Any bad experiences with cruises?

Question

I'm going to go on my first cruise next summer or winter break!!

anyone here have any bad cruise stories to share? or things I should be watching out for?

I watched a news program awhile ago, and it talked about how medical doctors on cruise ships are not under the responsibility of the cruise ship line. That is, cruise ships are not responsible for any actions done by the doctors.

Answer 1

I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise to Ensenada and Catalina but it was nothing like the Carnival cruise I had taken.  On Carnival, it seemed like there was always something to do.  I really enjoyed it!  But with Royal Caribbean, there was too much down time on the ship.  For example, we went to the pool area for some game that was scheduled.  We sat at the bar and waited.  Finally the bartender said that if they hadn't shown up yet, then they weren't going to.  We were bored out of our minds.  Check out the activities that are offered to make sure it is what you are looking for.  I did that with Carnival but not Royal Caribbean.

Answer 2

I have only been on one for 7 days to Brazil & Venezuela had no bad experiences but They go real slow on the way out there so they can get everyone's money then on the way back it is full speed ahead.

Answer 3

Ive been on 7 and haven't had anything really bad happen. I have been disatisfied with my cabin, whihc isn't all that traumatic. On only one crusie did I ever get seasiick, I'm not really prone to motion sickness though. We experienced very rough seas and the purser's desk had a supply for the guests. Last May was th only time we have used the infirmary. We never actually saw the docotr but did talk to people who did. They were not very impressed but keep in mind that the docotr's there also do not have the facilites for things more diffferent than your basic illnesses. We were able to get first aid supplies (I ripped my toenail off at the airport ) and when my daughter got sick we bought some cough syrup there. Have fun and dont worry about the bad things that could happen. If you are resposible and well behaved you should od just fine

Answer 4

My wife and I were on the Celebrity Mercury from San Diego to the Mexican "Riveria".  I contracted the Norovirus and it was terrible.  Imagine "bodily fluids" coming from both front and back - and a lot, too.

The ship was in "Norovirus Mode" which meant the staff was constantly spraying all walls, rails, and door with bleach - and not wiping it down.  Clothing was ruined by passengers brushing against the bleach.

If you reported to the Sick Bay, you were treated at no cost - but were confined to your cabin for 48 to 72 hours AFTER the final "bodily fluid" episode was over.

Activities were cancelled due to lack of crew and the fear of spreading the Norovirus further.  Passengers were angry, the crew was testy.

If passengers did file damage claims for ruined clothing, they did get full replacement value in a few weeks.  Everyone on board got a 25% credit based on the price they paid for a future cruise and those who were confined to cabins got another credit based on the price they paid x the number of days confined.  Celebrity does take care of problems to the customers.

Watch out for handshaking - use the fist or elbow bump; do not use stair railings if possible; and take along plenty of hand sanitizer and use a lot of it every day.

Answer 5

Just went on my first a few weeks ago it was great! Just make sure to take motion sickness pills!!!! I wouldn't be to worries about the doctor on the ship...I've heard of a story of a girl whose appendix ruptured and they sent a helicopter to pick her up and did her emergency surgry on a Navy boat near by because she wouldn't have lived to make it to land! I don't think you'll be needing any emergency surgery! And participate in as many activities as you can...even if they are expensive you might not ever get to try any of them again!

Answer 6

Nope!  I've been on 6.  Soon to be 7.

The worst thing is waiting to get on!  You are so overly excited & you just can't wait but sometimes it takes hours!

I donno about the doctors though I've never gone to one.  Just stay healthy!

Answer 7

ive been on 2-3 cruises. i dunno, i get easily sea sick but have only gotten sea sick on a cruise once. another thing is, you gotta find the right kinda cruise lines, dont go on one with strict schedules, and they make u do boring activities and such. go on one where u just stop at ports and then you can just go and do what you want. im goin on another cruise over spring break, hope you have fun!!!

Answer 8

It is true that the doctors are contracted by the cruise company. However, they're still doctors, and the "rules" of doctoring still apply. My uncle had a heart attack the day before the ship docked back home and the doctors took care of him until they reached port.

Anyway, the only bad experience we had was the sewage line next to our room backed up and caused a stink. It was fixed within a day and Carnival offered us 10% off our next cruise. (We were lucky with the 10% though. Don't expect that often.)

As everyone else mentioned, look out for sea sickness. We start taking Bonine the night BEFORE we cruise. This way, if the cruise is rocky the first day, we already have the medicine in our system, plus it helps us fall asleep the night before. Then, if the seas are still rough, we'll take more. If not, we'll stop taking it.

There really aren't many bad things to watch out for. Just be cautious in ports.