Are cruise line standards slipping ?

Having spoken to many people this year when they have returned from their cruise most have been very satisfied and have booked again whilst on board for a future cruise so it would seem that standards are still very high.

However it is the people who have cruised regularly with an individual cruise line for many years that have noticed the changes.

For example I spoke with a lady a few weeks ago who has been cruising with P&O for over 20 years now but said that although the service and food were still as good as before she has noticed that they now offer less entertainment and the quality of the shows have not been as good.

It is not just P&O, I have spoken to people about many different cruise lines and while some have said that they have noticed changes such as the entertainment others have said it’s the little things that are being sacrificed such as no chocolate on your pillow in the evening.

Now I know this is a minor change but for someone who has cruised for so many years and know what to expect from their cruise these things can make a difference.

If you have never cruised before or are new to the particular cruise line you wouldn’t know that they have offered this in the past so this would not have any impact on your cruise.

Personally the things I have noticed are the little things such as the chocolates on your pillow, a welcome drink on arrival and when I started cruising 25 years ago there was always someone to welcome you on board and show you straight to your cabin, although I guess now that the ships are getting bigger this is not really possible.

Overall I think cruising is still excellent value for money compared to a land based holiday. How many other holidays would include first class dining every day, all entertainment and a new experience every day with the many different destinations covered on a cruise and if you are travelling with children free kids clubs in the daytime and usually in the evenings too.

The service on cruise ships is fantastic with waiter service throughout you never have to wait in long queues to get a drink.

With huge price reductions on cruises something has to give so I think most people would agree that they would rather have a price saving than a chocolate before bed time or a drink on arrival.

Either that or the cruise lines need to stop discounting and reinstate the extra little touches that seemed to make a difference.