Conference abbott::cruise_travel

162.0. "RCCL - THE NORDIC PRINCE" by WFOV12::BURZYNSKI_J () Thu Sep 21 1989 12:31

From 8/27-9/3, 5 members of my family (self, mother, sister, brother-in-law,
and niece) were on RCCL's Nordic Prince (New York <-> Bermuda).  For the most
part, we all had a really good time and were very pleased with our first-ever
cruise experience.


First, the good stuff.
  The staff and crew were very intelligent, friendly, etc.
  The ship was very attractive and well-maintained.
  It was just like being on a tour (I've taken approx. half a dozen land tours),
     with the added bonus of being able to do absolutely as much or as little
     as you want - from day-to-day, hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute.
  Many activities provide as much fun for observers as for participants.
  There were activities for all age groups.
  On-board entertainments and activities were good.
  The food was very good.
  The service was also quite good.
  The weather was virtually perfect.
  Bermuda was fabulous.
  The embarkation process was a pleasant and painless experience after a long
     and frustrating bus ride.
  Debarkation was surprisingly smooth with a full shipload.
  And, I guess that the biggest compliment I could make was that we were all
     genuinely sorry to have it end so soon, and started talking about when
     we could do it again (unfortunately, probably not for approx. 4 years -
     but don't have too much sympathy for us - we're doing Hawaii next year
     and probably Disneyworld in '92, so...)

Now, the 'not so good stuff'.
  I have a little trouble putting the first one into words.  Maybe it's just
     that my expectations were set too high.  I found the food service to be
     good, for banquet-style service.  I definitely did not mistake it for
     some of the best experiences I've ever had.  (My guess is that the
     'solution' in an area like this is to offer alternative dining on the
     'up' side, possibly as an extra-charge item, so those who are more
     accustomed to that or would like to try it could do so).
  The bus ride down to New York was not fun.  We left Springfield and Hartford
     on time, but then only discovered that we were making an extra stop in
     Waterbury, Conn. when the driver got off on 84 instead of continuing down
     on 91.  We arrived at 3:15 instead of 1:45.  IT WAS A LONG RIDE.
  Finally, I felt that there was way too much pressure to rate everything as
     excellent on the cruise evaluation cards.  My real problem with this is
     the sense that the cruise line is really losing out here.  I understand
     that the crew is made to suffer for even 'good' ratings, so I see their
     position, but it means that everything becomes pass/fail - either it's
     terrible and you have to say something, or it's really quite good and
     you don't want anyone to be penalized for minor stuff, so you don't say
     anything.  In the meantime, the cruise level may begin to deteriorate
     because minor criticism, of things that could be caught up-front, is not
     getting through.


Well, I'm sorry that I really rambled along on this.  I've been debating about
writing a letter to the cruise line, as the issue of closing off honest feedback
is a hot button with me.  I guess that I'm using the excuse of writing a note
as a dry run for my letter.  BESIDES, I HADN'T SEEN MANY REPORTS FROM FOLKS
WHO RECENTLY TOOK A CRUISE, SO I THOUGHT THAT THIS MIGHT CHEER FOLKS UP.

    I had the same experience with the rating game on the Carnival line
    "HOLIDAY" and didn't like it one bit. Also the food was very poor on
    that ship. I was on the Norway at Easter and had a much better
    experience. I will be on the Sovereing of the Seas Sept 30,th and will
    post a note on the results.
    
    Len

    I will be going on my first cruise in two weeks on the Song of America
    and will take note of the rating game. I will certainly be interested
    in the quality of food and services rendered as this is a selling point
    for RCCL cruises.
    
    I'll post a note on my impressions upon return.
    
    Barry

The only way to beat the rating game is not to play it. Give your honest 
feedback and let the chips fall where they may. Tip to what you believe 
the service was worth.  This may result in a higher tip than expected and 
a lower rating than excellent.

    Just returned from "Song of America" cruise and I seem to have survived
    some subtle and some not-so-subtle rating pressure. As .3 recommended,
    both my wife and I rated according to what we thought was correct, not
    what the Cruise Director or others "suggested". As a result, I believe
    the cruise line gets a more accurate picture of where they can improve
    the value of their product.
    
    I must admit that we were overwhelmed by the consistency and level of
    service that was rendered to us. We were truly pampered both in food
    service and our cabin service. In fact, we found it difficult to find
    fault with the "hotel management" end of the trip. We could add some
    constructive criticism to the entertainment, tours, and ports-of-call
    categories. (Mostly minor issues centering on the quality of performers
    and of tours being offered.)
    
    Overall, we had an absolute blast, met some interesting people, and
    thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. One word of caution - the add-ons for
    tours, shopping, beverages, and tipping can add up very quickly! Anyone
    who is not prepared for these realities can find themselves short on
    funds, and seriously affect the overall quality of their cruise. I saw
    it happen to a few of our acquaintences. Good planning is a must.
    
    The "Song of America" is trying to reestablish itself as a preferred
    ship destination in light of competition from the new superships. I
    think they were probably going a bit "overboard" (Pardon the pun) in
    catering so thoroughly to each passenger but, I must admit, we enjoyed
    every minute of it. Those passengers who have been on board the
    Sovereign profess a preference for the "Song of America" due to
    accessibility to events and overall organization. They acknowledge the
    beauty and size of Sovereign, physically, but warn against what effect
    the "hoards of people" can do to a relaxing vacation, i.e., if you like
    crowds and lines, Sovereign of the Seas is the one for you! That seemed
    to be the repeating theme from the three people I talked with.
    
    My wife and I are in a state of depression now that the trip is over.
    Guess we'll just have to figure out a way to save up more quickly for
    the next time!