Cruise Talk: Photo's taken as you board. What do you think?

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»	Cruise Talk » Cruise Lines » Photo's taken as you board. What do you think?

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Topic: Photo's taken as you board. What do you think?

gizmo
First Class Passenger
Member # 972

posted 02-06-2000 10:44 AM

I think the cruise lines should have 2 lines to board, one for those who want the picture taken and one for those who do not. I find the picture taking causing delays. On my last cruise there were a lot of people in line comlaining about it. I always say "No thank you" and keep moving!

Posts: 686 | From: Kennesaw Ga. (origianlly from Philly) | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 02-06-2000 11:39 AM

I think that it is just a 'money making' trick that normally works! Many people do actually buy these overpriced photographs. I could do without it as well!

[This message has been edited by Malcolm (edited 02-06-2000).]

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

geno-r
First Class Passenger
Member # 931

posted 02-06-2000 12:04 PM

Well they are overpriced, and they do cause delays, but hey, it adds to the fun atmosphere, and they do make for good momento's. While we wait for our turn we always have a good laugh. Just get to the pier early. Just remember if there were no pictures to look at while onboard, you wouldn't be able to laugh at how other people look and other people couldn't laugh at how funny you look.

Posts: 549 | From: Mt. Pocono,Pa. Usa | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

Mercy
First Class Passenger
Member # 322

posted 02-06-2000 12:15 PM

It's not really a good time to catch people. Most times they have been waiting in line or in a room to board the ship for a LONG time. You are packing around the cam corder, camera bag, overnight bag, purse etc. All you want to do is get to the cabin and drop all your junk on the bed and relax.I looked annoyed in every photo. My hair was a mess, no lipstick. I just love the idea that all the passengers can see a most unflattering picture of me. I always buy the photos they take when you get off the ship at a port. You are all eager and excited to see new places, and do new things.

Posts: 697 | From: Stanwood, Wa. USA | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 02-06-2000 12:40 PM

Mercy - agree with you 100%. One of us always looked awful in those pictures. And how about the pictures they take of you at life boat drill? They are even worse. No matter how much we protested they still insisted on taking a picture. I know you don't have to buy them and they keep telling you this, but PLEASE, don't take them. Last Feb. we had a couple of obnoxious photographer's on board who kept insisting that they take a picture of our table. Someone at the table finally told them to "bug off". We had to be rude to them.
No more pictures for me.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Panos
First Class Passenger
Member # 1022

posted 02-06-2000 02:16 PM

I agree with a lot of people on this topic!
Photos on embarkation seem to be a time-consuming job which makes the process of embarkation slow. On the other hand I think that this makes the atmospere more festive and maybe sometimes funny, a thing which a lot of people like.
Personally I usually buy just one or two of the photos taken aboard. I prefer using my own camera

Posts: 443 | From: Cyprus | Registered: Jan 2000 | IP: Logged

Natalie
First Class Passenger
Member # 347

posted 02-07-2000 01:59 PM

I dont know abouting boarding but we had our picture taken on the two formal nights on the MS Carousel. One with myself and my bloke and one with the Captain. Also one at the meal. You don't have to buy these but we bought two as they are professional piccies and have actually turned out quite well and will be popped into a frame. It is a nice momento!

Posts: 61 | From: Yateley, Hampshire, England | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

Ascendancy
First Class Passenger
Member # 840

posted 02-07-2000 02:47 PM

I can't believe some of you have replied that the pictures are over-priced. When was the last time you were at Olan Mills taking family portraits? Believe me when I tell you, $20 for an 8x10 is a steal. Some cruise lines give you some wallets to boot. The pictures getting on and off the ship are just fun. But on formal nights, this is definitely a way to update the family picture. You are dressed for dinner, why not???? I'm all for the picture taking. I wish they did more of it. It beats hauling around your camera. If you are like me, you carry your stupid camera around everywhere, but you don't take any pictures. I'd also recommend the ship videos. When you are feeling down, pop them in and it will cheer you up. Guaranteed.

Posts: 354 | From: Aurora, CO | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Joe at PwC
First Class Passenger
Member # 225

posted 02-07-2000 02:48 PM

Seeing as there's "paparazzi" almost continually buzzing about on board, and how I would probably like to get on board ASAP, I think I'd appreciate the "no picture" line scenario. And no question about it Malcolm, it's purely a money-making scheme. Few people typically purchase their boarding shots, and the ones who do are usually first-timers; not that there's anything wrong with that. That's a big moment for a first timer.

[This message has been edited by Joe at PwC (edited 02-07-2000).]

Posts: 385 | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

geno-r
First Class Passenger
Member # 931

posted 02-07-2000 04:36 PM

Well I'm glad some people think the pictures are fun. Maybe they aren't that overpriced, but the vidieo? I bought one and I'll never buy another one. I don't know who decides what to include, but they don't have much sense of what's interesting. Non of the really funny moments made it in the vidieo, and the endless parade of people dancing was a total bore. Next time I'll lug around the camcorder so I'm sure I get what I want.

Posts: 549 | From: Mt. Pocono,Pa. Usa | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 02-09-2000 01:31 PM

We're way beyond being first time cruisers but we invariably buy the 'boarding picture'. Most of them are really good - we're smiling at the thought of dumping everything on the bed and relaxing with a drink before our luggage arrives. We seldom buy any of the other pictures except perhaps our table - and then only if our companions have been particularly interesting.
Over the years we've found that 'regular cruisers' have what could be called 'the cruise wardrobe' - most reflected in the dress up pics. To each his own....happy cruisin'

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

skinny63
Just Boarded
Member # 1089

posted 02-11-2000 06:29 PM

I agree with some of the comments. Pictures taken on embarkation are not always flattering however, I think it enables the staff to escort passengers to their cabins and return back for more. As others have said, it's the only opportunity of having some up-to-date formal pictures.

Posts: 6 | From: Canada | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

Paddy
First Class Passenger
Member # 357

posted 02-13-2000 09:46 AM

I just wish the photographers would ask "Would you like a no obligation picture?".
On my cruises, I always take the 6am flight from Belfast to Palma and you dress warmly for the Belfast segment and when u arrive in Palma it is very hot. You look a complete state and just want a pina colada on pool deck, and they make you have a pic which is always dire.
I only ever buy the pics of us with friends at dinner, but sometimes there are bottles of wine etc. blocking the view.
I am all for the choice to have pics, but do not force us.

Posts: 763 | From: Belfast, Ireland | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

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