Rude people at International Cafe. Help us Princess!

[Potstech]

And perhaps you should read other people's posts more carefully before making such comments. You seem to think that because someone has expressed a wish that they would like to be able to have a table to sit down at for a short while enjoying a coffee that they are demanding other people MUST move for them.

 

There is a problem on some ships where tables in the IC are being commandeered for long periods of time by people who are obviously not using the cafe and, are therefore, blocking those tables from being used by other passengers who would use them in a more considerate manner.

 

Incidentally the term "hog" is commonly used on this forum to describe people who unfairly block others from being able to use certain facilities of the ship, usually sunloungers or theatre seats, and I see no difference with people who use cafe tables for lengthy periods of time when there are other places around the ship that they could sit.

 

I do read all comments carefully and make my comments as I want. If you or othets do not like them then that is your problem.

 

The trem "hog" and its derivatives is used by others as a derogatory insult for others. It looks like you think it is OK to use deragatory and insulting words just because others do. How do you get the authority to tell others where they can and can not do something. Sorry but Princess allows their activities in the place they choose. Again sorry you do not like it but until it is changed all you are doing is showing that you should be given consideration over them for a minor inconsequential reason. As I stayed previously "Time to get over it"

[Potstech]

Who knows, maybe they can multi-task. Or maybe not, they do seem pretty oblivious to all the people who can't find a table.

 

As they should be.

[masterty]

I have listened to pax complain about towels on deck chairs for a decade. Cruise lines have ignored these complaints, by doing nothing to stop it. When I saw the title of this thread "Help us Princess", I am sorry I chuckled a little bit. :)

The OP is going to be very disappointed to learn Princess will not take any more action at the IC than Princess currently does out on the pool deck.

[OzKiwiJJ]

I do read all comments carefully and make my comments as I want. If you or othets do not like them then that is your problem.

 

The trem "hog" and its derivatives is used by others as a derogatory insult for others. It looks like you think it is OK to use deragatory and insulting words just because others do. How do you get the authority to tell others where they can and can not do something. Sorry but Princess allows their activities in the place they choose. Again sorry you do not like it but until it is changed all you are doing is showing that you should be given consideration over them for a minor inconsequential reason. As I stayed previously "Time to get over it"

 

I think you're being a bit over-sensitive. Obviously you see it as "deragatory and insulting words". I see it as an apt description.

 

The definition of "To Hog" is:

1. informal

take or use most or all of (something) in an unfair or selfish way.

synonyms: monopolize, keep to oneself, dominate, take over, corner, control; informal

 

Is that not the correct description of people who stay at cafe table for a far longer period than would be considered reasonable given they are not actually eating or drinking?

[pris993]

It is amazing to me, that seat at the IC should be such an issue... these ships today have an amazing amount of space and activities...how anyone can consider they are entitled to have a seat available when they want in the IC is beyond me, life is too short.

 

When I find something not to be to liking on a cruise, I skip it, move on to something else. There are lots options, how lucky can we be...

[traveling1969]

What the OP describes is the absolute norm on cruise ships. Whenever there is a popular "open" area, people will congregate to see and be seen; to play cards or games; to read books or write in their journal; to surf on their laptop or device and yes, to catch a quick cat-nap. That's where the action is and we all want to be there.

 

You see it on the Royal Promenade on RCCL ships where often there is not a free seat at the pub and many folks will not have ordered a drink. Same with the Promenade Café. They sit and do whatever and maybe just people watch. The same thing happens in the Viking Crown Lounge. It's a very popular venue for all those things and yes, folks do on occasion order a drink or two.

 

On Princess ships, you see this behavior in the Wheelhouse Bar, Adagio, Horizon Court and of course in the Piazza. Guess what? THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT!!!

 

Closed venues, such as Alfredo's, Lotus Spa, Sanctuary and specialty restaurants (yes, that includes Johnny Rockets on RCCL ships) are by their very nature, different. You won't find those sorts of activities going on there unless as happens sometimes in the Crown Grill in the afternoon when it is opened up for all sorts of table games.

 

 

Wait, there may be one venue that is "open" by definition and "closed" to those sort of activities. Try sitting and reading a book or taking a snooze while sitting in front of a slot machine...if you DARE.

 

To the OP, bottom line is this, you use "open" venues how you wish and so will I. If you want to advocate for a "closed" venue in the most popular area of the ship go ahead and do so and good luck with that. But face facts, as long as those areas remain "open", we will use them as we see fit.

 

ZZZZZZZZ.

 

Harry

Edited July 7, 2016 by traveling1969

[elliair]

We where having lunch in the buffet and 4 lady's came to our table and told us we had to leave because that is where they play cards in the afternoon. Just ignored them and they left in a huff!!

 

Oh I woulda loved to have that scene. I would have said to them "How does it feel to want." :D

[elliair]

On our RCI cruise last month, we asked a couple who was seated by the window in the Windjammer at breakfast if anyone was sitting in the vacant seats(4 empty seats.) They responded that the seats were vacant but we couldn't sit there because it would block their view. The place was packed so we just told them, "sorry" and sat down. They got up in a huff.

 

Now that's how you handle it! I usually say "I don't see anyone sitting here, so we are." Grow a pair people!

[moki'smommy]

We had a similar situation in a local restaurant. The wait for a table was lengthy so we got in the line for a table in the bar area (first come, first served). We were first in line when a couple came in, spotted some friends who were leaving, and walked to their table. There was a brief exchange of hugs, the original couple left and the new couple sat down at the table.

 

Sorry, ain't happening We had been waiting 30 minutes. I went over and pointed out to them that there was a line and we were next. The husband insisted that "our friends were here." I replied that the friends didn't leave the the table in their will and we sat down. They made a couple of rude comments and I stated that we would be happy to share the table with them, but we would take that vacant table as we had waited for it...and that they should not have cut the line. After a few minutes they got up and left...and went to the end of the waiting line! Amazing!

[OzKiwiJJ]

What the OP describes is the absolute norm on cruise ships.

 

It's a sad world where the lack of consideration for others is considered an acceptable norm. :rolleyes:

[limoncello07]

Many of the debates on this thread about coffee drinkers vs card players, visible vs invisible disabilities, etc., seem to veer into discussion of individual "entitlements" -- i.e., I paid x, I'm therefore entitled to y, or "my entitlement is equal to your entitlement." I think this misses a more fundamental point: namely, that public spaces on the ship are by definition shared resources, to be used by all passengers. If you spoke to the ship architects, I would venture to guess that the spaces are designed (in terms of how much space is allocated to various venues, etc.) on the assumption that they will be used in a manner similar to a time-share condo (ie.,where people occupy a space for a week or month at a time, rather than a whole year) and that there will be a natural ebb-and-flow of people in and out of various parts of the ship throughout the day. However, it seems that certain passengers instead approach the public spaces more like the California or Yukon gold rush, where resources are not so much shared as they are divided, into individual plots that are claimed on a first-come, first-serve basis. This system may be perceived as "fair" in terms of equal opportunity, but I think it's fundamentally at odds with the design of the ship. (Otherwise, the space on the ship would be 100% allocated to individual cabins and deck space allotments).

 

I think it's hard to come up with hard-and-fast rules for sharing, either for Princess to enforce or even for everyone to agree on here. However, I wonder whether Princess (or other lines) might consider more general "messaging" to promote the sharing ethos onboard -- e.g. "Our public spaces are designed for the collective use of all passengers -- please be considerate and share!" People will inevitably still disagree about what constitutes appropriate "sharing" in different circumstances but perhaps reinforcing a norm of "sharing" (through small table signs? the Patters?) might at least make people think twice about whether they are affecting the enjoyment of fellow passengers, and work against the "land grab" mentality that seems to affect numerous areas of the ship.

 

Too idealistic?

[OzKiwiJJ]

Where's the Like button? ;) :)

[Reader0108598]

Many of the debates on this thread about coffee drinkers vs card players, visible vs invisible disabilities, etc., seem to veer into discussion of individual "entitlements" -- i.e., I paid x, I'm therefore entitled to y, or "my entitlement is equal to your entitlement." I think this misses a more fundamental point: namely, that public spaces on the ship are by definition shared resources, to be used by all passengers. If you spoke to the ship architects, I would venture to guess that the spaces are designed (in terms of how much space is allocated to various venues, etc.) on the assumption that they will be used in a manner similar to a time-share condo (ie.,where people occupy a space for a week or month at a time, rather than a whole year) and that there will be a natural ebb-and-flow of people in and out of various parts of the ship throughout the day. However, it seems that certain passengers instead approach the public spaces more like the California or Yukon gold rush, where resources are not so much shared as they are divided, into individual plots that are claimed on a first-come, first-serve basis. This system may be perceived as "fair" in terms of equal opportunity, but I think it's fundamentally at odds with the design of the ship. (Otherwise, the space on the ship would be 100% allocated to individual cabins and deck space allotments).

 

I think it's hard to come up with hard-and-fast rules for sharing, either for Princess to enforce or even for everyone to agree on here. However, I wonder whether Princess (or other lines) might consider more general "messaging" to promote the sharing ethos onboard -- e.g. "Our public spaces are designed for the collective use of all passengers -- please be considerate and share!" People will inevitably still disagree about what constitutes appropriate "sharing" in different circumstances but perhaps reinforcing a norm of "sharing" (through small table signs? the Patters?) might at least make people think twice about whether they are affecting the enjoyment of fellow passengers, and work against the "land grab" mentality that seems to affect numerous areas of the ship.

 

Too idealistic?

 

 

 

Very nice post, way to participate, in a discussion.:)

Edited July 7, 2016 by Reader0108598

[Reader0108598]

Perhaps you should "accidentally" take a tumble and spill your coffee on these people forcing them to retreat to their cabin!

 

 

Seriously I have noticed this extremely disturbing and mentally unstable behaviour. I kid you not. Passengers are up at 4am reserving seats at the international cafe on ships and they are playing tag teams with their partners. I know this because I am into photography and decided to do a photography session inside the ships public rooms when no passengers were around. I got myself up early on a part morning and noticed that these passengers were reserving seats from 4am. I wonder what kind of life it is for them just to spend the entire cruise sitting at the international cafe.

 

 

You joke ,about spilling coffee on some one, and they"exhibit extremely disturbing and mentally unstable behavior" ?

Edited July 7, 2016 by Reader0108598

[Griller]

I would think that if certain tables were only for those consuming food, there would be some sort of signage. Sounds like they should add some more tables if this a popular area for people to hang out.

 

Or build ships like they used to with adequately sized public spaces and decent card rooms. Specialist restaurants can't be used after about 4pm for playing cards or games.

Instead of adapting existing ships by taking out public space and turning it into more cabins.

Greedy cruise lines are the culprits here.

[sunsetbeachgal]

Agree with prior poster that it is too bad that card and game rooms (and lovely bigger libraries) have been eliminated on most of the newer ships. We were on the Coral in January and most of the time when we walked through, the card and game room was full of folks playing cards, mah Jong, scrabble, etc.

 

I am a frequent user of the IC, both for snacks and beverages, and have not experienced the tables adjoining the IC being used for by those who might sit there for hours playing cards. On busier days at the IC, there always seem to be nearby bars with tables that I can eat at if the IC tables are full. While I would not sit at the IC tables for hours and play cards, I have to agree with others who say that public areas are available for everyone.

Edited July 7, 2016 by sunsetbeachgal

[OzKiwiJJ]

Would it be too hard to put espresso machines in a couple of other places around the ship, say the Wheelhouse Bar and maybe Crooners? That way people who just want coffee/tea/hot chocolate could go there rather than the IC and that would spread people out around the ship more.

[Musky Ike]

Such tough lives we lead :rolleyes:

[8 Bells]

As someone else said, it's a public, open place. Just because a table is occupied by some card players doesn't mean you can't sit there, as well.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited July 7, 2016 by 8 Bells

[DougH]

I'm just wondering what the OP reaction would be if every table in the atrium area had someone drinking coffee and eating food from the IC when she was looking for a seat? Would it be Princess fault for not having enough tables or was everyone else eating/drinking too slow and not leaving any space for her?

 

Everyone has a right to sit where they want for however long they want.

[elliair]

I think it's hard to come up with hard-and-fast rules for sharing, either for Princess to enforce or even for everyone to agree on here. However, I wonder whether Princess (or other lines) might consider more general "messaging" to promote the sharing ethos onboard -- e.g. "Our public spaces are designed for the collective use of all passengers -- please be considerate and share!" People will inevitably still disagree about what constitutes appropriate "sharing" in different circumstances but perhaps reinforcing a norm of "sharing" (through small table signs? the Patters?) might at least make people think twice about whether they are affecting the enjoyment of fellow passengers, and work against the "land grab" mentality that seems to affect numerous areas of the ship.

 

Too idealistic?

 

People would ignore "signs, messages, etc." The same groups of people hit the Lido an hour before lunch and claim all the window seats. They'll even grab the large tables. It's difficult to police the entitlement mentality and I'm not so sure Princess wants to go down that road and I don't blame them. I don't want to go to Lido an hour before it opens and get a table by the window as I can make better use of that hour. For some it's a game with them just like reaching in front of you at the buffet, or getting in line in front of you. You can't change their behavior when they have the me first mentality as they do not care about your comfort, it's all about them.

[elliair]

You joke ,about spilling coffee on some one, and they"exhibit extremely disturbing and mentally unstable behavior" ?

 

I agree. Intentionally spilling hot coffee on someone might land you in the pokey and off the ship at the next port. Sending someone to the infirmary with burns is way beyond mental illness.:mad:

[limoncello07]

People would ignore "signs, messages, etc." The same groups of people hit the Lido an hour before lunch and claim all the window seats. They'll even grab the large tables. It's difficult to police the entitlement mentality and I'm not so sure Princess wants to go down that road and I don't blame them.

 

I agree it's not something that Princess would likely want to "enforce," but am wondering more about setting a tone or expectation. I agree some people will always act that way no matter what messages are posted (and not only on cruise ships). At the same time, I also think there is a bit of a "contagion" effect behind this phenomenon, where one person sees someone else doing it, assumes it is the norm and does it themselves, etc.

 

I was thinking back to a time I stayed in a beach community on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I was walking down the beach one evening and saw that people had set up and left large sun tents on the beach for the next day, presumably both to "reserve" some space, and avoid the hassle of carrying and erecting the tent each day. I had never seen this before and assumed it was some kind of local custom. I even started to wonder whether I should check out the local hardware store and do the same for our family. Later that evening, I was looking online for restaurant recommendations and learned that this was absolutely NOT a homegrown custom -- the locals in fact hated it, and some were seeking a ban on the practice. In addition to creating visual pollution during the late evening or early morning hours that the beach would normally be empty, the tents were disrupting the habits of local sea turtles. There were also instances of the tents blowing away in gusts of wind and causing damage to people and property. All of these things made perfect sense (and horrified me) once I read them; but hours earlier, when I was standing on the beach as a vacationer, it had seemed like a widely accepted practice, and a pretty clever idea to boot. Live and learn (or in this case, read and learn) :)

[BarbaraP]

I'm just wondering what the OP reaction would be if every table in the atrium area had someone drinking coffee and eating food from the IC when she was looking for a seat? Would it be Princess fault for not having enough tables or was everyone else eating/drinking too slow and not leaving any space for her?

 

Everyone has a right to sit where they want for however long they want.[/QUOTE]

 

That is not a true statement. If you wanted to sit in the Crown Grill all evening playing cards, I bet Princess would not allow it.

[tonit964]

Name calling,now that is classy;)

 

What would you think if those classless people, could only sit and play cards?

What if they have ailments that do not allow for excursions,pool or such?

I do agree the horizon court is a restaurant ,but the atrium is public space.

 

My Dad is mobility impaired and does not get off the ship, so when we are off on our excursions, he goes to IC, gets 1 hot chocolate and does his crossword puzzles for quite a while. Granted, the ship is pretty empty at that time but he does the same on sea days.

 

He paid his fare the same as the person walking around with a muffin wanting a seat, so he has the same right to be there doing his thing for as long as he pleases.

 

Iv'e sat in the Piazza with a drink and listened to the live music for their entire set because I'm enjoying it. I would not get up and leave because someone else is walking around looking for a seat.