Saw this posted in the main
DCL forum:
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/108872/10-things-your-cruise-line-won't-tell-you?mod=family-travel
1. "Our Engines Break Down All the Time."
It's interesting in the accompanying text they point out the number of cruises that miss some or all ports due to mechanical problems was 5% in 2007. That doesn't seem like "all the time" to me.
2. "The Weather Might Mean Missed Stops."
I thought this was made clear by all cruise lines I've been with.
3. "This Ship Is a Health Hazard -- It's Just Crawling With Viruses."
A health hazard crawling with viruses...versus anywhere else where there are lots of people clustered together...like school, work.
4. "Sure, We Can Take Care of Your Plane Reservations, but You'd Do a Whole Lot Better on Your Own."
I think this one is valid.
5. "Think Everything's Included? Think Again."
Probably valid for many people; however, again I think cruise lines make pretty clear in their literature and on their websites what is included and what's not included in the cruise fare.
6. "Our 'Gourmet' Food Is Anything But."
I take issue with the contention that "cooked to order" equates to "gourmet". Burger King makes my burger to order but its not gourmet. Also, indicating fine dining doesn't involve pre-prep of food is just ridiculous.
7. "We Make Money While You're Off the Ship, Too."
Duh! To me this is just common sense.
8. "Our Insurance? You're Better Off Looking Elsewhere."
Probably valid though I'll admit I did purchase the DCL cruise insurance. I think I'll check if I can get that changed.
9. "Our Ads Might Say Champagne and Caviar, but Expect Beer and Pretzels."
I don't get their discussion here. From this they go on to talk about dress codes and how different cruises can be themed differently. Again, my experience is that cruise lines make it pretty clear what their cruises are about.
10. "Our Ship Is Fancy, but Don't Expect Service to Match."
I'll be interested to see how this cruise compares to our 3 previous cruises in terms of service. I wouldn't be surprised to see a downturn here given the economy and incentives to cut costs.
What do you think?