My Parents Just Got off the Fantasy - Bad Experience with some pax

[Rowan555]

I didn't notice any bad behavior of other guests. I was too busy relaxing and enjoying my time off.

 

Perhaps your parents and aunts are a bit more aware of foul language than others? I know if I had a nun with me I would be aware of every little "damn" and "sh**" around me, too. LOL

 

In all fairness, the cruise ships are very large places. Unless a person is going to stay in their room the whole time they are going to be around hundreds of people at any time that for sure will not have the same sense of propriety as everyone else.

 

Not knowing what types of places your family normally goes, perhaps a cruise might not be the best place for your child with the anxiety disorder? Dinner is loud, the pool area is certainly loud, the casino might have to be walked through to get to your dining area....

 

 

Believe me, my parents don't worry over "damns" and "shi***" - what they were upset about was the repeated use of "f", "mf", and various vulgar words referring to sex organs and sex acts.

 

My kids are going on their 8th cruise tomorrow - my son does fine in crowds, and he loves cruising. What he can NOT handle is people behaving obnoxiously, and people engaging in extremely vulgar language. It doesn't phase my 6 year old daughter in the least, but it sends him into a tailspin. For the record, while I don't think cruise lines should be "behavior police", I do think the sort of vulgarity my parents experiences crossed a rather serious line, and that security or some other shipboard employee should have stepped in to ask the passengers to tone down their screaming of profanities.

[SDRR]

I know what you mean. ... So we backed it up to Jan 28th and Feb 2nd. Now there is still no guarantees...but at least I have done all I can to make sure there is nothing to diminish my vacation.

 

(Insert deep basson, tuba and french horn music from the attack scenes from "Jaws" here)

 

You *do* have a band of six desert rats infiltrating the Feb 2nd half of your BTB... :eek:

 

We may be wearing pirate's eye patches, and also might have a fine veil of Sonoran desert sand about us...

 

I wonder if the Amish ever cruise as a group...

[Thing2]

Unfortunately lately we have seen more and more of this type behavior on Carnival ships. Not really sure why but they seem louder and more vulgar.

 

We have seen and met some wonderful people on cruises but it just seems lately a decline in clientèle.

 

JMHO

[shawilson]

That is why we always get a balcony cabin. I can lay out in the sun with my spray bottle of water to keep me cool (along with a beverage or 2 of choice).

 

We are not into the pool games, art auctions or bingo, or wherever groups meet. I think they may easy to avoid. If you can't avoid them, try striking up a conversation with them. They might be fun to get to know!

[NCTribeFan]

Until my upcoming cruise, I never could afford a balcony.

 

Again I ask, why is it that people who AREN'T being loud and foul have to remove themselves from an area to avoid the folks who are? Why shouldn't the people who are actually being loud and foul be asked to go elsewhere? Or to simply be mindful that they are in public places and need to show a little consideration?

[vacruizer]

I know what you mean. My PVP has one client (of course I don't know the name) that is paranoid about "groups"...so I send my PVP updates as I run across them.

 

When we booked our B2B in the Imagination, I had originally planned for it to be Jan 24 and the 28th. Then (after a little research) I found out the Jan 24th cruise was a Motley Cruise. Nothing against Hard Rock...but I am just to old. I hope they have a marvelous time...I just don't want to be around it.

So we backed it up to Jan 28th and Feb 2nd. Now there is still no guarantees...but at least I have done all I can to make sure there is nothing to diminish my vacation.

 

Years *and I do mean YEARS ago ~~ there was a website called GroupsAhoy.com and it was my group cruise Bible. Not only did it tell me groups to avoid....BUT if there was a group I was interested in joining...it was there as well.

 

That sight have been down for about 4 years and I really miss it!!!

 

If I knew what I was doing I'd start a website again! BTW - keep the "H" group on your avoid list if you know who I'm talking about. I know you've mentioned them before.

 

I do wonder as well about the CC groups. I am part of one next year but really don't see us getting out of hand - we are mosly families and couples that seem to just want to enjoy cruising and the islands.

[oysterfiend]

Cruising with cruise Critic group in April (26) 2009 Mexican Riviera although we booked independently.

I am not into herd mentality but can see advantages in meeting up with people and having familiar faces to recognise on Shore trips and at port.

Having a good time in a group does not always necessitate rude, despicable behaviour.

I would think in a large ship environment it would be almost impossible to avoid group bookings altogether.

 

Do you find that they- ie large groups - are more likely to display bad behaviour on shorter cruises-

I want a good time but I hate seeing staff and guests being disrepected and have spoken to a guests myself at the pool area (reef Club- Yucatan Cozumel) when he was loud mouthed, rude, arrogant and played loud profane,discrimatory material at the pool for the whole complex to hear.

I told him he would be better to ply that material in the privacy of his hotel room as there were elderly people and kids in the pool.

his wife was embarrashed by my approach and soon after they left.

 

We can't be responsible for the behaviour of those around us but we can be responsible to how we react to that behaviour.

[*Mach*]

Cruising with cruise Critic group in April (26) 2009 Mexican Riviera although we booked independently.

I am not into herd mentality but can see advantages in meeting up with people and having familiar faces to recognise on Shore trips and at port.

Having a good time in a group does not always necessitate rude, despicable behaviour.

I would think in a large ship environment it would be almost impossible to avoid group bookings altogether.

 

Do you find that they- ie large groups - are more likely to display bad behaviour on shorter cruises-

I want a good time but I hate seeing staff and guests being disrepected and have spoken to a guests myself at the pool area (reef Club- Yucatan Cozumel) when he was loud mouthed, rude, arrogant and played loud profane,discrimatory material at the pool for the whole complex to hear.

I told him he would be better to ply that material in the privacy of his hotel room as there were elderly people and kids in the pool.

his wife was embarrashed by my approach and soon after they left.

 

We can't be responsible for the behaviour of those around us but we can be responsible to how we react to that behaviour.

 

I have cruise on ships that hosted groups in the past. I never knew they were there and I suspect that would be true the vast majority of the time...

 

It's a shame that the OP's parents experienced what they did but we still don't know if it was the Blues Group that was at the root of the problem. It may have been just a rowdy crowd of younger folks or what ever.

 

Groups aren't the problem, individuals are the problem.

[*Mach*]

Machman, when did you become a host??

 

When Laura S waved the magic wand...

 

Don't ask me... all I did was answer an advert... Blame it on Laura!!!

 

:D

[*Mach*]

Until my upcoming cruise, I never could afford a balcony.

 

Again I ask, why is it that people who AREN'T being loud and foul have to remove themselves from an area to avoid the folks who are? Why shouldn't the people who are actually being loud and foul be asked to go elsewhere? Or to simply be mindful that they are in public places and need to show a little consideration?

 

Because they are being loud and foul. These folks are the most likely ones to cause trouble if asked to relocate their 'fun'. Most often they've had FAR too much to drink and could possibly become violent. I think that the security folks feel better about leaving them to their own devices until they become a threat or a safety hazard...

[jaja]

It would be a wonderful thing if you could post that calendar here...I used to be on the HAL board..and there is a person who posts this info for all..and has a way for others to add to the calendar...I always thought it was so nice to have this info.....

 

 

This is exactly why I keep a calendar (2008 now) right by the computer and search for "groups" that will be on the Carnival ships.

 

Just about every month has 1 week marked out....September has all four (different ships of course).

 

Before I book a cruise I check my calendar.....and I keep updating it and check again before we are inside the penalty window.

 

It is bad enough when you have to deal with the thugs in the general population acting like this...but if I can avoid there being several hundred like that on one cruise...I will.

[ClerkPatsy]

One day I'm going to have to quit yelling profanities at the unsuspecting deck waiter from across the ship and pay attention to those loud, vulgar passengers:D .

 

Just kidding!

 

I have never experienced such a thing. Although, I have noticed the one person on each of my cruises, who happened to be having the MOST fun without being rude or obnoxious.

[LHP]

(Insert deep basson, tuba and french horn music from the attack scenes from "Jaws" here)

 

You *do* have a band of six desert rats infiltrating the Feb 2nd half of your BTB... :eek:

 

We may be wearing pirate's eye patches, and also might have a fine veil of Sonoran desert sand about us...

 

I wonder if the Amish ever cruise as a group...

 

 

Not a problem....we know where your Roll Call lives!!! :D

 

Amish cruise would NOT be fun....all that rowing!!!! :eek:

[LHP]

We just sailed on the Victory in Sept/Oct and there was a State Farm Insurance group on there of about 95. We would not have known it if we had not seen their meeting signs on the Lido deck directing them to their next meeting.

 

While very large "groups" have their own logistical problems (taking up all the early seating or late seating or taking over lounges for private events) generally if the group is less than 100... you don't know they are there.

 

Just like kids who misbehave and give all "kids" a bad name (hence why people dream of cruising when school is in session)....groups that cause problems make you gun shy of "all groups". Clearly all groups are not bad.

But there are problem groups out there that we have all heard about and the bottom line is .... my problem is not with the group. My problem is with the cruise lines that does not have the "funnels" to handle them when they clearly get out of line.

 

I believe if we could sincerely depend on the cruise line to do what they should if things get out of hand, we would not have to so "on guard".

 

I vote that we put Fred in charge of Security!!!! ;)

[SilverDewdrops]

John Heald posted a story in his blog a little while back about a passenger he witnessed treating crew members badly and how he dealt with it. I believe he referred to her as Cruella DeVille. It was humorous.

 

I work in the tourism industry at a theme park and it never ceases to amaze me the way people conduct themselves. It makes me wonder what they must be like to be around constantly. :)

[bonniemari]

Not a problem....we know where your Roll Call lives!!! :D

 

Amish cruise would NOT be fun....all that rowing!!!! :eek:

 

 

And where would they park the horse and buggy?

 

This thread reminds me of the one time I was sitting up on the lido deck having a smoke (and yes I was on the smoking side) and a cup of coffee before I turned in the the night. It was about 2 in the morning and there was a group of 6-8 kids ranging in ages from about 12-16. Apparently a couple of them felt the urge to smoke also. Call me old fashioned but the filthy language that was coming out of their mouth shocked me. There was a couple sitting a few tables away and the man got up and walked over and asked one of the worst offenders if he kissed him momma with that filthy mouth. I wanted to go hug him. Of course they smarted off to him but they did get up and leave the area.

[Muumuu]

How and where so we search for bookings of groups?

[Angiem]

I too just got back from the Fantasy....had no idea about the Blues Cruise or the Katrina Victims before hand. Where is a copy of the calendar you are talking about? Noone's TA told us of this before hand. We spent the extra $ for a CAT 11 room (not private at all!!!) and took a couple with us (their first cruise, and now their last) and I will NEVER go on Carnival again. I have been on 10 or 11 cruises on different lines and never experienced anything like this. Yelling and fighting on the decks and in the rooms too. MF, FU F F F F F F F. I am not naive and have said words myself but this was too far over the top. Not only rude ppl, but rude staff also. Never saw anyone in the staff acting fun or nice.....just seemed to not want to be there as much as I didn't. You could not escape to another part of the ship because all parts were the same. Also, the ship did not offer that much fun stuff to do (being the fun ship)......excursions cancelled, and then I get home and find my liquor order, even though it has my cabin number is not my order at all!!!!!! I am sooooooooooooo disallusioned I can't tell you. PLEASE TELL ME HOW I FIND THAT CALENDAR THAT SHOWS THE GROUPS.

 

Angie

[big_duck]

This statement is absolutely wrong. It is very much the cruise lines' business when their "behavior" is open pornography. The last time I checked, that was against the law around minors!!

 

Just because it does not endanger someone's life...doesn't mean it is legal!

 

1. Open pornography in front of minors would be classified as a "danger".

 

2. Gross exaggerations of the situation aren't helpful, the discussion is about peoples choice of language for pete's sake.

 

Everyone's level of tolerance towards public behavior is different. Some would be offended by a gay couple holding hands in public, should they be kicked off the ship. Heck some are even offended by those who don't dress properly for dinner. );

[LHP]

2. Gross exaggerations of the situation aren't helpful, the discussion is about peoples choice of language for pete's sake.

 

How do you know this is a "gross exaggeration"? Were you there?

 

This is the "excuse" that is used every time a group gets out of hand and we are paying cruisers have the right to expect a "family cruise line" to maintain a "family atmosphere". This is why there are age limits to the disco and casino.

[LHP]

I too just got back from the Fantasy....had no idea about the Blues Cruise or the Katrina Victims before hand. Where is a copy of the calendar you are talking about? Noone's TA told us of this before hand. We spent the extra $ for a CAT 11 room (not private at all!!!) and took a couple with us (their first cruise, and now their last) and I will NEVER go on Carnival again. I have been on 10 or 11 cruises on different lines and never experienced anything like this. Yelling and fighting on the decks and in the rooms too. MF, FU F F F F F F F. I am not naive and have said words myself but this was too far over the top. Not only rude ppl, but rude staff also. Never saw anyone in the staff acting fun or nice.....just seemed to not want to be there as much as I didn't. You could not escape to another part of the ship because all parts were the same. Also, the ship did not offer that much fun stuff to do (being the fun ship)......excursions cancelled, and then I get home and find my liquor order, even though it has my cabin number is not my order at all!!!!!! I am sooooooooooooo disallusioned I can't tell you. PLEASE TELL ME HOW I FIND THAT CALENDAR THAT SHOWS THE GROUPS.

 

Angie

 

 

I answered your questions over on the other post that about the "apparent" suicide on the Fantasy...so I won't repost it here. But you are absolutely correct. There are all kinds of laws and standards about foul and abusive language in every day life.

 

You can't call someone and use foul and abusive language to collect a debt.

You can't use this kind of language to a teacher in our schools.

In the work place, foul language is considered a form of abuse.

 

So there is plenty of legal precedent to have the reasonable expectations that this kind of conduct will not be a part of your daily family vacation.

[nofishforme]

here is the list of group cruise i have put together for myself from resarch .But most of them were found from fellow cruiser's that have posted here hope this helps everyone out . if you know of a group that is not on my list please add It .if the cruise lines want tell us about group cruise we can tell each other

 

 

http://unofficialcarnivalwiki.com/wiki/Group_Cruises#November.2C_2007

http://www.allgenretravel.com/vnvnation.html

http://shoretrips.com/common/groups2.asp?grpsrch=GRPNAM

http://www.kiqtours.com/tripList.php

http://www.bluescruise.com/scrapbook/

http://www.cruisecritic.com/cruisestyles/articles.cfm?ID=349

http://www.allgenretravel.com/vnvnation.html

http://hogsonthehighseas.com/c07_prices.html

http://mypages.netopia.com/blackcomedy/cruiseandgetaways/

http://www.ebonypyramidonline.com/

http://www.pmpub.com/

http://www.gaytravelfl.com/bearcruiseoptions.htm

http://www.musicmasala.com/cruises_main.asp

[Angiem]

LHP I assure you there is no "gross exaggeration" going on here. I can always make lemonaid out of lemons, but was totally unable to in this situation. It was hopeless. I spent more time in my cabin than anywhere else and I never ever do this. There was just not enough activities going on except prepaid concerts for the Blues Cruisers.........most awful cruise experience I ever had......

 

Angie

[big_duck]

How do you know this is a "gross exaggeration"? Were you there?

 

He came home very disgusted about the behavior of people in general. He said that they couldn't walk down the promenade deck or eat on the lido deck without hearing profanity from at least one nearby table or group of people.

 

Nuff said.

[LHP]

I have a folder under my Favorites called "Groups to Avoid" and as I run across websites of "sponsors" I add their website to my list. I will see which other ones I have.

 

It is just a shame that people wanting a decent relaxing vacation have to go to this much work because the cruise line won't enforce the rules.