Weighing cruise aspects vs. rating of cruise line
Benjamin Smith
HAL threads I think more important than which line is rated better is
the weight the pax puts on aspects of cruising and what they may want in
a planned cruise.
How important is a general relaxed or festive atmosphere?
Is a more interactive and informal or more background and more formal
service style preferred? How important is the crew to passenger ratio?
What features aboard the physical ship are important? Size? Traditional
or quasi-traditional vs. contemporary resort-like? Large atriums vs.
more modest sized lobbies? Spas? Pools and whirlpools? Art and type of
art? Any decor preferable? Does decor matter? Ceiling height matter? Do
you prefer large spaces or intimate spaces? How important is a
wraparound promenade? Lounger seats? Glass areas for viewing the sea?
Design of public areas for viewing the sea? Disco? Access to the bow.
What about exercise? Aerobics important? Is jogging track important?
How important is ship maintenance and cleanliness?
How important is production? Do you prefer an entertaining wait staff? A
staff that is encouraging to participate?
Quietude? How important are announcements or lack of announcements? How
important is quiet pool time? How important is it the type of music that
is piped into public areas (most lines seem to do this)? How important
is a quiet pool area away from the main pool? How important is it for
you to be or not be approached repeatedly by bar servers and which do
you prefer?
Food? What type of cruisine do you prefer? Availability of food or
drinks? Any special dietary concerns? Vegetarian dishes?
Pax? How important is pax diversity in age and ethnicity? How important
or desirable is an International pax? What is your tolerance level for
children? How important is the passenger space ratio? How important is
the absolute amount of people onboard the ship?
Activities? Are many activities of a very high energy type preferable or
more low keyed activities? Are frequent activities desirable or less
frequent activities? Do you prefer funny and wild activities such as the
men in drag, hairy chest contests, knobby knee contest variety or not
these particularly but can deal with some of these?
Entertainment? What type of music do you prefer? Do you prefer a ship
that mostly caters to the slow dancing types and classic type of music
or one that does contemporary and a wide mix of music?
Photographers? Some of them are omnipresent and wish to photograph much
of what goes on. To what degree does one find photographers an
annoyance, what is the tolerance level?
Dining venues? Some ships have casual dining and some have ultra
specialty alternative restaurants - which is preferred? How important?
Are tables for 2 availability important? Late or early seating? Multiple
dining venues? Flexibility - how flexible a reputation does the line
have to substitute dishes or make honor special requests?
Formal vs. Casual? Big issue. Which do you prefer? Any aversion to
dressing formally?
Special areas? How important are video game areas? teen areas and
amenities? digitized photos?
Children's programs and facilities? What's the reputation for children's
programs? Facilities? Amount of counselors? Any special requirements for
children?
Shopping? How important is price, variety of shops onboard ships?
Clubby areas? Cigar, martini etc. how important?
Libraries? Size, variety, atmospheres - what is your preference?
Casinos? Is placement of casino important? Do you prefer a casino that
can be avoided or one that must be passed through to reach other areas
of the ship?
Nightlife? What type of nightlife? Options? Likely participation?
Communications? Are internet cafe's a must? Cost of satellite phone?
Also Captain communication? Do you wish to hear a report from the bridge
or not hear from the officers at all?
Smoking? Is a port/starboard smoking/non-smoking policy OK? Is a
Staterooms? Size, amenities, reputation of cabin stewards, availability
of verandahs, butlers, interactive ship network?
Alcohol policy and practice? Bringing aboard alcohol is a popular topic.
How important is this to you? Would a restrictive policy prohibit you
from sailing aboard a particular line?
Emergencies? Which lines have best reputation for infirmiry, especially
if passenger has health issues or is a senior citizen.
This is not everything, I'm sure there are some things that I missed.
There's alot to cruising. There are so many broad this is a higher
rating than that but for me these ratings our not tailored to
individuals but to standards. I think the cruise aspects have to be
known and then weighted to tailor a cruise line to a particular
passenger or couple or family. But this depends on taste at the time as
well. People may want a change of pace from an active to a quiet
environment, hence, A cruise line may be more suitable for the former
and B for the latter. Perhaps some prefer to go back and forth from one
type of cruise to another while others prefer to always sail on a
particular type of cruise regardless of itinerary or cruise duration.
It's not simply a matter of what's a higher rung cruise line than the
other.
Ben S.
Tom & Linda
Benjamin Smith wrote:
>
> How important is a general relaxed or festive atmosphere?
Relaxed is more important (Celebrity/Princess atmosphere).
> What features aboard the physical ship are important? Size? Traditional
> or quasi-traditional vs. contemporary resort-like? Large atriums vs.
> more modest sized lobbies? ... How important is a
> wraparound promenade?
I like 2 storied dining rooms, multiple pools (we search out the quiet
one with the solarium cover like on Galaxy and Ocean Princess). Large
atriums are nice - I like aesthetic looking ships. Wrap around
promenade is nice, but not a critical item. Access to the front on top
deck is more important (missed going there on Destiny).
> What about exercise? Aerobics important? Is jogging track important?
Nah.
> How important is ship maintenance and cleanliness?
I'm an Engineer....
Ask Emeril how important the food would be for him.
I notice when they paint. I notice when the re-varnish. I fixed the
balcony latch on the Grandeur with my Swiss Army Knife. I notice worn
Astroturf. Case closed.
> How important is production? Do you prefer an entertaining wait staff? A
> staff that is encouraging to participate?
Nah.
> Quietude? How important are announcements or lack of announcements? How
> important is quiet pool time? How important
> is a quiet pool area away from the main pool?
We like it quiet. We seek out the quiet pool, and book ships that have
them. (That's what we liked about Galaxy and Ocean Princess more than
Century.)
> Food? What type of cruisine do you prefer? Availability of food or
> drinks? Any special dietary concerns? Vegetarian dishes?
Simple... I like quality food where I don't need DiGel later (and only
eat seafood on Celebrity and Princess). Fresh omelets in the morning in
the buffet station are high on the priority list once on board.
Oh, yeah, good pizza.
> Pax? How important is pax diversity in age and ethnicity? How important
> or desirable is an International pax? What is your tolerance level for
> children? How important is the passenger space ratio? How important is
> the absolute amount of people onboard the ship?
70,000 ton ships with 2000 people - OK, Destiny ship with over 3400 -
TOO many people.
My tolerance level for "empty plate on the floor leavers", "beer bottle
in the hallway leavers", "Suck This T-shirt wearers", "drunks in the hot
tub", etc., is... well it's not high.
> Activities? ... hairy chest contests, knobby knee contest variety or not
High energy, hairy chests and knobby knees leaves me cold.
> Entertainment?
Like a really good magician. Don't remember most shows, but remember
Cirque de Galaxy.
> Photographers?
No big deal.
> Dining venues?
Never do dining room for breakfast or lunch. Not having buffet
breakfast and lunch on some ships (Leeward, NCL Wind on some days) was a
real negative.
Like a good pizzeria for lunch (Ocean Princess best). Free ice-cream 24
hours (Destiny best).
> Formal vs. Casual? Big issue. Which do you prefer? Any aversion to
> dressing formally?
Would prefer 2 formal nights and 5 casual nights. Hate the in-between
nights. Just another jacket to pack. And there's nothing special about
it like there is on Formal night.
> Special areas? How important are video game areas? teen areas and
> amenities? digitized photos?
Zip.
> Children's programs and facilities?
Not a consideration.
> Shopping? How important is price, variety of shops onboard ships?
This is going to sound crazy, but Jonathan has a towel collection.
Besides nice ship logo/picture T-shirts and towels, we don't shop much.
But they must have good T-shirts, and towels are BIG.
> Clubby areas? Cigar, martini etc. how important?
Not at all. But better the smokers go there than elsewhere. So it's
good to have them.
> Libraries? Size, variety, atmospheres - what is your preference?
Love "REAL" libraries with lots of books, especially travel, Caribbean
port and cruise books. Berlitz Cruises, Frommer's, etc. Destiny had
the chairs and wood paneling, just not the books. Ocean Princess had
lots of books. So did Century and Galaxy.
> Casinos?
I think I bet 2 quarters once when they were in my pocket.
> Nightlife? What type of nightlife? Options? Likely participation?
Magician, comics.
> Communications? Are internet cafe's a must? Cost of satellite phone?
> Also Captain communication? Do you wish to hear a report from the bridge
> or not hear from the officers at all?
Like report from bridge. Don't need internet - I'm on vacation. Do
really like the Fax NY Times though.
> Smoking? Is a port/starboard smoking/non-smoking policy OK?
:(
> Staterooms? Size, amenities, reputation of cabin stewards, availability
> of verandahs, butlers, interactive ship network?
Read my lips.... BALCONIES RULE!!! And for us it has to be a quad
balcony.
> Alcohol policy and practice?
I still have a bottle from when we got married. We go through about a
six pack a year in this house. We actually go on more cruises a year
than drinks a year.
> Other things important:
More interesting and diverse 3/4 night cruises. Sometimes that's as
long as we can get away.
Want to do a 2/3 night QE2 cruise to nowhere out of NYC for a weekend.
Things like that.
More cruises out of NYC in the summer. To Martha's Vineyard, Halifax,
etc. Short ones and longer ones. Even Quebec and Montreal in the
summer.
--Tom
villa deauville
Nice run down and sum up.
SUNNY<.........is in agreement
Charlie at Just Cruisin' Plus
more before ever making a recommendation on a cruise product. In the long
run, it saves time for all and the client is much happier. That's what a
good T/A brings to the table for his or her clients.
Charlie Funk
cha...@justcruisinplus.com
800 888-0922
Benjamin Smith <be...@ix.netcom.com> wrote in message
news:39886861...@ix.netcom.com...
Benjamin Smith
on what I like. Some of us have very clear profiles, Karen and Diane for
instance. I understand Becca's preferences and George L's also. Mel
makes it clear why he is a fan of RCCL ships and cruise style.
Some cruisers, though, are harder to peg. I think some are more go with
the flow type of folks. Ermalee seems to be able to enjoy just about any
type of cruise, which is wonderful. I'm not sure of Lee L.'s profile and
preferences, seems he doesn't like Carnival much. I think Tom Gauldin
likes a sophisticated environment (followed by a tobacco spitting
contest) <VBG>
There are some that will not like some cruise lines as much as others
based on some specific cruise aspect. I think for those new to cruising
or those that have been on one line that they prefer that want to try a
new line is for them to make sure if they pick a higher rated line that
they understand the type of cruise profiles these products are tailored
to.
Ben S.
Warren H. Davis
expectations tend to evolve over time as well. I've noticed that in the
last two years alone, not only have my tastes changed in terms of decor,
cuisine, entertainment, and passenger mix, but what I choose to do on a
cruise is subtly changing. Where once dancing the night away in a disco
until 2 or 3 am was my habit, now I'm more content with soft background
music and conversation, or a quiet card game followed perhaps by a seat
outdoors listening to the sounds of the ocean. I'm now ready to say that
a spacious balcony cabin is important, whereas just two years ago my
attitude was inexpensive cozy inside cabins were just fine. I've
transitioned from wanting high-energy and festive to sophisticated and
refined. In the showlounge I want to see clever, imaginative and unique
shows. The staple production shows that string a bunch of showtunes
together using some sort of loose theme are getting a bit tired (if I
see one more show where the big finale is setting off some sparklers
around the stage...). I never paid much attention to the passenger/space
ratio and now I'm finding that the higher it is the more I enjoy a ship.
I probably fit the Celebrity/HAL/Princess profile perfectly. This is why
I'm probably a bit disappointed with some aspects of Celebrity - aspects
that I feel are incongruent to the ambience. Either my expectations were
unreasonable or Celebrity fell a bit short. Perhaps it's a combination
of both. The line should have been a perfect match for me and I hoped
very much that it would. I still do (surprise!) The Infinity appeals to
me more than any Celebrity ship since Galaxy was introduced. But it's
also time to revisit Princess and give HAL a try. The HAL ships appeal
to me more than Princess (from an outer design standpoint), but I wonder
if Princess is the better progression for me.
When discussing a first time passenger, it is so important to figure out
the things that Ben has outlined. Many times a cruise line is labeled as
"perfect for the first time cruiser." But first time who? First time 23
year old who hasn't traveled extensively solo as an adult, or first time
45 year old who has become accustomed to a certain levels of quality?
Quite often a first timer offers us a report upon returning and
qualifies what they say with "since this was our first cruise, we can't
compare our experience with other lines and ships..." I've noticed that
they are pleased overall but often seem a bit "let down" in the tone and
content of what they have to say.
Repeat cruisers need to rely more on their own experiences than having
these questions asked by a TA, IMO. After a few cruises, you are able
to say I like "this" from that line, and I liked "that" from this line,
but I didn't like "the other thing" from those lines. Usually there's a
cruise line that incorporates most of what you like without the things
that you find you don't. That's where reading the newsgroup, cruise
reviews, the various chat areas, and discussion forums like those in
cruisemates.com become important tools.
Warren
In article <39899C34...@ix.netcom.com>,
Benjamin Smith <be...@ix.netcom.com> wrote:
> I'm clear on what Tom likes and you also, Sunny. I think some are
clear
> on what I like. Some of us have very clear profiles, Karen and Diane
for
> instance. I understand Becca's preferences and George L's also. Mel
> makes it clear why he is a fan of RCCL ships and cruise style.
>
> Some cruisers, though, are harder to peg.
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
diane5511
>I probably said this before but with the Century vs. Sky and the
RCI vs.
>HAL threads I think more important than which line is rated
better is
>the weight the pax puts on aspects of cruising and what they may
want in
>a planned cruise.
>
>How important is a general relaxed or festive atmosphere?
>
I don't want frenetic, I want relaxed -- you can have fun without
blaring earsplitting music or barrage of sounds. And festive may
mean different things to different people. The fully decorated
dining room in the special livery for the final formal night on
HAL is festive, but not in-your-face flashy.
>Is a more interactive and informal or more background and more
formal
>service style preferred? How important is the crew to passenger
ratio?
I like the "Tween" style, I don't want them trying to be my
friend, but I hope they are very professional while not "looking
down" upon the guests. You know what I mean here, the waiter who
looks down on those who haven't encountered a fish knife, or
butter knife in restaurants in the past, or who doesn't know what
some of the items on the menu are.
Staff ratio is not that important; I do want there to be enough
service in the dining room as to not warrant lengthy delays in
service and a knowledgeable sommelier. Beyond that, no
preference.
>
>What features aboard the physical ship are important? Size?
Traditional
>or quasi-traditional vs. contemporary resort-like? Large atriums
vs.
>more modest sized lobbies? Spas? Pools and whirlpools? Art and
type of
>art? Any decor preferable? Does decor matter? Ceiling height
matter? Do
>you prefer large spaces or intimate spaces? How important is a
>wraparound promenade? Lounger seats? Glass areas for viewing the
sea?
>Design of public areas for viewing the sea? Disco? Access to the
bow.
PASSENGER SPACE RATIO!!! I cannot stand overcrowded public
areas. Huge seven story atriums also turn me off. All of that
cubic footage wasted without floor space. I'll bet that all that
"air" space is counted in the grt, but what good is it when this
means crowded lounges and dining areas and narrow hallways where
bottlenecks and waits occur. You can't stand on it or put
seating areas in it.
Access to the bow is very important on scenic itineraries. So
are large expanses where you can look out and enjoy the view. A
private pool, away from the entertainment pool area is important
when we are in the Caribbean.
I love the wrap around promenades, especially when they contain
comfy chairs.
I won't sail on mega-monsters anymore. I will even trade off psr
numbers (keeping them between 35-45) to go on tinier ships as
long as they don't pack people into too small public areas. I
hope to sail Windstar and will trade off some of the space in the
cabins to have fewer passengers.
>
>What about exercise? Aerobics important? Is jogging track
important?
A nice gym with adequate machines for the number of people
interested in using them is a plus. For our crossing coming up,
I will use the treadmills and Cybex machines to keep the calories
from catching up to us while at sea 8 days. Classes are fun, and
I like them to be varied. Jogging track is useless if it's too
small, so why do they bother?
>
>How important is ship maintenance and cleanliness?
Very -- I expect maintenance (and I mean hull, machinery and
engineering) to be top notch. I hope to see them trying to stay
ahead of the inevitable rusting that salt air creates. But,
white glove inspections for dust or dirty windows aren't in my
list of things to do while sailing. I know windows will stay
streaked from salt spray and passing squalls, until it comes
around to that area for maintenance. I don't want to see
garbage lying around though.
>
>How important is production? Do you prefer an entertaining wait
staff? A
>staff that is encouraging to participate?
Hate the phony productions. Maybe the macarena was fun to watch
eons ago, but that type of stuff gets old quickly. I prefer the
wait staff to serve my food hot.
>
>Quietude? How important are announcements or lack of
announcements? How
>important is quiet pool time? How important is it the type of
music that
>is piped into public areas (most lines seem to do this)? How
important
>is a quiet pool area away from the main pool? How important is
it for
>you to be or not be approached repeatedly by bar servers and
which do
>you prefer?
I want bar staff to leave me alone unless I am looking for them
to serve me. A good staff will do that. Don't like tons of
announcements either.
>
>Food? What type of cruisine do you prefer? Availability of food
or
>drinks? Any special dietary concerns? Vegetarian dishes?
>
Food has to be the right temperature. I also prefer variety at
the luncheon buffets. I like the breakfast offerings to be
substantial and nothing frustrates me more than having to go to
the dining room to get decent meals for breakfast and dinner. I
also want open seating for breakfast and lunch.
>Pax? How important is pax diversity in age and ethnicity? How
important
>or desirable is an International pax? What is your tolerance
level for
>children? How important is the passenger space ratio? How
important is
>the absolute amount of people onboard the ship?
>
See above for psr and size. I like a varied group. I didn't
mind the number of Europeans and Japanese groups on Volendam. I
like the passenger mix to include no overwhelming numbers. I
can't imagine a ship with 750 children on board, or 3000+ people
as being enjoyable for anyone unless they like waiting for
services or being just a number. I like the staff recognizing
us, because we aren't just one of 3400 people they have to serve.
>Activities? Are many activities of a very high energy type
preferable or
>more low keyed activities? Are frequent activities desirable or
less
>frequent activities? Do you prefer funny and wild activities
such as the
>men in drag, hairy chest contests, knobby knee contest variety
or not
>these particularly but can deal with some of these?
I grew up a long time ago. Activities meant to make fun of
people turn me off. So do comedians who can't be funny without
using every profanity known to man. I want varied activities but
I also enjoy a ship full of people capable of entertaining
themselves for a while. I do not have to "be entertained" every
minute to enjoy myself.
>
>Entertainment? What type of music do you prefer? Do you prefer
a ship
>that mostly caters to the slow dancing types and classic type of
music
>or one that does contemporary and a wide mix of music?
>
Entertainment isn't a high priority with me. I like various
offerings that change while we are there. I can do without smoky
lounges with ear-splitting music. I love at least one lounge
where conversation is the only sound in the room, or a background
level combo playing something to complement the surroundings.
>Photographers? Some of them are omnipresent and wish to
photograph much
>of what goes on. To what degree does one find photographers an
>annoyance, what is the tolerance level?
>
I tolerate them. I like when they professionally move away when
you tell them nicely "no thanks".
>Dining venues? Some ships have casual dining and some have ultra
>specialty alternative restaurants - which is preferred? How
important?
>Are tables for 2 availability important? Late or early seating?
Multiple
>dining venues? Flexibility - how flexible a reputation does the
line
>have to substitute dishes or make honor special requests?
>
I want my seating confirmed in advance. I want options for
dinner when we are in port late. I love little touches like
making specialties, or having appetizers or desserts available
other than the scheduled night.
>Formal vs. Casual? Big issue. Which do you prefer? Any aversion
to
>dressing formally?
>
On Carribbean cruises, I am getting tired of lugging the stuff
with me. For something like a transatlantic, it's fine. It is a
social thing for the evening then. I didn't particularly feel
like taking extra stuff to Alaska with me, just to wear once.
You take enough luggage to deal with the temperature and climate
swings, that formal wear takes up space in those instances.
>Special areas? How important are video game areas? teen areas
and
>amenities? digitized photos?
>
>Children's programs and facilities? What's the reputation for
children's
>programs? Facilities? Amount of counselors? Any special
requirements for
>children?
N/A
>
>Shopping? How important is price, variety of shops onboard
ships?
>
>Clubby areas? Cigar, martini etc. how important?
>
Don't care. I don't go on ships to shop. What a waste of time!
>Libraries? Size, variety, atmospheres - what is your preference?
>
I want a real library with reference materials including travel
guides. HAL and Princess are the ones that do this best so far
in my experience. I know there must be others out there that
have real libraries open all day like these two lines have.
>Casinos? Is placement of casino important? Do you prefer a
casino that
>can be avoided or one that must be passed through to reach other
areas
>of the ship?
>
>Nightlife? What type of nightlife? Options? Likely
participation?
>
Don't do shows. They are all the same after a while. Prefer
variety of things to do. Murder mysteries. Piano bars.
Classical concerts. Movies in a REAL theatre.
>Communications? Are internet cafe's a must? Cost of satellite
phone?
>Also Captain communication? Do you wish to hear a report from
the bridge
>or not hear from the officers at all?
Don't care.
>
>Smoking? Is a port/starboard smoking/non-smoking policy OK? Is a
>
Don't care, even though I don't smoke. I appreciate the
thoughtfulness of the passengers on HAL and Princess, who will
not knowingly smoke in non-smoking areas, and who will move if
asked. Never had a problem on either line. It was a major
problem on Carnival and NCL.
>Staterooms? Size, amenities, reputation of cabin stewards,
availability
>of verandahs, butlers, interactive ship network?
>
Comfort and storage high priorities. Don't care about the
balcony anymore. It's nice in the Caribbean but otherwise, like
in Europe I would prefer saving the money to spend on really
interesting shore trips. I want enough closets and drawers and
TWO chairs or a love seat. Hated having only one chair on the
Dawn Princess. Paid for a balcony, lost a place to sit inside.
Love having a tub/shower combo like on HAL. It means there isn't
constantly water on the floor from the shower.
>Alcohol policy and practice? Bringing aboard alcohol is a
popular topic.
>How important is this to you? Would a restrictive policy
prohibit you
>from sailing aboard a particular line?
It doesn't prohibit me, but since it means that the line has
probably decided nickel and diming customers is a good thing for
them to do, then I'm less likely to sail with them for that
reason. I do bring one or two bottles of special wine on board,
and don't mind corkage fees as I pay them in restaurants also
when I do this. Usually you aren't charged a fee if the wine
isn't available on board (like a 1982 Bordeaux or 1977 Dow
Vintage Port). I want a knowledgeable sommelier on board, and
not a drink pusher. I like HAL's policy of treating us like
adults and not relying on drink revenue by banning personal
alcohol. We always brought back local beer from ports (including
a great Alaskan Amber).
>
>Emergencies? Which lines have best reputation for infirmiry,
especially
>if passenger has health issues or is a senior citizen.
>
HAL and Princess have full time professionals, doctors and
nurses, on board with the best equipped infirmaries of any line I
have sailed. I imagine Cunard does the same. It isn't critical,
but nice to know that there will be assistance if it is
necessary.
>This is not everything, I'm sure there are some things that I
missed.
>
>There's alot to cruising. There are so many broad this is a
higher
>rating than that but for me these ratings our not tailored to
>individuals but to standards. I think the cruise aspects have to
be
>known and then weighted to tailor a cruise line to a particular
>passenger or couple or family. But this depends on taste at the
time as
>well. People may want a change of pace from an active to a quiet
>environment, hence, A cruise line may be more suitable for the
former
>and B for the latter. Perhaps some prefer to go back and forth
from one
>type of cruise to another while others prefer to always sail on
a
>particular type of cruise regardless of itinerary or cruise
duration.
>It's not simply a matter of what's a higher rung cruise line
than the
>other.
>
>Ben S.
>
Ben, I tend to venture back and forth for different aspects
based on whether it is a Caribbean getaway or a destination
oriented cruise like Alaska, Europe, or South America - which is
on our to-do list. I am also looking for a very small premium
type cruise to at least 5 or 6 Greek Islands. I am intrigued by
Minerva, and may end up booking a cruise for fall of 2002. It
will be a vast difference in experience from cruising on a
US-centric line.
We are also looking at Cruise West or Clipper to Alaska. Both
are niche cruise lines, out of step with the mass market, and for
destination oriented, I think they do it better.
Diane
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villa deauville
You are about to enjoy the other side of the coin . Welcome. Its a
great route you have chosen. One that doesnt cry out for FUN FUN FUN
although its there if you choose. You will get to meet great
conversationalists and not so great. And get to do something you maybe
havent done since a child. While listening to the ocean look up and see
those wonderful clouds and let your imagination soar..
SUNNY<.......believes cruising is what you make of it.
JB
cruises were on Carnival many years ago, and I had an absolute blast. I
stayed in inside cabins both times. But I was at a point then when I
thought it was a thrill to fly and stay in a hotel. I'd still recommend
Carnival to many of my friends.
On the other hand, my preferences have definitely changed. Now I want laid
back ambience, feel cheated when I can't book a cabin with a balcony, am
picky about my hotel rooms, and upgrade to first class whenever I can! I
think this happened when I started seeing gray hairs!
I think this thread is great because it's really not about which line is
better, but which line suits your style the best.
Warren H. Davis <wh...@nyu.edu> wrote in message
news:8mcd3m$5ph$1...@nnrp1.deja.com...
jf
Great thread. Here's my two cents.
Relaxed atmosphere, minimum sea days, superb service, destination
Less than 200 passengers, spa and pool nice, but not necessary
Wrap around promenade would be a plus. Glass areas for viewing the
sea a must especially for Antartica.
A recumbent bike and treadmill are nice, not necessary.
Maintenance and cleanliness is a must. Clean, neat and tidy. We don't
want to breakdown in the middle of the "puddle".
Prefer no children under the age of 18. If the ship is designed for
children and teens with areas set aside for them, that's another story.
The small ships don't have this.
Professional and attentive dining staff. A variety of food choices,
regional, fish, you name it...something for eveyone. We like fine
dining at home, don't care for buffets but are OK for breakfast and
lunch as long as you can have menu service too. Nice wine that is
reasonably priced. Tables for 2 a definite plus.
International passenger mix is fine. If we didn't see any children,
that would be OK. psr important as we like to find quiet spaces.
Don't care about activites. We don't need to be entertained. Lecturers
on the area that is being visited are nice
Photographers - nice, but not necessary
Casual. Will dress, but would prefer to leave the formal clothes at
home.
We hate to shop.
Nightlife - soft music is nice, no need for the magicians, ventriliquist
Open bridge is a plus
Staterooms - clean and comfortable, 2 chairs, table, good lighting,
tub/shower or a shower that doesn't let water get all over everthing.
Clothes line in shower to hang swimswuits or hand wash. Outside cabin
a must.
Veranda - on our first 4 cruises on a small ship we had a veranda. We
have since moved down decks and opted for no veranda and have not
missed it as we have always been able to find space on deck or in a
glass enclosed area.
We're not tightwads (in a prior life I worked as a cocktail waitress)
but like the no tipping policies as we can do extra for special service.
Announcements - we like to hear if there something that we might like
to see (whales, dolphins, etc.) and when the zodiacs or tenders are
ready for boarding.
As the saying goes, "Different strokes for different folks".
Judy
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Benjamin Smith
> What features aboard the physical ship are important? Size? Traditional
> or quasi-traditional vs. contemporary resort-like? Large atriums vs.
> more modest sized lobbies? Spas? Pools and whirlpools? Art and type of
> art? Any decor preferable? Does decor matter? Ceiling height matter? Do
> you prefer large spaces or intimate spaces? How important is a
> wraparound promenade? Lounger seats? Glass areas for viewing the sea?
> Design of public areas for viewing the sea? Disco? Access to the bow.
>
I'll say here what is important to me is decor in the sense of association.
Flowers, candles are associated with what? Romance. Natural fragrances, and
soft and warm light can characterize some of these two elements. And that's
what decor means to me - the sum of certain spaces creating an overall
feeling. HAL's ships are full of flower displays and some areas have soft
lighting as opposed to another brand of ship that may have different types
of lighting and no flowers. Taking enough elements that associate in
combination with a certain feeling or related feelings and you have the
results of decor, the effect of decor, on people. There's no not noticing
decor. You do not have to say I like this chair, color, fabric, carpet
pattern to have them affect you. They have an underlying effect, every
color and combination, lighting effect, has some sort of association or
even emotional impact behind it. So it is there whether consciously or
unconsciously by the passenger. I watch HGTV and have viewed the before
renovations and after and what the designers consider while making
renovations and it is based on the emotional associations one has with the
existing decor (it's drab, it's too dark, I want more natural light, it's
too cluttered) and what happens after the renovations (it's cheery, bright,
clean). Comments like I feel so much better in here now, I enjoy spending
my time here. Very little may be said of why it is, the designers explain
why, and it is usually association and tailoring to the tastes of the
client, but there is usually some sort of emotional association going along
with the spaces made new. Sometimes spaces can be made to recall
experiences and feelings of the past and some can be made to feel fresh and
breakaway.
So intimate spaces are for me as I associate these spaces with meeting
people, with conversation. I'm a lounge lizard aboard a ship. Atriums
remind me of malls, not interested. The most impressive foyers/atriums to
me have excellent details or carry off a theme by using just a few
elements, though very high quality elements and don't separate people too
far from each other. So narrow is OK with me and a real focal point, a
painting such as on the Galaxy, a sculpture a la HAL, a waterfall a la
Oriana really say something to me and really provide a more interesting
atmosphere than one with many focal points or no real focal point.
>
> What about exercise? Aerobics important? Is jogging track important?
>
In general yes, but some small part of it is necessary for maintenance
while aboard the ship.
>
> How important is ship maintenance and cleanliness?
>
Out of respect for the furnishings, if not for anything else, quite
important.
>
> How important is production? Do you prefer an entertaining wait staff? A
> staff that is encouraging to participate?
>
I think in everyday life much is geared towards production. I want to get
away from this on a ship and I still view a ship as a special way to
travel. I still have romantic notions of a ship at sea.
I have to say that waiters singing "O solo mio" or "It's a Small World" and
dancing to the Macarena are very, very tired cliches. Not interested at all
in this. I regard waiters as service professionals, or at least aspiring to
be such, not entertainers. Entertaining waiters are OK but only to a
degree. The ones that can sense who wants to be entertained and who does
not are appreciated. I noticed on the Century our waiter was far more
entertaining to another table than he was to ours - of course, to the
Celebrity degree of entertaining. I complemented him on this.
>
> Quietude? How important are announcements or lack of announcements? How
> important is quiet pool time? How important is it the type of music that
> is piped into public areas (most lines seem to do this)? How important
> is a quiet pool area away from the main pool? How important is it for
> you to be or not be approached repeatedly by bar servers and which do
> you prefer?
Quietude is related to settings. Just as light and colors are important in
decor so are auditory sensations. Quiet decor is incongruous to pushy
service and loud music. One area of the ship can be dedicated to that but
if the ship is overall quiet, then the music should be of a relaxing,
melodic nature, background nature, IMO.
If the ship is big enough a noisy pool is OK for a limited amount of hours.
If not then the pool should be moderately active. There should be quiet
areas outdoors, a huge part of the cruise experience is the relationship of
the pax to the sensations, full sensations, of being at sea. Noise is a
distraction to these sensations and to some degree competes with the
sensations. All times of day the sea is experienced differently. I like to
get up early and experience the sensation of the sea on sea from no light
to daylight and it is different and wonderful every day. So long as the
weather is OK, this is priceless.
>
>
> Food? What type of cruisine do you prefer? Availability of food or
> drinks? Any special dietary concerns? Vegetarian dishes?
>
I'm not big on food. If it is done with some care I'm appreciative. I like
a good amount of choices for lunch. I like a fairly formal dinner mostly
and when festive, the type of festive Diane describes, not one of the
production variety.
>
> Pax? How important is pax diversity in age and ethnicity? How important
> or desirable is an International pax? What is your tolerance level for
> children? How important is the passenger space ratio? How important is
> the absolute amount of people onboard the ship?
>
I'm not big on age and ethnicity diversity although I welcome it. I never
know who is who and I like diversity and depth of personalities. Children
can be problematic and should be disciplined and I have a moderate
tolerance level for them. PSR is very important, I do not like crowds and
like personal space. I think I like a 1100-1700 absolute amount of people
onboard the ship. This way my wife and I are more likely to meet people we
click with but not too many people. The amount of people on Veendam seemed
excellent.
>
> Activities? Are many activities of a very high energy type preferable or
> more low keyed activities? Are frequent activities desirable or less
> frequent activities? Do you prefer funny and wild activities such as the
> men in drag, hairy chest contests, knobby knee contest variety or not
> these particularly but can deal with some of these?
I like low keyed activities mostly. A few high energy areas and times are
OK, too many get tiresome for us. Don't need to have a "wedding reception"
like atmosphere, don't need many games. Not interested in alcohol
consumption, a bit is fine. I'm high enough on the ship/sea experience.
>
>
> Entertainment? What type of music do you prefer? Do you prefer a ship
> that mostly caters to the slow dancing types and classic type of music
> or one that does contemporary and a wide mix of music?
>
Slow dancing, ballroom or swing dancing mostly. I like lots of different
music but in lounges I go for jazz and standards and some Latin music.
Disco is enjoyed a few nights of the cruise.
Line dancing cliche big on Celebrity, it is done in the nightclubs. My wife
enjoys it and I do also but only a minimal amout of it. It was done a bit
too much for my taste on the last cruise.
>
> Photographers? Some of them are omnipresent and wish to photograph much
> of what goes on. To what degree does one find photographers an
> annoyance, what is the tolerance level?
>
Don't like the cliches. Dumb pirates thing on HAL disappointed me. I like
photographers that respect the pax and can gauge who wants to be
photographed.
>
> Dining venues? Some ships have casual dining and some have ultra
> specialty alternative restaurants - which is preferred? How important?
> Are tables for 2 availability important? Late or early seating? Multiple
> dining venues? Flexibility - how flexible a reputation does the line
> have to substitute dishes or make honor special requests?
>
I like the traditional dining room and I like the descent into it. I
actually like the two tier HAL and Celebrity aft dining rooms (although
it's not the best in rough seas and there is vibration especially in
Celebrity's). I like the sea views. Not interested in that many alternative
restarants because ship starts to feel like a resort or hotel. I like
limitations - I think ships are OK limited.
>
> Formal vs. Casual? Big issue. Which do you prefer? Any aversion to
> dressing formally?
>
I have a tux, I think it is easier than suits. I dress for dinner except
embarkation and night before disembarkation. Formal nights are OK, but I
actually disagree with my friend Tom and prefer informal nights. My wife
and I can dress more stylishly and less like others and still be dressed
well although there are more formal options for women. I think informal can
be more comfortable yet still utterly stylish for both men and women.
I have a problem with those that like casual. I think tee shirts, jeans and
sneakers look awful in some of the nicer dining rooms and are incongrous
with the atmosphere at least in the type of ships I prefer. They are OK on
some ships, not all.
>
> Special areas? How important are video game areas? teen areas and
> amenities? digitized photos?
>
To us, not important although we enjoy video games sometimes.
>
> Children's programs and facilities? What's the reputation for children's
> programs? Facilities? Amount of counselors? Any special requirements for
> children?
>
Doesn't apply.
>
> Shopping? How important is price, variety of shops onboard ships?
>
Minimal to moderate, but should be small. Shopping is of the window variety
when done by us although we get a few things.
>
> Clubby areas? Cigar, martini etc. how important?
>
Extremely important. Like Celebrity for these. Their application of it,
also, is quite subtly premium IMO.
>
> Libraries? Size, variety, atmospheres - what is your preference?
>
Not especially important to me but I feel ships should have nice libraries.
HALs are wonderful, Celebrity's need upgrading though new one on
Zenith/Horizon are fine. Grand Princess so-so.
>
> Casinos? Is placement of casino important? Do you prefer a casino that
> can be avoided or one that must be passed through to reach other areas
> of the ship?
>
Like how HAL does it, pax are not forced to walk through casino. Wife and I
do not gamble. Don't like the flashy type on Carnival or RCI.
>
> Nightlife? What type of nightlife? Options? Likely participation?
>
Here's where the younger people can have fun. I like a ship to have a place
for the younger folks, a lively though not raucous disco. Some sort of fun
stuff at night is good for youngsters. I like piano bars for nightlife,
HAL's are great, really intimate.
>
> Communications? Are internet cafe's a must? Cost of satellite phone?
> Also Captain communication? Do you wish to hear a report from the bridge
> or not hear from the officers at all?
>
Unequivically unimportant. If needed I like the facilities to accept or
make emergency calls or emails. I like Captain's communications in the case
of weather (hurricane) concerns otherwise I don't need them.
>
> Smoking? Is a port/starboard smoking/non-smoking policy OK? Is a
>
I'm asthmatic. Have not been disturbed by smoking on ships. port/starboard
is OK by me.
>
> Staterooms? Size, amenities, reputation of cabin stewards, availability
> of verandahs, butlers, interactive ship network?
>
Should be reasonably comfortable. Don't need them to be gigantic but should
not be cramped. So far we do not need verandas or the suite lifestyle.
Interactive ship network is a great tool and useful.
>
> Alcohol policy and practice? Bringing aboard alcohol is a popular topic.
> How important is this to you? Would a restrictive policy prohibit you
> from sailing aboard a particular line?
>
I don't understand why it is such a popular topic and could care less about
it. I'm high off of the sea experience and will drink only a bit and savor
it. I think drinking aggravates the feeling of motion in rough seas.
I would really like to the 5 star lines not have servers come around and
ask pax if we'd like to drink when we sit in lounges. It was the case in
both HAL and Celebrity cruises although after 4 or 5 days they started to
learn that my wife and I are not drinkers, although we often would get
sodas. We would like to see some sort of subtle communication to available
servers or at least some sort of eye contact to servers passing by as
approached to servers approaching tables asking us if we cared for a drink.
Some servers on Celebrity would put down a folded napkin and we would not
be asked anymore which we like.
>
> Emergencies? Which lines have best reputation for infirmiry, especially
> if passenger has health issues or is a senior citizen.
>
HAL and Princess do well here. It is good to know. Health, thankfully, is
OK. May be a bigger concern in the future.
>
> This is not everything, I'm sure there are some things that I missed.
>
> There's alot to cruising. There are so many broad this is a higher
> rating than that but for me these ratings our not tailored to
> individuals but to standards. I think the cruise aspects have to be
> known and then weighted to tailor a cruise line to a particular
> passenger or couple or family. But this depends on taste at the time as
> well. People may want a change of pace from an active to a quiet
> environment, hence, A cruise line may be more suitable for the former
> and B for the latter. Perhaps some prefer to go back and forth from one
> type of cruise to another while others prefer to always sail on a
> particular type of cruise regardless of itinerary or cruise duration.
> It's not simply a matter of what's a higher rung cruise line than the
> other.
We can go back and forth but if we go for the energetic it will be for a 4
and max 5 night cruise. So if we do NCL or RCI in the future it will be
short cruises. I don't have a favorite cruise line, haven't cruised enough
to establish one. I'm not an experienced cruiser, my comments are based on
research and lots and lots of conversations I've had with cruisers. For the
most part, 7 days and above, HAL and Celebrity satisfy on a ship level and
cruise level though both have a certain commercial content and
incongruities with their 5 star classifications which I think are not the 5
star classifications of a decade or more ago. Princess probably has some
incongruities in the product as well, and their newer ships are less
traditional than the other two premium lines. Celebrity has most evocative
ships IMO, differ significantly fleetwide so while we are relaxing in the
ship and providing our own entertainment and atmosphere, the settings will
vary within a certain style. HAL and Princess are weaker here. I have a
feeling that P&O will give more of the older 5 star feel to their cruise,
Oriana is still on top of list over newer Aurora. Lux line ships that
interest me most are Radisson's Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas
Mariner, Crystal's ships and others. A real treat would be Deutschland. I'm
interested in European lines as well though not as much in Asian lines like
Star. Some old liners interest me from Cunard and of course Premiere's
Rembrandt.
I haven't changed much since I was in my early 20s. I've always like
quieter venues, grew up listening to jazz and Classical music although
Calypso was also big in my household, and have always appreciated non
flashy settings and found crowds and noise unwelcome. I'm more into gardens
now and enjoy more traditional decor, at one time I enjoyed modern decor.
Vacation to me means vacate. Vacate the everyday lifestyle. Want little
stress and minimal flash, quietude, a certain quality and certain qualities
in the surroudings and a certain amount of like minded folks sharing these
surroundings. Postcards will be my form of communication with those not on
the vacation.
Ben S.
>
>
>
Linda Coffman
I could have written your note, only you put it more elegantly than I might
have.
On our first cruise I was up early and aerobicizing, then dashing from one
thing to another, not wanting to waste a moment. Clearly that's no longer
my agenda. Looking back, I believe that my frenzy of activity stemmed from
the mindset that I might never get to go on another cruise and wanted to
take full advantage of everything. Before we even boarded Mel was grousing
that he would be bored and I'd never get him on another ship, so I thought
"this is IT." I even tap danced in the passenger show! Argh!!! <VBG>
Our lifestyle has changed a lot since that first embarkation on the Norway
in 1990 and we're more interested in relaxing on board and dancing and
talking in lounges where a conversation can actually take place while the
band is playing. I also find that I'm more interested in port-intensive
cruises.
Guess we're growing up! <G>
Linda <-- has tap shoes and glittery costume for sale!
Making Waves~~~
http://pages.prodigy.net/lindacoffman/index.html
villa deauville
If your tap shoes and glittery costume comes with a boa I might be
interested.
SUNNY<.......saling in November and needs some new duds