The town of Bar Harbor, Maine has fined the owner of two major cruise ship piers for $4 million dollars.
Local officials are saying that the reason for the fines is based on a policy that limits the number of cruise passengers allowed in the region.
The multi-million-dollar fine against Goden Anchor LC, which owns Bar Harbor’s piers, comes after thousands of cruise passengers were allowed off the piers “without the proper permits”, according to local news reports.
Golden Anchor has already challenged the decision that upheld the town’s notice of violation against it earlier in January this year.
The rules put in place do not allow more than 1,000 cruise passengers to disembark at the pier without facing hefty fines.
In November 2024, Bar Harbor residents passed a land-use ordinance that required pier owners to hold permits before allowing passengers to get off the cruise ships.
Golden Anchor has argued that the town of Bar Harbor’s disembarkation ordinance is an unconstitutional overreach that unlawfully infringes on their established property rights and business operations.
In 2024, approximately 98,000 cruise passengers disembarked at the Bar Harbor piers. Town officials say they had been tracking those numbers from last year with the code enforcement officer seeing the violations first-hand.
Numbers are expected to much lower in 2025, and local residents are mixed in their reaction to the throttling of cruise ship traffic.
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Most cruise travelers book a particular sailing because they like the ports of call listed on the itinerary. After all, cruising provides the most convenient way to visit new places all while sleeping in the same bed each night.
But imagine booking a voyage where the ports you visit are a complete surprise. That’s exactly what Variety Cruises has just announced with the cruise line’s second “mystery cruise”.
Variety Voyager. Photo credit: Variety Cruises
Passengers on the 72-guest vessel only know two locations for the entire itinerary: where the cruise starts and where it ends. Everything in between is a complete mystery.
The new mystery voyage has been announced for a June 21, 2025 sailing date. The 8-day Mediterranean Sea cruise will begin at the Valletta cruise port in Malta and end in Naples, Italy.
As far as what ports will be visited along the way, Variety Cruises only gives a few possible hints on their website by asking, “Could it be a secret island lost to time? A forgotten fishing village with stories untold? Or perhaps a hidden cove, known only to the sea?”
But of course, someone has to know where the ship is going. These details are known only to the crew and the ports themselves.
It takes a unique type of traveler to book this kind of trip. And it also takes a fair chunk of change, as prices start at $3,912 for a 130-167 sq. ft. cabin and up to almost $8,500 for the 260 sq. ft. Owner’s Suite.
The vessel for this surprise voyage, Variety Voyager, is 223 feet long, has 36 cabins for guests, and has a crew of 32, for an almost 2 to 1 ratio.
So, it’s a more intimate cruising experience no doubt, and some of the proceeds go towards a non-profit that specializes in environmental cleanliness.
Variety Cruises is a family-owned company from Athens, Greece, established in 1949. The company operates a fleet of small vessels, accommodating 34 to 72 passengers, which allows access to unique, less-visited destinations like secluded Greek islands, Tahitian waters, or West African rivers—places larger cruise ships can’t go.
The focus is on sustainable, authentic travel with a personal touch, offering local cuisine and small-group excursions. Led by CEO Filippos Venetopoulos, the company runs eight ships and supports charitable causes, such as ocean conservation and education, through a portion of each fare.
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For the first time in the cruise line’s history, Cunard will offer a full season of cruises from Miami when Queen Elizabeth offers sailings to the Caribbean starting in October.
The luxurious 2,000-guest ship completed a transformative refit in Singapore.
The ship will first offer cruises to Alaska from Seattle before moving to the Cruise Capital of the World, PortMiami, this fall.
Ahead of the ship’s first season in Miami, Queen Elizabeth received an extensive transformation during a three-week dry dock in Singapore.
Queen Elizabeth’s signature spaces, such as the Commodore Club, Queens Room, Garden Lounge, and The Pavilion, have all been revitalized.
Outdoor decks were revamped with more sunshades added in the aft of the ship, much needed for the sailings from Miami.
The Grills terrace and Queens Room received new carpet and furniture.
The Pavilion Wellness Café was also added to the ship. It first debuted on Queen Anne and will serve breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.
Another addition from Queen Anne is Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea. Harper’s Bazaar offers three-day wellness packages for relaxation, energy restoration and recovery.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, gave the following statement:
“As Queen Elizabeth begins this exciting new chapter, we are delighted to offer guests an even more refined experience on board, with beautifully updated spaces that combine classic Cunard style with modern comfort.
“With a full season based in Miami for the first time, more guests from the US and around the world can now experience the Caribbean with Cunard’s unique sense of luxury. The region remains a favorite for travelers on both sides of the Atlantic, and we can’t wait to welcome guests on board.”
Queen Elizabeth will offer nine- to 28-day cruises from Miami to the Caribbean starting in October. This will mark the first time that the cruise line has based a ship in Miami for a full season.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages has unveiled Polar Expeditions by Atlas to Antarctica beginning November 2026 through March 2027, which are now available for bookings. Offering discerning travelers unparalleled access to remote and awe-inspiring corners of Antarctica, guests booking by June 30 will receive a complimentary stateroom or suite category upgrade and save up to $10,400 with bonus savings of up to 20% per stateroom. Marking the fifth season in Antarctica, World Navigator and World Traveller will operate 23 departures as World Voyager is under full charter.
“Over the past five seasons, Atlas Ocean Voyage’s talented expedition team has had the privilege of connecting travelers to one of the most sought-after ‘bucket list’ destinations in the world – Antarctica,” said Atlas Ocean Voyages President and CEO James Rodriguez. “We look forward to exploring the region, providing a variety of itinerary and activity options, and discovering Antarctica with under 200 guests onboard.”
Atlas Ocean Voyages – Antarctic Expeditions
Atlas Ocean Voyages 2026/2027 Antarctica Season features six expedition itinerary options for both variety and flexibility:
The “Antarctic Discovery” 9-night roundtrip from Ushuaia includes up to four immersive days at the Antarctica Peninsula. Guests will enjoy multiple landing opportunities and Zodiac safari experiences when weather and safety conditions allow. Departures are Nov. 8, 28, Dec. 27, 2026, and Feb. 1, 5, 10, March 8 and 19, 2027.
Two “Antarctic & Falklands Adventure” itineraries include a 16-night Buenos Aires to Ushuaia expedition to dive into the diverse wildlife of two continents featuring Gentoo penguins and black-browed albatrosses. Guided adventures include kayaking, shore landings, Zodiac safaris, and more. Departures are Nov. 12, 2026, and March 13, 2027.
Two 11-night expeditions titled “Exploring the Last Continent” will embark from Ushuaia, framing the summer season on the continent. Passengers can expect to witness stunning landscapes featuring snowy mountains and sea ice. The trips will depart on November 17, 2026, and March 2, 2027, offering extraordinary sights of nesting penguins and feeding whales.
The 9-night “Drake Express” King George Island roundtrip is a comprehensive exploration of Antarctica, flying over the Drake Passage at the beginning and end of the expedition. All Drake Express Expeditions offer the experience of also sailing the Drake Passage one way and then a private charter flight back to Punta Arenas. All Drake Express expeditions conclude in Punta Arenas with a post-expedition hotel night stay. Departures Nov. 28, Dec. 7, 14, 2026.
The “Crossing the Antarctic Circle” expedition sails 11 nights roundtrip from Ushuaia and features up to six days at the Antarctica Peninsula, including multiple Captain’s Choice landings and Zodiac safari experiences. Departures Dec. 16, 23, 2026, Jan. 21, Feb. 14, 19, 25, 2027.
An 18-night “Grand Antarctica & Beyond” expedition from Ushuaia showcases the pristine landscapes of Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands. This comprehensive and immersive itinerary by Atlas Ocean Voyages explores diverse and breathtaking environments—departure Jan. 3, 2027.
Atlas offers a range of Always Included amenities onboard, such as fine wines, spirits, craft beers, and specialty coffees. Gratuities for onboard staff and shore landings, along with sightseeing safaris by Zodiac, are also included. Expeditions to Antarctica feature a pre-expedition hotel night in Buenos Aires or Punta Arenas. Additionally, charter flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia or from Punta Arenas to King George Island are included in Fly the Drake expeditions. Before your expedition begins, you’ll enjoy an Atlas Immersive Experience in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.
Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition yachts offer the Water’s Edge, an open deck just 30 feet above the sea’s surface, where you can spot whales, dolphins, and marine life while enjoying the comfort of heated seating. For the adventurous seeking an icy right-of-passage, the polar plunge into the frigid waters of Antarctica is the ultimate invigorating experience. For those seeking the ultimate bucket list experience, camping is an Antarctica option when conditions allow.
The Explorer’s Table specialty dining experience recently unveiled global culinary highlights from Spain, Korea, France, Argentina, and North America. Prepared for only ten guests in the domed Observation Lounge, The Explorer’s Table guests embark on a culinary journey amid scenes of glaciers and icebergs. The multi-course tasting menu is elegantly paired with a selection of premium wines. Reservations open 60 days before the embarkation date and are priced at $179 per guest. Pre-reservations can be made by contacting a travel advisor or one of our Voyage Specialists.
Imagine having your own private retreat at sea — no crowds, no scrambling for a sunbed, just pure relaxation. That’s exactly what NCL’s Vibe Beach Club promises.
But is it really as exclusive and luxurious as it sounds? And more importantly, is it worth the extra cost?
Before you book, there are a few things you need to know… including one big catch that might change your mind!
Vibe Beach Club Is Only For VIPs
The Vibe Beach Club is an exclusive area of some NCL ships. It is an outdoor area that’s a little more sheltered and private, and you need to pay for a pass to access it.
The Vibe Beach Club is open to anyone, no matter your stateroom category, but passes are limited.
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Bliss
The Vibe Beach Club isn’t some feature-packed area of the ship, but instead it’s an exclusive sun deck space with whirlpools, loungers and a bar. Some of the ships have an infinity pool, and others have private cabanas you can rent for an additional fee.
Really, you’re paying for the exclusivity – the fact that only a limited number of guests are allowed to book passes to the area. That means it’s quieter, so you don’t have to worry about how loud or crowded the space is, and it just feels more serene and relaxing.
Because it’s quieter, the bar staff are able to be more attentive too. You’ll be able to enjoy fresh cocktails (including a couple of exclusive drinks, which can change throughout the cruise) with the bar attendants often wandering around the deck space, so you can relax on your lounger or day bed without moving.
Vibe Beach Clubs Don’t Have Pools
You might see some references to an infinity pool on the Prima-class ships (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva), but none of the Vibe Beach Clubs have actual pools.
These two ships do have extended hot tubs, but NCL does classify them as a hot tub rather than a swimming pool.
Infinity hot tub on Norwegian Prima
If you’re hoping to swim, you’ll have to leave the club and head to the regular pool. The other Vibe Beach Clubs have smaller whirlpools only, not the big infinity hot tubs…
Whirlpool on Norwegian Encore
Even with the exclusivity of the Vibe Beach Club, don’t assume that you’ll get a spacious pool area where you can enjoy a soak.
Passes Cost A Whopping $99 Per Day!
You do need to pay for the Vibe Beach Club, and you need to book it in advance to secure a pass as despite the high price tag, they usually sell out.
You can expect to pay around $99 for a day pass if they are available, although week-long passes are better if you want to secure your place for your whole cruise. The price of these varies, but it’s likely to be around $250 for 7 days.
If your cruise is longer than a week, the price won’t jump up much – it’s unlikely that you’ll pay more than $350 per person for a full cruise up to two weeks, so the longer itineraries tend to offer even more value.
Cabanas Are Even More Expensive
For the ships that have cabanas, these need to be booked too. Instead of paying a solo price for a pass to the Vibe Beach Club, you have to buy a couples pass, and it’ll typically cost around $680-750 for a cruise.
Per person, that’s only $340 to $375, so it’s not a huge sum more than buying the passes without the cabana hire.
Cabanas on Norwegian Bliss
People Are Lining Up To Splurge
The Vibe Beach Club is designed to be exclusive so the prices aren’t cheap. The limited numbers also mean that you need to be quick to buy a pass once they become available.
While the number of passes sold hasn’t been revealed by NCL, it appears to be around 80-100 passes per cruise, likely depending on the capacity of the sailing. That’s not many at all.
And it’s important to note that they don’t have a set time to go on sale either. Some people have reported being able to call up over 200 days before their cruise to book a pass, while others say that they can book them via the NCL website from anywhere between 80-140 days before the cruise departs.
The best advice, if you want to get a pass for the Vibe Beach Club, is to call NCL directly and ask to add it on or ask when the passes will go on sale. Otherwise, check once a week once you get to 140 days out from your cruise date, and you should be able to secure one.
Another good idea is to check cruise forums and social media for discussions related to your specific sailing. People will often post in there as soon as the Vibe Beach Club passes go on sale (once they have secured their own pass, of course!)
Day passes will only be available if the week-long passes don’t sell out, or if there are cancellations.
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Breakaway
Vibe Beach Club Is Only On The Newest NCL Ships…
The ships that have Vibe Beach Club for NCL are the Breakaway-class ships (Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway), the Breakaway Plus-class ships (Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Bliss, and Norwegian Encore) and the Prima-class ships (Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Aqua).
This means you won’t find Vibe Beach Club on the following:
Norwegian Dawn
Norwegian Epic
Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jewel
Norwegian Pearl
Norwegian Sky
Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Sun
Pride of America
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Bliss
As a guide, here are the features you can expect to find on the ships that do have Vibe Beach Club:
Ship
Bar
Loungers & Daybeds
Showers
Cabanas
Whirlpools
Infinity Pools
Norwegian Breakaway
YES
YES
YES
YES
1
No
Norwegian Getaway
YES
YES
YES
YES
1
No
Norwegian Escape
YES
YES
YES
No
1
No
Norwegian Joy
YES
YES
YES
YES
1
No
Norwegian Bliss
YES
YES
YES
YES
1
No
Norwegian Encore
YES
YES
YES
YES
1
No
Norwegian Prima
YES
YES
YES
No
2
YES
Norwegian Viva
YES
YES
YES
No
2
YES
Take a look at this video for a closer look inside the Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Prima…
You Can Get A Refund If You Change Your Mind
Vibe Beach Club passes are refundable if you purchase them before your cruise, provided you also cancel before you’ve boarded the ship. Some people on social media have reported being told they cannot be cancelled, but others have cancelled successfully, so it clearly is possible.
To cancel your Vibe Beach Club passes and get a refund, you’ll need to call NCL and ask for them to be removed. It seems like the answers can be inconsistent, so if you’re told you can’t, try again.
Haven Suite Guests Should AVOID The Vibe Beach Club
Haven Suite guests do not have automatic access to the Vibe Beach Club on an NCL ship. They are entitled to buy their own Vibe Beach Club passes if they wish, but there’s no need, since it offers a similar experience to the Haven sun deck anyway.
When you book a Haven Suite, you’re essentially paying for access to the Haven, and so also purchaisng access to the Vibe Beach Club would be a waste of money, in my experience.
The Vibe Beach Club is open to all guests on an NCL ship, not just suite guests, provided you’ve bought a pass. Nobody gets a free pass, even if you buy the best suites on the ship.
The Haven Sundeck
There’s No Smoking In The Vibe Beach Club
You aren’t allowed to smoke in the Vibe Beach Club on an NCL ship – it’s a non-smoking area, just like most of the spaces on the rest of the ship. This includes vaping, which is also only permitted in selected smoking areas on the ship.
So, Is Vibe Beach Club Worth It?
Whether the Vibe Beach Club is worth it for you depends on how much you’ve paid for your cruise, and how much you value being able to relax in a quieter location on the ship.
If your main aim on a cruise is to take it easy and sip cocktails from a lounger or daybed, and you don’t like crowds, then it can be absolutely worth purchasing a week-long pass for the Vibe Beach Club, and getting an exclusive quiet corner of the ship to use.
Vibe Beach Club on Norwegian Viva
But if you’re more likely to spend the week taking part in all the fun activities around the ship, or you don’t mind the busy vibe, then you can probably put the money to better use.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest NCL offers…
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Cruising is meant to be a carefree way to explore the world, but increasingly sophisticated scams are putting unsuspecting travellers at risk.
While regular cruisers often watch out for traditional pitfalls like dodgy booking adverts or taxi scams at ports, Stephen and Karen Ratchford recently experienced a frighteningly modern threat—SIM swapping.
Stephen and Karen Ratchford (Credits: Ratchfords & Milos Ruzicka)
How the Scam Unfolded
Stephen and Karen, from the UK, were enjoying their cruise aboard a P&O cruise ship in October 2024 when their dream holiday took an alarming turn during a port stop in Split, Croatia.
The couple quickly realised something was seriously wrong when they discovered their mobile phones had stopped working entirely, leaving them without access to their phone numbers.
SIM swapping is a cybercrime in which fraudsters gain control of victims’ phone numbers by transferring them onto new SIM cards. Once scammers have access, they can intercept text-based verification codes and gain entry to personal data, emails, and banking information.
In Stephen and Karen’s case, the criminals used this access to fraudulently take out loans and overdrafts, including a massive $32,492 (£25,000) loan from HSBC bank.
A Stressful Situation Abroad
Speaking to Grimsby Live, Stephen described the ordeal as “absolutely horrendous.” Stranded halfway around the world, the couple faced the stressful task of regaining control of their finances. Thankfully, the crew aboard the P&O vessel provided critical support, allowing the couple to use the ship’s phone to contact their banks and mobile service provider.
While the exact location of the SIM swap remains unknown, the incident highlighted the importance of being aware of such cybercrimes. Fortunately, once notified, the banks quickly cancelled all fraudulent loans and overdrafts. Additionally, their mobile provider, iD Mobile, provided a goodwill payment of $98 (£75) to compensate for the inconvenience.
Raising Awareness to Prevent Future Victims
Stephen is now committed to raising awareness about SIM swapping and advises fellow cruisers and travellers to strengthen their personal cybersecurity. He points out that two-factor authentication relying on SMS texts has significant vulnerabilities, urging people to use dedicated authentication apps instead. Stephen also suggests setting unique PINs with mobile providers, which helps prevent unauthorised SIM card changes.
Travellers are also advised to be cautious about what they post on social media, as cybercriminals often gather personal details online to bypass security questions required for SIM swapping.
How to Stay Safe
To minimise the risk, travellers should:
Remain vigilant about their personal cybersecurity
Limit personal information shared on social media
Regularly update security measures, especially when abroad
Use dedicated authentication apps for secure logins
Set a unique PIN with their mobile provider to protect against unauthorised SIM changes
By following these steps, cruisers and holidaymakers can greatly reduce their vulnerability to cyber scams, ensuring their vacations remain the relaxing escapes they’re meant to be.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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Viking took delivery of their newest Longship, Viking Nerthus, this week and moved one ship closer to their goal of having 130 cruise ships (river and ocean) by 2030.
Viking Nerthus is a sister ship to Viking Radgrid and will offer cruises from the heart of Paris. Photo Credit: Cruise Fever
Viking Nerthus is a sister ship to Viking Radgrid, Viking Kari, Viking Skaga and Viking Fjorgyn. While they are considered Longships, they are slightly smaller than Longships than sail on other rivers in Europe.
The slightly smaller size allows them to have a premium docking location and dock closer to the Eiffel Tower than other cruise lines. The ships sail Viking’s eight-day Paris & the Heart of Normandy itinerary and the new eight-day Christmastime in Paris & Normandy cruise.
The Longships for the Seine River carry 168 guests in 84 cabins and have the cruise line’s signature Scandinavian design.
The vessels feature a hybrid propulsion system with batteries and exhaust gas aftertreatment. They are also equipped for shore power to reduce reliance on fuel while in port. Onboard solar panels further contribute to their energy efficiency.
Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking, gave the following statement:
“We are proud to welcome the Viking Nerthus to our growing fleet of award-winning Viking Longships. France continues to be a destination of great interest for our guests, and with the arrival of our newest ship on the Seine River, we look forward to introducing even more curious travelers to the region’s rich history and cultural treasures in ‘the Viking way.’”
Viking Nerthus will sail roundtrip from Paris and visit ports along the Seine River and the beaches of Normandy.
With the cruise ships that Viking has on order and their current fleet, they will have 109 river ships and 21 ocean and expedition ships in service by the end of the decade. This includes 25 new river ships by 2028.
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Captain Kate McCue, everyone’s favourite cruise captain and social media sensation, has announced she’s swapping Celebrity Cruises for a brand-new adventure with luxury newcomer Four Seasons Yachts.
Starting in January 2026, McCue will take the helm of the line’s inaugural vessel, the elegantly named Four Seasons I, guiding it through its debut sailing season.
A Luxurious New Direction
This move marks a significant win for Four Seasons Yachts, which aims to redefine the luxury cruise experience. While other hotel giants like Ritz-Carlton have ventured into cruising, Four Seasons promises to elevate the game even further.
Four Seasons I, will accommodate just 222 passengers, offering suites starting at an impressive 581 square feet, with pricing structured per suite rather than per passenger. Notably, unlike typical luxury cruises, all meals (except breakfast) and alcoholic beverages will be available à la carte.
Four Seasons Yatch
Captain Kate: An Icon at Sea
Captain Kate is no ordinary hire; she has become an icon within the cruise industry, and she is admired for her warm personality and engaging social media presence. Over her decade with Celebrity Cruises, she broke barriers, notably becoming the first American female captain of a mega cruise ship in 2015.
Onboard Celebrity Edge and Beyond, she became beloved by passengers for her casual meet-and-greets, quirky trivia sessions featuring her hairless cat, Bug Naked, and insightful behind-the-scenes content on TikTok and Instagram.
Yet Captain Kate’s influence goes beyond her social media fame. She actively championed female empowerment in maritime roles, significantly contributing to Celebrity Cruises’ milestone of 30% female bridge officers. Her dedication has left a lasting impact on the cruise industry.
A New Chapter with Four Seasons
In her new role with Four Seasons Yachts, Captain Kate expressed excitement about the more personal cruising experience she will offer guests.
“Yachting truly embodies the essence of the sea—calm, effortless, and deeply rejuvenating….This philosophy underpins Four Seasons I. I’m eager to connect with guests, lead an exceptional crew, and engage deeply with local communities. Together, we’ll craft unforgettable journeys.”
Captain Kate McCue
Four Seasons is equally enthusiastic about their new captain. “Captain Kate McCue is the ideal leader for Four Seasons I,” said Rainer Stampfer, President of Global Operations at Four Seasons. “Her passion for hospitality, commitment to excellence, and pioneering leadership align perfectly with our vision. We’re thrilled to welcome her aboard.”
With Captain Kate at the helm, Four Seasons Yachts is poised to introduce an extraordinary new chapter in luxury cruising—and we can’t wait to follow along.
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If you like statistics, this article is for you! Research shows that 49% of shoppers consider reviews equally as valid as firsthand recommendations from friends. (1) 95% of travelers read 10+ reviews before booking. (2) It’s been said under 2% of people will write a review. (3) If online reviews are perceived as trustworthy, should they influence your choice of cruise line as much as your choice of restaurants? Probably not.
Bad News Sells
It’s a sad fact, but bad news gets people’s attention. When you turn on TV news in the morning, the lead story is often about a shooting or a fire. (At least in the Philadelphia broadcast market.) The new industry had a saying, “If it bleeds, it leads.” (4) Bad news gets people’s attention. Finding things about a cruise you didn’t like (and adding them into the title) gets people’s attention.
Weather Is A Factor
Ocean-going cruise ships travel on the ocean. The weather can be unpredictable. If you get rough seas, you can’t blame it on the cruise line. The captain will often attempt to steer around the storm as best they can. If there is a storm between you and your port, there will be rough weather at some point. In our area a realtor remarked; “If you buy a house near a train track, you should expect, at some point, a train might come through.” (You can’t act as if this was a great surprise.
Is the reviewer giving all the facts? Suppose the review said, “The food portions in the main dining room are small.” Is that the entire story? Could you ask for seconds? Could you ask for a double portion? If you could ask for more food, then portion size is not that big an issue.
The cruise line is not responsible for passenger behavior.
Some people might write “The passengers were rude.” Suppose the ship holds 3,000 passengers. How many did the reviewer encounter? What standard was the reviewer expecting? You would not mark a restaurant down because the couple at the next table were arguing. You cannot hold the cruise line responsible for passenger demeanor.
The cruise line is nickel and diming us.
You might have seen this before. “They charge for everything. Lets nor forget “They are only interested in making a profit.” Let us assume cruising fits in two categories; the Mass Market and Luxury (Ultra Luxury). One might be priced at $200/pp per day with deep discounts available and the other at $500 to $1,000/pp per day. It is unreasonable to expect free drinks and inclusive shore excursions if you are paying an “unbundled” price. Some passengers might not drink alcohol or prefer to stay onboard in port. They don’t want to pay for services they might choose not to use.
Cruising on (ship) is not what it used to be.
Our memories can be very selective. Some people giving a bad review might remember when dinner stretched over seven courses. They might be forgetting cabins were smaller, Internet service was poor, TV reception was worse and stabilizers used an older level of technology. A fairer comparison would be to recall and compare the total previous experience, not only the parts you miss.
There are too many people not like us.
The reviewer might be referring to young children or older passengers. All cruise lines have personalities. You might consider them “target markets” or “sweet spots.” That is where a good travel agent makes a difference. They can guide you. You can think of a few restaurant chains catering to children. You would not have dinner there and complain there are too many kids around. You would have known beforehand.
There is not enough closet space.
A better expression might be storage space. Cruise ship cabins are much more standardized in size compared to thirty years ago. There is storage space under the bed. There might be space on top of the cabinets. Everything does not need to go in a closet or drawer. Some clothing (like the overcoat you wore on arrival) can be stored in a suitcase under the bed.
The cabins are tiny.
You might say, “You get what you pay for.” The online brochure should indicate the square footage of different grades of cabins. Logically, inside cabins are smaller than ocean-view cabins. Oceanview cabins are smaller than balcony cabins. Balcony cabins are smaller than suites. This is information you would have before you booked. It influences your booking decision. Once you step outside your cabin, all passengers should be getting the same uniform level of service in the public areas.
The entertainment was poor. Were the shows or music poor, or not to your taste? In the evening, the ship probably has a dozen active bars with live music. You might not like one, but have you considered the range of what is available? Although the live entertainment in the theater might not have thrilled you, was it the same show every night or did the entertainment vary? You need a full picture. Different entertainment appeals to different segments of the audience.
What are the factors that make a difference?
Embarking and disembarking. Many cruise lines have you checking in weeks ahead of time, getting a credit card on file. This should speed up the embarkation process. (They still need to see your passport.) It should not take hours.
Problems that don’t get addressed. If your toilet doesn’t work, that is a real problem. The ship should promptly send a maintenance person or engineer to address the issue. If it cannot be fixed, they should have a remedy, like changing your cabin.
Delays in dining room service. If you have your meals in the main dining room, the meal should proceed like a symphony orchestra performance. They are putting on the same “show” every night. Assuming you did not make special requests, your entrée should not take 45+ minutes to arrive after you finished your first course.
Let us go back to the statistic indicating 95% of travelers read 10+ reviews before booking. If you check out reviews beforehand, you need to see a range including ones with differing evaluations. Obviously it needs to be about the same cruise line and ideally the same ship. That will help you get a more complete picture.
Many people book their own travel today. Don’t you visit an airline or hotel company website and make your own arrangements? Hotels have an even tougher situation because it is easy to find websites that aggregate online prices for the hotel you want on the dates you have chosen. Why do you need a travel agent when you can easily do it yourself?
As the travel industry changed, travel agents realized they needed to change too. Many shifted away from the mass market, focusing on business travel or luxury vacations like safaris. Cruises are an example of a category where it makes sense to bring in a professional instead of dealing direct.
Looking at travel agents in general and cruises as a specific category, what is the case for working with a travel agent?
When something goes wrong…Instead of calling an airline and waiting on hold forever, it makes sense to have a professional as your intermediary. If you are stuck somewhere because a volcano erupted, disrupting air traffic, let a professional sort out your alternate route.
How to get from point A to point B. You might assume you could figure this out on your own. If you are flying nonstop from JFK to LHR, you are right. If you are traveling from the US to Slovenia on the Adriatic, that’s a different story. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Rely on someone else with the experience.
Work with a specialist. Some travel agencies specialize in cruises. The first thing they can do is help you decide which cruise line aligns with your personality. They can help you shop for deals and best fares. Sometimes the cruise lines might have better rates with the airlines because they do lots of business.
Interact with a human. Airlines, hotels and cruise lines have customer service desks, but you need to get to them. A local travel agency in your metro area has people sitting at desks or working from home. Like working with a CPA or financial advisor, you should have a dedicated career person who knows your name. This is very important if a problem develops during your vacation.
Pricing should not be that different vs. booking direct. Cruise lines want travel agents to be in the equation. When you book your next trip onboard they indicate the credit for the booking can be assigned to your travel agent back home. There might be a benefit like an onboard credit to spend (OBC) or a bottle of wine waiting in your stateroom.
The travel agency business has it’s own credentials. Some states might require travel agents to be licensed, others might not. (1) Certifications are a different story. Ideally you would want a travel agent experienced and specializing in the cruise industry. As an example, the Cruise Lines international Association (CLIA) has four levels of Cruise Counselor certification. (2)
Has the agent sailed on your line?Your Ship? Years ago, this was hugely important. Ships like Cunard’s famous Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) had cabins in all sorts of sizes and configurations. Today, cabins on ships, like LEGO blocks, are pretty standardized. Your travel agent will know some locations are better than others. Sometimes there are cabins that are larger (or maybe smaller) than normal because of their location. Is proximity to the self service launderette a positive or a negative? There are cruisers lined up on each side of this question.
Shore excursions. You can boom them onboard, but the best ones might sell out quickly. You can book them with the cruise line through your travel agent. Your travel agent might be able to book direct with the tour operator, saving you a bit.
We live in a culture where “booking online” and dealing direct is considered the wise way to go. There are still areas like luxury travel, where it makes sense to work with a professional.
