Sorry to hear about your husband's illness.

Seems like people will not listen to all the negatives concerning Renaissance. They THINK they are getting a real good price (even seasoned cruisers). Strange. They should find out what the tours cost in advance and compare them with other lines. They should find out what other company's guidlines for tipping are and COMPARE. Find out what they are paying up front for the cruise. The company is using YOUR money and it is NOT refundable (such as only paying the deposit as with other reputable cruise lines).

Everyone states us travel agents are not commissionable with Ren. BUT WE ARE. We just do not wish to sell Ren. Someone stated we only get a maximum of $500 for booking a Ren. cruise. I would love to make $500 on a cruise!

People never think ahead. How many people are stranded in airports when the Ren. flight is late and they miss their connecting flight. Who pays???? Guess who!!!

Some of their exquisite charter flights even stop in other countries to pick up passengers. Go figure.

If only internet people would LISTEN and not spring for the high pitched sell of the Ren. agents. People say "oh, they are so helpful." You bet they are!!!

I hope and pray your husband is feeling better.

A caring TA, Paul

Sorry about your illness. We sailed with Ren and had an absolutely wonderful trip. I would encourage anyone to sail with them. However, with Ren and with our first two cruises with RCCL and with our "more expensive than usual" vacations, we always purchase vacation insurance.
To everyone else, don't listen to a disgruntled TA, sail Renaissance and have a superb cruise and land vacation. If you look back over these boards, for some reason Paul has made it a crusade to bad mouth Renaissance. Ren does have severe penalties for changes and cancellations but they offer a first-class land/cruise for much less than a first class price.

Luckily I'm not speaking from personal experience; but my neighbor lost 100% of her cruise without having insurance when she was booked on Renaissance and there was a death in the immediate family. They were totally unsympathetic and would not allow her to re-book at a later date etc. A similar situation happend to my cousin with another cruise line (I believe it was Holland America) and she too did not have insurance...they allowed her to re-book on a later date with no penalty whatsoever. It taught me NEVER to pay Renaissance all that money upfront, actually I'd never consider sailing on Ren after the way they treated my neighbor. There are too many reputable cruise lines then to give money to Renaissance!

Message to Sally,

Gee whiz, is that the best name you can call me? "Disgruntled." I like that. I've been called a whole lot worse in these forums.

I've been on 56 cruises and I give my observations and advise. You can take it, or leave it.

You are reading my posts, but you are biased. You have your mind made up. No one will change it.

If you look back, I stated the food, service and ships of Ren. are fine. But these are the only three positives.

I will gladly sel Ren. again if they change their policies, get rid of their hidden charges and change their demeanor. Again, study my posts.

I have a small agency and I worry about my customers. I do not want any "disgruntled" vacationers.

Paul

This is a message for Paul (TA). I was wondering did you know how much more the tours were on the ship? And if so couldn't a smart cruiser buy any of the tours on the island? Thats what I've always done. I've never cruised Renaissance, but am considering the Tahiti cruise. The pricing for a 10 day cruise is significantly less than that of i'ts competitors for 7 days. I've heard very good things from other cruisers and not so good from others. I've been on 12 Carnival cruises and I think the food is good but not great. I am expecting the food to be better and the entertainment to be less. Could you offer anymore real insight. I'm really not worried about the tipping, how much more could it be?

Having traveled on the Ren from Athens to Istanbul,I must agree that Paul has made some valid points. First, let me say that the ship, service, & food were very good.
Some of the bad points aside from having to pay up front were:
1. They tried to charge my wife and I $200 for Turkish visas that cost $40 each.--When we first signed up they charged us $100 for the two visas and did not know at the time that the visas were only $20 each then. In spite of having paid all the expenses up front, they tried to get an additional $100 when Turkey raised their visa rates. My feeling was that I had paid them $100 three months before and if they hadn't gotten it by then, it was their problem.
2. When we signed up, their brochure gave their tipping recommendations. Once on the ship, we were given new tipping recommendations that were twice that stated in their brochure. (Much,much more than any cruise ship I had been on previously-and we've been on many.
3. Their tour packages are higher than any we've seen before and the many of the ports were remotely located from town. Conde Naste magagzine Jan issue states, "Shore excursions are super organized, but prices are high for what you get."
4. I also feel that their port charges seem to be very high. Royal Carribean was overcharging and settled a class action suit because of it.
As I have stated earlier the ship,service and food were very good. However, when considering all of the above, I find that I did not get any better deal with Ren than I could have gotten with many high end cruise lines.

As Yogi might have said,"the price you pay ain't the price you pay."

Jack could you elaborate on the tipping. How much was it? And why didn't you buy the tours from the natives? I'm very interested as I am considering them.

As I recall, the total they asked for regarding tips was $40/day/couple.
Since the ports were remotely situated from the towns in Haifa and Ashdod, there wasn't much opportunity to find cabs that one would normally see crowding around cruise ships. This may not be a problem concerning your cruise destination.
Again, let me repeat the ship,food etc. was very good. The entertainment was poor and no one gives away free lunches.

Sandy I don't understand why you didn't buy the insurance on your own. Renaissance explains that they do not arrange for insurance, but do recommend
several insurance companies for one to so on their own. We called one that our travel agency always recommends even when we go on other curise lines.
We had a cruise booked on Ren for Nov. but my husband had to have unexpected surgery and we had to cancel. The insurance company reimbursed us.

Sandy,
Thanks for reminding me about another of the negatives regarding the Ren criuses.
Another thing I do remember that turned me off about the Ren cruises, is that they quoted me a price for travel insurance(and it was definitely one that I could have accepted) that was about double than I did sign up for with AAA. These weren't suggestions, they were quotes.

Jack, was that $40/day for the room steward and waiters or was that $40/day for each individual wait staff. That does sound very high. But a tip is just that. If someone earns it, fine. You sound very unhappy with your cruise. I've never been on a cruise that didn't offer tours off the ship. That sounds different as well.

Hey folks, Cruise lines give RECOMMENDED tipping guides - doesn't mean you have to follow them. We loved our Ren. cruises, but their suggested tipping policy is way too high and we tipped what we felt was appropriate. You have the control to do what you want here.
We did the western Med last March - I did compare the shore excursion costs with those of a couple of other lines and they weren't much different. Don't feel imtimidated by printed words if you don't feel them satisfactory or correct - use your common sense.

We took Renaissance's Tahiti cruise over Christmas on the R4 and had a terrific time. Everything from start to finish went like clockwork. Hawaiian Airlines was great, on time and the service was very good. The cruise was terrific and our stateroom was excellent (with a balcony). We bid on this cruise at an online site and got a fantastic deal. I don't know how the Ren cruises are to Europe but the South Pacific one was excellent. We did buy the insurance because of their policy, but I'd buy it for any cruise. My feeling is...if you don't like the cruise line's policy, don't sail with them; there are many others to choose from.

Here is another negative Ren story!! We were booked on a Ren cruise this coming July.(Med Medley, 15 days) While reading itineraries the other night I found out our Ship R5, is not cruising the Mediterranean but is now a cruise of the Baltics. I emailed, Ren , no reply. I called and they were not sure but did finally confirm my fears. The itinerary was cchanged and we were not even notified. what kind of cruise line does this? I am very upset and I still have not heard directly from Ren nor have I received an apology. I am very leery of dealing with this line again.

We were also booked on the same cruise, I believe, for July 12, 2000. We also heard circuitously about the cancellation and in fact have not received any official mail notification (or e-mail) from Rensaissance, except that they acknowleged when called, that the cruise was indeed cancelled! Not only that, but because of exchange rate fluctuations for the Canadian Dollar, we LOST over $270.00 when Renaissance refunded us (I guess we should be thankful that they did at least give us a refund). They simply refuse to take responsibility for this loss to us and so we have had to swallow the difference for the Problem THEY created! We may not be the most experienced cruisers around but we have taken 15 cruises with HAL, Celebrity (our FAVOURITE!), RCI, and Princess. It is clear that had Renaissance handled things properly, we would probably use them again but NOT NOW and so they have lost a lot of potential business.

Finally, about the only thing that Renaissance indicated to us by way of accommodation, was that they were offering $250.00 pp coupons for another cruise booking with them. Indeed! We had a better response from RCI when they missed a port due to an engine room fire. They not only gave ship-account credits of $100.00 per cabin but also $250.00 pp coupons as well. In relation to the coupons, I sent a letter to RCI actually commending them on how well they handled the emergency, and yet they still felt compelled to send us coupons!

The bottom line is, unless you like gambling in more than the shipboard casinos, DON'T BOOK RENAISSANCE!!!!

Hi all,
I can not understand why Ren's tipping policy is so high. Apparently Ren does not pay their employees at all and they probably charge them for room and board.

Most employees of other lines (except those that work for the lines that do not have a policy) get paid approx. $60 per month ... free room and board. Therefore I do tell my customers to please tip at least the standard amount even if the employee screws up a bit. If they give you great service put a little extra in the envelope.

As far as taxis in foreign countries, I advise my customers to NOT take a chance. For their own peace of mind, pay the extra money and go with the ship's tours. Caribbean, of course, is different.

Even in the Caribbean leave plenty of time to get back to the ship since taxis have a tendency to break down.

Paul

Just to let everyone know, it's been at least two weeks and we still have not received anything in the mail about Renaissance's cancellation of the July package for the Med that we had booked. We have also not seen any evidence of those promised coupons, not that I am surprised given their totally cavalier attitude we experienced when dealing with this issue.

On a related matter, you may be interested to learn that there are now a number of insurance companies that will NOT insure Ren cruises!

So, they seem to have an excellent product, but the risks one takes in order to experience this are simply not worth it!

It is quite unbelievable that people are continuing to listen to the Ren. high pressure salespeople (they are really high pressure even though they do not come off as such).

People on this forum call me a cry-baby and other assorted names that I would care not to repeat since I push my customers away from Ren., but simply put, Ren. is NOT a reputable cruise line.

When I travel on vacation, I wish to have peace of mind. I would rather spend an extra $1,000 than have the fear of losing $2,000.

Well said. One can simply not trust this company to deliver. That's how they keep down their costs, among other things!

My finace and I, too, were on one of the canceled cruises. We had booked a Greek Isles cruise for our honeymoon in September. We had just toyed with the idea of a Greek Cruise, thinking it too expensive, but when we saw Renaissance's 2-for-one deals, we were ecstatic. We booked the cruise, and then booked round-trip airfare on Delta's Business Elite using our frequent flier miles (we heard that coach on the charter was somewhat cramped and we decided to forgo Renaissance's air package). Two weeks ago we received a letter with those coupons. Nothing saying when (or if)they would be cruising to other destinations around the same time so that we might rebook on another ship... Well, we did some investigating on our own and saw that there was a cruise to Tahiti leaving just one day earlier. It was just a little more money, so I reluctantly agreed to explore this option - I was really mad that they had just canceled our honeymoon! We figured we would ask them for a free upgrade to first class to make up for this abrupt cancelation. After all, since it was now six months in advance instead of a year, all of the frequent flier seats were sold out on the flights to Tahiti. But not only would Renaissance not upgrade us (they said they "could not", due to some "agreements with the airlines," but they also told us that with the very nice balcony cabin we wanted, we would have to leave a day earlier. Otherwise, we would have to pay more to upgrade to a higher class or downgrade our cabin. The most they offered was $500 off for each of us. No, thanks. With these terrible business practices (especially in an industry that relies so heavily on word-of-mouth) I am not sure how long they will be around.

Well, I just got off the phone with Renaissance after having sent them a formal letter of complaint relating to their recent cancellation of a cruise that caused me to lose over $270.00 due to currency fluctuations. Although they were prepared to offer me that amount IF I rebooked another cruise with them, they still refused to take any responsibility for my loss! I asked them
what would happen if I made a mistake and actually did book with them again and then THAT cruise was also canceled.
Would I then also be subject to a similar loss in funds and of course the answer was, incredibly, yes.

They simply will not take any responsibility for the loss incurred by me because of their actions. This is simply not a reputable
cruiseline and one books with them at one's own risk! By the way, I am not a travel agent and never had any reason to be critical of this line but I do now!

Interestingly, in another BB (Cruise2.com), an individual who had been considering booking with Renaissance decided, on reading my story, not to book with Ren. Well, that's gotta be worth $270.00 to them! I even indicated to the Ren representative that the $270.00 would certainly not alter my lifestyle, but that we are dealing with principles here. Moreover I even told her that clearly, my not booking cruises with them (and I do cruise at least 1-2 times per year) would cost a lot more than the amount of money I was out! Well, given the other poster's response, they definitely lost yet another customer so they appear to be penny-wise and pound foolish at best.

Specifically, how did you "lose $270 due to currency fluctuations," sir?

My wife and I just returned from the Athens to Istanbul cruise on the Renaissance R-5 and could not be happier with the complete package. The hotels were very nice, the cruise and the ship was outstanding and all arrangements went as planned. When you purchase any cruise package it is important to purchase the travel insurance to guard against unexpected emergencies. The Renaissance information mailed to me and and the salesman I talked to were upfront about the no-refund policy and when I made the purchase I knew the consequences of having to cancel. I for one will cruise with Renaissance again and I can attest that the vast majority of my fellow cruisers loved the entire package and stated it was better than most of the other cruises they had been on.

In answer to the question as to how we lost the money on currency fluctuations. We paid with our credit card to Renaissance. Ren was paid in USF but the bill was converted to Canadian Dollars while the Canadian Dollar was at a certain level in USF. When Ren refunded us, the Canadian Dollar had already risen in value so although Ren refunded the exact USF amount, the credit card company had to convert that to Canadian Dollars at the higher rate meaning we got fewer Canadian Dollars back (i.e. $270.00).

In answer to the comments above, I don't disagree that the actual cruises they offer are probably excellent. I am just saying that their business practices and customer relations stink! That they don't agree that as a result of their action, which caused us to lose money, they are not responsible, is totally unacceptable. Nonetheless, given that I and now others have decided that as a result of this action they will not book with Ren, I would say that they have lost far more than the amount of money htey could have refunded me! Moreover, I would reiterate that really, the amount of money we're talking about is not going to make a big difference to me over time, but it's the principle of the thing that gets me and that's why I simply cannot fathom taking another chance and booking a Ren cruise, not matter how good the price seems or how good their product actually is once you get on board!

This message is for Howie and Paul: Thank you Thank you Thank you for your information regarding Renaisance. I have asked several Travel agents as well as past Renaissance travelers regarding the service from Renaisance. All the travel agents I spoke to (4) said they did not like to book with Renaissance and although the 5 people I did speak with that sailed with Renaisance said the cruise was nice, they thought the service was lacking compaired with other cruise lines. One of the people said they have sailed with them twice however would not go with them again. He said too many other "better" lines to try. This was not a very positive response considering the best referrals are by word of mouth. Of course I am glad some people have had great vacations on Renaissance, but with the negative information on this forum as well as my own research.....I will NOT sail with Renaissance and have chosen Celebrity (again) for my next cruise. Howie, Renaissance not only has lost your business, as well as others on this post, but mine as well. That $270.00 conversion will cost Renaissnce a alot more than they cheeply bargained for!

Thanks for the comments. Unfortunately, Renaissance does not seem to get it.

Howie:

Sorry about your trouble win Rennaissance. Have you tried to contact your credit card company to complain? You can rightfully claim that you paid for services that were not supplied (your cancelled cruise). It is possible that they may refund the exchange rate. You have nothing to lose by making the call. They might do it as a good will gesture to a good customer or take it out of their next payment to Ren. It's worth a try.

Good idea! When a credit card company does this, do they get it back from the Cruise company? I would hope so as it would seem somewhat unfair for VISA to take the loss but nonetheless worth trying.

Howie:

I do believe that VISA would get the funds back by deducting it from payments it owes Ren. You gave Ren your VISA number in good faith. You were willing to put all the money up front to guarantee your cruise. Make sure to let VISA know that the cruise was changed without notification. Let them know how you were treated by Ren. Ren may also be a VISA customer, and a big one at that, but they are only one customer. VISA cannot have them sticking it to hundreds of their customers via VISA. I strongly believe that VISA has an obligation to make sure that vendors use their services in good faith.

I was interested in Ren's Tahiti cruise and we wanted to take it back to back, thereby doubling our time. I was told over the phone by a Ren rep that the cost included air from LA and that I would be charged the same amount for the second cruise as for the first. I would be paying for airfare when I was already there and they would not make any adjustments in the cost concerning the air for the second cruise. I have never heard of anything this stupid. Well, maybe I have but it's been awhile.

Good news! VISA has reimbursed us for the difference. Although they also have a clear policy on these things (i.e. they don't have to reimburse us) they, unlike Renaissance, felt that in the name of good customer relations they would reimburse us the difference in the exchange! In fact, VISA's response was immediate!

So, thanks for the advice, and again I hope that you're correct in that VISA does not take the loss (I know ... they can afford it) but gets this back from Renaissance.

Cheri, any discount Renaissance gave you for not taking the flights would be a total loss for them. The Tahiti cruises use dedicated charters, so the only difference that someone not taking the flights would make to them would be that there would be some empty seats.

I have to say that we took a Ren cruise last October and it was first class from start to finish. No complaints whatsoeve.

It's true that their cancellation policies are harsh and their customer service is marginal, but the ships are great, the itineraries are wonderful and the value is unbeatable.

I'm amazed at the vituperation regarding this cruise line. It's just a vacation, it's not the difference between communism and capitalism.

We wonder if anybody at REN reads this web site and would care to defend their policies and practices. It seems only fair that we listen to their side of this controversy.

Hi Everyone,
It's your friendly TA (the one you all love to hate).

Haven't been around in a few weeks. Just been cruisin.'

I see we have a few more disgruntled cruisers. And this is only on Fodors.

Hey Al, it will be a cold day in you know where to hear from Ren. on this site. They are only interested in selling.

They will have to change their policies soon, the word is getting out.

I do get customers daily that only vacation to save the almighty dollar and hope for the best. For example, I try to sell them a Bermuda cruise and explain it is more reasonable to cruise than take a land vacation.

They do not believe me. One thing that people do not do is not add up what the extra costs are out of pocket. Same with Ren. The initial cost is very low BUT if they compaired the extras, such as, ex. tips, tours, visas and entertainent, it is simple to find out they are spending more money. What about flight costs?

See if one can get a price of shore tours in advance from Ren. ....fat chance.

Here's the newest travel info. Ren. is taking out full page ads in all the travel agent mags (those that will accept them) trying to woo travel agents back. They know now they have made a huge mistake. They have all these new ships coming on line and can not fill them. Just the no-smoking, no kids policy on ALL their ships will be their downfall.

Now when they start losing money they will have to either raise their prices or sell the line. I believe the latter to be true.

Since the readers of this site spend so much time searching they should look up, say for example, a reputable cruise line such as Royal Oylmpic and take a look at what the shores tours cost. They also give a discount if you book a few. One could save a few hundred here alone.

As my grandpa used to say "cheapa you buy, cheapa you get."

Paul

This is for Paul. I must say in reading this board, I'm amused at the time and effort you spend jumping on and bashing Ren Cruises! You sound more than just a little bitter!

Customer Service: has been wonderful - some of the most responsive I've ever had with a company.

Shore Excusion Pricing: check their web site - it's all posted with a complete description as well as prices.

No Smoking No Kids Policy: That's what attracted us and alot of other travelers. Why should a vacation be ruined by inconsiderate smokers who care less about your health than they do their own! If we wanted kids on a vacation we'd go to Disneyland! Face it, there alot more people out there that appreciate a no-smoking cruise than not! I also have many friends who take a vacatio with their children and then another one for them - without the kids - this is why it's called a "vacation" to them!

Insurance Providers: They gave us suggestions of two. We called them as well as others and chose the one that was best for us. It's called freedom of choice. Who in this day and age would go on a vacation without insurance? You're just tempting fate if you ask me!

Tipping Policy: It's a suggestion, not mandatory. Tip what you feel. Again it's called freedom of choice. You base it on the service you receive.

Visas: They gave us a form to obtain our our Turkish visas as well as the price it would cost them to obtain the visas. For the convenience factor, we had them do it. It was very reasonable.

Paul - get a life buddy! Move on!

First of all, you CAN get tour info and prices from Renaissance - we got them with no hassle. Our rep at Ren couldn't have nicer or more helpful and even called after we got back from Tahiti to find out if everything went well. We had a wonderful time and everything went perfectly. My feeling is, after reading all the complaints, if you don't like their policies - DON'T cruise with them. There are plenty of other cruise lines out there willing to take your money and most of them have restrictive policies as well. Any vacation should be covered by insurance and if you don't get it, it's your mistake. I think enough has been said about Renaissance!!!

Good point. I certainly won't be sailing with them since there are plenty of other more reputable cruislines to use. Sure, they do have nice ships and IF you get to the cruise you will have a good time. BUT ... that's if they don't cancel!

I have cruised once with Renaissance and it was a great trip. I didn't want to go on Ren twice in a row but I couldn't resist the low prices and high values so I'm going again next month. Paul suggested Royal Olympic. I researched that line for months and I heard from many people who had taken Royal Olympic that the carpets were dirty, the staterooms needed maintenance, there were no double beds, and cigarette smoketo the extent that the pool area was unbearable. A few people complained that the food was too greasy (Greek style) for many Americans and that there were so many foreigners on board that striking up casual conversations was difficult. But most people said it was a fun cruise with lots of energy, dancing and good cheer. All in all, however, it didn't sound wonderful next to Ren and people on my Ren cruise said Ren was head and shoulders above Royal Olympic.

Ren's cancellation policies are horrible but I bought insurance. I don't know how well they will do in the future but right now I believe it's the best value out there.

Jeannette

I wonder how many cruises Resnaissance has cancelled this week?

The post immediately above reminds me of the old "when did you stop beating your wife" type of question. I have no connection whatever with Renaissance, but I am getting a little tired of these postings from travel agents who feel that R. is breaking their rice bowl. From what I gather, R. has attempted to break the stranglehold held by travel agents and is catching a lot of flak because of their success. With the advent and spread of the internet, I suspect that travel agents as we have known them are an endangered species. I can't blame them for being miffed, but I do fault them for their lack of marketing energy. When I have tried to use the services of local travel agents, I find myself cooling my heels while they answer their telephones, polish their nails, and act "oh so bored" with my questions. I am so old that I recall a phrase posted on my old boss's desk: "Business goes where it is invited and stays where it is well cared for." 'Nuff said.

We just returned from the R3 Tahiti Cruise & I would like to add my thoughts to this discussion. I read all the prior messages with apprehension knowing I was booked on an April cruise. I knew about their strict cancellation policy, so I bought insurance to cover it. But the talk of poor customer relations & other disasters really made me apprenhsive. Well, I should not have worried at all. The cruise was mavelous, Ren. staff at every stage of the trip were excellent, the chartered Hawaiian Air was surprisingly better than expected. The overall package/price/itnerary are outstanding. Fellow cruisers were seasoned vets some having 30 -40 cruises to they credit & they all agree this was one of the best! I met many repeat Ren cruisers and others who are already planning their next Ren Cruise. Ren's intineries, smaller ships, no smoking policy, informal dress & open seating at diner are outstanding & hard for any other line to beat. I am not associated with Ren in any way, but I am a consumer who enjoys a fantastic product at a great price.

Wait until you're on the losing end and then you'll understand what bad customer relations means!

We just returned from our cruise on the R3 in Tahiti. Everything went very smoothly and we would go again in a heartbeat. We were able to purchase travel insurance for a reasonable $69.00 per person, certainly worth the peace of mind to cover our investment.
Ren's shore excursions are expensive, but then again what cruise line doesn't mark up excursions? There were lots of local tour operators set at up the docks, and we had no problems doing excursions on our own for 1/2 the price.
By the way, Ren's website lists all of their shore excursions WITH prices. As far as tipping recommendations, they are only a suggestion. You are always free to tip according to service received. Ren's website has a very active message board. If you go there, you will find lots of satisfied customers. If anyone has any questions about the Tahiti cruise, feel free to email me. Patty

We just got back from Athens-Istanbul on Ren 1. It was a wonderful trip and Ren was great. What are you all complaining about??? The rooms were larger than any other cruise that we've been on (Costa-Princess-Royal Carib. NOT Seagodess but that's a different "league"). The restaurants were very nice. Most of the sites we did on our own but the couple we did do from Ren were very good. The hotel in Athens was very nice (Divani Caravel)and the InterContinental in Istanbul was gorgeous!! World Airways was better than any commercial airline. The flight attendants treated you like their friends and there was no extra cost for "drinks" or the 3 movies that were shown each way. If anyone would like any other info..please ask or email me.

This message is for Jean:

I am a travel agent and I have a life and I have moved on. I do not sell Ren. nor will I ever sell Ren.

In the past few months Ren. is changing it's tune. It is trying to woo back travel agents. Seems that with all their new ships coming on line they can not fill them. Too bad about Ren. Now how are they going to get travel agents back?

Well first I believe they will have to change their no-family, no-smoking policies, then when that fails, they will have to sell the line. Watch it all happen.

Norwegian, which I also do not sell since they are treating my customers so badly and not maintaining their ships have sold out to Star Cruises. Hopefully Star will get NCL back to it's old glory.

There are, of course, good travel agents and there are bad travel agents. I am a GOOD travel agent, as a matter of fact I believe I am a GREAT travel agent. I worry about all my customers, I want them to have the best vacation ever and they must get their money's worth. I answer all their questions, both day and night, I send them videos of the ship and the ports, printed info on the ship and ports, port info before their cruise, sample menus, itinerary sheets, activity sheets and everything else I find in my office.

If ANY cruise line does not do the job that they are suppose to do I do not sell the line. I do not make a living selling inferior products. Any type business should do the same or they will not stay in business.

As repeated so many times...Ren. has great ships, it's their policies that will sink their ships.

Paul

Paul,

Ren is no-family (I assume you mean no kids) and non-smoking? SOLD!

Over the past few months several of my friends have taken their Istanbul-Athens cruise and raved about it (friends who didn't travel together and don't know each other). I'd been debating whether or not I wanted to take another cruise, and I'm still waffling between one of Ren's itineraries and a smaller sailing trip in the Greek islands. Had visited Ren's Web site and looked at the itineraries but not much else.

Knowing that I won't have to encounter either smoke or kids on board is a big plus for me...so I'm leaning *more* toward Ren based on your comments, not less. Yes, some people smoke and some likd to travel with their kids. And a lot of us *don't*. So what's a negative for some may be a big bonus for others.

We cruised Istanbul to Athens on R-1 in April and the trip exceeded my expectations. The land portion was great and the cruise portion was very good also. I had never cruised and did not know what to expect, but was impressed with the entire package. The food was very good and the destinations were beautiful. I can recommend a good guide in Istanbul. His name is Can Erimtan and he speaks very good English. His email address is stambul@hotmail.com. I highly recommend a guide in both Istanbul and Athens. Our best days were when we hired guides, especially in Istanbul and Athens.

Hi Folks,
Sorry, I did not realize Ren. posts their tour prices on the internet.

Note to Al: Ren. is not breaking TA's rice bowl, there are many cruise lines to sell. We will not go out of business by not selling a line that has such poor customer service.

Ren. has fine cruise ships and most cruisers find them wonderful until something happens as you will note is well documented on this site.

Some people just listen to their wallets. This is really what it boils down to.

Now try to take that nice reasonable Ren. vacation of 5 -7 days. Too bad....all gone. They went 15 days. You see they are loosing money. Now they only have to sell half as many cruises. Tough luck Ren.

And now about Ren. being so successful....wrong....they are in deep trouble and they now realize they made a huge mistake. They are really begging us to come back. Too bad Ren. made the bed and now they have to sleep in it.

Remember when I predicted this some time back on this site.

Too many ships coming on line, specialized cruising (no kids, no smoking) and poor customer relations.

They are hurting.....badly.

O.K. I'm ready for the name-calling.

Paul

If Ren is hurting, every cruise line should be hurting so badly, Mr. Therault. We recently returned from a delightful cruise aboard R-3 around Tahiti. The ship was full. I never saw passengers with bigger smiles. Service and food were superb. Transfers were flawless (Hawaiian Air shipped one load of baggage to Honolulu instead of to Papeete -- but that's hardly Ren's fault). You might want to get the views of several other TA's who were aboard on FAM cruises. I think Ren is changing its approach, trying to smooth the ruffled feathers of TAs, and Ren's future looks mighty bright. If anyone wants our summary of our voyage, please drop me an e-mail.

To Al,

I am pleased you had a wonderful cruise, most passengers do.

The minority that did not is the concern of Ren. and of TA's.

We are all promised changes and their prices continue to remain lower than other cruise lines.

Paul

Just returned from R6's trip to the Fjords. Encountered a travel agent who says she loves Ren's trips and is going on a 52 day trip with them even though she doesn't get a discount!!!! Also recommends them to her customers!! The trip couldn't have been more perfect - service, food, accommodations - everything. Bette

Paul,
No flames intended but I have watched you post your transparent indignant commentary about a company who tried a different business model than the one you cherish and make your $$ from. Innovation has made for competition and out of competition comes lower prices and a bigger variety of products for consumers. I have also seen you bash e-commerce on the internet, again a different business model from the one you cherish. At least you are consistent in your self interest. I think it's great companies try to deliver and distribute products in new ways...watch it there, those override comissions are floating away....to all, research the products well and then make informed choices...not on the advice of someone who has an axe to grind based on their own business model.....

I am not a travel agent, and had posted quite some time ago concerning Ren's policies. Sure, their ships are excellent, but the way they handled a unilaterally canceled cruise leading me to lose money without even having a reservation (I won't reiterate the details) speaks of a company that severely lacks an understanding of appropriate customer relations. I for one, will stay with more reputable cruislines since I don't like gambling wtih my hard-earned holidays!

Jeez Timib where did you come from? If you thorughly study the 54 posts in this forum you will see that you do not know what you are talking about.

You remind me of one of my professors in college when finished with his oratory we all said: "What'd he say?"

Just take a look at the negatives (and only in this small forum).

The board of directors of Ren. admits to the problems. This alone should stir your emotions.
I do not sell any cruise line that I am not comfortable placing my customers. I am 63 years of age (old fogie), sailed 60 times and do not need Ren. Also, I pass my over-rides back to my customers. Put that in your sandwich and eat it!

And ya know what....I think I have more fun than you.

Paul

Paul,
Btw, I am curious, in your extensive cruising experience have you ever sailed on a Renaissance ship? Come on, tell the truth, and maybe, just maybe, your arguments will have a little credibility. You stated you checked out NCL in person (I think you said 3x in another thread)when they were going bad. Why not Ren? If you have not sailed with them, then your bashing is not from personal experience. It can't be from your clients, you don't sell Ren. Gee, where does your info come from? Other travel agents, other cruise lines? Can you really trust any of them, when they have a vested interest? I really hope you have sailed Ren.

From reading this forum, I dare say there are probably as many Carnival bashers out there as there are Ren. bashers, but you have chosen to defend Carnival in other threads. I wonder why?? They pay better commissions! Paul, just admit the conflict of interest.

Dear Timib,

Will you p-l-e-a-s-e read my posts. I am tired of repeating.

Yes, I have sailed Ren. and I loved the SHIP.

Yes, I love Carnival.

Yes, I pass my extra commission back to my customers.

Yes, I love Kathy Lee.

Did you just graduate from Aggravator School?

Paul