JohnSinik

OK, I know it sounds wierd, but those little elastic wristbands with the little plastic buttons, really work when it comes to seasickness! No drugs! You don't get drowsy and can still drink. By the way, being up high produces just as much movement as far aft or forward....

Nerd: I think your entire attitude, and cynical way of looking at things, is summed up in your statement, “The people on the ship are far less of importance than the ship and the sea.†You just don’t care for people…. Maybe you feel you’re ‘above’ most of them, far smarter, far more experienced and knowledgeable. As for me, nice people, pleasant tablemates, and, generally, fun fellow-passengers can make a cruise a wonderful experience. As far as you assertation that, “ ‘forced association’ dining is no where to be found in travel….†You have to know the history of the cruise experience, which is based on the hotels of the Catskill Mountains, in the 40’s and 50’s, where meals were, in fact, served at set times, with the guests having assigned tables, tablemates and servers. In fact, many aspects of cruising are based on that experience. But, then, again, I’m sure you knew that, but just forgot……..You do seem to know EVERYTHING! By the way, I definately take exception to your statement that, "Folks in smaller communities are more friendly and social and genuine." I grew up in NYC and found people in my neighborhood were like "small town folk." The city was made up of many communities, each one like a little town. Perhaps what you see with people is a reflection of your attitude, and how you treat them. ................................. Since you like to quote Ann Landers: “People who care about each other enjoy doing things for one another. They don't consider it servitude.â€Â

Hi, Nerd: I'd like to address several points in your post.... I note that you have been cruising since 1989; I only beat you by one year! You dont say how many cruises/cruise lines you've been on, but I've been on about five dozen cruises, on over a dozen lines, so I do have some experience. You certainly seem to demand, and expect, an awful lot out of your cruise! Taking "promotional information," which is designed to make the product look good (we all know this; it's called advertining) literally will, most likely, lead to disappointment and a poor cruise experience. It's advertising, Nerd! Do you actually believe everything you read, see and hear about a product, as set forth in its advertising? How naieve! Remember, if you expect too much, you will surely be disappointed! While you state that you are a, "...very informed and highly demanding consumer.." it appears to me that you are just one of those picky people who goes around looking for what's wrong, just so you have something to about. You know, the kind of person who isn't happy unless they're miserable. As far as we cruisers being, "too lenient" on the cruise lines, maybe we realinze that we're on a ship! It's a lot different than being at a resort. The ship Captain has no control over the weather, rough sea, hurricanes, etc; He does the best he can to avoid bad weather. If something breaks down, they may have to wait until the next port until they can get a replacement part to accomplish repairs. You're at sea, Nerd! Perhaps the reason that the "excuses " used by cruise lines, and repeated by passengers, are accepted is that, in many cases, they're true. Your statment that you, "...go on vacation to have fun..." is an oxymoron. Unless bitching, moaning and complaining about every little thing is "fun," to you, you will never succeed. As far as "benchmarks," there are none! All we ask of, in a review, is that the [person writing it tell us if they had a good experience, or a poor one, and why. Did they have a good time and get thier money's worth? Remember, Ann Landers also said, "Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful." and "Too many people today know the price of everything and the value of nothing."

ABoatNerd is, apparently, one of those people who not only always perceives the glass as half empty, but is just waiting for someone to come along, tip it over and spill out what's left! Sorry folks, life is too short, even to me, to be that negative! But, then, again, what can you expect of a person who goes around tripping small children and "shoving'" them around. By the way, that is, legally, condered a 'battery' upon that person and the perpetrator could, technically, be prosecuted. I'm glad I sail on large (over 100,000grt) ships and always sit at a table for 6-8-10. That way I won't run into people like ABoatNerd!

Looks like the Dominican republi...Puerto Plata? :huh:

OK, ENOUGH OF ALL THIS Your efforts to ‘push’ the Cayman Islands, on a cruise board which has many members who have, actually BEEN THERE, is really pointless. A number of our members told you how we all feel about Cayman shopping: “The LAST place in the Caribbean that I would shop is the Cayman Islands.†“…of ALL the Caribbean islands, the prices in the Cayman Islands, even in the "Duty Free" shops, are the HIGHEST! I haven't been to one other island where the prices were lower.†“…the Cayman Islands are unique! When it comes to shopping, there, the merchants all get away with robbery, and nobody seems to complain!!! Many cruise passengers return to the ship, happy that they saved so much in the duty-free shops. That is, until, they get to the next port and see the same item(s) for considerably less. it's only then that they yell, ‘Hey, I've been robbed!!!;’ " “I purchased my Nikon, with some accesories, in St. Maarten for approx. $1,100.00. In St. Thomas is was only slightly more, $1,200.00 +/-. In Grand Cayman it would have cost me $1,450.00.†“Jewelry & liquor are 20-30% higher than most other ports (in Grand Cayman) In fact, not much less, if at all, than back here in The States!†Sure, there are a large number of people who enjoy a stop, there, on their first, and/or second, cruise visit. I did, myself. Loved the Atlantis submarine. Turtle Farm/Hell were OK… Nothing else much to do… So go back to your flat, un-scenic, little island, with no historic buildings, no interesting history (not even one lousy fort, on the island to explore), and no real reason to leave the ship for. Other than excellent diving, and snorkeling, you have nothing more to offer! Turtle farm? Hell? “Been-there-done-that.†Boring. Stingrays? Many other ports now offer the same thing. Me? I don’t give those people, with their “attitude,†the satisfaction of even leaving the ship!

My dear Ms. Carolina: Speaking of "crap...." I bought my Movado in St. Maarten. In the U.S. it retails for approximately $950.00. I have seen it on sale for $825.00-$850.00, never lower. I paid $530.00. In Grand Cayman, at the "duty-free" shop, it was 'tagged' $749.00 and the lowest price I could get them to, at two shops, was $650.00. In St. Maarten, it was 'tagged' $650.00 and the lowest price was $575.00. Similarly, I purchased my Nikon, with some accesories, in St. Maarten for approx. $1,100.00. In St. Thomas is was only slightly more, $1,200.00 +/-. In Grand Cayman it would have cost me $1,450.00. As far as your friend, who was stuck with a phony watch, I guess that's what you get when you buy a watch, on the street, from a guy who gives you the old, "Hey, Senor, buy a watch and I'll throw in my seester...."

P.S. Hey 2toddlers, carolina2 and alabaster: Go join some other board, and peddle your crappy, self-serving, fraudulant advertising there. We're much to savvy, here at CruiseCrazies, to buy your crap!

We occasionally hear of a crime against a cruise passenger, in a port, where that person is held up. Such incidents of robbery are rare, but do occur. After all, 'crime' is pretty universal and there are some islands where the average annual income is extremely low. However, the Cayman Islands are unique! When it comes to shopping, there, the merchants all get away with robbery, and nobody seems to complain!!! Many cruise passengers return to the ship, happy that they saved so much in the duty-free shops. That is, until, they get to the next port and see the same item(s) for considerably less. it's only then that they yell, "Hey, I've been robbed!!!"

HEY, SANREX & KELLY143! I HAVE A GREAT IDEA! WHY DON'T THE TWO OF YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE "FREE CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS FOR 2," AND LEAVE US ALONE!!!!!!!!!

PERSONAL ITEMS: (Oops, that's a little too personal...never mind...sorry....)

The port looks like Ocho Rios....????

We board the ship as passengers, and disembark as cargo...................

Not a problem! If you sign up for one of the ship's snorkeling program, they will give you all the instructions you require. It's really very easy, and the "lesson" should take ten minutes, tops! Snorkeling is very easy, and the only thing "difficult" is to remember to breathe through your mouth. A little tip; when you're snorkeling, do not keep looking straight down.....keep your eyes looking forward, with a slight downward tilt.

NCL was once my favorite line. The entertainment was the best at sea; the food was excellent; and the service near-perfect. Since they were taken over by Star, it has been all downhill. several years ago, I was on the Norwegian Star, and Norwegian Sun, after the 'takeover' and the introduction of "Freestyle Cruising." The food was mediocre, at best, at the service horrendous!!! Since this was a while ago, you would think that NCL would have remedied the situation by now....but, apparently, not. Those were the last times I will step foot on an NCL ship! Give me Princess, Celebrity & Carnival (yes, Carnival! When the mood strikes...)