I saw the whole report somewhere, and he said that his parents were always late for everything. They always seemed to think that everyone should just wait for them. They tended to barely make airplane flights, they were often late for dinner reservations, and so on. He warned them beforehand that they had to be on time, he warned them when he left them that day, but they just assumed the ship would wait and were furious when the ship left. They assumed he'd failed to tell them his parents were still ashore.
I’d like to say that I’m shocked but people these days are just crazy. I don’t want to use the word entitled because it’s used to often, however this would be a prime example and it’s not isolated
@@arribaficationwineho32That isn’t an excuse to not learn the rules or make unfounded assumptions. The fact their TEENAGER knew there was an all-aboard time and chose to follow it points not to inexperience but the parents’ indifference and entitlement.
I was sick, not that violently on our cruise in May, we were crossing the Gulf of Alaska and it was extremely rough, I've never been seasick before and love upside down roller coasters but the rough seas go me, I luckily packed my anti nausea pills.
My pet peeve is the inability of cruise passengers to have enough situational awareness to realize that they are in fact NOT the only people on the cruise. If you slam on the brakes while perusing the buffet line to see what that dish is - yes, there is probably someone walking behind you. Step to one side and then look. When you and your sweetie are strolling...slowly strolling hand in hand down the passageway from the restaurant to the bar, you are NOT the only person on the cruise - someone is probably behind you. You might have to walk single file for a sec. It's just all about realizing you are not alone.
And we can't even advise such people to act like they would at home because some people seriously have NO home training! That is exactly how they'd behave in their own town or city!
These are probably the same people that drive like they are the only ones on the road or slowly stroll down the middle of the grocery store aisle oblivious to anyone behind them.
1 am curfew for kids is crazy. I’m trying to sleep and they are running up and down the halls and no one is going to rein them in until 1 am is not great (and holy cow I just realized I sound like the “you kids, get off my grass” guy).
I feel the same way. I also paid for the cruise. Watch your kids. And I won't get pissed. 😂 Agreed 💯 with you. And now I'm suddenly the second lawn guy
I cruise on Disney Cruise Line and have since my oldest was 8 years old. We sailed on Disney’s first Mediterranean Cruise which sailed on my daughter’s 15th Birthday. It was the first time we used the kids programs. They have kids programs for all ages. Different programs for different ages and surprisingly adult activities specifically for 18-21 and 21-25 so those age groups are able to associate with people their own age. On that Med cruise my daughter used the teen program called the Stack, named for the location which was a 3 story location in the fake stack on the main deck. They had their own schedule with different activities including parties. They had counselors that over saw everything. No adults allowed except counselors. Most of their activites ended by Midnight. Near the end of the cruise they had a couple of parties that ended around 2am. We knew the schedule for the Stack. It was published along with the other schedules (Disney does it by age group usually). Our daughter had a curfew, especially on nights before we had a shore excursion. One night she tried to break it and got her punishment. So here is the important thing. Disney knows the schedule too. They had crew members near the Stack when the activities end late night and when the kids tried to wander beyond the guest quarters, they rounded them up and asked where their rooms were and escorted them back to their rooms. I would guess it is possible for the kids to lie, I would suspect that Security has key card readers that would show the room number. So Disney at least doesnt allow kids to run rampant at all hours of the night.
I mean, if it's the Norway-Germany weekend cruise the ferry run, I'm going to be completely 100% unbothered, because that's what I signed up for. But if it's not a booze cruise/working class holiday kinda deal which is rowdy yet friendly, I'm going to 100% agree with you that you should keep your kids under some control. As Jordan Peterson so beautifully said: Don't allow your kids to grow up to be someone that others don't like.
Another rule that needs to be made, and this will get me flamed. If you are using a motorized chair, that is designed to give you mobility; not the right to pass people, move to the head of a line, break into buffet lines, and expect everyone to move out of your way.
Wow what lovely people on here, as a mobility chair user I often have to go ahead on order not to delay others further by trying to manouvre around crowds, this also means often being taken off last, not a problem either way. But nasty comments from clueless people is abhorrent as is being invisable or accused pf faking by people like you. Many disorders beed blood sugars regulated,
@@Suzyboo73Yes, a little common sense goes a long way. However we all have to deal with some people who drive scooters in places like the grocery store with no regards for anyone else. Backing up without looking, blocking the entire aisle, running into people, etc. Consideration goes both ways.
@@Suzyboo73I use one at Walmart often. I constantly have people rush to get in front on me and then stop to browse. I have yielded to others and had multiple people hurry to get around me and the person I was waiting for often leading more people to get in front and make me wait for a group when I was just being courteous.
Great channel and content as always. It's a sad state of affairs that GROWN ASS ADULTS have to be told to wash their hands after using the bathroom! Have some pride in yourself!
The whole C$%^d pressure "awareness" regarding washing hands, cleaning tables, menus, etc...I'm like, what in the WORLD were you doing before this??? People are just NASTY!!! I've always washed my hands & trained my children to do so. They freak out when they see grown ups pass the sinks after they used the bathroom 🤮. My husband & I got sick after touching menus & forgetting to washing our hands before we ate. Never again!!!
Re balcony smokers, on a Norwegian cruise the person next door was always on the balcony smoking cigars and stinking out my stateroom. A word with guest serverices and security were knocking on his door by the time I returned to the stateroom.
We were on an excursion in Glasgow and were running late. Stopped for a Comfort Break and we were told 5 minutes. One couple took off across a walkway that spanned the highway. The tour guide had to go and fetch them from a Burger King on the other side!! LOL U don't know if they had a burger or not! Delayed us. I think we were the last ones to get back on the ship. Annoying because we all hustled and got back on the bus promptly.
On our last cruise, the husband of one of the women on the tour wandered off and didn't come back to the tour bus on time. We ended up waiting 15 extra minutes for him and had to rush through the rest of the trip because he essentially ate away our "if there's traffic" transit time (and there ended up being traffic).
Our recent cruise had the opposite, the tour guide zipped off and left a number of us who were still in the process of getting admitted to Pompeii and didn't manage the tickets. Two of us were left at the gate and another guide had to make a number of calls to get the guide back and once he returned, he started making nasty comments about us in Italian not realizing I speak it. I finally had enough, let him have it in Italian and the other gentleman and I barged through the gate to join our spouses. I did go down to the wonderful excursions desk to lodge a complaint and I wasn't the only one.
On our recent MSC transatlantic cruise I stepped out on to our balcony to find the woman in the next cabin smoking away merrily while chatting on her phone. A quick call to customer service and within 3 minutes Security were banging on her door. I never saw the woman or her smoke again.
Well done for reporting her to security. I would do exactly the same. Too many people believe that rules either do not apply to them, or that rules are made to be broken 🚢👮♂️🚔
FYI... from CDC... Hand Sanitizer does not work well against Norovirus. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing, which is best.
Well they did say 6' distances, masks, and 2 weeks would end the WuFlu so take their "opinion" with a grain of salt. Been on ships with norovirus, never got it but I wash and and use hand sanitizer. Plus I keep my paws away from my face.
As always, this is good advice from the CDC. However, the best way to contain spread is people being aware of symptoms and avoiding getting others sick if they begin falling ill.
After 27 cruises, I contracted Norovirus at the end of my last cruise and I wash my hands consistently. We should probably be telling people not only to wash their hands but to also avoid touching their faces.
I've been on three cruises and EVERY cruise has CLEAR and OBVIOUS notifications that if you are aren't on board at ALL ABOARD time, you will be left and on your own to either catch up or get home on your own. It's in the terms of buying the cabin. Those parents had no excuse. Kudos to the 18 year old!
We recently returned from a Princess land/sea Alaska tour. There was widespread, deep coughing in the lodges, buses, ship elevators, dining areas, and other crowded situations, but we rarely saw a mask. My husband and I caught colds early on, probably from the airplane, and wore masks as long as we still had coughs. We did get funny looks. This isn’t politics; it’s common courtesy to wear a mask if you are recovering from an airborne illness (and stay in your room if you really feel sick, which we did).
Thank you for wearing a mask and trying to protect others from your illness. The pandemic sadly exposed how vast numbers of people have no regard for others.
It boggles the mind that wearing masks has become political. In many Asian countries mask wearing in crowded situations is just the norm. I think of it the same as using polite manners, you say please and thank you and you wear a mask to prevent passing on any bugs. I don't want to be responsible for an immuno compromised person getting really sick, so I mask!
It was an 18-year-old girl, not a boy, and it wasn't a matter of her "noticing an all aboard time", she had actually researched cruising dos and don'ts before they left.
Often teens who are a little beyond their comfort level in a situation are very careful to follow all the rules. My daughter first rode the T (Boston subway) alone when she was 14. I took her as far as I could, watched her board the train, and a friend did the same on the other side. She was nervous, but did fine. [Also, weekend afternoon, so fewer passengers.]
Aha. I thought something felt different about that story (especially re: the parents telling their child off). No wonder the parents felt comfortable telling their child off (as It was a girl who was right). Parents wouldn't dare do that to a Son who was right.
Other than hand washing, I am not bothered by the others. No balcony, no pool, no formal nights in the MDR. What does bother me the most is talking in the theatre during the show.
I’ve found over the last few years that many people talk during theatre shows and concerts, which drives me nuts. I often, assertively, tell them to shut up 🤭🤨🙊
I have watched your videos and each one has convinced me, never to go anywhere near a cruise. The thought of it has never really appealed but any doubts have gone, far away.
I'm basically with you on this. I like the idea of a cruise, but the reality appears to be quite unpleasant, given that the type of behavior you're likely to see on a cruise these days is almost certainly representative of the type of behavior you're likely to see in real life these days. Such behavior doesn't stop once you step onboard a cruise ship and there's really no way to avoid it unless perhaps you're rich and can afford one of those exclusive cruises on much smaller ships that effectively weed out the riff raff. But even then, lots of boorish rich people with bratty kids with a massive sense of entitlement, so the cruise line would have to have a reputation for not allowing these sorts of behaviors.
Choose your cruieline carefully. Not all cruise lines are for everyone. Check the demographics and who the target market is for each. It makes a huge difference.
This is not a rule, but doorslamming irritate me the most. On Cunard even the balcony door slams. On most cruiselines the balcony door is a sliding door. Wish passengers would close the doors quitly
Enjoyed this one Gary! Can we add - when the doors of the elevator open, let people out! It frustrates me SO MUCH when I’m trying to exit an elevator, but everyone’s already pushing past me to go in…!!
Also if you’re in the front of the elevator and it’s not yet your floor, best practice would a to step out and away and hold you arm over the elevator doors and just say ‘not my floor but I want to get out of the way of the people getting off in this floor’ it just takes a second and is the ‘right thing to do’ especially if the other people in the back of the elevator have canes or little kids (they need a moment to get off) it’s common courtesy in my opinion
In fairness, this is a problem everywhere not just cruise ships. I worked healthcare and can’t begin to tell you how many times i was blocked from getting off with a wheelchair patient or portable x-Ray machine because people couldn’t wait a few seconds to let me off.
I'm not a big "dress up" guy - but I don't see the harm in having one night per cruise where the main dining room is "formal only". Those who don't wish to take part can always get dinner at the buffet.
If the cruise line has a dress code, honor it. I cruise on Holland America frequently and never attend the dress night dining because I don't want to dress up. You are not the only person on the ship, be courteous to others; they are on holiday too.
You don't understand. The virus is brought onto the cruise ship,due to passengers eating at fast food eateries .. The food poisoning incubates,then bingo it's away. Men are the most infamous for not washing hands.🥴
@@kathosim501 I love ships: I worked on the original Oriana for two years. I hate crowds of people and the idea of being stick in a tin can with 2-3000 people terrifies me. Watching the video just reinforces my phobias. Simples!
Just came off a 2-week transatlantic roundtrip on the Cunard Queen Mary 2 ... my 13th Cunard voyage. WHAT A DISASTER! Got COVID on the 3rd day, but the medical center told me to "go about my business as usual, no mask required," even with a fever of 102 and an intense cough. ZERO infection control by Cunard. Dress code simply did not exist. I saw men wearing speedos and ripped t-shirts in the Carinthia Lounge, gym clothes (including ripped tank tops) in the Golden Lion Pub late at night on "formal" nights," bathrobes and swimwear at lunch in the King's Court, and shorts in the Britannia Dining Room. The crew have totally given up enforcing the dress code. It was the SS Walmart Cruise From Hell. I promptly canceled FIVE future Cunard cruises. No more Cunard! No more cruising! (Lengthy review posted on a popular cruise site under title "Just Say No To Cunard.")
Research, and a review of all research on wearing masks, has shown that general mask wearing does nothing to prevent transmission of the covid virus. Unless you committed to wearing an N-95 mask or PAPR properly at all times, a mask is useless, and even then, not a guarantee of not getting or spreading the disease. If you wished to help avoid transmitting the respiratory virus to someone else, avoid extended close contact indoors (defined as closer than 3 feet for over 10 minutes). Note: it is not transmitted outdoors. Unfortunate you got sick on your vacation, it’s never enjoyable to be sick, especially while on vacation. I hope they instructed you to cover your cough, and wash your hands frequently.
On the smoking issue, I would like to see some nonsmoking cruises or ships, period. I worked in hotels for a number of years, and the last one where I worked adopted a no smoking policy for the entire property with no loss of revenue. We had thought we might lose some reseverations, but we were full all the time anyway, and remained so after the no smoking policy was put in place. For people who would just die without a cigarette, we figured that we could not prohibit people from smoking INSIDE their cars. But anyway I would like to see nonsmoking and non kids cruises. Of course one line already has non kids cruises, Virgin.
The way you started the video I thought you were going to say that this 18 year old went berserk and cost them heaps. Who would have thought that the 18 year old would be the responsible adult, and his parents were the insufferable, selfish ones?
If all the chairs are being used, but someone has their items on a couple of chairs for a long time, just throw their things on the floor & move their chairs someplace else. When they come back, they won't know who took their reserved chairs.
I recently sailed on Virgin and the lack of sinks drove me crazy! Yes there were plenty of hand sanitizer stations but I much prefer old fashioned soap and water. 2:08
@@jopiaspieder1184 I did and it made zero difference. We reported it many times, until the crew tutted and rolled their eyes at us. This was in 2019, maybe they've changed
I have recently been on three Celebrity cruises where the smell of Marijuana from neighboring balcones drove me from my balcony every day. In each case, I knew the offending cabin number and reported it. The smoking continued. I guess the conclusión is that Celebrity really does not care about safety.
On our recent Princess cruise, we left 30-45 minutes late at all 3 ports of call. Each time it was due to either a drunk passenger and once due to a drunk crew member. I wish more Captains would leave on schedule rather than being more lax. Without the pressure to hurry, pier runner watching is no fun anymore 😂.
And I bet you were still on time for your next port of call.. I mean I get people need to be back on time, but did you have somewhere to be? lol You're on a freaking cruise.. I have no clue if we left on time or not at all of our ports.. I really didnt care.
I appreciate that you discuss the good and the bad. A lot of cruise content creators portray cruises as only being cotton candy and unicorns. While it's usually an enjoyable experience, there are things that happen.
One I have been bothered by which is not mentioned here: if you take the late sitting in the formal (main) dining room, the doors to that dining room will be closed while it is cleaned up between seatings. A line will usually form waiting for the late sitting. But some people will walk right past 50 people who have been waiting in the queue for a while, and go stand right beside the door.
As a solo traveller, I have been flagged for reserving a chair, when all I’ve done is to go get a towel or something. I have made a sign indicating that I’ll be right back, but it doesn’t always work. Lately I just go to the Sanctuary on Princess as I get a reserved chair and don’t have to worry about it.
This is one of the things which makes me slightly anxious to try cruising as a solo traveller. Most things I'm fine doing solo, but the lack of someone else to "hold my place/hold my bag or phone" makes me slightly uncertain.
This would actually be a good use for an AI robot. Each lounge chair is given a QR code or an RFID tag and is patrolled by a robot. As it rolls across the deck offering assistance. If Henry needs guided or needs help, it also notes empty chairs that it scans and sees personal items on them and times them. Then it goes back a certain amount of time later and if it recognizes the same items in the same place and no one has been in the chair, it can summon a person to load those items into the robot where it can take them to a storage area. You publicize this during the Cruise and let people know that they can approach any one of these devices or any staff member and simply give them the number off of the chair they were holding to get their items returned. That way there's no way anybody can say they were being unfair or that they were targeted because Mr. Roboto there could care less whose chair that was@@tipsfortravellers
I find it totally staggering that anyone would think that a ship would be held up for one tardy couple! Amazing! And expecting their boy to force the captain to delay sailing! Arrogance! I do feel that the shipping companies should monitor buffets, have staff to hand out the food, no public touching of tongs or plates. People should be civilised and wash but because they won’t the company has to take the lead! It is shocking! Thank you for the video.
They turned the serving utensils during C#$%d & they should've left it that way! I guess that required too many cruise staff members & now cruise lines are cutting way back on everything.
Just a word of caution about using sanitizing gel instead of physically washing the hands: sanitizing gel does NOT kill norovirus. It can be useful for other pathogens, though.
In addition to hand washing, and sanitizer, we always use a glove to handle serving utensils in the buffet...we started this pre covid and it worked well for us.
Those aren't provided in some buffets, the cheap loose-fitting transparent plastic kind that are easy to get on and off that food service workers often use? They could even be paper ones to be compostable.
I use a napkin on the utensils & get my food from the very back of the serving dish! C#$/d was a joke and just EXPOSED how filthy people always were & will continue to be!!! I'm re-thinking my booked cruise in October 😢.
We had Norovirus on our Saga cruise recently. Someone boarded without declaring that they were sick, then bragged about it in the bar !! Consequently our cruise had big restrictions…no library, classes, etc. it was such a shame and lasted nearly for the whole cruise. 😡
I still frequently see passengers not washing their hands after using the toilet, or avoiding washing them when they enter a dining area. Crew should be much stricter and stop them entering the restaurant, or dining room ✋🛑🤮
If culprit was not confined to his cabin or kicked off midway through the cruise, he should have been made to wear a T-shirt declaring, “I’m the person who brought norovirus onto the ship. You’re welcome.” Other passengers would have dealt with him.
Gary, thank you so much for helping to raise Good Cruise Consciousness. May we all surrender our selfish entitlements and learn how to be better neighbors.
There are two time-tested rules we learned in the military: Do not annoy the captain of an aircraft and never miss a ship’s movement. Also, never write a bad check.
This is admittedly a personal opinion, but if you sign up for a cruise with a dress code, follow it or dine elsewhere that night. I feel that it does affect others when a single person in the middle of the dining room is wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and sandals. (Yes, that is hyperbole,m but it creates the mental image I want.)
Personally, that kind of massive difference bothers me, but someone making an attempt at it seems like it would be just fine there. I had one where there was an issue with my knee acting up (I have some issues with it that it's normally fine, but took a pretty hard blow during an excursion), normal pants don't fit when I have the brace strapped on and I've got a noticeable limp where I tend to use a cane or walking stick to get around, I wore all that I could of the suit, but swapped the pants for a pair of my normal cargo shorts because it let me keep the brace on rather than risking things...and I couldn't reschedule the reservation for dining there with the group I was with there. I was on another one where someone ended up with a broken arm in a sling. They didn't have the normal shirt/tie, and had a coat draped over a T-Shirt for it. If you try and there's a reason for it, no one cares...it's the "Screw it, I'm just wearing what I want!" side that annoys people.
I wouldn’t go on a cruise with a strict dress code such a formal dress for dinner. And that’s my choice because I don’t like dressing up. What annoys me is people going on a cruise line with a relaxed dress code (such as Disney where even if there’s a formal night, it’s optional) and then complaining that people aren’t dressed to their “standards.” If they want to wear a sequined dress, go for it. But if the cruise line is fine with what I’m wearing, it’s none of your business.
I recently travelled in Spain where there was an ingenious method for using the buffet. At each place setting, there was a set of bamboo tongs which you brought up to select your food. This prevented us from sharing utensils. There were also many individual little dishes with small amounts of dried fruits, nuts, even cheeses. I don't know if this would work on a cruise ship, or if these are washable or reusable. Nevertheless, it seemed to be more hygienic.
Brilliant idea, so long as they're used properly and aren't used to share food with others off each others' plates at the table then reused to get more food. Perhaps a better solution would be to provide clean tongs at the front of every buffet, to be used by you and only you for this round of selecting food, and then put in a used tongs bin when you're done, just before returning to your table. Of course some people will hold on to their tongs, absent-mindedly or because they don't see why they can't reuse them, or because they want to share food with others at their table using them. To deal with this, crew members could look for and remove tongs from tables, or keep reminding people to not reuse tongs. Even if 20% of diners reused tongs, it would still be an improvement on communal tongs.
My husband, son, and I had an inside stateroom on our one and only Carnival cruise and the entire ship smelled of cigarette smoke. It was a 5 day migraine for me. There was NO enforcement of the no-smoking rules. Sadly, the rules you mention are common sense and common courtesy to others, but many people choose to ignore them.
Sadly, Carnival tends to have a class of people on most of their shorter sailings that lack any decorum, feeling they paid their few hundred bucks gives them the right to do as they please.
I detest chair hogs. Our last HAL cruise, I'll wager that 25% of the loungers were "reserved" by 8am, but were empty until at least 10am. I have NEVER seen a crew member remove items. They just don't get paid enough to warrant the hassle. We grab loungers, and then we take turns running to the buffet and bring our plates back to the chairs.
Maybe the solution is for cruises to provide little signs that say something like "Just stepped away briefly, will be back by xx:yy", that allow people to reserve or keep lounge chairs for a reasonable amount of time, say 15-20 minutes, in case you want to get something to bring back to eat or drink or need to use the rest room or get something from your cabin. If the person isn't back by the stated time, with perhaps a 5 minute grace period, their belongings are removed and put aside. These could be small digital devices that only the crew can set the return time on, so people couldn't keep pushing the time forward. They could even text you to remind you that your time is almost up. Or make it even simpler, no devices, just chair #'s that the crew holds using some tablet app. You can leave your stuff on it, but if you're not back in time, it gets yanked, after a reminder is sent to your phone. But I'm sure I'm not the first person to think of this, so if it isn't being done it's probably because it doesn't work.
After doing so many cruises, it doesn’t matter what rules the ship has in place no employee or manager enforces them. It unfortunate. Example, the person below my balcony was smoking. I informed the Front Desk. The next day this person was smoking on the balcony and actually threw his cigarette butt of the balcony. I actually video taped it.( the smoke was actually coming up into my balcony). I informed the Front Desk. Later in the evening he was smoking again. SO nothing was done. Crew members and management do NOT enforce the rules.
I commend you for raising the issue of sanitation and handwashing. Regarding handwashing and Norovirus, I began exhibiting symptoms consistent with Norovirus on the second day of my Celebrity Alaska cruise in 2011. As a nurse practitioner, I was very aware of the likelihood of this being Norovirus and isolated myself until symptoms disappeared which was about a day and a half. A large group of public health service officers came on board the next day when we docked in Juneau and the results found that there were nearly 300 passengers and crew that had been infected. The source, however, was not a lack of handwashing. It was a passenger using the self-serve soda fountain who took a drink from the side of his cup and already had Norovirus without symptoms. He then pushed the cup against the fillingnarm of the soda fountain contaminating it with his saliva, which then caused the virus to spread like wildfire. Washing is incredibly important and is the simplest way to prevent the spread of many diseases.
We live in an era of rule-breaking, a way for people to pretend to not be bound by the rules of society that they're too immature, selfish and undisciplined to follow. This seems to be proliferating. One of the land-based ones that I loath is people who idle their cars while parked for extended periods of time, in areas where you should reasonably be able to expect some quiet and clean air such as outdoor tables in a cafe or restaurant or next to a public park. These are probably the same people who talk loudly on their phones on cruises, smoke on their balconies and hog lounge chairs.
@@kovie9162 I have theories (perhaps crackpot) about the rise in selfishness. One is what people see on commercials like the old Burger King ads: Have it your way. In movies and on t.v. shows: Just be yourself, just do your own thing. Perhaps you're old enough to remember what was called the Me Generation. I think, partly as a result, a certain type of person seems to think their individual experiences are all that matter, but I'm just repeating what you've said. I don't watch t.v. but I wonder if cruise ship ads place all the emphasis on the individual's experience. I think they probably do. I live with a wonderful, intelligent, accomplished man, but he has the Me Disease. I have to pitch a fit when he wants to park in the spaces reserved for veterans. Yes, he as a veteran, but he served his time in the army playing violin in the White House. Over 22 years, however, he now returns the shopping cart because he knows I'll get out of the car and do it myself and will not be happy about it. He also is using our own shopping bags rather than the plastic ones at the grocery store. He whined for awhile but he got over it.
I’ve caught norovirus while cruising. Sadly, with my already compromised immune system, I wound up in an ICU in Florida upon disembarking. (The good news was that I was first to disembark, but the bad news was that it was in a wheelchair accompanied by paramedics.) In my case, I very well might have caught it from a fellow passenger since there wasn’t a mass outbreak on the ship. The doctor who treated me in the hospital said that those mass outbreaks, with hundreds of people becoming sick, are usually caused by someone with norovirus who is involved in food service in some way. A crew member with norovirus who touches or prepares uncooked foods like fruits or salads can spread it widely, and then those people spread it further. But to get hundreds sick in just a few days requires some sort of widespread initial infection, otherwise you’d just end up with maybe a couple dozen people sick by the end of the cruise. The rule that doesn’t bother me in the slightest is the dress code rule. I honestly could not possibly care less how others dress. It has exactly zero effect on me. People hogging deck chairs or playing loud music affects me, so those are understandably bothersome to many, but I don’t understand getting upset by how someone else is dressed.
Good afternoon Gary, nice video. I’ve been on 17 cruises with 4 different lines. You’ll never find me on a carnival, rccl, or Norwegian ship. Too big, too crowded & rowdy young crowd. I’m 63, been cruising since 1993. I’m no fuddy duddy but I’ll not tolerate 5 of those items mentioned. Even if you get a lounger…..the pool is packed! Standing room only. Hint hint rccl your ships are waaay too big! As far as dress code, I get it, however im on vacation & im not packing a suite. Collard shirt & dress slacks are as dressy as I go. I’ll be packing a dinner jacket for my upcoming Silversea cruise, that is it. Parents this day & age are (mostly) lazy & let their kids run wild without consideration of other guests. I will say I was on a princess cruise in SE Asia & the Chinese were ….well…. A challenge. I was trying to relax on my balcony & there was cross talk / shouting in Chinese going on all over….i finally said “stop! Please! “. They did 😊
I worked in an exclusive department store years ago and in general, Asians were the worst. I understand that they live in very different social environments but when they're among people from other cultures, they really need to research what's considered acceptable and unacceptable - meaning pushing and shoving, cutting lines, and shouting. 🙄
@@kathosim501 the line you choose depends on you. What is your goal? Do you have kids? Do you want crazy activities all day? The cruise lines I prefer @ 63 years Old are smaller ships with lots of port stops, lots of time in port, no nickel & diming aboard. That said, I switching to Azamara, Seaborn, Atlas, Celestial, and Emerald. More costly but no crowded ships with lines everywhere. The less crazy crowded mainstream cruise line is Holland America. Their ships are mid-size and their prices affordable. 😀
To cut down the chances of Norovirus, whenever possible, do not use the handrails when going up or down stairs. Outside of the buffet tongs, these railings are usually touched by most people. Lean up against them if needed, and cover your hand. Also on sea days, go to one of the main dining rooms to eat lunch. Lot less crowded and getting served by the staff helps cut down on any type of transmission.
On my last cruise, the handrails always felt sticky and dirty. It didn't help that none of the public handwashing stations around the ship had soap and towels. Oh well, it was Carnival.
Even when I go shopping at bulk stores using those scoops, I have thin nitrile gloves (non-latex) in my bag, which I use. I have a box of them for various cleaning tasks at home. If I were on a cruise and using the buffet, you'd best believe I'd bring my nitrile gloves there too! When done, I just take them off inside out and they go into a 'Recycle' bin. Even locally I don't touch the escalator handrails either. Too many gross people who are careless or inconsiderate about basic hygiene.
@@Ape4Apes It depends on the seas and how fast the ship is moving. At least on my cruise, most of the time it was calm seas and lower speeds. Am I saying I never used the handrails, no, but used them as sparingly as possible and only when needed. Between the buffet and handrails, they are the top two transmission points, so tried to keep my exposure limited as possible. Also washed my hands and carried hand sanitizer as well.
A clear line runs through all of these complaints: the problem is when your (or your kids) behaviour starts to affect others enjoyment of their cruise. Which is why if you show up on formal night in the MDR wearing a mankini and a sombrero, you'll just look like a fool, you won't ruin anyone's cruise.
Last month I went on Virgin Voyages not having kids was amazing !! about 15 years ago I went on Carnival and will not go back full of out of control kids and drunk parents now law and order at all , and I agree after covid you would think people would have learned , some people should not be allowed in public
For me it’s very simple. The rules must be followed at all times by all passengers and the crew. The rules are designed to ensure everyone enjoys themselves and the cruise is safe.
We've sailed on the QM2 six times and although there are typically two formal nights out of seven. However, if you don't want to get dressed up for the formal night, you can always dress casually that night and eat at the King's Court Buffet. One of our trips we decided to do that on the two formal nights. Interestingly, there were some people eating at the buffet who were dressed up on the formal night, but the vast majority were just casually dressed. BTW, the food in the restaurant is more elaborate on formal nights, and free sparkling wine is sometimes provided.
I ended up going to the buffet on the formal night on P&O as I didn't feel comfortable in the one dress i bought, and I only bought one as it was a winter norway cruise, so like others I prioritised my thermals and big coats 😂 A lot of people were pretty annoyed then that when we got onbaord there were actually two formal nights when we had been told there would only be one! But also lots of other people looked down their noses at what others were wearing, guess you cant please everyone!
Good comment. I don’t cruise or smoke . But I have friends that smoke. When they come to my residence I just say “ take it outside..;” politely They always comply.
@@gogreen7794 Interesting. Slightly optimistic comment don’t you think ? People smoke , some don’t. I don’t smoke but some of my friends do . I don’t care if smoker light up a cigarette in their butt . That’s their choice.
Excellent vlog Gary. Many years ago Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher declared that society no longer existed. She promoted a culture of dog-eat-dog, do what you like, when you like ☹️ My pet hate onboard cruise ships, and when staying in hotels, are sun lounger hogging. Cruise and hotel companies must enforce rules to stop selfish guests doing this. On one NCL cruise a couple reserved their favourite sun-beds before going on excursions so that they would have them available when they got back onboard the ship. I reported them to the crew and their towels were removed 🥳👏👍
My cabin on the Queen Mary2 did not have any disposal facility for sanitary products that’s probably why some people may use the toilet. It’s a basic requirement that should be provided
@@Mumsgardenoasis kindness cost nothing don’t be so aggressive. Of course I could have asked but my point was it’s a basic requirement that should have been there. These are not cheap cruises.
I have had Norovirus and it isnt fun. I missed one of my shore excursions. The cruiseline refunded me so no problem there. They also brought me whatever I wanted to my stateroom and when I was close to the end of my isolation, my assistant server brought me dinner from the dinning room. I cruise thru Disney so you would expect Norovirus to be a big problem with all the little hands but since that outbreak I have seen major efforts on Disney’s part to fight the virus. You cannot get into any of the dinning rooms without cleaning your hands. There are hand washing stations at every door and people on guard to ensure you use them. There are also people cleaning every part of the ship you might touch at all times. Not just elevator buttons but handrails and walls. The No Smoking Rule is also important. One thing I like about the way Disney handles it is they have a specific Smoking location on the boat. They recently changed it to allow vaping (of legal products) in the smoking area. This was appreciated as my son vapes nicotine products. Is saved us from having to bring a ton of cigarettes. He does not really like the cigarettes and frankly i dont like the smell. On dress codes. Disney does have a “code” for each night but it is not something that is enforced. Which is l like. The Disney boats are much more casual than other lines. Imagine trying to get little ones dressed in semi formal or formal. There are however at least one resturant on each boat that does have a dress code which is enforced. We took the Alaska cruise in September and it was very cold. The boats were built for the Caribbean. We brought some dressier clothing altho not semi formal. We ended up wearing flannel shirts and heavy sweatshirts every day/evening. It was just too cold. On deck we wore the shell of a 3 part winter jacket. Wonderful cruise by the way. Would do it again.😊
Yep. Take a photo when you see stuff on a chair and whatever the time limit on your ship is, take another photo then put their crap on another chair hog's chair. You have proof they violated the rules and you were in the right and 2, you might get to see two chair hogs have a hissy fit at each other.
@@admranger Unless they were back in the time and headed back for whatever...you can see that at pools a lot where someone is in the pool and leave their stuff at a seat.
@@AzraelThanatos I’ll take the under on the number of people that it would apply to. I’ve seen books and towels on chairs for hours. Hours. Reasonable standards strictly enforced. That’s the minimum standard.
My sister and I didn't know there would be a formal night on our cruise. We elected to have room service and a night in. We're going on our second cruise next month. We are bringing an acceptable formal outfit each and look forward to the evening out.
I was on the Majestic Princess last month, and all of those unsupervised brats ruined the adult-only areas. Even complaining to Guest Services did nothing.
I always let my son run wild on the ship and if anyone says anything they get told to f*** off. If you do not like to see kids being kids cruise term times.
@@crazyjay7676bull****. You and your little monsters have no right to be rude. That is in no way normal behavior for children because even very small ones learn manners if they're taught. If my nieces and nephews behaved like your kids, their parents wouldn't tolerate it.
@@crazyjay7676 "Kids being kids" is not synonymous with "running wild." As an educator for 25+ years, I have known plenty of fantastic kids that I would have no problem being around on a cruise ship. Part of a parent's job is to teach a child to respect others' rights as much as their own and how to behave in public. Kids can have a lot of fun without being in adult-only areas, running about the ship, dodging through and around adults. And you use the f word as response to others? Not classy and a poor example.
Just returned from an RC cruise where it was drummed into people again and again the importance of handwashing along with purell stations positioned throughout the ship. Caught norovirus on a P&O ship last year and besides hand sanitiser stations there were no wash stations outside the buffet areas and halfway through the cruise norovirus spread like wildfire. Really put me off booking with P&O again. Such a basic requirement in my opinion was not deemed important enough and myself and several other passengers paid the price.
Cruise employees will usually allow people to do what they want on a cruise, because they are afraid that if people become upset, when they are called out, they will hold back gratuities.
@PortsladeBySea The cruiselines are billions in the red due to their need to borrow during Covid. From an actuarial standpoint, crew members are cheap, but fee paying passengers willing to pay the fares for the holiday are difficult to come by. In case no one has noticed, spending on non-essential items has decreased. That's why so many restaurants,takeout, chippies, etc. have gone under. Seriously, how empty are downtowns and High Streets in most towns, villages and cities. The cruise lines know something most boomers don't. For all of their money, it will all disappear rather soon once the medical bills and nursing home fees start to kick in. That's why things like formal night, board games, civility etc. have gone out the window. Civility is not a trait that is recognized by younger generations as being important. It just isn't, especially when you can live in your own cocoon, working from home and ordering everything online. If living without the need to adapt to others is your norm, why would you ever think about knowing or even caring how to act around others? At the end of the day, to these people, other people don't actually matter.
If somebody cheats to reserve a lounger and I can’t get one, that’s annoying. If they are playing loud music on their balcony, I can’t enjoy mine. Again, annoying. If someone isn’t following basic hygiene, I could end up suffering from serious distress and have my cruise completely ruined. That in a completely different category. I swear post Covid people are rebelling (against what?) and openly not following basic hygiene rules. And it seriously angers me. Everything else I can brush off. Not this one.
The problem with most of these rules is a) people do not read printed materials thoroughly b) people do not actively listen to announcements or safety briefings and c) people think the rules do not apply to them.
I'm glad you mentioned smoking or vaping in non-smoking areas, including on balconies. Just so ignorant and rude and unsafe of these idiots who do this. The idiot next door to me asked me if it was ok if he smoked on his balcony. When I said no, he pitched a fit. I reported him to guest services and they were great, they came up immediately. I never saw the neighbors again and barely heard a peep from him or his wife. If anyone has issues with other guests, report them to guest services immediately.
My partner actually smoked once on the balcony. I went mad and said "you will get us kicked off" Later that day I was entering the cabin and the stuard approached me and said "no smoking on the balcony". I just said ok. ( even though it wasn't me) This was a few years ago and it was our first cruise.
Evidently, there are more obnoxious adults and kids than ever before. Five years ago, I wanted to cruise to Alaska from Los Angeles, but I ended up doing something with my family instead. I no longer want to cruise at all because of the problems you've addressed. Also, some services have disappeared, nickel-and-dime practices, and cruise prices are up with no end in sight.
I’ve been thinking of maybe going on a cruise. (Likely a river cruise). Watching Tips for Travelers, plus some videos specifically on river cruises (some by Emma Cruises) to learn about cruising. I’m amazed when people invest significant money and time in travel and don’t research their trip before going. The ship not waiting and why (unless it’s a shore excursion booked through the cruise company) is very easy to find out about, and I have a feeling it’s mentioned in the cruise information passengers are provided when they book. 1. Read everything 2. Buy travel insurance.
I remember being on a cruise ship, when the ship should have left , we were waiting for like 4 passengers who went off to do their own thing in Colombia, and got mixed up between the ship time and local time.
It would be great if cruise lines could make it so cabin doors don’t make a lot of noise on closing. So many people let their doors slam anytime of day or night.
When cruise lines finally decide that the comfort and satisfaction of passengers is more important than the feelings of rule breakers, they might get more people willing to get on those floating hives. I myself would never sail on a ship that large with kids under 18. I prefer smaller ships with an educational theme and like-minded passengers.
Re Norovirus transmission: More than 30 million norovirus particles can be spread throughout the air during an episode of vomiting. Highly contagious. You can enter a public restroom shortly after someone has been sick and many surfaces you touch will be contaminated.
we only cruise on ships with less than 750 passengers, adults only, no kids, no teens, dress code at nite-no problems. You get what you pay for. These floating shopping malls with thousands of people are gross.
On my Oceania cruise the passengers never handled the food at the buffet. It was only the staff, with gloves on, that filled a plate and handed the plate to the passenger. That's the way to so it and prevent an outbreak. Kudos to Oceania.
They were furious with the kid for not intervening on their behalf? Really? Is there a better graduation present for an 18-year-old than being on a cruise ship for a whole day (possibly two, if there's a Sea Day in between ports) with no parents? Raises the term "Fun Day At Sea" to a whole new level.
As a solo traveler, I would like a sign that says, "In the Pool!" That way I could be located if verification is needed and I wouldn't have to feel anxious about losing my lounge chair while I swim. If further "checking" was needed, it could include a place for my initials/signature every 20 minutes to show I was still "at" the pool/using the seat.
The 18 year is old more sensible and responsible than the parents. I wonder what he has to put up with from these parents at home.
My thoughts exactly.
I hope the 18 year old sees this video and shows the parents these comments!
I saw the whole report somewhere, and he said that his parents were always late for everything. They always seemed to think that everyone should just wait for them. They tended to barely make airplane flights, they were often late for dinner reservations, and so on. He warned them beforehand that they had to be on time, he warned them when he left them that day, but they just assumed the ship would wait and were furious when the ship left. They assumed he'd failed to tell them his parents were still ashore.
Exactly, how dare they blame their son?
Exactly, how dare they blame their son? He has no control over the cruises rules and regulations! He does not on the Cruiseline?
God the arrogance of those parents, even if they were correct! "No big deal, we'll just be keeping thousands of people waiting for us."
I’d like to say that I’m shocked but people these days are just crazy. I don’t want to use the word entitled because it’s used to often, however this would be a prime example and it’s not isolated
When I heard this story, I really felt for the son. I can’t imagine living with parents who are that arrogant and stupid.
They are not experienced travelers
@@arribaficationwineho32That isn’t an excuse to not learn the rules or make unfounded assumptions. The fact their TEENAGER knew there was an all-aboard time and chose to follow it points not to inexperience but the parents’ indifference and entitlement.
@@mpb3481 agree.
The son was prefectly correct; his parents were in the wrong. No amount of begging by the son would have persuaded the captain to delay sailing.
Feel so bad for the kid. Sounds like a responsible kid brought up by irresponsible parents.
It must be uncomfortable to know that your parents are half as smart as you are.
parents were selfish and should look at themselves to blame
I was sick, not that violently on our cruise in May, we were crossing the Gulf of Alaska and it was extremely rough, I've never been seasick before and love upside down roller coasters but the rough seas go me, I luckily packed my anti nausea pills.
Agree. The son did not cost the parents dearly, the parents did it themselves.
My pet peeve is the inability of cruise passengers to have enough situational awareness to realize that they are in fact NOT the only people on the cruise. If you slam on the brakes while perusing the buffet line to see what that dish is - yes, there is probably someone walking behind you. Step to one side and then look. When you and your sweetie are strolling...slowly strolling hand in hand down the passageway from the restaurant to the bar, you are NOT the only person on the cruise - someone is probably behind you. You might have to walk single file for a sec. It's just all about realizing you are not alone.
And we can't even advise such people to act like they would at home because some people seriously have NO home training! That is exactly how they'd behave in their own town or city!
@@lkeke35 Absolutely! If you see people behaving inconsiderately in public, cances are you can bet they do it just as badly if not worse at home too!
@@lkeke35not to mention that people have hair trigger tempers these days and can't abide even polite correction.
These are probably the same people that drive like they are the only ones on the road or slowly stroll down the middle of the grocery store aisle oblivious to anyone behind them.
Common courtesy is uncommon.
The real problem is the cruise ship not keeping the rules enforced
1 am curfew for kids is crazy. I’m trying to sleep and they are running up and down the halls and no one is going to rein them in until 1 am is not great (and holy cow I just realized I sound like the “you kids, get off my grass” guy).
I agree 1 am is too late for kids. What are they doing until 1am? 18-19 years old maybe but not younger
I feel the same way. I also paid for the cruise. Watch your kids. And I won't get pissed. 😂 Agreed 💯 with you. And now I'm suddenly the second lawn guy
I cruise on Disney Cruise Line and have since my oldest was 8 years old.
We sailed on Disney’s first Mediterranean Cruise which sailed on my daughter’s 15th Birthday. It was the first time we used the kids programs.
They have kids programs for all ages. Different programs for different ages and surprisingly adult activities specifically for 18-21 and 21-25 so those age groups are able to associate with people their own age.
On that Med cruise my daughter used the teen program called the Stack, named for the location which was a 3 story location in the fake stack on the main deck. They had their own schedule with different activities including parties. They had counselors that over saw everything. No adults allowed except counselors. Most of their activites ended by Midnight. Near the end of the cruise they had a couple of parties that ended around 2am.
We knew the schedule for the Stack. It was published along with the other schedules (Disney does it by age group usually).
Our daughter had a curfew, especially on nights before we had a shore excursion. One night she tried to break it and got her punishment.
So here is the important thing.
Disney knows the schedule too. They had crew members near the Stack when the activities end late night and when the kids tried to wander beyond the guest quarters, they rounded them up and asked where their rooms were and escorted them back to their rooms. I would guess it is possible for the kids to lie, I would suspect that Security has key card readers that would show the room number.
So Disney at least doesnt allow kids to run rampant at all hours of the night.
At some point you realize that "that guy" may have had a point and been justified... that's a sobering point of adulting 😼
I mean, if it's the Norway-Germany weekend cruise the ferry run, I'm going to be completely 100% unbothered, because that's what I signed up for. But if it's not a booze cruise/working class holiday kinda deal which is rowdy yet friendly, I'm going to 100% agree with you that you should keep your kids under some control. As Jordan Peterson so beautifully said: Don't allow your kids to grow up to be someone that others don't like.
Another rule that needs to be made, and this will get me flamed. If you are using a motorized chair, that is designed to give you mobility; not the right to pass people, move to the head of a line, break into buffet lines, and expect everyone to move out of your way.
There are very rude people who just stand around blocking everyone’s path
they probably behave this way every day of their life no just on a cruise
Wow what lovely people on here, as a mobility chair user I often have to go ahead on order not to delay others further by trying to manouvre around crowds, this also means often being taken off last, not a problem either way. But nasty comments from clueless people is abhorrent as is being invisable or accused pf faking by people like you. Many disorders beed blood sugars regulated,
@@Suzyboo73Yes, a little common sense goes a long way. However we all have to deal with some people who drive scooters in places like the grocery store with no regards for anyone else. Backing up without looking, blocking the entire aisle, running into people, etc. Consideration goes both ways.
@@Suzyboo73I use one at Walmart often. I constantly have people rush to get in front on me and then stop to browse. I have yielded to others and had multiple people hurry to get around me and the person I was waiting for often leading more people to get in front and make me wait for a group when I was just being courteous.
Great channel and content as always.
It's a sad state of affairs that GROWN ASS ADULTS have to be told to wash their hands after using the bathroom! Have some pride in yourself!
The whole C$%^d pressure "awareness" regarding washing hands, cleaning tables, menus, etc...I'm like, what in the WORLD were you doing before this??? People are just NASTY!!! I've always washed my hands & trained my children to do so. They freak out when they see grown ups pass the sinks after they used the bathroom 🤮.
My husband & I got sick after touching menus & forgetting to washing our hands before we ate. Never again!!!
Re balcony smokers, on a Norwegian cruise the person next door was always on the balcony smoking cigars and stinking out my stateroom. A word with guest serverices and security were knocking on his door by the time I returned to the stateroom.
In the old days, smoking a cigar on the balcony was OK.
@@cruisecrazy7066that may be, but to many people cigars just reek.
I think cigars are almost worse than cigarettes.
@@elisaastorino2881 Yes. I understand. I gave up smoking 10 years ago. But I still enjoy the aroma of a good (Cuban) cigar.
@@elisaastorino2881Almost?
I’ve read about people wandering off while on excursions and keeping the rest of the group from seeing everything. That would infuriate me.
We were on an excursion in Glasgow and were running late. Stopped for a Comfort Break and we were told 5 minutes. One couple took off across a walkway that spanned the highway. The tour guide had to go and fetch them from a Burger King on the other side!! LOL U don't know if they had a burger or not!
Delayed us. I think we were the last ones to get back on the ship. Annoying because we all hustled and got back on the bus promptly.
On our last cruise, the husband of one of the women on the tour wandered off and didn't come back to the tour bus on time. We ended up waiting 15 extra minutes for him and had to rush through the rest of the trip because he essentially ate away our "if there's traffic" transit time (and there ended up being traffic).
Our recent cruise had the opposite, the tour guide zipped off and left a number of us who were still in the process of getting admitted to Pompeii and didn't manage the tickets. Two of us were left at the gate and another guide had to make a number of calls to get the guide back and once he returned, he started making nasty comments about us in Italian not realizing I speak it. I finally had enough, let him have it in Italian and the other gentleman and I barged through the gate to join our spouses.
I did go down to the wonderful excursions desk to lodge a complaint and I wasn't the only one.
On our recent MSC transatlantic cruise I stepped out on to our balcony to find the woman in the next cabin smoking away merrily while chatting on her phone. A quick call to customer service and within 3 minutes Security were banging on her door. I never saw the woman or her smoke again.
Well done for reporting her to security. I would do exactly the same. Too many people believe that rules either do not apply to them, or that rules are made to be broken 🚢👮♂️🚔
Woman overboard!!!
That sounds so ominous, I love it! Was she thrown off the ship? Left behind at the next port? Used as fuel? No one knows!
You don’t want to just ask her to stop prior? But I feel it will wants to communicate with others nowadays
Well done. Selfish and dangerous behaviour
FYI... from CDC... Hand Sanitizer does not work well against Norovirus. You can use hand sanitizers in addition to hand washing, but hand sanitizer is not a substitute for handwashing, which is best.
I agree. Sanitizer does not clean hands. It only kills some of the germs.
Well they did say 6' distances, masks, and 2 weeks would end the WuFlu so take their "opinion" with a grain of salt.
Been on ships with norovirus, never got it but I wash and and use hand sanitizer. Plus I keep my paws away from my face.
Exactly! To combat PIM (potentially infectious materials) you need soap and water.
As always, this is good advice from the CDC. However, the best way to contain spread is people being aware of symptoms and avoiding getting others sick if they begin falling ill.
This is correct!!
After 27 cruises, I contracted Norovirus at the end of my last cruise and I wash my hands consistently. We should probably be telling people not only to wash their hands but to also avoid touching their faces.
Washing your hands doesn’t matter if you serve yourself at the buffet.
@@ilovesparky13What!!?? Sarcasm? If everyone is serving themselves you are touching what everyone before you has touched
People stopped washing their hands shortly after the height of covid. Shameful. Basic hygiene. 🧼👏🏽😷
@@ilovesparky13 no, but washing after you serve yourself and before you eat does wonders .
Rule number one should be , be considerate of others. And everything else will be okay.
Most cruisers are. But the jerks always are around.
I watched so many people walk straight past the "washy washy" hand spray staff.🙄🙄
It really should be that simple, shouldn't it?!
I've been on three cruises and EVERY cruise has CLEAR and OBVIOUS notifications that if you are aren't on board at ALL ABOARD time, you will be left and on your own to either catch up or get home on your own. It's in the terms of buying the cabin. Those parents had no excuse. Kudos to the 18 year old!
We recently returned from a Princess land/sea Alaska tour. There was widespread, deep coughing in the lodges, buses, ship elevators, dining areas, and other crowded situations, but we rarely saw a mask. My husband and I caught colds early on, probably from the airplane, and wore masks as long as we still had coughs. We did get funny looks. This isn’t politics; it’s common courtesy to wear a mask if you are recovering from an airborne illness (and stay in your room if you really feel sick, which we did).
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Thank you for wearing a mask and trying to protect others from your illness. The pandemic sadly exposed how vast numbers of people have no regard for others.
It boggles the mind that wearing masks has become political. In many Asian countries mask wearing in crowded situations is just the norm. I think of it the same as using polite manners, you say please and thank you and you wear a mask to prevent passing on any bugs. I don't want to be responsible for an immuno compromised person getting really sick, so I mask!
@@CatWhiskering If masks worked, they would have been used 100 years ago. Common sense isn't so common anymore...
We heard comments from people behind us in the theater commenting about our wearing masks. Rather safe than sick.
It was an 18-year-old girl, not a boy, and it wasn't a matter of her "noticing an all aboard time", she had actually researched cruising dos and don'ts before they left.
Often teens who are a little beyond their comfort level in a situation are very careful to follow all the rules.
My daughter first rode the T (Boston subway) alone when she was 14. I took her as far as I could, watched her board the train, and a friend did the same on the other side. She was nervous, but did fine. [Also, weekend afternoon, so fewer passengers.]
Aha. I thought something felt different about that story (especially re: the parents telling their child off). No wonder the parents felt comfortable telling their child off (as It was a girl who was right). Parents wouldn't dare do that to a Son who was right.
I think he changed the story up to protect peoples identity
Other than hand washing, I am not bothered by the others. No balcony, no pool, no formal nights in the MDR. What does bother me the most is talking in the theatre during the show.
I’ve found over the last few years that many people talk during theatre shows and concerts, which drives me nuts. I often, assertively, tell them to shut up 🤭🤨🙊
When I told the lady behind me that I can’t hear the show , she said , so what 😐 After that I was not so nice , she moved.
I have watched your videos and each one has convinced me, never to go anywhere near a cruise.
The thought of it has never really appealed but any doubts have gone, far away.
I'm basically with you on this. I like the idea of a cruise, but the reality appears to be quite unpleasant, given that the type of behavior you're likely to see on a cruise these days is almost certainly representative of the type of behavior you're likely to see in real life these days. Such behavior doesn't stop once you step onboard a cruise ship and there's really no way to avoid it unless perhaps you're rich and can afford one of those exclusive cruises on much smaller ships that effectively weed out the riff raff. But even then, lots of boorish rich people with bratty kids with a massive sense of entitlement, so the cruise line would have to have a reputation for not allowing these sorts of behaviors.
Choose your cruieline carefully. Not all cruise lines are for everyone. Check the demographics and who the target market is for each. It makes a huge difference.
Depends on the cruiseline. Never saw a single child on Cunard.
This is not a rule, but doorslamming irritate me the most. On Cunard even the balcony door slams. On most cruiselines the balcony door is a sliding door. Wish passengers would close the doors quitly
That would drive my wife and me nuts 🫢🙉🤬
yes 100%!!!
Same here on land or ocean it’s constantly sometimes ,why do people keep going in and out early hours 😡…
The doors sometimes will not close without a firm slam - fact.
Door slamming should be followed with a fine.
Enjoyed this one Gary! Can we add - when the doors of the elevator open, let people out! It frustrates me SO MUCH when I’m trying to exit an elevator, but everyone’s already pushing past me to go in…!!
Also if you’re in the front of the elevator and it’s not yet your floor, best practice would a to step out and away and hold you arm over the elevator doors and just say ‘not my floor but I want to get out of the way of the people getting off in this floor’ it just takes a second and is the ‘right thing to do’ especially if the other people in the back of the elevator have canes or little kids (they need a moment to get off) it’s common courtesy in my opinion
yes!!! agree, that does drive me crazy too :-)
In fairness, this is a problem everywhere not just cruise ships. I worked healthcare and can’t begin to tell you how many times i was blocked from getting off with a wheelchair patient or portable x-Ray machine because people couldn’t wait a few seconds to let me off.
You are much more sophisticated than other you tube cruise creators
I watch this channel because he doesn't sing (horribly) or talk about his personal problems.
I'm not a big "dress up" guy - but I don't see the harm in having one night per cruise where the main dining room is "formal only". Those who don't wish to take part can always get dinner at the buffet.
Arrogant parents, smart kid
An unusual combination
“You can’t fix stupid.” - Ron White
~ Judge Judy ~
If the cruise line has a dress code, honor it. I cruise on Holland America frequently and never attend the dress night dining because I don't want to dress up. You are not the only person on the ship, be courteous to others; they are on holiday too.
Unfortunately having a 1 am curfew does not affect the abundance of unsupervised kids mobbing the pools, gym, and adult areas.
There'd be no way known I go on a cruise liner, living cheek by jowl, with thousands of other bums
Just watching this reinforces my view NEVER to go on a cruise. I'd rather pitch a tent in a shopping centre.
You don't understand.
The virus is brought onto the cruise ship,due to passengers eating at fast food eateries .. The food poisoning incubates,then bingo it's away.
Men are the most infamous for not washing hands.🥴
Lol me too
So I’m curious - why watch the video?
@@kathosim501 I love ships: I worked on the original Oriana for two years. I hate crowds of people and the idea of being stick in a tin can with 2-3000 people terrifies me. Watching the video just reinforces my phobias. Simples!
Me too! But I find these videos fascinating 😂
Just came off a 2-week transatlantic roundtrip on the Cunard Queen Mary 2 ... my 13th Cunard voyage. WHAT A DISASTER! Got COVID on the 3rd day, but the medical center told me to "go about my business as usual, no mask required," even with a fever of 102 and an intense cough. ZERO infection control by Cunard. Dress code simply did not exist. I saw men wearing speedos and ripped t-shirts in the Carinthia Lounge, gym clothes (including ripped tank tops) in the Golden Lion Pub late at night on "formal" nights," bathrobes and swimwear at lunch in the King's Court, and shorts in the Britannia Dining Room. The crew have totally given up enforcing the dress code. It was the SS Walmart Cruise From Hell. I promptly canceled FIVE future Cunard cruises. No more Cunard! No more cruising! (Lengthy review posted on a popular cruise site under title "Just Say No To Cunard.")
Research, and a review of all research on wearing masks, has shown that general mask wearing does nothing to prevent transmission of the covid virus.
Unless you committed to wearing an N-95 mask or PAPR properly at all times, a mask is useless, and even then, not a guarantee of not getting or spreading the disease.
If you wished to help avoid transmitting the respiratory virus to someone else, avoid extended close contact indoors (defined as closer than 3 feet for over 10 minutes).
Note: it is not transmitted outdoors.
Unfortunate you got sick on your vacation, it’s never enjoyable to be sick, especially while on vacation.
I hope they instructed you to cover your cough, and wash your hands frequently.
I just off of Queen Mary II and I saw none of this. Covid sounds horrible but everyone was dressed nicely.
On the smoking issue, I would like to see some nonsmoking cruises or ships, period. I worked in hotels for a number of years, and the last one where I worked adopted a no smoking policy for the entire property with no loss of revenue. We had thought we might lose some reseverations, but we were full all the time anyway, and remained so after the no smoking policy was put in place. For people who would just die without a cigarette, we figured that we could not prohibit people from smoking INSIDE their cars. But anyway I would like to see nonsmoking and non kids cruises. Of course one line already has non kids cruises, Virgin.
The way you started the video I thought you were going to say that this 18 year old went berserk and cost them heaps. Who would have thought that the 18 year old would be the responsible adult, and his parents were the insufferable, selfish ones?
If all the chairs are being used, but someone has their items on a couple of chairs for a long time, just throw their things on the floor & move their chairs someplace else. When they come back, they won't know who took their reserved chairs.
That’s what my son does-and nobody ever shows up to question it!
I recently sailed on Virgin and the lack of sinks drove me crazy! Yes there were plenty of hand sanitizer stations but I much prefer old fashioned soap and water. 2:08
I choose virgin because zero kids.
Yeah, sanitizer just kills most germs but the yucky stuff is still there! Washing is always preferable.
Hand sanitizer is not as good at removing norovirus as soap and water
I can not stand people smoking on the balcony it is so annoying
We were stuck next to smokers on an MSC cruise - the crew didn't do anything other than say well, they're French, what can we do ?
🤮🚬🤮🚬🤮
If you see them, report them to guest services immediately.
@@trellism Give MSC a negative review and bad publicity and that will be handled differently next time
@@jopiaspieder1184 I did and it made zero difference. We reported it many times, until the crew tutted and rolled their eyes at us. This was in 2019, maybe they've changed
I have recently been on three Celebrity cruises where the smell of Marijuana from neighboring balcones drove me from my balcony every day. In each case, I knew the offending cabin number and reported it. The smoking continued. I guess the conclusión is that Celebrity really does not care about safety.
On our recent Princess cruise, we left 30-45 minutes late at all 3 ports of call. Each time it was due to either a drunk passenger and once due to a drunk crew member. I wish more Captains would leave on schedule rather than being more lax. Without the pressure to hurry, pier runner watching is no fun anymore 😂.
OMG a crew member returning to the ship both late and drunk. I hope he/she was either severely reprimanded, or dismissed, possibly both.
And I bet you were still on time for your next port of call.. I mean I get people need to be back on time, but did you have somewhere to be? lol You're on a freaking cruise.. I have no clue if we left on time or not at all of our ports.. I really didnt care.
I appreciate that you discuss the good and the bad.
A lot of cruise content creators portray cruises as only being cotton candy and unicorns.
While it's usually an enjoyable experience, there are things that happen.
One I have been bothered by which is not mentioned here: if you take the late sitting in the formal (main) dining room, the doors to that dining room will be closed while it is cleaned up between seatings. A line will usually form waiting for the late sitting. But some people will walk right past 50 people who have been waiting in the queue for a while, and go stand right beside the door.
Curfew for kids is good, but 1am seems way too late. i think pm would be more sensible.
As a solo traveller, I have been flagged for reserving a chair, when all I’ve done is to go get a towel or something. I have made a sign indicating that I’ll be right back, but it doesn’t always work. Lately I just go to the Sanctuary on Princess as I get a reserved chair and don’t have to worry about it.
This is one of the things which makes me slightly anxious to try cruising as a solo traveller. Most things I'm fine doing solo, but the lack of someone else to "hold my place/hold my bag or phone" makes me slightly uncertain.
yes, good point on the solo trying to quickly find. spot while get some thing or do something (like swim!)
@@bianca24601 It’s one reason why I cruise with Princess, the Medallion and the Sanctuary really help a lot.
The Sanctuary is a godsend!
This would actually be a good use for an AI robot. Each lounge chair is given a QR code or an RFID tag and is patrolled by a robot. As it rolls across the deck offering assistance. If Henry needs guided or needs help, it also notes empty chairs that it scans and sees personal items on them and times them. Then it goes back a certain amount of time later and if it recognizes the same items in the same place and no one has been in the chair, it can summon a person to load those items into the robot where it can take them to a storage area. You publicize this during the Cruise and let people know that they can approach any one of these devices or any staff member and simply give them the number off of the chair they were holding to get their items returned. That way there's no way anybody can say they were being unfair or that they were targeted because Mr. Roboto there could care less whose chair that was@@tipsfortravellers
Changing air conditioning Filters is a major factor in stopping spread of Germs. Applies to ships, hotels, office buildings etc etc😳
I find it totally staggering that anyone would think that a ship would be held up for one tardy couple! Amazing! And expecting their boy to force the captain to delay sailing! Arrogance! I do feel that the shipping companies should monitor buffets, have staff to hand out the food, no public touching of tongs or plates. People should be civilised and wash but because they won’t the company has to take the lead! It is shocking! Thank you for the video.
They turned the serving utensils during C#$%d & they should've left it that way! I guess that required too many cruise staff members & now cruise lines are cutting way back on everything.
Catering crew on Saga always serve you at the buffet. They are also strict about hand washing before entering the restaurants. We were very impressed.
Just a word of caution about using sanitizing gel instead of physically washing the hands: sanitizing gel does NOT kill norovirus. It can be useful for other pathogens, though.
All great advice.. Let's be respectful to other people.
In addition to hand washing, and sanitizer, we always use a glove to handle serving utensils in the buffet...we started this pre covid and it worked well for us.
Those aren't provided in some buffets, the cheap loose-fitting transparent plastic kind that are easy to get on and off that food service workers often use? They could even be paper ones to be compostable.
I use a napkin on the utensils & get my food from the very back of the serving dish! C#$/d was a joke and just EXPOSED how filthy people always were & will continue to be!!! I'm re-thinking my booked cruise in October 😢.
Gloves are only a solution if you change them each time you are going to touch a new utensil.
I’m saving up to go on my first cruise, and I’m specifically choosing either Cunard because of the dress code or Viking because of the age limit.
I love Viking & travel with them for both reasons (I’m just not a formal night kinda gal.).
Good shout.
We had Norovirus on our Saga cruise recently. Someone boarded without declaring that they were sick, then bragged about it in the bar !! Consequently our cruise had big restrictions…no library, classes, etc. it was such a shame and lasted nearly for the whole cruise. 😡
Person should be kicked off the cruise and banned for that.
@@pmj85
I think that they were…banned from Saga anyway.
I still frequently see passengers not washing their hands after using the toilet, or avoiding washing them when they enter a dining area. Crew should be much stricter and stop them entering the restaurant, or dining room ✋🛑🤮
If culprit was not confined to his cabin or kicked off midway through the cruise, he should have been made to wear a T-shirt declaring, “I’m the person who brought norovirus onto the ship. You’re welcome.” Other passengers would have dealt with him.
Gary, thank you so much for helping to raise Good Cruise Consciousness. May we all surrender our selfish entitlements and learn how to be better neighbors.
There are two time-tested rules we learned in the military: Do not annoy the captain of an aircraft and never miss a ship’s movement. Also, never write a bad check.
This is admittedly a personal opinion, but if you sign up for a cruise with a dress code, follow it or dine elsewhere that night. I feel that it does affect others when a single person in the middle of the dining room is wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and sandals. (Yes, that is hyperbole,m but it creates the mental image I want.)
Personally, that kind of massive difference bothers me, but someone making an attempt at it seems like it would be just fine there.
I had one where there was an issue with my knee acting up (I have some issues with it that it's normally fine, but took a pretty hard blow during an excursion), normal pants don't fit when I have the brace strapped on and I've got a noticeable limp where I tend to use a cane or walking stick to get around, I wore all that I could of the suit, but swapped the pants for a pair of my normal cargo shorts because it let me keep the brace on rather than risking things...and I couldn't reschedule the reservation for dining there with the group I was with there.
I was on another one where someone ended up with a broken arm in a sling. They didn't have the normal shirt/tie, and had a coat draped over a T-Shirt for it.
If you try and there's a reason for it, no one cares...it's the "Screw it, I'm just wearing what I want!" side that annoys people.
I wouldn’t go on a cruise with a strict dress code such a formal dress for dinner. And that’s my choice because I don’t like dressing up.
What annoys me is people going on a cruise line with a relaxed dress code (such as Disney where even if there’s a formal night, it’s optional) and then complaining that people aren’t dressed to their “standards.” If they want to wear a sequined dress, go for it. But if the cruise line is fine with what I’m wearing, it’s none of your business.
I recently travelled in Spain where there was an ingenious method for using the buffet. At each place setting, there was a set of bamboo tongs which you brought up to select your food. This prevented us from sharing utensils. There were also many individual little dishes with small amounts of dried fruits, nuts, even cheeses.
I don't know if this would work on a cruise ship, or if these are washable or reusable. Nevertheless, it seemed to be more hygienic.
Not hygienic if the tongs touches the plate they are eating out of or the table
Brilliant idea, so long as they're used properly and aren't used to share food with others off each others' plates at the table then reused to get more food. Perhaps a better solution would be to provide clean tongs at the front of every buffet, to be used by you and only you for this round of selecting food, and then put in a used tongs bin when you're done, just before returning to your table.
Of course some people will hold on to their tongs, absent-mindedly or because they don't see why they can't reuse them, or because they want to share food with others at their table using them. To deal with this, crew members could look for and remove tongs from tables, or keep reminding people to not reuse tongs. Even if 20% of diners reused tongs, it would still be an improvement on communal tongs.
My husband, son, and I had an inside stateroom on our one and only Carnival cruise and the entire ship smelled of cigarette smoke. It was a 5 day migraine for me.
There was NO enforcement of the no-smoking rules.
Sadly, the rules you mention are common sense and common courtesy to others, but many people choose to ignore them.
Sadly, Carnival tends to have a class of people on most of their shorter sailings that lack any decorum, feeling they paid their few hundred bucks gives them the right to do as they please.
I detest chair hogs. Our last HAL cruise, I'll wager that 25% of the loungers were "reserved" by 8am, but were empty until at least 10am. I have NEVER seen a crew member remove items. They just don't get paid enough to warrant the hassle. We grab loungers, and then we take turns running to the buffet and bring our plates back to the chairs.
Maybe the solution is for cruises to provide little signs that say something like "Just stepped away briefly, will be back by xx:yy", that allow people to reserve or keep lounge chairs for a reasonable amount of time, say 15-20 minutes, in case you want to get something to bring back to eat or drink or need to use the rest room or get something from your cabin. If the person isn't back by the stated time, with perhaps a 5 minute grace period, their belongings are removed and put aside.
These could be small digital devices that only the crew can set the return time on, so people couldn't keep pushing the time forward. They could even text you to remind you that your time is almost up. Or make it even simpler, no devices, just chair #'s that the crew holds using some tablet app. You can leave your stuff on it, but if you're not back in time, it gets yanked, after a reminder is sent to your phone. But I'm sure I'm not the first person to think of this, so if it isn't being done it's probably because it doesn't work.
@@kovie9162great ideas!
After doing so many cruises, it doesn’t matter what rules the ship has in place no employee or manager enforces them. It unfortunate. Example, the person below my balcony was smoking. I informed the Front Desk. The next day this person was smoking on the balcony and actually threw his cigarette butt of the balcony. I actually video taped it.( the smoke was actually coming up into my balcony). I informed the Front Desk. Later in the evening he was smoking again. SO nothing was done. Crew members and management do NOT enforce the rules.
I commend you for raising the issue of sanitation and handwashing. Regarding handwashing and Norovirus, I began exhibiting symptoms consistent with Norovirus on the second day of my Celebrity Alaska cruise in 2011. As a nurse practitioner, I was very aware of the likelihood of this being Norovirus and isolated myself until symptoms disappeared which was about a day and a half. A large group of public health service officers came on board the next day when we docked in Juneau and the results found that there were nearly 300 passengers and crew that had been infected. The source, however, was not a lack of handwashing. It was a passenger using the self-serve soda fountain who took a drink from the side of his cup and already had Norovirus without symptoms. He then pushed the cup against the fillingnarm of the soda fountain contaminating it with his saliva, which then caused the virus to spread like wildfire. Washing is incredibly important and is the simplest way to prevent the spread of many diseases.
It would seem that people who don't think rules apply to them are flocking to cruise ships.
We cruise mostly with Holland America, Celebrity and Viking. Never experienced these problems except for chair hoggers.
We live in an era of rule-breaking, a way for people to pretend to not be bound by the rules of society that they're too immature, selfish and undisciplined to follow. This seems to be proliferating.
One of the land-based ones that I loath is people who idle their cars while parked for extended periods of time, in areas where you should reasonably be able to expect some quiet and clean air such as outdoor tables in a cafe or restaurant or next to a public park. These are probably the same people who talk loudly on their phones on cruises, smoke on their balconies and hog lounge chairs.
@@kovie9162 I have theories (perhaps crackpot) about the rise in selfishness. One is what people see on commercials like the old Burger King ads: Have it your way. In movies and on t.v. shows: Just be yourself, just do your own thing. Perhaps you're old enough to remember what was called the Me Generation. I think, partly as a result, a certain type of person seems to think their individual experiences are all that matter, but I'm just repeating what you've said. I don't watch t.v. but I wonder if cruise ship ads place all the emphasis on the individual's experience. I think they probably do. I live with a wonderful, intelligent, accomplished man, but he has the Me Disease. I have to pitch a fit when he wants to park in the spaces reserved for veterans. Yes, he as a veteran, but he served his time in the army playing violin in the White House. Over 22 years, however, he now returns the shopping cart because he knows I'll get out of the car and do it myself and will not be happy about it. He also is using our own shopping bags rather than the plastic ones at the grocery store. He whined for awhile but he got over it.
I’ve caught norovirus while cruising. Sadly, with my already compromised immune system, I wound up in an ICU in Florida upon disembarking. (The good news was that I was first to disembark, but the bad news was that it was in a wheelchair accompanied by paramedics.)
In my case, I very well might have caught it from a fellow passenger since there wasn’t a mass outbreak on the ship. The doctor who treated me in the hospital said that those mass outbreaks, with hundreds of people becoming sick, are usually caused by someone with norovirus who is involved in food service in some way. A crew member with norovirus who touches or prepares uncooked foods like fruits or salads can spread it widely, and then those people spread it further. But to get hundreds sick in just a few days requires some sort of widespread initial infection, otherwise you’d just end up with maybe a couple dozen people sick by the end of the cruise.
The rule that doesn’t bother me in the slightest is the dress code rule. I honestly could not possibly care less how others dress. It has exactly zero effect on me. People hogging deck chairs or playing loud music affects me, so those are understandably bothersome to many, but I don’t understand getting upset by how someone else is dressed.
Good afternoon Gary, nice video. I’ve been on 17 cruises with 4 different lines. You’ll never find me on a carnival, rccl, or Norwegian ship. Too big, too crowded & rowdy young crowd. I’m 63, been cruising since 1993. I’m no fuddy duddy but I’ll not tolerate 5 of those items mentioned. Even if you get a lounger…..the pool is packed! Standing room only. Hint hint rccl your ships are waaay too big! As far as dress code, I get it, however im on vacation & im not packing a suite. Collard shirt & dress slacks are as dressy as I go. I’ll be packing a dinner jacket for my upcoming Silversea cruise, that is it.
Parents this day & age are (mostly) lazy & let their kids run wild without consideration of other guests. I will say I was on a princess cruise in SE Asia & the Chinese were ….well…. A challenge. I was trying to relax on my balcony & there was cross talk / shouting in Chinese going on all over….i finally said “stop! Please! “. They did 😊
I worked in an exclusive department store years ago and in general, Asians were the worst. I understand that they live in very different social environments but when they're among people from other cultures, they really need to research what's considered acceptable and unacceptable - meaning pushing and shoving, cutting lines, and shouting. 🙄
What line do you recommend?
@@kathosim501 the line you choose depends on you. What is your goal? Do you have kids? Do you want crazy activities all day? The cruise lines I prefer @ 63 years Old are smaller ships with lots of port stops, lots of time in port, no nickel & diming aboard. That said, I switching to Azamara, Seaborn, Atlas, Celestial, and Emerald. More costly but no crowded ships with lines everywhere. The less crazy crowded mainstream cruise line is Holland America. Their ships are mid-size and their prices affordable. 😀
To cut down the chances of Norovirus, whenever possible, do not use the handrails when going up or down stairs. Outside of the buffet tongs, these railings are usually touched by most people. Lean up against them if needed, and cover your hand. Also on sea days, go to one of the main dining rooms to eat lunch. Lot less crowded and getting served by the staff helps cut down on any type of transmission.
On my last cruise, the handrails always felt sticky and dirty. It didn't help that none of the public handwashing stations around the ship had soap and towels. Oh well, it was Carnival.
Even when I go shopping at bulk stores using those scoops, I have thin nitrile gloves (non-latex) in my bag, which I use. I have a box of them for various cleaning tasks at home. If I were on a cruise and using the buffet, you'd best believe I'd bring my nitrile gloves there too! When done, I just take them off inside out and they go into a 'Recycle' bin. Even locally I don't touch the escalator handrails either. Too many gross people who are careless or inconsiderate about basic hygiene.
Don’t use handrails?!? On a moving ship?!? Use the handrails. Then wash your hands - and avoid touching your face.
@@Ape4Apes It depends on the seas and how fast the ship is moving. At least on my cruise, most of the time it was calm seas and lower speeds. Am I saying I never used the handrails, no, but used them as sparingly as possible and only when needed. Between the buffet and handrails, they are the top two transmission points, so tried to keep my exposure limited as possible. Also washed my hands and carried hand sanitizer as well.
@@kevnotrite I always use a handrail, even in my house which doesn’t generally move about.
A clear line runs through all of these complaints: the problem is when your (or your kids) behaviour starts to affect others enjoyment of their cruise. Which is why if you show up on formal night in the MDR wearing a mankini and a sombrero, you'll just look like a fool, you won't ruin anyone's cruise.
That's an image that will burn your retinas forever! 🤢🤢🤢
As opposed to a "Spe-don't?"
Last month I went on Virgin Voyages not having kids was amazing !! about 15 years ago I went on Carnival and will not go back full of out of control kids and drunk parents now law and order at all , and I agree after covid you would think people would have learned , some people should not be allowed in public
Can you imagine what those people are like to live next door too, or work with? 🤬😢☹️
There are millions of people who don't think covid was a 'real' danger, so of course they aren't going to behave any differently.
I dislike carnival
For me it’s very simple. The rules must be followed at all times by all passengers and the crew. The rules are designed to ensure everyone enjoys themselves and the cruise is safe.
We've sailed on the QM2 six times and although there are typically two formal nights out of seven. However, if you don't want to get dressed up for the formal night, you can always dress casually that night and eat at the King's Court Buffet. One of our trips we decided to do that on the two formal nights. Interestingly, there were some people eating at the buffet who were dressed up on the formal night, but the vast majority were just casually dressed. BTW, the food in the restaurant is more elaborate on formal nights, and free sparkling wine is sometimes provided.
I ended up going to the buffet on the formal night on P&O as I didn't feel comfortable in the one dress i bought, and I only bought one as it was a winter norway cruise, so like others I prioritised my thermals and big coats 😂 A lot of people were pretty annoyed then that when we got onbaord there were actually two formal nights when we had been told there would only be one! But also lots of other people looked down their noses at what others were wearing, guess you cant please everyone!
The thing about smoking is that the rules about smoking don’t actually apply to smokers.
Good comment.
I don’t cruise or smoke .
But I have friends that smoke.
When they come to my residence I just say “ take it outside..;” politely
They always comply.
@rzz9594 I don't have friends who smoke. By now, I figure people with good sense never took up smoking or quit years ago.
@@gogreen7794
Interesting. Slightly optimistic comment don’t you think ? People smoke , some don’t. I don’t smoke but some of my friends do . I don’t care if smoker light up a cigarette in their butt . That’s their choice.
Excellent vlog Gary.
Many years ago Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher declared that society no longer existed. She promoted a culture of dog-eat-dog, do what you like, when you like ☹️
My pet hate onboard cruise ships, and when staying in hotels, are sun lounger hogging. Cruise and hotel companies must enforce rules to stop selfish guests doing this. On one NCL cruise a couple reserved their favourite sun-beds before going on excursions so that they would have them available when they got back onboard the ship. I reported them to the crew and their towels were removed 🥳👏👍
Passengers unite. If a chair isn’t used in an hour move it yourself. Rude only understands rude
Passengers coughing or sneezing without covering your mouth. Sick passengers should check in with the doctor.
I wish cruise lines will charge a fee if any cruiser breaks these rules
All the behaviours you mention are infuriating, Gary, but worst of all is passengers bullying staff and monstering people who don’t have any recourse.
My cabin on the Queen Mary2 did not have any disposal facility for sanitary products that’s probably why some people may use the toilet. It’s a basic requirement that should be provided
My cabin had a pull-out trash receptacle in the bathroom and little paper bags in the bathroom cabinet.
Same here
lord almighty - you could have ASKED for one. but usually all cabins are well equipped.
@@Mumsgardenoasis kindness cost nothing don’t be so aggressive. Of course I could have asked but my point was it’s a basic requirement that should have been there. These are not cheap cruises.
How about the people who are always late during excursions. And we all have to wait.
I have had Norovirus and it isnt fun. I missed one of my shore excursions. The cruiseline refunded me so no problem there. They also brought me whatever I wanted to my stateroom and when I was close to the end of my isolation, my assistant server brought me dinner from the dinning room.
I cruise thru Disney so you would expect Norovirus to be a big problem with all the little hands but since that outbreak I have seen major efforts on Disney’s part to fight the virus. You cannot get into any of the dinning rooms without cleaning your hands. There are hand washing stations at every door and people on guard to ensure you use them. There are also people cleaning every part of the ship you might touch at all times. Not just elevator buttons but handrails and walls.
The No Smoking Rule is also important. One thing I like about the way Disney handles it is they have a specific Smoking location on the boat. They recently changed it to allow vaping (of legal products) in the smoking area. This was appreciated as my son vapes nicotine products. Is saved us from having to bring a ton of cigarettes. He does not really like the cigarettes and frankly i dont like the smell.
On dress codes. Disney does have a “code” for each night but it is not something that is enforced. Which is l like. The Disney boats are much more casual than other lines. Imagine trying to get little ones dressed in semi formal or formal. There are however at least one resturant on each boat that does have a dress code which is enforced.
We took the Alaska cruise in September and it was very cold. The boats were built for the Caribbean. We brought some dressier clothing altho not semi formal. We ended up wearing flannel shirts and heavy sweatshirts every day/evening. It was just too cold. On deck we wore the shell of a 3 part winter jacket. Wonderful cruise by the way. Would do it again.😊
A way that cruise goers can help end people reserving seats is to sit in them as much as possible.
Yep. Take a photo when you see stuff on a chair and whatever the time limit on your ship is, take another photo then put their crap on another chair hog's chair. You have proof they violated the rules and you were in the right and 2, you might get to see two chair hogs have a hissy fit at each other.
@@admranger Unless they were back in the time and headed back for whatever...you can see that at pools a lot where someone is in the pool and leave their stuff at a seat.
@@AzraelThanatos I’ll take the under on the number of people that it would apply to. I’ve seen books and towels on chairs for hours. Hours.
Reasonable standards strictly enforced. That’s the minimum standard.
My sister and I didn't know there would be a formal night on our cruise. We elected to have room service and a night in.
We're going on our second cruise next month. We are bringing an acceptable formal outfit each and look forward to the evening out.
I was on the Majestic Princess last month, and all of those unsupervised brats ruined the adult-only areas. Even complaining to Guest Services did nothing.
I always let my son run wild on the ship and if anyone says anything they get told to f*** off. If you do not like to see kids being kids cruise term times.
@@crazyjay7676What a delight you and your son must be!🥴🥴
@@crazyjay7676bull****. You and your little monsters have no right to be rude. That is in no way normal behavior for children because even very small ones learn manners if they're taught. If my nieces and nephews behaved like your kids, their parents wouldn't tolerate it.
@@crazyjay7676keep your nasty kid home!
@@crazyjay7676 "Kids being kids" is not synonymous with "running wild." As an educator for 25+ years, I have known plenty of fantastic kids that I would have no problem being around on a cruise ship. Part of a parent's job is to teach a child to respect others' rights as much as their own and how to behave in public. Kids can have a lot of fun without being in adult-only areas, running about the ship, dodging through and around adults. And you use the f word as response to others? Not classy and a poor example.
Just returned from an RC cruise where it was drummed into people again and again the importance of handwashing along with purell stations positioned throughout the ship. Caught norovirus on a P&O ship last year and besides hand sanitiser stations there were no wash stations outside the buffet areas and halfway through the cruise norovirus spread like wildfire. Really put me off booking with P&O again.
Such a basic requirement in my opinion was not deemed important enough and myself and several other passengers paid the price.
Cruise employees will usually allow people to do what they want on a cruise, because they are afraid that if people become upset, when they are called out, they will hold back gratuities.
they might also call them out on a post cruise survey.
@@kotor610The cruise companies must support the crew otherwise rules will not be enforced 👮♂️🚔🚢
@PortsladeBySea The cruiselines are billions in the red due to their need to borrow during Covid. From an actuarial standpoint, crew members are cheap, but fee paying passengers willing to pay the fares for the holiday are difficult to come by. In case no one has noticed, spending on non-essential items has decreased. That's why so many restaurants,takeout, chippies, etc. have gone under. Seriously, how empty are downtowns and High Streets in most towns, villages and cities.
The cruise lines know something most boomers don't. For all of their money, it will all disappear rather soon once the medical bills and nursing home fees start to kick in. That's why things like formal night, board games, civility etc. have gone out the window. Civility is not a trait that is recognized by younger generations as being important. It just isn't, especially when you can live in your own cocoon, working from home and ordering everything online. If living without the need to adapt to others is your norm, why would you ever think about knowing or even caring how to act around others? At the end of the day, to these people, other people don't actually matter.
If somebody cheats to reserve a lounger and I can’t get one, that’s annoying. If they are playing loud music on their balcony, I can’t enjoy mine. Again, annoying. If someone isn’t following basic hygiene, I could end up suffering from serious distress and have my cruise completely ruined. That in a completely different category. I swear post Covid people are rebelling (against what?) and openly not following basic hygiene rules. And it seriously angers me. Everything else I can brush off. Not this one.
Great video, thanks!
Thanks Gary, always great videos.
When you mentioned a curfew I thought, good, but when you said 1am I had to laugh.
The problem with most of these rules is a) people do not read printed materials thoroughly b) people do not actively listen to announcements or safety briefings and c) people think the rules do not apply to them.
Getting from Point A to B on a ferry is as close as I'll ever get to this phenomenon.
I hated on my cruises when passengers cut in lines……and I noticed that the elderly are by far guilty ones……
I'm glad you mentioned smoking or vaping in non-smoking areas, including on balconies. Just so ignorant and rude and unsafe of these idiots who do this. The idiot next door to me asked me if it was ok if he smoked on his balcony. When I said no, he pitched a fit. I reported him to guest services and they were great, they came up immediately. I never saw the neighbors again and barely heard a peep from him or his wife. If anyone has issues with other guests, report them to guest services immediately.
My partner actually smoked once on the balcony. I went mad and said "you will get us kicked off"
Later that day I was entering the cabin and the stuard approached me and said "no smoking on the balcony". I just said ok. ( even though it wasn't me) This was a few years ago and it was our first cruise.
Child free cruises only
Evidently, there are more obnoxious adults and kids than ever before. Five years ago, I wanted to cruise to Alaska from Los Angeles, but I ended up doing something with my family instead. I no longer want to cruise at all because of the problems you've addressed. Also, some services have disappeared, nickel-and-dime practices, and cruise prices are up with no end in sight.
I’ve been thinking of maybe going on a cruise. (Likely a river cruise). Watching Tips for Travelers, plus some videos specifically on river cruises (some by Emma Cruises) to learn about cruising. I’m amazed when people invest significant money and time in travel and don’t research their trip before going. The ship not waiting and why (unless it’s a shore excursion booked through the cruise company) is very easy to find out about, and I have a feeling it’s mentioned in the cruise information passengers are provided when they book.
1. Read everything 2. Buy travel insurance.
When I went on cruises I always went back of ship two hrs ahead
I remember being on a cruise ship, when the ship should have left , we were waiting for like 4 passengers who went off to do their own thing in Colombia, and got mixed up between the ship time and local time.
It would be great if cruise lines could make it so cabin doors don’t make a lot of noise on closing. So many people let their doors slam anytime of day or night.
When cruise lines finally decide that the comfort and satisfaction of passengers is more important than the feelings of rule breakers, they might get more people willing to get on those floating hives. I myself would never sail on a ship that large with kids under 18. I prefer smaller ships with an educational theme and like-minded passengers.
These rules being broken are amongst the reasons I won’t go on a cruise, I just like watching your videos
Re Norovirus transmission: More than 30 million norovirus particles can be spread throughout the air during an episode of vomiting. Highly contagious. You can enter a public restroom shortly after someone has been sick and many surfaces you touch will be contaminated.
we only cruise on ships with less than 750 passengers, adults only, no kids, no teens, dress code at nite-no problems. You get what you pay for. These floating shopping malls with thousands of people are gross.
"Why don't you silly people just be rich like me?"
I teach HS. My philosophy is, if there is a rule, it should be enforced. Otherwise, why have a rule? That’s just a suggestion.
As a fellow educator, I recognize and appreciate the logic and simplicity of this policy!
On my Oceania cruise the passengers never handled the food at the buffet. It was only the staff, with gloves on, that filled a plate and handed the plate to the passenger. That's the way to so it and prevent an outbreak. Kudos to Oceania.
They were furious with the kid for not intervening on their behalf? Really? Is there a better graduation present for an 18-year-old than being on a cruise ship for a whole day (possibly two, if there's a Sea Day in between ports) with no parents? Raises the term "Fun Day At Sea" to a whole new level.
As a solo traveler, I would like a sign that says, "In the Pool!" That way I could be located if verification is needed and I wouldn't have to feel anxious about losing my lounge chair while I swim. If further "checking" was needed, it could include a place for my initials/signature every 20 minutes to show I was still "at" the pool/using the seat.