Hello All -

I just got done reading a thread on the "other board" about the 1/7 - 1/17 Navigator sailing and how terrible it was. The primary complaints were the listing of the ship, paper-thin walls, carts in the aisles / slow housekeeping, and really horrible mattresses. Vibration was also mentioned but we're pretty far forward so we hope that's mitigated.

We're on the 1/27 sailing so there's not much left to do but fly to FLL at this point :) - however, I'm really interested in hearing about the issues that were raised ... do I need to start bracing myself? :eek:

Thanks!!
Rebecca

Hello Rebecca,

DH and I were on Navigator 6/25 to 7/9. It has been to date our best cruise. We had been on Navigator in 2000 to Alaska and that was not as good eventhough she was brand new. We have also been on Voyager.

I have no complaints about my bed. The first night there was a lot of rock and rolling but I think I was partly to blame.... a little too much bubbly! . I commented before that the ship should do some remodeling especially the bedspreads and carpet... just normal wear and tear. The vibration I knew it was there and I was very thankful that we had a cabin toward the front, although I did have the pump noise which in the end didn't amount to much.
I can't say enough of this cruise although a big part was the company. We were in a group with Ngaire and Ken and Linda and Ron. And then we had great cruise companions like Olivia and Joanna, Peggy and Jerry, Karyn and Joe, Carolyn and Don, etc( I'm sure I'm forgeting somebody).
Anyway, sorry for the rambling, have a great time, I'm sure you will!

Hi Rebecca,

We have 43 nights total on the Navigator and spent 26 nights on the Navigator (Suite 601) in the South Pacific last November. I have to admit I was suprised by the poster's observation of their cruise, but I was not on it. If you have rough seas you will rock and roll, and the higher up you are the worse it is.

But I have never heard any of my neighbors, saw carts in the hall 24/7, or ever had a bad mattress. However, timely room servicing has been impacted by the one person attendant. But they sure try. All else is still great!

The Navigator is my favorite, I hope you enjoy your trip as much as we did.

Mary Ellen

I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't do this, but I have to say that I was just...um...gosh how to say this...let's try the word "bemused" by that post.

All I could picture was a couple of former SS passengers, already feeling that they've somewhat degraded themselves for having slightly "stepped down" to RSSC, wandering the halls all appalled that they had to find their own cabin...then berating some poor housekeeper because the walls were too thin ("well FILL THEM UP, for pity's sake woman!")...then demanding from the HOTEL DIRECTOR of all people to tell them why the ship wasn't floating smoothly enough for them, and being horrified when he tried to lighten the conversation and then ask them if they were satisfied with the things he's actually RESPONSIBLE for (like food and service), while they just got more and more in a tizzy that SOMEONE wouldn't go out there and fix the darn thing!

sorry.... <img border="0" alt="[c]" title="" src="graemlins/c.gif" />

It's not that they don't have some valid complaints. It's just I simply can't shake that picture in my mind...

LeeAnne, you read my mind. I'll wait to hear back from Rebecca and Arlene and the others on the 1/27 cruise, with their reviews/observations. But Rebecca, I highly doubt you have to start "bracing yourself", methinks you'll probably have a good time?! I know I always do!

Charlene

Hi Everyone:

Yes, reading those reviews has me concerned. I can deal with the vibrations as we know that is to be expected on this ship but the poor mattresses, etc is another issue.

Did someone not mention that they were planning to refurbish the Navigator? Is that any time soon?

The Navigator has some terrific itineraries next year in the Caribbean and it woud be a shame if the company was simply letting it run downhill.

I'd really appreciate hearing from others who have cruised this ship recently.

I read that thread and the main thing I had problems with are the mattresses. More than one posters commented on them. IMHO this is not something management should allow to happen.

We were on the Navigator late last year and aside from normal wear and tear, everything was exceptional. Our cabin stewardess, as previously mentioned elsewhere, left something to be desired at times.

All in all it was a great cruise. Did we 'rock and roll'? Quite a bit. In fact at one point we were eating in CR (Deck 5) and the waves were hitting ABOVE the windows. :eek:

We were not disappointed at all.

Anthony

:::: waving :::::

I was ON that cruise and I think the OP on the other thread was livid because their diving excursions didn't happen. Suzie and Marilyn were there, too, and I'm sure Suzie will be along as soon as she fights her way through the laundry.

Our bed was fine; it was a cruise ship bed and not a "pillow-top" from the Sheraton. The furniture is beginning to show some wear, but doesn't that happen when furniture is used day-in and day-out? We only had neighbors on one side, but never heard them. If you are as attached to your pillow as I am, I advise smooshing them into one of those packing bags and hauling them along, because unless you like down, the other pillows aren't comfortable.

While we were on the cruise, the carpet in Compass Rose was replaced, one third at a time. They bought the most expensive solvent, that had no odor, and did it during the night.

I missed the steward(ess) team, but I knew that had happened; yes, that is a big letdown because the European stewardesses were so efficient. Every single member of the crew spoke to us and smiled when we encountered them. In fact, the very serious man (Khurd?) who signed us on and off the ship was laughing about the number of stairs we had to climb in Nassau. We ate at the same table every night, and the wine stewards knew exactly what we wanted after the second night. Most of them knew our names.

The meals were wonderful! As a group, we agreed that the desserts could have been better but that's not to say there weren't some great ones (Marc, Ricardo grabbed us our very own container of cinammon ice cream). Yes, we could remember things having been done in the past that weren't done this cruise. But this was my first time on Navigator, maybe they never did some things like Mariner and Voyager do.

The ports weren't familiar; this was the first time Navigator had been to several of them. Our captain told us on the second night that he didn't know anything about some of them.

There were people working on the ship, all the time. In ports, they were lowering the tenders and sprucing them up.

So, I'm not Arlene or Rebecca, but I was there!

Just as a side note to this thread. The mattresses are going to be replaced on all the ships and also brand new linens. This is going to take place over a period of time and it is not going to happen at a dry dock all at once. I dont know what type of mattress they are using but someone told me the linens were top class. They do need new mattresses. The egg crate topper I always use as it makes the mattress softer, and I find the mattresses hard.

I've sailed on the Navigator 3 times. It does rock and roll more in rough seas than Mariner or Voyager I think. I also agree the mattresses need to be replaced, and I don't like the reduction to a single room attendant. Comparing cruise 1 on Navigator to cruise 3 does make me think that things have gone downhill a bit. Those things didn't spoil our cruise, but they are factors that weighed in our decision to try Silversea for our next cruise. Overall the cruise was wonderful and if the right itinerary came up on Navigator (at the right price, etc.) I would sail her again - being careful on suite selection to minimize rocking and vibration. My expectations would be a bit different as well - but I'd still jump right on the right cruise!

CC has gotten to the point where I am almost convinced that I won't go there anymore. There is so much negativity that it's no longer enjoyable. Lynn and I have cruised Navigator in fairly rough waters. Although we had a mid-ships stateroom on deck 6, I really didn't find other areas of the ship to have any worse vibration than any normal ship. Ships vibrate, especially in rough seas or at high speed. That's just a fact of life. I've been on about every type of ship you can imagine and they all do it. On conventional ships it's generally a shaft bearing , or prop ( cavitation ) issue. If you're concerned about that, you should get a mid-ships stateroom on deck 6 or 7. Don't go aft. I also agree that the negative report by the SS folks on CC was precipitated by the diving issue.

Our trip on the Navigator in November was fine. I thought the ship was in beautiful condition and I didn't notice any strange listing. We had some significant wave action on our way to Tahiti but we thought the ride was pretty smooth. I'm always puzzled when people express surprise that the motion of the ocean affects their cruise.

I do agree that if indeed the mattress was decrepit it should have been replaced. Our bed was very comfortable.

I've been reading both forums and find this one to be much more positive. Now, I can't help but reply to Rebecca. Prior to last spring, I had been on 2 cruises and my husband on 1. We decided to try a 12-day Navigator trip to the Caribbean. All I can say is that it was so wonderful that we are booked to take our entire family on the Navigator December 18, 2006 Christmas Cruise.

The cabin was more than comfortable - the only time we heard any conversation from adjoing rooms was when we were on the balcony. The staff was fantastic and (contrary to a post on the other board), did address us by name and knew what we liked to drink. I found the bed to be comfortable and, although there is quite a bit of vibration in the rear of the ship, the front is fine. In fact, the day before we returned to Fort Lauderdale, it was rather rough, but we were not bothered at all.

We consider ourselves to be rather discerning about food and wine and found both to be excellent.

I can't say enough good things about the Navigator and could not recommend it highly enough for anyone of any age group.

Welcome to the board, Oliverab!! I think your Christmas cruise is going to be a blast. I have been trying to talk my family into cruising for Christmas but so far, no luck!

Thank you - we will be 13 people (including 6 children ranging from 8 to 14). I just hope there are enough activities for the kids, but from the reviews of past Chyristmas Radisson cruises, that shouldn't be a problem.

We were just on the Voyager and there really were quite a few kids on the New Years Cruise. The counselors kept them busy most of the time.

My nine year old granddaughter was on the Voyager also recently and she loved it. She has been on Disney many times and I thought she would be let down but she was not. She actually preferred Radisson. She said the activities were more fun and interesting and the groups smaller. She liked the smaller number of kids involved. She had a blast.

My 7 year old went on the Mariner Christmas cruise with us. She absolutely loved the kid's program. The counselors do a fantastic job with the kids and have very interesting activities for them. They really make them feel special. Lauren said she liked Radisson more than Disney too!

I'm really relieved to read this thread. I just booked the Navigator Baltic cruise today and was really pleased and excited until I went over to the CC board and read the horrible reviews. After reading the posts here, I feel a lot better.

I must add that whether on a cruise or at a luxury hotel, I've never been concerned about the staff knowing my name or being my "friend". I think they have tough jobs to do and if they do them well, then that's enough for me.I was more concerned about the comments about beds/mattresses. With our aching backs, that would not be great. We'll just hope that the "listing bed" and "sagging mattress" were one-offs and won't happen to us.

The days that the ship listed, there were really high winds. We had that balcony that wraps around the front of the ship on deck 8, and Mark commented on the ferocious wind. The day it rocked and rolled, there were obvious high swells in the water. We were in that stretch of water between Central America and Cuba; as soon as we got beyond Cuba, the water calmed down and the ship stopped rocking.


Our bed was firm, the way we like it. We have a pillow-top at home, but didn't need to ask for the egg crate. I am just really picky about my pillow, so I smoosh mine and take them along.

i have just been on the navigator from oct 15th
till jan 17 (yes i have 305 days in 7 years)
and it is always a joy to be there as the staff
makes you feel at home
the people that complain about the rocking of the ship shoudl be thankful we did not go to fort lauderdale but instead to san juan!!!
bad weather cannot be avoided!!
last feb we were on the voyageur from hobart to melbourne and never made melbourne due to 125 mile a hour winds and listing at 23 degrees!!

now that is to worry about


as to refurbish the navigator which it does need
i have been told that it will happen in dec/06
should be sooner!!!

as a note check out the new seven seas society
benifits better than it was but if over 200 days
the incentive is gone!
most other lines when you hit the 250-300 plateau
at least over a free cruise

rssc should wake up or lose a lot of loyal passengers to other lines that would kiss their
ass!!!

my words for the day


vjd

Victor:

Will the refurbishing take place in early December before the holiday sailings?

Any idea?

Thanks.

Victor, Lots of fun memories from last year! We miss you and Rosann this trip! . Tomorrow is Paul's birthday....you should be on and celebrating with us at Signatures tomorrow night!

As far as knowing your name, I can't imagine a line more friendly and knowledgeable than RSSC. After a day or two even the room service people know us by name, let alone the bartenders and restaurant folks. But then, we take the time to get to know the staff each time we board. Just to illustrate the point, we had cruised the Diamond in Apr/May of 2003. In May of 2004 we had a ship-ship visit in Funchal when we were going Transatlantic aboard Voyager. I went over to Diamond and asked if Fabrizzio was in. Didn't give my name. The gal at the reception desk told me he was in his office and that she would get him. He came out,led by Niel Broomhall, who had been in the office as well. The first words spoken were by Capt Broomhall. He said" Doug, what are you doing here. Where is Lynn?". Now, mind you, we were aboard a year earlier for 10 days. Later, when we were coming down the gangway of Voyager, Capt Broomhall was on the pier talking to some of the Voyager officers. He saw Lynn, lit up with a big smile, and came right over and gave her a big hug. Now, that's a great line with great staff! Who could ask for more?

Hi Everyone -

I just had a chance to revisit this thread and you've all confirmed my impressions.

The CC poster appears to have been so irked by the diving cancellations that I'm not sure anything could have made the experience positive for her. What was unusual was that the big gripes besides the cancellations were the complaints I hadn't heard (thin walls and listing ship).

The stuff we value I'm sure will be great as always - the friendly service Doug mentions has been the big key for us.

LeeAnne - I had the same mental image as you did, and folks were so nice on CC trying to tell her that she was complaining to people who couldn't help her. Oh well :)

We're very much looking forward to our trip and will be sure to report back (and of course we look forward to seeing our old friends from the Diamond!)

Thanks to all -
Rebecca

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that, while I understand many people are displeased with what's being perceived as a decline in some of the "niceties", in my perception most of the declines being mentioned are slight, and have negligable effect on my enjoyment of my cruise.

I really am not offended if the people who work on board the ship don't know my name. These people have a new pack of hundreds of passengers every week or two -- not everyone has the ability to memorize new names and faces that frequently. I'm not onboard to make friends with the people who work there. Now, I am a very friendly person, and if there is a crew member who I wish to get to know, I will make a point of getting to know them...and each time I did that on Voyager, they started greeting me by name. Very nice touch, but by no means would I be offended if they didn't! As long as they do their job well and treat me politely, I'm fine.

I honestly don't care if I have to find my own cabin. I'm an independent person, and quite capable of finding my way around. When I board, I prefer NOT to go straight to my cabin anyway -- I like to look around a bit, especially if it's a new ship, and then I'll meander on down to my cabin when I'm darn good and ready, thankyewverymuch.

I don't want a bartender to have my favorite drink waiting for me. I have several favorite drinks, and I might want something different. Or, I might not want to drink -- I may very well have already had a few too many glasses of wine with dinner (not an uncommon occurance on my last cruise! ;) )

I'm fine with only having one cabin attendant. Mind you, if he/she didn't do a good job, I wouldn't be very pleased. But I'm okay with the attendant getting to our room as soon as she can, even if it's not the moment we exit. I guess I'm too used to cleaning up after myself, that I'm just darn happy to have ANYONE cleaning up my mess, no matter when it happens!

In the dining room, I'm perfectly happy with normal service like I would expect in any fine restaurant. I'm not looking for some kind of extra flair or experience. These people are doing their job. Keep my water glass full, keep the wine flowing, get my order right, and don't dump the food in my lap when you bring it. Other than that, leave me be to enjoy the company with whom I am dining. Good 'nuff for me!

Perhaps I'm handicapped by having grown up in a standard, middle-class family. I've had housecleaners clean my house occasionally (mainly when I've been working full time, which isn't now), but I've never had a single servant in my home when I was actually there. Perhaps if I'd grown up with white-gloved service in my daily life, I would have higher expectations. I'm not a philistine, I think I know how to behave in polite society -- I chew with my mouth closed, and refrain from telling pornographic jokes at dinner (unless I think my company would enjoy it!). But I just can't imagine finding myself disappointed in not having some of the "little niceties" that have been reported as lacking. I suppose it's a matter of degrees -- Like the rest of you, I certainly don't like the mass market cruising experience, and wouldn't want RSSC to move any closer to that. But from what I've experienced and read, it still sounds like a very high-class, luxury-cruising experience.

And I don't dispute that some of the niceties HAVe declined -- it certainly sounds as if they have. Maybe RSSC IS trying to cut costs, and this is the result. But for me, as a person who doesn't have a pile of disposable income to spend on cruises and really has to find the best bang for my buck, I'm okay with what seems to be happening, if it would allow them to continue to offer luxury cruising at the prices I can afford.

And so far they have -- I'm quite thrilled with the price I'm paying for my upcoming 18-day FP cruise on the Mariner. But if they continue to increase prices and stop offering specials I can afford, THEN I'll be mad!

as to the navigator
from the schedule it appears that they have days
in december for drydock to update
i wish it were sooner but that may be the only slot available


hey marcie
give paul a big big hug for me for his birthday
he came to toronto last year to visit and we miss
him!!!
also when on the navigator so glad you were
not with us we would have seen nothing
as there were many many stray/homeless animals!!

i tried to be like you but there is only one marcie!!!

we were to join captain dag in singapore
all the way to rome but problems here
made us cancel for now!!

just remember it is captains dags 50th just after sydney and kenny smiles has one hell
of a trick up his sleeve enough said!!

miss you all


vjd

My problem with the stewardess change stems from something that happened on Mariner last year, besides the fact that it was very hard to communicate with the one we had this year.

Mark sat down on the side of the bed, and ALL of the slats fell out of it. Between us, we couldn't manage to lift the mattress/get the slats back in place, so I opened the door and flagged down a passing butler. He and our butler came in, and stood and wrung their hands. Our (European) stewardess told us the next day that she was out of uniform and couldn't come to our aid, but she sent another stewardess. That one took charge and got things fixed, immediately. Maybe our butler on another cruise would have been more efficient, but that particular one couldn't think of how to fix our problem.

As far as knowing our name, no; it doesn't matter to us. And even though they were fairly sure of what we were going to drink, they still asked, because we did change up a couple of times.

I normally dont comment on this kind of thread because obviously I sell RSSC and therefore my motives may be in question, but I am going to do it in this case, because it is bugging me reading all these negative threads on the other board.

The PG I really must agree I think went downhill for a while right after the new ownership took over. In May when I was on the food and the experience was just not where it had been in the past. THis is a complicated issue with the new ownership but great strides have been made to bring the PG back to where she was. I dont know how all this shakes out but obviously some agreements have been reached by the owners and RSSC to keep the PG up to the Radisson standards. Susan in my office has been multiple times in the past and went in December and said that it is as good as it ever has been right now. RSSC has been telling me things are right now so with Susan's experience I now am confident that things are back to normal.

There was a point about a year ago that I did see some things had slipped on the line. When the stewardesses changed to the Filipinos there was a lack of understanding and communication - I experienced that also. They are improving with every trip. My last girl was an angel and understood everything I wanted. They really are very gracious. The only stewardess that bothered us was on deck 9 and a European and she always looked upset when we passed her in the hall. Ken and I thought "give us a Filipino any day - they have such a lovely attitude". It took a little time but the improvement is obvious. The mattresses do need replacing but they are not terrible. I think they needed replacing in the first place anyway. If you like a hard bed then they are fine. This is also a matter of personal preference.

As far as the rocking of the ships this happens. In fact on the Silver Whisper I remember rocking like crazy and the waves did not seem high but it can be the swells that you dont really see. SHIPS MOVE!

However, the last three trips I have been on have been wonderful. The Navigator in June, the Mariner in November and now the Voyager in December overall I think RSSC is better than ever. Twice on the last trip on the Voyager we had lobster tails grilled on the grill for LUNCH and we had that on the Navigator and the Mariner also. The food was wonderful. Of course some things were outstanding some were just fine that is going to happen on any trip - some of that just being part of each person tastes.

The staff is the same friendly wonderful staff I have always experienced. I just dont see this decay in service and experience that is being discussed. In fact I feel they are actually improving. Many strides have been made if you think back over the last few years. The online booking for shore excursions, soon you will be able to add all your preferences on line, down to the pillow you want. I wont touch the tier program here but I do think free internet that is now much much faster is a wonderful thing for 21 nights and over as is the WIFI that is happening in the cabins on the Voyager. The cell phone access that is on the Voyager and probably coming to all the ships is a great advancement too. I just dont see the cost cutting people are talking about.

Silversea is also a great line but in my book both lines are truly equal. RSSC has things I like for instance the restaurant choices on Mariner and Voyager and hopefully Don Vitos will be great on the Navigator, (I have not experienced that yet) Silversea has things I like such as the all inclusive aspect. Each line has it pros and cons. I really feel "blink" and you wont know which line you are on. Neither of these lines is that much better than the other. I wish they would merge, they are so alike it seems like a natural.

Select the line that has the itinerary you want and the best pricing for you on a particular cruise. In my book you cant go wrong either way.

Just my two cents worth.

Thank you so much, Ngaire! Regardless of any bias (which I doubt anyway), I'm sure you have far more insight than most of us into what's really going on. It's great to hear that RSSC is aware that some feel there's been slippage, as that would presumably lead to increased efforts to fix it.

:)

We always had such fantastic luck with the European stewardesses that I guess I'm biased. Our deck furniture cushions stayed out in all the storms and rain when they had always been brought in before. I know, I could have brought them in myself, but I didn't realize they were out there until they were soaked. But Suzie and Marilyn's were brought in every night, so it's probably an isolated thing.

Right now, we are totally comfortable with RSSC and have no plans to go anywhere else. We had a GREAT cruise; we do like Mariner better than Navigator, but we wanted to bring Ricardo home with us.

Every cruise we have had has been top notch on Radisson - I did post about waiting to get mattress cover- next time I would deal with it at reception (or wherever) as our girl had language problem BUT she did a fabuilous job on our room and was a doll!! Tony and I don't nitpick in general - I understand that things can go wrong BUT that has not been our experience - will I look at SS? Sure I will but have no intention of dropping Radisson - and for us the "people on a cruise" make a huge difference!! I think if Radisson were inclusive the lounge on Mariner (Marcie said it is empty) would be lively and what a great way to meet people, connect, and perhaps plan to cruise together in the future - Joanna

I can remember when the Diamond switched over to Philippine crew and how upset everyone was. Awhile later, we were all raving about how great they were.

As for a decline, I don't see it. My cruise on the Voyager a few months ago met all my expectations. I didn't feel any vibration, the ship sailed smooth as glass, I was shown to my room and the food and service, including my stewardess, was as fine as any other Radisson cruise I had taken. (I think the food may have been the best of any of my cruises!)

You know RSSC is appearing to me to be "coming around" on the all inclusive issue. Both the World Cruise and the South American cruise are "all inclusive" for 2007 whereas for 2006 only the World Cruise was all inclusive. This is something I truly believe RSSC needs to do so I am keeping my fingers crossed it happens.

Whether it is to do with the REGENT rebranding or not I am not sure but I do feel that RSSC is working on enhancing their product, there are many indications of this. The new bedding which I understand is going to be top class, the technical enhancements on the ships, the upgrade to their internet services online and the inpending arrival of selection choices via internet for all your likes and dislikes, the new concierge level shore excursions and custom excursions, the offering of two types of hotels, standard and super luxury. It seems to me if they are trying to be number one they need to add the all inclusive feature to the new and improved RSSC.

So lets all think positive thoughts and perhaps that will actually happen.

Our upcomming cruise in Feb/March will be our fourth on the Voyager. We were on board in September and we noticed the change in the room stewardess, slight language problems, but everything else was better than ever. The food and service were wonderful. I think that on the wc last year the service and menu selections were upped a notch or two. We'll see if it is the same this year. We will be sailing with some friends that we met on the Voyager in 2004, and were on a baltic cruise aboard the Voyager this summer. It will be interesting to see if they notice a change. We love the voyager and just booked a holiday cruise for December.
-------------------------------------------------
Doris :)

I may also be handicapped by the fact that I've only taken one Radisson cruise. But as I wrote about back then, it was the most amazing cruise I'd ever taken! I am really looking forward to my next one.

By then I'll have even more to compare it to, because I will have first cruised on Windstar, as well as RCI (although I don't expect that to be anywhere in the same category of experience). That should definitely prove to be some interesting comparisons!

Sometimes I think that those who have issues with the "little things" should go take a Mass Market cruise, just to see how little those "little things" really are. I'm not saying that to be patronizing -- I'm taking one myself, and while I fully expect to have a good time, I think it will be a faaaar cry from my Radisson experience. I think it will only serve to make me enjoy my Radisson cruise that much more! (And even be a little more forgiving of any lacking "little things". :)

Oh boy, wouldn't it be WONDERFUL if Radisson hears our pleas for all-inclusive! I'll keep sending positive vibes...

BOOZE! BOOZE! BOOZE! :pass:

LOL!

Ngaire,
Well said............we are not the seasoned Radisson travelers that post here, only 3 to date. Of course SS can be appealing if the itinerary and price are right. I cannot imagine abandoning Radisson. We truly love it, and will come back with rave reviews about the PG I am quite sure....
Cindy

Ngaire, maybe I have not read the other threads you speak of on lct that are negative, but when I go to the top of this one, it is almost all positive! Even Gordon and Rebecca, who started it have had their fears quelled. Mattresses being replaced, problem solved for those with complaints about them. Victor's concern with no incentive for over 200 nights? As I see it, RSSC closely monitors the competition. For now, their tier program is new for them and for us. Hopefully in the future they will "grow" this thing and offer free cruises for long-time pax so that everyone gets their fuzzy wuzzy. They already offered that when the Voyager was launched with a series of gratis shakedown cruises.
As for all-inclusive, I go both ways. They are going to have to make up that lost revenue somehow. Any business person knows that what is lost in one column has to be made up on the other side. Either increased prices, or more volume. It's a gamble for Rad on this one.

In the past year, I have had 4 cruises on RSSC, and three of them were probably the best I have had, given the company AND itinerary. In January 2005 I was on a leg of the World Cruise, and being in that area of the world Downunder was a dream come true. Plus, I got the special perks of all inclusive, and a gratis excursion. I slept through that major storm in the Bass Straits that Victor mentioned, and Patrick the DR Mgr on Voyager still talks about! In June, we went to Reykjavik and on to Norway on the Navigator and that may have been my favorite cruises ever! Great group of people, wonderful scenery, staff so perfect, magic! Then in the fall we did 007 in the Med, again, great group of people,(made even better when Marcie and Tom suprised us and got on!)with ports mostly I had visited before. Nice thing was, I had my son, daughter, and daughter in law with me, and they absolutely LOVED my lct friends. Last trip through the canal, I had the same filipino stewardess that I had on 007! When I came down the hall, she came to greet me with a big hug, remembering me from October. No problems with English, ever, for this Jennifer. While the highlight of that cruise was going through the Panama Canal, I think I have had enough of Mexican ports, so the itinerary was a setback, though the people were a plus!. All in all, I have NOT seen a decline in service, food, or any other aspect of my cruise experience. This time, however, I did not use room service most mornings as a wake up call, and it took 30-45 minutes for my breakfast order to arrive. Shame on me, I always did that on sea days along with everyone else! When I hung that card out the night before, it always arrived at the early end of the "window". Others have their opinions, and I respect that each of us can have different experiences based on our own expectations. I feel mine are pretty high, but like Leanne, I am the product of a middle class upbringing. I worked hard in another life in the hospitality industry and understand all the associated challenges. So far from my experiences, I applaud Raddison in their efforts to deliver us a first class product. We should be mindful of the fact that they DO pay attention to the comment cards left on the ship or mailed in at the end of a cruise. That is their greatest link to the customer, so I hope everyone completes and returns them.

You are right Olivia this thread is pretty positive!!!. I had just finished reading on CC and I guess that is what hit me,it just carried me over to this thread. I changed my post to reflect that my reaction was from the posts on CC not here on this board. I seldom post on CC anymore so I posted over here.

Ngaire, I would LOVE it if you posted exactly what you posted here, over there. Sadly, they do tend to draw a wider audience, and I hate to think of all those people who read somewhat...ahem..."exaggerated" complaints, and choosing not to cruise Rad.