Aging and tired ships - do you research?

I would always review the cruise line and the ship for a new ship that I have never been on before.

In my earlier stages of cruising, I booked Guarantee cabins in the hopes of getting an upgrade. That approach is like playing the slots on board expecting the million payout!! Now, when I cruise, I book a specific cabin and like JusMe's approach, I know ahead of booking the rundown of the ship and the proposed cabin location (whats around my cabin). Booking a guarantee cabin comes under the title, "You get what you pay for". You may be saving a few bucks but you may also be getting a poor cabin location!! And forget the possibility of an upgrade. They go to the higher tier members of the cruise lines membership program.

JusMe - great point. There is a reason why the guarantee rates are lower ----> because the cabins are often in sub-optimal locations that experienced cruisers avoid. I usually advise people that if location is a critical issue, book the exact cabin you want. If it is less important than getting a good price for your vacation, take the guarantee and be satisfied no matter what stateroom to which you are assigned.

I use a web site that I can not mention on here that gives the details of year ship was built and year of last refurbish, it also list all the things that are on the ship, rock climbing wall, ice skating, mini golf, golf nets exc. I like to know what a ship has before I book it. I find most off the ones that complain do not do any research and book a "Guarantee" cabin and then complain when it is below a club or the below the pool deck.

One thing to pay attention to when you see the "Refurbished" dates for ships. Sometimes there is little done to the public areas or cabins during refurbishment. More is done to upgrade electronics, bring the ship up to current code, replace service equipment (like in the galley), service the azipods or props or to repaint the hull (drydock). So make sure you REALLY research when you see an older vessel has been "refurbished". If you can't find exactly what was done during the refurbishment, ask your agent or call the cruise line direct and query them.

These are really good points as well. It is a rather mixed back of reasons for wear and tear. Clientele and volume among the factors.

Funny thing, I felt this way, also until I spoke with several people who rent out their condos. They told me that more times than no,t those with the most money are the most careless with the rental properties. You would think that they would know better. I guess that they just don't care.

Here is another link to information about all the major cruise lines and their fleet.

http://www.beyondships.com/cruiseships.html

Age isn't necessarily the factor, it's the amount of wear-and-tear the ship has undergone and the degree to which it has been maintained. Machines wear out not over time, but through use or in some cases, abuse. Metal will dent and rust of course, paint and other finishes will chip and peel at varying rates depending on the elements. Interior fittings such as table edges, upholstery, carpeting, sink edges, drawers, paneling near doorways, all these are being constantly beaten and bombarded by babies, drunks, clumsy teenagers, drunks, wheelchairs and mobility scooters, drunks, room-service, stewards' carts, drunks, sand, spilled everything, dropped electric shavers and drunks. Why do you think the luxury lines don't spend nearly the amount of time and money to repair and maintain their older ships that Carnival does? Fewer, moneyed people over 50 treat ships more gently which prolongs their lives. The ships, not the passengers.