I was packing up my cruise related souvenirs today, and I realized one thing. Cruising is not as glamorous as it used to be. Now, I’m going back 25 years or so. We would save for an entire year so we could enjoy “the best week of our lives”. We were amazed by the food. Awed by the service. Took tours of the different islands. Our reminders consisted of enameled pins, t shirts, photos, the usual stuff. We would be rewarded for returning to the same line with a pin, a bag, something. To this date, my favorite souvenir is a custom bobble head of me and my wife on a see-saw we ordered on an NCL voyage. We’ve redone our vows, sat for a private photo session, and had dinner with the Captain.
These days ( CoVid not withstanding ), cruise ships are crowded. Serve pedestrian food, rewards seem to have hone the way of the midnight or chocolate buffet. Incentives to book with one line are practically non existent. I can pay to get on a cruise ship by simply pulling out my credit card, knowing I can pay it off by the next bill.
They have made cruising very affordable, and though I’ve met some very nice people, I have also come across many people who are rude, abusive to the staff, and have an exaggerated sense of entitlement.
Chogs still exist.
I guess the luster has worn off, or maybe I’m jaded, but I miss the smaller ships. These mega ships, meh. I’m not impressed.
just my mind wandering I guess
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No longer the glamorous vacation
98 Answers
The thought occurs...reading all this, and my own .02 taken into consideration......does this ALL fall into the realm of "unintended consequences"? Keep taking amenities away, and charging more for whats left could all backfire...unfortunately, if thats even partially true, it could take years to undo it.
Think its the nature of everything. Take flying. Once a golden age existed people dressed nice, real food served lots of space. Now its cattle car. Eliminate a inch do that 200 rows and you got a extra seat etc etc.
Cruising its a math game and money like anything else. Anything you can think of if its popular and a buck to be made expect it.
Our last cruise in June, on Celebrity Summit, did not meet our expectations, of Celebrity or cruising. We were on a B2B on the Century years ago ( it had to be if it was the Century ) and we loved it (them). This time, the only food available 24 hrs was room service, which had a very limited menu. The stores were small with limited and generic inventory. We spent less on this cruise than any other, of course the drink package was included ( thanks Amy ) as were gratuities.
Next time I think we’ll just fly to Bermuda and stay in a hotel or B & B .
There is no doubt that cruising is changing. But .. not all luxury is departing. You just have to pay for it. Cruising is reverting to the pre golden days that you dream of when there were 2 classes of cruising. There was steerage class which is most of us addicts and then there is the cruise within the cruise (Haven, Cabana, Vibe ... etc) where first class service and expectations are well met ... for a price.
I agree with you, but only to a point. Unfortunately, there are "facilities/venues" on virtually every ship in many lines where the beancounters reign supreme..leading the list are the MDRS, where the lack of choices and amenities is now the new normal... closing many of them during certain hours where they used to be open..the incredible workload of your cabin steward, so you can take bets on whether your cabin will be done by the late afternoon, or even early evening. (not their fault)...gambling on whether you can even reach Room Service by phone to get a pot of fresh coffee and a danish early am. There's probably more, but.......and if it sounds picky...keep taking this stuff away and I can stay home....not that the lines care.
There is no doubt that cruising is changing. But .. not all luxury is departing. You just have to pay for it. Cruising is reverting to the pre golden days that you dream of when there were 2 classes of cruising. There was steerage class which is most of us addicts and then there is the cruise within the cruise (Haven, Cabana, Vibe ... etc) where first class service and expectations are well met ... for a price.
Seems this subject has hit a nerve....and it can only get worse. we continue to cruise, but a part of me knows it may or may not be worth the $$...never felt that way before.....on the other hand.................five fingers. I guess the only solution, lame as it is, is to lower one's expectations. Harder to be disappointed that way. And take it from me, THAT'S not easy to do either, having experienced cruising when it was truly special..Over 333+ views, all kinds of literate responses. one thing for sure, we can't find anything to substitute for it, so.........CRUISE ON!
The cynical thought occurs...the cruise lines don"t want cruising to be special, or exclusive..bad for business, especially nowadays digging out of a giant hole.....they want to make it so accessible/attractive that mr/mrs joe schmo earning minimum wage with 4 rugrats to support can whip out his plastic and.....pay for it for the rest of his life....
I do agree, I miss the good old days of superior service, midnight buffets, and when Royal really was royal!
Yes sure
You are welcome
all things change
thanks for the comment