Cruising? Never again!!!!!
 

Never again!! We are just back from a multi stop cruise. Food was just OK, drinks were expensive. Photos were continually getting taken and you were pressed to buy them.You could never seem to escape the crowds. I was really looking forward to Dunns River Falls but it was positively dangerous!!!<BR>I suppose it was my own fault as I kind of knew a cruise would be a gamble but I really wanted to see a variety of places. Next time I'll follow my instincts! Has anyone else had a really disappointing holiday, after spending all year looking forward to it?

sounds like sour grapes to me Marla...Dunn's River Falls dangerous? Really now it is an easy climb. Get real

Other than the Dunns River thing,did not see this, I'm agreeing with Marla. I also just completed my first cruise and will never do another. I really have nothing terrible to say about the ship but I found the whole experience not to my liking. Now please don't get all worked up about this, There are lots of us out there for whom cruising is just not our cup of tea. I got really tired of waiting in line for everything, to get on the ship, to get off the ship, to eat, to get from one deck to another etc etc. And "spacious".......I swear thats what they advertised but I found nowhere that could even remotely be described as spacious. Race off the ship, move as fast as possible to see as much as possible in an impossibly short period of time. Ugh..never again.<BR>I guess my real gripe is that everyone said I'd love it. Why can't they be honest and say, its really not for everyone.

I agree, cruising is not for everyone. We took a cruise 3 years ago and, while it was fun and we met lots of nice people that we are still in contact with, it was just not for us. We prefer to stay in one place and explore at our own pace, especially in the Caribbean. Might consider a cruise to Alaska, tho...

bj<BR> you put your thoughts onto paper a lot better than I did! Marnie- funnily enough I would also consider a cruise to Alaska!!!<BR>

Cruises just aren't for everyone, just as all inclusives are not for everyone. I personally love cruising. I have been on 3 and think they are the best deal ever. <BR>I just returned from an all inclusive in Jamaica. This was the first all inclusive I have been too. It wasn't bad, and I guess I see the appeal, but I was bored by the end of the week and wished I had booked a cruise instead. <BR><BR>The moral, to each his own....<BR>Hope your next trip is more to your liking

does anyone know why there are 2 identical replies of mine posted-I wasn't even at the computer at the time of the second posting!!!!<BR>thanks for good wishes Melissa. We have been to the Caribbean on a couple of all inclusives and enjoyed them, although I appreciate that there are disadvantages to them. We did not eat in all the time as we wanted to see life "outside" but did like the safety net of not having to worry about costs.

We went on our first cruise two years ago. Although the idea never really appealed to me that much, I had a friend who raved about cruising and the prices looked pretty good so we decided to give it a try. Looking back , I guess I have mixed feelings about the experience. It was nice having the activities come to you as opposed to you having to drive around to get to different activities. It was also nice not having to worry about picking good restaurants every night. My favorite part was probably sitting on our balcony just listening to the rushing water, which I found very relaxing. <BR><BR>On the other hand, I'm not really one to spend a lot of time hanging out with 1500 other people around a pool, and I much prefer natural beauty (i.e. a great beach) to the man-made kind. The ports were nice, but you really only have time to see the most commercialized parts of town that were built up--in many cases--expressly to cater to cruise ship passengers. We felt rushed with only a few hours to experience an entire island, and also felt as though we were over-charged for the ship excursions. After a few days, we got sort of tired of eating the same ship food (although it was pretty good) in the same dining room, night after night.<BR><BR>All in all, while we did enjoy ourselves, we probably won't do another cruise anytime soon. You're right--I think it really depends on the person. We really don't care much for all-inclusives either. To me, the perfect vacation gives you plenty of time to explore an interesting destination at your own relaxing pace and experience the local culture. To each his own, I guess! <BR><BR>Marla--hope you have better time next vacation. We really enjoyed ourselves on St. John this past month. If you're looking for a beautiful place where you can get away from some of the crowds, this is a great place to do it (at least in the off-season). Good luck!

I'm with you, Marla! Did one and it was enuf! Lovely and really enjoyed but it wasn't the mega ships of today! I would consider one of the small upscale ships if I win the lottery or even one of the Lindblade expeditions or something like that. Just watching all those wonderful beaches as we went by just was tooo much! <BR>Yes, I've been disappointed but at least it was a learning experience and you have it out of your system. You try to make lemonaide when you get a lemon!<BR>There are those that love the cruises or even the all inclusive places with the non-stop activity. I would need another vacation to recouperate from all the activity, eating and drinking! I need to get away from it all, from people and from the hussle and bussle with a schedule! Just vegging on a beach enjoying the local people, culture and food is what I look forward to the most! Traveling with 2000 friends just doesn't work for me! And I am envious of those who it does work for since there are such reasonable prices out there! <BR>

I agree Karen and speaking of 2,000 friends and Dunn's River Falls...I agree with Marla that it is very dangerous. My idea of fun is something other than holding hands with about a thousand or two perfect strangers while trying to climb extremely slippery rocks up a waterfall. I found it frightful and very dangerous. When we were there one extremely obese gentlemen had to be pulled up off the rocks and helped the rest of the way up by about four guides because he couldn't maneuver it on his own. We bailed out about half way up and didn't look back...not my idea of fun.

I have been on five cruises. My best experience was on the NCL Norway. It is what cruising is ment to be. The Norway is an older ship but reminds me a little of the titanic. Its not new and shiney like the new mega ships. If I ever cruised again it woulkd be on the Norway.I do agree that Drinks are really expensive. We never thought we would have enough time to do any shore excursions as time was limited. In two weeks we are off to Jamaica to an all inclusive for $631 everthing included. I never left a cruise vacation for under $1500.00 with drinks, trinkets, ect. Try the Norway, it may not be flashy but has dancing, pools, show ect like all the big ships, but not as many ships and it is elegant. Not 10,000 feet of neon and the rooms are spacious.

stranger and stranger!They've now deleted one of the repeated posts of mine! why bother?

It's all smply a matter of opinion as many have pointed out above. Personally, I can't see going on a vacation where I am on a schedule, and have to rush. Thats why I go on vacation, to get away from all schedules and RELAX!! If I went on a cruise, got to an island I really loved, I'd be quite bummed that I had to get back on the ship and leave. <BR><BR>I guess some folks don't mind the hussle and bussle of a cruise. Crowds? Lines? Schedules? NO WAY!! JMHO

I'm with you Scott!

For what it's worth-here's my opinion. For me a cruise was relaxing, doing what I want when I want. I can get off the ship if I want, basically eat when I want. I choose the late seating and am not rushed to get there. If I go to a show or an excursion there's a set time but if I was on an island for a week there would be a set time also. It gives me a chance to see different places and I can then go back for a week if I want. The year after a W. Carib Princess cruise we went to Cozumel for a week. Our food was excellent and yes they continually took pictures but were never pushy to buy them. They were in the photo gallery and then it was your choice to pick them up if you wanted. We never had to wait in line for anything unless we got to dinner a few minutes before the set time and the doors weren't open yet. Dunns River would have been the same whether on a cruise or staying on the island. Drink costs were the same as in a nice restaurant at home. Our next cruise in March is $600 per person (not counting air). Haven't tried an all inclusive-I think a cruise is as close as I want to get to that concept. I'd say try it once and you may like it. But if you don't, there's nothing wrong with that either. Different opinions are what makes the world go round. By the way, my husband did not, repeat, did not want to go on our first cruise. As we were getting off he was telling me to book our next one. LOL

looking back to my original post, I think I made it sound worse than it was. No, I would not go back, but I really did try to make the most of it and met some great people. Next year we are going to the Far East on a multi-centre holiday(flying this time!!)I'm already really looking forward to that!! I have been on umpteen holidays and ,apart from the cruise, loved them all-so I've really been quite lucky!I have enjoyed reading everyone elses experiences on cruises,thats what it makes this such a good site! There, I feel better all ready!!!!! Thanks everyone!

I assume what would happen to me if I were ever to go on a cruise is that I would wake up way past breakfast time, missing that meal, miss all the excursions, and by the time I got my butt in gear to go out and "explore" in one of the ports, all the others would be fending their way back to the ship. I could of course set an alarm, but I go on vacation to avoid that. I'd much rather get up whenever...stroll out to the beach with my coffee, check the paper to see if it's a heavy cruise ship day and, if not, venture out at my leisure to one of the sights. Should there be two places I want to visit, well then, there's always tomorrow (at least for the week or two I'm there). After my excursion, select a restaurant for the evening, perhaps with any of the many friends we make at the resort or in our visits around. <BR><BR>My family is all cruise-loving folks who always nag me to "take a family cruise". Naturally, they think I'm a wet blanket. But having seen the cover of the local newspaper travel section with one of the Carnival ship's pool area thronged with people, all deck chairs filled and 3 square feet of pool space per person, I thought "Uh Uh! Not for me"<BR><BR>And as for Dunn's River Falls being the same whether you are on a cruise or not, if I may suggest that people in the know who vacation on an island know to check to see when cruise ships are in and avoid heavy tourist areas on those days or the times that cruisers are likely to be there. I'm sure it's the same in Jamaica, although I've never been there.<BR>Gerie

Has any one thought of one of those several day yacht deals? We have a membership thru our timeshare. The way it was explained we could use it to go from island to island, taking our time at the stops that we wanted. You only pay for fuel, food, membership covers maintainance and crew.

Many places do offer a combination land/sea stay and of course the boats that are usually offered are smaller ones where it just might be the "crew," the Captain and first mate who does the cooking. It is really a delightful way to explore the islands. Or you can charter your own boat/yacht for the entire week and it is wonderful!

Interesting thread.<BR><BR>I have cruised a few times on the big boats and many times on smaller ones with between 2 and 30 other passengers. 3 big-boat experiences stand out for me. They are widely separated in space and time.<BR><BR>The first was with one of the great Cunard liners in the late 60's. It was a translantic crossing; the entertainment was seniors-oriented or kiddy; so the in-betweens made their own fun and had a ball. Food and service were superb.<BR><BR>The second 'experience' was on the Alexander Pushkin (now Marco Polo) in the late 70's. Also transatlantic, and a complete horror-show in terms of both food, service and anything else you care to name. The voyage up the St. Lawrence to Montreal in autumn was, however, spectacular.<BR><BR>The third trip was very recently, with Princess to Alaska. Mass market, very processed and 'canned', excellent service, mediocre food, good accommodation (we had a mini-suite with a balcony). The access this form of travel provided to the Alaska scenery was what made it worthwhile. By and large, I agree with Marla's assessment although because of the scenery factor, I can't say I was disappointed.<BR><BR>I would not, I think, ever go on one of the big boats again but I might think twice if it was one of the upscale lines with a very special itinerary. <BR><BR>Hands down, my preference is the personal charter with crew who really know the region or the smaller boat with only a few other passengers (the BEST way to see the Greek islands, IMHO) <BR><BR>I have never been to an all inclusive (much preferring independent travel). So I would think that if Princess was not my cup of tea, then the AI's wouldn't be either. Your views ?<BR>

to curious<BR>I've only been AI twice,both times in the Caribbean. The reason we chose this was because both islands were expensive and it gave us an idea of our budget beforehand. Although I did not enjoy my cruise,I did enjoy these holidays. If you want your food to be exactly the same as home then you may be a bit disappointed. Personally I like to try the local dishes where ever I am so I enjoyed the food. There was always plenty space round the pools and on the private beaches. You can decide where and when you want to go on trips. And also you can "escape" out of the complex at night and visit some local spots. <BR>we are going to the Far East next year and we have gone for hotel and breakfost packages only as I want to do my own thing and its cheap enough to do just that!!

ttt

I thought this was a great thread. Thanks to everyone that posted. I have pondered the idea of cruising for quite some time and now I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be for me or my husband at all. Watching those beaches go by would be too much. Standing in line would be too much. Seeing only the ports of islands wouldn't be enough, etc., etc.

ttt

Marla, thanks for your reply to my post. I definitely do not want a vacation which just gives me my home environment (culture, food, etc.) in a different location. By preference, I usually rent a house or rooms from locals for a month or so. I try to live as they do (shopping for groceries, using the local rumshops and restos, playing cricket and soccer with the locals on non-private beaches, partying with local friends, participating in 'visitors-welcome' community events and so on). <BR><BR>On the other hand, if I only had a very short time for a holiday (say less than a week), was completely exhausted, and on a fixed budget, an AI might be a welcome choice. Otherwise, and thanks to your advice, I think I'll continue to pass.

not giving my real name incase my friend reads this( she does check fodors on a regular basis!) I think the worst cruise in the world must be a Disney one! having listened to her experiences( which she enjoyed!) I have been put right off cruising! However, wouldn't the world be boring if we all liked the same things!!!!

bj chiming in again. All my friends who said I would LOVE cruising are now feeling apologetic since I really did not care for it. I keep trying to explain, I have no regrets. We saw a lot and tried something new but once was enough. I do know there are some islands I'd love to return to and some others I'd probably skip. For those of us who really like to discover and savor our vacations...cruising is probably not the way to go. I am curious though, why do cruise lines not offer cruises that limit the number or ports of call, stay 2 days or more per port and offer another sort of experience?? For the price, anyway, it can hardly be beat.

Good idea bj<BR>I may be more inclined to try a cruise with fewer stops and more time in port. that way you have more of a chance of doing your own thing in port. Also it can only be better for the cruise companies as you are bound to spend more time on shore and therefore eat less on board.( on second thoughts I suppose you would be spending less money on board as well!)

I have been only on one cruise. I found both good and bad about it. The food was very good, staff efficient, organized etc. On the otherhand, the drinks were expensive ( I am from Canada, so the exchange is horrendous, especially when you convert the price of a drink to CDN dollars), shore excursions booked through the ship expensive and I felt somewhat rushed. I realize you can't spend 24 hours on one island, but there are so many things to see or do, it is hard to pick. Also daily newsletters under the door, listing the activities for the ship that day. Yes there is some interesting stuff, but you feel bombarded. I wouldn't say my experience was bad- there was both positive and negative aspects. Cruising would probably not be my first choice for a vacation, but I wouldn't rule it out completely

anon]<BR>Has your friend asked you about your posting yet!!!!I know exactly what you mean though! I've listened to a friend raving a cruise that sounds like a nightmare to me. However we tend to go on holidys where the quality of the accommodation is not that important, it's getting to know the culture and mixing with the locals. Some of my friends would hate that type of holiday and only be happy with top quality hotel rooms and steak just like home!Each to their own!

To Steve:<BR>Interesting comments about the NCL Norway. My one and only cruise was on that boat. I liked the boat, but decided I preferred land-based vacations rather than cruises. JMHO.<BR><BR>BTW...I think people will have a hard time sailing the Norway in the Caribbean. It is set to be retired soon. Have heard it's been sold. :(

We have not taken a cruise - yet - but have spent several one-week vacations on different Caribbean islands. Because we stay in modest hotels and eat inexpensively, this is cheaper than a cruise.<BR><BR>HOWEVER - we are considering taking ONE cruise because it would allow us to see several islands in a week (or 10 days). We would try to choose an itinerary that included islands that are not on our "short list" of potential destinations for full one-week stays (e.g. Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia). For us, this is the only advantage we can see for a cruise.<BR>

If that's the only reason to take a cruise, I would suggest otherwise. That seems like an awful expensive way to research which islands to visit in the future. Often, you only see ports or very small portions of the island anyway, so it may be difficult to get an accurate picture of the people, the environment, etc.<BR><BR>I would suggest picking up some books at your local bookstore and researching them that way and save yourself $1,000 or $2,000. Plus, save yourself from a potentially unfulfilling, regretful experience.

we will be leaving on our 12th cruise in the last 10 years this month.cruising is like any other kind of travel- it's what you make of it. i don't hear anyone talking about the great time they had on these islands. that's because you relied on the ship to bring it you in the form of shore excursions. you pay the price and get canned results this way. i own several travel books for the caribbean and make use of the internet to set up my own shore excursions in the various ports. before traveling on our last cruise, to australia, new zealand,and the south pacific islands. we arranged our own shore excursions from home before we left. the ship is really just a delivery system for your adventures, not the adventure itself. you'll definitely be disappointed if you expect the ship to do all that for you! it is a bit huried on the ship, especially if there are numerous ports to visit, and that does mean lines first thing in the morning to disembark. but the rewards are great as you can experience the cultures of each island every day. all the ports are not the same! that's only what those say who only walk 5 minutes to the end of the pier only to exclaim this looks like the port we were in yesterday. and don't forget: just because your meals are already paid for as part of the cruise, that doesn't mean you have to eat them all on the ship. after all, part of the experience is to eat what is unique to each island while on shore. every island has their own great street food and part of the adventure is to find it and try it. i guess i'm just saying that the key to the trip is not where your hotel (or cruise ship) is but what you do with the expeience.

Steve - well said!!!

I love cruising but I know it isn't for everyone! It sounds like several of you were not honest about what you wanted when you booked with your travel agent, you had a bad travel agent or you tried to do it yourself. It's a shame to waste a vacation; we get so few in this country!

just returned from a cruise and won't be going on another one! However it would have been better if I'd done some of my own research first and organised what I wanted to do in port. Take heed anyone else who is going on a cruise-PLAN!!!!

ttt

I think it would really help the rest of us if you posters who are relating negative experiences would be much more specific about who you used (cruise line, hotel, restaurant, what side of the island you visited, etc.)<BR>I realize that when you have a negative experience, you want a) a little revenge (none of us are above that) and b) to keep others from wasting their hard earned vacation dollars. Because some people love what others hate, MORE SPECIFIC DETAILS would help us all make better choices. Thanks!<BR>

What about those nasty cruiseship saltwater pools? Does anyone else have a problem with those because that's one thing that really turned me off about a cruise.