9 Things Cruise Passengers Say They've Had Enough Of
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
- What are the things that drive frequent and repeat cruisers crazy about cruising? These cruisers love to cruise but there are at least 9 things that drive repeat cruisers crazy. I explore these. Do any of these also drive you crazy about cruising?
What are the things that drive frequent and repeat cruisers crazy about cruising? These cruisers love to cruise but there are at least 9 things that drive repeat cruisers crazy. I explore these. Do any of these also drive you crazy about cruising?
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Gary Bembridge's Tips For Travellers aims to help you make more of your precious travel time and money on land and when cruising the oceans or rivers of the world. To help you, in every video I draw on my first-hand tips and advice from travelling every month for over 20 years and 77 cruises at time of making this video.
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00:00 Start
00:23 Features issues
02:10 Dining issues
03:00 Weather Option issues
04:28 On-cost issues
06:01 Gratuities issues
07:00 Hot Tub issues
08:11 Excursion issues
10:20 Transfer issues
11:41 Shopping issues
If it is compulsory, it's not a gratuity. Just pay the staff properly, add the cost to the bill and eliminate gratuities.
And then cruise-fare sticker-shock will kill the industry.
Yes, why not have a little something for the consierge, the janitors, the linen ironers, or how about just call it wages. Also, it's kind of an insult, I know how to tip and when, and it eliminates a little bit of incentive for the staff.
@@PaulCashman Disagree. We’re going to the Med with MSC later this year, and service charges, gratuities, etc. are all built in to the headline price, even with the drinks package we have chosen. In theory, if we stay out of the speciality restaurants, we won’t have to pay a penny extra on the ship. At 18% and often compulsory, the whole gratuities thing is out of hand.
Two thing drive me crazy. 1) the disappearance of the promenade deck. pretty much separating us from the sea. 2) these ships are becoming more like amusement parks, heck if i want an amusement park I will go to 6 flags not a cruise ship.
I agree completely! There's nothing more blissfully relaxing than spending a sea day stretched out on a padded deck chair on the sheltered promenade deck. Just the movement of the ship & hypnotic sound of the ocean rushing up against the hull.
Yea keep cruises the same so it attracts less cruisers . One time on a cruise to get things I can get at a resort -why ?
@@hockjeyinveins Actually Michael, keeping cruises the same will keep passengers coming. The only thing they need to vary is are the dining room menus. If you like all this change and excitement, there's always Six Flags for you.
Agreed, which is why I won’t go on RC ships. Those are straight up theme parks. It’s ridiculous. The point of a cruise is to enjoy the cruise.
Point 2 isn’t necessarily true. Yes it is in the form of RC, Carnival, Norwegian, but there are so many cruise lines available for people who want a more relaxing cruise, Princess, Celebrity and HAL just to name a few. That’s the great thing about cruising, there’s a cruise line to suit everyone!😄 also point 1 a lot of new ships are having promenade decks bought back due to feedback from customers like yourself wanting them. I agree there’s nothing better! Princess and P&O got lots of negative comments from their royal class ships for exactly that, so I’m sure they won’t make that mistake again😁
Passengers who do not watch, discipline or stop their children from running, jumping and hitting into other passengers. I know kids have fun but the above actions are just common courtesy.
Agreed. I have kids, have never cruised and this is one of the reasons why.
I agree, but on the other hand, it can be very satisfying to bring your well-behaved children on a cruise. My husband and I instilled very good manners in our two boys and we received multiple compliments on their behavior from other passengers over the years. We would relay these compliments to our sons, or they would hear them directly when guest from other tables came up to us before they left the formal dinner, where they saw how proud it made us (and them) and in turn reinforced that good behavior. Our sons are grown now so it’s usually just my husband and I cruising, but I make it a point to complement the parents of the very well behaved children you see once in a while on a cruise these days.
Amen
One of the reasons we stopped using Carnival. Seemed people would just cut their kids loose at the gangway.
best part of cruising on NCL right now is they don't allow kids under 12. Got off the ship on Sunday and it was AMAZING
I find the constant attempts to sell me something to be a nuisance. I especially dislike it when photographers try to convince me to have my photo taken when I say that I don't want to (for instance, when initially boarding, in the dining room, or at ports right outside the ship ). Crew members are under a lot of pressure to sell, and it's bad enough that they have to do it. But it is maddening to me when they don't take my no for a no.
I kinda like that especially if the seller is good looking - they can chip away at me for as long as they like its well worth getting ripped of a few pounds for
Lack of elevator etiquette and poor personal hygiene around food drives me crazy.
I was FLOORED when I was told some ships have over 15 decks
They definitely need to have announcements at all elevator locations that say, "Please stand back and allow all passengers to exit the elevator before you enter."
I agree
If ships did not have all the space hogging attractions, you might actually be able to find a lounge chair around the pool.
The major problem I have encountered with hot tubs is that they are the hangouts for the drunkards on board. They flaunt the rules and order drink after drink, spending, sometimes hours, and are often so obnoxious that you don't want to even go near the hot tub.
Yes i agree and when you see all the bubbles that should not be there you just know they are breaking wind - disgusting
That's why l stay away from carnival
For a quiet person like me these mega cruise ships really do look like very hell. I’d rather spend a fortnight in a decent, quiet, beachside hotel. Child free of course.
Do it then nobody's stopping you
I would rather spend a fortnight in the dentists chair! My idea of Hell on this very earth! Also you have to pay!! Why do people do it?
@@philipwhatcott997 .
God alone knows😯
I avoid those mega floating funfairs by choice. If other people want that sort of cruise then great go on them as that leaves more quieter cruisers to enjoy the sort of cruise that they want. Smaller ships are the way to go if you want a nice quiet cruise. The constant additional fees for stuff is starting to put people off. Some of this stuff was in years gone by just a normal inclusive part of the cruise. Now it's a total minefield of additional charges that people can get caught up with. Once you are onboard the pressure can be on to empty peoples wallets as much as possible!
I agree with Richard.
I couldn’t cope with being on those awful 4000 people cruises which is why I choose Seabourn, 420 people , lots of quiet spaces!!!
Perfect!
Easiest way to avoid most of these problems is to avoid the mega monsters. Small cruise ships cater for a different clientele without all the extra crap thrown in to amuse the masses.
I much prefer the smaller ships. Its quieter and you have more opportunities to meet and enjoy a few fellow travelers.
That's why I love Viking Ocean.
smaller ships are the best
@@trainattendant5810 $££$
RCL Oasis Class ships....
My biggest disappointment with the newer ships is that they have greatly reduced or even eliminated quiet areas to sit and relax out of the sun. My husband and I don't particularly like sitting on the top deck. It is too crowded, the music is too loud, and it is very hard to find a seat in the shade. Older ships have lower decks with outside walks around the ship that include lounge chairs, perfect for sitting in the shade, reading a book and watching the ocean go by. Most newer ships don't include these outside walkways except for the deck with the lifeboats, which of course obscure any views. More staterooms with balconies or oceanviews are eliminating these. Inside quiet areas are gone also. It is hard to find a place to sit and read a book that isn't at a dining location.
I agree wholeheartedly.
100%. That’s why I like Celebrity Solstice. Several lovely small lounges or coffee shop to sit and read away from crowds.
my only cruise experiences have been with HAL - and I love the quiet areas. On an Alaskan cruise I found a high-back chair with large window - watched a bald eagle on a small piece of ice. BUT while cruising South America - I had the spa area (heated lounge chairs etc) almost to myself. LOVED sitting in the hot tube - watching the waves !!! If you DON'T like quiet - stay away from HAL !!
I have to say, Royal Caribbean’s Solarium areas for adults only were so beautiful and relaxing with amazing healthy food choices. I found this area to be the go to place for us on the Oasis class ships. We enjoyed each one because of this area!
@@loki3292 I smoke
I am a young cruiser but if I want to party there are loads of places to go, when I am on a cruise give me a comfy lounger and a piece and quiet.
And a margarita.
Always a margarita! 🤣🍸
@@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460 that too 😂
Definitely in agreement on the "ship within a ship" concept; I'm old enough to remember when the only difference in fare paid from the smallest inside cabin to the largest most opulent suite was the room itself; everyone still had the same amenities, same high level of service, etc. Now, there's definitely a class system at work and it's not fun - and I say that as someone who frequently gets suites.
Gee, it was like that on the Titanic !
Cruise lines take advantage of people who think their 💩does not stink because they can afford a cruise. Read the cruise critic forums plenty of them on there. We started cruising because i worked jobs where i rarely got a day off.everyother year i would quit and take 2 weeks off and take a cruise.luckily my wife is not high maintenance and my long hours paid off .i retired at 52..now i am home every day. Lucky her L.O.L..
@@vittoriovuocolo2438 congrats on retirement, but respectfully disagree with your assessment; cruises are more affordable today than ever before, similar to how air travel has become. Having said that, the experience - just like air travel - is vastly different than it was 20, 30, 40 years ago. More people can do it, it's open to the masses, but those who want an elevated experience that used to be part of the fare now pay additional to make the experience what they want it to be. When I was young and single I loved the fancy aspect of cruising, but married with two little ones, I'm all about "Just get us to the beach, and we'll eat in the buffet every night." YMMV of course...
I just don't get it! Why would you want to spend a long time on a floating hotel prison with match box rooms, eat highly fattening food with people you don't like, watching people get drunk day after day, view snobs who have bought so called higher services, visit a port which is exactly the same as the last one you visited yesterday and take an uncomfortable tender ride followed by some bus taking you to crap gift shops, go on overpriced so called excursions in a jeep travelling for hours to get to nothing in the middle of nowhere ......I could go on and on! Yes I am grump!!☹☹
If u feel guilty about receiving the extra service you can turn down the butler etc
One HUGE irritation I had was on a Celebrity cruise. Every time I bought a beer the server tried to coax me into buying a drink package, even when there were only a couple days left on the trip! I expected it the first couple of days but not the entire cruise.
Compulsory automatic gratuities are not gratuities at all, they are part of the cruise fare and should be included in the advertised price. It is all to do with marketing, a low fare will attract cruisers attention. In Australia any advertised price must be the total amount you actually have to pay for the cruise.
Yes but they add the tips to the upfront fares, so they still pay it, and in my book, anything that you pay later rather than months ahead is better, as if one has to cancel and lose money, one loses more in the tips inclusive fare, plus as insurance is based on the upfront fare, it will cost more.
P&o Australia include, others like Ryal Caribbean add to your onboard changes per day but you can opt out of them.
While the gratuities are billed automatically, they will give you the money back if you ask for it. It's not mandatory to pay.
I’ve never had them be compulsory. We always have envelopes with suggested amounts, but you include whatever you want and can hand them right to people.
My problem with automatic gratuity is that I don’t know how much is actually getting to the workers.
I would not be surprised if a large percentage is kept by the cruise line as a processing expense.
Perhaps you should ask the cruise line for how they divide the gratuities. I saw a breakdown for Royal but don't remember what it was. Food service was highest with some to front of the house and some to kitchen. Housekeeping got less. Remember this includes those keeping public areas not just room stewards.
@@julieb7882 I don't care which worker gets how much. I just don't trust them to tell me how much is going to the CEO's bonus.
Technically a portion of any money you pay goes to his bonus except the gratuities. If you want to hunt down every employee that had a part in cleaning up after you or preparing your food feel free to hint them down and tip them accordingly feel free or go with a cruise line where gratuities are included.
Personally I think NCL is the worst for nickel and dime the customers.
It's my understanding that the "gratuity" is actually part of the crew salary. Their base salary is quite low, and the gratuity brings it up.
Music everywhere. Give me more quiet spaces please.
This! If the ship doesn’t have a library I’m gonna have to think long and hard before I board.
I agree we need more quiet spaces.
On Celebrity Ships... If you take Aqua Class the Persian Garden is my go to quiet place... often I am the only person there!
That's the whole idea anyway, isn't it, to get some peace and quiet?
That is a very important subject for me.
Well you missed my #1, but you talked about that before, and that’s getting charged double as a solo cruiser. I understand the reasons and the economics of it, but it still irks me. And I still argue they would come out in the long run if they’d work with us. After that my next biggest issue is the cost of internet access. They are taking advantage of their customers. Again I understand the need for profits, but there’s profit and then there’s highway robbery
Amen!
Totally agree!
For solos traveling charging more for a room that has one person instead of two somewhat makes sense but there’s one thing I don’t understand is one person doesn’t eat two meals usually and so lobster, steak meals and all the other food we don’t eat plus for a person like me that has a small appetite then it doesn’t make sense for that reason.
Amen to that, GH JCMO!!
I'm a solo traveler and the ridiculous price hike makes no sense. They should simply charge for the ROOM (not the BED). I always preferred Carnival but I have a RCCL cruise coming up and the only reason I booked it was because the "2nd guest" was 60% off.
@@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460 Recently I've been looking at some MSC cruises, and I don't know if it's an error with their website, or just something temporary or what, but they weren't charging for 2 people. I was shocked by that. I'm guessing it won't last though since it's so unusual. In all my years of cruising, I've only booked a cruise one time where they didn't charge me for 2 people. I wasn't ready to cruise under the current circumstances otherwise I would have given them a shot. (Also they don't get very reviews.)
I agree with those who say the Main Dining Room food has gotten worse over the years because of a conscious attempt by the cruise lines to drive business toward the specialty restaurants. However, I know many long-time cruisers who refuse to eat at the specialty restaurants simply because they believe the MDR food used to be on par with them, and they believe it's unfair to upcharge for the same prior experience. I also recall going on our very first cruise (being DRAGGED onto the ship by my wife), and I wondered why we had to pay for sodas and other drinks? I thought cruise lines should have simply charged, say, $200 more per ticket to make it feel like more of an all inclusive experience. Either way, I'm addicted (been on 34) and will cruise no matter what, but make adjustments for my own pleasures.
We found the buffets are just fairly good food-okay but nothing special. The exception is the salad bar. Those are usually great. For an excellent meal, go to the table service dining room. Great food and service, all included in the cruise price.
Cruising on a cargo or container ship is a quieter way to travel if you don’t like all of the noise and activities of a modern cruise ship. A comfortable cabin and a spot on deck to watch the water are all I need.
One thing that drove me crazy was walking around at an over crowded buffet with a plate of food playing musical chairs.
Another issues I've come across a couple of times is when parts of the ship have been blocked off for exclusive use by big group. One example was on a Norwegian cruise where several sun decks were blocked off for the entire trip, and many nights the disco was closed to the general public for a large chunk of the night. After this happened I asked Norwegian (while inquiring about a future booking) if they could tell me if there would be a big group onboard that would be reserving areas of the ship for the duration. They said they couldn't tell me. So I booked with another cruise line. Sort of on the lines of "ship within a ship" which I agree with Sosai X, reinforces the notion of a class system while on board. Going to venues where you see signs for priority seating for Suite, or Haven guests for example, reminds you there are 'special' people on board and you're not one of them. Definitely not fun.
So true on the hot tubs and kids. I am not cruising as much as I once was because of unsupervised children (and I already cruise when school is in session) who run crazy all over the ship. I have been on multiple cruises now where the “adult only pool area” was full of kids. This wasn’t happening 15 years ago when I started cruising.
Also, my friends with kids aren’t cruising because their kids have had several bad experiences with other kids in the kid spaces. (Bullying, name calling and refusing to take turns). Then they are stuck with those same kids for the duration of the cruise. Unfortunately it only takes a few mean kids to ruin the fun. And talking to a mean kids parents? Hahaha, you’ll find out real fast why the kids are mean.
I definitely prefer less or no kids on my vacation. I'll never go on Disney cruises. It's NOT relaxing when a bunch of kids are everywhere,
I went on my one and only cruise many years ago. There was no entertainment, shopping, organised excursions. It was on a three masted schooner. We were never bored. Sometimes less IS more. Thanks for the good information in this video.
It used to be a steel band at the pool for Caribbean cruises. Now it's been djjs, movies etc. Bring back the steel bands which is relaxing to me and really gives a feeling of being on vacation. If anyone has any particular ship recommendations for this I would love to know. Ty
Great idea.
Get in touch with Royal they have steel bands on Jewel and Anthem and Grandure
Absolutely!
Variety is better.. listening to steely drums all day would drive me insane...nothing wrong with a mix of all genres so everyone has a chance to enjoy the music at some point.
Omg yes! Seems every cruise line and port is 80’s music. I want local or vacation music!
Gary, I'm so glad I found your series!
One thing I've had enough of is the picture-taking. Photographers try to take your picture right after you've gone through security and booking, when all you want to do is sit and wait to get on board. But it's worse on formal dining nights, when the shutterbugs roam the tables trying to take everyone's picture. It usually interrupts some very good conversation with other couples, and distracts from the overall dining experience.
Try and beat my first sea cruise, which was a shorter add-on after a holiday round Greece. Neither of us had experienced it before, so were kind of surprised why a mad woman on the dock was waving me to get off the gangplank in order for her to do her business. The person whose snapshot I was allegedly interrupting, ten steps up the ramp, was my travel companion and mother.
Agree the photo mob is insanity
If I wanted to go-cart or do most other things I can easily do on land I'd do them near my home. I do like a floor where I can walk laps around the whole ship, a good gym, a nice bar, and a library. And for me, planetariums are cool. Yes, I'm old! :)
They have cruise lines that cater to the nearly dead check them out
I'm 39 and that sounds fun.
@@andream9470 I'm 72 too, and I don't feel nearly dead. I wonder why anyone would go on a cruise ship to go-cart. Seems silly to me. Much better things to do onboard!
@@voxveritas333 yeah I gotta agree I love Royal for the flowrider among other things cause there are next to none on land so it’s my only way to go on it
I like old fashioned cruising with relaxation and elegance and everything included for the price.
I’ve never been on a cruise. Watching videos from Gary and other cruise TH-camrs has shown me that I probably wouldn’t enjoy a cruise on one of the big lines. My husband and I will be saving up for a Viking ocean cruise. No casinos, no go-carts, no extra cost specialty dining, no art auctions, no suite-only exclusive parts of the ship, no cost for water, soda, beer, or wine with meals, no internet charges, no high pressure selling of spa products, no nickel and diming. If I want to gamble it’s cheap to fly to Vegas where the odds will be better. The big cruise lines seem determined to squeeze every dollar they can out of you. Viking is expensive, but sounds far more relaxing and enjoyable to me.
Totally agree, Robin. I went on a Viking river cruise a few years ago and loved it. Viking took really great care of us. The Viking ocean cruise ships are small and follow the same model as the river cruises. Gary did a great review of the Viking ocean cruises and it convinced me that it was my kind of ocean cruise.
Viking looks to be a great cruising experience. I think you have made a fine choice. I would choose Viking if there were more offerings near me. HAL is also good for a traditional cruising experience and offers many cruises outside the US. I would definitely recommend HAL for South America or the Panama Canal. Their regular run from Chile to Argentina, or the other way, is a great cruise; an excellent balance of shore and sea days.
yes I would love to try Viking Ocean, but they are often twice the price, and I never spend anywhere near the difference on drinks, which is about the only thing i spend extra on. Even with the cost of tips.
I don't know for sure and I have never cruised Viking, but I am beginning to believe that Viking just charges you up front and lets you enjoy yourself. The other cruise lines charge you less, but pester you to buy extras, so they can break even. There is a price for everything and nothing is free.
I love the viking River cruises which seem to avoid these mistakes. I like the size and being able to get off the ship each day. I feel fortunate to have hit on what suits me so well.
Surprised you didn't mention FORMAL NIGHTS. Who needs them? Most top lines with small ships have done away with them. Smart casual for dinner is plenty on vacation.
Pay your employees enough that 'gratuities' are not needed.
The fares will go up accordingly. No free lunch.
@@kvom01 So what? At least you would know the actual fare instead of the customers subsidizing the employees wages fare. If you do not want to pay the real fare, then don't go. Simple.
@@holaday remember though that insurance cost is based on your cruise fare, so anything that is included in the fare, therefore puts the fare up, you will pay extra insurance to cover the cruise fare that you would lose in the event of cancelling with ing a non refundable period. ( 30 years experience in the Travel business and selling insurance).
@@chriswilliams6568 So get a decent annual policy - holiday agent travel insurance is usually very poor value.
@@susansmith864 the cost is still based on age, fare paid and number of days for insurance coverage, no matter where you buy it from. Call an insurance provider and see.
I got to say I get really angry when I go on Excursion through the cruise line and somebody is late and the tour leaders make us way up to a hour sometimes before they will leave because they're waiting on the late person to show up so they can collect their ticket
I agree, if I travel alone it's by choice,and I don't need staff thinking I must be lonely so keep talking to me. I am naturally introverted and although I have no problem being surrounded by other passengers, I don't need to be interacting with them...I just want to be on the ocean, seeing new places, and getting lots of ME time.
That is my number one pet peeve because I am very timely and spend a lot of time on the ship excursions waiting for everyone else who is too rude to do the same. I feel like the bus should give them 5 extra minutes and then leave. Let them get a cab back to the ship if they can't be on time.
@@gartnsu1 Agree.
I always tip the person cleaning and taking care of our room and the waiter/waitress at the dining that’s been taking care of us. I also tip the person that serve us drinks when we go to a different area such as bar etc. and they are always grateful😊🙏🏻
Our last cruise was with Viking,Dec 2019 in the West Indies. Hubs wanted this particular itinerary so he could go scuba diving, so I went solo on the excursion at St. Martin. It was the last excursion of the day.
Due to traffic in Philipsburg, the bus was nearly an hour late returning to the dock. Everything had already been taken down and stowed so the ship could depart. Instead of being hustled on board, we were welcomed with champagne.
He went diving at five different places.
That was an awesome cruise; we love the smaller ships of Viking
When kids are allowed to run around out-of-control then no way will I step aside to avoid them.
Being 75 and 65 years old, that's why my wife and I tend to choose the smaller ships, with less energetic things to do onboard. But that's just us. We appreciate the cruise industry has to cater for all tastes as best it can, and it certainly attracts many younger cruisers these days.
10. Mobility scooter operators with road rage
11. Deck chair hogs
12. Smoking
13. "Picture? Picture? Picture? Picture with a Pirate? Picture? Picture?"
14. Slamming cabin doors
15 Kids running amok in halls and/or lifts
Yep!
16. People hogging window tables in the buffet by the hour to sit and read.
17. Adults hogging the hot tubs by the hour.
18. People pushing both Up and Down buttons for the elevator -- just slows everyone down.
19. Piles and piles of unnecessary paper advertisements for the shops on board and in ports.
20. Excursions with 2-minute photo stops at viewpoints and 40-minute shopping stops at select gift shops.
@@roundandroundmyworld spot on Ken
@@roundandroundmyworld #20 especially!
We cruise the smaller ships to avoid cruising on a theme park. Crystal is my favorite.
Crystal is excellent, and more affordable than some may realize
We did a late season Baltic sea cruise on a large ship with an open water park, slides, tubes, etc. Because of the season, there were almost no children on the ship and because of the cold wind, there were no adults interested in the water park either. I drove me crazy to get up early to hit the fitness center before the crowd, then drag by sweaty body through the cold wind of the water park to get a cup of coffee or a juice to sip while getting ready for the day. Talk about brisk! It feels strange that cruiselines seem to build boats for the Caribbean, but sail them in Alaska and the Baltic where smaller ships are better suited to the environment.
Another thing that drive me crazy on that ship was there were few places to actually see the sea. On my favorite line, there are bars/coffee bars/libraries at the front of the ship where you can spend a sea day watching the sea. There are decks where you can stroll in the brisk sea breeze (maybe warmer days than fall in the Baltic).
Princess has always been my go-to line, and it strikes a nice balance between a classic cruise experience (without a lot of fancy attractions) and a laid-back vibe that means you don't have to fuss about what to wear every night for dinner. Their newest class of ships, the Royal Class, actually seem to have more public space than the preceding Grand Class ships, so even with the larger number of total passengers the ship feels less crowded (sold-out cruises in the Caribbean at Christmas time in both types of ship).
Our favorite, too!
@@roundandroundmyworld Love Princess❤️❤️
I've completely stopped using the cruise excursions and only explore ports on my own. 10x the experience for 1/10th the price!
We like the Hop On Hop Off buses in most major ports. Inexpensive and informative for a first visit.
So you can walk everywhere can you. We were at a port in a japan, and it took 2 hours to get in to Sapporo, what would you do there. Many many ports are hours away from the main tourist city.
@@chriswilliams6568 He would sit in the hot tub and play with himself
We usually hire a driver and do what we want on our schedule all day and even get great ideas and unknown places from the drivers!
@@sarahann530 Hey, sounds like a plan.
I honestly can’t see any attraction to spending days shut up on a noisy chaotic glorified shopping mall- kill me now never will do that. Would rather take a trip somewhere. Thanks for helping people know what to expect.
I went on one several years ago and have no desire to ever repeat the experience. Your use of the word shopping mall was spot on.
Not to mention thw chance of getting sick with some nasty bug like the Norovirus..or worse. I have heard of people getting skin infections from not-too-clean hot tubs as well.
It’s for people who want to see the world, not experience it, and who are too afraid of culture clash and inconvenience that they rather travel in a floating hotel catering to their own national demographic but abroad.
Tipping is the biggest aggravation for us. We’ve started doing more all inclusive cruises to negate this frustration. However, we don’t remove automatic gratuities because, even though I suspect the cruise line keeps at least a portion of them, I am hopeful that the employees get at least some. In addition, our room stewards are generally so fabulous that we tip them extra.
We’ve been cruising for 25+ years and the quality/variety of food one used to get in the MDR is now only available in specialty restaurants😑
With 18% gratuity included, it becomes absurd that a GREATER tip would be called for. So what is the tip rate to earn service? 25%? 30%?
@@scottlowell493 You give an 18% tip is service is not good. If it is good, 25% is standard on ships. 30% plus for excellent service. A waiter on a cruise explained this to me.
I wanted to relax in the adults-only hot tub in my last cruise, and it was loaded with kids. So uncool! They need to enforce this, hot tubs aren't for 8 yr olds
It sounds like I will try an older, smaller ship with less attractions. Thank you!
Look at Seaborne!
Really lovely!
Good luck finding these older smaller ships. Cruise line are beginning to phase them out for profit considerations. Princess now only sails their megaships. They'll never see another dime of my vacation money.
Nope :(
Sadly a lot of the good ones have just been scrapped. Cunard is a great compromise though.
Why have gocarts etc on the ship? You can do that at home. When one goes on a vacation it is to do something different. Also I haven't been on a cruise but I am starting to think maybe it's not a good thing to go on a cruise.
Just avoid Royal Caribbean. That’s he line with the insane actives (with extra costs to boot).
Extra cost compared to what other cruise line ?
It has been a number of years since I have been on a cruise but one of my memories from Carnival is that all day Thursday were announcements that “Remember tomorrow is your last full day.” Then on Friday, “Today is your last full day on the ship.” I do not need these reminders.
i have never heard that on HAL, Princess or Celebrity.
Reminding you to spend more money before you leave the ship.
Agree. Most people can read a calendar.
Huh. I've never heard that on Carnival. I wonder who your CD was?
@@PaulCashman I don't remember the first time out but on the second it was John Heald.
The BEST gratuity you can give, in addition to cash, whether it gets to the crew of not, is to THANK every cruise person who provides you with service and let them know you really appreciate them.
This will help make their day.
In writing too! Mention their names in your review.
Spoken like a cheapskate. No, the best gratuity is cash in to their hand. These people leave their families in poor countries to be gone for months. Give them money.
Great video! The main appeal for cruising WAS all-included. Once bought you could relax. Unfortunately, nowadays you have to pay for many things. I'm afraid that is coming the day we'll have to pay for the breakfast, meals, dinner, shows, swimming pool, all separated. Congrats for your channel. Greetings from Brazil.
I agree. In years gone by, I would book my cruise and feel like the only other expense would be any extra activity, which would be nominal, but now that isn't true. So much so, that cruising is no longer a cheaper alternative. Even bingo costs a fortune nowadays. You can book a resort and not feel like your are in a cattle herd, embarking, disembarking and trying to get on an excursion.
Your videos have convinced me to NEVER take a cruise, but that is $$$ saved for other vacations. I don't want to be confined in a closet. But I feel I have been on a cruise vicariously - love your positive attitude.
I don't experience most of these issues as I mainly cruise on luxury lines.
Beverage raised
AINT THAT THE TRUTH
A few things can be off-putting, but after 14 cruises, I'm still anxious to book my next one and I have the 'cruise blues' when I have to leave the ship to head home afterwards.
Same here. I never have had a bad cruise. There is always something to do or. Just relax. I’m a fan of the bigger ships. I like the option of having things to do. Sailed on the Mardi Gras. Amazing experience.
I've been on nine cruises and enjoyed them all. I choose smaller and quieter ships and balcony cabins, where I spend a lot of time relaxing and enjoying the sea. I miss cruising but won't go again until things get much more back to normal after Covid.
My wife says that hot tubs are "people soup."
Next time you go throw a few carrots and potatoes in one! LOL
Omg, I've been saying they are human soup pots forever. I like cruising but I've never gotten in a hot tub. I just want my own one. Plus, people sit in them for very long & suspicious periods, drinking. It's just disgusting. I'd get along with your wife.
By noon the pools are bouillabaisse. I see them in the morning nice and clear, in the afternoon not so much.
Second only to, hotel pools with bar stools, in my country its called a pee pool. The guests sit down for hours drinking beer and never get up...
Public soup & pee tubs! a drinkers convenient outside toilets for some.
Not for me
It is not a tip if it is required: it is just another sneaky charge tacked on to raise the price by surprise.
Specialty dining detracts from the MDR experience
I'm sorry to be so naive, but I did a google search for MDR and there are a lot of meanings for these 3 letters...
medical device regulation
the French translation for lol
a type of tuberculosis
a cybersecurity detection method
minimum daily requirements
a way to determine education requirements with a disabled students
a sexual technique
I'm sure that you're laughing at me for not knowing.... but none of those seem to be related to a vacation or a cruiseship experience!
@@curious1366 Main Dining Room ☺️☺️😆😆
I don't find that they detract at all. I've found on my cruises that the food in the main dining rooms is just as good and varied as it ever has been, and in some respects even better. What the specialty restaurants can do, which the dining rooms can't due to their size, is to prepare more dishes to order instead of having vast quantities prepared ahead of time for quick finishing and plating. Those kinds of dishes have dominated the menus of the specialty restaurants I've used.
Our family goes on two or three cruises a year and we are VIP members. We are starting to prefer the older, smaller ships because they tend to have the quiet areas for enjoying the cruise. We like to lay around a quiet pool and enjoy the sun and the wind and the quiet. The last ship we went on was a newer and larger ship and we were very disappointed. It was more like a floating Mall.
My biggest problem with cruises is with the deck chairs. Those low to the ground loungers are all over the place, but a regular chair with arms and a foot rest are rare. Since most of the clients are elderly, why is no consideration given to their comfort level.
Most clientele are elderly? Since when
It seems that in many ways, with ships w/in ships, more specialty restaurants and lesser free food, that the cruise lines are re-classifying cruising so that people with money don’t come across the hoi palloi. It’s very classist and with more and more of the ship taken up by that stuff and all the enormous attractions, a basic middle-class cruise is becoming like flying coach. Make it less and less pleasant so that instead of saving up all year, you’ll have to save up for a longer period to have a good time. Ick.
The whole concept of cruising was LUXURY. It’s not meant as a bargain. Go to an all exclusive & stay there & go to local Walmart. eventually the new customers will even out with regular users.
@@vincewhite5087 I believe the original concept of cruising was to get from point A to point B. What used to be "steerage" is now known as "inside cabins" LOLOL
II think the idea is to bring the "people with money" onto big ships instead of the smaller high end cruises. Those smaller ships are much more expensive to operate on a per-person basis.
We cruise because we love to be on and close to the sea. Princess honoured the deal we got when we put money down in 2020 for our next cruise. Included, gratuities, wifi and drinks package. We were going in January 2022, but we cancelled and rebooked for 2023 and they gave us the same deal. Rebooking also got us the same cruise, in the order of islands we wanted and was $100 cheaper, which never happens!
Agree with most of your info. I sail almost exclusively on Holland America. No roller coasters or mega water slides, few kids, less party animals. I want peace and quiet. I also book most shore excursions with Viator as they have almost exactly the same excursions, are cheaper, and guarantee to get you back to the ship on time or they will pay for your travel. I have used them often and never been disappointed.
I've taken around 20 cruises since '99 with my wife and find myself in complete agreement with all these things, to one degree or another. I take cruises to relax onboard, perhaps going to the casino or theater. I understand that the lines are adding more big attractions and specialty dining spaces to appeal to families and foodies, but it makes it harder to just sit in a deck chair or walk about. Sometimes you feel you should just lock yourself into your cabin for some peace & quiet. Another great video.
I don't pay a massive amount of my money on the actual cruise,however I spend at least the price of the cruise onboard. I feel like a second class citizen sometimes where there are areas that I'm not allowed to go. The MDR food has definitely deteriorated,that is something I've really noticed. I'm thinking now,that I may start going on Viking. They're more expensive initially,but I think they seem to be better value overall.
You forgot the #1 problem with cruises. The other passengers!
I agree with all of these points: the excessive gimmicks...and worse the numerous charges for stuff that should be included in the price.
Cant disagree on any of these. We have an Alaskan cruise on NCL Encore coming up, but I can’t help but wonder how a race track is feasible on the top deck in the high likelihood of rain, plus it takes up deck space that everyone could use on the day in Glacier Bay. Not limited to cruises, but all inclusive resorts are more and more into having higher tier sections and restaurants……all to make people feel the standard options are subpar
It’s probably because the new ship always has to outdo the last to impress people, so they’ve added more and more ‘features’ like that over the years
Even though I did not agree with everything you pointed out as a “ drive me crazy item” for myself I did find it interesting to hear you discuss the various types of items and features that people do not like. One of the feature you discussed as “the ship with in a ship “concept I also don’t care for that feature. However along that line I do like for the ships to have a specialty areas for adults only.
The last cruise I took was September 2019 (50th birthday). I purchased the 8 day specialty spa thing, which included access to the adults only spa section and a portion of the upper deck with glorious sunning chairs *AND NO CHILDREN ALLOWED!* It Was Glorious! That is the only ship within a ship aspect that I love, too. Turns out, I'm not all that fond of out-of-control, screaming brats when I'm on vacation.
@@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460 I am glad that you enjoyed your cruise for celebrating your birthday..
I hate the shore excursions that incude a prolonged stop at a tourist trap shopping break. I much prefer my time used seeing the country side or points of interest.
I’ve found most excursions to be 50% excursion and 50% sales pitch. It’s maddening.
Anita S And don't forget after the excursions they want a tip.
I used to joke I would go on a cruise but only after 65. Some time ago I considered setting up a group of 4/5 families with similar interests and kids the same age and get on a cruise together. After watching this video and some other testimonials I made up my mind: I will NEVER EVER set foot on one of those monstrosities! Want to relax, have better value for money, enjoy more space and food options without having to organise everything? Go to an all inclusive resort. At least in the Caribbean, they are spectacular. And when you feel overwhelmed by the crowds, you just walk down the beach!
You did a great job on covering everything. I think Virgin might be on to something on including most everything in the original cost. I like the variety of Specialized Dining but I hate the added cost. Gratuities can be a pain. And having the same shops and merchandise in port actually keeps me on the ship sometimes. I do feel they nickle and dime you. Same thing with those photographers. Every night in the dining room interrupting your meal. We did a zip line excursion and actually spent 2.5 hours standing in lines. And I don't mind about the real estate being used for race cars and ice rinks but please build enough pools with deck chairs in abundance. And a few more HOT tubs would be nice too.
Maybe I should start a Go Fund Me account and build my own cruise line.
NCL has a three meal package for $83 thought that was a good deal. That said now life after Covid the question is how much they will charge now...
Plus Virgin is 18+. I can't wait until they add more ports/itineraries so I can book
Gary, I think your comments are spot on and hope that the cruise lines will review this and the “straw poll” from your readers. This marketing data is invaluable to them.
Everything Gary said was spot on. Cruise lines however will likely ignore most if not all of this feedback because each will hurt their bottom line. They'll do everything possible to improve the cruising experience as long as it doesn't cost them a penny of revenue.
Excellent episode, Gary. I hope the cruise lines listen to you. You've really gathered together the pulse of the present day cruiser.
Thank you kindly
On the Breakaway class they used to have a sunbathing area at the rear of the ships. On the Encore that was replaced by laser tag. Hundreds of cruisers lost out on a beautiful area.
I chose excursions that had a high level of physical fitness rating to burn off some cruise food calories. Only to arrive and find that they sold these excursions onboard to anyone regardless of fitness. Needless to say the gentleman with the walking stick was having problems tackling the steep hill. I felt really bad for him. The excursion was slow and didn't live up to the hype it promised. I don't think I will buy excursions from the cruise ship again.
Had a similar experience with a bus tour. An elderly couple showed up and the guy could barely lift his leg to get in and out of the bus but insisted on getting on and off every stop. We ended up having to cancel our final stop because we were out of time.
Having cruised on several cruise lines:
Holland America
Princess
Cunard
Crystal
Celebrity
Viking
I find that Viking has none of the 9 things that you mention.
Thus, I have booked a world cruise with Viking in 2024.
We have cruised on Princess, Holand America, Royal Caribbean, and Viking. Viking has smaller ships and top notch food. Excursions are mostly included. Many nice touches without the casinos, art sales.
Having worked in the pool/hot tub industry for more than 20-years here is what I know. Never get in a hot tub on a ship. Never! Ever! I don't even get in any hot tub unless it's at my house.
Yikes!! Now I know.
Excursions drive me crazy! I really wish they offered age restricted excursions or somehow stress the activity level. I find many families or older passengers sign up for strenuous/active excursions and keep asking the guide to slow down because they can't keep up. I feel that I paid for the entire excursion and every time we need to slow down, we will miss something. Offer a few mid-range adult only excursions....a cruise line that does this might get more younger adults on board.
Ncl often rates their excursions, but on my last trip they rated the excursion as a bus trip and moderate walking, I am 82 years young and went on that excursion with my son it was loads of up hill walking and some places I couldn't attempt as it was so steep. I'm sure I was holding up the group but I was told there were many straggling worse than me. I complained to Ncl and got a partial refund, but the rest of the cruise was recovering from my exertions.
Princess always rate their excursions.
Carnival, Princess, and Holland all rate their excursions
Oceania rate their excursions.
Great small ships to travel on.
Exactly why we like the smaller capacity ships
Bravo! Just returned from a 26-day voyage on Oceania, and the transfer from the ship to the Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Lisbon was $139.00 per person. We hopped a cab to our hotel, 3 doors away from the Intercontinental, for merely 10 Euros. Many of our excursions were fun, but overall it broke down to about 70/30 good/mediocre.
I did my cruising years ago on very small ships and avoided most of these problems. The fare included almost everything, on shore excursions we often went to places that seldom saw tourists, and the tours were tailored to the interests of that particular group.
I like the gratuities added to the cost of the cruise. I think there are a lot of behind the scenes staff that people don't interact as much with who benefit from the built in tips, rather than the by person tip.
I don't trust the cruise lines to distribute the money to the lowest paid crew, or to distribute all of it.
Excursions are so overpriced! I can book almost every single excursion my cruises have offered on my own. In general, I pay about 25-30% of the cost the cruise line charges. I have often even taken the same bus/van as cruisers who booked through the cruise line for hundreds more.
On our first cruises, rc had a small movie theater with ongoing films. It was so nice to get out of the sun and hoopla. I wish they would bring that back.
I’m fine with the to/from airport transfers. It’s the $16 EACH WAY transfers from the port 10 minutes into town. Pure greed. A little bit of greed is acceptable to me - it helps keep fares down. But I get angry when they take it too far.
Greed? Is there a cheaper option?
You can always walk
Here is the truth: most cruisers are American and pretty much all lesser developed cultures think Americans are all rich - fat chickens that deserve to be plucked.
I totally agree with all of these points. I just got back from a cruise last week, first one in 4 years, but could tell the food quality of the "free" and included eateries has diminished noticably, while they pressure to upsell to the "add-on" restaurants, which cost $40, $50, and $65 per person extra. Sad....
We never cruise on mega ships. Too many kids because of all the things. Cruising has changed so much over the last 20 years.
The only cruising I have ever done was a Viking's River cruise which I absolutely loved. I have watched a number of your videos and I have to say, I have less than no desire to cruise anywhere on any of the large cruise lines. They sound positively awful.
One thing that drives me absolutely crazy is, "Why does the QM2 offer paper cups for coffee?" This habit increases costs and increases the amount of trash that the carrier must drag with them to a port. The argument that the cups are biodegradable is laughable. It takes many more resources to produce a paper cup, with a plastic lid than it does to wash a ceramic cup. Since the paper cups end up in the regular garbage they end up in a landfill or go to an incinerator. They do not get recycled. I have seen, twice, how a sunbather places an empty cup on the deck next to the deck chair and then the wind takes possession of the cup and the cup is bobbing in the waves of the ocean never to be seen again, but at the same time polluting the oceans. Paper cups do not belong on a cruise ship!
Once you add to the loss of space for attractions the restricted space for cruisers who are not in upper-level suites, the average cruiser is finding less and less useable space where they can just relax. And...I am not totally convinced that the gratitudes added to my cabin bill make it 100% to the crew. It's much like donating to a large charity you know a lot of the money is eaten by "other cost." You've been around cruising a long time so you probably remember when an art auction company was kicked off cruise ships because of...being less than truthful.
I have only cruised Carnival so far, but I wish they had a dark (just bare min lighting at stairs) deck area to see the stars at night. Carnival Ecstasy had a spot just below the bridge where you could see all the stars….wish the top most deck could be darkened at night for star gazing at sea…stars horizon to horizon!
This list completely nailed it! I agree with it. 👍
I enjoy watching these videos, confirms I’m not right for cruising - I’ve always thought hell is other people and truly hellish is other people’s children.
So glad to see your videos again. Had watched regularly pre-Covid. We can’t wait to start up again. Cheers to you.
There are many excellent comments here. I think you should do a Hall of Shame video on each subject so the cruise lines respond to these great pain points.
That was always my fav part of gping on cruises 20 yrs ago...everyone was treated like 1rst class guests. Regardless of how big ur room is and where its located. Personally never cared...give me a clean bed and a tv and alls good. I never went cruising for a great hotel. Thats just me. Seems to me theyre dividing up your experience to how much $ ur spending now...shame. Thats what made them special. Anf if u didnt shop drink or gamble lime me and my family it was a great value. We learned early on to go independent when it went to excursions whenever possible, usually less then half the price and half the people.
Great list of reasons to stay the heck off of these mega ships and large ship cruise lines. It you want any of this garbage just go to freaking Vegas. These are the reasons we will cruise on Viking both for rivers or the ocean. FYI. Viking does have a gratuity “guideline” but we never felt pressure about what to give. Honestly, with Viking my wife and I due to the quality of their staff we have always found ourselves giving the staff more the the Viking recommendation. I know I sound like a shill for Viking but we are just their customers (5 cruises with a 2021 cruise booked) and maybe just been lucky on each trip.
We like Amadeus on rivers. We rather prefer the international clientele. And the price is good.
I'm going on my first viking ocean cruise in two weeks but I thought gratuities were included with them. Are they auto added to your onboard account?
Viking is the beast cruise line. They do cater to empty nesters and I love that!
It’s hard to beat the quality of experience of a Viking River Cruise
Agree with most of these. In particular, specialty dinning and shore excursions.
I took a Royal Caribbean cruise way back in the 80's. One of the awesome things (back then it was not a thing in any resorts) was the fact that everything was included: Anything you could eat, including room service, all drinks, except "top shelf" alcohol, events, you name it... All that had extra charge were the premium drinks, excursions, and of course souvenirs and stuff like that.
I have cruised on Royal Caribbean many times since the Song of Norway was launched and don't remember them ever having drinks included. Not soft or hard drinks.
The way cruise lines wants to squeeze more money out of passengers.
Greed, greed, greed! Money, money,money!
Thank you Gary for another fine video. Your number 1 is spot on. Tunring the ship into a playground with attractions that I would have enjoyed as a teenager. These attractions belong on the private islands, which did not make your list. In my mind a private island day is a sea day spent on land, since everything is controlled by the cruise line and has no cultural value that you could experience while in a port. What drives me crazy on a cruise is the growing intrusion of technology, cheaper WIFI to be specific. I understand that I may be alone on this, but I enjoy the social aspect of meeting people from around the globe and have genuine interactions with them face to face. Now you see more and more people on their devices much more of the time. Thank you again Gary. I enjoy your videos.
I agree with you, I really enjoyed talking with people from many different countries and it’s harder to talk with people when they’re on their electronic devices. We all need to use them sometime but to have them out in public it puts a barrier. I find it better if I use them in my room and then when I go out I go out inner act with people not with the electronic world.
It’s almost like the high cost of wifi is a positive thing
And we did a "Mexican Village" excursion that was no more than another souvenir shop, owned and operated by the cruise. The buildings were brand new, and built like a theme restaurant version of a Mexican village, there was a bar some souvenir shops, everything massively overpriced. No homes, no market stalls selling vegetables, no church, no one speaking spanish even! We took a cab to a real town nearby and had a great time.
@@TheKim369 You were courageous. I'm guessing you are NOT American.
@@classicsciencefictionhorro1665 True, I came from serious winter a little further north, we're so happy to be warm, we don't even see danger!
Cruise lines are following the pattern of low-cost airlines, reeling customers in with low basic fares and then charging extra for everything else. Fortunately for cruise lines, there are SO MANY ways to get more money out of their customers. Very tacky!
Great viewpoints and subject!
I think as cruisers get older they have less need & tolerance for the space given to the special activities like go carts - it's just not of interest to the older age groups any more but can attract younger families so the cruise lines know that!
Absolutely agree with the bad space utilization practices. Especially the Amusement Park space use.
Add-on “must pay extra for” money squeeze rots. Bundled-in tickets results in higher base prices.
Gratuities should be built-in regardless of where you reside, and be un-removable.
Enforcement of hot tub ages, and especially sun chair “reservations” MUST be addressed by the crew, without exception.
$2 t-shirts barely make it home before falling apart.
Very interesting. Thanks for posting this. Have a nice day now.
Thanks, you too!
This is my list....
1) Unsupervised kids and/or large groups of kids.
2) People that get up at 5am and reserve chairs around the pool
3) Smokers
4) Aqua Theaters on RCL. HUGE waste of space.
5) People that attempt to get into an elevator that is already packed then go up or down just one floor! lol
6) People at a buffet that act like it's their last meal....(You can go back for seconds)