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Cruise Talk » Cruising 1.0 » Experienced Cruisers, please. (Page 1)

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Topic: Experienced Cruisers, please.

Katie O'Girl
First Class Passenger
Member # 2704

posted 01-30-2002 08:47 AM

You'll probably think that I'm very nosey to ask these questions but I'm just so impressed with the amount of knowledge that people have on this site about cruising, about the ships, etc.
I never imagined that so MANY people took their holidays on cruise ships.
I've been all over Europe, America and parts of Asia but only with my work and that was always by air and was always a RUSHED thing.
Cruising sounds very relaxing.
I've NEVER been on a cruise until this first one on the Pride that I'm about to go on (Eastern Carribean, Feb 23, 2002)
Anyhow, my questions are as follows:
How many cruises have you been on?
What year was your first cruise?
Which was your favorite and why?
Which ship or cruise line was the cleanest?
Which cruise lines seem to offer the best fares most regularly?
Also, what is your occupation or what do you do for work? (I only ask because I wonder if the most frequent cruisers are people who work in the travel industry. Also, I'd like to see what "kind" of people prefer cruising for holidays.)
I'd always thought that cruises were luxury things for extremely wealthy people. (Amazing how ignorance can really hold you back and cause you to deprive yourself of certain things.)
Thanks!

Posts: 101 | From: Ireland | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-30-2002 09:09 AM

My first cruise was in 1981 and I have only sailed with HAL so can't compare them to any other line/ship. My late husband and I did 33 cruises and I have done 2 since he passed away in '99 - another coming up in a couple of weeks.
I think our favourite cruise was to Hawaii in '93 and again in '97. Unfortunately we never got to Europe - had a cruise booked to Norway in 2000, but I cancelled it.
My husband was a Chartered Accountant and we were by no means "rich", but he saved our money (wouldn't put any money into repairing the house - preferred to spend it on the cruises which he loved) and we took 2-3 cruises a year. So glad we did all these cruises before he passed away. We preferred cruising to sitting on a beach in Florida and wondering each evening "where are we going to eat tonight?"!
Do enjoy your cruise - you will love it.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 01-30-2002 11:20 AM

Katie, I think it is true to say that most of the CruiseTalkers DO NOT work in the travel industry. They are just people hooked on cruising. It is very addictive.

In the past, ocean Liner travel and Cruising, did appeal to wealthy 'seniror' people, but that is changing. However the age of cruise passengers is getting younger and prices are getting lower.

In America, Cruising has been very popular for a number of years. Cruise Lines line 'Carnival' appeal to the mass market. Due to a very competitive market in the USA, Cruise prices are very reasonable.

Cruising in Europe is not as big as in America, but it is increasing in popularity. I don't think our prices are quite as good in the UK as the USA, but Airtours and Thompson do offer budget cruises. I've seen cruises advertised on the Teletex for as low as £399.

Most of the top cruise lines (especially on their newer ships) run a pretty clean operation.

P&O, Cunard, Fred.Olsen, Airtours, RCI, HAL, Celebrity and NCL will be offering cruises from British ports this year.

The range of cruise destinations has also improved over the past few years. You can cruise to just about anywhere these days - i.e. Antarctica to South America! Dublin has now become a popular port of call for ships to stop of at!

Do come back and write a review for us on your cruise! (See: 'Readers Reviews' - menu left) Have a great time!

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Amerikanis
First Class Passenger
Member # 1835

posted 01-30-2002 03:05 PM

Katie o'Girl,

my number of Cruises is about 35
the first Year was 1981
the best is to Norway-Iceland, because of its great Nature
my cleanest company is Celebrity
my occupation is Salesman in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Cruising is an great experience for very reasonable Prices.

My next starts March 13 in Amsterdam with an flight to Benoa/Bali, where i board the ASTOR, an German 4-star-ship and sail 18 Nights to Bombay/India.

Flight back is to Amsterdam with my favourite Airline KLM.

Posts: 1034 | From: Gutach, Black Forest, Germany | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged

Katie O'Girl
First Class Passenger
Member # 2704

posted 01-30-2002 04:10 PM

Thanks for the replies.
My goodness, Malcolm, I can't do a Reader Review !
You DO know how AWFUL reviews are with first time experiences with ANYTHING because we have nothing to compare them with. I feel like if I get back and don't get food poisoning and don't drown I will have to write a review saying how wonderful it all was!!

Posts: 101 | From: Ireland | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 01-30-2002 04:36 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Katie O'Girl:
Thanks for the replies.
My goodness, Malcolm, I can't do a Reader Review !

You don't have too do a formal review, but do tell us how it went.

I take your point, but first timers still have a valid opinion. They can write reviews telling us: How much they enjoyed the cruise or not, how it compares to land based vacation, value for money, opinion of ports of call, were their expectations realised etc.

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Marcia
First Class Passenger
Member # 1198

posted 01-30-2002 06:34 PM

Hello Katie, We have been on 15 cruises - 2 Europe, 1 Greece/Turkey, 3 Alaska, 1 Panama Canal, 1 Mississippi River, 1 St. Lawrence Seaway, and the others Caribbean. First cruise 1986. How to pick the favorite? Most of them. Loved Europe, Alaska, perhaps it was Splendor of Seas called "Best of Europe". Sailed from Barcelona and ended up at London. My choice for line would be Royal Caribbean then HAL. We are both retired (I was a school secretary). We love cruises because we can see so much, unpack only once, do as much/or as little as we want and we love the sea. I could just sit and watch the water for hours. We spend a great deal of time planning and studying where we are going and what we want to see. Our next one is New England/Canada out of Boston in Oct.

Posts: 101 | From: Hamilton, Oh. U.S.A. | Registered: Mar 2000 | IP: Logged

K&K
First Class Passenger
Member # 1040

posted 01-30-2002 06:41 PM

Katie: we have been on 13 cruises first one in around 1977. We have been on RCCL, HAL,Costa,NCL,RCI. I think that today HAL is the best overall package. Kathy is a school teacher I was an operating engineer(now retired). We have met people from every walk of life and filthy rich to just getting by. Please do write a review as first time cruisers sometimes have better perspectives. Kevin

Posts: 446 | From: Sandpoint,Idaho,USA | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

geno-r
First Class Passenger
Member # 931

posted 02-01-2002 01:04 PM

Hi katie, I'm glad to see you are so interested in cruising. My wife and my first cruise was in 1985(Nodic Prince to Bermuda) even though you didn't ask, LOL, My favorite is usually the one I'm on now or the last one, hard to say the cleanest, I'll say NCL Noweigan Crown was the most in need of refurbishments(torn carpet, banged up furniture, things like that), seems Carnival offer the best fares on a regular basis along with the dear departed Premier, I own an Ice Cream Store in the Pocono's and drive a school bus in the winter, I hope you enjoy your next cruise!!!!!!

Posts: 549 | From: Mt. Pocono,Pa. Usa | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

trailhiker
First Class Passenger
Member # 1674

posted 02-01-2002 01:31 PM

Hi Katie, We've been on 14 cruises. The first was on the Norway in 1989. It hooked us for good and since then we've been going as often as we can. Last year was an indulgence because we cruised 3 times! Our favorite cruise was about 6 years ago on the Royal Caribbean Sun Viking. It was the smallest ship in the line and we loved it. On an 11 night cruise we went to islands the other larger ships can't go to. It wasn't luxury, it was just fun and comfortable! As for cleanest, I think they are all pretty good. My husband has done a white glove test on the Royal Caribbean ships and has yet to find a speck of dust. I think the NCL ships are slipping. On a cruise we took in 2000 we found dirty linen under the bed and also dirty dishes on deck for more than a day! Royal Caribbean always seems to give us the best deals, probably because we've cruised with them 9 times.
I am employed by the U. S. Forest Service here in New Hampshire at the White Mountain National Forest. I work in the visitor center and help people with their hiking plans and do interpretive talks occasionally. Visit us sometime in the fall when the leaves turn. It's probably the most beautiful place in the world for that short period of time.

Posts: 46 | From: North Conway, NH 03860 USA | Registered: Nov 2000 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 02-01-2002 09:53 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Katie O'Girl:

I've been all over Europe, America and parts of Asia but only with my work and that was always by air and was always a RUSHED thing.
Cruising sounds very relaxing.
Thanks!

I believe you have more 'travel know how' than you realize. Moving around as you've done indicates that you mix and mingle well - enjoy being 'unrushed' on your upcoming cruise - just let things happen - you're bound to enjoy it.

What did you rush around doing?

Happy cruisin'

Oh, guess my score is about 30.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Katie O'Girl
First Class Passenger
Member # 2704

posted 02-02-2002 03:39 PM

My goodness, this has been really interesting.
Thanks for the replies.
Green, I had to smile at your remarks. Actually, I'm sort of introverted. Computers enable you to be more friendly because you aren't "face to face."
I'm a pianist and have playing with symphony orchestras or some group or another since I was in my teens. Flights and hotels have always been arranged by the company, agent, sponsors or whomever. I just WENT.
Rushed? At one time I played 27 concerts in 9 countries in Europe. All in 31 DAYS. That's what I mean by RUSHED.
I've done about 4 USO tours and have flown on numerous Military Airlift Command planes which was an experience in itself. No luxury at all.
14 hours in the air to Korea with my feet propped up on a jet engine tied down in the middle of a plane. (The engine was tied down.....not me.

)
So YES, I do have "travel experience" but not this kind.
Anyhow, 10 months ago I had a blood clot lodge in the apex of my heart. And a major heart attack. All within about 30 minutes. I got life-flighted to a hosital where they saved my life.
I'm not old, I don't smoke, I'm not overweight or sickly. I was running 3 miles every day. The doctor said that it was REALLY UNUSUAL.
Everyone in the unit looked about 50 or more.
It was frightening. So I laid there in the cardiac care unit and thought "If life could be over THIS quick..... then I'd better do something fun before it's too late."
I wanted to go on a cruise since I was a little girl. I only knew a couple of people who had gone on the Queen Elizabeth and I didn't want to pay THAT much. I'd look at brochures and say "Someday." I never MADE the time to look into it.
I'm still on medicine and the clot is still there. I have a stent implanted in my artery.
I've taken a year off. I came back to Ireland and called my accountant/boyfriend and told him "I have to go on a cruise NOW. Before it's too late." He said "Fine, Let's go."
So HERE I am. I'm ALIVE and I'm GOING!! And finding this site has made it so much more interesting and exciting. Talk about anticipation! So much to know and learn.
At first I thought, "Jeeezzzz, out in the ocean so far from a hospital" but I looked at the reply "Sympatico" left earlier to this post and it made me know that I'm doing the right thing.
It's going to be SUCH FUN!!!

Posts: 101 | From: Ireland | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 02-02-2002 03:57 PM

Katie, What an inspiring story!

I remember seeing an advertising poster for a national UK holiday company. It was a large photograph of an old man and old women, sitting on a sofa, watching TV. They were extremely old and both looking rather sad. The slogan above the photo said "Remember the time we nearly went to Budapest?"

That has always stuck in my memory. So don't put off you dreams!

(As cuise ships have onboard Doctors, nurses and medical facilities, you are probably safer onboard than you are in your own home?)

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

M.S.Grumple
First Class Passenger
Member # 1340

posted 02-03-2002 12:14 PM

Katie, have a wonderful time.You can't put life on 'hold'.

After an experience like yours you certainly deserve something special.

I wish you all the best!

Posts: 280 | From: Burlington, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

OCEANSDEVINE
First Class Passenger
Member # 2141

posted 02-03-2002 06:31 PM

Katie, The Irish have much good luck and always have a good time and like people an awful lot. Enjoy your cruise. I've been on about 10 myself and my last was on the Carnival Victory which had a great medical staff on board. A man had a heart attack and they airlifted him via US Coast Guard to Massachusetts General Hosp. (one of the best) after the ships doctor had him stablized. They announced to all passengers that the man was just fine. So enjoy and be trustful and fall in love with the sea -- like most of us Irish.

Posts: 146 | From: NEW YORK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Scottylass
First Class Passenger
Member # 420

posted 02-04-2002 08:49 AM

Katie

Have a fabulous time on your up and coming cruise on the Pride, make each and every minute count even the looking forward to it as well, and good for you getting an upgrade to a balcony, it is well deserved. Remember and come back to the board and let us all know how you enjoyed yourself and what a good time you had.

Cheers and "Slainte"
M.

[ 02-04-2002: Message edited by: Scottylass ]

Posts: 648 | From: Stirlingshire, Scotland | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Katie O'Girl
First Class Passenger
Member # 2704

posted 02-05-2002 08:06 PM

Thanks, everyone. Thanks for just being happy for me.
And I'll tell you all about it when I get back!!!

Posts: 101 | From: Ireland | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 02-05-2002 10:41 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Katie O'Girl:
Thanks, everyone. Thanks for just being happy for me.
And I'll tell you all about it when I get back!!!

Katie - having unwittingly asked for your life story, I can only say -
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields
And may God forever hold you in the hollow of his hand.

Happy cruisin'

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 02-05-2002 11:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Katie O'Girl:
Thanks, everyone. Thanks for just being happy for me.
And I'll tell you all about it when I get back!!!

Happy cruisin'

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

colt
First Class Passenger
Member # 1215

posted 02-12-2002 03:44 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Katie O'Girl:
...I only knew a couple of people who had gone on the Queen Elizabeth and I didn't want to pay THAT much. I'd look at brochures and say "Someday."

Katie--Look below at TravelPage Vacation and Cruise Specials: QE2 to Bermuda for $850 for 6 days. Also, received promo from Cunard for 6 day transatlantic on QE2 for $999 in middle of April, i believe (this includes return airfare).

I bet you get hooked on cruising after your cruise on the Pride. With your background in music, you should consider working in a similar capacity aboard a ship.

Anyway, have a great time, and let us know how strong the siren call of the sea is on you after you return from your first cruise.

Posts: 293 | From: Lisbon, Maryland, USA | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

hooked on cruising
First Class Passenger
Member # 1221

posted 02-13-2002 08:19 PM

Katie your story brought a tear to my eye! We lost three friends in a year a couple of years ago and they where all 42!! Every morning a talk to myself as I walk my dog @ 6.45am (the best time of the day summer or winter) I tell myself how fortunate I am to be able to enjoy this wonderful time of day and I think about all the good things that are going on in my life (even if I have to think really hard to find something good!) sometimes we get caught up in all the awful things and forget to appreciate the good things no matter how small. Have a wonderful cruise Live life to the fullest!!!!(is that a word!!) Warm the carnival Pride up for us we will be there March 9. Happy cruising.

Posts: 243 | From: London,Ontario,Canada | Registered: Apr 2000 | IP: Logged

fondaenergy
First Class Passenger
Member # 1641

posted 02-14-2002 12:14 PM

We have been on 16 cruises. Our first was in 1985 on RCI's Sun Viking.

Certainly, one of our most interesting cruises was a trans-Atlantic cruise on Vision of the Seas in September of 1998. We encountered terrible weather with huge waves. The ship's navigational crew did a superb job. The ports were fantastic. We rode in a bus on an old lava flow in Iceland.

We also enjoyed our Baltic cruise on Norwegian Crown. It was fascinating when we sailed into St. Petersburg. Our third favorite cruise was on the Independence around Hawaii.

Since we have been on big and little ships, we categorize our favorite ships by size.

Earlier reviews praised Sun Viking and criticized Norwegian Crown. When we were on Sun Viking, it was in a state of disrepair. We really liked Norwegian Crown. It was in excellent shape in 1997.

My husband's favorite ship is Vision of the Seas. I really liked the Grand Princess.

We are both computer analysts.

I know there are good deals on cruises. We never seem to get any because we like upscale balcony rooms.

Posts: 177 | From: Jacksonville, FL | Registered: Oct 2000 | IP: Logged

Katie O'Girl
First Class Passenger
Member # 2704

posted 02-16-2002 09:51 AM

Thanks for your replies and good wishes.
I'm just SO excited. I don't remember having this type of feeling of excitment since I was a little girl waiting for Santa Claus to show up!! Ridiculous, I know.
I tried to do like Amerikanis said and keep my luggage down to a minimum but everytime I see some experienced cruiser suggest something I have to run out and get it and add it to my pile of things to pack on the couch.
I got my bungee cords to hold the balcony doors open and my disinfectant spray for the bathroom fixtures and air vents and my duct tape for whatever, my post a note pad for.....uh, I forgot what they said to use them for, I got the thing that hangs in the closet with all the pockets for extra space for shoes, etc, I got the ziplock bags to pack takeaway lunches off the buffet in the morning to take on excursions so we don't have to eat in town. I got the night light so I don't fall over in the dark on the way to the bathroom. I got the flashlight in case something terrible happens and we lose power. I got individual wipes to use to wash hands with in town. The list seems to go on and on. Tom said "Are we going to have any room for clothes??"
I talked him into buying his first pair of shorts since he was a little boy. (You know how accountants are!! He'll probably try to wear a tie with them!!

) He keeps saying his legs are not just white but "BLUE WHITE". He doesn't want to wear them. It's an IRISHMAN thing.
Only 7 days left!!!!
Now if you think of anything I'm forgetting let me know so I can add it to the pile!
Do we need to bring bottled water or is it pretty reasonable on the ship to buy?
Thanks...

Posts: 101 | From: Ireland | Registered: Jan 2002 | IP: Logged

Amerikanis
First Class Passenger
Member # 1835

posted 02-16-2002 12:38 PM

On the Ship, you need no bottled Water, in the Dining Room, there are Carafes of Ice-Water for free and it is good to drink.

for your Meals, often Tea, Cafe, Ice-Tea, sometimes Juices and in the Buffet Areas Automates with Juices or Tea and Coffee are for free.

You do not need to drink expensive Alcoholics.

If aboard, in some Countries and Islands, it is better, only to drink hot Things like fresh brewed Tea or Thinks direct filled by the Industry (beer and Coke, but without an Glass, direct from the Bottle, please).

So, you stay is safe.

In some Countries, it is so:

COOK IT, PEEL IT, or: FORGET IT!!

Posts: 1034 | From: Gutach, Black Forest, Germany | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged

Amerikanis
First Class Passenger
Member # 1835

posted 02-16-2002 12:41 PM

By the Way:

The Eastern Caribbean is Safe!!!

I mean some Islands in Africa or Asia und Countries which are very underdeveloped.

Enjoy your Cruise.

What Ship was it???

Tell me, i am interested...

Posts: 1034 | From: Gutach, Black Forest, Germany | Registered: Mar 2001 | IP: Logged

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