I think one of the main reasons is the level of expectations are not met. That responsiblity lies on the shoulders of the cruise line because:<BR><BR>a. They led their customers to believe something that was not being delivered by their advertising.<BR>b. First time cruisers are not used to this whole mandatory tipping of everyone.<BR>c. The food really isn't as good as other land based inclusive vacations.<BR>d. You get charged for every little add on, like a massage (which you are led to believe through improper advertising that it's inclusive).<BR>e. Or their personnel is improperly trained and could use a little sensitivity training in handling small problems, that later blow up in to big ones.<BR>f. Or they could just like to complain.

I agree that the cruiselines do mislead you to believe that everything that they show on the tv is included as part of the cruise. Not until you are locked in do you realize all of the extra costs. Yes, the repeat cruisers know about that, but please realize that those of us whom have never cruised really don't have a clue as what to expect, so we do believe that the rock-climbing and massages and glacier hiking are all free.

The rock climbing is free! Maybe at one time it wasn't, but when I cruised Voyager and Explorer, it was. I researched both cruises thoroughly before I booked and found little to nothing to complain about. Both great cruises and my first ones, too.

When I have a problem, I complain to someone who can do something about it. I have acquired several bottles of wine as a result. No sense griping to other passengers as they can't help you. Plus minor probs should not keep you from enjoying your cruise. On our last cruise (Mercury), the staff, comparing them to a singer and musicians, was about a quarter note off. But it was our best cruise ever. All in the attitude.

<BR>You really can not complain about the prices of activities or alternative restaurants or spa serives on board if you had asked your travel agent before you booked.<BR><BR>Paul

Isn't it the travel agents job to inform you of this ahead of time? I can see if it was booked on line, it would be your responsibility. Aren't they agents not order takers?

Hi Sondra,<BR><BR>I travel agent is not going to tell a passenger every little detail of a cruise. One has to be reasonable. It can go on forever. It is the responsibility of the passenger to study and then ask as many questions as desired, no matter how trivial. When one spends money on anything questions must be asked. <BR><BR>Paul

Agree with Berry Berry.<BR><BR> First time cruisers have no idea what they are in for unless they have done a lot of research. Each cruise line has it's plus's and minus's. <BR><BR>Cruise line's advertisements can be very misleading. <BR><BR>Look at Personal Choice and Freestyle advertising. Does it ever tell you that some of the "choices" are going to cost you extra bucks? NO<BR><BR>If you are using a local TA they should tell you, but most don't. As far as Paul's idea of asking the Ta, sorry, a first time cruiser does not know what to ask. They see this stuff on TV and think it is all included. <BR>Does RCI charge for that ice rink? I have no idea, but the TV leads me to believe it free, just like using a swimming pool. <BR><BR> <BR><BR><BR>

My Crystal clients never complain about anything!

Youo see Starfish, those are the questions that have to be asked. Whatever you see on TV or in the ads ask about what is charged and what is not. Also you must ask how many cruises your travel agent has under his/her belt. Some of the new kids that are bieng hired by travel agents have never been to the Caribbean.<BR><BR>And no, you do not have to pay for the ice shows. When the first ship came out passengers could go to both of the two shows each night but now you must have tickets (free).<BR><BR>What you must not do is ask questions after you book. That's why this is a good travel site.<BR><BR>Paul

"but now you must have tickets (free)."<BR><BR>Free. Now. What will happen?

Starfish there is a better way than has been suggested. When a novice goes to a TA you will inevitably be steered to the cruise that gives the TA the highest commission and the most free cruises. You really should do your own research and know what you want before you get hustled by a TA.<BR><BR>There are many web sites that are loaded with information that can help you. Here are just a few:<BR><BR>www.cruise-addicts.com<BR>www.cruisecritic.com<BR>www.cruiseo pinion.com<BR>www.cruisereviews.com<BR><BR> In my opinion the first two are the best. Cruise Addicts has a fantastic database of cruise reviews. Cruise Critic has excellent message boards. Of course Fodors is a terrific resource. Take your time and carefully consider which cruise experience will be best for you.<BR><BR> Cruise lines are also developing resources to assist clients. For example Holland America has staff "cruise consultants" that will assist you with your cruise plans. If you were to choose Holland America through your research you can avoid TA hustle if you so choose. There are also discount brokers online that can save you money compared to TA commission inflated rates.<BR><BR>You have lots of options. The key to the best possible cruise vacation, in my experience, is an educated consumer. It is also my experience that commission driven "advice" rarely leads to the best deal or the best experience. <BR><BR>Good luck and have fun!

Been There: I totally agree with you about TAs leading you to a line that will give them a better commission. I went to a TA when I was a novice cruiser and although I told her what kind of ship/style we liked (we had previously been on one Celebrity cruise) and she kept on insisting to me that Carnival was great and that we would enjoy it. I fell for her pitch. It was our worse cruise. When we came back I gave her a piece of my mind and told her that I would not use her agency again. Too bad for her since she lost a lot of our business.<BR><BR>Also, Cruise Mates is a great source.

Its refreshing to read someone else besides me talking about the dangers of blindly using a travel agent. Thank you. I liken it to buying a new car. If you simply go into the new car dealer showroom and ask them what car to buy and how much is it - you're asking for trouble. Have some idea of where you want to go, how important is it to have the "best" food, service and accomodations, do you want to be spoiled or entertained, do you prefer a party going on all the time or some peace and quiet, etc. Then determine the price range you can afford,explore these message boards, research the cruise line reservation websites and the .com travel websites to get a feel for what you can get for what price and THEN (if you feel you must) call a travel agent and see what they can do for you.

I am a TA's dream. I know which ship, date, cabin number, past cruiser number etc. I always handle my own air, and hotel. All a TA has to do for me is give me the best price. <BR><BR>My complaint is about new cruisers that depend on a TA for information. I think a lot of people get disappointed when the TA does not give them all the info about the cruise line.

Gee I put my e-mail down, read everyone else's status and here's my take.<BR>Starfish is right do your homework or shame on you. I went online found all the great deals and still went back to my TA of 20 years because that is what she does for a living. I did my homework listened to the good the bad and the ugly and had a great first time cruise for a 25th anniversary. Met great people and enjoyed even above the complaints. <BR>Standard in life you get what you pay for. Pay cheap, suffer cheap, something is not to your liking don't do it again "twice burned shame on you". Taveled Celebrity in July on the Milenium. People with complaints seemed to be people that travel TOO MUCH and now take the luxury of it for granted.<BR>Take a chill all and enjoy life it goes by quickly.<BR><BR>Sail ON

Flextime, you said it all, and you said it well.<BR><BR>In 200 years who will care whether your tablemate wore a tux in formal night?<BR><BR>Live your life well and with Flextime's attitude, and you'll enjoy your brief stay on this earth.

Some people bitch and complaine about everything! Ignore them while on your cruise.

The key to xmans comment is "constructive". Far too many people complain because they like to hear the sound of their own voice. Comment about the real important things and enjoy everything else... remember, when you're cruising you're not working!