Sandielle

Thanks for posting, Chez. We are cruising around Aus next March, so your post is exremely helpful. :)

Bon Voyage, Les. Have a wonderful cruise and holiday.:)

I have to say I have enjoyed my P&O cruises, however there is no incentive to cruise with them any more, when I'm treated like a princess on Princess. ;)

Hi

 

My wife and I are cruise fanatics. We started in 2011 and, while trying to slow down, are tending to take two cruises a year (three in this last year). We were on the Dawn in August of last year and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. In a month, we're off on the Jewel (the Dawn's sister ship). How a person reviews a ship – be it the Dawn or any other ship – is very much down to expectations of the person. We've seen this time and again.

 

If they go onboard expecting to be waited on hand-and-foot, to have gold-plated taps and to have a waiter bowing before them upon a click of their fingers, then they'll be disappointed and likely have a complain via a review. I remember lounging on a side deck during the day on a P&O ship. An older couple were doing the same thing just a few feet away. A staff member roped off a small area and began to mop the deck. One of the older people said with a loud, posh voice, "You'd never experience THIS on (such-and-such a cruise line)!" We have heard other similar comments. The reviews they leave don't reflect the quality of the ship. Instead, they merely reflect the views of someone who wants to be waited on in every way possible. Personally, I ignore those reviews.

 

If, on the other hand, they go onboard just to have a good time and don't expect royal treatment, they come home and write great reviews. Why the difference? They appreciate the smiling faces of the staff members. They also appreciate the all-you-can-eat meals, the ocean views, the live music, the staff they get to know personally, the shows, the cultures they get to mix with on land . . .

 

These latter ones experience the same "problems" as the former. But the latter don't let them become their focus. Yes, occasional – on any ship – the buffet meals may become a bit much the same after a number of days at sea, a Waterfront meal may come out not quite according to order, or a staff member may be instructed to lead an activity that they're not actually skilled in. But most people will say, "Big deal!".

 

With the exception of the occasional cruise where things may just go all wrong, which can happen with any holiday, you will be sure to have a great time if you go with the correct attitude and appreciate all there is to enjoy and accept any little "issues" without stressing over them.

 

Sadly, people who want to complain tend to gravitate to review sites. As a result, many of the reviews are very negative.

Excellent reply. As cruise addicts my DH and I agree with you wholeheartedly. We have never had a cruise we didn't enjoy. Little things happen at times, but so do they in our daily lives. I count myself so very lucky to be able to cruise - we live very frugally to do so. :)

Same to you, David and Happy Easter to all.

I've observed many young whingers, not just cruisers, and have the satisfaction of knowing something that they don't seem to realise yet.

 

They are going to be old one day!

LOL, Russell, so true. There is a lot of intolerance out there. Thankfully, I've kept my sense of humour. I just feel so lucky to be able to cruise at all.

(Even luckier because 5 weeks today I'll be sailing.........God willing.) :D

My best friend & I did our first cruise on Dawn Princess in 2009 for 14 nights around NZ.

I was 23, she was 25. The average age of our fellow cruisers was 72 & there were less than 25 of us under 30yrs old- (including small children!!!)

We still had a LOT of fun & it meant we were always first off the ship & front of lines cos we could beat everyone there!!! Lol!!!

Hahahaha, we oldies will give you a run for your money!!!!!:D The only time my DH walks fast is if there is a queue forming! :cool::p

We are of the older gen. weight 72ks and 66 ks, not admitting age, but would probably be classified as the very old, cruise around 3 times a year. We don't complain, enjoy every cruise accept that not everything is perfect. Know how annoying it can be getting caught behind some very slow passengers, but our thoughts are " there but by the grace of God go us"

Well said. 'Problem' (for want of a better word) people come from all 'corners' of the world, we have found. Actually we have found most fellow passengers to be lovely - and our annoyance re the rude pax to be only momentary. And yes, every time there is someone slow in front of us, I try to be patient and be glad I don't need a walker or wheelchair - yet, anyway. :D

I read yesterday that because of a rough crossing of the Tasman, Diamond Princess was missing Auckland. :mad:

Nice to have a good news story. Hope you have recovered fully, Pete. :)

When we were on Sun Princess last October, one night they announced free seating at dinner - I forget why, but it was something to do with the time. I also noticed they closed the doors about 15-20 mins after the time.

I agree, Noumea at the cargo wharf.

Going good Sandy, how about yourself? Good to see a few vintage names on CC.

 

Happy cruising in 2016.

Thanks Les. Going OK here, too. Looking forward to Hawaii cruise in April.

My DH was laughing to himself while on his laptop this morning so, of course, I had to ask him what was so funny. Well........

have to say I lost it, totally, when it came to comparing bringing on steaks with bringing on wine, lololol. Shades of S/KM.

(Oh, I'm a cheapskate - take on a bottle then use my mini-bar. Thank you, Princess. ;) :rolleyes: :D

How're you doing, Uncle Les?

That's what I want to find out, as well. Have a friend who I will ask They didn't do everything that needed doing, apparently eg no International Cafe as yet, although the Horizon Court has been refurbed like the Sun and there is a Sports Bar in the nightclub.

Am I the only one who could tell Adidas4fun was "talking tongue in cheek"?

Like my motto says, we need some humour in our lives with what is happening in the world these days. I can't afford a balcony to hang my washing on, lol. Luckily I get it done for me these days, but I do hang my undies in the shower on the line provided. :eek::D

I don't take any notice of people's reviews - prefer to make my own decisions. I have not been disappointed with any of my cruises and can hardly wait for the next whichever ship I'm on. :)

Go with a positive attitude, Peewack Life is what you make it. The refurb looks wonderful. I'm sure P&O will sort out the problems by the time you sail. :)

We found Insure and Go very good for an annual policy.

Just preparing to depart Darwin.

 

It is DD's birthday.

 

She just phoned to say she just got her final Uni exam results, a D and a C.

 

Dad's actually got tears in his eyes.

 

She had brain surgery part way through and still got it all done.

 

Next the big one admission to the Supreme Court.

 

It might call for a cruise to celebrate, me thinks.

Great news. Cruises deserved all round! Hope all well now. :)

I promise I'll be good (well' date=' I'll try anyway).:D

 

Congratulations Shiona..... a good move by CC to have an Aussie as host on this site. At least you will get our humour! :p:D[/quote']

 

So true! :rolleyes: :)

Congratulations Shiona. I am delighted to find that you are now co-hosting us. :D:D:D

Woohoo, Shiona. Congrats on becoming our co-host! ;) :)

Attractive designs,David. My preference is red/white/ blue + ferns

That is mine as well. However there was nothing wrong with the present flag. :)

One last pic. I was lucky to catch these.

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY at ShipWatcher