, turned off in the cabin.   Never take laptop or notebook.  Even my emails say I am away from the computer for X days, will get back you  when back in town.

Pre-retirement our work responsibilities required we stay connected. That no longer applies.  If just the two of us traveling, we usually get one wifi purely for personal use.  If with a group, we will get more so our travel mates can take advantage of our discount, and sometimes I get it just for the convenience of communicating with the group.  BTW, even with ship wifi, our phones stay in airplane mode while onboard.