Comments on: Revenge at sea: 5 ways passengers are getting even with cruise lines http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/ Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott's site. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: kristin mak http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-83272 kristin mak Sun, 16 Oct 2011 02:01:00 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-83272 If cruise lines are concerned about "responsible food ordering" then why not just do what we did in the old days: have a set dining menu for first and 2nd  class travelers, for instance. Just like the menu on the Titanic or other old ships, there was one set dinner selection. They don't even have to go that far, they can just serve a set menu for sit-down meals, say, Thursday is Steak Night, Friday is fish, and so on. That way, the ship doesn't have to worry about every schlub ordering steaks for every meal. Hey that's a great idea! Cruise lines, if you need an idea person to help save you $, I'm available (and obviously out of work ;) If cruise lines are concerned about “responsible food ordering” then why not just do what we did in the old days: have a set dining menu for first and 2nd  class travelers, for instance. Just like the menu on the Titanic or other old ships, there was one set dinner selection. They don’t even have to go that far, they can just serve a set menu for sit-down meals, say, Thursday is Steak Night, Friday is fish, and so on. That way, the ship doesn’t have to worry about every schlub ordering steaks for every meal. Hey that’s a great idea! Cruise lines, if you need an idea person to help save you $, I’m available (and obviously out of work ;)

]]> By: Jcd12 http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-74140 Jcd12 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:30:00 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-74140 I just took a Princess cruise in April. I noticed that if you want to tip a waiter or room steward directly, Princess wants you to put the gratuity in a special envelope. It makes me wonder if they want that money segregated so they can take away a part of the direct tip and spread it among the entire crew anyway. For whatever the reason, I just found the practice rather odd. I just took a Princess cruise in April. I noticed that if you want to tip a waiter or room steward directly, Princess wants you to put the gratuity in a special envelope. It makes me wonder if they want that money segregated so they can take away a part of the direct tip and spread it among the entire crew anyway. For whatever the reason, I just found the practice rather odd.

]]> By: Jcd12 http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-74139 Jcd12 Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:18:00 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-74139 Well said, Sasha. I'm in the same boat as you, no pun intended. I'm taking a cruise in December and I am paying double occupancy rate. I sure hope my phantom partner has an enjoyable time! Well said, Sasha. I’m in the same boat as you, no pun intended. I’m taking a cruise in December and I am paying double occupancy rate. I sure hope my phantom partner has an enjoyable time!

]]> By: patrick http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-62930 patrick Mon, 07 Feb 2011 08:45:00 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-62930 This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks! This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!

]]> By: Leah Camara http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-57507 Leah Camara Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:54:36 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-57507 I totally agree with Tracy on all aspects of cruising. We have been cruising since the 80's. Our first cruise was on a line called Sitmar. Bet most of you have never heard of that line. You can be relaxed and enjoy your cruise OR look for everything to complain about. Nothing is ever perfect, but we still think cruising compared to land based traveling is still the best value. We have taken 2 European cruises and could never have afforded to see everything we did if we were land based and paid nightly for hotels, and for every meal and also consider that you have free entertainment every night. We DO NOT go to the "premium" restaurants and are quite content with the food in the main dining room. We are not there for a 5-star, gourmet restaurant – we have found the food to be good and with a reasonable variety. We gamble very little so a few $$ we do put in the occasional slot machine is money we intended on spending - there is no coercement by the cruise line to go to the casino. We are not drinkers either, I occasionally have a martini - we expect to pay the price - don't you pay premium prices for mixed drinks in pricey restaurants? However, we ALWAYS take cruise excursions. And know that we are probably paying premium prices. But, we feel safer knowing that the cruise staff knows what excursion we are on and that they WILL wait if it is delayed. Example: we were on an excursion that took us beaching and snorkeling last year. Well the boat developed a problem and we were an hour late getting back. Royal Caribbean waited. Had we been on an excursion we did on our own. We would have been on the Island "on our own". I am not a fan of gratuities being automatically charged to my bill. Reason is: we end up tipping people we had no contact with, and would rather leave more than the suggested amount to the people who have made our trip a vacation - i.e., our room steward, our waiter, we always, always leave them a very generous gratuity. On our last Princess cruise we did the math and it was cheaper had we just let the ship distribute our gratuities rather than us doing that personally. And when we've been on a ship for 1-3 weeks it is nice to personally let these folks know you appreciate their hard work. Cruising — still the best value for our undervalued dollar! I totally agree with Tracy on all aspects of cruising. We have been cruising since the 80′s. Our first cruise was on a line called Sitmar. Bet most of you have never heard of that line. You can be relaxed and enjoy your cruise OR look for everything to complain about. Nothing is ever perfect, but we still think cruising compared to land based traveling is still the best value. We have taken 2 European cruises and could never have afforded to see everything we did if we were land based and paid nightly for hotels, and for every meal and also consider that you have free entertainment every night. We DO NOT go to the “premium” restaurants and are quite content with the food in the main dining room. We are not there for a 5-star, gourmet restaurant – we have found the food to be good and with a reasonable variety.
We gamble very little so a few $$ we do put in the occasional slot machine is money we intended on spending – there is no coercement by the cruise line to go to the casino. We are not drinkers either, I occasionally have a martini – we expect to pay the price – don’t you pay premium prices for mixed drinks in pricey restaurants? However, we ALWAYS take cruise excursions. And know that we are probably paying premium prices. But, we feel safer knowing that the cruise staff knows what excursion we are on and that they WILL wait if it is delayed. Example: we were on an excursion that took us beaching and snorkeling last year. Well the boat developed a problem and we were an hour late getting back. Royal Caribbean waited. Had we been on an excursion we did on our own. We would have been on the Island “on our own”. I am not a fan of gratuities being automatically charged to my bill. Reason is: we end up tipping people we had no contact with, and would rather leave more than the suggested amount to the people who have made our trip a vacation – i.e., our room steward, our waiter, we always, always leave them a very generous gratuity. On our last Princess cruise we did the math and it was cheaper had we just let the ship distribute our gratuities rather than us doing that personally. And when we’ve been on a ship for 1-3 weeks it is nice to personally let these folks know you appreciate their hard work.
Cruising — still the best value for our undervalued dollar!

]]> By: Ernest http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-56216 Ernest Sat, 11 Dec 2010 04:18:55 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-56216 Guest feedback show that people actually appreciate these options? Give me a break. What he should have said is "we know it is a rip off but by telling you it is a service to you, maybe you won't get so mad about us cheating you, scamming you and generally taking advantage of you" The amount of the rip off is obvious when you see how much the mandatory tips are compared to the actual wages and living conditions of the employees. Every (noneuropean or American) employee seemed to make a good wage compared to working in their home countries but nothing compared to the fees we are being charged. Low wages, hot bunks and what I consider substandard food. Tips should never be mandatory. A tip is for service or attitude above standard. By allowing the cruse line to extract tips from you, it allows them to pay the workers less. I tip very well but to those I deal with and appreciate. My tips should not pay part of the wages of the crewman working in the engine room. He diserves a fair wage and my tips are for those that impressed me. Like he said, it is a service we should appreciate. Right. On shore calls: I was staying in Patmos Greece and the big ships rolled in, tourists paid $75 each for the priviledge of getting off the ship, getting on a 45 pax bus and riding 3 miles to the monistary where John was supposed to have written part of the Bible. Entrance was free so the $75 each was to ride a bus 3 miles, stay 20 minutes and ride it back to the port where prices double while the ship is in port. As soon as they left, prices went back to normal. I hope those passangers thanked the cruise line for 'taking care' of them. I don't mind paying for anything I want but I want what I pay for, regardless of how much or how little I paid Guest feedback show that people actually appreciate these options? Give me a break.

What he should have said is “we know it is a rip off but by telling you it is a service to you, maybe you won’t get so mad about us cheating you, scamming you and generally taking advantage of you”

The amount of the rip off is obvious when you see how much the mandatory tips are compared to the actual wages and living conditions of the employees. Every (noneuropean or American) employee seemed to make a good wage compared to working in their home countries but nothing compared to the fees we are being charged. Low wages, hot bunks and what I consider substandard food.

Tips should never be mandatory. A tip is for service or attitude above standard. By allowing the cruse line to extract tips from you, it allows them to pay the workers less. I tip very well but to those I deal with and appreciate. My tips should not pay part of the wages of the crewman working in the engine room. He diserves a fair wage and my tips are for those that impressed me.

Like he said, it is a service we should appreciate. Right.

On shore calls: I was staying in Patmos Greece and the big ships rolled in, tourists paid $75 each for the priviledge of getting off the ship, getting on a 45 pax bus and riding 3 miles to the monistary where John was supposed to have written part of the Bible. Entrance was free so the $75 each was to ride a bus 3 miles, stay 20 minutes and ride it back to the port where prices double while the ship is in port. As soon as they left, prices went back to normal.

I hope those passangers thanked the cruise line for ‘taking care’ of them.

I don’t mind paying for anything I want but I want what I pay for, regardless of how much or how little I paid

]]> By: Absurdities of the seas http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-43779 Absurdities of the seas Sun, 18 Jul 2010 06:05:13 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-43779 [...] rethink your next cruise vacation, aren’t they? But if you decide to cruise, you might consider a few preventative measures that will ensure you don’t get the short end of the [...] [...] rethink your next cruise vacation, aren’t they? But if you decide to cruise, you might consider a few preventative measures that will ensure you don’t get the short end of the [...]

]]> By: Marjorie Stevens http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-43591 Marjorie Stevens Wed, 14 Jul 2010 04:27:28 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-43591 I am glad I found your site. Got it from ShipCritic Blog. I agree with all your comments on how to avoid all the extra charges. We don't drink so we save a bundle there. We don't gamble because we know that the chances of winning are nil to none. The people that do win something probably spent a fortune to start with. They never tell you that. I also NEVER buy those pictures. Why???? Everybody has a camera and it is far more interesting to have a picture taken on shore while sightseeing, than having a staged picture on the ship. It is usually first time cruisers who get sucked up into buying those. There are thousands of dollars wasted on printing up those photos. And those high end restaurants??? Never use them. We have been on about 11 cruises and I don't cruiser to stuff my face. I eat healthily and avoid stuffing myself, so I don't have to diet when I get home. When people say, "You're on vacation. Emjoy yourself. Eat!!!" Well, people that stuff themselves and gain 10 pounds pay a huge price for the next several months trying to lose that weight. Chances are , they will never lose it. I actually try to do lots of walking and exercies so that I can acutally brag that I lost weight on the cruise. But some people will pile food on the plate to "get their money's worth". They eat as if each day was their last! These people are easily spotted because they are overwight to begin with. Dumb! They are setting themselves up for a heart attack. We actually like River Cruising better than the big cruise ships. We went on our first one in March down the Danube, from Germany to Bucharest. It was wonderful. Would have liked a bigger cabin though, but so much less of a hassle. Great food. Prepaid excursions that were so well organized and informative. I don't know if I will ever go bck on a big ship!!! I am glad I found your site. Got it from ShipCritic Blog. I agree with all your comments on how to avoid all the extra charges. We don’t drink so we save a bundle there. We don’t gamble because we know that the chances of winning are nil to none. The people that do win something probably spent a fortune to start with. They never tell you that. I also NEVER buy those pictures. Why???? Everybody has a camera and it is far more interesting to have a picture taken on shore while sightseeing, than having a staged picture on the ship. It is usually first time cruisers who get sucked up into buying those. There are thousands of dollars wasted on printing up those photos. And those high end restaurants??? Never use them. We have been on about 11 cruises and I don’t cruiser to stuff my face. I eat healthily and avoid stuffing myself, so I don’t have to diet when I get home. When people say, “You’re on vacation. Emjoy yourself. Eat!!!” Well, people that stuff themselves and gain 10 pounds pay a huge price for the next several months trying to lose that weight. Chances are , they will never lose it. I actually try to do lots of walking and exercies so that I can acutally brag that I lost weight on the cruise. But some people will pile food on the plate to “get their money’s worth”. They eat as if each day was their last! These people are easily spotted because they are overwight to begin with.
Dumb! They are setting themselves up for a heart attack.
We actually like River Cruising better than the big cruise ships. We went on our first one in March down the Danube, from Germany to Bucharest. It was wonderful. Would have liked a bigger cabin though, but so much less of a hassle. Great food. Prepaid excursions that were so well organized and informative. I don’t know if I will ever go bck on a big ship!!!

]]> By: Mark http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-43552 Mark Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:59:04 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-43552 We are looking at cruise prices and considering our options. We usually rent a house on the beach, but with the prices we are seeing a looks like a great idea. I really enjoyed the comments on this article because they gave me a broader view of where I should set me expectation prior to booking my cruise. Thanks for the info We are looking at cruise prices and considering our options. We usually rent a house on the beach, but with the prices we are seeing a looks like a great idea. I really enjoyed the comments on this article because they gave me a broader view of where I should set me expectation prior to booking my cruise.

Thanks for the info

]]> By: Crazy cruise: 7 absurdities of the seas « Candlewood Suites http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-41758 Crazy cruise: 7 absurdities of the seas « Candlewood Suites Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:08:08 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-41758 [...] rethink your next cruise vacation, aren’t they? But if you decide to cruise, you might consider a few preventative measures that will ensure you don’t get the short end of the [...] [...] rethink your next cruise vacation, aren’t they? But if you decide to cruise, you might consider a few preventative measures that will ensure you don’t get the short end of the [...]

]]> By: Sasha http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-41613 Sasha Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:47:51 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-41613 I also think that cruising is an excellent value and a great vacation. Now, however as a single I wish that they would drop the 'double' and let us singles either have the room with out the surcharge or maybe charge a 25% fee for the lack of a 2nd person who may or may not spend extra money. I know I would take many more vacations if I didn't have to pay for two people. I also think that cruising is an excellent value and a great vacation. Now, however as a single I wish that they would drop the ‘double’ and let us singles either have the room with out the surcharge or maybe charge a 25% fee for the lack of a 2nd person who may or may not spend extra money. I know I would take many more vacations if I didn’t have to pay for two people.

]]> By: Brenda http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-41463 Brenda Wed, 02 Jun 2010 13:01:46 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-41463 If cruise lines want to streamline, they should reconsider all the wasted photo stock that they use. I must have seen thousands of photos that were not purchased. What a waste. Why not tag each photo to your sail card and let each person view them on their TV in their cabin? I did intend to purchase one of the pictures that we took, but after searching for it for almost an hour (and stepping over crowds of people) I lost interest and stopped. I usually do one tour per large island and only purchase the ones endorsed by the cruiseline. I'd rather spend a couple of dollars more for the excursion, than have to buy a last minute airline ticket home, because I missed the ship. And that might also included an overnight stay in a hotel, while you find a flight home. Not worth the few $ I'd save on an internet excursion. I love cruising and I'll be taking my 6th one in August. As for the extras, I learned how to say "no" long ago and I can do it very easy. If cruise lines want to streamline, they should reconsider all the wasted photo stock that they use. I must have seen thousands of photos that were not purchased. What a waste. Why not tag each photo to your sail card and let each person view them on their TV in their cabin? I did intend to purchase one of the pictures that we took, but after searching for it for almost an hour (and stepping over crowds of people) I lost interest and stopped.
I usually do one tour per large island and only purchase the ones endorsed by the cruiseline. I’d rather spend a couple of dollars more for the excursion, than have to buy a last minute airline ticket home, because I missed the ship. And that might also included an overnight stay in a hotel, while you find a flight home. Not worth the few $ I’d save on an internet excursion.
I love cruising and I’ll be taking my 6th one in August. As for the extras, I learned how to say “no” long ago and I can do it very easy.

]]> By: Kevin & Karen http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-41447 Kevin & Karen Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:41:51 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-41447 We have just returned from 19 days on Princess (Ft Lauderdale to Vancouver BC) and while I can agree that the excursions are pricy, the saving grace is that they are bound to be at least up to a certain standard. Onboard, we heard from one other couple who booked their own tour in Cartegana (we took a ship-sponsored tour). Their bus was A/C-less, the owners delayed departure in order to overload the bus it by at least 4, and the tour guide spoke with such a heavy accent that she was all but incomprehensible for much of the time & if you asked her a question that put her 'off-script', you apparently got a blank look. Additionally, they wound up back at the dock late and were saved only by the fact that a bus with some ship's crew had broken down, so the ship chose to delay departure by 30 mins. OUR tour left on time, was not overcrowded, the bus was air-conditioned, the driver and the guide spoke excellent English and we arrived back at the dock with time to shop if we chose to (of course, my doll-collector wife chose to). Yes, we paid more, but on balance we got more. Over dinner that night (in the Main DR) our companions swore to use the ship-sponsored tours from then on. Maybe theirs' was a one-off, but still it does make you wonder. Oh- we never dined at Sabbatini's, limited our alcohol to 2 per night, don't begrudge the tips and enjoyed ourselves immensely for the whole time... Our 3rd, and we're going again as soon as we can.. We have just returned from 19 days on Princess (Ft Lauderdale to Vancouver BC) and while I can agree that the excursions are pricy, the saving grace is that they are bound to be at least up to a certain standard. Onboard, we heard from one other couple who booked their own tour in Cartegana (we took a ship-sponsored tour). Their bus was A/C-less, the owners delayed departure in order to overload the bus it by at least 4, and the tour guide spoke with such a heavy accent that she was all but incomprehensible for much of the time & if you asked her a question that put her ‘off-script’, you apparently got a blank look. Additionally, they wound up back at the dock late and were saved only by the fact that a bus with some ship’s crew had broken down, so the ship chose to delay departure by 30 mins. OUR tour left on time, was not overcrowded, the bus was air-conditioned, the driver and the guide spoke excellent English and we arrived back at the dock with time to shop if we chose to (of course, my doll-collector wife chose to). Yes, we paid more, but on balance we got more.

Over dinner that night (in the Main DR) our companions swore to use the ship-sponsored tours from then on. Maybe theirs’ was a one-off, but still it does make you wonder.

Oh- we never dined at Sabbatini’s, limited our alcohol to 2 per night, don’t begrudge the tips and enjoyed ourselves immensely for the whole time… Our 3rd, and we’re going again as soon as we can..

]]> By: Ayiti http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-41437 Ayiti Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:40:11 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-41437 We are going on a cruise this year and so very excited about it. Thanks for the tips and ideas..... I was looking at exercusions and they are pricey.... I'm excited....can't wait We are going on a cruise this year and so very excited about it. Thanks for the tips and ideas….. I was looking at exercusions and they are pricey….

I’m excited….can’t wait

]]> By: Jerry M. Newman http://www.elliott.org/the-travel-critic/revenge-at-sea-5-ways-passengers-are-getting-even-with-cruise-lines/comment-page-1/#comment-41436 Jerry M. Newman Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:18:38 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6302#comment-41436 None of the comments about shore excursions mentioned a extremely important consideration. While you can book most everything the ship offers at the dock for much less, the ship will only wait for you if you're late in returning, if you were on the ship's excursion. I have seen this on several occassions (those on both privately booked and ship booked excursions). YOU DON'T WANT YOUR SHIP TO LEAVE WITHOUT YOU! None of the comments about shore excursions mentioned a extremely important consideration. While you can book most everything the ship offers at the dock for much less, the ship will only wait for you if you’re late in returning, if you were on the ship’s excursion. I have seen this on several occassions (those on both privately booked and ship booked excursions). YOU DON’T WANT YOUR SHIP TO LEAVE WITHOUT YOU!

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