It’s coming to the end of yet another eventful year for cruises. We’ve seen countless new ships emerge onto the seas, technology take a step we never thought possible and cruise lines bounce back from a fair few shocking obstacles.
And it wouldn’t be the real cruising world without hearing the verdict of our holidaymakers on all-things-cruising; from the seriously controversial to the minor matters.
Let’s look back on 2017 and face the reason 76% of cruisers voted that cruise lines have finally taken it too far…
1- Do You Think Technology Has Overstepped The Mark?
76%– yes, it’s gone too far now!
24%– no, I love what technology can do now!
In light of Carnival’s next-generation wearable device, we asked cruisers if technology had gone too far. The Ocean Medallion means passenger information is at the fingertips of ever crew member to ensure the best onboard experience.
It streamlines embarkation and disembarkation, opens staterooms effortlessly when approaching the door, locates friends and family aboard the ship, and allows passengers to buy merchandise without credit cards, paper or transaction.
Did you agree with the 76% or 24? Take a vote in the poll right here…
2-Did The News Of The Rise In Value Of The Pound Encourage You To Book A Holiday Sooner?
82%– No, its value is too unreliable so I will carry on as normal!
18%– yes, we have to make the most of it while it still stands!
After the sudden recovery in the value of the pound back in January this year, we asked cruisers if this encouraged them to book a holiday sooner.
This news followed a meeting between Prime Minister, Theresa May, and then new US president, Donald Trump, leading to several foreign exchange specialists urging travellers that it would be smart to cash in on the improved exchange rate by stocking up on foreign currency immediately.
Were you in the 82% or the 18%? Have your say in our poll here…
3-Do You Agree There Should Be More Options For Solo Travellers?
89%– yes, those who travel alone still want luxury and adventure!
11%– no, there are enough options (plus they’re the minority!)
In light of the first ever women’s-only cruise being announced this year, we asked cruisers if there should be more options for solo travellers.
Aqua Expeditions launched a series of river cruises to offer women a safe and inclusive environment to explore different destinations which may otherwise feel ‘too off the beaten track’ for a solo traveller!
But, what did you vote? Were you a part of the 89% or 11%? Leave us your verdict in the official poll here…
4– How Do You See The State Of Cruise Ship Gratuities Developing In The Future?
69%– I think, with enough passenger backlash, cruise lines will have to lower the prices!
31%– I think gratuity prices are only going to increase and more!
Following Holland America’s increase in their gratuities back in March, we asked cruisers how they see the state of cruise ship gratuities developing in the future.
HAL raised the amount by 8%, from $12.50 to $13.50 a day whereas the recommended rate for suite guests will rose from $13.50 to $15 (an 11% increase).
Did you agree with the 69% or the 31%? Make sure you take your vote here…
5- Do You Think There Are Better Days Ahead For Cruising Since The ‘Trump Effect’?
46%– not sure, but if there are better days ahead for cruising, it’s not because of the ‘Trump effect’!
30%– yes, the figures show things are on the up!
24%– no, I think things will only get worse for cruising!
After the president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line spoke of the economy doing well thanks to the ‘Trump effect’, we asked cruisers if they thought there were better days ahead for cruising?
The ‘Trump effect’ essentially meant that the stock market was up by 20% in March this year, leaving people assuming it would be great for business. Did you agree with the other 30% or are you within the 46% that disagree with the ‘Trump effect’? Take your vote…
6- Would You Want To Travel 4,000 Metres Underwater To See The Wrecks Of Titanic?
46%– maybe, I’d love to do this if it didn’t cost $105,000!
30%– yes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
24%-no, I’d feel too claustrophobic and some things should be left in the past!
It became possible earlier this year to see the world’s most famous ocean liner, RMS Titanic, up close, so we asked cruisers if you’d like to travel 4,000 metres underwater to do this.
Blue Marble Private and OceanGate Inc. partnered together to offer eight-day journeys that include an exclusive submarine ride to visit RMS Titanic.
Were you a part of the 30% that agreed it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or do you disagree? Make sure you have your say here…
7-Do You Think Cruise Ship Dress Codes Should Become More Relaxed?
80%– no, I really like dressing up on a cruise
20%– yes, I prefer wearing what I want on my holiday!
Dress codes always causes some controversial opinions amongst cruisers so, after looking back at the various dress code changes across cruise lines, we asked if cruise ship dress codes should become more relaxed?
Former Cunard Captain, Nick Bates, expressed his love for formal nights and traditional wear, but did you agree with the 80% or the 20%? Vote here!
8- If You Could Choose One Cruise Line To Spend 2 And A Half Years At Sea With, Which Would It Be?
15%– Celebrity 16%– Royal Caribbean 13%– P&O 11%– Cunard 9%– Princess 5%– MSC 5%– Fred Olsen
5%– Luxury! 4%– NCL 4%– Carnival 4%– Marella 3%– HAL 2%– Disney 3%– Other 1%– River
After the news that a couple from Florida had taken 200 cruises with Carnival, we asked travellers: if they had to spend 2 and a half years cruising with one cruise line, which would it be?
Bernard & Janice Caffary, happily retired since 2000, revealed it has taken them 15 years to complete the milestone that meant they have stepped into the record books for the most cruises taken with Carnival.
Which cruise line did you pick? Have you voted yet? Have you say right here!
9- How Long Do You Really Like To Cruise For?
40%– I Prefer Two Weeks Or More?
29%– At Least A Week!
23%– A Mini Cruise Is Perfect
8%– World Cruise All The Way
More and more cruise lines are launching world cruises and after Princess announced a 111-day voyage, we wondered if longer sailings were pushing mini cruises out of the picture, so we asked cruisers how long they really like to cruise for.
Princess named it a voyage of a lifetime with unforgettable stops in South Africa, Asia, Australia, South America and beyond, whereas MSC announced their very first world cruise, taking guests to almost 50 unique destinations. But, what did you vote for? Have your say…
10- Do You Think This Should Be The End Of Cruises To Cuba?
82%– no, we made a breakthrough, let’s fight for it!
11%– yes, there’s a reason we could never cruise there before
8%– maybe, I’m not phased, we have plenty other places to go
Just six months after several cruise lines were finally given the green light to use as a port of call, it appeared that the possibility would be taken away; so we asked cruisers if it really should be the end of cruises to Cuba.
With news that President Donald Trump was expected to stem the tide of US tourism to the destination with his plans to announce a new policy, there was worry that the end of a whole new travel era might be ending before it even had a chance to fully pick up steam. But did you agree with cruises to Cuba? Take your vote here!
11- Would You Take Your Children On A World Cruise?
77%– yes, what a wonderful experience for such young children!
13%– no, Disneyland is far more suitable for kids than a world cruise
10%– maybe, it really depends on what sort of holidays the children prefer
A four-year-old and six-year-old made history this year as the youngest ever world cruisers, so we asked the question: would you take your children on a world cruise?
The children boarded Oceania’s ship, Insignia’ for a 180-day world voyage calling at 36 countries on six continents and learning about world history, culture and people. Do you agree with the 77% that a world cruise is a fantastic experience for children? Leave us your vote!
12- Do You Agree There Should Be A Cruise Just For Young Travellers?
40%– no, age shouldn’t mean anything! Just go on a cruise with a group of friends instead
38%– young travellers usually only want to be surrounded by their own age!
22%– maybe, only if there is a cruise just for older travellers…
This year, Uniworld launched a brand (U by Uniworld) just for travellers aged between 21 and 45 years old, so we asked cruisers if they agreed there should be a cruise just for young travellers.
The line’s newly renovated sister ships now offer immersive, fun and adventurous travel for customers who usually opt for local experiences and nightlife. But, do you agree there should be cruises just for young travellers? Leave your vote in the official poll…
13- Do You Think Cunard’s Fourth Ship Should Keep To Tradition?
70%– yes, it would be wrong to stray away from what Cunard guests love!
18%– maybe, it won’t hurt to make things more modern yet still Cunard-esque
11%– no, it is time to make some changes and set some new trends…
Opinions were divided when Cunard unexpectedly announced a fourth additional ship to their fleet, so we asked cruisers if the line should keep to tradition.
Speculation revealed that the new ship rendering sports the same lifeboat count as the Holland America vessel, Koningsdam, so the bulk of the ship is still the same size; this left cruisers wondering what could account for the remainder of the 13,500-tonne difference.
Do you think Cunard should keep the new ship to tradition or is it time for some changes? Leave your vote and thoughts here!
14- Do You Agree With P&O’s New Alcohol Policy Onboard?
45%– yes, one bottle is enough to bring onboard!
44%– no, another couple of bottles wouldn’t do anybody any harm!
11%– not sure, it doesn’t really affect me but seems reasonable enough…
Just last month, P&O announced new and stricter regulations, limiting bringing alcohol onboard, so we asked cruisers if they agreed with the new alcohol policy onboard.
The newly announced code states that each passenger aged 18 or older is allowed to bring only one bottle of wine, Champagne, beer, spirits or liqueur up to 1 litre during initial embarkation.
Do you feel okay about this? Did you take your vote already? Have your say on the matter right here…
15- Do You Think Disney Should Introduce More Adult-Only Areas?
63%– yes, the adults need a break from Disney-overload!
20%– neither, it should stay about the kids but the adults need to relax too
18%– no, Disney cruises are for the kids so stop making it about the adults!
After Disney’s announcement that their ship, Disney Magic, would undergo re-designed areas that would include more adult-only areas, we asked cruisers if they agreed that Disney should introduce more adult-only areas.
Adults will be able to relax at Cove Café, the adults-only retreat that will be redesigned in a sophisticated tropical style; it will serve as the perfect place to sip tea or coffee during the day, and wine or a cocktail and light bites in the evenings.
Did you already vote in the poll? Do you think there should be more Disney adult-only areas? Leave your vote right here…
Which poll did you find most controversial? What has been your favourite story? Make sure you have your vote here…
