I understand your disappointment, for me, I don't like the food on any Cruise line that I have been on. When I started cruising back in the 80's the cruises and the food were much better then, over the years all the cruise lines have cut back in so many ways, and have cut corners that the cruise industry as a whole is completely different now than early on. Don't get me wrong, cruising is still the most economical vacation you can take for value received. My advise is to do your research, check them all out and remember cheaper is not always the best value. The 3, 4 5 and 6 day cruises are generally the lesser of the cruise durations for many reasons, I have never taken less than a 7 day and many of mine have been 10 day and longer. I haven't been on many like so many people that I have met over the years, last November was our 42 cruise and it was on Princess, my wife and I have always been more happy with Princess, it seems to fit our style. Many people have their favorite, you just have to decide for you. You learn by doing, learning that you don't have to take everything you own in your suitcase. Remember the cruise industry is a business and they will do many little things to separate you from your cash. Don't get your expectations too high that you don't enjoy your time on the cruise. Some advise to new Cruisers, stay away from the VIP cards that the shopping people want to pass out. They tell you if you use them that you will get their best deal and save money. THIS IS WHAT THEY DONT TELL YOU. If you go into the shop that they recommend and use the VIP card, that store or shop has to pay the cruise line 20% for that recommendation. Want to save that 20% for yourself. Never and I mean never discuss a vip card with the stores and shops. Deal with the manager your self and you can get the item you want with that 20% discount that they would have to pay the Cruise Line for your self, you can save that discount for yourself. I know I have done it many times for jewelry and watches. I have made friends with many shop owners in the Caribbean and they tell me things like this and yes even Diamonds International and the large companies pay the same. Save your money, don't give it to the cruise lines. Another thing, they tell you about their guarantee it you buy through one on their guarantee stores, the item you buy has to be rather pricey for the guarantee to be any good, I know that most items under $500 they will no deal with. When you are there, ask questions and get it in writing. happy cruising
First Cruise Disappointment... need help
in Ask a Cruise Question
Posted
I understand your disappointment, for me, I don't like the food on any Cruise line that I have been on. When I started cruising back in the 80's the cruises and the food were much better then, over the years all the cruise lines have cut back in so many ways, and have cut corners that the cruise industry as a whole is completely different now than early on. Don't get me wrong, cruising is still the most economical vacation you can take for value received. My advise is to do your research, check them all out and remember cheaper is not always the best value. The 3, 4 5 and 6 day cruises are generally the lesser of the cruise durations for many reasons, I have never taken less than a 7 day and many of mine have been 10 day and longer. I haven't been on many like so many people that I have met over the years, last November was our 42 cruise and it was on Princess, my wife and I have always been more happy with Princess, it seems to fit our style. Many people have their favorite, you just have to decide for you. You learn by doing, learning that you don't have to take everything you own in your suitcase. Remember the cruise industry is a business and they will do many little things to separate you from your cash. Don't get your expectations too high that you don't enjoy your time on the cruise. Some advise to new Cruisers, stay away from the VIP cards that the shopping people want to pass out. They tell you if you use them that you will get their best deal and save money. THIS IS WHAT THEY DONT TELL YOU. If you go into the shop that they recommend and use the VIP card, that store or shop has to pay the cruise line 20% for that recommendation. Want to save that 20% for yourself. Never and I mean never discuss a vip card with the stores and shops. Deal with the manager your self and you can get the item you want with that 20% discount that they would have to pay the Cruise Line for your self, you can save that discount for yourself. I know I have done it many times for jewelry and watches. I have made friends with many shop owners in the Caribbean and they tell me things like this and yes even Diamonds International and the large companies pay the same. Save your money, don't give it to the cruise lines. Another thing, they tell you about their guarantee it you buy through one on their guarantee stores, the item you buy has to be rather pricey for the guarantee to be any good, I know that most items under $500 they will no deal with. When you are there, ask questions and get it in writing. happy cruising