How about us average joes??

[jtl513]

[quote name='hobbesl0l20']I am also going on a first time cruise Jan. 4, 2010 and was beginning to worry that I would be uncomfortable at dinner with 4 strangers and not wearing the proper attire (not doing much in formal dinners). I almost cancelled the dinner arrangements as I have never felt inadequate like this before, but after reading this thread I will go back to enjoying my planning without trepidation.[/quote]Don't worry about it! :) Should you end up with incompatible table-mates, you can ask for a table change, or a switch to Open seating. There you can ask for a table for two (and even reserve one by calling each morning) or you can keep getting random table-mates until you find some that are compatible.

[CowPrincess]

[QUOTE]I don't think anyone was asking that the choices be justified. [/QUOTE]

I didn't mean to imply that anyone was ASKING, but in this thread there now appears to be those who [B]DO [/B]feel that they need to justify their choices. That's all. I just think it is too bad that [B]anyone [/B]feels that they need to do that. That's all. Wasn't trying to offend anyone. As I said back in my first post in this thread, when reading words on a screen, we [B]all [/B]need to apply the kindest, most charitable interpretation.

[twinkletoes4445]

[quote name='Cruising-along']

John, I read your original post as meaning exactly what you just stated. I read it as a helpful post to newcomers, and not at all belittling. I was surprised anyone could take it that way, I certainly did not.[/QUOTE]

I agree. I didn't take it that way. We've only been on two HAL cruises (both fantastic, btw), and both times I read the booklet and the second time, I found things I'd missed the first time I read it! :)

[Two@Sea]

[quote name='hobbesl0l20']... Thanks all for the great info. I read what I need and ignore the rest.[/quote]

IMHO... best words posted on this thread so far, folks!

[Ship's Wake]

[quote name='CowPrincess']Y'know, I really don't think people should be expected to justify the choices they make on how to spend THEIR OWN MONEY.[/quote]
Agreed.

Unfortunately it's the tenor of the times. Some truly believe that those you have worked hard and saved or taken risks and succeeded should be ashamed of their accomplishments and their decision to enjoy all the wonderful things life has to offer.

Joe

[Susie51]

This is an interesting thread. OP, I hope you have found what you are looking for in responses. Last year I cruised twice in suites and once in an inside cabin. I still feel like myself no matter what type of accommodations I am in.

DH and I live in a 1388 sq. ft., paid for home and drive used, paid for cars. We spend less on our cruise vacations than our friends spend on their mortgages and car payments for just one month. Your cruise sounds wonderful and I hope you enjoy yourself and not worry about what other people do or say. It is just a matter of preferences.

A big part of cruising is the anticipation and planning. Have fun while you are counting down the days until you cruise.

[ger_77]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]chloes nana, we are not first time cruisers - we will be on our 8th when we venture off to the Mediterranean for the 3rd time in October - but there are people travelling with us who will be. For their sakes, I would love to have the "Know Before You Go" booklets available to them so they know what to expect. [/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]DH and I have already had the group over a couple of times and expect to host a few more evenings or brunches where we will talk about our upcoming trip and the do's and don'ts of cruising. I'm going to go back into my previous ticket packages and copy out the "Know Before You Go" sections and give them to our friends/family. They have all been appreciative of what we've had to offer to this point because it's all new to them.[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]We cruise when we can, and however we can - we save from one cruise to the next, and although we've never stayed in anything higher than an ocean view cabin, I can't say we've had a lesser experience than those in balcony, suite, or penthouse cabins. Life is full of choices; we choose to cruise and if it means we can cruise more often in a lower category of cabin, we certainly will. But by all means, enjoy your balcony - I'm sure it will be a treat for you! Please be sure to leave the Mediterranean in good shape with some stuff left in the stores, because we'll be there just the week after you.:D[/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Smooth Sailing! :):):)[/FONT]

[donnaw]

[COLOR=Purple][B]To our original poster, 19 cruises and I can only think of 2 people out of all of them that didn't fit in the helpful and accepting category. Most cruises have been on X which has a board with a much more contentious reputation than this one does and has made many a new cruiser nervous.

Go and have the time of your life! You will meet a great group of fellow passengers and crew alike. Enough to keep you coming back for more![/B][/COLOR]

[debnjoe1438]

Hi, I just want to throw in my "two cents worth". Before my first and only Holland cruise (so far). I was a little worried about not being "dressed" well enough for dinner. (I own 3 dresses and very, very seldom wear them.)Some of the folks on this board had me litterly scared to death. I thought I would be with a boat load of snobs.

Well, I was proved WRONG, if there were any snobs on the Zuiderdam, I [COLOR=red]did not[/COLOR] come across them. Every one I meet was friendly and fun. At dinner, even on the formal nights there was a varity of dress in the dinning room. This board would be the reason I checked out how every one was dressed. (I did take the dresses and DH took 2 suites.)

Bottom line, my husband and I had a wonderful time and would sail Holland again. As for "average Joe's". My husband has a lawn business and I'm a Medical Coder. (3 kids, 5 grandchildren)

[debnjoe1438]

Opps, forgot to say, [SIZE=6][COLOR=red]Enjoy your trip:D[SIZE=2][COLOR=black] and don't sweat the small stuff.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/COLOR][/SIZE]

[maxsmamma]

[quote name='cantwait2cruize']Carnival, Princess, Holland, Royal, Celebrity, are cruise lines for the averge joe.:D. The people with big bucks sail the luxury cruise lines. Go and have a great time, and don't worry about the next average joe:p[/quote]

My husband and I are blue coller chicago natives, so we are average joe to the core! We have been on Carnival and Norwegain thanks to the generostiy of my parents. But we did not like them. Way to many frat party flashbacks (not that either of us was ever in a frat--we've seen them on the TV)

We tried Holland (because were are both Dutch) and we thought less children and spring breakers may be better for us. WE LOVE it! You will find some great people on the boats. Even at your CC meet and greet. Most of us are average joes who just want to get a nice vacation!;)

[airlink diva]

[quote name='chloes nana'][FONT=Century Gothic][SIZE=4][COLOR=purple][B][I]I am new to Cruise Critic and to cruising in general. I just started posting and reading last October when I booked our Med. Cruise for 8/27, on the Noordam. I am a retired nurse and my husband is a retired truck driver, we are in our late 50's, and that being said we are your typical average Joes. We worked hard and have saved to make this the first of many adventures we plan to take. We are not the bankers, businessmen, travel agents, and upper echelon folks that have no qualms with letting it be known they only travel in the suites and PH. Okay there are some CC'ers who love the inside cabins and this is not directed towards you, I have found some wonderful people that are more than willing to give advice, and wonderful advice and responses I should add, and others who are very short and seeming to look down, literally, at my questions and comments. [/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[B][I][SIZE=4][COLOR=#800080]on a recent thread this comment "[/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/B] [FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=4][COLOR=royalblue]Besides all of the people who never read the Know Before You Go booklet, we will now have a huge new crop of people who lack any clue about so many things answered there. I think HAL should continue to send that to first-timers[B][I][FONT=Verdana][COLOR=#800080]" is typical to what I am starting to see in alot of threads. It seems everyone was a first timer once, but all seem to have forgotten that simple fact. so my question is: are the average passengers on HAL the friendly helpful ones I run into here mostly, or the stuffy ones that don't want to help and if you interject into a thread they dismiss you rather quickly. I have never sailed before and I hope the dream vacation I am preparing for my DH will be everything he can want and not be a disappointment. Any thoughts or help here?? Thanks to all who have assisted me in the past and all who will before we leave. ;)[/COLOR][/FONT][/I][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]
First of all, welcome to cruising!! It's a great way to travel and receive the ultimate in service!! If you are like so many others on this board and website, you will be like "When's the next cruise!"
Now to your question. I'm a solid blue collar all the way. I'm a lead ground agent for a regional airline and I spend my days loading,unloading,cleaning and dumping lavs on aircrafts. I work outside 99% of the time in the rain,heat and cold!! I had a management job with a major casino and left it to work on the ramp and enjoy it. I'm not ashamed of my job and will let anyone know. On the HAL ships, I've met people with all types of jobs. You will meet housemoms, postmen,truckers,teachers,VP of companies,doctors, and so many others. 99% of the people that you will meet on a ship are just normal people who like to travel and enjoy others around them. This is the majority that you will meet. However, there are some of those on HAL ships (I've ran into some of these also :mad:) that are snobs and like to brag how this is their 5th or 6th cruise of the year,or that they only travel in suites, or have homes in several states,etc. To such people,a quick bye,bye and leave their presence!! You could afford the trip just like they could!!
I still can recall my first cruise and how it was an overwhelming time. I'm glad when new cruisers join this website and ask questions. It don't matter to me if the question is ask 50 times in one month because for that person asking,it's their first time!! There are some on the board that their first cruise was 10,20,30, 40 years ago and they need to recall back to their first time.
We are all welcome on board the ship even if a small minority act otherwise.
But have fun!! Give a full report on your trip and come back and ask as many questions and concerns as you want!!
Happy sailing!!

[chloes nana]

[quote name='airlink diva']First of all, welcome to cruising!! It's a great way to travel and receive the ultimate in service!! If you are like so many others on this board and website, you will be like "When's the next cruise!"
Now to your question. I'm a solid blue collar all the way. I'm a lead ground agent for a regional airline and I spend my days loading,unloading,cleaning and dumping lavs on aircrafts. I work outside 99% of the time in the rain,heat and cold!! I had a management job with a major casino and left it to work on the ramp and enjoy it. I'm not ashamed of my job and will let anyone know. On the HAL ships, I've met people with all types of jobs. You will meet housemoms, postmen,truckers,teachers,VP of companies,doctors, and so many others. 99% of the people that you will meet on a ship are just normal people who like to travel and enjoy others around them. This is the majority that you will meet. However, there are some of those on HAL ships (I've ran into some of these also :mad:) that are snobs and like to brag how this is their 5th or 6th cruise of the year,or that they only travel in suites, or have homes in several states,etc. To such people,a quick bye,bye and leave their presence!! You could afford the trip just like they could!!
I still can recall my first cruise and how it was an overwhelming time. I'm glad when new cruisers join this website and ask questions. It don't matter to me if the question is ask 50 times in one month because for that person asking,it's their first time!! There are some on the board that their first cruise was 10,20,30, 40 years ago and they need to recall back to their first time.
We are all welcome on board the ship even if a small minority act otherwise.
But have fun!! Give a full report on your trip and come back and ask as many questions and concerns as you want!!
Happy sailing!![/quote]
[I][SIZE=4][COLOR=purple]THANK YOU SO MUCH~this is what I have been trying to say all along, thank you for remembering you were new once too! I plan on doing a live from on my trip for CC, we shall see!;)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/I]

[Copper10-8]

[quote name='chloes nana'][I][SIZE=4][COLOR=purple]THANK YOU SO MUCH~this is what I have been trying to say all along, thank you for remembering you were new once too! I plan on doing a live from on my trip for CC, we shall see!;)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/quote]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]Nana, if you're planning on doing that, here are HAL'[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]s Wireless Internet rates:[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]Pay-as-you-go: $0.75 per minute[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]100-Minute plan $55 ($0.55 per minute)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]200-Minute plan $100 ($0.40 per minute)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]Plus a one-time account activation fee of $3.95[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy][/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]If you have a laptop, I highly recommend bringing it so that you can write/compose your 'live from' on it (will not cost you anything), then go on-line (at HAL'[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]s cost) and post (transfer) it[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#000080]Enjoy your cruise![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[Pokeynose]

[SIZE=4]C.Nana, when we took our first cruise I was dizzy wondering if we would dress properly for Formal night, etc. You know what, there were those who dressed to the nines and those who like us dressed how we are used too. No tuxes and no formal dresses. My DH wore a suit and I wore a nice pair of black palazo pants with a fussy top and low heels, these old feet won't take high heels. So don't worry like I did, it was for nothing. The others we shared a table with really didn't dress up at all, didn't bother us, we just enjoyed their company. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful cruise and come back here and tell us all what a great time you had.:)[/SIZE]

[the2ofus]

I've met people from all walks of life on our various cruises. Most have been pleasant folks and there is always some common interest on which to base a conversation.

The few unpleasant ones have been easy to avoid. It always makes sense to assume someone is having a bad day or a temporary lapse in judgement, rather than write them off immediately.

Also, there's no point in judging someone's economic status simply because they do or don't book suites. If you read the book "The Millionaire Next Door" you get a different perspective.

[happycat Bainbridge Is]

I'm confident you will have a wonderful time and meet many lovely people ... but PLEASE don't set yourself up by imagining that there is some kind of first class and steerage thing going on.

Everyone on a cruise ship is by definition in the a rare and lucky economic class in this world where many live on $2 a day or less. It doesn't matter if they have pots of money (I know a fair number of extremely wealthy people and they couldn't be nicer or more down to earth and you probably would never guess that they're rich) or whether they are "average joes" who've saved up, the only shame would be not to appreciate the wonderful opportunity.

It's not a contest, and 99% of wealthy people aren't interested in trying to outdo the Jones - but they may say things that are simply a matter of fact (we cruised on Silversea for 35 days to Asia last year) - don't assume it's said to impress, instead ask "what was the greatest thing you saw or did?"

I know (because most posters are American) that the status discussion has been all about money but while I'm risking flaming pants :D - I've also seen people having a great time chatting with my Dad about any old thing until they ask what he does and when he says he's a history professor. They clam up, like he's going to spring a pop quiz or grade their grammar or something.

He's not trying to impress you, it just is what he does. He doesn't think it's more valuable than what anyone else does either, just different (thank God at this moment that he didn't become a plumber honestly he's a wreck at that sort of thing). He doesn't even necessarily need to talk about history (!) ... he loves sports, fishing, his grandchildren, etc. but if you're not intimidated he can also tell you some really cool stories about places you're visiting.

As for the comment about suites - I think people were just trying to say that VIP status doesn't seem to be related to booking suites consistently, that's all.

And as for the new cruiser book - it's genuinely a good idea! I hate to overhear or read comments from people that they didn't know that they could order from the dining room menu for room service or didn't even know there was a gym or walk-around promenade deck or afternoon tea was without an extra charge so they never went etc.

Okay now I really will end up with flaming pants but ... :eek: most of the unhappy cruisers I've encountered are people who poisoned their own well - people who looked for the slight, the flaw, who wanted someone to read their mind and fix a problem instead of speaking up nicely and proactively and asking for a change and those who think that you have to go toxic in order to get a problem resolved.

If by some horrible chance you end up encountering the rare boor who talks endlessly about his stuff and the yacht and being featured in Forbes and how his ex took him for millions (and you're not into "free theater") ... move on! There are too many delightful people of all ages and income brackets who share your many interests and are excited to be on a beautiful ship (love the Noordam!) to waste time thinking about the one bad apple.

What you can expect from HAL - both crew and passengers - is a group of mostly very gracious people with whom you will share a great and memorable experience!

Life should be about encountering new experiences so PLEASE don't carry aboard a worry or expectation that it's a contest with anyone judging - just assume good will and be at ease and if you do see my "free theater" guy have a silent chuckle and move on - would you really rather be in his shoes? Didn't think so.

Hope it's the memory of a lifetime, HCBI

[chloes nana]

[quote name='happycat Bainbridge Is']I'm confident you will have a wonderful time and meet many lovely people ... but PLEASE don't set yourself up by imagining that there is some kind of first class and steerage thing going on.

Everyone on a cruise ship is by definition in the a rare and lucky economic class in this world where many live on $2 a day or less. It doesn't matter if they have pots of money (I know a fair number of extremely wealthy people and they couldn't be nicer or more down to earth and you probably would never guess that they're rich) or whether they are "average joes" who've saved up, the only shame would be not to appreciate the wonderful opportunity.

It's not a contest, and 99% of wealthy people aren't interested in trying to outdo the Jones - but they may say things that are simply a matter of fact (we cruised on Silversea for 35 days to Asia last year) - don't assume it's said to impress, instead ask "what was the greatest thing you saw or did?"

I know (because most posters are American) that the status discussion has been all about money but while I'm risking flaming pants :D - I've also seen people having a great time chatting with my Dad about any old thing until they ask what he does and when he says he's a history professor. They clam up, like he's going to spring a pop quiz or grade their grammar or something.

He's not trying to impress you, it just is what he does. He doesn't think it's more valuable than what anyone else does either, just different (thank God at this moment that he didn't become a plumber honestly he's a wreck at that sort of thing). He doesn't even necessarily need to talk about history (!) ... he loves sports, fishing, his grandchildren, etc. but if you're not intimidated he can also tell you some really cool stories about places you're visiting.

As for the comment about suites - I think people were just trying to say that VIP status doesn't seem to be related to booking suites consistently, that's all.

And as for the new cruiser book - it's genuinely a good idea! I hate to overhear or read comments from people that they didn't know that they could order from the dining room menu for room service or didn't even know there was a gym or walk-around promenade deck or afternoon tea was without an extra charge so they never went etc.

Okay now I really will end up with flaming pants but ... :eek: most of the unhappy cruisers I've encountered are people who poisoned their own well - people who looked for the slight, the flaw, who wanted someone to read their mind and fix a problem instead of speaking up nicely and proactively and asking for a change and those who think that you have to go toxic in order to get a problem resolved.
[B][I][FONT=Garamond][SIZE=3][COLOR=purple]I totally plan to go with an open mind and wide eyed wonderment at the journey I am about to undertake. I am so very excited and every day I thank God for the ability and means in these times to be able to do this cruise. And my whole attitude on life, from my mom"s wonderful wisdom, is you get more flies with honey than with vinegar I believe holds very true;)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/B]

If by some horrible chance you end up encountering the rare boor who talks endlessly about his stuff and the yacht and being featured in Forbes and how his ex took him for millions (and you're not into "free theater") ... move on! There are too many delightful people of all ages and income brackets who share your many interests and are excited to be on a beautiful ship (love the Noordam!) to waste time thinking about the one bad apple.

What you can expect from HAL - both crew and passengers - is a group of mostly very gracious people with whom you will share a great and memorable experience!

Life should be about encountering new experiences so PLEASE don't carry aboard a worry or expectation that it's a contest with anyone judging - just assume good will and be at ease and if you do see my "free theater" guy have a silent chuckle and move on - would you really rather be in his shoes? Didn't think so.
[B][I][FONT=Garamond][SIZE=3][COLOR=purple]I will probably bust out laughing out loud if I see your "drama king" now that I have read this post, and no I don't want to be in the rich folks shoes, too many taxes and other issues I am sure![/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/B]

Hope it's the memory of a lifetime, HCBI[/quote]
[B][I][FONT=Garamond][SIZE=3][COLOR=purple]thank you for such a wonderful post! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your response and you have made me smile!:D[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/B] [B][I][FONT=Garamond][SIZE=3][COLOR=purple]I am sure my cruise will be wonderful. I have my veranda and the love of my life to enjoy it with, and I truly doubt anyone can spoil that for either of us:p[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/I][/B]

[the2ofus]

HCBI....Amen! You've covered it all in great style!

[CowPrincess]

happycat Bainbridge Is, you've said what many of us have tried and failed to convey. Well done :D and thank you!

[Two@Sea]

Surprise!

I just looked up your cruise (and, gee, I wish someday I can take THAT one!) and guess what? An inside cabin on your sailing is more than the price of a deluxe suite on the cruise I am taking next month!

See, everything can be put into perspective! Its all how you look at it! :)

Go, and ENJOY!!! No more worries, or concerns, right?

[zoncom]

Greetings from an ex Coloradoan. You have good taste. Find a copy of Conde Nast Traveler Feb. cruise issue. Noordam scored highest of all HAL ships. Hope to do Fall TA on her. 2 balconies= 3 .inside cruises! Enjoy.

[chloes nana]

[quote name='Two@Sea']Surprise!

I just looked up your cruise (and, gee, I wish someday I can take THAT one!) and guess what? An inside cabin on your sailing is more than the price of a deluxe suite on the cruise I am taking next month!

See, everything can be put into perspective! Its all how you look at it! :)

Go, and ENJOY!!! No more worries, or concerns, right?[/quote]
[B][I][SIZE=4][COLOR=purple]I will enjoy! thank you for the new insight....;)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/B]

[chloes nana]

[quote name='zoncom']Greetings from an ex Coloradoan. You have good taste. Find a copy of Conde Nast Traveler Feb. cruise issue. Noordam scored highest of all HAL ships. Hope to do Fall TA on her. 2 balconies= 3 .inside cruises! Enjoy.[/quote]
[B][I][SIZE=3][COLOR=darkorchid]I read that issue and it made me even more excited to get on board! Oh! and greeting from a Colorado native! I never want to leave this wonderful state.;)[/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/B]

[ladyofficial]

I am new to all of this. My husband and I were on the 46 day RCCL, Mariner of the Seas South America cruise and met many of the "Cruise Critic" members. I just thought I would give this a try. Not even sure if I am in the right place.