The cruisegoers are not the same, than 20
years before, here is the quality sinking, too.

The product "Cruise" is on the most of
the world wide fleet a mass-product.

Airlines used to offer fine food and silver service on the early flights!

Also alot of cruisers of today do not know what they have missed as they did not have the experience of the 70's just as I did not have the experience of the 50's&60's.

quote:

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Originally posted by cameron:
I think we will eventually see the return of a class system similar to that of the air lines.

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Sounds like the QE2! I don't really like the "class" concept, everyone should get good food and service - but you could argue on the QE2 that you get what you pay for.

(Although some of our CruiseTalker would possibly argue that they did not!)

First class on QE2 meant, primarily, better food, served in a first class environment.

First class travelers on aircraft opt for the food, amenities, and legroom. [even they do not reach their destinations any sooner than cattle class!].

And I have traveled on the "20th Century Limited," the "Empire Builder" and other First Class Trains. I always regret that I never made the "Super Chief," but the "California Zephyr" was an excellent runner-up. Believe me, it is/was worth the cost differential, if not to travel on a First Class Train, at least to upgrade to Pullman!

First class travel meant something in the last half of the 20th Century, and, perhaps, some day, will again! Cunard has the opportunity on QM2.

But I am sure I shall hear significantly differing opinions on this thread!

You see it in all walks of life. I know that I have to push younger members of my staff to get the them to do anything like the amount of work (or standard of work)that those who are 40 plus do as a matter of course.

As the average age of staff in the cruise industry becomes younger, the problem will exacerbate unless something is done now. Poor wages etc will also demotivate staff.

I think they would also demand other areas of the ship designated as "first class only" such as lounges and bars.

And then there is the staffing problem, already addressed on this thread. First class passengers would demand first class service and the lines are struggling to provide their one class of passengers with even mediocre service. Where will they find first class waiters, cabin attendents, concierges, etc.?

quote:

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Originally posted by lambcom:
I think the two tier system has some merit, but would require some extensive infrastructure in order to make it work, especially on the larger cruise ships. I'd be interested in hearing others thoughts on this concept!

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Please read under 'classic ships and ocean liners' category "snobbery in cruising"

I could not afford to go first class, I like being treated as an equal among all passengers, by passengers and crew. When on a vacation, I do not want to feel as though I had to settle for less. Many first class passengers on the Queen Mary would go to the second class lounges since the people were more fun. When on vacation I want to wear comfortable clothes, not a monkey suit to stroll the deck, and not have to stand around waiting to be introduced.

The class system is the ugly side we ignore from the golden age of ship travel. Those days it was getting from Point 'A' to Point 'B'. Today it is strictly to have fun. Would the first class passengers even enjoy the same itinerary and ports of the mere plebians.

There is enough variety in the cruise lines and one class cruise ships to please the ultra-rich on Seabourn and Crystal, and the 'Party animals' on Carnival and Regal, and the huge middle ground offered by RCCL, P&O, NCL, and more.

Face it: cruising is now a commodity

Lines target specific sectors of the market and have always done so. You know what line to look for if you are looking for budget in the same way you would be able to find yourself a luxury product in the market.

In common with every area of service today service on ships is 'not what it was'. I agree with KKs remarks that many passengers today do not know what a special experience they have missed if they are recent cruisers.

People will buy the 'product' which gives them the experience they are looking for.