Ohhh.... The scooters are a HOT topic. I am an ambulatory user, some days I am fine and I can walk with no issues and other days I cant take more than a few steps. I never know when I will need so I take mine with me and leave in the room if I am going somewhere close BUT I use an ADA room because on a bad day I cant do that little step in to the bathroom.
Scooter... I have ankalosing spondylitis, and looking at me you would not know I am disabled. Long distances is a problem for me and I have considered renting a scooter. If I did then I would definitely use a room made to accommodate one and not leave in a hallway but you never know. Maybe they had to take that room. Not everyone is just lazy and just because you can't see someone's disability doesn't mean they don't have one. I saw that someone was complaining the other day because they had to port early so someone with a medical issue could be taken to the hospital. They didn't even lose a cruise day. Just the casinos and shops closed. Uncaring people need to hope they never experience a medical issue of their own. Geesh
What a great idea for a video. Do a video on cruise employee exploitation. Having an MBA and lots of experience with international business management. I would love to see it. Maybe do a Cruise business channel. Maybe, it would seem too much like work for you but I think it would like to see it.
Costa Maya has a great massage place that is right on the water. It’s in a Mayan type hut with no walls so you can see the water and the ship while you’re getting a massage. It’s really inexpensive( compared to inboard ship prices). Massage was good quality and we paid for 2 massages for less than what 1 cost onboard
Eliminating the twice per day with turndown service was initially a labor shortage action. Now, at least two years after Covid, since it ostensibly requires fewer staff it is a cost saving/profit sink for the cruise lines. Seems like now we see price increases with lower levels of service. The businesses in the U.S. that operate like cruise lines where tips are concerned are restaurants. Love the MDR for dinner, especially if you have fixed time/seating. Having the same waiter/server every day makes the experience much more enjoyable as they learn your preferences and habits.
Try going on a Journey’s cruise! Talk about tons of scooters! And yes, most of them are just lazy. They jump right off to get to whatever they want to. They also use them as an excuse to jump lines. That’s the most annoying part to me. And yes, I have needed a wheelchair before. I was in an accident and couldn’t walk for 4 months. But I never got out except to go to bed or transfer to a toilet. As soon as I could walk, I ditched the chair!
Regarding Kids: Unfortunately the cruises I've been on have had rules about kids under a certain age & the kids above that threshold have not really been the issue - it's the younger ones. Last cruise I was in the hot tub & got kicked in the face by one of the (not exaggerating) 10 kids in there, heard lang I wouldn't use as an adult in their presence and almost had a fight break out - all by kids less than 12, only 1 parent was in eye sight & they were NOT concerned. I believe Carnival is adding additional measures for this type of thing specifically and I (while I appreciate having a good time) am SO excited for it..
My dad would be someone that could walk around the ship (with a cane), but would definitely (very begrudgingly) need a scooter. We basically forced him to use one at Disney parks. He only used it in the parks and never around the resort.
Tips are not shared with back of the house regardless if you pre pay or not. I would rather go back to the old way when they gave you envelopes to put your cash in. My reasoning is because in recent years people have been very skeptical if the crew are receiving the tips. I would rather give it to them directly.
Restaurants (depending on the state) operate similarly, 43 states pay tipped employees LESS than minimum wage as low as 2.13 an hour. Then the gov'ment charges those same tipped employees taxes on the ASSumed tips, again depending on the state it can be assumed that your tip was from 10% to 13% of the total sales. Its the worst after a long week of work to have to PAY your taxes to the employer because the 2.13 they paid you plus your credit cart tips does not cover the ASSUMED cash tips.
Agreed! On my last cruise, my husband and I were getting our picture taken and a young gentleman had had too much to drink and was sexually harassing me. Telling my husband to grab my a** and ti**ies. Then he told me to get on my knees, bi***. People were laughing!
On gratuities, I only cruise Carnival, and it's not mandatory. I tip for individual or group (dining) performance. On your point about increasing wages, I think you would put a lot of those other country emplyees out of work, if the wages and benefits were comparable to the US, because then US workers would be taking those jobs. I know if I could work at the same wage I do now, but also have an aility to travel, I would take it. As I understand it, they do get time off during contracts to enjoy ports.
Yes you should be able to order what you need for your family, not problem with that. As for the scooters in the hallways, you don't know who is disabled or not. But not long ago I was on a MSC cruise and this guy kept leaving his in the hallway blocking the entire hallway. We asked the room steward to ask him to put it in his room which he did, however he continued to leave it n the hallway. The next time it was there I moved it down the to the main area by the elevators where there was plenty of room. I think he got the hint, it was not in the hall again. I pay the tips and I always leave extra to the crew that goes extra mile at the end or during. You are taking a cruise that is not cheap, if you can't afford to tip, then don't go. Kids, they are a different story. Unfortunately some parents don't know how to make their kids mind and act like humans. Those parents and their bratty kids need to be put off the ship or confined to the room. Agree, you should follow the cruise dress codes. Saving chairs is BS. I have the crew remove stuff many times. Usually they will.
I don’t mind scooters. I mind people using scooters or wheelchairs on cruises who are rude. There’s a wheelchair bound guy that’s been on several same ships at the same time as me and he is 17 levels of mean and rude with his motorized wheelchair. I dread seeing him every November
I am mid 70’s with mild mobility issues. I can walk but if I walk very far I have significant pain so I use a scooter. But you will see me use the scooter but I walk as much as I can comfortably do so. Nothing lazy about me. 😊
Yes I’m the same way. Somedays I may be able to walk to a venue and other days I need my scooter all day. Pain is not always the same. I try to be super polite and stay out of peoples way. However other can be very rude I have had men like step over the corner of my electric chair trying to get by me or run to get in an elevator to block men. So rudeness can go both ways
How to solve the "chair hog" issue: If all the chairs are "reserved" with towels, I just pick one that seems too "pristine" and un-visited for too long. Then, I make myself at home. If/when the person comes back and starts complaining that I'm in "their" chair, I just say "Oh sorry", and I move on. It's unbelievable how few people actually return, as long as you stay in that 30-45 minute window.
I’m ok if the person is In the pool most of the day of and on as you need a place to keep your towel and belongings dry but I don’t agree when someone comes down early in am and reserves a whole family worth of chairs and doesn’t come back until mid day!
Cruise lines need to require those who need wheelchairs and scooters to book accessible cabins. Leaving them to block the passages creates a safety not to mention the inconvenience to other passengers. The worst is to those with mobility issues who can’t shimmy past the obstruction.
I already view gratuities as part of the cruise fare (only been on 4 cruises so far and have given extra every time because I believe they work their butts off). When people from elsewhere in the world decide that, given their circumstances, it is in their best interest to work on a cruise ship who am I to say they are not receiving a fair wage? Do you remember the bumper stickers that would say "I'd rather be fishing", etc? I had a cost accounting professor in the 70's who said those stickers were complete bs, people constantly evaluate their position in life and are doing what they believe to in their best interest at that time. His point was that after evaluating everything, all the students in the room had made the decision to be in the classroom at that instant and not "fishing".
Being a teacher I've learned one thing kids act one way in front of their parents and another way when the parents are not around. I believe this is most kids. I believe we should give our kids freedom when they are on the ship. But we need to be drill in them proper cruise etiquette. In behavior when we're not around. I travel with my children all the time. And I would hate for anyone to tell me they heard or seen anything for my teenage son. I would take that very seriously as a parent. And will be consequences for his actions. I think more parents need to do the same. Because I've had my decorations stolen off my door and I really did not like that.
Ohhh....
The scooters are a HOT topic. I am an ambulatory user, some days I am fine and I can walk with no issues and other days I cant take more than a few steps.
I never know when I will need so I take mine with me and leave in the room if I am going somewhere close BUT I use an ADA room because on a bad day I cant do that little step in to the bathroom.
Scooter...
I have ankalosing spondylitis, and looking at me you would not know I am disabled. Long distances is a problem for me and I have considered renting a scooter. If I did then I would definitely use a room made to accommodate one and not leave in a hallway but you never know. Maybe they had to take that room. Not everyone is just lazy and just because you can't see someone's disability doesn't mean they don't have one.
I saw that someone was complaining the other day because they had to port early so someone with a medical issue could be taken to the hospital. They didn't even lose a cruise day. Just the casinos and shops closed.
Uncaring people need to hope they never experience a medical issue of their own. Geesh
If you need a scooter, you need an accessible cabin. Scooters in the passageways are a safety hazard and should not be allowed.
I really liked this vlog. Hearing others opinions and thoughts without any nastiness is great
Same
What a great idea for a video. Do a video on cruise employee exploitation. Having an MBA and lots of experience with international business management. I would love to see it. Maybe do a Cruise business channel. Maybe, it would seem too much like work for you but I think it would like to see it.
Costa Maya has a great massage place that is right on the water. It’s in a Mayan type hut with no walls so you can see the water and the ship while you’re getting a massage. It’s really inexpensive( compared to inboard ship prices). Massage was good quality and we paid for 2 massages for less than what 1 cost onboard
Took a Mayan ruins tour in Costa maya loved it.
Eliminating the twice per day with turndown service was initially a labor shortage action. Now, at least two years after Covid, since it ostensibly requires fewer staff it is a cost saving/profit sink for the cruise lines. Seems like now we see price increases with lower levels of service.
The businesses in the U.S. that operate like cruise lines where tips are concerned are restaurants.
Love the MDR for dinner, especially if you have fixed time/seating. Having the same waiter/server every day makes the experience much more enjoyable as they learn your preferences and habits.
Here is a thought. They should allow people to keep their stuff with the towel desk for those that dont need a chair
Or have some cubbies on the pool decks.
Try going on a Journey’s cruise! Talk about tons of scooters! And yes, most of them are just lazy. They jump
right off to get to whatever they want to. They also use them as an excuse to jump lines. That’s the most annoying part to me. And yes, I have needed a wheelchair before. I was in an accident and couldn’t walk for 4 months. But I never got out except to go to bed or transfer to a toilet. As soon as I could walk, I ditched the chair!
big fine from the coast guard if they find people leaving a scooter in the hallway. not to mention fire hazard. cruise line will get fined
So should the cruiser.
Regarding Kids: Unfortunately the cruises I've been on have had rules about kids under a certain age & the kids above that threshold have not really been the issue - it's the younger ones. Last cruise I was in the hot tub & got kicked in the face by one of the (not exaggerating) 10 kids in there, heard lang I wouldn't use as an adult in their presence and almost had a fight break out - all by kids less than 12, only 1 parent was in eye sight & they were NOT concerned. I believe Carnival is adding additional measures for this type of thing specifically and I (while I appreciate having a good time) am SO excited for it..
I think all buffets should be served. That would keep the food safer.
My dad would be someone that could walk around the ship (with a cane), but would definitely (very begrudgingly) need a scooter. We basically forced him to use one at Disney parks. He only used it in the parks and never around the resort.
Tips are not shared with back of the house regardless if you pre pay or not. I would rather go back to the old way when they gave you envelopes to put your cash in. My reasoning is because in recent years people have been very skeptical if the crew are receiving the tips. I would rather give it to them directly.
fair point
Restaurants (depending on the state) operate similarly, 43 states pay tipped employees LESS than minimum wage as low as 2.13 an hour.
Then the gov'ment charges those same tipped employees taxes on the ASSumed tips, again depending on the state it can be assumed that your tip was from 10% to 13% of the total sales.
Its the worst after a long week of work to have to PAY your taxes to the employer because the 2.13 they paid you plus your credit cart tips does not cover the ASSUMED cash tips.
all i can say is...amazing
Yes there should be more visible security on cruise ships
Agreed! On my last cruise, my husband and I were getting our picture taken and a young gentleman had had too much to drink and was sexually harassing me. Telling my husband to grab my a** and ti**ies. Then he told me to get on my knees, bi***. People were laughing!
Last Carnival cruise on Horizon Oct 2024, the buffet was nearly 100% the same items in the MDR.
On gratuities, I only cruise Carnival, and it's not mandatory. I tip for individual or group (dining) performance. On your point about increasing wages, I think you would put a lot of those other country emplyees out of work, if the wages and benefits were comparable to the US, because then US workers would be taking those jobs. I know if I could work at the same wage I do now, but also have an aility to travel, I would take it. As I understand it, they do get time off during contracts to enjoy ports.
We loved Costa Maya went we went. Beautiful place.
Yes you should be able to order what you need for your family, not problem with that. As for the scooters in the hallways, you don't know who is disabled or not. But not long ago I was on a MSC cruise and this guy kept leaving his in the hallway blocking the entire hallway. We asked the room steward to ask him to put it in his room which he did, however he continued to leave it n the hallway. The next time it was there I moved it down the to the main area by the elevators where there was plenty of room. I think he got the hint, it was not in the hall again. I pay the tips and I always leave extra to the crew that goes extra mile at the end or during. You are taking a cruise that is not cheap, if you can't afford to tip, then don't go. Kids, they are a different story. Unfortunately some parents don't know how to make their kids mind and act like humans. Those parents and their bratty kids need to be put off the ship or confined to the room. Agree, you should follow the cruise dress codes. Saving chairs is BS. I have the crew remove stuff many times. Usually they will.
I don’t mind scooters. I mind people using scooters or wheelchairs on cruises who are rude. There’s a wheelchair bound guy that’s been on several same ships at the same time as me and he is 17 levels of mean and rude with his motorized wheelchair. I dread seeing him every November
My opinion, 1 plate per person at the buffet, if you need to get several plates, go to mdr.
I am mid 70’s with mild mobility issues. I can walk but if I walk very far I have significant pain so I use a scooter. But you will see me use the scooter but I walk as much as I can comfortably do so. Nothing lazy about me. 😊
It's lazy if you need to leave your scooter blocking a hallway.
Complete agree. I’m in my early 70’s with mobility issues and use a walker all the time or a scooter
Yes I’m the same way. Somedays I may be able to walk to a venue and other days I need my scooter all day. Pain is not always the same. I try to be super polite and stay out of peoples way. However other can be very rude I have had men like step over the corner of my electric chair trying to get by me or run to get in an elevator to block men. So rudeness can go both ways
@@mikezupancic2182 that’s not lazy, that’s being inconsiderate
@@DonnaDavis-l1u it's actually both. Thanks for adding to my description.
The Costa Maya cruise port was too crowded. Not mention you cant find your way out of there
How to solve the "chair hog" issue:
If all the chairs are "reserved" with towels, I just pick one that seems too "pristine" and un-visited for too long. Then, I make myself at home.
If/when the person comes back and starts complaining that I'm in "their" chair, I just say "Oh sorry", and I move on.
It's unbelievable how few people actually return, as long as you stay in that 30-45 minute window.
I’m ok if the person is In the pool most of the day of and on as you need a place to keep your towel and belongings dry but I don’t agree when someone comes down early in am and reserves a whole family worth of chairs and doesn’t come back until mid day!
Cruise lines need to require those who need wheelchairs and scooters to book accessible cabins. Leaving them to block the passages creates a safety not to mention the inconvenience to other passengers. The worst is to those with mobility issues who can’t shimmy past the obstruction.
I love turn down service, we only get it once a day, so I ask for my turn down at night.
It is such a luxury experience!
I already view gratuities as part of the cruise fare (only been on 4 cruises so far and have given extra every time because I believe they work their butts off). When people from elsewhere in the world decide that, given their circumstances, it is in their best interest to work on a cruise ship who am I to say they are not receiving a fair wage? Do you remember the bumper stickers that would say "I'd rather be fishing", etc? I had a cost accounting professor in the 70's who said those stickers were complete bs, people constantly evaluate their position in life and are doing what they believe to in their best interest at that time. His point was that after evaluating everything, all the students in the room had made the decision to be in the classroom at that instant and not "fishing".
I hated everything about MDR on MSC. It's a huge perk that Virgin doesn't have one.
Being a teacher I've learned one thing kids act one way in front of their parents and another way when the parents are not around. I believe this is most kids. I believe we should give our kids freedom when they are on the ship. But we need to be drill in them proper cruise etiquette. In behavior when we're not around. I travel with my children all the time. And I would hate for anyone to tell me they heard or seen anything for my teenage son. I would take that very seriously as a parent. And will be consequences for his actions. I think more parents need to do the same. Because I've had my decorations stolen off my door and I really did not like that.
Love to see this!
Why we cruise on virgin is no kids it’s so peaceful
Seems some people forget they are being asked for their opinion. We are all free to have an opinion and we don’t have to agree.
You know what they say sometimes about opinions....
Turn down service was nice, but i don't need it
I don’t know what’s up but I’m getting advertisements every 2 minutes on this video. Is that something in your control or TH-cam’s?
TH-cam :(
I recommend you find a billionaire grandad ❤.
yes - one person multiple orders - still faster. would you want kids in line too?!
Yes, because as mentioned, you can avoid the line.