cruise critic or twitter?

[Hlitner]

On 2/20/2021 at 9:05 AM, malted muse said:

I may be wrong but I always thought that cruise critic was an international forum formed to share views and information about cruising in a helpful and supportive way.  It seems to me, however, that when I look at topics they seem to descend into the sharing of views about things such as vaccinations - which is the best one - politics and views around them etc.

While I can understand that there is an issue about vaccinations related to cruising I do think the threads descend into pedantic, name calling and propaganda sharing (sometimes of a nationalistic nature) that is detrimental to the role of cruise critic.

 

You do raise a good point.  I guess if CC were to be strictly about cruising there would no longer be a CC because nearly all cruising has come to a halt.   The topic of COVID and Vaccinations are very relevant since the ability of anyone to cruise will likely depend on COVID, Vaccinations, and the political decisions that impact the ability of any of us to cruise.

 

I completely agree with you about the name calling which is just silly, immature, and is unfortunately a fall-out of the current western culture.  There was a time when folks would intelligently discuss/debate issues but we are now in an era when folks want to "cancel" anyone with with whom they disagree.   Just try to have a rational discussion with folks about the climate...and you will quickly find yourself immersed in a nasty cancel culture (ie...if you don't agree with me you are cancelled).

 

But the reality about the cruise industry is that it is caught in the middle of the COVID mess, politics, vaccines, etc.  That is not what most of us want but it is the reality of the times in which we live.  When, where and if we can travel and where we can go is related to COVID and politics.  That is reality!  

 

I would prefer to go back to the good ole days when we would discuss ports, tours, where to go, which cruise lines to try, different ships, etc!  But at the moment these issues are not relevant until cruising and world travel once again resumes it's place in our society.   DW and I would love to return to Europe this Spring/Summer be it on a ship or on land.  But the reality of COVID and world politics now makes that seem unlikely.  I guess we could keep posting advice about places like France and Italy...but the truth is that most of us are not even permitted to go to those places (via ships or air).  

 

I will tell you that the online reaction to travel transcends cruisers.  We are spending our usual winter in Mexico and the blogs are outrageous.  There are some expats here in Mexico that post day after day their outrage that anyone would dare travel to Mexico (where they live).  And there are many others who are sheltering in place in both the USA and Canada that constantly flame everyone who has the audacity to go anywhere during a Pandemic.  The vitriol and nasty comments are something I have seldom seen on travel blogs (we are not just talking about CC).   

 

I think that most folks are simply scared, frustrated, and lashing out at anyone who does not see things in the same light.  That is human nature as fear is a very strong motivator.  There do not seem to be any simple answers these days and the ability to discuss issues has been nullified by the inability of many folks to handle debate.  

 

I guess the only answer I can offer to the OP is that when you see threads which make you unhappy...just move on to the next thread.  One nice thing about CC is that we all have the freedom to read or ignore posts.  I like having the ability to make my own choices and salute CC for having a pretty tolerant attitude towards most discussions.  

 

Hank

[malted muse]

1 hour ago, Hlitner said:

You do raise a good point.  I guess if CC were to be strictly about cruising there would no longer be a CC because nearly all cruising has come to a halt.   The topic of COVID and Vaccinations are very relevant since the ability of anyone to cruise will likely depend on COVID, Vaccinations, and the political decisions that impact the ability of any of us to cruise.

 

I completely agree with you about the name calling which is just silly, immature, and is unfortunately a fall-out of the current western culture.  There was a time when folks would intelligently discuss/debate issues but we are now in an era when folks want to "cancel" anyone with with whom they disagree.   Just try to have a rational discussion with folks about the climate...and you will quickly find yourself immersed in a nasty cancel culture (ie...if you don't agree with me you are cancelled).

 

But the reality about the cruise industry is that it is caught in the middle of the COVID mess, politics, vaccines, etc.  That is not what most of us want but it is the reality of the times in which we live.  When, where and if we can travel and where we can go is related to COVID and politics.  That is reality!  

 

I would prefer to go back to the good ole days when we would discuss ports, tours, where to go, which cruise lines to try, different ships, etc!  But at the moment these issues are not relevant until cruising and world travel once again resumes it's place in our society.   DW and I would love to return to Europe this Spring/Summer be it on a ship or on land.  But the reality of COVID and world politics now makes that seem unlikely.  I guess we could keep posting advice about places like France and Italy...but the truth is that most of us are not even permitted to go to those places (via ships or air).  

 

I will tell you that the online reaction to travel transcends cruisers.  We are spending our usual winter in Mexico and the blogs are outrageous.  There are some expats here in Mexico that post day after day their outrage that anyone would dare travel to Mexico (where they live).  And there are many others who are sheltering in place in both the USA and Canada that constantly flame everyone who has the audacity to go anywhere during a Pandemic.  The vitriol and nasty comments are something I have seldom seen on travel blogs (we are not just talking about CC).   

 

I think that most folks are simply scared, frustrated, and lashing out at anyone who does not see things in the same light.  That is human nature as fear is a very strong motivator.  There do not seem to be any simple answers these days and the ability to discuss issues has been nullified by the inability of many folks to handle debate.  

 

I guess the only answer I can offer to the OP is that when you see threads which make you unhappy...just move on to the next thread.  One nice thing about CC is that we all have the freedom to read or ignore posts.  I like having the ability to make my own choices and salute CC for having a pretty tolerant attitude towards most discussions.  

 

Hank

Thanks for such an in depth and objective reply.  

There are suggestions about reporting and/or ignoring and I agree and appreciate them.  I also feel there is a place for saying 'be nice and stay on topic" - maybe we could have a signal with the like button?  not a dislike or hate option but one that says 'nudge' or something? or maybe we need the occasional chat like this?

[ilikeanswers]

On 2/21/2021 at 2:51 AM, malted muse said:

 I am getting a bit concerned that there have been a few threads that have descended into vax vis anti vax etc discussions.  It isn't everywhere but my worry is that it can spread.

 

Unfortunately this debate is unavoidable. You have one side that is scared they won't be able to cruise because of mandatory vaccines and another side who is worried cruising will be delayed or ruined if passengers don't get vaccinated😕. I think there are a lot of people who are scared about how travel will change and some are worried by the time they are allowed to travel it maybe too late for them or no longer in their price range. Fear can make people lash out😞.

[ldubs]

On 2/20/2021 at 2:38 PM, malted muse said:

not sure I fully agree.  Its not just entertainment it is a resource for planning, discovery, saving money etc. I think it's worth looking after and helping it specialise in cruising.

 

I think the forums have become more of a social release during these times when folks might be stuck at home more than they would like.  So, I suppose I'm not surprised that things go off topic more now than they did in the past -- kind of like a normal conversation I suppose.   I'm not sure I would want the forums to ever be a strict Q&A.  And, like others would expect to see things settle into more "cruisie" topics as we get past the pandemic.  As for the nastiness, it might be worse, but I think there was plenty of that before.   

 

Anyway, I like your previous comment that everyone needs to be stewards of the forum so it can remain a valuable resource.  

[clo]

On 2/20/2021 at 9:15 AM, malted muse said:

Not sure what you mean by 'extremely in allowing' as you seem to be missing a word, I think 'tolerant', 'flexible', 'understanding' would all fit in here.

 

Yes.

 

And, at this time, if we stayed on the topic of (just) cruising then they might as well shut the site down. For instance we have a cruise booked for over a year and a half out in the Baltic and Scandinavia. I have no interest in starting research on those destinations at this time. Who knows if we'll be cruising then or how it all can change. I've answered the occasional question about particular destinations. 

[malted muse]

1 hour ago, clo said:

Yes.

 

And, at this time, if we stayed on the topic of (just) cruising then they might as well shut the site down. For instance we have a cruise booked for over a year and a half out in the Baltic and Scandinavia. I have no interest in starting research on those destinations at this time. Who knows if we'll be cruising then or how it all can change. I've answered the occasional question about particular destinations. 

I see your point and feel the same in many ways.  I have planned many trips that won't happen just for the escapism.  Maybe that would be a good thread?

[SelectSys]

On 2/22/2021 at 9:05 PM, ldubs said:

Anyway, I like your previous comment that everyone needs to be stewards of the forum so it can remain a valuable resource.

Just like camping!  Leave the campsite better than you found it.

 

On 2/22/2021 at 9:05 PM, ldubs said:

I think the forums have become more of a social release during these times when folks might be stuck at home more than they would like.

About 1/3 of my entire post history have come in the last year.  I joined in 2007.  I have certainly been stuck home more than I like for quite sometime!

[malted muse]

I know this is not 'topic' related but as so many have said about missing cruising I put together a short compilation of ports.  hope that is OK.

https://youtu.be/slYDx03w0UY

[drsel]

On 2/21/2021 at 4:08 AM, malted muse said:

It is a resource for planning, discovery, saving money etc. I think it's worth looking after and helping it specialise in cruising.

Absolutely!

Helping others on cruise critic triggers a release of oxytocin, which has the effect of boosting your mood and counteracts the effects of cortisol (the dreaded stress hormone).

Interestingly, the higher your levels of oxytocin, the more you want to help others

Edited February 26, 2021 by drsel

[drsel]

Not only does one get oxytocin released in the brain, but Cruise critic is also highly addictive, I must admit.

Almost as addictive as cruising itself.

 

So when all Cruisers cannot Cruise, they will flock to Cruise critic

Edited February 26, 2021 by drsel

[malted muse]

1 hour ago, drsel said:

Absolutely!

Helping others on cruise critic triggers a release of oxytocin, which has the effect of boosting your mood and counteracts the effects of cortisol (the dreaded stress hormone).

Interestingly, the higher your levels of oxytocin, the more you want to help others

yes indeed.  this is exactly why I think we need to use it, protect it and support it.  Helping each other is rewarding and worthwhile.  PLUS the more we do it the better the community is and the more enjoyable it feels. So let's keep sharing, let's be helpful, be positive when we can and share solutions to the negatives. And let's push away the the traps of moaning for the sake of it and dismissing others when they do not deserve it.

There are so many nice people out there from all over the world.

[Lois R]

Interesting replies for sure.   I agree tolerance and patience and can go a long way🙂

 

So, who has cruises booked for "down the road"?..........I have 3 deposits down.......one for 

October, one for December and one for March 2022..........let's see if any of them sail.

[donaldsc]

On 2/20/2021 at 9:45 AM, mom says said:

OP, I can understand where you are coming from, but I don't know what you expect from a forum such as this. I too am sick and tired of the repetitive threads and the high degree of pedantry on some if them. But I feel I have a few choices. If one sees multiple threads on the same subject, you can ask to have them merged. If you see inappropriate posts (blatantly false information or hostile language) you can report them. Or you can simply not read those threads and move on to one that is if interest. I am not about to tell my fellow CC members what subjects they can or cannot post on. Or how they debate points if view, providing they remain civil.

 

You might add that if a specific person is consistently hostile or off topic, you can block all posts from that person.

 

DON

[lenquixote66]

21 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Interesting replies for sure.   I agree tolerance and patience and can go a long way🙂

 

So, who has cruises booked for "down the road"?..........I have 3 deposits down.......one for 

October, one for December and one for March 2022..........let's see if any of them sail.

A guy who I have known since 1958 is in a music group that has been booked for a cruise as an entertainer for 2023.

[drsel]

13 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

A guy who I have known since 1958 is in a music group that has been booked for a cruise as an entertainer for 2023.

A very senior citizen entertainer? In his seventies or eighties??

[lenquixote66]

4 minutes ago, drsel said:

A very senior citizen entertainer? In his seventies or eighties??

He and his wife were college professors for 32 years.After retiring they put together a music group.The group members range from 30’s to 70’s.

[Lois R]

51 minutes ago, lenquixote66 said:

A guy who I have known since 1958 is in a music group that has been booked for a cruise as an entertainer for 2023.

Hi Lenny, good to see you again🙂hope you are feeling well.

[SelectSys]

On 2/26/2021 at 7:23 AM, drsel said:

Not only does one get oxytocin released in the brain, but Cruise critic is also highly addictive, I must admit.

Almost as addictive as cruising itself.

 

This could be true as some people continue to post even while at sea!  

Edited February 27, 2021 by SelectSys

[lenquixote66]

4 hours ago, Lois R said:

Hi Lenny, good to see you again🙂hope you are feeling well.

Good to see you too,Lois R.

As long as I am still on the planet I cannot complain.

[clo]

1 hour ago, SelectSys said:

 

This could be true as some people continue to post even while at sea!  

Why wouldn't one post then?

[getting older slowly]

44 minutes ago, clo said:

Why wouldn't one post then?

 

generally one is enjoying their cruise..... not sitting in front of screen

 

2 hours ago, SelectSys said:

 

This could be true as some people continue to post even while at sea!  

 

One of the best things about cruising is being unplugged...

don't take a computer.. Phone goes in the safe  ( not a smart phone ) 

and rarely wear a watch

 

Enjoy  where you are.... and whom you are with.... what more do you need.....

( maybe a nice glass of wine would be good too )

 

Don..... one day  will be back on high seas....

[clo]

14 minutes ago, getting older slowly said:

generally one is enjoying their cruise..... not sitting in front of screen

 

It's clear that you don't understand that no "sitting in front of screen" is required.

[frantic36]

6 hours ago, Lois R said:

Interesting replies for sure.   I agree tolerance and patience and can go a long way🙂

 

So, who has cruises booked for "down the road"?..........I have 3 deposits down.......one for 

October, one for December and one for March 2022..........let's see if any of them sail.

 

Hi Lois, I hope your cruises sail. I cancelled all my 2021 cruises and moved the deposits. One to a January  2022 cruise LA to Sydney and the other in January 2023 Miami to Miami 79 days circumnavigating South America and visiting Antarctica. 

 

I am hoping the 2022 cruise goes ahead but with our strict border restrictions here in Australia, especially in the West I'm not sure it will. No complaints though as it has kept us safe and life here is generally fully open.

On 2/25/2021 at 11:18 PM, malted muse said:

I know this is not 'topic' related but as so many have said about missing cruising I put together a short compilation of ports.  hope that is OK.

https://youtu.be/slYDx03w0UY

Thanks for the video. Lovely to see some places I have visited and some places I hope to visit.

[getting older slowly]

11 minutes ago, clo said:

It's clear that you don't understand that no "sitting in front of screen" is required.

The point being... one is not looking at a screen.. whether ipad, smart phone or computer..

 

One is enjoying the moment.....not recording it.... but living it... that is the thing

 

I understand you don't have to be sitting....... but some people should...... as one has see enough people  glued to their device walking down the street no watching where they are going

[clo]

5 minutes ago, getting older slowly said:

The point being... one is not looking at a screen.. whether ipad, smart phone or computer..

 

One is enjoying the moment.....not recording it.... but living it... that is the thing

 

I understand you don't have to be sitting....... but some people should...... as one has see enough people  glued to their device walking down the street no watching where they are going

So you don't ever read, watch tv, etc.? Okey-dokey.