LukeJ

That's a good point you've made there. A lot of people don't like the commercialised town when they go in vacations, and rather go to more of the real towns of the countries as you've mentioned. I happen to be one of them with you. I would like to see and feel, and taste their foods. And the good thing now about digital is that you can keep snapping and take thousands of images, even though I really prefer film quality over digital any day.

@Grieving Mom I tend to hear the same from many people. The same point of view and the same grievances at what you're saying. Cruising used to be the pinnacle of a vacation. We have all heard stories about how wonderful cruising used to be, and how special it used to make them feel. Now, it seems the care and the pride have gone completely from the cruising industry. Customer service is appalling. There doesn't seem to be the same "feel" to go crusing like it used to. Cutting costs and changes are the norm these days. And saving money which devalues the whole experience as well as trying to get more money out of hardworking guests.

I don't only feel that on vacations, I pray for that during every day life ha ha. After coming home, close the blinds and just sit there and chill. Found myself sleeping in the armchair now, my grandfather would be so proud.

Agreed I've wanted to go to Venice for such a long time. It's something beautiful to look at. Apparently they have something like 400 footbridges knitting the whole place together. I'd love to see that personally

I do hope they get back to some sort of normality quickly. I doubt they will ever forget the devastation that's gone on the island, however, good on them, let's get the tourism back and start afresh.

I still don't understand the rule about no fans. Even in today's health and safety gone mad, I can't see why bringing a fan on a cruise is banned.

What stunning photos. They capture the place fantastic. Those are the type of places I would love to go, breathtaking scenery.

The weather lately has been far too hot to sit and bake in the sun. I myself would rather sit in the shade. Gone are the days where I could cook and enjoy.

@PaulB agreed completely. I tend to see where you are coming from. First pizzas and then cookies. What do you think will be next to get a backlash?

Getting older is no fun ha ha. All we want is a little retreat. Bit of peace and quiet to enjoy and contemplate things

I think they tried their luck with the cookies, there was a backlash and I believe that's why the continued the free cookie. However they still continued with the charge for "warm" cookies, right out of the oven. In time, the freebies will filter out or run out for time being, but we have fresh out of the oven for you. Which you will pay for.

@David Chavez that's a really good point to be fair. We always book fun excursions like the climbing etc, but yeah there should be some things for seniors who struggle to have something to do as well. Maybe a painting or a photography session of the stunning landscapes or cathedrals?

@Kendall James-Vargas very well said. Cruise lines responsibility 100%. And the sad thing, there may be guests onboard who have never or never will again go on a cruise and this could have been their one and some ridiculous failure on their part won't make up for their part in denying a guest the trip they wanted.

I can't see teas and coffees being charged, because that would be the lowest of the low in nickel pinching. There isn't that great of a financial loss in hot beverages, so I can't see that being charged. They have to show some sort of restraint I guess. But the pricier ingredients to buy in, yes I can see cruise lines offering packages or some sort, but definitely will be charged. And when one cruise does it, that will open the door for the others to follow suit.

Yeah I can understand the anger and frustration. I know people say to double check things like this, and yes maybe in hindsight people should, however saying that if a reliable company tell you no, then I can see why nobody would bother checking and take it as face value with what you believe a company who should know what they are talking about says.

No it won't go well but it will happen. In time, the prices for cruisers will always go up every year with inflation. Drinks are not included in the price anyway, and they will go up also. The one perk of being on the cruise and paying a lot of money was that the food was all inclusive, so it didn't seem that bad in comparison. Soon, the food will be limited, so the nicer foods will have a price tag on it or you will have to pay for a food package. Customer service will however go down.

I can understand using them for low salaried employers, a little top up, a perk if you wish. But sorry, not management. I do not agree at all that they should have any. Managers are well paid. Managers have responsibility, I don't doubt it. But they don't work harder than anyone who is less paid.

It doesn't look good does it @PaulB when companies begin coming out with these type of ideas. Even they pull it back claiming testing or researching, you know full well that in time as you say, they will be charging eventually.

@Kendall James-Vargas the deep lip in portholes are a good idea actually. I can see that being functional

Tip jars for management is ridiculous. These managers are on ridiculously well paid salaries. The tips are designed to help give lower paid employee a boost in income, so why d management believe they deserve that and happily take away extra monies from the lower paid.

Yes it's a sad world we live in now where nobody takes responsibility for anything they do. Happy to blame others for their failings.

Engineering is an art in itself. I love looking at something and thinking what a fantastic design, to then finding out that design hasn't only been designed to make it look stylish but for an actual purpose. Especially the older designs, I believe the engineering brain were more advanced .

@Kendall James-Vargas yes I can see your point of view. Booking somewhere on your own, you will spend all your time looking at your watch the entire time, but thankfully, being late has never happened to us.. yet. I've seen videos lately of people calling back late to the ship. One woman casually walked back 45 mins late with no care in the world, and bizarrely the ship waited. And the others were late, with the ship moving out, and they were shouting abuse at the captain.

It's getting ridiculous now. I agree it's only a small amount of money but it's the principle of paying all this money for all inclusive as cruises have always been known for, just to try and get that little bit more off people. It is a real shame companies don't care about the guests anymore.

Yes whenever I go on a cruise, I never book the activities through the company. I always tend to book anything while we are in the destinations as it does work out a lot cheaper, and if booked with the company and change our minds, then is all a bit of a pain to sort out.