If it is compulsory, it's not a gratuity. Just pay the staff properly, add the cost to the bill and eliminate gratuities.
@PaulCashman
3 жыл бұрын
And then cruise-fare sticker-shock will kill the industry.
@TheKim369
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@darrenclayton8635
Жыл бұрын
@@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.
@vincentsantoiemma5501
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@trainattendant5810
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@hockjeyinveins
3 жыл бұрын
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 ?
@lcam1665
2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@mindyschocolate
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@reececollison5101
2 жыл бұрын
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😁
@scotsam7590
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@sosaix3545
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@annelauzon567
3 жыл бұрын
Gee, it was like that on the Titanic !
@vittoriovuocolo2438
2 жыл бұрын
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..
@sosaix3545
2 жыл бұрын
@@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...
@w1swh1
2 жыл бұрын
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!!☹☹
@jeffdo9195
2 жыл бұрын
If u feel guilty about receiving the extra service you can turn down the butler etc
@paullewis2413
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@Hawkeye2001
3 жыл бұрын
I much prefer the smaller ships. Its quieter and you have more opportunities to meet and enjoy a few fellow travelers.
@trainattendant5810
3 жыл бұрын
That's why I love Viking Ocean.
@golfnut2599
3 жыл бұрын
smaller ships are the best
@stephanguitar9778
3 жыл бұрын
@@trainattendant5810 $££$
@raynash4748
3 жыл бұрын
RCL Oasis Class ships....
@JeaWis
3 жыл бұрын
Music everywhere. Give me more quiet spaces please.
@Lordrocky24
2 жыл бұрын
This! If the ship doesn’t have a library I’m gonna have to think long and hard before I board.
@marionmangiaracina4774
2 жыл бұрын
I agree we need more quiet spaces.
@shade0762
2 жыл бұрын
On Celebrity Ships... If you take Aqua Class the Persian Garden is my go to quiet place... often I am the only person there!
@vincentperratore4395
2 жыл бұрын
That's the whole idea anyway, isn't it, to get some peace and quiet?
@monicamayer883
2 жыл бұрын
That is a very important subject for me.
@arl4945
3 жыл бұрын
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
@PatchaChel
3 жыл бұрын
Great idea.
@claresinclair8030
3 жыл бұрын
Get in touch with Royal they have steel bands on Jewel and Anthem and Grandure
@Keep-on-ok
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely!
@missmarymary6506
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@free2bme520
2 жыл бұрын
Omg yes! Seems every cruise line and port is 80’s music. I want local or vacation music!
@janemarie150
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@scottlowell493
Жыл бұрын
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,
@tonia.5861
3 жыл бұрын
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😑
@scottlowell493
Жыл бұрын
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%?
@classicsciencefictionhorro1665
Жыл бұрын
@@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.
@johnstoutley2046
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@bryan92252
3 жыл бұрын
I've completely stopped using the cruise excursions and only explore ports on my own. 10x the experience for 1/10th the price!
@laurawachler1403
3 жыл бұрын
We like the Hop On Hop Off buses in most major ports. Inexpensive and informative for a first visit.
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@sarahann530
2 жыл бұрын
@@chriswilliams6568 He would sit in the hot tub and play with himself
@free2bme520
2 жыл бұрын
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!
@classicsciencefictionhorro1665
Жыл бұрын
@@sarahann530 Hey, sounds like a plan.
@laurahills6109
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@williamf4544
2 жыл бұрын
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
@dchenkin02
11 сағат бұрын
Even when you are photographed by the crew you are not automatically charged for being photographed.
@juliejensen7370
3 жыл бұрын
It sounds like I will try an older, smaller ship with less attractions. Thank you!
@angelawilson4190
3 жыл бұрын
Look at Seaborne! Really lovely!
@lcam1665
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@vonniebench
2 жыл бұрын
Nope :(
@cafsixtieslover
2 жыл бұрын
Sadly a lot of the good ones have just been scrapped. Cunard is a great compromise though.
@georgeb00th2
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@bethp514
3 жыл бұрын
I don't experience most of these issues as I mainly cruise on luxury lines.
@davoshaunessy3428
3 жыл бұрын
Beverage raised AINT THAT THE TRUTH
@MotherMeece
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@alexzapf6422
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@peaceful3250
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@tomc.4860
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@glennstokes510
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@Keep-on-ok
2 жыл бұрын
In writing too! Mention their names in your review.
@photographervideographer2697
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Mindipulator
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
i have never heard that on HAL, Princess or Celebrity.
@stephanguitar9778
3 жыл бұрын
Reminding you to spend more money before you leave the ship.
@druegillis1744
3 жыл бұрын
Agree. Most people can read a calendar.
@PaulCashman
3 жыл бұрын
Huh. I've never heard that on Carnival. I wonder who your CD was?
@Mindipulator
3 жыл бұрын
@@PaulCashman I don't remember the first time out but on the second it was John Heald.
@robertastreet9294
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Utubesuperstar
Жыл бұрын
Most clientele are elderly? Since when
@Bobrogers99
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@Marshal_Dunnik
3 жыл бұрын
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
@michaelalbert5518
3 жыл бұрын
15 Kids running amok in halls and/or lifts
@giabarnes1777
3 жыл бұрын
Yep!
@roundandroundmyworld
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@eminiarvii
3 жыл бұрын
@@roundandroundmyworld spot on Ken
@Boertje247
3 жыл бұрын
@@roundandroundmyworld #20 especially!
@supercoolbrian5929
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@earlmenary5502
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@chriswilliams6568
2 жыл бұрын
Princess always rate their excursions.
@karenvonbargen4472
2 жыл бұрын
Carnival, Princess, and Holland all rate their excursions
@missysmith6299
Жыл бұрын
Oceania rate their excursions. Great small ships to travel on.
@patrickwallace9726
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@diegoborgonovo5588
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@billcook4768
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@lauraz2896
3 жыл бұрын
Greed? Is there a cheaper option?
@sarahann530
2 жыл бұрын
You can always walk
@classicsciencefictionhorro1665
Жыл бұрын
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.
@peterbechard1900
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@ddebdiva
3 жыл бұрын
We like Amadeus on rivers. We rather prefer the international clientele. And the price is good.
@alex9621
3 жыл бұрын
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?
@sandraburningham70
3 жыл бұрын
Viking is the beast cruise line. They do cater to empty nesters and I love that!
@Beachdudeca
3 жыл бұрын
It’s hard to beat the quality of experience of a Viking River Cruise
@daynacjones
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@PennsyRailroad
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@hollishan
3 жыл бұрын
I agree with you on everything here. I think the biggest thing that drives me crazy is the front of the ship is taken up by either premium lounges (ex: The Retreat on Celebrity Edge) or other things that block the forward most view. Personally, one of my favorite things about cruising is finding the highest and most forward spot on the ship to enjoy the ocean, wind etc. With the other things taking up that space - I feel like it's a hinderance (but it won't stop me from cruising, and certainly won't stop me from searching for that perfect spot. ;-) ). As for shopping, you are spot on. The products the ship sells (or what they market for the ports) are no better than what you can find locally. Having said that - as the cruise nears its end - they will start dropping prices and you can get something at either a lower or more reasonable price. Thanks again for another great video!
@PaulCashman
3 жыл бұрын
That's so true -- on many ships it's hard to actually see where the ship is going! We found the "secret decks" in front, on some of Carnival's ships, to be pretty awesome. There are seldom that many people out there except maybe when departing a port. At night, with all lights forward extinguished for navigation, the glory of the over-arching disc of the Milky Way in the sky was revealed to me for the first time in many years. (You have to stand right behind the forward-facing light to do this.) It was stunning.
@micemr76
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@davidandrew1078
3 жыл бұрын
In Australia, due to Consumer Law, if your ship is doing a loop cruise, gratuities cannot be added to the fare. The price you pay, is the price you pay, no hidden costs.
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
The cruise line add the tips into the fare though, so you are still paying it. Does this apply to any nationality passenger?
@davidandrew1078
3 жыл бұрын
@@chriswilliams6568 Yep.
@dlgregory35
3 жыл бұрын
I live in Australia. P&o include in fare or did do, others like Royal Caribbean do add gratuities but you can opt out of them.
@susansmith864
3 жыл бұрын
@@chriswilliams6568 It's not "tips" it's a service charge - and like any other aspect of service provision should be included. You don't go to a restaurant and get an itemised bill for electricity, gas, uniform so why segregate service.
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
@@susansmith864 The gratuities are tips. Just ask the cruise lines. Yes for service, if you like. It is distributed between the staff.
@jilliandent1256
2 жыл бұрын
I’m a widow and going on my first ever cruise (river} with a group of friends. I was very nervous about the whole thing and unsure of what to expect. Your experience and advice have helped calm my fears. Truly, thank you. Still a little nervous but I’ll be brave
@samuelcollins1331
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Gary, insightful video as per usual! Taken as a whole, I clumped these issues into three categories: 1) Outdated, historical “Cruise” activities such as Hot tubs, the Art Auction. 2) Amusement Park attractions to encourage Families with children to cruise. 3) And, let’s be honest, the good old fashioned drive for greater profitability. On balance, my wife and I generally avoid most of these issues by maintaining a very low profile and extensive pre-cruise planning. BTW, FWIW “Gratuities” are NOT AN ISSUE in Australia among other destinations. They are INCLUDED in the FARE in the first place.
@musefan12345
3 жыл бұрын
The gratuities would be my number one gripe by a long shot. They drive me absolutely nuts. There is literally no reason why they can’t include them in your onboard purchases. They won’t lose out on money and I don’t get hit with an unexpected bill. It’s a win win situation for everyone. It’s almost like they want to make life difficult for their customers.
@thomaskraus834
2 жыл бұрын
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!
@raynash4748
3 жыл бұрын
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)
@maryellenrittel662
3 жыл бұрын
I feel as if I’m being “nickel dimed” to death on cruises. Everything is an extra cost. I’ve pretty much given up cruising.
@elliebellie7816
2 жыл бұрын
Same here. I quit cruising about five years ago due to this.
@curious1366
3 жыл бұрын
I would like to reiterate the hot tub hogs. I've been on several cruises and I've never found the hot tubs available. I usually go several times throughout the day and evening AND there are always a group of people who look related to each other, so I would feel like I'm imposing. Secondly, I paid for an excursion once and when I got there they said I couldn't participate because of a medical condition, but I had to get the refund when I got back on board. Of course, once I was back on board, they had no control over my getting a refund!
@caroleanne8529
3 жыл бұрын
We have never been a fan of the hot tubs, but I wonder where the people who seem to be spending hours in one are using the bathroom.
@TheKim369
3 жыл бұрын
The pools are usually packed as well and it's hard to secure somewhere to sit poolside.
@fumbleknit719
2 жыл бұрын
@@caroleanne8529 No need to wonder. ;-)
@classicsciencefictionhorro1665
Жыл бұрын
@@caroleanne8529 Men pee in hot tubs. This is why I won't use them. This is true.
@blackvulcan100
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this. My wife has mentioned a "cruise" but after watching quite a few of these video reports I can honestly say that I will never ever go on a "cruise".
@stevensinger8254
2 жыл бұрын
On the subject of unsupervised children-- I recently was on a Caribbean cruise that had a comedian on their nightly show. Midway through his bit a boy and a girl ages 10 and 11 came running down the aisle and plopped themselves in the middle of the front row. The comedian interrupted his bit and turned to the kids and asked them their ages and where their parents were at. They said they didn't know. He asked them if they were brother and sister and they said " Nope." He then asked them-- so I guess you met on this cruise? The audience broke out in laughter.
@1958zed
2 жыл бұрын
This video reinforces that I will *never* go on a cruise. Just not for me on so many levels. Plus, after 9 years of sea duty in the U.S. Navy, I have a good idea what it's like to be at sea, and our port visits typically lasted 3-5 days, not 10-12 hours.
@CosmicCleric
2 жыл бұрын
It seems like too much work to plan and experience a great trip, since there's so many gotchas that can put you in the wrong mental state (feeling of being taken advantages of, etc.) when on the actual cruise. Is cruising really worth the work to get a great experience?
@alexzapf6422
2 жыл бұрын
Honestly. It’s not as stressful as it sounds. Take a month before to plan everything. Understanding you may have to change things a bit. We always have back up plans in place just in case. If all you want to do is relax and just do nothing. There is nothing like a cruise. Do not be dismayed. Just plan a bit. We hardly go on excursions. We usually maybe get down to take pictures and buy a couple trinkets. In my opinion, cursing is the best bang for your buck. Especially when you start to look at how much other vacations cost.
@Mariazellerbahn
3 жыл бұрын
All that you mention are the reasons that I hardly go cruising anymore. All the best ships (below 50k grt) have gone.
@peg9773
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@donaldmcdaniel1773
3 жыл бұрын
My wife and I, so far have been happy with the cruise excursions (Holland America) but then we chose them carefully. That said, the longer we cruise we have noticed that the islands that we go to ( Caribbean) seem to be mostly the same. We have had some really good guides and that really made the excursion more fun.
@jamescorbiere7254
3 жыл бұрын
Mr. Bembridge, my wife and I enjoy watching your videos. We haven't gone on a cruise yet but are planning to within the next 2 years. Your videos really help. We stumbled across your channel by happenstance while looking up what cruises are like. Your tips will help us save money and have a great experience when the time comes. Now if I can only get her to get over her fear of getting seasick!
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
Take ginger capsules with you. On over 20 cruises i have only felt sick for 2 hours on one cruise, it was sailing from NYC to Bermuda in hurricane season, August, and the ship was skirting the worst of the storm, but we still got buffeted quite a bit. Outside doors were banging and glass broken. it soon passed.
@jamescorbiere7254
3 жыл бұрын
@@chriswilliams6568 in normal weather do you even feel the ship move? That seems to be her weakness. When she feels the motion she seems to get sick.
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
@@jamescorbiere7254 very rarely, i love to feel a bit of. movement, it rocks me to sleep. Has she ever been on a ferry? They would have much more motion.
@jamescorbiere7254
3 жыл бұрын
@@chriswilliams6568 i don't think she's ever been on a ferry. She has been on airboats in the everglades and she never got sick on those. Probably because she was enjoying herself too much to think about the motion.
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
@@jamescorbiere7254 That is funny as I found the everglades completly boring as we saw nothing except mangroves.
@genekelly8467
2 жыл бұрын
Anybody do freighter cruising? You get a small room, and eat what the crew eats-no pools, no paint balls, just relaxing. If you want excitement, take a cruise off the Somalia Coast-excitement!
@Miguel195211
3 жыл бұрын
And let's not forget that gratuity at the end of the cruise is not enough, they want you to add more gratuity to the person that cleans your room, bars, specialty dining, etc.
@TerryEbertMendozza
3 жыл бұрын
That is everything that children and young, hip passengers want, and that’s why I don’t cruise on those kinds of ships. Sorry, but cruising to me is supposed to be relaxing. I want peace and quiet, smaller ships, beautiful dining venues, and big beautiful suites. As for dining, that’s why we stick with Oceania. All the speciality restaurants are included. Each restaurant, including the Grand Dining Room, is superb. I guess this makes me old, but if I want a show, I go to the opera or symphony, or a Broadway show on tour. So choose your cruise line carefully. Use American Express Platinum Travel, if you can, and get upgrades and bottles of wine and on-board credit; plus staying true to one cruise line, also gives you huge onboard credits, which you can use for the beauty salon, a massage or other treatments, drinks if you have to have them, something from the boutique, etc. And gratuities are included. Always. Great Video, Gary. Thank you. Leave the children at home, and give the adults the vacation they really need!
@anitas5817
3 жыл бұрын
I’m old with you. I feel the same.
@vicki8042
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like you need an old people’s cruise.
@TerryEbertMendozza
3 жыл бұрын
@@vicki8042 yup. That’s why we cruise with Oceania or Regent. No idiots on board.
@susancheney8592
3 жыл бұрын
@@vicki8042 not an old people’s cruise; a well educated, classy adults cruise!
@I33tdragon
3 жыл бұрын
Finally someone said it, hate “ship within a ship” 🤢🤮 just more dead space
@junepick7899
Жыл бұрын
I think other countries could learn a lot from us Australians. Our law requires that ALL costs associated with purchasing cruises (well everything really) must be included in the price. This means ALL cruises paid for in Australia include gratuities, service charges, etc. This means we obviously pay more upfront but we know the entire cost. Even drink packages purchased here must include those ‘service charges’. FYI we Aussies are not mean - servers in this country earn $29 - $35 per hour. Prices here reflect this.
@NewOldVideos-d5o
2 жыл бұрын
We are going out again in April and I want to go anywhere but the Cozumel / Progresso area. We went two years in a row and the 2nd time I was walking through the shopping area and I heard a guy call out my name. He remembered me from the year prior. That's a sign....
@gazzafloss
3 жыл бұрын
Said it before I'll say it again people, just about everything on a cruise is optional, yes, and at least here in Australia, gratuities being automatically added to your account is optional. We pay gratuities but to those who serve us well, if every passenger did this the service crew would be rewarded well. If the cruise lines paid better than "slave" rates it wouldn't be necessary try and "nickel and dime" passengers to death, I'd be prepared to pay more for a cruise if the cruise companies paid their staff properly.
@rubberyowen1469
3 жыл бұрын
They won't, no chance of that happening. Cruise companies are out for money and lots of it, even more so now to make up for Covid losses. They have always been slave ships to lower grade employees, so why would they change now? Clear your concience as you know you will and have a good vaccation.👍
@ccawalleye2004
3 жыл бұрын
I like to see the wait staff and cabin stewards faces when I give generous tips which I might add would have been more than the cruise line was charging.....i understand there are others involved in making my cruise enjoyable but I have never had any of them come up to me and ask me if I liked their contribution to my cruise.
@Scott__C
3 жыл бұрын
Many jobs never have any opportunity to interface with the public.
@stephanguitar9778
3 жыл бұрын
Dish washers and laundry staff are not even allowed to be seen by passengers. They are probably on the lowest pay too.
@lesleynyborg2093
3 жыл бұрын
I don't cruise to drive a go-cart, or ice skate, or ride a roller-coaster. And hasn't Tanzanite sold out, yet??
@billcook4768
3 жыл бұрын
LOL. Every shopping advisor for the past 30 years: Tanzanite is great to buy because it only comes from one spot on the entire planet and is running out soon.
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
@@billcook4768 It is true, that it comes from one mine in Tanzania, but the statement about running out, while true at some point, is not immediate.
@diamondpearlgem7589
3 жыл бұрын
I know right!😁😁😁😁
@blessedlady2038
3 жыл бұрын
People who think that's its their right to hog the poolside all blooming day including when they leave for lunch or another activity by leaving items on seats so no one else can have the opportunity. 😡😡
@wendio5437
2 жыл бұрын
My husband does NOT like doing cruise line excursions, but I like to plan, so what we do is I choose 1 ship excursion that I really want to do and we book that and then the other port days I let him just go talk to the taxi guys to find out what they think is the best thing to do in that area. So far, I have to admit no taxi driver has let us astray. Everything we have done that way, cost almost nothing and was exactly what they said it would be. It’s just hard for the planner in me to get off the ship with no plan.
@noelreynolds4861
3 жыл бұрын
So many excursions, so few for people with mobility concerns.
@wresltgal
3 жыл бұрын
That’s why when I go on cruises I go on smaller ones that only have the water slide on the top deck
@bluelab5019
2 жыл бұрын
My upcoming cruise with Celebrity has tips and drinks built in. I'll extra tip bar staff to keep them coming and my suite steward if he looks after us.
@stevenchait2459
Жыл бұрын
Don't cruise a lot, but un able to take a full perimeter walk on outside of ship, Norweigan Epic for instance.
@chasefasten4120
3 жыл бұрын
Gratuities are the worse. If you buy a drink package they add gratuity. Every purchase has a line for gratuity and there are envelopes handed out in the dining room and the cabins despite gratuity being added. If a crew member is actively trying to make my vacation special, I have no problem paying extra but why do I need to compensate spot fillers?
@BrianJohnson-bq9tr
2 жыл бұрын
I agree with every one of these and I've only cruised once. I'm going on my 2nd cruise in February and have no use for any of them.
@davidcolman5290
3 жыл бұрын
I personally don't see the attraction of a cruise. So many people are getting upset and unhappy with their cruise. Why even bother?
@aknorth1053
3 жыл бұрын
If a gratuity is automatic and required it is no longer a gratuity "money a customer voluntarily leaves for employee over the amount due for the goods sold or services rendered" it is not voluntary if required. Be honest raise the rates and pay the employees a proper wage.
@rgruenhaus
3 жыл бұрын
Why can't the cruise lines just get together and put these attractions on land in ports they visit! Then maybe we can get more pools onboard!
@chriswilliams6568
3 жыл бұрын
folk who don’t like those kiddie rides as on NCL and RCI should just go on another line, like I do. Those cruise lines are obviously popular with the folks that like that stuff. We have other choices.
@anitas5817
3 жыл бұрын
@@chriswilliams6568 The smaller NCL ships aren’t like that- they’re lovely.
@mariebrooks7341
3 жыл бұрын
@@chriswilliams6568 I don't go anywhere near those attractions. It is nice that they are there for those who enjoy them and for children. I won't complain about it because I can choose not to cruise on those ships but I do enjoy those ships despite the attractions.
@BatCaveOz
3 жыл бұрын
Private islands for Caribbean cruises have been popular for several years.
@roundandroundmyworld
2 жыл бұрын
More pools are unlikely. One of Gary's other videos explains why -- the water in the pool is an enormous top weight, high up in the ship, and too much water would make the ship top-heavy and likely to capsize. This is why pools have to be kept small. The first ships to have on-board pools had them low down inside the ship for this reason.
@TheKurtsPlaceChannel
3 жыл бұрын
Very interesting. Thanks for posting this. Have a nice day now.
@tipsfortravellers
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, you too!
@billkallas1762
2 ай бұрын
I haven't found transfers to be expensive. NCL tends to charge about $26 each way. Good luck paying less for that for an Uber to get you from the airport to the cruise ship.
@harleygrit5358
3 жыл бұрын
Our first cruise in 1985 (NCL) you could have as many lobsters or steaks as you wanted...last cruise in 2009, same cruise line, you could get one nite for lobster or steak but it cost money to get it...
@johnnolan5579
3 жыл бұрын
I don't mind shopping on the ships, but I wish there was more emphasis on affordable product. How many cruisers on a Princess ship actually buy designer brands like Gucci and Chanel? Even less expensive designers like Ralph Lauren, Nautica and Tommy Hilfiger would be more desirable for shopping.
@jasondonnelly8940
2 жыл бұрын
Maybe you should go on a seniors cruise . Then you can do the old people type stuff
@drdcheung
2 жыл бұрын
Another great video, thank you. At the end of the day most of the grumbles are around the sell or hard sell in some cases. If you don't like it, you cruise on that line. They will get the hint very quickly!
@scottlowell493
Жыл бұрын
Sailing from The northeast USA in the winter guarantees the first day or two and last day or two on deck will be too cold for fun.
@highbaritone
2 жыл бұрын
I chose a small all inclusive line and still tip a few who I have had personal contact with.
@robertgagne6506
3 жыл бұрын
We made a big mistake when we went on our honeymoon cruise. As it happens, we were married in April, so set up an Apl/May cruise and did not realize that spring break would be occurring. On the ship, RC, we were not able to find seats at the pool. the pool was filled with teens, the hot tubs with younger kids, and the "adult" pool with college kids. No actual place for real adults. Thank god for a balcony room, as we spent a lot of time there. We did get to use the pool when we were in port. All the folks left the ship, so great time to enjoy.
@claresinclair8030
3 жыл бұрын
On Jewel the life guards chased the kids out of the Solaruim so it was quiet and adults centered
@Utubesuperstar
Жыл бұрын
College students are not kids they are adults…. And solariums are 16 and up not 70 and up lmao
@classicsciencefictionhorro1665
Жыл бұрын
@@Utubesuperstar SOME college kids are adults; most are under 21.
@rushore1
2 жыл бұрын
With the bigger ships having more floors, the thing that bugs me the most is the lack of elevators and the lack of proper control around elevator etiquette. 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."
@melferguson4782
3 жыл бұрын
Yes yes yes these drive me crazy 1) big attractions race tracks etc 2) ship with in a ship I’m down for a small adult only area with a small fee for say use but private area that I can visit drive me crazy 3) specialty dining room are taking over and I find that they really are not that special 4) parents who allow there kids to run around and not asked to act with respect of others Passages who think they are more entitled than others where they are demanding or just down right rude to staff or other guest 5) saving chairs for hours when not using them
@Chrisnz12377
3 жыл бұрын
I agree with some of these along with the constant photo taking and art auctions. But one thing not mentioned is the sail away parties with the terrible music and awful dance moves.... avoid at all costs!
@haroldcarrow3893
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry, but nobody I know of who has actually BEEN in The Haven is "tired" of it.
@evelynhillier2877
3 жыл бұрын
Some lines have better excursions than others, for definite. As many ports are currently only accepting ship passengers ashore if they're on a ship's arranged tour, it must be frustrating if the tours aren't very interesting. I think one learns to resist the "nickel and dime" approach they use to encourage spending, over time. We overpay gratuities every time, over and above the obligatory charges, but that's our choice. We like to let them know when we've appreciated good service.
@alisonbonar1613
2 жыл бұрын
I love the Promenade deck.
@stuartlee6622
2 жыл бұрын
I wouldn't be caught dead on a cruise. I'd certainly take a peaceful freighter ship.
@TracyKMainwaring
3 жыл бұрын
about excursions... the cruise line descriptions are sometimes really off. "Mini Jeeps" turned out to be side by side Polaris ATVs that were in bad shape. Not what we thought we were getting.
@tedlaurvik3765
Жыл бұрын
I somehow misplaced my sunglasses the first day of my cruise. I go down to the "shopping" area on the ship and the cheapest pair of sunglasses was $150 dollars. I bought a pair for less than $15 at the first port..... CRAZY
@TripReviews
2 жыл бұрын
I do trust that the cruise lines are doling out the gratuities in a fair way to the crew. I also don’t feel that they are stashing a portion of it away for higher profits. I have this trust as I used to work as a casino dealer in land based Canadian casinos where the “Tokes” were accounted for and distributed by the hours worked and paid out right in our pay cheque’s which was also taxed. I have faith that the cruise line procedure is similar, hopefully I am not having the wool pulled over my eyes. .
@rodpettet2819
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed 100 per cent. Some of the cruise lines seem to be sailing under the Jolly Roger. I want all inclusive fares. I haven't cruised in a while but my best cruise was a half world tour on the P and O Aurora even if it did break down for 5 days in Auckland. The Aurora is or was then my idea of a ship. I loathe any cruise line that caters for the low end of the market. I like good manners and few or no children.
@brianbrown826
3 жыл бұрын
On excursions it annoying to book an excursion only to be told later it won't happen because there isn't enough English speakers booked.
@w1swh1
2 жыл бұрын
It all sounds absolutely ghastly!! I guess if you are a committed cruiser you put up with these things. I've been on the Paul Gauguin which was excellent, then the Windstar, not so excellent. Probably wont cruise again.
@danielueblacker9118
3 жыл бұрын
Specialty Dinning NCL 3 meal deal use to be for $83... can't beat that.
@jamess5154
3 жыл бұрын
Got no problem with karts and such because I just do not go on those ships. What I do not like is the increasingly large prime spaces now getting set aside for suite guests. I have no problem with their not wanting to mingle with we slugs but especially as they crowd more and more folks on ships it certainly decreases space per passenger for the slugs.
@stephanguitar9778
3 жыл бұрын
A bit like the old First class (1/2 the ship for 500 passengers) Second class (2/3rd of the remaining space for another 500 of the passengers and Steerage 1000 pax which was the mass of passengers in the remaining small space.
@Cta2006
2 жыл бұрын
10: Stops in the various ports are too short. Can't really say you have been there ...
@karenreilly9425
2 жыл бұрын
Loud cruise directors telling you about bingo all the time. I give my room steward a twenty at the beginning of the trip so when the end of the cruise comes he or she is all set. I always get a taxi from the ship to the airport I prearrange. We have also parked at the Black Falcon that's in Boston, MA for a cruise to Bermuda. I would like to see more cruises to Bermuda, it's my favorite so far. You are right about the endless pictures we don't buy. t-shirt shops, jewelry by the foot, expensive stuff in the shops and trinkets all being the same . We travel very lightly I have to carry my own bags wherever we go so that makes me very careful of what we bring. We also save by not doing the formal nights. My MOL taught me to get a paper map of the ship from the purser for all the decks and I think not sure about this still being true but the port side left had the odd numbers and the starboard had the even. Keep up the good work
@lesw3803
3 жыл бұрын
We love the Haven. They are always full capacity.
@davefitzpatrick6370
2 жыл бұрын
Go Holland America! No kid's! Best cruise ever!!!!
@miguellara2289
3 жыл бұрын
The only thing that drove me really crazy, was trying to be alone and the waiters constantly asking if I needed something and constantly clearing my table interrupting my reading.
@markshaw4257
3 жыл бұрын
BY THE WINDOW...
@Remember_when
Жыл бұрын
I don't think that there should be gratuities on a ship. They should pay living wages. Build the gratuity cost into the fares. I don't want to carry a wad of cash around to pay tips. We're going on a cruise this year and I already prepaid my mandatory gratuities. I wonder how much the workers really get.
@jamesbuttigieg2879
3 жыл бұрын
Agree with most of these. In particular, specialty dinning and shore excursions.
@robertbarron4274
11 ай бұрын
My thing I’m tired of: ship’s photographers standing by to take your photo as you board, leave for shore excursions, disembark. The photo quality is lousy and often they don’t even set up a good shot.
@capnmark4
2 жыл бұрын
I agree about the "attractions". Then again, that's why I cruise on Holland and Celebrity and stay away from Royal and Carnival. On the other hand, as someone who uses Neptune (Holland) and The Retreat (Celebrity), I like the extra level of service. Being able to use the Concierge rather than standing in line at Shore Excursions is great. That may be less of an issue now that you can book via kiosk, app, or in your room, but sometimes it still helps to be able to ask a question. IMO it is the difference between going to a 3 star hotel and a 4+ star hotel...the level of service is worth the extra cost. On the other hand, at the 3 star hotel, I probably won't have to pay for WiFi or local phone calls...
@trainattendant5810
3 жыл бұрын
Now that Viking Ocean is my go to cruise line I don't have to deal with many of these issues. The constant on-board pressure of marketing revenue production has become obnoxious & cheapens the experience. It's driven me away from HAL, Princess, & Cunard. One thing Viking should do is include gratuities in the fare for United States passengers.
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