Why not just travel by palanquin, then you don't need to see any ordinary people at all?

Posted By Marilyn Terrell on September 8, 2008, 5:25 PM

I'm hardly wealthy...I'm very much the budget traveler and cruiser. BUT...if cruise lines would enact and actually enforce the rules designed to make everyone more comfortable, then a lot of the demand for this kind of thing would disappear. For ex., enforce rules about diapers in pools, smoking in no-smoking areas, and the prohibition against "saving" lounge chairs. And actually enforce dress codes. Make sure people know BEFORE they book that they can't put their diapered baby in the hot tub or show up for dinner in flip-flops and a tank top. If EVERYONE, including the people who are perhaps wealthy or who perhaps have foregone other things and scrimped and saved for that special stateroom, could count on not being subjected to the general bad behavior that is so apparent in every facet of public life, maybe they wouldn't have to demand to be kept away from it.

Posted By toni vitanza on September 11, 2008, 12:52 PM

I've sailed with Cunard twice and had a phenomenal experience both times.
In '03, my 25 day was approx. $7,000.00. I could have paid the $30,000.00 fare but I would rather take more Cunard trips with so I pay less. If someone chooses a different level of accommodation, why shouldn't they receive a few more perks?
One other point: I've met all types of people on Cunard ships, not just 'the rich'.
Besides, the rich are no different, they just live differently.

Posted By Holly on September 11, 2008, 1:03 PM

Disegalitarianism sounds like another word for Democracy as we know it, not as we imagine it to be. It may not be perfect, but I'll still take it over any other system yet devised.

Posted By Joann Thompson on September 11, 2008, 1:42 PM

If I am paying thousands more for passage, I want a separate dining room like on Cunard, with better food prep. If there is only one dining room for everyone, I would just pay for a balcony room like thousands of other passengers.

Unless there is segregated dining, there is no true disawhateveryoucallit.

Posted By Marianne on September 11, 2008, 1:42 PM

Have three classes on ships - like in the days of the Titanic. e.g., first, tourist and steerage. Don't allow mingling.

Otherwise, equalize.

Posted By ytinifni321 on September 11, 2008, 2:20 PM

When I was a child, we sailed on cruises with First, Second, and Third Class passengers. It appears that the cruise lines are returning to that caste system. I didn't like it 64 years ago, and I don't like it now. The Cunard line softened its class distinctions, but never quite eliminated them. (On the Cunard ships, all passengers can stroll on any deck now, rather than being restricted to the decks dedicated to their passenger class, but some passengers have access to better dining rooms that the rest of the passengers.) I prefer the more egalitarian approach, where you pay for a larger cabin, according to your taste and budget, but, otherwise, all are considered equal.

Posted By Jan on September 11, 2008, 2:31 PM

I think this article fails to make an obvious point; if you pay a budget fare then you should accept that many luxuries will not be included. Just like on dry land, you will not get a great table at a hot restaurant unless you are willing to pay for it. Cruise lines just like airlines reserve the best service and amenities for passengers paying the highest (and most profitable) fares. This is not elitism but simply common business sense. And remember, freedom isn't free either.

Posted By Corky on September 11, 2008, 2:44 PM

I have been on over 30 cruises and to me the beauty of the cruise was the fact that everyone was treaty like royalty. The only difference was the cost of cabin that you choose. By catering only to the wealthy and having parts of the ship only they have access too is a bit of a slap in the face to the people that have brought this industry to the height that it is enjoying.

If someone wants a special spot by the pool, let them bring their servant from home to save them the spot if they are too lazy to get up early.

Having whole decks with only access for just a few is just rude.

I want to see the view from the top of the ship just like everyone else.

Posted By Judy Thompson on September 11, 2008, 2:48 PM

We have sailed on six different cruise lines and last year determined to become loyal NCL guests. We've completed two NCL cruises and are already booked on 3, 4, & 5.

Any perception that perks for the high end cabins creates an unfair caste system is inaccurate. As an example, priorty debarkation does come with suites but also for return customers, after their first cruise. The same applies to a special reception party.

As for prioity dinner seating, anyone can obtain the same service if they go to the concierge desk in the morning. Because there are special concierges assigned only to suites, those cabin holders may have less hassle reaching a concierge.

In any event, we book lower end suites primarily because we enjoy the extra cabin room not for additional perks.

Posted By John McNeal on September 11, 2008, 3:00 PM

In addition to many other cruise trips we've plied the waters several times on Cunard and enjoyed the experience immensely. We expect to do so again and again. Cunard's expectation of high sartorial comportment and etiquette is a welcome oasis amidst the desert of casual attire, buffet line excesses, and pool territoriality found elsewhere.

There is a new trend of extended itineraries, including an increase of round the world voyages. Being able to visit the Far East, South America, and Africa on a cruise is truly exciting. If I can access such destinations in comfort and without the fuss of land travel, I'm all in favor. If this is "disegalitarianism", I can only say, "Noblesse oblige!!!"

Posted By amctavish on September 11, 2008, 4:08 PM

With all this noise about the biggies, I miss, and mourn the apparent demise of, Windjammer [the Caribbean one]. Is there any news about its possible return, or revival under a new flag and/or management?

Posted By Richard on September 11, 2008, 4:11 PM

Hi Richard,
We loved Windjammer, too! Unfortunately, there’s no sign that it could be revived. We’ll report the news as soon as there’s hope.
Kind regards,
Sean
Blog editor

Posted By Sean on September 11, 2008, 4:52 PM

Priority boarding? Reserved poolside seating? Why should any of us plebs even bother to go on a cruise? Gimme a break.

Richie Riches that want not to be bothered with the common folk should restrict themselves to an ultra luxury cruise line rather than the cruise lines of the people pandering to them. Better yet, buy a yacht!

Posted By Mel on September 11, 2008, 5:34 PM

As I ready for my 31st cruise, we were offered private butlers, spa services, different food and cabanas for $$$ on the beach day. It used to be like a giant picnic but now it's the "have nots drooling while watching the haves".
We love to cruise but not at this cost of an unfair caste system.Since we are forced to tip everyone on our credit card- service has dissappeared.

Posted By Dee Nevares on September 11, 2008, 7:54 PM

Just returned from a NCL cruise two weeks ago. Noticed one big change since our last NCL cruise two years ago. In previous trip only one of the 13 dining areas required paying extra to dine. During the last trip 7 of the 13 dining areas charged extra. Must say the two sit down dining areas sometimes required a 5 to 10 minute wait but had really excellent selection of entrees. Also, service was exceptional. In fact the overall treatment by all cruise personnel was simply great. Of course the capacity to speak Spanish, and limited ability in Tagalog and a couple of other languages helped immensely when communicating with crew personnel. This trend toward elitism is discouraging and may affect our selection of cruise lines in 2009. We expect to make two cruises next year. It is always enjoyable listening and getting to understand Bubba's points of view and "different", not "lower class" cultural experiences. It can be quite a learning process. After all, we are all quite equal in some basic considerations. We all get sick, feel pain, have our hearts broken, lose loved ones and in the end DIE. Was going to include paying taxes, but sometimes the superelites can avoid doing that as well. So let's hear it for a return to egalitarianism.

Dr. Joe

Posted By binder on September 11, 2008, 11:39 PM

I have been able to enjoy three cruises, thanks to my mom. Royal Caribbean was nice enough, wouldn't mind cruising with them again. On the QM2, we were in lower first class and got bumped up to the higher level, butler and all. Quite frankly, I hated it. Decks only we could go to? Lounges just for us "elite"? The only part that made sense was the separate dining room, though it was too far a hike for my elderly mom some nights. Frankly, the best cruise of the three was the Disney Wonder - EVERYONE is treated like royalty and the only way you know what someone paid is to watch them enter their cabin! Wonderful ship, crew, can't wait to sail with them again!

Posted By Mama Sarge on September 12, 2008, 6:27 AM

As long as these new features do not take away from everyone else enjoying their cruise, I see no problem with it. Priority boarding is already available to anyone who books a certain level of cabin. Airports have lounges only for those who are traveling business/first class, or those who have traveled frequently. However, the others are not inconvenienced by this. I repeat.. as long as the new features do not take away from the cruising experience of those who book in the less expensive cabins, I am fine with this

Posted By Toddcan on September 12, 2008, 10:10 AM

There's always been economic segregation in most walks of life, from where we live to what car we drive, from where we drive to where we dine. The travel industry has always had divisions of service and amenity on airlines, rail, hotels, and even B&B's; so what's new?
Silversea, Cunard,and Crystal and a couple of others offer exemplary ambiance at a price. It's a sign of a generally more affluent society that cruise lines feel that there's a market for a little more propriety aboard.

Posted By WB Ford on September 12, 2008, 10:53 AM

Toni Vitanza hit right on the head, and I am a have-not teacher. But, I can't stand the behavior of many cruisers and I go on RCL, Celebrity, NCL. I will pay more and associate with a better class of people. There is no excuse. You don't have to be rich to behave and be clean.

Posted By Jimmy Conway on September 12, 2008, 11:44 AM

If you really want to call yourself a "cruiser", forget all about Cunard, NCL and Disney. Take a river cruise with Viking or Amadeas. See Germany, Austria, Hungary and Russia with less than 200 other people, all of whom you'll meet at some point in your journey. You might even make a new friend or two somewhere along the way and keep in touch by phone and e-mail. The cultural experience is amazing and guess what! Only one dining room.

Posted By Pat, in Charleston, SC on September 12, 2008, 12:03 PM

Interesting to hear the tone from BOTH sides of the coin so to speak. The ones who are wealthier and appear more elitist want to get away from the "riff-raff" with their declase clothing and behaviors . And the gentry resent being told what to do while still demanding to be treated like royalty. This scism has been around since Babylon and Ur!!
My beef is that so much of cruising has become a nickel and dime thing. I sailed on Royal Caribbean in 1996 and loved the expresso automatically brought when the waiter realized I liked it. I sailed again in 2005 and had to pay extra for expresso and pretty much everything else.
I understand expenses go up, but I'd much rather pay more for my over all cruise than be picked at the whole cruise for the little things. It truly mars the "carefree" aspect of a cruise.

Posted By Michael Hildebrand on September 12, 2008, 12:39 PM

as a cruise neophyte, I must agree with Toni Vitanza and Jimmy Conway. I am not rich nor poor, what I am is a value shopper...getting the most for my money. While I would certainly not pay $30K for a week anywhere, a longer cruise on a luxury liner in a larger cabin certainly is appealing. What is not appealing is sitting next to a big hairy guy in a tank top with five misbehaving children in tow...and for seven nights?
I shun these situations on dry land and am willing to pay more to avoid them on vacation. I consider myself practical not elitist. We know money does not equate to class, but it certainly helps in removing oneself from the hotdog eating contest and the participants.

Posted By June in Madison,AL on September 12, 2008, 2:05 PM

I applaud Sean O'Neil for the insightful posting that for many I think missed the point.

A cruise ship company must remain profitable to survive and target markets are essential.

Traveling on lavish ships with fewer passengers costs more, the service is superb and the ammenities sublime. Passengers are treated like royalty because they tend to conduct themselves commensurately.

Would it be fair to say that a different class of people seek out ships with 5,000+ passengers because passage cost less? Of course.

Call onself a thrifty or price conscientuous shopper, but the end result is the same and yes, there are different socio-economic classes of passengers. Ask any prospective Mother-in-Law scrutinizing her daughter's intended mate.

People go where they can AFFORD to go, on ships they can AFFORD to be on and hang out with others who can AFFORD to be there, too. Those who can't AFFORD the cost of the ticket, simply don't belong there. That is basic reality.

As the author points out; if one wants to be treated like royalty, it's going to cost extra. There is no free lunch, especially on the high seas.

Posted By Norman on September 12, 2008, 5:42 PM

I have cruised many times, always with Celebrity.I would not be in favor of perks only for those who book a suite or a larger room. If mixing with the masses goes against your grain, sail with Crystal or one of the other lines where you pay twice as much for a similar experience.There are rude people at every price level, paying more does not insure a cultured crowd. In fact, you may find more arrogance and eliteism. If you have unacceptable table mates, simply ask to have your table changed.I have met wonderful people from many different walks of life and it has never mattered where on the ship they were staying or what they pay for their room.

Posted By Roberta Jachym on September 13, 2008, 10:36 AM

I have gone on both Celebrity and Carnival and while Carnival may be more value oriented, I think we met nicer people on Carnival. I like having the same table and staff every night. I cannot see paying extra for dinner when I have already paid for the cruise which includes food. If you dont like your tablemates, you can ask for a change. Most people who go on cruises for a special event deserve to have a nice time and should expect good service as a matter of course. Rude people unfortunately are everywhere, having money does not mean one knows how to behave.

Posted By maria engel on September 13, 2008, 10:37 AM

I have just recently gone on my first cruise with Carnival and I loved it. I cannot wait to go again. My family booked the cheapest room and we were still treated like royalty. That is one of the reasons that we are looking forward to going on another cruise again with Carnival as long as I don't get treated as a second class citizen. If these snobby people don't want to be with those of a lower class, than they can shell out the extra money for the big budget lines. Don't ruin it for the rest of us. I actually earn my hard earned dollars and my money is just as green and spendable, so why don't I qualify for a nice vacation also? The way we were treated was great and very impressive. Why would I want to go on a cruise where I can only go on certain decks? That is just rude and very un-classy. Do cruise lines actually think they will draw crowds by only catering to the elite? I think they ought to take a look at who is really lining their pockets. If it weren't for the common folk many of their cabins would not be filled and the word of mouth of how great cruises are would disappear. Nobody wants to be pointed out and put in a position of being of a lower class status.I say if the big snobby spenders want to be segregated then get their own ship or pay for their elitist attitude on one of the more elusive lines. Don't mess with enjoyment of us hard working people who want to enjoy a nice vacation. Maybe we don't want to be with you either. I can't stand narrow minded people who think they are beter than me or my family because of the size of their checkbook, when my checkbook has probably seen much more use than theirs becauseI have to pay for everything I do. It is not just given to me. Rich snobs just leave us alone and let us enjoy our life and vacations.

Posted By Chris Bibb on September 13, 2008, 9:50 PM

If passengers want services found on a yacht, then purchase one. If they can't afford the yacht, then suck it up and mingle accordingly. Why should the cruiselines cater to passengers trying to pretend to be rich. This approach lacks class.

Posted By Bettye on September 14, 2008, 2:24 PM

We are Princess loyalists and have never felt that they treated anyone any different that anyone else. We have cruised on the QM2 and might have again but they added another class so that the main dining room is divided. Don't think I want to try "steerage". Lots of comments above about cruise lines and no mention of Princess. Give them a try, I think you will be happy with their service and ships.

Posted By donna on September 14, 2008, 2:28 PM

Well, being a travel agent I sell lots of cruises to all kinds of people. Cruising has never been more affordable, which is why we have so many new ships and types of cabin categories available for us to sell. Just take one look at the new Oasis of the Seas. There are so many different types of cabins on that ship, it is unreal!
Everyone has a different idea of what our vacation or cruise experience should be. Most of the "perks" that are offered are to the frequent traveler of that cruise line. And yes you can pay for extra's, just like at any hotel, car rental, or restaurant that you go to. Think about how they try to sell you that dessert at the end of a meal at your favorite restaurant.
That's what the cruise lines are doing.
If you want to go cheap, you can go cheap. I have several clients that take the cheapest cabin so they can spend more money on shore excursions. Then I have clients that spend a lot on their cabin, but don't do shore excursions. It's pretty much a wash. In the end everyone has the cruise experience that they paid for. And I don't think anyone has felt cheated...

Posted By Toni Sofos on September 16, 2008, 4:18 PM

I don't really have a problem with more perks coming with higher fares. But personally, as a budget traveler, I would always choose a more egalitarian experience with less luxury for all than one divvied up into classes, because I want to enjoy myself, not just to be there so other travelers can feel better about their own experience.

Posted By Caren on September 18, 2008, 12:28 PM

I sailed with Celebrity. Whenever we needed to use tenders I found that there were preferred passengers getting off first while the rest of us had to wait. At one port we were unable to get off of the ship because of time restraints after the preferred passengers got off first. It works like this. Passengers can buy a preferred status club and then get all kinds of perks. That makes a for a first class and a second class status on their ships.

Posted By Albert Comunale on September 18, 2008, 12:31 PM

What's wrong with this picture?

Have you noticed venom being spewed in some of these comments. It's very one sided, class envy of those cruisers who have been willing to pay more money for a nicer room. When does American equality devolve into egaltarianism and then drop into French Revolution "off with their head" chaos? I triple check some of the commentors to see if Robespierre, Danton or Marot were among them.

I book a low end suite on a cruise for the same reason I tryp to find specials at 4 star hotels or dine a great restaurant for a celebration.

When did it become de rigeur to wear jeans, cut offs or swim wear to everywhere? When did we stop dressing up in jacket and tie to dine downtown on a Saturday night? Whe did sitting on the floor or leaning against walls become the accepted manner of waiting in line?

When cruising, I take my tux with extra ties and cumberbunds and wear them every night when appropriate. I order champaign with dinner and end the evening with cognac and a good cigar.

I enjoy reveling in how good America has been to my family since my grandfather came to our shores in steerage class from Ireland.

Posted By John McNeal on September 18, 2008, 7:06 PM

The whole cruise experience is what you make it. Take the time to do some research to the cruise you're taking. I do that with any vacation. If you're concerned about issues such as have been mentioned, then take note and choice a cruise liner that has the most of what you're looking for. And if you decide to go anyway, then enjoy it for the vacation it is, and be happy. I'm a budget traveler...more bang for my buck. Sometimes the bang fizzles--when it does, I dust off the singe and find a way to either make it right or enjoy it anyway. Either way, you're paying to have a good time--You're the best person to ensure that happens.

Posted By Lee Marie on September 20, 2008, 11:17 AM

My hubby and I always book the cheapest cabin and rarely have a balance on our shipboard account other than for the tips. We would rather travel more in lesser accommodations and have always been completely satisfied with the service and the food that we get. We have not (and most likely will not) traveled on lines with "classes". We would probably not travel on a line that charges a lot more and then includes the espresso and drinks or whatever. Again, we go cheap, but often.

That said, we do enjoy the "perks" that we get because we are frequent cruisers -- priority embarkation and debarkation, free internet on Princess, free wine tastings, etc. Every cruise line has a "past passengers" club and gives out various perks. They want us frequent travelers to be happy.

Posted By Judy on September 22, 2008, 5:10 PM

I like that everyone is treated the same on the ship - from the lowest inside cabin to the highest suite. It's what grew the cruise industry to what it is now. What would happen to groups with cabins in different classes? Would you never see one other?

I'm ok with priority embarkation/debarkation for suites. Even ok with priority reservations in the specialty restaurants. Not ok with areas of the ship being off limits to guests based on cabin category.

Our 26th cruise is next month with 3 others booked. There have been times we had priority embarkation and didn't use it to stay with friends.

The main reason we've not considered Cunard is because of the class levels. Just seems too snobbish.

Posted By Kathy on September 22, 2008, 9:27 PM

You get what you pay for, but it helps to do your homework. I did. So I paid $8.8K for a $45K cruise on Cunard. I paid $119 a day on HAL for a western Med cruise, 20 days. You couldn't do that. When I had problems with other passengers, I spoke to the appropriate crew member, and they were gone. For years the cruise lines have complained that 95% of travelers didn't take cruises. Well they over-sold their product and now everybody thinks a cruise is a great deal. So deal with it. It could be worse. You might have GWB or Cheney in the cabin next to yours.

Posted By aztec69 on September 27, 2008, 9:04 PM

Interesting that aztec69 decided it was political. Bottom line, the cruise lines are finding new ways to make up for lost profit other than taking it from the travel agents. This seems like a win-win for everyone.

Posted By Gregg Eppleman on October 6, 2008, 9:55 AM

We sailed on the NCL's Gem this summer and had a wonderful experience. We had a balcony stateroom for my husband and myself, and an interior room right across the hall for our 2 teenagers. It was our first NCL cruise (4 on Carnival, 1 on RCCL), and I thought the service was great. The itinerary was pretty intense, so I'm glad we didn't pay for a suite--we were in port 5 days in a row. We were so tired when we got back to the ship each evening, that we were happy to go to the buffet and then just chill for the evening and prepare for the next day. We never even went to any of the specialty restaurants. With 2 teenagers, large quantities of food available immediately, rates very high. Disembarkation was a breeze, because we were able to all roll off our own suitecases, so we basically left when we wanted to. I want a hassle free experience on board, and Freestyle Cruising comes pretty close.

Posted By heather hickox on October 20, 2008, 9:39 PM

To reply to Donna regarding a new class in the main dining room on QM2, the seating capacity of the room is 1,420 without the new "Club" which seats 90 people. Do I care that the people who book AA balcony cabins want a space that is a little more intimate- nope. Since is in the aft section of the dining room, it appears that someone would have to look for it- its not like it hits you in the face in the middle of the dining room below the mural! If someone is disturbed by the fact that 90 people would enjoy a more intimate setting in the midst of 1,420 other diners they must be very insecure. Having sailed numerous times on QE2 and on the maiden of QM2, do I care that people who have spent possibly tens of thousands on their cabin in Queens Grill or Princess Grill have separate dining rooms? - nope.

Posted By C>K> on November 17, 2008, 4:26 PM

I've been on very few cruises, but took Blue Lagoon's short (3 day) cruise to the Yasawa Islands off Fiji long ago, and the 6-day Norwegian Coastal Voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes last summer. Both were pleasant experiences. No class barriers on NCV and shore excursions were quite good. Food was good except one meal on shore after the Geiranger trip that was a disaster.
The Blue Lagoon was a small vessel; it was quite enjoyable. I've always wanted to take their 6-day but they've put their rates up so much I might not go. It's gone "upscale" which is too bad.
Oh--also took a cruise on a yacht out of Townsville in Australia. Quite enjoyable. This too was long ago when these things were affordable.

Posted By Roger Williams on November 24, 2008, 11:59 PM