Cruise Giants of today

[vic mcclymont]

Yes and no, it all depends on tow factors, which company and where they go.

If you want to be on a ship with 7,000 others then Roay Caribbean is for you.
If you want a more relaxed number, say about 2,500 to 3,00 then maybe princess is for you.

If you want a personal butler at all times on call and you have a lot of money then Silver Seas is for you.

As to gastro on board.
The ship goes to some wonderful island where hygiene is only a secondary consideration.
Passengers go ashore, eat and drink at some very dodgy places and bring back a bug with them, that then gets passed around.

As to safety, when in port and at sea there are crew training sessions on safety, far better than any we ever had in our time.

Having now done some 31 cruises I am fully aware of the shortcomings there may be.
But if you chose wisely which company and where to go ashore you will be fine.

You can't blame the ships, blame passengers.
See males in toilets do their business and walk out without washing their hands.
Vic

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi Vic.
You don't hae to pay big money to see that, just go to the local Club or pub.
Des

[happy daze john in oz]

My wife informs me that many a 'lady' walks out without washing their hands.

But yes, there are ships that specialize in for different types.
Dysney is for kids so stay away, and that is how you judge the various companies by who they favor.
P&O Australia do like the 18 to 30 who spend a lot of time in the bars.
So if you are thinking of taking a cruise do your homework first and all will be fine.

[happy daze john in oz]

For the season we had the 'Branson' cruise ship, 'Resilient Lady' here.
Today Branson announced it would not be back for the next season.
He blames the situation in Red Sea for that, saying it is too dangerous to use that shipping lane.

But one report here may throw a different light on that.

Apparently no Casino, no children are one of the selling points.
That does not go down well here in Oz.
So many families take kids with them and the Casino is always a draw card.

[Robert M Hughes]

Many thanks for all the insights, suggestions & warnings - I think I'll stick to my memories - how lucky we were generally in the period we went to sea!
Bob Hughes