Why all the complaints?

[woodley]

I have been reading these boards for quite a few years and have been on about 30 cruises across most cruise lines. I am amazed how much complaining is going on. If you like me have never had domestic staff & still work, every day on board ship is gift full of relaxation and fun where I can travel in comfort.

 

If we eat in a venue on board and don't like the food then we find something we do like in another place. There are so many choices and we always find more than enough that we do like. If I don't get a towel animal or a pillow chocolate it does not spoil my vacation, when I do get one it makes me smile.

If my bottled water (aqua)isn't complementary any more i will pick one up at the bar before I go back to my room.

 

All the cruise lines are trying to keep prices low and are making small cut backs some of which you can arrange to have in your cabin if you pay more. For example you can order a water package, chocolates and flowers to be in your room. I would prefer lower prices and the option to pay for the extras if I want them.

 

The fact that cruise lines are adding more ships and these ships are usually sailing full means there are a lot of people that really enjoy the amenities and service. Perhaps those people who are having a great vacation are too busy working to pay for their next cruise to come on these boards and give the other side of the story which is in my opinion great value for money, the best way to travel and see the world and the most relaxing kind of vacation I have ever taken.

[crusinpeg]

Very well said!!!

[johnlcruise]

Well Said...

[keesar]

I believe the issue deals with an implied contract. When a person has booked a room in a particular category, it is expected that the amenities that are listed will be honored.

 

It is ironic that prices for cruises have gone up, cost of fuel has gone down, and there are cutbacks occurring. Plus, check out the bottom lines of the parent companies. They are doing very well.

[Wine-O]

 

It is ironic that prices for cruises have gone up, cost of fuel has gone down, and there are cutbacks occurring. Plus, check out the bottom lines of the parent companies. They are doing very well.

 

As a shareholder, that makes me happy. :)

[rjrpar]

The question is "why all the complaints?", not let's have another complaint.

btw, companies are suppose to do well, make money for shareholders, create jobs, etc

[roquejo]

Oops, all along I thought I was on the NCL forum (due to this being complaints related thread) but realized I am in Celebrity now..

 

In fairness, between Celebrity, NCL, and RCCL that I have been regularly checking out.. Celebrity has the least complaints overall.. NCL has the most complaints, due to their frequent abrupt changes lately not in favor of customers.

 

So in spite of the complaints it's nice to know that among the cruise lines, Celebrity has the least cutbacks overall so far among the 3 cruise lines.

[Vicjac]

Can't agree more.

[MOcruiserman]

You can always find things to complain about, whether on a cruise or on another type of vacation. The bottom line, though, is whether you had a good time. One each of my three cruises I had a great time and that's why I'm eagerly looking forward to my next cruise!

[Kamloops50]

Myself and DW go on cruises to relax and get away from the daily family routine. Yes if something goes sideways so what . No trip is ever perfect .

Many people use this forum to complain about things that wouldn't bother us.

[Gracie115]

All the cruise lines are trying to keep prices low and are making small cut backs .

 

well....no ..... at least for X the price is going up up up.......and cuts are still coming...

 

I would think that would be a source of some of the "complaints"

[cheeseheads4ever]

Yes I agree. If I don't like a restaurant I don't go back. My wife and I have cruised on a half dozen or so cruises. Maybe we are easy people to please but there may be little things that you could complain about. But really you want to ruin your vacation because you didn't get towel animals every day?

I've read cruise reviews after we got off the ship about how bad the food was, poor room attendants,non pleasant cruise staff. This was on the same cruise, ship we were on and couldn't believe it. We had a totally different experience.

I always treat people with respect like I'd like to be treated. Seems to come back at you. My old saying you get more with sugar than vinegar.

Granted some times you just run across a difficult person. Win them over with kindness.

We are going on the Feb 16, 2016 cruise on Constellation and looking forward to it.

[keesar]

As a shareholder, that makes me happy. :)

 

Record earnings and share price over $100. What is there to complain about?

Life is good!

[El Crucero]

Some people will complain about anything. That's what makes them happy I guess. I have seen it on CC and in person aboard ship. One of my table mates went into a rage because the waiter didn't stop taking desert orders and get him his coffee immediately. He asked for the waiter's name and said he was going to report him! I was embarrassed.

 

Cruise lines are in business to make a profit, it is the nature of the capitalistic system. Celebrity is not a "not for profit" business. Celebrity clearly states in their contract they have the right to modify amenities without prior notification. If someone doesn't like the contract, go find another cruise line that doesn't say that (they all do). As far as pricing, charge as much as the public is willing to pay. Cruising is discretionary not a necessity.

 

However, I think that Celebrity has the opportunity to set themselves apart in Public Relations above all other cruise lines by being more responsive to client input and by notifying all those booked in a particularly class of changes in amenities, conditions, and regulations at least 90 days prior to implementation - which they don't do now. This would give those people who think that daily bottled water is a "deal breaker" for them (there would be only a few) the opportunity to cancel their voyage and get a 100% refund.

 

We have sailed a number of cruise lines from low end to high end and private yachts. We love Celebrity best. It give us the most most value for our dollar. I understand that others may feel differently.

 

Merry Christmas to all on CC (complainers and non-complainers) and to all the wonderful staff aboard Celebrity ships.

[El Crucero]

Yes I agree. If I don't like a restaurant I don't go back. My wife and I have cruised on a half dozen or so cruises. Maybe we are easy people to please but there may be little things that you could complain about. But really you want to ruin your vacation because you didn't get towel animals every day?

I've read cruise reviews after we got off the ship about how bad the food was, poor room attendants,non pleasant cruise staff. This was on the same cruise, ship we were on and couldn't believe it. We had a totally different experience.

I always treat people with respect like I'd like to be treated. Seems to come back at you. My old saying you get more with sugar than vinegar.

Granted some times you just run across a difficult person. Win them over with kindness.

We are going on the Feb 16, 2016 cruise on Constellation and looking forward to it.

 

I like your attitude and there is more truth than poetry in what you say. The Constellation is our favorite ship. Merry Christmas cheesehead.

Edited December 24, 2015 by El Crucero

[hcat]

I have been reading these boards for quite a few years and have been on about 30 cruises across most cruise lines. I am amazed how much complaining is going on. If you like me have never had domestic staff & still work, every day on board ship is gift full of relaxation and fun where I can travel in comfort.

 

If we eat in a venue on board and don't like the food then we find something we do like in another place. There are so many choices and we always find more than enough that we do like. If I don't get a towel animal or a pillow chocolate it does not spoil my vacation, when I do get one it makes me smile.

If my bottled water (aqua)isn't complementary any more i will pick one up at the bar before I go back to my room.

 

All the cruise lines are trying to keep prices low and are making small cut backs some of which you can arrange to have in your cabin if you pay more. For example you can order a water package, chocolates and flowers to be in your room. I would prefer lower prices and the option to pay for the extras if I want them.

 

The fact that cruise lines are adding more ships and these ships are usually sailing full means there are a lot of people that really enjoy the amenities and service. Perhaps those people who are having a great vacation are too busy working to pay for their next cruise to come on these boards and give the other side of the story which is in my opinion great value for money, the best way to travel and see the world and the most relaxing kind of vacation I have ever taken.

 

Your cruise history shows that you are experienced cruisers but fairly new to Celebrity. It was always a cut above. ..Its signature has always been some version of Classy, Modern Luxury...both in cruise experience and passeger mix. It is now rapidly moving down to the level of some other lines in order to fill ships and turn profits,.,.pretty soon it will be 3 hots and a cot..already it is more about the bars than other joyful aspects of cruising...

 

Although not in a suite, we are still paying premium prices in AQ several times a year and disappointed to not be getting the amenities (like the water) we were promised when we booked. Higher priced categories carry those who book with no frills and do not spend anything extra in the spa, specialty dining, casino, shops, excursions, etc, but cruisers in those categories seem to be receiving less for more.

 

Many changes led to negative posts... on the bright side, we heard new towels are now replacing the ripped, scratchy stained ones we had on our last 2 trips! Hoping a move in the right direction because we love to cruise!

Edited December 24, 2015 by hcat

[Klugslodge1]

Yes I agree. If I don't like a restaurant I don't go back. My wife and I have cruised on a half dozen or so cruises. Maybe we are easy people to please but there may be little things that you could complain about. But really you want to ruin your vacation because you didn't get towel animals every day?

I've read cruise reviews after we got off the ship about how bad the food was, poor room attendants,non pleasant cruise staff. This was on the same cruise, ship we were on and couldn't believe it. We had a totally different experience.

I always treat people with respect like I'd like to be treated. Seems to come back at you. My old saying you get more with sugar than vinegar.

Granted some times you just run across a difficult person. Win them over with kindness.

We are going on the Feb 16, 2016 cruise on Constellation and looking forward to it.

 

 

 

Only have 10 or so cruises until our belt, all with Celebrity (1st on Galaxy 2003 I believe) or RCCL. After 10 years of trying to convince my hubby to cruise he said Galaxy was the best vacation he ever had. Quite a few years later, things have changed, the " little things" are gone but still the best bang for our vacation buck. I'm a "bargain shopper" but also know what I am willing to pay for and not pay for. I keep looking for a better value than Celebrity giving me what is important to me but I haven't found it. Most recently sailed on Eclipse for 2 weeks and although there were things I would have changed if possible, the trip was overall AWESOME! B2B on Reflection booked for 2016 and can hardly wait! Too bad work is always getting in our way!

[Hlitner]

Well said? NOT! So we need some perspective to this topic. As frequent cruisers we have a few options. Follow the lead of the OP, just roll with the waves, do not complain, accept whatever you get, and life goes on. And if we all had that attitude one might assume there would continue to be more and more cut-backs, quality would continue to decline, prices would increase, etc etc. Another strategy is to vote with one's money (which is something we often do) and simply move on to a different cruise line, ship, or perhaps some type of land trip. But for many of us who love cruising (we have been cruising for over forty years) it is our hope that if the cruise lines are aware of what is right and what is wrong, that they will make appropriate adjustments in their product. Posting legit complaints and observations here on CC is a good way to discover if the issue is isolated, or if many others have noticed the same problems. And since the cruise lines actively monitor these boards (and in some cases even post) a frequent complaint here on CC can (and often does) result in the cruise line making some type of "adjustment."

 

One issue we find interesting has to do with cruise line surveys. Once upon a time nearly every cruise line would give each passenger a detailed evaluation form (often on the last day of a cruise) and even encouraged those forms to be completed by offering prizes. These evaluations were tabulated, reviewed, and sometimes resulted in changes (some of which were major). We are personally aware of several major changes on RCCL (now RCI) as the result of surveys. But lately, we see fewer surveys and they are generally not as comprehensive as in years past. Is this because the cruise line's no longer want to know what folks think? Or perhaps it is because of CC that the cruise lines are able to compile a lot of knowledge about the likes and dislikes of their customers.

 

So we urge fellow bloggers to post your thoughts, both positive and negative. And as a very frequent cruiser (70-100 days a year) we read lots of comments and some of our decision making is based on what we see here on CC.

 

Hank

[grandgeezer]

Every person is different with different needs and expectations. Just because they don't jive with yours doesn't make them wrong or you right. I don't care if everybody on the ship differs with my opinion, it's not going to change it. If their opinion doesn't agree with yours ignore it and move on. Just labeling someone a complainer or a cheerleader just leads to some snarky posts and ill feelings both ways.

If you want, try the cruise, drink package, specialty dining, etc and make your own judgment on whether you want to continue or move on.

[Klugslodge1]

 

So we urge fellow bloggers to post your thoughts, both positive and negative. And as a very frequent cruiser (70-100 days a year) we read lots of comments and some of our decision making is based on what we see here on CC.

 

Hank

 

At the risk of starting a debate as I may have misunderstood (hate written communication vs. verbal as it is so easy to misinterpret based on the reader's preception) I thought this thread was fellow bloggers posting

their thoughts, both positive and negative. I sincerity posted as I do feel Celebrity offers me the best value, sea or land based on my needs/wants.

[El Crucero]

Many changes led to negative posts... on the bright side, we heard new towels are now replacing the ripped, scratchy stained ones we had on our last 2 trips! Hoping a move in the right direction because we love to cruise!

 

They only give the ripped, scratchy, stained towels to those who complain. :D I have always been VERY satisfied with the towels in our stateroom. Always in perfect condition.

 

Merry Christmas hcat.

[Cruise Raider]

I do sometimes read some valid complaints, after all, people are critiquing what they don't like as well as commenting on what they do like....and both sides of the story do help out fellow cruisers especially if there is no agenda behind their comments.

However, sometimes the complaints do get a bit out of hand and seem to consume member's every waking thought. When speaking to one of the future cruise consultants that we've met up with on several different itineraries, he brought up a great point.

He asked, 'do you remember your first cruise?' -- 'why of course we do' we replied. I remembered all they gave you and the expectations were set high after that. Then he asked, 'do you remember what you paid for your first cruise?' -- again, we stated we did remember that as well.

Now for the kicker, 'did you now pay more or less for this cruise a few decades later?' It was about the same....but now for a balcony instead of an inside or oceanview cabin and free perks like crazy thrown in and now, if you don't like having a set dinner time, you don't have to. And, if you don't like to dress up on formal nights, you have options.

Wow! It really is the best bargain out there and you are now allowed to customize it to better suit your needs. While some things have been removed from what is offered for 'free', you are really paying a lot less for the cruising experience in comparison to the 'old days' and have the option to add on those items you cannot live without at an additional cost to you alone ... without those costs being absorbed by all the other passengers.

 

One couple that we travel with often mentioned something at dinner once ... the more people cruise, the more critical they become. I think this may be true. Knowing this, we always try to keep each experience separate from other influences. We were just on a cruise on another line and I didn't particularly like the ship itself ... just too old for me with a couple of major design flaws as well as some maintenance issues. However, the staff and the crew were amongst the best we've seen, the food and entertainment was very good, we had some great weather and we met some very nice people onboard. I feel as though we gave this cruise experience a very good evaluation and didn't let the things we disliked about the ship influence how we felt about the other aspects of the cruise. I think when people let one or two things that you don't like affect take over ... you are dooming your own enjoyment and possibly that of the people around you. So, while there are definitely some valid complaints, some of which we can learn from, I just don't try to let them permeate my every thought.

 

PS -- the funniest thing I ever heard was when we met this lady at the muster drill ... so we weren't even sailing yet. She stated it was her first and going to be her last Princess cruise. Why?? The waiter didn't get her a slice of lemon to go with her crab cake. Seriously?? That was her deal breaker, I suppose. I bet she was fun to be around for the rest of that cruise. Yikes!! :eek:

[Bo1953]

I have been reading these boards for quite a few years and have been on about 30 cruises across most cruise lines. I am amazed how much complaining is going on. If you like me have never had domestic staff & still work, every day on board ship is gift full of relaxation and fun where I can travel in comfort.

 

If we eat in a venue on board and don't like the food then we find something we do like in another place. There are so many choices and we always find more than enough that we do like. If I don't get a towel animal or a pillow chocolate it does not spoil my vacation, when I do get one it makes me smile.

If my bottled water (aqua)isn't complementary any more i will pick one up at the bar before I go back to my room.

 

All the cruise lines are trying to keep prices low and are making small cut backs some of which you can arrange to have in your cabin if you pay more. For example you can order a water package, chocolates and flowers to be in your room. I would prefer lower prices and the option to pay for the extras if I want them.

 

The fact that cruise lines are adding more ships and these ships are usually sailing full means there are a lot of people that really enjoy the amenities and service. Perhaps those people who are having a great vacation are too busy working to pay for their next cruise to come on these boards and give the other side of the story which is in my opinion great value for money, the best way to travel and see the world and the most relaxing kind of vacation I have ever taken.

 

W - thank you for the post. I, for one, refuse to be :confused: (confused) by policies, cut backs or what is included or not on any sailing...

 

I look forward to enjoying myself along with family and friends, crew and staff alike... will things go awry? Of course from time to time, just like at home.. :)

 

I do appreciate the value in a cruise vacation... I do understand that part of the value, or major portion of it, is in cabin location and type and some of the 'movable' amenities.

 

I do question some of the issues cruisers post about here, but alas it is easier for some to post here then really tackle the challenge through proper channels. Admittedly, sometimes posting here works... With upwards of 2,300 individuals on any given sailing, it is near impossible to satisfy every one at all times.. That does not mean a failure is NOT a failure in some service issues.

 

Thank you again for your thoughts...

 

bon voyage

[Bo1953]

i do sometimes read some valid complaints, after all, people are critiquing what they don't like as well as commenting on what they do like....and both sides of the story do help out fellow cruisers especially if there is no agenda behind their comments.

However, sometimes the complaints do get a bit out of hand and seem to consume member's every waking thought. When speaking to one of the future cruise consultants that we've met up with on several different itineraries, he brought up a great point.

He asked, 'do you remember your first cruise?' -- 'why of course we do' we replied. I remembered all they gave you and the expectations were set high after that. Then he asked, 'do you remember what you paid for your first cruise?' -- again, we stated we did remember that as well.

Now for the kicker, 'did you now pay more or less for this cruise a few decades later?' it was about the same....but now for a balcony instead of an inside or oceanview cabin and free perks like crazy thrown in and now, if you don't like having a set dinner time, you don't have to. And, if you don't like to dress up on formal nights, you have options.

Wow! It really is the best bargain out there and you are now allowed to customize it to better suit your needs. While some things have been removed from what is offered for 'free', you are really paying a lot less for the cruising experience in comparison to the 'old days' and have the option to add on those items you cannot live without at an additional cost to you alone ... Without those costs being absorbed by all the other passengers.

 

One couple that we travel with often mentioned something at dinner once ... The more people cruise, the more critical they become. I think this may be true. Knowing this, we always try to keep each experience separate from other influences. We were just on a cruise on another line and i didn't particularly like the ship itself ... Just too old for me with a couple of major design flaws as well as some maintenance issues. However, the staff and the crew were amongst the best we've seen, the food and entertainment was very good, we had some great weather and we met some very nice people onboard. I feel as though we gave this cruise experience a very good evaluation and didn't let the things we disliked about the ship influence how we felt about the other aspects of the cruise. I think when people let one or two things that you don't like affect take over ... You are dooming your own enjoyment and possibly that of the people around you. So, while there are definitely some valid complaints, some of which we can learn from, i just don't try to let them permeate my every thought.

 

Ps -- the funniest thing i ever heard was when we met this lady at the muster drill ... So we weren't even sailing yet. She stated it was her first and going to be her last princess cruise. Why?? The waiter didn't get her a slice of lemon to go with her crab cake. Seriously?? That was her deal breaker, i suppose. I bet she was fun to be around for the rest of that cruise. Yikes!! :eek:

 

a++++

[lovemylab]

When speaking to one of the future cruise consultants that we've met up with on several different itineraries, he brought up a great point. He asked, 'do you remember your first cruise?' -- 'why of course we do' we replied. I remembered all they gave you and the expectations were set high after that. Then he asked, 'do you remember what you paid for your first cruise?' -- again, we stated we did remember that as well. Now for the kicker, 'did you now pay more or less for this cruise a few decades later?' It was about the same....but now for a balcony instead of an inside or oceanview cabin and free perks like crazy thrown in and now, if you don't like having a set dinner time, you don't have to. And, if you don't like to dress up on formal nights, you have options.

 

Wow! It really is the best bargain out there and you are now allowed to customize it to better suit your needs. While some things have been removed from what is offered for 'free', you are really paying a lot less for the cruising experience in comparison to the 'old days' and have the option to add on those items you cannot live without at an additional cost to you alone ... without those costs being absorbed by all the other passengers.

 

 

While it is a good point, it's important to remember that not everyone is comparing a cruise today to one from 20-30 years ago.

 

We first cruised 10 years ago and took our first cruise on Celebrity 3 years ago. In the past few years we've seen a steady increase in prices, while experiencing a decline in food quality and onboard amenities. Current European cruise prices are double what we paid in 2012 (for the same time of year and similar itinerary). In 2013, we took an 11 day Caribbean cruise on the Equinox - the current price of that sailing is 50% higher.

 

PS -- the funniest thing I ever heard was when we met this lady at the muster drill ... so we weren't even sailing yet. She stated it was her first and going to be her last Princess cruise. Why?? The waiter didn't get her a slice of lemon to go with her crab cake. Seriously?? That was her deal breaker, I suppose. I bet she was fun to be around for the rest of that cruise. Yikes!!

 

:eek::eek::eek: