My grandmother is originally from NYC and moved to Florida upon retirement. Needless to say, she is not a complainer, on cruises or otherwise. Don't make blanket statements about people unless you want to come off as sounding ignorant, which you suceeded at.

Stay home you little snot! If you think that someone who has lived 60 years does not have something interesting to share, you have a pea size brain. The only complaining that I see is YOURS! By the way, keep your kiddies home!

I can sympathize, Newboy, having been run down by a few of the motorized scooters in cabin passageways in my day!

Stan,<BR><BR>You stay home too. Cruising is too dangerous for you.

Hang in, there, Newboy! Bad behavior is bad behavior no matter what the age!

Just a little story about the joys of getting past stereotypes: my first cruise was on a small ship in the Aegean. Among my shipmates was an older couple from NY, who groused and complained and generally made life a misery for their fellow passengers and the crew. At Santorini, they were trying to meet a friend, but were having a devil of a time negotiating the gondola and the geography. I gritted my teeth and helped them out. And found out a little about what was up. They were the kind of couple who always left everything to hubby. But hubby was starting to move from early to more advanced stages of alzheimer's, and suddenly they were left with no one who knew how to cope. They were cranky because they were scared (and if you've ever had a friend or family member with alzheimer's, you'll know what that's about), but determined to have what they realized was their last chance at fun as a couple. (Also turns out that she was an accomplished artist, and they both had led quite a life.) They've remained my friends to this day, as they have with several other people who were on that ship. yes, they were a pain in the butt, but once you got past that, they were terrific people to know. It's worth getting past the surface.

What a nice story to share. One never knows another persons fears, or concerns. There is no country in the world that treats the elderly the way the U.S. does. It is shameful the attitudes the Americans have towards the aging not mention the lack of respect.

I beleive complaining starts early in life. My mother-in-law is in her mid 80's and complains about everything. But everyone who knows her says she has always complained. My father-in-law enjoys everything and I have never heard a complaint. I am in my early 60's and discuss things I enjoy and those I don't.

Newboy Jones, perhaps you should make sure your comments are not the beginning of a future of complaining which will only get worse as you grow older.

A few comments on all of the above replies.

1) Yes 60 is old. Since the average human dies in his/her 70's, I think it is fair to say that 60 is old.

2) People who complain just suck to be around, but there are plenty of young people who complain.

3) what the hell does 9/11 have to do with this post? Just because it mentioned old people from new york? get real!

4) The best advice was buried somewhere in all the above crap. To avoid older people who complain, travel on a cruisline that does not cater to them (choose Carnival over HAL) and travel at times when the youth are in higher numbers (such as spring break).

Finally, although stereotypes offend people, they are in existence for a reason ? there is enough truth in them to be considered accurate by a lot of people.

If you are old (pretty much anyone who is retired falls in this category) please end the above stereotype (regardless of which state you are from) and be nice and happy when you cruise.

You are right Jim- I move if people are rude, but will speak up if it is unwarranted. They shut up real fast, if you call them on it.

I have been on a ship where the people came to blows in the buffet line and the Captain kicked them off the ship! Everyone cheered.

I just think that Newboy Jones felt inadequate against the knowledge and life experience of the over 60s. Ever thought that older people may find you boring, stupid and ignorant Newboy?
I am not an over 60 but the best time was when I was growing up and living with my Grandmother who used to tell me stories of the &quot;olden days&quot; and which I loved to hear. She was my best friend and I am richer for having her in my life.
Open your poor vacuous mind and you might learn something.

You are sick, I'm 62 and jumping around like a 12 year old. Being older don't mean your dead. I could hold more woman in one night then you, Im a ladies man, not like you, only careing about one thing. Remember everone becomes old at one time. Older and full of gas, Ass.

i don,t know on our last cruise ( we took our 2 kids b/6 g/9 ) grandeur of the seas we only met one nasty lady ( she was upset that a captain on another cruise had dumped her , so she said ) our kids loved meeting the older passengers and learned as we did many cruise tips and fun things from them . that said we have very well behaved kids , so the older passengers enjoyed them around

I don't know what the deal is with Holland America. I cruised on the Zaadam in March 2002 and didn't see any old people. I have first hand knowledge about New Yorkers in Florida! I live in Jupiter and they are everywhere, of all ages and all complain all the time.

Hey all,

Let's lighten up here. I like Jim Smith's post.......right on the money. If we're a jerk when we're young we'll be a jerk when we get old. So here's a joke for you all, take care.


Two old ladies were outside their nursing home, having a drink and
&gt;&gt;a
&gt;&gt;smoke, when it started to rain. One of the ladies pulled out a
&gt;&gt;condom,
&gt;&gt;cut off the end, put it over her cigarette, and continued smoking.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;Lady 1: What's that?
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;Lady 2: A condom. This way my cigarette doesn't get wet.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;Lady 1: Where did you get it?
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;Lady 2: You can get them at any drugstore.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;The next day, Lady 1 hobbles herself into the local drugstore and
&gt;&gt;announces to the pharmacist that she wants a box of condoms.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;The guy, obviously embarrassed, looks at her kind of strangely (she
&gt;&gt;is, after all, over 80 years of age), but very delicately asks what
&gt;&gt;brand
&gt;&gt;she prefers.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&quot;Doesn't matter son, as long as it fits a Camel.&quot;
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;The pharmacist fainted.
&gt;&gt;