Rationale for choosing a particular Cruise

[drsel]

The oldest ships may not have a lot of frills and facilities, but they are usually available at bargains prices.

[drsel]

Shortcomings of the old ships are made up by the wonderful and caring attitude of the crew

[sparks1093]

43 minutes ago, drsel said:

The oldest ships may not have a lot of frills and facilities, but they are usually available at bargains prices.

 

41 minutes ago, drsel said:

Shortcomings of the old ships are made up by the wonderful and caring attitude of the crew

For some the fact that a ship is "crappy" may not hinge on the ship's age. Some might consider a new ship that is in essence a floating amusement park to be "crappy". Some might consider a ship crappy if the food isn't 4 star or better in the dining room. In other words everyone's definition of "crappy" is going to be different. 

[cruisemom42]

46 minutes ago, drsel said:

Shortcomings of the old ships are made up by the wonderful and caring attitude of the crew

 

The key is to know as much as possible about the current state of the ship, if it's old. Some seem to "age" better than others...

 

I don't necessarily mind if there's a spot of rust on the railing, but I do not want to sail on a ship that has had consistent plumbing and HVAC problems in cabins.

[iancal]

It depends on the shortcomings.  We have no interest in cruising on a ship that has regular AC or plumbing issues, air filter issues.  Or on a ship where there are obvious mtce cutbacks or deferred drydock.    We do not think a wonderful crew can `make up`for these issues.

 

Nor are we interested in a ship that has just come out of dry dock or just about to go in.  Not at all interested in an inaugural cruise where the customers are second fiddle to the comped industry and media folk and public rooms are often closed for private events.

Edited March 26, 2020 by iancal

[drsel]

Luckily, the ships we have been on never had any plumbing or electrical problems

[drsel]

The inaugural Cruise is also not advisable, because the the crew members are not well prepared or experienced enough