Reluctance to join "Roll Call" Postings

[LuAnn]

I think you put it very well. Some of the comments on the so called luxury line boards make me wonder who people think they are. On the Regent board one said they had no problem with people from the mass market lines coming up to the luxury lines. Some of the comments here are really outrages. It just takes money to sall on a more expensive line and having money has nothing to do with class. The people in the Carnival picture seem to be having lots of fun, and that's why they took the trip.

 

Thank you for your perspective!!! LuAnn

[rubysue]

Thanks to the folks for their perspectives on "having fun" (hi, LuAnn). We always try to have fun on every cruise (even the last one where I was in quarantine due to the influenza). However, the Roll Calls for the Oceania cruises do seem to be very minimal for some of the cruises compare to other cruise lines. We are going on Regatta this October from Montreal to Miami and there have been a total of 13 responses to the Roll Call. We also planned to go on the Mayan Mystique cruise next March and had no response to the Roll Call at all (we're moving our deposit to a Nautica cruise that is more appealing - we don't get to go as often as other folks so we're trying to jump on the most interesting itinerary once or twice a year). Sadly, on the Nautica Roll Call thread, I've already found out that idle chit-chat is considered problematic and the thread "owner" wants all communication through email. That's not very welcoming, IMHO, especially when I compare it to the thorough craziness of the Roll Call for our Infinity cruise.

 

As to the attitudes, we have learned now to be very cautious telling someone on an Oceania cruise that we have also enjoyed Disney cruises and we even had a thoroughly great time on Oasis of the Seas when it had 6,214 passengers. I agree with Hypercafe - the people on the Carnival ship look like they are having fun. Not everybody can afford $15,000-$20,000 cruises (we have to limit them ourselves). Some folks here would also probably hate the Disney ships, because they have some "over the top" decor and concepts in many public areas.

[Mura]

Ruby Sue,

 

I don't think you can blame Oceania for low turnout on Roll Calls. Most of the roll calls I've been on are extremely active. It is true that there are those that are not. (From what I've heard, the Caribbean itineraries are generally low key, but I'm speaking third hand, not from personal experience.)

 

That can depend on the itinerary and the passenger list. For those where CC members are booked, you will have activity.

 

For our NYC-Dover cruise leaving on May 22nd we have 157 signed up for the M&G and 43 pages ... Our November cruise from Barcelona to Rio was equally busy.

 

As to telling people you've enjoyed cruises on those mass market lines ... well, you could tell me! And plenty of others as well.

 

Mura

[Travelcat2]

I think you put it very well. Some of the comments on the so called luxury line boards make me wonder who people think they are. On the Regent board one said they had no problem with people from the mass market lines coming up to the luxury lines. Some of the comments here are really outrages. It just takes money to sall on a more expensive line and having money has nothing to do with class. The people in the Carnival picture seem to be having lots of fun, and that's why they took the trip.

 

IMO, this is a difficult subject to broach and not one that should be generalized. Yes -- it takes money to sail on a luxury cruise line such as Regent. However, to most of us, it is not about money -- it is about the atmosphere on the ship. For many years we did not cruise but vacationed internationally in places such as Club Med. We loved the active atmosphere - loud music -- dancing until the wee hours of the morning, etc. We went from that to a luxury cruise line. Again, it was not about money. We no longer wanted a loud party atmosphere. We wanted a mellow atmosphere which is what Regent provides (although there is a disco for those who enjoy the late night scene).

 

So, if I post that it is fine if passengers from HAL, Celebrity, Princess, etc., sail on Regent, it isn't a "class" issue (actually, I could go on a long rant about what I perceive to be a class system on Oceania but I choose not to go there). IMO, people should not go on Regent (Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, etc.) because there is free "booze" and free excursions (actually, nothing is free -- the cost is included). Also, IMO, it would be foolhardy to spend a lot of money on a Regent cruise without doing some research beforehand. If a calm atmosphere -- without loud music at the pool (or loudness anywhere) is for you -- there is no reason not to sail on Regent. Remember, if you compare some cruises on Oceania to Regent, Oceania comes out more expensive (depending upon category of stateroom/suite).

 

Unlike Oceania, no one cares if you are in the Master Suite (Owners Suite equivalent) or the lowest category suite. Everyone is treated the same -- there is no way a server or bartender would know which type of suite you are in. Also, there is no place on the ships that only certain people can go (this is true for all luxury lines). Boarding is first come first served. Any differences between what you receive in the lowest suite vs. the highest suite is contained within the suite itself (butlers, bar set-ups, etc.,)

 

Sorry for the rant but sometimes those of us who prefer luxury cruise lines are given a bad rap. I do not see snobs on Regent -- I see people that prefer a calmer onboard experience -- one where everyone is equal.

 

In terms of Oceania, as I have said, the Riviera is the most incredible ship we have sailed on and the food in the specialty restaurants is amazing. We do our best to overlook the differences in the benefits that different cabin categories get.

 

On a softer note...... Happy Mother's Day to all of the mothers out there:)

Edited May 12, 2014 by Travelcat2

[tvmovielover]

That is what Roll Calls are for me. I have learned lots from cc roll calls in the 4 years since I discovered them and always am lurking on mine and others to get information I want. Each cruise line board has things that are the same (like chances to form private tour groups, transportation to and from ports, etc) and Meet and Greets, etc that are different for each line but still enjoyable for many. I also learned many things from Member reviews (I have even gotten a couple of great port hotel recs from these). Oceania cc people tend to give the reviews on the regular boards while other lines have more people writing member reviews. I have learned where to look for each line and what the shippers of each line were like. Each line's boards has a certain mentality which could be said to be "mass market" or snobbish yet all offer good tips for cruises on the particular line in question. All the cruises were fun no matter which level the line tried for and whether ocean or river cruise and theall the tips were a plus. So forget "snobby", "mass market", etc and have a Happy Mother's Day and fabulous cruises this year and in the future.

[rubysue]

Hi, Mura - I'm not blaming Oceania for the low turnout on the Roll Calls. We have had very active Roll Calls in the past and perhaps it was itinerary-dependent. I am surprised at the Montreal to Miami cruise being so dead, because this is a fantastic itinerary. The OP was wondering about low Roll Call turnout and I came back with my recent experiences. Also, being told right away on the new Roll call today that I joined that any idle conversation, including discussion of private tours, may make people accuse the OP of the Roll Call or other folks of "hijacking" the thread was completely bizarre. Why have the Roll Call?

 

I'm glad we could tell you about our other cruise experiences. Unfortunately, we have had the opposite reaction from quite a few Oceania passengers in the past, and have had some unpleasant moments or even full dinners spent defending our choices.

[burm]

Sadly, on the Nautica Roll Call thread, I've already found out that idle chit-chat is considered problematic and the thread "owner" wants all communication through email. That's not very welcoming, IMHO, especially when I compare it to the thorough craziness of the Roll Call for our Infinity cruise.

 

 

I hope that others on your Roll Call have the good sense to ignore this person and chit chat to their heart's content. Not only does this "irrelevant" chatter make the planning more fun, but it helps you identify kindred spirits. For example, I would not join any private excursions in which this "Owner" will be participating. Someone else might admire their no nonsense attitude and be happy to make plans with them.

 

Some of our favourite cruises were ones with very lively Roll Calls. It is great to board the ship and be greeted with smiles and even hugs from the people with whom we have been happily chatting, planning and dreaming for months.

[Mura]

I'm glad we could tell you about our other cruise experiences. Unfortunately, we have had the opposite reaction from quite a few Oceania passengers in the past, and have had some unpleasant moments or even full dinners spent defending our choices.

 

I'm sorry to hear that. You shouldn't have to do so.

 

Mura

[LHT28]

First no one OWNS the roll call thread

You should post what you like (within CC guidelines )

I have arranged many private tours & learned many things on the roll calls

Made some friends along the way

 

If someone insists on OWNING the roll call just ignore them

A roll call is for anyone to join to share information or tours ask questions etc...

 

As for defending your choice of cruise lines ..why ?

You like certain cruise lines you do not have to defend your choice of where you spend your money if others are paying then they can argue your choices

 

[yorkiemomjn]

Having actually taken a few Carnival cruises for one reason or another, I can attest to the fact that the photo posted here is not the worst of Carnival decor...

 

I always joke that their designer has two main clients--Carnival cruise ships and bordellos in Tijuana (though I'm guessing there, I've never been in one)...

 

The funny thing is that it's not that any of it is cheap...I'm pretty sure they spent a lot of money on overdone decore and outrageous color schemes...And I've commented on it on the Carnival boards--and the regulars there shoot back that THEY think it's beautiful!!

 

My personal opinion is that it serves its purpose--to distract you from the more glaring deficiencies. You can almost see one of them in that photo--it's that the dining rooms are far too crowded, too packed together...There is hardly enough room to walk between the tables...which not only impacts the passengers' comfort, but the ability of the waiters to serve properly as well. To fit more people in, they rely on a lot of booths--which means the waiters can't properly serve the folks in the interior seats...

 

To me, the lack of proper service and the overcrowding does more to affect the cruise than the gaudy decor...

 

Which leads me back to what really makes a cruise, a cruise ship or a cruise line "classy". It starts at the top--with the management of the cruise line themselves. What are they "going for"? In Carnival's and some other similar lies') case, it's to cut corners, maximize profits, put as many people on a ship as they can fit, cut prices to attract a larger demographic. Their strategy works. It has made them a lot of money. And it has made cruising accessible to a lot of people who, at one time, were shut out of the market. And the people who regularly cruise Carnival enjoy it. But it IS, whether they like the term or not, the "Walmart of the Cruise industry"...They are a cruise line for the "everyman". Doesn't mean that all of those Carnival cruisers are "classless" (though some, no doubt, are). But it does mean that they are content to have a more crowded ship, not quite top level service, long waits for various things, overcrowded showroom and lounges, hard to find seating on the pool deck and so on...

 

Some other cruise lines take a different approach. They are catering toward a different market--people who aren't that concerned about paying a little more in order to get a better experience. This tact allows them to offer what many people would think of as a classier or more elegant cruise...Oceania, along with some other lines, falls into this category

 

Of course, some cruise lines go beyond that. They cater to a clientele that doesn't care about what anything costs...who are willing to write the check no matter what the cost to get what they perceive as the finest experience imaginable...Of course, they are likely overpaying for what they get...but they just don't care. And you know what? The cruise may have a considerable amount of elegance...but it doesn't guarantee that everyone on board has class...

 

 

Bruin Steve,

I don't post very often (except on roll calls), but I sometimes share posts with my DH, who never posts. I have shared several of your posts with him, including this one. You should feel honored----because you are one of the CC posters he hopes we get to meet on a cruise some day.:)

[Bowie MeMe]

Please, will someone enlighten me, what is a 'slot pull'?

:confused:

 

Each person puts in a set sum of money ($10 for the one I participated) and it is credited to one $1 slot machine (we used the big one in the center of the casino). Each person gets 2 pulls and the pulls on the machine are done one person at a time with the others watching. The won money stays on the machine and the lucky "pull" that won the most money gets a certain % followed by the 2nd highest and 3rd highest (I think it was 30% of pot 15% of pot and 5% of pot) and the other 50% of pot was equally divided among the members of the slot pull. I don't gamble (for real money at least) usually but I decided to try and though my individual pulls were barely break even some good luck was running and the pot got to a very high number! Hugely exciting and fun and noisy and yes admittedly probably a pain to those who wanted peace and quiet!:D By the end of this slot pull probably more than half the passengers and all of the casino crew were watching and cheering and having a great old time. Lasted about 45 mins. and then excitement over we went about our ways. Good activity for sea day on long cruise. I felt really proud of my $17.50 return on my $10 investment.:p

[Flatbush Flyer]

Each person puts in a set sum of money ($10 for the one I participated) and it is credited to one $1 slot machine (we used the big one in the center of the casino). Each person gets 2 pulls and the pulls on the machine are done one person at a time with the others watching. The won money stays on the machine and the lucky "pull" that won the most money gets a certain % followed by the 2nd highest and 3rd highest (I think it was 30% of pot 15% of pot and 5% of pot) and the other 50% of pot was equally divided among the members of the slot pull. I don't gamble (for real money at least) usually but I decided to try and though my individual pulls were barely break even some good luck was running and the pot got to a very high number! Hugely exciting and fun and noisy and yes admittedly probably a pain to those who wanted peace and quiet!:D By the end of this slot pull probably more than half the passengers and all of the casino crew were watching and cheering and having a great old time. Lasted about 45 mins. and then excitement over we went about our ways. Good activity for sea day on long cruise. I felt really proud of my $17.50 return on my $10 investment.:p

 

 

There's nothing like intermittent reinforcement to get folks to defy odds.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Fairfield Nana]

I hope that others on your Roll Call have the good sense to ignore this person and chit chat to their heart's content. Not only does this "irrelevant" chatter make the planning more fun, but it helps you identify kindred spirits. For example, I would not join any private excursions in which this "Owner" will be participating. Someone else might admire their no nonsense attitude and be happy to make plans with them.

 

Some of our favourite cruises were ones with very lively Roll Calls. It is great to board the ship and be greeted with smiles and even hugs from the people with whom we have been happily chatting, planning and dreaming for months.

 

Who is the "owner" you're referring to?

[Travelcat2]

Who is the "owner" you're referring to?

 

Usually the "owner" (or OP - original poster) is the person who started the thread. In this case it is you. However, you have certainly not posted anything that would have caused some of the negative comments. While it is true that no one owns a thread, the posts/responses are generally in response to the OP's first post. In this case, although the subject has wandered a bit, it shows many reasons why people do not want to participate in Roll Calls. From my perspective, since we are all anonymous, we gain insight into our fellow passengers by participating and get our questions answered.

[NC&KY]

Usually the "owner" (or OP - original poster) is the person who started the thread. In this case it is you. However, you have certainly not posted anything that would have caused some of the negative comments. While it is true that no one owns a thread, the posts/responses are generally in response to the OP's first post. In this case, although the subject has wandered a bit, it shows many reasons why people do not want to participate in Roll Calls. From my perspective, since we are all anonymous, we gain insight into our fellow passengers by participating and get our questions answered.

 

Curious, I certainly did not interpret burm's posting to refer to anyone on this thread, and most especially not Fairfield Nana. I believe he was referring to the OP of the Nautica roll call thread who seems to have intimidated everyone who has tried to post.:eek:

[Travelcat2]

Curious, I certainly did not interpret burm's posting to refer to anyone on this thread, and most especially not Fairfield Nana. I believe he was referring to the OP of the Nautica roll call thread who seems to have intimidated everyone who has tried to post.:eek:

 

Oh, I took it the wrong way I guess. Thanks for clearing that up.

[burm]

Curious, I certainly did not interpret burm's posting to refer to anyone on this thread, and most especially not Fairfield Nana. I believe he was referring to the OP of the Nautica roll call thread who seems to have intimidated everyone who has tried to post.:eek:

 

 

That is correct. I did quote rubysue, but I expect that Fairfield Nana is using an app which does not show quotes.

 

Originally Posted by rubysue View Post

 

Sadly, on the Nautica Roll Call thread, I've already found out that idle chit-chat is considered problematic and the thread "owner" wants all communication through email. That's not very welcoming, IMHO, especially when I compare it to the thorough craziness of the Roll Call for our Infinity cruise.

 

Roll Calls are unlike threads which are established to answer a specific question. They are a way for future passengers to get to know each other, as well as to share invaluable cruise information and planning. No one, not even the OP of any roll call, has a right to "own" or dictate the tone of the thread.

 

There are indeed a few of these Roll Call bullies around, who put a real damper on everyone else's fun and make people reluctant to participate. Once the tone is set, the thread generally remains quiet. Everyone loses.

[Fairfield Nana]

thanks for clearing this up--certainly didn't want to come across as a bully. I know the feeling of falling prey to a small handful of responders to various threads on this site who tend to be a bit abusive and attack others for their opinions or comments--been the victim of some of these zingers.

[LuAnn]

Thanks to the folks for their perspectives on "having fun" (hi, LuAnn). We always try to have fun on every cruise (even the last one where I was in quarantine due to the influenza). However, the Roll Calls for the Oceania cruises do seem to be very minimal for some of the cruises compare to other cruise lines. We are going on Regatta this October from Montreal to Miami and there have been a total of 13 responses to the Roll Call. We also planned to go on the Mayan Mystique cruise next March and had no response to the Roll Call at all (we're moving our deposit to a Nautica cruise that is more appealing - we don't get to go as often as other folks so we're trying to jump on the most interesting itinerary once or twice a year). Sadly, on the Nautica Roll Call thread, I've already found out that idle chit-chat is considered problematic and the thread "owner" wants all communication through email. That's not very welcoming, IMHO, especially when I compare it to the thorough craziness of the Roll Call for our Infinity cruise.

 

As to the attitudes, we have learned now to be very cautious telling someone on an Oceania cruise that we have also enjoyed Disney cruises and we even had a thoroughly great time on Oasis of the Seas when it had 6,214 passengers. I agree with Hypercafe - the people on the Carnival ship look like they are having fun. Not everybody can afford $15,000-$20,000 cruises (we have to limit them ourselves). Some folks here would also probably hate the Disney ships, because they have some "over the top" decor and concepts in many public areas.

 

So good to hear from you!! Hope you both are well!...we did have a great cruise...didn't we? LuAnn

[rubysue]

So good to hear from you!! Hope you both are well!...we did have a great cruise...didn't we? LuAnn

 

Hi, LuAnn! I really didn't need the very nasty respiratory influenza and quarantine and the food on Infinity was nowhere close to Oceania (in fact, it was dreadful, except for Qsine). In fact, Infinity continues to have many problems with rampant illnesses (go look at the Celebrity board). We did totally love the service on that ship!

 

Having said that, I will never, ever forget the thousands of adorable Chinstrap penguins in the water off Deception Island! We really enjoyed Puerto Madryn and the amazing wildlife in the Valdes peninsula. Buenos Aires was a dynamic city and we had a "meal of the ages" at i Latina. Ushuaia was gorgeous, and Antarctica was so forbidding but stunningly beautiful at the same time. Yeah, it was an interesting and memorable experience.

[rubysue]

thanks for clearing this up--certainly didn't want to come across as a bully. I know the feeling of falling prey to a small handful of responders to various threads on this site who tend to be a bit abusive and attack others for their opinions or comments--been the victim of some of these zingers.

 

Oh, goodness, no! Your question was very appropriate and led to some interesting replies. I'm a bit shy on the Oceania board, too, as I have been down some interesting bunny trails. Hope you have a great cruise!

[nomad2]

We are looking forward to the maiden voyage of Quantum.

[hondorner]

We are looking forward to the maiden voyage of Quantum.

lol -- you're probably going to continue to look foward to it on this forum for a long time -- this is the Oceania Cruise Lines forum, and Quantam of the Seas will be a Royal Caribbean ship.

[USVI-4-me]

Count me among the posters who are shy about roll calls.

We meet very nice people on cruises without joining a Roll Call.

The tone in this thread is similar to that of the Celebrity board.

 

The Boynton's cruise photos peaked my interest in exploring this forum.

We're planning an Oceania cruise and expect cruisers are interesting and friendly.

 

-Marisa

[USVI-4-me]

thanks for clearing this up--certainly didn't want to come across as a bully. I know the feeling of falling prey to a small handful of responders to various threads on this site who tend to be a bit abusive and attack others for their opinions or comments--been the victim of some of these zingers.

 

 

It is a comfort to know it's a small handful.

Thank you for the post.

 

-Marisa