Playing the game by the rules

[TartanFan]

I'm sorry but this is going to be a rant!

I'm finding it hard to understand why some people have such a hard time in following rules and guidelines. I get irritated when I read about "getting around" or just plain ignoring some of the things that DCL ask us to observe. In the majority of cases, there are very good reasons for these rules/recommendations and therefore very good reasons for us to comply.

DCL are trying to ensure a perfect vacation for some 2500 people at any given time, all of whom have their own individual expectations which have to be managed somehow and whilst you can't please all of the people all of the time, they do a good job of trying.

Some rules are there for safety reasons (no irons in cabins, mandatory safety drill), some for comfort and enjoyment (adult only areas, smoking/non-smoking areas, dress code) and some for practical or logistical reasons (age grouping in kids' clubs, table sizes in restaurants, dining rotation).

Speaking only for myself, if I felt that I had to find some way to "get around" any of these requests, or that by observing them it would detract from y or my family's enjoyment, then I think that I would be looking for an alternative vacation.

But then I suppose I'm just lucky that I don't mind the odd crease in my clothes, enjoy dressing up now and again, only smoke where it won't intrude on others, have only 1 kid, like meeting new people and don't really care where I eat so long as the food is good!!!!!!!!!

Apologies for the rant - just had to get that off my chest! Flame away!

 

[MdmMim]

No flames here. I agree!! Rules are "optional" for some.

 

[Wishing on a star]

No flames here!
I agree too!

I consider these kinds of things as immaturity and selfishness.
If someone wants to wear shorts and tank-top to supper, I say let them eat at McDonalds, leave Palo for the rest of us!!!

I do have to mention though, that when it comes to the kids clubs, children do vary greatly in their needs, their preferences, developmental levels, etc... I would have to say that when it comes to this, that perhaps these guidelines are ones that could be bent, if it is best for the child.

It is when the adults act like complete children, "But I don't want to wear that shirt/pants!!! Wahhhh!!!! Wahhh!!!" That is what gets me.

PS: Ohhhh I know that somebody out there is going to flame us here and say, well if you are that picky and shallow that you would let these things ruin your vacation... Well, you would be just plain wrong. But we all know that those who choose not to play by the rules can make things a little less enjoyable for everyone. It is just common decency, courtesy, and respect that we are talking about here.

 

[mmouse37]

No flames here..I agree a rule is a rule for a reason. But, that said, the part I don't agree with is I don't see how asking to change my dining rotation once onboard would be breaking any rules. If they can accomodate me fine, if they can't that is also fine!!

MJ

 

[Gillian]

If changing your dining assignment was against the rules, they wouldn't have a table set up just for this purpose on the first day!

I do agree about the selective following of rules. I don't really care, if it doesn't affect me or my family, but I do think that some of it sets a bad example for our children. Especially things like parents not wanting to follow the dress suggestions. What kind of message does it send when Dad refuses to wear long pants or a collared shirt? That DS/DD can do whatever they want because it's their vacation?

Just because we're on vacation doesn't mean that all of our family rules are tossed overboard. But that's just us.

 

[AnnMorin]

No flames from me
I would just add to your list people who feel they are intitled to something more than they pay for. By this I mean the folks who book the lowest possible catagory and are miffed when they don't get a free upgrade to the catagory I pay good money for. I think it is wonderful and generous when complimentary upgrades are given but no one should be expecting them and certainly they should not complain if they are not given one! I say if you want a veranda save your money like I do so you can be sure to have one!

 

[disneyfreak1]

No flames here! I agree with you about the upgrades. Personally, I'm not in my room enough to warrant paying for a verandah, so I don't. However, I don't expect to be upgraded to one either. I pay for the room that I like and can live with.

As far as the dress code, if people don't want to dress up on the formal nights, they should not go to dinner! Just my own opinion. It also gripes me to see people in shorts at dinner when clearly, shorts are not acceptable dress for dinner.

 

[thedisneymom]

In fact, I loved the rant! Although, I also agree about children's development or shyness. My child was slightly older but allowed in the lab because she was more comfortable. I feel the counselors would ask someone to leave if they extended a courtesy to your child and they were disrupting the group.

 

[Cruise]

Well said. I can ignore the people who don't want to follow the dress code... but people who try to get around the safety regulations just burn me up. Who do they think they are to endanger MY family's life just because they think they know better and can't be bothered to follow the rules? How would they like it if someone else "accidently" caused a fire onboard and one of their children were killed?

Please, people... have a little respect - if not for your fellow passengers, then at least for life in general.

 

[plutojudy]

Ann, I agree. Don't whine when you don't get more than you paid for.

 

[csbenedict]

AMEN!!!!!!

 

[jgalecpa]

No Flames Here!

There is an old saying in the Navy:

"Behind every "silly" rule is a dead sailor."

Do people think they make up these rules because they have nothing else to do?

"I know, let's have a lifeboat drill to scare everybody?"
(This rule is from the Titantic sinking).

Where people some people see rules I see a system. Disney did not get to where they are without a system. The oppsoite of a sytem is anarchy. The first cousin of anarchy is selfishness.

IMHO.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

So far we have a flame-free thread! I agree with what all of you have said! Well done!

 

[shmoogrrrl]

Originally posted by Cruise
Well said. I can ignore the people who don't want to follow the dress code... but people who try to get around the safety regulations just burn me up.

Did you mean that Pun? (the whole safety regulations and getting burned up thing?)

So does this mean that I should leave my 50 tea-light candles that I planned to bring at home?

Don't forget my personal favorite. "My child is very mature for his/her age. Is it okay to take her/him to Palo, Serenity Bay, Adult Night Clubs, etc...Luckily I dont' see that TOO much.


Kathy

P.S. In case anyone is curious, YES I am joking.

 

[inkkognito]

EXCELLENT post!
Bending the rules starts off innocently enough...one person tries it, then another and another. It's not so noticeable when it's just a handful, but imagine what things would be like if all 2500 people on board decided to try the same thing. The rules on the ship are aimed at make the overall experience pleasant for everyone, and that just doesn't work if there are people who feel they are "special" and above the rules.
For myself, one of the reasons that hubby and I sail Disney is that they do such a great job catering to all age groups. They enforce the adult areas, so I know I will be able to have peace and quiet if I want it. The few times I've found supposed adults-only areas on RCCL, there was no enforcement at all...a big reason why we've sailed Disney 30 times, with another dozen already booked, and while we've only done 4 on RCCL.
The rules are geared towards safety and enjoyment, and it makes it a better trip for everyone when people are courteous and follow them.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[pouncingpluto]

I agree, too. As a childless couple, we certainly expect to see plenty of kids on board enjoying their vacations as much as we are enjoying ours. It does really bug me when parents say they want to bring their kid to one of the adult-only areas, though. The whole reason that there are adult-only areas is that many adults feel the need to be in the company of ONLY adults sometimes. Even if the parent doesn't feel that need, he/she should realize that the vast majority of people who are in the adult only area do feel that way. If they didn't, they'd be out in the main areas.

 

[WDWLVR]

No flames here either. It is so easy to follow the rules. I was shocked when we were on the SS Member Cruise by a family at the next table. Both mother and grandmother in jeans at Triton's. The kids had video games at the table with them. One had a portable DVD player at the table with them. The caused major grief for the servers because they complained about everything, came late and let the kids do whatever they wanted during dinner.

Guess they were just above it all. If the kids wanted to watch movies and play video game and if the women didn't have enough class to even wear something nicer than jeans (and faded worn jeans at that) they should have just stayed in the room and had room service!

 

[mmouse37]

What bothers me onboard is when the Navigator specifically says for our adult guests 18 and older for the Art of Entertainment Series (like the cooking demos) in Studio Sea and you see parents with children. I have been there when parents let their little kids wander right up to the "stage" or cooking area and the Chef has to tell the parents to get the kids away. It is dangerous because they are using stoves, hot oil and sharp instruments. Plus kids can be distruptive as well.

I love attending these cooking demos because DCL provides a complimentary glass of wine and sample of the demo. I feel special eating shrimp wrapped in fried leeks with a glass of wine at 10 am!!!! Somewhere in the world it is happy hour!!

I find the enforcement in the clubs and pool area to be very good.

MJ

 

[Quirky Cruiser]

Rules are rules - that's why they are called rules! I am amazed at the things I saw people try to get away with while I was on the Wonder a week ago. I hung out with a couple families while on the ship and we happened to be at the goofy pool the day we were docked in freeport. Well, the sign says "no jumping", am I correct? The pool was packed and there were tons of kids jumping into the pool - one even landed on another child! I realize some children do not understand the rules, but where are the parents!!!! It took one of the parents I was hanging out with to say to the kids that jumping was not allowed (as well as a few other adults) to make them stop. Now, I normally would not make a stink over this issue, but those who have been on either the Magic or the Wonder, know that the pools are small - especially when they are filled to capacity with children/adults - it is a serious safety issue when people don't follow pool rules!

Another thing that really upset me was when we were disembarking the boat. I had an early flight home, so I got in line pretty early - along with quite a few others. The line got pretty long before they even opened the gangway. Well, one family decided they were too important to wait in line to get off the ship and tried to squeeze into the line from the entrance in the middle of the atrium (directly across from Tritons). The man behind me mentioned to them that the line wrapped around and they told hiim that they would just merge with the group! Well, when we finally were cleared, the line moved and basically blocked them from "merging". A line is just that - a line!

Thanks for letting me vent!!! Don't get me wrong, I had the time of my life on this cruise and am going on the western in August!!!!

 

[Fay Ray]

For saying what I have thought many times! I have seen many posts about husbands and sons who don't want to get dressed up. "My husband isn't a suit kind of guy". Well, then I would suggest that they eat a Topsiders, or don't go on a cruise that has a formal and semi-formal night. If you are spending thousands of dollars to go on a cruise, then spend a little more to buy a suit or rent a tux. I also agree with the post regarding kids at the pools. If it says no jumping then it's a parents duty to make sure their kids don't jump. It's not always easy, but it's definately a safety issue!

And do even get me going on line budging!