PaulB

@Cruising Caribbean I could not have put that better myself. That's exactly the expression you feel like, a money tree. This is how companies that are looking to make a bigger profit and the quantity rather than quality make you feel.

I understand that cruising has become more popular and years back, it was always the realm of only the wealthy would go on cruises, certainly in the UK. It was a foregone conclusion that if you were told someone had just been on a ship around the Mediterranean, then they had lots of money. Now that perception have moved on, and everyone seems to be cruising, which is a good thing. And where before, the customer service and the overall quality would be high, maybe now it's not as much, because it's regarded the same as another vacation?

That's the last thing I would want to see when on a ship. The back up not working properly

I've been reading and gripped just like everyone else in regards to the lost submarine. It's harrowing to read about what those 5 poor souls were thinking during the entire trip and what was going through their minds, hoping and praying for a miracle. As of us, we were all hoping that some sort of a miracle could be performed, unfortunately it doesn't seem there will be a happy ending after all. My thoughts go out to the 5 and their families. God bless you all.

@3Sisters I've seen the video for the zip lines. And even though I can appreciate that it may be fun or thrilling looking over the ocean and it's panoramic views, it definitely is not for me I'm afraid. I don't mind the slides and the pools, but to be zipped around that high up in the air, I'm happy to give my place to someone else.

What would you all like to see onboard a cruise on vacation. To reserve or to go on your own free will. I would prefer not to book personally because I don't like to make too many decisions while on vacation, I'm happy to go with the flow of things and if that means a place being fully booked, then so be it.

I read about in general complaints and disappointment in guests as there are more and more problems occurring from travel companies. Each cruise has cut costs and it's a shame that people aren't as happy as they once were because the overall cruise experience is dwindling compared to how it once was. All I think of is: is it that the cruise lines are not as attentive as it once was and staff shortages have affected this? Are there more people now going on cruises and the expectations are higher? Are people fussier than they once were?

That's very disappointing and typical of companies not holding out responsibility for what they charge. They might be right in saying they can't offer reimbursement for flights, but they happy to take your money when booked all in one. Too bad we feel the need to go a day earlier just to make sure we get there on time and spend even more monies because of no fault of your own.

I've just been reading a story about a couple who have bought a fancy apartment on a MV Narrative cruise ship for $2.4m. The apartment does look stunning to be fair, and I know that they can get to travel the world while permanently residing there, have access to medical facilities, gym and private kitchens but wow what a price. But then again, if you have the funds, why not.

I do feel for you. The last thing you would expect or want is unsafe water, it can make you think twice going forward. Secondly, what a fantastic customer service experience you just received. NCL are certainly and rightfully having plenty of criticism of late. I have no idea what they are currently doing but the won't be around for long I feel if they continue the way they have been.

Would they work out a price for you if you were to say that you plan to reside on the cruise for the near future or would it tend to be here is the price per month?

@Baowen last time I went out of Southampton they hadn't improved it. And we were waiting such a long time, in hot weather which put us all in a bad mood to begin things with. They have some nice eateries around so best to get there early and look around before going into the waiting around .

@Cruising Caribbean agree completely. He knows his way around the cyber world, a very skilled person that would find it easy to navigate around. Unfortunately he's gone and ruined that for himself. A very good and privileged job gone as well as I'm guessing his family. Just don't understand.

@Barbara Violetta oh wow. Congratulations. The mantra most people say is once you have been on a cruise once, you will always want to go on a cruise. I hope you have a fantastic time, and let us know how you go on.

Happy enough to take your money though for a bus tour. Guess they don't see the irony about making people walk and I'm guessing they didn't refund you either. Every company seems to be cutting corners and no care or pride seems to be at the forefront.

@FJB Personally I haven't been on a river cruise, but it is definitely something I would like to do. If it's only the once I get to do this, then I would pick a sail through the Danube as it's goes through some of the countries I would like to visit such as Germany, Austria and Hungary. There is something magical about these countries, almost fairytale in its way.

As long as there is a system in place and it's all organised, then guests will be patient in comparison. The last thing people want is a bad start to proceedings as it's the first image you get and your mindset is on the wrong footing from the word go.

@3Sisters I see your point, and that's a big tick if and I mean if the monies goes back into the local economy rather than the top speck. Overall i do believe it will have an impact in the long run because guests and holidaymakers could be put off by this extra taxation.

First tip I think is to always always have travel insurance first and foremost. The bidding programme does sound like something I would up for doing, however if there is a chance it won't favour you, would it be worth doing for a chance to spoil your holidays.

@Cruising Caribbean I totally agree with you. It's a terrible world out there now and there is caution towards every corner. gone are the days where you can feel comfortable leaving them go to enjoy, you will always need to keep a constant eye on things

Why add extra tax. It's all greed and takes advantage of the hard working customers onboard. Cruising isn't a cheap vacation at the best of times, and added costs can help make your heart drop slightly. It seems that they may obviously make extra money on the increased charge tax but overall will lose custom.

Most people want to pay and not have any hidden fees which a lot of companies do. All these hidden costs do add up but it's not a nice thing when an extra charge occurs when you least expect it. It feels a little underhanded and leaves a sour taste in the mouth.

I guess these can't be avoided, and I would like to book a cruise depending on the stop offs as well, so itinerary change would be disappointing. But then again, maybe don't book a cruise for your preferred destination during hurricane season.

Yeah I agree that no more communication was followed up from the initial request. We are hearing more and more stories about overbooking and requests to move on. It shouldn't be much of a problem if you are flexible, however not many people I know would be happy to move once they have their heart set on that date for vacation.

I would love to sit in with engineers and just watch and listen to how they come up with these designs. As I've mentioned in other posts, I love the thought process of engineers, I find them fascinating how their mind works. Every little detail is accounted for, and I love the concepts behind that. If I could do my life all over again, then engineering is something I would go for.