Alaska Cruise, too crowded?

[24601]

I hope the team is taking note of the extremely crowded conditions onboard this week. Although they are doing a great job of getting lots of activities run, there are just too many people on the ship. This is our 10th cruise, 2nd with R Family...and we've never seen crowds like this. The buffet is a nightmare, and the lines for restaurants at every meal are very, very long.

The crew we've talked to says that this is the most crowded sailing of the Star EVER! Something like 97% of the bunks are full. (Remember, capacity is at double occupancy, and most every cabin now has 3-4 people!).

[margaret]

I totally agree...in fact I was just coming here to post the same thing while I was waiting for the second seating of the "Pirate Dinner"! We had a nice talk in the toddler room today about how crowded it was, and how many straight people there are!

[K&T Cali]

I have to totally disagree with this statement. We never once had a line for the buffet. Maybe we went at off peak times but I dont think so. We ate breakfast there every morning and my kids usually ate dinner there before we hit a show or the casino. My wife and I ate at several of the restaurants including Cagney's, The Bistro, Aqua, Blue Lagoon, Red Lion, and Versailles. We called in the mornng for the specialty restaurants to make a reservation and never had a problem.

There were lines for the big shows but we always got a seat and every seat in the house we had was a good one.

The only problem we had was not booking the excursions in advance. We wanted to go fishing in Ketchican and it was booked. So instead we walked off the ship and chartered a fishing boat ourselves for less money than what NCL wanted. It was myself and my two sons on the boat and we each caught 20 - 25 lb King Salmons that we had filleted and shipped to our house that will arrive Tuesday. The fishing was the highlight of our trip!

Kelli, Gregg and all the crew did an awesome job! Everthing was first class and we can't wait to go to Bermuda next year!!!

[Jan V]

We were able to get into restaurants without much trouble, and we even had room to park my partner's big red scooter next to our table. The pirate dinner was very crowded, but what do you expect with so many families with kids.

The waits for the elevator were tolerable, and we waited longer than most people at crowed times; again because of the big red scooter.

People were polite and courteous. The ship's staff and the R Family team were great!

A sold-out cruise means that R Family will be able to keep doing this in the future.

[SFfamily]

There were times when things were more crowded than previous years. However, that is a tribute to the great job that rFamily is doing at meeting the needs of LGBT families. I think it is great that they sold out! That means that Rosie does not have to subsidize the trip. Thanks to her vision rFamily Vacations persevered after the first year where the trip was great, but sales were below expectations.

I think that the purpose of the summer trip on NCL is to provide as an affordable experience for as many families as possible. If there are many people that would like a smaller venue, they should make the request for rFamily to offer trips on a more exclusive cruise line like Regent or Chrystal.

The only disturbing incident that I saw was one individual reserving seats in the theater. After it was announced that holding seats was not permitted, he still refused to give up his seats, to the point of yelling insults. I think there should be a standing policy of not reserving seats in the theater (other than one seat for a family member checking in kids or going to the rest room). Waiting in line is not that bad. It is easy to start up a conversation and get to know more people.

rFamily adapts and learns from each year. I wish the same were true of NCL. Checking in children the first few nights is horrible. We had to wait 45 minutes. By that time, many kids were tired and did not want to leave their parents. Families and rFamily should complain and demand that NCL automate the check-in process (or at least have multiple clipboards available).

If you want to voice your complaint, you can write to:
Norwegian Cruise Line
Attention Roxanna Barr
7665 Corporate Center Drive
Miami, Florida 33126
or fax it to 305-436-4108

or call NCL Customer Relations
1-800-327-7030, then press 2, 3, 4 for customer service. Their office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM 5:30 PM Eastern

Thanks to everyone at rfamily for another great vacation. We do appreciate all of your hard work. We have registered for next summer, and can’t wait. On the flight home we were discussing what to pack for next summer.

Gerry

[nycdannyboy]

I TOTALLY agree about the Kid's Crew drop-off - very disorganized (but, again, an NCL problem not rfamily!). I mean, what was with the wrist-bands on hula-hoops? Each time we went it took forever to find our son's band - couldn't they be in alphabetical order??? We gave up twice just while waiting and had to change our plans. Thanks for the link to give feedback to NCL. Also, re: the shows, I think once they stressed that, unlike in previous trips, that people really shouldn't go see BOTH shows and to implore those without small kids to go see the 2nd show, then things went OK. I don't think it's realistic to not expect people to at least save a place in line for one person - my partner or I had to drop off our son at Kid's Crew which didn't open until 7 (then you had to wait as I said above), so it's not really feasible for both parents to be there waiting at or before 7 as a lot of people did.

[kmoar]

We came a little before 7 every night except 1 and the longest we had to wait was about 10 minutes. I thought it all went pretty smoothly and I appreciated that the could accomodate
all the kids that wanted to go. My son loved it.

[Beth&Kathy]

We had trouble with the lines at the buffet and getting into the Specialty Restaurants, as well. Since "morning" sickness had me feeling lousy, we waited until Wednesday morning to try and make a reservation for Thursday or Friday night, and they were all booked (both nights) until 9:30 PM, which was too late for me to wait to eat.

While it's great that R Family is so successful, the crowds really did stress us out a bit.

We were also unable to attend the Cyndi Lauper show, since the show times were moved half an hour later (because of the Pirate Dinner Overflow Situation) *and* people without children were asked not to attend the first show. (We figured the one gestating wouldn't count.) By 10pm, I was too wiped out to go anywhere.

[MommyCheryl]

Well, we didn't have a problem. It was crowded, yes. But we feel we got more than our money's worth. The response to the Pirate Dinner problems was great -- they quickly added the second dining room. We were able to get into Cyndi Lauper by agreeing to sit on the stairs -- but the kids were cranky so we split up and I did the first show and my wife and I switched the kids and she saw the second -- in the front row, so it couldn't have been too bad. In fact, the second show wasn't as full as the first -- I joined in the balcony for the encores.

As for the Kid's Crew situation, I think we need to remember that there are exponentially more children on the r family cruises than normal. We were told they had never had this many kids on board at once. So while it might be nice for NCL to make some changes there, I wouldn't really expect it to happen when it's only an issue for a handful of cruises a year at most.

We never waited for dinner in the dining rooms and pretty much walked through at will at the Marketplace Cafe.

Crowded? Yes, but that was part of the fun. Honestly I think it must have been heaven to be on the first cruise when it was so small. But it couldn't have been sustained at those numbers. If you want something more intimate, try the Galapagos vacation. We couldn't possibly afford that one!

I've been on several other cruises and I've never seen problems and crowds handled better. Kudos to the r family folks for pulling it off!

[Kia Ora]

There were times that the lines were a little long, but the ONLY time it was an issue for us was the picture line Friday night. We were there at 5:45 for the pictures to start at 6 and waited for a little over an hour in line to take our family photo. By the time we got to the front our 2 yo was done, screaming, but we still did the pictures and they turned out beautifully. We never had trouble at the buffet, but we didn’t do anything but breakfast there, and we went early or late. The specialty restaurants were fabulous and we got in all but one time that we wanted and that night we just scheduled that for later. We missed getting into the Broadway show, but it was no big deal because they simulcast all the big shows in the rooms and we could just snuggle up and enjoy the show there. That was a fabulous idea IMO. Traveling with a toddler we never knew when we would be able to make a show or not and when we couldn’t we could still see it no matter.

We had a wonderful time and will find away to go again. We are spoiled now and will never be able to take a regular cruise. Kelli and the whole RFamily crew were amazing, what a class act. We didn’t want to leave the ship. The feeling of warmth, love, and acceptance was overwhelming and so hard to leave. We met some of the most wonderful people we have ever had the privilege to come in contact with on the cruise. We hope to see you all again soon, and wish every single one the most joy life has to offer.

Chelle, Mary, and Daniel

[fallingdwnstairs]

Too many complaints people.... come on so what you had to wait on line ? the pirate dinner was crowded ? go on a straight cruise and put your shoes on a lounge chair at 2am so that when you wake up you will be able to sit down by the pool. Yes it was more crowded than the first 2 cruises, it was also Alaska and people wanted to bring their parents and close relatives. Now that rfamily is doing 2 a year it wont be that crowded, plus once again it was the location we went too that made it more crowded.

We can NOT wait for 7/7/07 to sail again, we are counting the days again.

Thank you Rfamily for a great vacation...

[immikeymcc]

It was crowded, but not too crowded. I'm happy for the sucess. This was my family's 3rd trip with r tours and I thought things went very well. We never had to wait for dinner or at the buffet. Maybe it was just our timing, but...

And what's this comment about the "straight people". Isn't that the type of comment we are trying to get away from? They are supporters of our lives and I feel honored they are were willing to come onboard and support their families and mine.

[coco5310]

This was our first Rfamily vacation, and we too thought it was crowded. We have been on 3 other cruises, and none of them were ever that crowded. While that may show success for Rfamily, it did not make for a pleasant experience for us. It is the one thing about the cruise we were not happy with. The entertainment, the excursions, Rfamily's generosity with all the give aways, was aMazing!!

[PAPAJIM]

:D I loved the crowds and the people-it was our first cruise ever. Our son made so many new friends and met other couples like us. I had a stellar experience. I love, love love Susan Powter-she made my trip darling. Rosie and Kelly were so gracious as well as the entire staff of rfamily and the Norwegian Star. I told Rosie and Kelly that we have traveled all over the world and have never experienced anything so spectacular.
Thank God the trip was so sold out-it speaks to the rfamily-congrads and Kudos. Cannot wait to sail again. For the ones whom complained-what can I say-sorry you felt that way, our experience was on the opposite end of the spectrum-it was pure joy!;)

[KelliODonnell]

I feel strongly about being an inclusive company that is open to gay families. And within a family there are many straight friends and family members. Our cruise doors will always be open to those that have an open heart and mind.

I feel blessed to have so many beautiful grandparents, siblings and supportive friends sail the seas with us.

Best
Kelli

[Gregg]

Hello R Family Cruisers,
We miss you terribly!!!

I wanted to address the issue on crowds on our cruise. This was by far our best selling cruise we've ever had since we started 3 years ago. We had planned to cut the number off a little less passengers than what sailed. However, we got so many calls from passengers asking if they could add people to their cabin or add family and friends it was hard to say no. We still had a waiting list of more than 100 families and we even had families waiting at the dock with luggage asking if they could sail with us (who we turned away).

Most cruises in the summer sail at close to capacity. What happens on our cruise is that our guests attend all of our shows and this increases the use of the kids program at night.

We have added an additional cruise in 2007 and we are sailing on a slightly smaller ship in the summer. The Spirit has almost as much public space as the Star but a few hundred less people (less staterooms) We can assure you that you will have more space aboard our next cruises.

I read every comment on the forum and I read every single email that comes to "r family". Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated and we will continue to improve our programming and organization as we grow.

Thank you very much for all of your constructive comments and suggestions.

See you soon!
Gregg Kaminsky
Founding Partner
R Family Vacations
:)

[cebii]

We were one of the gay familes that brought our straight family and friends, so I guess you can blame us for the crowding...;)

I think adding the winter cruise will resolve most of the crowding issues. I do wish that the Kid's Crew entry was better organized. It was way better than it has been, and I understand that they are not used to having so many kids on a ship. I keep thinking how they do it at my gym, where they swipe my membership card and a little nametag pops out of a printer for each of my kids. They type in where I'll be and that's the end. We'd probably have to go on Disney cruises if we wanted something more kid friendly.

[teefeb19]

I wouldn't call what we had on the ship crowded I would call it a gathering of alot of wonderful people.

This was my second cruise with RFamily and I think they did a wonderful job and made this trip even more special than the last one. I can't wait to go again in the summer.
I think RFamily and NCL made this cruise a complete success and I would never cruise on another cruiseline again and I've been on many cruises including Olivia and this still is the best I've ever been on.

Thank you Kelli, Gregg and the RFamily team for making this such a special event.
See you in the summer.

[MaryM]

Okay, time for my two cents worth...

After doing our cruise debriefing with friends and family who traveled together, gay and straight, these are the conclusions I can draw...

1. ( most importantly) Despite highs and lows (especially Friday night), we would all do it again in a heartbeat. That definitely says something.

2. In any endeavor, in any organization, there is always room for improvement. My guess is that after resting up, the rFamily crew is going to be taking inventory, looking at how to make the next cruise better. Can you imagine that - a better cruise?And our honest feedback is needed - especially if we can suggest some constructive ways to make things better. I am certain the rFamily team is open to those positive suggestions.

3. The cruise was crowded and overbooked. If you look at NCL's website for 'capacity', we were over their capacity for this ship. And the reason...??? So many of us wanted to be there, that we crowded into the cabins and maximized our attendance. The numbers could have been limited... but how many people would have volunteered to miss this cruise?

4. Kid's Crew did not work for our family. I'm going to be addressing this in an email to NCL and rFamily, because this was the thing that bothered me most. As a teacher, I was very disheartened to hear the way the staff talked to the kids in the 6-9 room on a regular basis. I saw one little guy totally losing it over a broken tooth - and the counselor was very unsupportive of him wanting to call his parents. My 6 year old son's comment on the 3rd day was, "I don't want to go back there. It's just out of control." It was his vacation too, and he didn't enjoy that part at all. My 3 year old was better about going, but there was more space for him to move around.

5. The kids were great - young and teens alike, they behaved wonderfully! Some adults, though, need to get a grip. Yes, the free stuff was great, but I saw an rFamily Team member knocked into a wall by some moms during the Pirate Party as they tried to get the 'stuff'. Come on. Is this how we show our appreciation? Is this how we want our children to see us behave? Fighting over seats at the show?

6. The crew was great, especially given the fact that we were well over capacity.

7. My partner's mother (I refuse to say mother-in-law until it is truly 'in law) came with us, after having finished up an intense year and a half of chemo/cancer treatment. She loved every part of it; felt included as a straight grandparent, and was able to totally relax and enjoy herself. If for no other reason, this trip was so well worth everything - even Friday night.

8. This cruise should not be about the famous people we see or don't see. A previous poster mentioned the photo op for fundraising, and this would be a great idea if people were willing to participate. If not, then again, the adults need to get a grip (IMHO).

9. Children don't belong in 'adult' performances. Kelli and Gregg made it very clear; some people still brought them. And, during performances, children should not be running around the stages, climbing on the pianos, playing with the mikes, etc... Elvira Kurt was very nice when she said we were 'indulgent' parents...but how fair is that to the performers?
And THANK YOU to the team for simulcasting in the cabins. Yes, it's not the same, but I was able to see EVERYTHING I wanted to this way. (Except a mute button on the remote for the TVs would help.... sometimes that 'seal' word of Elvira's slipped past me and into my children's ears!!!!!)

I think that's it. At least, for now. We'll see what other thoughts pop up in the next few days.

Hints for future cruisers:
Dramamine or Bonine - definitely!
Don't overpack - you get so much stuff, there's no room for it all going home! (Trust me - we needed an extra duffel bag back coming home!)
Stay in the town you end up in on the last day... Going from the ship to the airport and sitting for 8 hours made for a VERY long day!
Take a day of vacation when you get back to unwind, unpack, and decompress. Take two!

[Jonbaton]

Kudos to Gregg, Kelli, Rosie, and the entire RFamily team for another job well done. Again, you all just knocked it out of the park!

We have absolutely no complaints whatsoever. Yes, it was more crowded than last year but that is just a feather in the RFam caps and it shows how badly people wanted to come and bring their loved ones. Everyone was so friendly and crew couldn't have done more for us. I've been on many cruises and our 2 RFam cruises are by far the best 2 we've been on, and NCL is by far the best cruise line we've used.

There was so much love around that even when we had to wait in line at the buffet or restaurants, it was a pleasant experience. People were friendly, had no problems sharing tables, etc. We never had a problem finding a seat in the theater either.

If there is a concern about the shows being too crowded, then maybe it would be possible to offer 3 showings of each show (just for the big shows) next year or perhaps stay with 2 shows and give out tickets in our cabins which would allow entry to one of the shows only (since I know that some people did attend both shows on the big nights which probably made it more crowded than normal).

For the people who were concerned about the number of straight people on board, I say it speaks volumes about our community showing how accepting we are of EVERYONE. If only the straight community were as accepting as we are. But hey, we're making progress.

Again, thanks for everything and we're already counting down the days until next July!

Jon (who is still feeling the boat rocking while he types this post!)

[MommyCheryl]

Well, Gregg, if you're reading this....

Yes it was crowded. But I am stunned by the complaints. I've cruised several times before and I can honestly say this was the smoothest operating, most efficient one I've been on. I was in awe of the respectful and kind way the r family crew in particular handled the situations. Pirate Night? If that's as bad as your vacation gets, consider yourself blessed. We adjusted. It was fine. I was sick for 3 of the 7 days, between Friday's storm from hell and my foolishly forgetting to pack some of my meds. But it was still one of the greatest vacations of my life -- and I've been on some great ones! Kudos to all involved and PLEASE don't feel you have anything to apologize for. Everybody gets cranky sometimes.

Cheryl:p

[marvam]

It seems to me that when things are fun, they usually end up being crowded.

I spent alot of time in line trying to get my two kids into two different kids clubs pondering how the system might run better. The kids club staff were working so hard and trying to take care of alot of kids but I felt that there just weren't enough people for the number of kids that were using the kids club. It seems like maybe some staff could be redirected from another area of the ship for a half hour to help with check in, maybe by having a couple of people and places set up for sign in and other people/places devoted to getting those cute bracelets. If staff can't be spared, maybe they could set up some kind of parent volunteer program to help with sign in at the beginning of the sessions. I would be glad to volunteer to help a couple of times to avoid the long wait.

[miche]

To Gregg, Kelli, Rosie, and rfamily crew,
My partner and I are back at home exhausted and emotionally reeling from the rfamily Alaskan Cruise experience. We are an older couple (late 50's), have been together for 31 years. We have never been on a cruise. We have never participated in any kind of large "gay" event. Though children have been an important part of our lives we have no children of our own. We have never before had so much fun as we ran from one activity to another all the while experiencing the joy and pride of being a part of the large and wonderfully diverse community on board this amazing ship that managed to stay afloat even as it was buffetted about by what felt like a sunami type storm.

For 8 days as we looked across the crowded decks , dining areas, or entertainment venues, we never ceased to be amazed that we were among hundreds and hundreds of like spirited people. The crowds of persons gathered here, young and old, gay and straight, male and female for us, symbolized the hope of the future. The brief one week experience was truly life altering. Our only criticism is that with all of the wonderful excursions, parties, entertainment, late night entertainment, and late, late night piano bars there was literally not enough time to sleep!

On the last day as we stood on the deck for one final look we sadly and fearfully watched the "crowds" dissipate as "our" families slowly melted back into the the mainstream culture where so many powerful individuals are desperately trying to maginalize us.

Today as we continue our reentry back into the real world we are left with a lingering bitterweet sense of loss and hope. For us there can be no such thing as "too crowded."

MANY, MANY THANKS.
Count us as part of the crowd that will be joining you next July,
Micheline & Wendy

[hoop31]

Miche, you expressed how we are feeling exactly!!!! I could not agree with you more! (especially about the sleep) The trip was amazing, the people fantastic and the overall experience was life altering!
My partner and I have tried to describe it to people here and we both get teary eyed when explaining the experience.
I do think that there should be some sort of counseling service to help with the separation anxiety that is felt when you start to 'reintegrate' back into normal life. :) It is just not a fun process, it has been two days and we still want to get back on the boat....
Thank you again for the experience; Kelli, Gregg and everybody at R family did an amazing job! We can not wait until next summer to travel with you again.

You Rock!!!!

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

Hi,
Listening to everyone whine is making me SEA SICK again.. Yes the first cruises were less crowded.
I have been on all three. God willing I will be on the next three.
Lets take into consideration a few factors. The first two years the R Family LOST MONEY.They took a big risk.
The objective was to create a place GAY FRIENDLY..There was a huge monetary investment. Not to mention the THOUSANDS of manpower hours go into pulling this off.
Not knowing if it was going to fly big risk.
Lets see hmmn, where can you go drop off your kids at a babysitter for free!! see a show. get gifts every night. Be pampered at a spa.Gamble,Watch a live show from your room
But most of all. Where can you go.
AND NOT BE JUDGED. For who we are.
That is priceless. So for all of you whining babies that had to wait to eat stand in line for the shows.
LOOK UP are you looking.. Cause the whole meaning of this celebration of our Gay Lives.
Just went flying over your head!!!
It was so beautiful to see all of the families that were created out of sheer love.
For the children to see that there are are a lot of families just like theirs.
Not all of us are lucky enough to live in a city that is accepting or tolerant.
I think that a little waiting in line is a very small price to pay .
Thank you
Kelli,Ro,Gregg,Coleen, And the rest of the R family team.( also to all of your partners that give up a huge amount of your time.)
Once again you have created a place and space like no other. The real LOVE BOAT
I for one appprecite all of your efforts. I am glad that you were booked FULL.
That means there will be cruises to look forward to.
Not that ( CRAZY )

[fallingdwnstairs]

Word Up Cheryl.:)

[tofer610]

Shame on you people who complained about this cruise. This was our second rfamily cruise and probably our 20th cruise total...we go on at least one cruise a year with our straight family and friends...Last year's cruise for us was sureal...an experience that we had never had before...life altering...and this year's cruise was as close to a perfect world that could exsist atleast for seven days. There were families, couples, grandparents and siblings, straight friends and gay friends just like we have in our own little world that we live in except Kelli and Gregg have created an enviroment that we can be ourselves and not be judged or looked at...outside of the safety at home...like i said they have created a perfect little world for us...and as for the crowds....have you been to disney before...now that's where the crowds are...we are beginning to count down the days to the next one...

[PAPAJIM]

Hi,
Listening to everyone whine is making me SEA SICK again.. Yes the first cruises were less crowded.
I have been on all three. God willing I will be on the next three.
Lets take into consideration a few factors. The first two years the R Family LOST MONEY.They took a big risk.
The objective was to create a place GAY FRIENDLY..There was a huge monetary investment. Not to mention the THOUSANDS of manpower hours go into pulling this off.
Not knowing if it was going to fly big risk.
Lets see hmmn, where can you go drop off your kids at a babysitter for free!! see a show. get gifts every night. Be pampered at a spa.Gamble,Watch a live show from your room
But most of all. Where can you go.
AND NOT BE JUDGED. For who we are.
That is priceless. So for all of you whining babies that had to wait to eat stand in line for the shows.
LOOK UP are you looking.. Cause the whole meaning of this celebration of our Gay Lives.
Just went flying over your head!!!
It was so beautiful to see all of the families that were created out of sheer love.
For the children to see that there are are a lot of families just like theirs.
Not all of us are lucky enough to live in a city that is accepting or tolerant.
I think that a little waiting in line is a very small price to pay .
Thank you
Kelli,Ro,Gregg,Coleen, And the rest of the R family team.( also to all of your partners that give up a huge amount of your time.)
Once again you have created a place and space like no other. The real LOVE BOAT
I for one appprecite all of your efforts. I am glad that you were booked FULL.
That means there will be cruises to look forward to.
Not that ( CRAZY )
You go girl!:D

[moms2threegirls]

So for all of you whining babies that had to wait to eat stand in line for the shows. LOOK UP are you looking.. Cause the whole meaning of this celebration of our Gay Lives. Just went flying over your head!!!


I believe the reason for public discussion is not so that everyone can agree on all things, but for each to be allowed to express their own opinion. Did you ever think that those who are mentioning areas of weakness are actually helping the R Family team improve future trips? Some cruise lines (Princess for example) limit the number of kids in each age group, and the number of people in 3rd and 4th berths just to avoid problems like we had last week...too many people for the available public space. This would certainly be something for R Family to consider. I know that we would pay more for a less crowded ship. (Although in every other way, our vacation was great.)

Here is the problem, as I see it: On our flight home, every “R” family we talked to (6-7), were not planning on booking another cruise anytime soon. While everyone thought it was a nice experience, most mentioned that it was just too much work constantly being in crowds. They came away feeling like they needed another vacation. One couple was very annoyed with people smoking inside, particularly on a cruise with so many children. So, many people are not going to return, but without the feedback, R Family will not know why.

Although I admire your dedication to the company, I really don’t think that putting down others who are simply discussing their experience is good for R Family. Every business needs feedback, both positive and negative. No traveler expects a trip to be perfect, so it actually helps people to read about things to consider before traveling. This makes everyone’s experience a better one. (The last thing I would want as a business owner is for new clients to come in expecting a week of flawlessness - how hard it would be to meet those expectations!)

[SFfamily]

The purpose of the forums should promote a variety of opinions and discussions. As we all things in life, not everyone will agree. The important thing is that we each be respectful and honest.

With the success of rFamily Vacations, this year’s cruise was more crowed that previous. I hope that rFamily will continue to grow and offer a variety of vacations to meet the budgets and expectations of many different vacationers.

In past years, rFamily sent out surveys to collect information about what they did well and how to improve. I would imagine that they will do the same this year. Evidence of how rFamily has improved the cruising experience is the nanny program. The first cruise, the nannies were provided by NCL. There were only a few nannies available, which meant that a few families got baby-sitting. rFamily responded by creating the current nanny program which provides baby sitting for many families.

Continue to provide rFamily with constructive feedback and I am sure they will respond. I think we all know that Greg, Kelli and Rosie’s hearts are in the right place.

-Gerry

[JKLVirginia]

This was our first R Family Vacations cruise, indeed our first cruise period. We had a fabulous time. It was hard, we found, to get spa reservations and dinner reservations in some of the specialty restaurants, but we managed :)

Overall, the experience couldn't have been better -- are we the only ones who can't believe that R Family was able to book Maria from Sesame Street?!! And we loved the entertainment available period - including all the children's entertainment (especially the Imagination Movers). How many cruises book that kind of entertainment for kids?

Sure, it was crowded - the lines for that chocolate buffet were unreal :p Just one example, but overall, we didn't have any major problems and loved meeting so many people.

In the future, R Family might want to have "advance bookings" for some of the evening shows. We didn't get to see Rosie perform because of the crush of people trying to go, but accept that on such a big cruise, such things can happen.

We hope R Family will be sending out a survey - we have other thoughts, but really, it was a phenomenal experience and I hope we'll travel again with R Family.

Lee, along with Kevin and Josh

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

Although I admire your dedication to the company, I really don’t think that putting down others who are simply discussing their experience is good for R Family

HI again,
Yes constructive advice is helpful.There is a difference between constructive criticism and whining.Yes you might not like my feedback about the postings. To me some sound like babies whining.
When you go to a Broadway show you have to wait 9 months to a year to get tickets. Than stand outside to get in. The best restarants even the A list people have to wait to get in.
Being lucky enough to be on all three cruises I have met so many families that this is the highlight of their year They have to make huge sacrafices in order to just to be able to get on the cruise.
This was put together so that families could afford to go on a vacation and celebrate their pride who they are. I believe that the whole idea was to created so that everyone could be included.
How should R family cut back and decide who gets to go ?
SHAME ON YOU R FAMILY for granting last minute requests from guests to stick their Aunt or Grandma or cousin in their cabin so they could be a part of the magic and LOVE
You wouldnt mind paying extra so there could be less people on the ship.
That would eliminate a lot of the families.
You cant go too many kids.
We are over our kid quota
It is not the ship
It is about every last one of those families.
All unique in thier own way
With a common bond.
Their GAY or
They have Gay family
They make the cruise.
The shows are great
Food is good.
It is ALL ABOUT the beautiful families.
It is the PRIDE
It is the LOVE.

Hey R family.
THANKS for the great cruise.
LOVE and APPRECIATE YA for what you have created
PS I hear that the cruise to the greek isles in November is a small one lots of room
NO LINES

[Tico 1011]

A fond hello to each and everyone that attended this year's Alaska cruise. In reading these postings I think that it's important to mention some key points to think about when you think about booking next year:
No one can argue that the ship was crowded......super crowded and several of us "3's" felt the difference because the first cruise was more "intimate".
Understanding why is key for each and everyone of you....The first cruise left New York way below capacity and the second year was a bit "heavier" but nothing like this year.
I am one half of a very strong & commited couple that's been together 11 year's, we are still without children & in our mid 30's & we can afford the close to $6,000.00 it costs us to travel with RFamily each year & in the style to which we are accustomed. We also recognize that we may not be the exact demographic that this charter is looking to accomodate.
NOTE: We all have to think about these facts each and every time that we decide to give our vacation dollars to the RFamily Corporation.
Everyone booking a cruise with RFamily should think about that before making a reservation.
I'm sure that many of you experienced the following:
Waiting a long time for an elevator and then finding it filled to capacity or - finally getting an elevator on your way to dinner to find it stopping to fill up with sopping wet kids that leave puddles on the marble floor of the elevator was not something that most of us probably thought about when we booked this trip but in fact - we survived because we were able to reconnect with our "RFamily Friends", bond as family's, and have great entertainment.
Laughing is very hard to do these days Rosie Odonnel and Kathy G. gave us some incredible and much needed relief this year.
As for Ruben and myself we feel honored to be a part of the RFamily group each year that we board that ship and we hope that the Bermuda cruise will be just a bit less crowded since the vessel's capacity is less than the Flagships we are usually on.
I'm sure that the RFamily Corporation is thinking about:
*Adding more child care.
*Thinking about assigning group times to the evening shows.
*Limiting the number of guests on the vessels may help even if it means paying a bit more to increase service levels for passengers aboard.
*Allowing the most senior and loyal passengers to experience some type of "loyalty program" like first choice in booking and reserving state rooms - the longer you have cruised the more RFamily may want to "recognize" these groups. RFamily lost money - but many took the "leap of faith" right along with them in 2004 and we have not looked back since.
*Thinking seriously about always improving the product will get you far on these most enjoyable vacations.
Best regards and keep up the great work. It's not perfect but then again no one should ever think that your not doing a major service for us.
Your legacy has become that of leaving the world a much better place by finding a spot where we can all be ourselves for at least one week of our hectic lives, where children can see that it's ok "to be who you are" and that there are many people out there that will always keep them safe and do there best to make them happy.
Much Love,
Robert Hidalgo & Ruben Cardona - Stateroom #9200
PS: Just remember the couples without kids yet! We are always somewhere on that ship!

[Picfan]

We have done a ton of cruises and this was our 2nd rfamily cruise. We thought it was awesome. We enjoyed it because of so many familys. We met a ton of new friends and there was never a time after the 2nd day that I didn't see a "new friend" in the hall or on the deck. I loved the fact that there were so many people in the dinning rooms. Such a bore to go and there just be a handful of people. We did have to wait in some lines but I have to say that was part of the fun. A great way to meet new people and have a chat. OK one complaint. People saving seats was totally rude in myopinion. Saving one or 2 for your kids or family but the first night we stood while a group saved 12 chairs on the pool deck. No one ever sat in those chairs not the whole 2 hours we stood there. Very rude I thought. Great cruise though and can not wait till the next.

[anneyates]

I miss the crowd, the lines, and the loud screams of happy and overwelmed kids...RFamily cruises......just can not be replicated....can't be more perfect...and honestly, and I can not imagine it otherwise.

My kids are including all the entertainment in their pretend play as a means of coping with missing their new friends....I wish I could pretend it was still here....can't wait until the next one.

Anne

[ourtribe]

Well not that I'm surprise that people will be people, with all the range of personalities. Some people will never be happy, while others are thrilled with that smallest blessing, some will require VIP treatment while yet others are feeling like royality if served dinner rather then having to cook it themselves.

We all make choices...we are so excited to be booked for Feb 07, or first cruise! And for the record, we are booked for the bowels of the ship :) But we feel very fortunate to be able to budget this family voyage! I must admit that I am surprise of the $ that our community has even with children. How awesome. However, making this particular family vacation available and affordable for all is important. We won't be bothered by wet kids in an elevator, or some lines... after all we are booking for a FAMILY cruise. I am greatful that the mission of rFamily has not changed with its success. Providing a venue of inclusiveness, and the freedom to enjoy our families and our commonalities, that is the magic. Some will always want MORE MORE MORE and others are just simply appreciative of all the simple things. THANK YOU rFamily!

James

[JKLVirginia]

Since getting back :( from the wonderful Alaska cruise, I haven't had much time to post. I did want to add a couple more thoughts though.

What impressed my partner and I so much was how hard Kelli, Gregg, and the rest of the R Family staff worked to make this cruise a success. We got to the port that Sunday loaded down with a ton of stuff (traveling with a 3-year old requires a lot of stuff!) and Tim, one of the R Family staffers, immediately came to help us bring our stuff all the way to the suitcase check-in.

Later that day, we saw all these people with those awesome R Family wallets and were wondering how to get one (someone then told us that they had been placed in all the staterooms, but somehow our room was missing one). A bit later, I happened upon Kelli and asked her if we could still get one. She took down our room number and sent someone down later to drop it off to us. These small things really impressed us.

It seemed that, at all the kid-centered events (children's singers etc), there were R Family staffers there to distribute yet more little toys for the kids. Even when we were waiting to go back on board in Ketchikan, there they were handing out those little "R Family people."

Sure there were things that didn't go as planned for us (we didn't get in for the first Rosie show), but that's the nature of travel. From seeing the attention of the R Family staff to even the smallest details, I have no doubt that they'll work to make future cruises even that much better.

My partner and I have traveled a lot, including with other gay travel companies, and really, R Family is without parallel. That's not to discount people's criticisms, but despite the small problems we occasionally faced, we, and our son, had an amazing week.

Lee

[lausie]

So we have nothing to compare it to. It was crowded, but we felt it was all very doable -- we adjusted our schedules to give time for waiting. And when we didn't make it to something, we shrugged and found another activity. We had a wonderful experience. Thank you r Family Vacations!

Since this thread has become about offering constructive criticism, I wanted to give some feedback about Kids Crew. I know this was something that was offered by NCL, but it may be helpful to the r Family staff to hear our experiences. Perhaps they can offer some feedback to NCL. (I'll send NCL an e-mail as well.)

1. As has been noted, the groups were entirely too large. I was shocked by the adult to child ratio and felt uncomfortable leaving my child in a group of so many children with so little supervision.

2. I was even more shocked by the way the crew members spoke to the children. I understand they were frustrated and dealing with way too many children, but I felt really badly for the kids who were being singled out in that way.

3. The program was designed for very outgoing kids, and I think in the 6-9 year old group, the activities were not age-appropriate for the younger crowd. My very shy, six-year-old daughter would have been much happier making a craft or coloring quietly in the corner, but it didn't seem as if that was an option. She went to one activity (Alien Creations), but ended up working by herself. (Which is fine, but she had to carve out that space onher own.)

We had a wonderful time, regardless. It was a pleasure to vacation with our daughter -- even without the child care option. I just wanted to give feedback, because I think it's helpful.

Thanks again for a fabulous vacation! We wouldn't have changed another thing!

Laura

[24601]

Well not that I'm surprise that people will be people, with all the range of personalities. Some people will never be happy, while others are thrilled with that smallest blessing, some will require VIP treatment while yet others are feeling like royality if served dinner rather then having to cook it themselves.

It’s so strange that many of you are dismissing those who didn’t have a perfect cruise experience as complainers. Well, our family, for one, is a very optimistic bunch who found a lot to love about the cruise. We absolutely appreciated the variety of people, and all the love shown on the boat. We are happy that straight people will be taking our message back out into the world. We are thrilled that R Family made a profit this time, and that this will hopefully mean that they are here to stay. We knew that with a sold-out boat there would be lines (This was our 10th cruise, and 7 of them have been sold-out, so we thought we knew what to expect.) But we were not prepared for the reality of having everything take significantly longer than it did last year...eating, riding the elevator, checking the kids into the kids club (which we finally gave up on after the 3rd day), going to shows, having our cabin cleaned, waiting to get on and off the ship at each port, finding a table or even just a chair on the pool deck, finding a space in the hot tubs, and on and on. Maybe our timing was just bad (constantly!), but it was our reality, and it turned into a tiring experience after awhile. Was it worth it? Well, we are pretty die-hard fans of R Family, so I know we’ll be back. But, instead of doing both cruises in 2007, as we had planned before this cruise, we’ve decided that just one is enough (our kids decision, surprisingly!). It was fun, but it was a lot of work, too.

We also thought that the crowds made people less thoughtful. For example, one event that absolutely influenced my 8 y.o. daughter’s experience was at the buffet, when she thought she found the end of the line...a woman yelled at her for “cutting in line”, to the point that she was in tears and decided to skip breakfast all together. Just as the magical moment of a staff member giving a child a toy will color their experience in one way, this situation effected my daughter’s experience in totally a different direction. We had other not-so-great experiences, that are no less real than some of your wonderful experiences, that did color the memories we took away from the cruise. All of these had to do with grumpy passengers, and it is not an unreasonable thought to link this behavior to the crowded conditions onboard.

Yes, most of our cruise was great, and most of the people we met were friendly. But it’s hard not to compare it to last year, when the whole week just seemed magical. Maybe if we had been able to experience a few of those “special” moments some of you describe it would have been easier to totally forget the more negative times. For some reason, we were never around when they were handing out toys, and never had a reason to contact the R Family staff. Again, much of personal experience is luck...being at the right place at the right time (or the wrong place!). It can’t all be boiled down to “some people will never be happy”.

Remember, a few bad encounters can totally color ones view of a situation, and to put that person down for expressing their opinion is just as hurtful as some of you feel that the “complainers” are being to you. You don’t know the situation, or the person...and to dismiss legitimate feelings will not make them go away. Even though we were on the same ship, no two people had the same experience.

BTW, Outtribe, I couldn’t be happier that you had a wonderful cruise!

[theLAfour]

We knew that with a sold-out boat there would be lines (This was our 10th cruise, and 7 of them have been sold-out, so we thought we knew what to expect.) But we were not prepared for the reality of having everything take significantly longer than it did last year...eating, riding the elevator, checking the kids into the kids club (which we finally gave up on after the 3rd day), going to shows, having our cabin cleaned, waiting to get on and off the ship at each port, finding a table or even just a chair on the pool deck, finding a space in the hot tubs, and on and on. Maybe our timing was just bad (constantly!), but it was our reality, and it turned into a tiring experience after awhile. Was it worth it?


Wow, sorry that you had such a misable time. My family is known for it's super positive attitude, and we had a WONDERFUL time. I wouldn't have changed one thing at all - nothing. Even when we had a small problem with the pirate dinner .... it was amazing how quickly the rfamily and NCL crew reacted and how much they cared. We had friends that were turned away from the cruise because it was sold out, and I can't help but think how grateful they would have been to be part of the crowd. Next time perhaps the people who can't (or won't) handle the crowds, or care how fast it took to have their cabin cleaned, will not sign up and make room for people who would appreciate it.

[pamela]

As the mom of one of the performers (Megan), I probably had the best time of anyone on this Alaskan cruise! My partner and I have been on all three cruises, but on this cruise Megan worked for rfamily -- she sang and danced, handed out tickets and pirate hats, hid treasure for the scavenger hunt, and generally performed many tasks that normally would seem obscure, but to a mom..... marvelous!

In reading all these posts, what strikes me is that everyone is saying the same thing..... the cruise was wonderful, we all will be back at some point, but we also have a few ideas of how to improve the cruises in the future..... but we don't want to hurt the feelings of Kelli and Gregg and the rfamily team in offering our ideas. I am actually quite pleasantly surprised at the high level of respect that is being used to offer the "constructive criticism" on this forum. I am sure Kelli and Gregg will take our ideas as just that; ideas that passengers have of how to make the cruise even better in the future. Kelli and Gregg are really remarkable and professional people, and I don't think we need fear they will read our suggestions and take offense. I believe that they want what we all want -- the best cruise possible.

I, of course, noticed the increase in passengers from the first two cruises. Sometimes it was just outrageously hard to eat! Knowing the big shows would be packed, we arrived early and got in line to insure our being able to get in. I never had a problem with elevators or getting on or off the ship. And while the pool/deck area was over-crowded, it was a festive atmosphere! I loved ever minute of hanging out with my people!! Of course, I didn't have a two-year-old and a four-year-old to keep track of.....

Truthfully, the other two cruises were more relaxing, easier to get food, less time consuming going from room to where ever, and much noisier, but this one was just as celebratory. Just as heartening to be a part of. Just as fun. No doubt it helped that Megan (who we hadn't seen in many months) would suddenly appear in a pirate or 50's outfit!

At one point at the pirate dinner, Megan was handing out hats to the kids when several adults crowded her into a wall and literally knocked her down (!!) grabbing at the "free stuff!" Though Megan just laughed it off, in my mind it is indicative of how excessive crowds can sometimes (even with the best of the best of people) get rude. The rudeness factor was undoubtedly higher on this cruise than either of the first two. I attribute that to the over-crowdedness. Though having said that, I know that if the ship were overcrowded with straight people, I would have had to abandon ship at Juneau!! Is a little rudeness the price we pay for keeping rfamily in the black? Perhaps with the suggestions here in this forum and with other insights that Kelli and Gregg have garnered, there will be ways to help limit the crowds and thus limit rudeness caused by passenger over-stimulation! I trust them to pull the good ideas from where they see them and not to be insulted by rationally offered experiences.

We will see some of you in the Galapagos! Though I don't know any of you personally, I feel you are a part of my larger family now -- so until we meet again, peace!

Pam

[3texans]

I believe the reason for public discussion is not so that everyone can agree on all things, but for each to be allowed to express their own opinion. Did you ever think that those who are mentioning areas of weakness are actually helping the R Family team improve future trips? Some cruise lines (Princess for example) limit the number of kids in each age group, and the number of people in 3rd and 4th berths just to avoid problems like we had last week...too many people for the available public space. This would certainly be something for R Family to consider. I know that we would pay more for a less crowded ship. (Although in every other way, our vacation was great.)

Here is the problem, as I see it: On our flight home, every “R” family we talked to (6-7), were not planning on booking another cruise anytime soon. While everyone thought it was a nice experience, most mentioned that it was just too much work constantly being in crowds. They came away feeling like they needed another vacation. One couple was very annoyed with people smoking inside, particularly on a cruise with so many children. So, many people are not going to return, but without the feedback, R Family will not know why.

Although I admire your dedication to the company, I really don’t think that putting down others who are simply discussing their experience is good for R Family. Every business needs feedback, both positive and negative. No traveler expects a trip to be perfect, so it actually helps people to read about things to consider before traveling. This makes everyone’s experience a better one. (The last thing I would want as a business owner is for new clients to come in expecting a week of flawlessness - how hard it would be to meet those expectations!)

Very well said! We have been on all 3 cruises and the crowds this year were a bit overwhelming for us. We brought 2 sets of friends, and although they enjoyed the cruise, they are not planning to return next year. We had difficulties getting reservations for the excursions, difficulties making reservations in the restaurants, and difficulties getting seats at the shows. This type of schedule does not make for a relaxing vacation.

One thing to consider is that even though NCL has certain "capacities," our families take our kids to the "kid appropriate" shows. This will drastically effect the numbers for actual seat counts. We also typically eat dinner with our kids, again filling the restaurants. The buffet and the Blue Lagoon get old after a few meals.

We are planning to return next summer because I am confident that Gregg and Kelli are listening, and will make the necessary modifications to better accommodate our families. We plan to stick with rfamily through the bumps in the road and the tsunami's of the seas!

[24601]

Wow, sorry that you had such a misable time. My family is known for it's super positive attitude, and we had a WONDERFUL time. I wouldn't have changed one thing at all - nothing. Even when we had a small problem with the pirate dinner .... it was amazing how quickly the rfamily and NCL crew reacted and how much they cared. We had friends that were turned away from the cruise because it was sold out, and I can't help but think how grateful they would have been to be part of the crowd. Next time perhaps the people who can't (or won't) handle the crowds, or care how fast it took to have their cabin cleaned, will not sign up and make room for people who would appreciate it.

Maybe you should re-read what I wrote. I never said we had a "misable time". In fact, I said that most of our cruise was great. The point, was to encourage people not to say things like "make room for people who would appreciate it" to others who are on these boards expressing their personal opinions/experiences.

[cwor0306]

This was my third cruise with rfamily and I think they did a great job on the Alaska trip. I am happy the cruise sold out and this only means more trips in the future. In the cruise being sold out also helps keep the prices afforable for everyone. There are also other cruises with rfamily that are smaller with less people and children. On the first cruise with rfamily the staff of Norwegin had never expereinced so many children even on the straight crusies. So everyone has to learn to be tolerate and patient which seemed to be an issue with this cruise. I noticed more rude people than ever on this cruise but that is not rfamily's fault but the people on the ship who can not have simple manners. I seen people run over a woman in a wheel chair in line for a show....come on people this was a bit riduciulus. Yes, sometimes the lines were long but you know what just suck it up and remember everyone has to wait their turn.

My advice about the lines is do like we did and eat a little early or a little later....we never had to wait. In regard to the kids crew if you show up early by about 15-20 minutes there is no problem. My advice to people who had such a horrible time go on a straight cruise where there is less tolerance and children.

The staff as always was the best and I have not complaints with that at all. All the staff were very helpful and accomadoating to everyone that I could see. The kids crew was a bit out of order but again they are not use to the large volume of children. Having such a large number of children to entertain and take care of I say way to go Norwegin Childrens Staff. The nanny service was also amazing...thanks rfamily for providing that FREE of charge.

I was also happy to see straight families on board who support us we as LGBT community should embrace everyone but we have our prejudices also. The straight families I got to meet were amazing and I hope they come back again. These people are our allies not enemies.

We will be returning next summer for our 4th cruise with rfamily and I cannot wait.

To all the rfamily staff hats off to you and all of your hard work. You make our year by providing such a valuable vacation where my children can be around other families like their's.

Thanks for a wonderful cruise to Alaska!!!

See you next year :-)

[cwor0306]

Well said :-)

[WAwaWildBunch]

I sure hope that Kelli and Gregg are not getting the wrong idea from the few people who are using this forum to complain about their trip. My family and the grandmother had a ball, and will be back again. How can their be too many people who support families just like mine? How can there be too much love? Too much food? and Too much free goodies? I must say, I was taken back by an earlier poster who commented on the "straights" on the cruise. It made my skin crawl, isn't that just the attitude we are trying to get away from? How can we ever expect the straight world to accept us, if we do not accept them. Sorry for getting up on my soapbox, but my mother was on the ship. My mother is very much straight, and she is a perfect grandmother to my 2 straight children. How anyone can criticize such a display of support is beyond me.

And yes, it was crowded, anything desirable always is! That's a good thing folks! I think some people should just relax and chill (as my son says). And to the person before who complained about waiting to get their cabin cleaned, they are kidding right?

I think the vacation was perfect and magical, and if it was less crowded, those same complainers would have found something to complain about. I am sure if you look back at their previous posts it would prove very interesting. Might I suggest that the people who did not enjoy the cruise, not come on the next one, and make room for (what I hear are) 100 people who were turned away. And they should look for a vacation that no one wants to go on, so they will never have a crowd problem.

[WAwaWildBunch]

For some reason, we were never around when they were handing out toys, and never had a reason to contact the R Family staff.


Well there's the problem from the horses mouth! 24601 didn't get enough free toys to make the trip enjoyable. Shame on R Family Vacations.

[theLAfour]

Well there's the problem from the horses mouth! 24601 didn't get enough free toys to make the trip enjoyable. Shame on R Family Vacations.


OK, that was the best posting of the day. And WaWa you hit the nail on the head. God I was sick of listening to 24601 whine on and on. I guess there is always a party pooper, and 24601's been pooping all over my party! :D

[KelliODonnell]

I just want to let everyone know.
We hear you. We know there was crowds. And we are addressing the issues. We were all very spoiled the first couple of years, and we will have full ships from now on. However, they will not be as packed as Alaska. We have 2 ships next year and plenty of space. No worries. All comments are being heard.

We love what we are doing and your thoughts mean alot to us. So we will do what we can to fix any issues that we can.

Enjoy your evening!
Kelli

[RainbowAngel]

There has been a lot of posting back and forth and differing opinions and several people's thoughts about positives and negatives about the cruise. There has also been lots of constructive criticism which I think will benefit RFamily and future cruises.

However....
There are some rude mean spirited cruisers here making fun of other cruisers for voicing their opinions. That is not an RFamily value I didnt think.

As a 3 year cruiser also, I have various opinions..which some may find either positive or negative or constructive or not, but I am hesitant to post any of my thoughts, since it seems as if someone posts who does not give a totally positive flowery experience, they will be shot down, humiliated, made fun of, and otherwise ridiculed by some of you. That I find totally unacceptable.

One thing about forums, they can become a welcome place where all thoughts and ideas are welcomed, whether they are agreed with or not, or they can become a place where only the cliquey is accepted. I hope RFamily forum doesnt become one of those.

I enjoyed this cruise, I have enjoyed the previous 2 cruises, they were all different, yet each was special in its own way. I plan on cruising with RFamily for as long as it is available and will enjoy each one in a different way .There were positives and negatives on every cruise, but that is part of life. The first was special, intimate, rewarding and wonderful just because of the totally new experience. And that of course will never be regained in another cruise. But that doesnt mean that I may not have noticed negative things about that or the next or this last cruise.

But it seems as if it has become in this forum, that criticism is not acceptable, that no one is allowed to feel and state those things without ridicule. I hope that some of you cruisers that are speaking of such a wonderful time and acceptance and love will look back at some of your posts to others that do not reflect this spirit at all.

I think that by some of this humiliation and ridicule you may have stopped several people from posting their recollections which could have possibly benefitted RFamily but will not be seen because of fear of retaliation.

I hope that this forum can get back to a welcoming happy place, especially for those who may not have been here before and are considering a future RFamily cruise and will be influenced by all the attitude here.

[SingleInNYC]

I have been on straight cruises with my family and I found them to be just as crowded, but NOT welcoming, warm, and certainly no feeling of community like we had in Alaska. Even though RFV's cruise was full, I always felt tended to and welcomed to share a table with other guests — which is how I met several families.

To me, the cruise was amazing and life-altering. So what if we had to wait a few minutes or stand in a line for amazing entertainment. I mean, really, where else do we get Rosie, Cindy, and Susan for the price of the accomodations? Really, we were on vacation and every minute was savored. Well, except the night of the storm : (

I think all input is positive and will lend itself to improve our next vacation.

[SingleInNYC]

Well there's the problem from the horses mouth! 24601 didn't get enough free toys to make the trip enjoyable. Shame on R Family Vacations.

Is that sarcasm? I hope.

[REPNYC]

I am a three timer - and consider myself a "lifer".

Loved each and every minute of the cruise!

Not sure about what everyone else is commenting on, I never had to wait for a meal, I even went to the Venetion Restaurant one night without a reservation, and we were seated right away.

I didn't follow directions and sign up for excursions early or online, so we had some difficulties there - but that was my lazy fault!

I found the NCL crew helpful and happy, the RFamily Crew was top notch and very attentive and lets talk about entertainment, those shows in New York would have cost over a thousand dollars!

The early shows were always crowded, but the 2nd shows had plenty of room.

Room service was free and fast - who could ask for more?

The few lines I had to stand in, were more like chat fests with my other cruisers and the RFamily Staff spent time and visited us - making the wait much easier.

I actually like the crowds, really! It's like sitting in a sold out theatre with tickets that took months to get. I felt like I was part of something popular and important. I never get that goose-bumpy feeling sitting a half-full theatre.

I liked feeling like I was part of a big important popular event - and I hope that the future cruises are just the same.

I could have done without the bumpy seas that one night, but when friend told me it was like Mother Nature gently rocking me to sleep - it took on a different feeling - don't get me wrong - I didn't like it - but I just went with the flow :p

And the most amazing thing of all. When we got back to Seattle it took me about 60 seconds to locate my luggage.

I cannot thank Kelli, Gregg and their gang enough! It was great!

[Vixster]

Hello All,
Well here's my 2 Cents. I had a FABULOUS TIME. Nothing stopped me from smiling ear to ear. I didn't have any expectations. I live for the moment. I left the ship with a new high. Observing and feeling the love and heart with all. I felt comfortable with everyone, being the overall concept; an openly gay cruise that includes friends and families! I loved seeing the grandparents and the extended families that participate with the gay families. How cool is that! I loved seeing all the children, in all of their variations (infants thru teens), and I, amongst many, felt they were all very well behaved. It was obvious how much love is given to them. I felt the fun, love, sprit amongst all when we went up to the pool deck to dance to the music. I met many wonderful folks and really didn't have too much trouble meeting people. In fact I feel like I have some new GREAT friends to share life with. The entertainment was fabulous and the 2nd show of Cindy seem to have quite a few seats avail. So, to me, it was a wonderful experience that I look forward to next year. And even though for many it's natural to compare one cruise (or event) to another, try to stay in the moment and enjoy the givings.
Peace, Vicki

[24601]

Wow! Thanks so much for all of you who sent me private messages of support after the recent verbal assault. (And RainbowAngel for your public one!) But don’t worry about me...I’ve spent a good part of my life in politics, and am certainly able to handle myself in these situations. Everyone who wrote...your small gesture really showed what R Families are all about!

As for the comment about the toys, most of you realized that it was in response to these remarks:
These small things really impressed us.
It seemed that, at all the kid-centered events (children's singers etc), there were R Family staffers there to distribute yet more little toys for the kids. Even when we were waiting to go back on board in Ketchikan, there they were handing out those little "R Family people."
I love reading about these magical moments...it takes me back to our first time on the R Family cruise. In fact, it makes me feel better to find out that we may have just had bad luck with our recent experience. It also shows how little things can make all the difference.

As a person who has worked hard to affect change in my own community, I know that it is crucial to speak out on issues that could use improvement. We all now know that this situation has been acknowledged by Kelli and Gregg, and because of that, we also know that the crowding problem will be addressed. I have complete faith in that.

I’d like to second the earlier call for people to not shy away from expressing opinions here or elsewhere. Problems do not go away by ignoring them, or by belittling those with varied opinions. As members of the queer community we should always remember this.

[AMattiucci]

We are a 3 timer family with R Family..

These replys hit on everything we feel..The first 2 were just magic..no words can explain! We gave up windows in the house for the 1st one..just knew if was history being made!

The Alaska cruise had a different feeling..we've been trying since the 1st day to explain it...it wasn't bad, just different. Was it the crowds, more straight families, the gay men with no kids (and then getting upset at the kids), more babies, is it west coast versus east coast...was it us? I don't know.

What I do know is its NOT R Family..they are wonderful as usual..Its not NCL..their crew is as awesome as R Family!

During a discussion with another family one night..Rosies personal assistant got involved (he made it quite clear who his BOSS is)..he was not listening to us..all he heard was straights against gays..which was the discussion, it was an issue that happened to the other women, not the whole crusie..he got angry and heated the discussion...it ended with him turning to me and saying "then you shouldn't come back on any of these cruises". He would have shocked me less if he hit me. I will be the first to say, my reaction and that of my partner was not good..we acted no better than him and we still need to apologize to the families that was disrupted by our out burst..

It hurt, I took it personally, I was ready to get off in Victoria and find my way back on my own, I was ready to take my wonderful doors down (9208 & 9215)..I was ready never to come back again...but wait..this is one person..maybe he's had a bad day too...its not R Family and it not Rosie (though he did tell them she would have said the same thing after we left)

The next day, my partner happen to come across Eddie..Rosie's brother..he listened, understood. My concern after all that was..is this really how Rosie feels, "No he said, believe me"..then how I asked, does she allow someone to represent her this way, does she know?

So, I put my hurt feeling away and had a good time for the rest of the week..chocking it all up to life and people!

We weren't going to go next year..money and all..but then a friend had a major heart attack this week and won't make it..he is 45 leaving a wife of 18 years and a 14 year old son..life is too **** short..so we will be there next summer and every summer that we can.

There is not enough words, time and space here to say how much this is a good thing! Thank you R Family and Rosie for the wonderful things you've done for our community...

Ann Mattiucci
Beth Ann Miner
and family

[rachel]

Please know that we, the RFV team, are reading your comments and take each one seriously. We appreciate the kudos and regret that anyone walked away feeling even slightly frustrated.

Alaska 2006 was a sold out cruise and we were thrilled! Four years ago when we set out to build R Family Vacations, it was our collective dream to create a safe place that gays and lesbians could actually bring parents and brothers and sisters along for a "gay and lesbian" family vacation rather than always being the guests on "the other side." We wanted to create a place where everyone truly would be welcome. And, we also prayed that we would actually have enough customers to survive. It was a leap — thanks to Rosie, Kelli, and Gregg's faith and vision. So, now that everyone feels comfortable bringing their friends and families — and the singles are coming too — we have a wonderful challenge ahead of us. We have been working diligently since our return to record every comment we have received and everything we each observed— and to work towards refining the experience.

Our goal is to make every client not only feel like part of the R Family but also to offer the perfect vacation experience for many different kinds of people. The Galapagos trip is hosted on a much, much smaller yacht and is more luxurious. All excursions are included and it is an intimate environment. But, a bit more expensive and a bit more adventurous. We are also planning our first ever train trip to Philadelphia and a Family Summer Camp on land. With each of these, we know challenges await us, but as the CEO of RFV’s marketing firm, it is my hope that we can reach a large enough segment of the community so we can truly offer not only a place where everyone is welcome, but also a perfect vacation choice for every person.

I want to thank each of you for joining the R Family Vacations and for taking the time to join the discussion board.

[snowhite]

Never having been on a cruise before, and after having read these posts, I'm confronted with a problem...do I want to sign up for next summer or not? I can't seem to put my finger on the problems that some of you had...???:confused:

[PAPAJIM]

:D In reading the replies it is certainly food for thought. I for one do not like to attack one for their opinion,after all we live in a democracy and everyone has their own experience on the trip.I found things on the trip that disturbed me as well, which had nothing to do with NCL or Rfamily.
1.) Children that were being yelled at and yanked around by their parents in a public forum. I understand frustration at time, but realy...breathe. I waited 42 years for the gift of my son, and remember this everytime I wan't to lose it.
2.) I ran into Kelli often and she had a perpetual smile on her face. I cannot imagine the magnitude it took to pull this all together. Bless you and the whole team.
3.) We never experienced a problem doing anything we wanted with so much to choose from-I suppose we should have considered ourselves lucky.
4.) I met so many incredible people on the ship-gay,straight,bi, lesbian. All of them were an added gift to the cruise.The cabin stewards were so incredible to our son it was amazing. I met some people who were rude, but that is life. i choose not to be around that kind.:eek:
5.) My partner and I felt so free, we thank everyone that made our cruise such an experience, especialy all the kids that made friends with our son and all of the new frienships we formed. We are grateful to have met you all-be blessed:o

[BListTrace]

To help us move forward, keep it real and enable the R Family staff to cut through the drama:

There were many, many, many people on the cruise and we were over NCL's posted capacity.
The NCL crew said that this was the most kids they ever had on a cruise before.
R Family did all it could to include everyone it could, gay and straight - tall and short - young and old.

Some people went on the cruise to meet other families like theirs. Some did not.
Some people met other families and made friends. Some did not.
Some went with their families for just a vacation with other gay families.
Some went for just a vacation.

Some people experienced long lines. Some people didn't.
It mattered to some people. It didn't matter to other people.
Some things took longer than expected or on past cruises - getting food, traveling between destinations, cabins cleaned up, etc.
Some people were frustrated. Some people were not.

Some people have cruised with R Family before.
Some people have cruised on other cruise lines and with other vacation companies.
Some people that have cruised before are cruising with R Family again.
Some people that have cruised before are not cruising with R Family again.

A large number of folks (could be the majority if we took a poll) will be returning some time in the future.
A large number of folks are cruising again at one or the other of the cruises in 2007. Some people are going on the Galapagos adventure (my opinion = lucky people).
Some people are not cruising with R Family again for various reasons.

A large number of people like the free stuff (poll thing).
Some people didn't get some of the free stuff for different reasons.
R Family is very generous.
The cool blue fans say "Gay is Okay" (my opinion = I like that).

Some people (including me) want to help make the Kids Crew program better, especially for the 6-9 age group.
Some kids and adults were happy with the Kids Crew program.
Some kids and adults were not happy with the Kids Crew program (also including me). Some people experienced lines to drop off their kids. Some people did not.
Some people didn't mind the lines. Some people did.
Some people were frustrated with the check-in. Some people were not.
Some people adjusted their plans and didn't take their kids to Kids Crew.
Many people loved the toddler room and are grateful for it.
People appreciated the free nanny services.
Some people brought their children to shows that were announced on several occasions to not be considered "kid-friendly" or even appropriate for children.
Some children disrupted performers and entertainers with little or no intervention by adults at those “adult oriented” shows.

Some people went to one show a night. Some people went to both shows.
Some people watched from their cabins (me while I put the kids to bed). People were glad for the show broadcasts in the cabin (again, me).

Seats were saved for gay and straight people.
Some seats were saved for partners that were dropping off the kids at Kids Crew or hurrying back from an excursion. (I did that).
Some people were downright angry about it. Some people were frustrated.
R Family asked people not to save seats. People still saved seats.

Some people were frustrated with the behavior of the children on board. Some people were not.
Some people were frustrated with the behavior of the adults on board. Some people were not.
Some people experienced and feel that passengers on board were rude. Some people did not have that experience.
Some people feel that passengers were rude or less thoughtful because of the cruise being "crowded".
Some R Family team members were treated poorly by adults on board. :(

Some people felt there were more straight people on board than they wanted to have on board.
Some people are concerned that straight people will become the majority of people on the cruise.
Some people don't care who is straight and who is not.
Some people are glad to have straight and gay people on board.
Some people had their extended families on board. A large number of those extended families are comprised of straight people. One was Rosie's brother, Ed, and another was Kelli's mom, Melanie.
Some of the straight people were grandparents and some were kids.
There were both straight (Audra, Kathy Griffin, Nancy Opel, Mover Rich, Maria from Sesame Street, R Family & Belter Megan, etc.) and gay (Esera, Michael Lee, Rosie, Paul Castree, Gavin, Elvira, etc.) performers/entertainers/notable persons on board.

Some people ate at restaurants other than the Market Cafe and Blue Lagoon. Some people did not.
Some people could get reservations that worked for their schedules. Some people could not.
A large number of people went to the Pirate dinner. People felt R Family was able to handle the large response to the Pirate dinner and accommodate everyone that wanted to participate.
People think R Family did a great job adapting and responding to the Pirate dinner overload situation.

Some people were able to book the excursions they wanted (my family was!). Some people were not.
Some excursions were sold out (dog sledding, zip line) and some were not.
Some people did not book excursions early and still got their excursions. Some did not.
Some did book excursions early.

Some people are always happy and look at the glass half full.
Some people are just happy.
Some people are positive.
Some people are not happy.
Some people don't have glasses.

A large number (again with the poll thing) had positive experiences.
Some people had positive and negative experiences.
Others had more negatives experiences than positive ones.

Many people think the R Family team worked really, really, really hard.
Many people are grateful to R Family for the "wonderful" "magical" "incredible" "amahzing (that's mine)" vacation.
Many people are protective of R Family, especially the founders, and would fight to the death for them (WOW - that's loyalty).
Many people are appreciative of the generosity and love of R Family + Rosie.

Last of all, many people had different expectations and hopes for THEIR vacation and vacation experience from other people.
Some of those expectations and hopes were fulfilled. Some were not.
Some people were okay with having a vacation and experiences different from their expectations and hopes. Some were not.
Some were able to adapt. Some were not.
Some went in with no expectations.

So what do we know or learn from all of this. Basically, it sounds like a large number of people (could be a majority) had experiences and vacations of a lifetime! It also sounds like there are really two major issues that R Family can do anything or even something about: Kids Crew programming and the quality of programming for soooooo many kids on board and things related to having lots of people on board in general (capacities, room occupancies, show seating, R Family created events, etc.). There are a ton of great IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS AND THOUGHTS. R Family has a tremendous resource in its patrons and should continue to use us in any way possible to make these vacations and opportunities even more AMAHZING!


Namaste.

“I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It’s gonna be a bright, bright sun shiny day.”

[AMattiucci]

Blisttrace and all:

AMEN...we've had our say, lets move on...

See you all next year!

As Rosie says on her blog: peace

[PAPAJIM]

Blisttrace and all:

AMEN...we've had our say, lets move on...

See you all next year!

As Rosie says on her blog: peace
:cool: amen-move on and groove on-lovin life with my glass half full-love, peace and light to all:p

[ceh1202]

Just a few thoughts about the cruise which I truly truly enjoyed. First off, I'm a single gay black dad from Nashville. I loved seeing all of the wonderfully configured families from everywhere. Even got to meet some local folk who I hadn't met before this trip. However, this was occas. difficult for me because most of the folks travelling were coupled or with families. I really appreciated this FORUM having alerted me to other single Dads before the trip. Nonetheless, I would have appreciated a few more general 'Hi's' and 'How are ya's' from some of the other passengers. (Some of this may be my general shyness.)

On another note, my Broadway Belter fan isn't working!!! I'm SO SAD!!! Where can I get another?

Finally, my favorite event was seeing the real live MARIA FROM Sesame Street?! How cool was that?

Anyway, it was all a great time; I loved the scenery. I loved the crowds. We LOVED the parties! My daughter had such fun dressing up!

[MommyCheryl]

SnowWhite: YES! Come. You'll never know unless you try, right?

But I think if you quizzed even the people who were unhappy with the crowds, 90 percent of them would go again. We signed up for next year's cruise before we left the ship. My only advice is to hurry before the stateroom you want is already booked!

I've been on "regular" cruises that were just as crowded but 1/1000th as fun. Come. Enjoy. It's magical.

[wigglewomyn]

Snow White, I also want to add on top of this advice from Mommy Cheryl, that even the people that had negative experiences on this cruise, might have 100% positive experiences on the next cruise. Every cruise is different including the people (well not all of the people, but some of them). Plus, I don't always like to take other people's words for things because we all react in a different way or like different things.

I agree with Mommy Cheryl, you will never know if you would have liked the cruise unless you try it and wouldn't you rather come on the cruise and find out for yourself than always be wondering if you should have?

SnowWhite: YES! Come. You'll never know unless you try, right?

But I think if you quizzed even the people who were unhappy with the crowds, 90 percent of them would go again. We signed up for next year's cruise before we left the ship. My only advice is to hurry before the stateroom you want is already booked!

I've been on "regular" cruises that were just as crowded but 1/1000th as fun. Come. Enjoy. It's magical.

[snowhite]

Thanks to all who have encouraged me to take the Bermuda trip next summer.........and PAPAJim....your photo is GREAT. It made me happy just to see you guys having such a good time, even when encountering a rougue sprinkler!!! :D

[PAPAJIM]

Thanks to all who have encouraged me to take the Bermuda trip next summer.........and PAPAJim....your photo is GREAT. It made me happy just to see you guys having such a good time, even when encountering a rougue sprinkler!!! :D
:o We had a ball-hook up with us next summer-ask Kim-she almost p'd from laughing.
That sprinkler! Thank Gosh I don't wear dry clean only:eek:

[MommyCheryl]

Blistrace: I saw that you lumped me in as a "bullying" poster on this thread. Please tell me what I said that fit that criteria. I disagreed with some, but I tried to be respectful and to present only my perspective.

Frankly I find the way you "called out" specific people to be a bit bullying.

That said, if anything I posted was construed as belittling the experiences and feelings of others, I apologize. That was not my intent.

[MaryM]

Mommy Cheryl -- I just re-read your post that I was reacting to when I "lumped you in" with those I called out for bullying. Here it is:

Well, Gregg, if you're reading this....

Yes it was crowded. But I am stunned by the complaints. I've cruised several times before and I can honestly say this was the smoothest operating, most efficient one I've been on. I was in awe of the respectful and kind way the r family crew in particular handled the situations. Pirate Night? If that's as bad as your vacation gets, consider yourself blessed. We adjusted. It was fine. I was sick for 3 of the 7 days, between Friday's storm from hell and my foolishly forgetting to pack some of my meds. But it was still one of the greatest vacations of my life -- and I've been on some great ones! Kudos to all involved and PLEASE don't feel you have anything to apologize for. Everybody gets cranky sometimes.
Cheryl:p

It was your statements about being surprised at the "complaints" of others, telling R Family that they had nothing to apologize for and stating that "everbody gets cranky sometimes". While I certainly agree that there is nothing R Family needs to apologize for because nothing they did was with malice or having intent to hurt someone else on purpose or accident and that "everybody does get cranky sometimes", to me those statements felt shaming. It was in the same vein as what I addressed in my post - people shaming, judging and putting down others for having a different experience. While I don't feel that your comments or posts where continously mean as some of the others were or think that you meant to be hurtful or shaming, they still sent a message that dismissed what others experienced, shamed them for feeling that way and communicated that they were somehow wrong and you were right. It's just a few words that were probably meant with support to R Family but hurt our family.

I apologize for "lumping you in" with the other folks. I now realize that an email or private message directly to you would have been a better way for me to address it. I'm sorry for the way I did it. I stand by what I felt, what I said and how it was interpreted.

As for your feelings that me "calling folks out" was bullying, I have to say that many times in forums that people take the anonymity of a screenname and internet as a tool to be cruel and to bully people. It happens to Rosie through her website all the time. It gives some people a sense of power over other people and entitlement to say what they want and how they want to say it without consequences or regards for others. My intention in directly addressing those people that I saw doing that was only to directly address them using the same "vehicle" they chose to use. Many times in forums, and it happened in this one with this issue, people post things like, "I'm sad that some people are calling names". It's like the boss addressing all of the staff at the staff meeting about one thing that only one person is doing. Then everyone is paranoid and worried and feels bad, even if they aren't the ones responsible. Take it to the source - that's what I did and what my intent was.

Thank you for responding to my post and for sharing your thoughts. I value you, your thoughts and insights. And...I would love to meet you in the future at an R Family vacation, since it sounds like we both loved the cruise and are excited about future R Family vacations!

Namaste.

Trace

[BListTrace]

Oooops. That last post was from BListTrace and not Mary M. I was logged in as my partner and not myself. Sorry Mary!

Trace

[MommyCheryl]

Trace: Thanks for elaborating. I WAS stunned but I should have said by SOME of the complaints. Because I did think that SOME of them went overboard. (No pun intended.)

I stand by the notion that R Family didn't have anything to apologize for -- I think they did a great job and any problems were dealt with professionally, in my opinion. As for the cranky remark, I thought that was pretty benign. It was mostly directed at some of the people I witnessed on board who were flipping out over small inconveniences.

As for "calling people out" I think it's still an issue. People posted what they posted. Nobody was trolling and if they were, you only responded to their pseudonym anyway. Honestly, I don't think you can compare this to a workplace situation -- nobody is "the boss" and nobody is "an employee." But I digress. I, personally, found your post to be an attack on its own. Clearly, I don't "get" that what I posted was so offensive. But, as I said to you, I don't want to cause any problems or hurt feelings neither to I want to be publicly "called to the principal's office" because something I posted struck you as wrong. So before I change my mind about next year's cruise, I'll stop visiting the forums. No harm, no foul.

Cheryl

[MommyCheryl]

And, Trace, I will only add that I felt very, very "shamed" by you. Just letting you know so you understand that it is, apparently, easy to do even when you don't intend it.

[BListTrace]

Mommy Cheryl --

It is what it is. I hear your perspective and think I understand what you're saying. I'm seeing this discussion from a different perspective and, obviously, you are too. I stand behind my posts and thoughts and respect that you stand by yours. I don't think we are going to meet in the middle on this but believe that we have common ground on wanting the best for R Family, the R Family team, the vacations and our families.

So...let's move forward from here to better places. After reading through some of the other topics and posts, I realize that this issue and discussion are bigger than you and me. I hope that you continue to read and participate in the forums. They are an important part of the R Family community and remind us of the diversity of our families, thoughts and experiences.

I do look forward to meeting you some time in the future and hope to keep our lines of communication open, especially mommy to mommy. By the way, I enjoyed the pun.

Namaste.

Trace

[Familyof 3]

My partner, son and I feel so lucky to have been part of this amazing experience. We are still glowing, and have been sharing our photos with family and friends. Thank you so much Rosie, for spending at least 90 minutes posing for photos with the kids and families. We cherish those photos more than you can imagine.

The cruise was magnificent. Any lines or crowding just seemed to us to be part of everyday life. Thanks to R Family for giving us the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals just upheld Nebraska's constitutional ban on gay marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships, passed in 2000 by 70 percent of the voters. The law is the most restrictive in the nation. One rationale given by the Court is that the governmental interest is the procreation of children in stable marriages. How many intact families with chilren were aboard that ship? How many straight marriages fail? How many straight people procreate children without marriage? It seemed obvious that the judges were looking for a reason for an outcome that they had predetermined.

As I keep telling my son, someday we we WILL have equality. Probably not in my lifetime, but maybe in his. Hopefully, by the procreation and parenting of our wonderful open-minded children we can contribute to that ultimate outcome.

Best wishes to all.

[staceyJessie]

I have been incredibly saddened by the amount of complaining that has been going on throughout this forum. This cruise – and this cruise company - is the only one of its kind. Gregg, Kelli and Ro have given our community something we have NEVER had – a place to be free and love – with ALL of our friends and loved ones – gay and straight – adult or child. I know of no other place where this exists and believe me I have looked. I have been shocked by the amount of people complaining about the single gay men or straight people on board – these are OUR families and they came to support us. How long ago was it that our straight allies did not even exist privately, let alone support us publicly?

This company is run by people – just Kelli, Gregg and Ro. People who work hard day after day to create a safe and magical world for us. People who are paving the way for our children. I am thankful for them and for the entire experience. For seven days I was free to love my wife wherever I was – without explanation, my son was free to love us, to share his views, to be with other multi-racial families, to wear platforms without fear of consequence, to not have to explain his family. My daughter just loved playing and is learning from the beginning that there are many families like hers. I was blessed for seven days to meet straight families and friends who wanted to know us with an open heart and without judgment.

In this day and age, when gay marriage is being voted down, in a country where adoption is not allowed for us all, where we don’t always feel safe being out – to hold hands, to kiss in movies, to introduce our families as they truly are – shouldn’t we all just be thankful that there were enough of us to sell out this cruise ship? I am thankful for the few crowded moments (and I would like to point out that there were very few). It made me feel in my heart that this world is changing. That our families are growing and being supported. This vacation and experience is a gift to all of us on many levels.

Please – instead of complaining, I think we all need to be thankful that we have come so far as a community that we could fill a boat and bring our children to see the world together.

Peace.

[2moms2kids]

Well put StacieJessie. Thank you.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

[.
Some people experienced and feel I'm specifically addressing "fallingdwnstairs", "Mommy Cheryl", "Crazy aka Cheryl", "Tofer610", "ourtribe", "theLAfour" and "WAwaWildBunch". If you don't agree then say like many of the others have, "I don't agree" or "I had a different experience" or "Here's what I saw, heard, felt". Tearing other people down and trying to silence those with opposing views by belitting, labeling and judging the value of their experiences and thoughts not only takes away from the credibility of your own statements and thoughts BUT are the same tactics used by people that create anti-gay civil rights/hate-based legislation and treat gays like pedophiles and broken people.

Please take a lesson from the great purple wrist bands we were given from the Matthew Shephard organization and “ERASE HATE”. I’ve worn mine every day since it was given to me remind me of the struggle of our community, the battles we have ahead every November until attitudes towards our community change AND of what the world could be like if we come together every day like we do for those 7 days (or 8 or less) when we are with R Family.

Namaste.

I did state how I felt.I believe I said it was making me "seasick" to listen to some of the people whining.AND I STAND BY THE FEELING
I was actually thinking of all of the people that would have loved the opportunity to wait in line to see a show or even have a meal.
I did not single out anyone specifically by name however you felt it necessary to do so.
Because you didnt agree with what I said.
Sounds a little hypocritical to me.
I did say as I feel. Critisism is one thing whining is another.
Thanks for the suggestion as to how to express myself.
I think I will stick to writing what is on my mind.
Truth and honesty are not always the most popular things to hear.But sometimes I feel it is necessary to remind people of their blessings.
Do not compare me to people that discriminate.
You know nothing about me.
I spend and have committed my life in service to humanity.
Not so
CRAZY AKA CHERYL
PS God willing I will be on the lines short or long next cruise.
For the FEELING!!!!!!!!!
I just checked some more of your personal opinions on peoples comments.
People are entitled to post their feelings.
Without getting scolded by the principal
Give it a rest.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

[

Please – instead of complaining, I think we all need to be thankful that we have come so far as a community that we could fill a boat and bring our children to see the world together.

Peace.[/QUOTE]

AMEM SISTER.

I FOR ONE COULD HAVE BEEN IN A TUG BOAT I AM HAPPY JUST TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE GIFT TO BE A PART OF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Emma's Dads]

I'm not sure what to say -- ya'll have some varied opinions -- some I agree with...and some I don't.

I think the problem is that we all have set unbelievably high expectations for R Family Vacations -- either based on past experiences or from what we've heard from those past cruisers. Expectations that are not put on any other travel company. We have expected perfection on every single aspect of this cruise, which is unfair because nothing in life is perfect.

This was our second R Family cruise (6th overall)...and the experience was incredible. We're lifers! Our daughter is almost 2 and we're booked on both 2007 cruises. We've been on enough cruises and/or vacations...both with...and without (before our daughter was born) to know that R Family is by far the best and closest thing to perfection out there.

For us, the cruise was utopia -- the place where everyone sailed happily together, regardless of sexual orientation. We were not fazed by the crowds -- it's just a reality of success -- which means they will have more cruises and more chances for my family to experience utopia AGAIN!

We're optimists and REFUSE to be upset ON VACATION!!! We live by this quote...‘We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same."

So we look forward to meeting all of the strong R Families in February and/or July 2007.

Tim

[spddare65]

This is certainly not going to be popular but....... Ok, it was crowded. Ok, reservations were hard to get if you waited till the last minute. They heard you. Is this whining going to go on till next July? Cause I'm starting to get the feeling, there were more children on board than we thought.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

MOMMY CHERYL
PLease stop apologizing for posting your feelings.
The other Cheryl

[spring]

As someone who is considering spending (for me) a month's wages on one vacation (which I have never, ever done in my whole life) - I welcome the constructive criticisms.

After reading every post - I have three questions:

1. There is smoking inside?!?!? I mean, are there designated smoking areas or is it a smoke-where-you-please policy?

2. If the buffets/regular dining options are crowded, is it possible to go back to your room and just order room service? And this is indeed free? As in, all you pay is the tip?

3. This elevator issue - there are stairs right? I can get to my cabin/stateroom via stairs? Is the ship so large that it's worth waiting 25 minutes versus walking for 25 minutes to one's room?

Thanks in advance.

-spring

[KelliODonnell]

spring,
yes, there are designated smoking areas.
yes, you can order room service
yes, there are plenty of stairs

Hope to see you next year.

Kelli

[K&T Cali]

One of the best kept secrets is that you can order room service 24 hours a day and it's FREE! We had a pot of coffee and danish delivered to our room every morning and then ate a late breakfast. We filled out the card and hung it on our door at night and then the items were delivered in the morning at what ever time we put on the card. The room service was our alarm clock.

[wigglewomyn]

Room service as your wake up call; I loved it. Well, the phone rang first to tell me that they were on their way and a couple of minutes later, that lovely knock on the door with a smiling face saying "good morning" and delivering my coffee and toast. I took it out on the balcony, sat and drank my first cup of coffee in peace, watching the water silently float by or if we were already in port, watching the city/town come alive, thinking of all the different choices I had to enjoy my day.

Also, there were nights when I just wanted something small or sweet to eat, after I was ready for bed; I picked up the phone, asked if I could have dessert and a short time later, voila, my night-time snack was there. Can you tell I loved room service? :-)

[wearefamily]

1. There is smoking inside?!?!? I mean, are there designated smoking areas or is it a smoke-where-you-please policy?

According to the NCL website: Smoking is permitted in designated areas in the bars and outside on open decks. All other areas on board ship are non-smoking. We found that our cabin must have been used by smokers on the previous cruise, because it reeked of smoke....but with some airing it did get better by the 3rd day or so.


2. If the buffets/regular dining options are crowded, is it possible to go back to your room and just order room service? And this is indeed free? As in, all you pay is the tip?

Room service is free (except for tip) but is limited to cold sandwiches and pizza on the 'available 24 hours' menu. For breakfast you can only get continental breakfast, so coffee, tea, juice, bread products and limited fruit. If you are in a suite, then you can order from any of the restaurant menus.


3. This elevator issue - there are stairs right? I can get to my cabin/stateroom via stairs? Is the ship so large that it's worth waiting 25 minutes versus walking for 25 minutes to one's room?

Yes, you should certainly take the stairs if possible! But many times we had a baby in a stroller with us, or were carrying a sleeping 3 y.o. after the show, and needed the elevators. There are also many people who must use the elevators for other reasons. We were on the 4th deck on the New England cruise, and while my partner and I were willing to walk up to the pool deck (12th level), we'd rather wait for the elevator than hear the complaints of the kids during the climb! (Also, we didn't have any problems with the elevators on the Summer '05 cruise.)

[rellenich]

Okay, let's be real. The RFamily staff were unprepared, ill-equipped and rather unsypathetic regarding the entire over-crowding affair. While, like many, the Pirate Night fiasco was the poverbial straw for me, it was by no means the end of the disappointment to be had onboard. We waited patiently in line for 45 minutes, corraling 5 children, being pushed and elbowed. With the doors of the Versaille Dining Room in sight, we were briskly told, by a harrowed RStaffer, that the dining room was too full and that we would have to go to Aqua - at which point the entire line was turned around, leaving us at the very end of the new line which caused another 20 minute wait in line! Upon arrival at the new location we were told that there were no more tables available and that it would be another 45 minute wait unless we split our party into two groups which we opted for - only then to be seated in remote corners and promptly ignored by every RStaffer pirate!

The next day, I approached Kelli on deck, and expressed my dismay over the situation and her response was "Oh, I know that was terrible. We had know idea that many people would show up." I was shocked, no apology. Did RFamily not have a passenger manifest? Did they not know how many children were onboard? Did they not expect every one of these children to attend what was advertised as the biggest kid's party onboard?

We gave up going to the shows after the unsafe overcrowding of the Broadway Belters opening night. The entire RFamily experience left me feeling cheated and taken advantage of - my kids, however, had a fantastic time - but they weren't paying the tab!:eek:

[KJS84]

okay here is some food for thought.....what about safety issues......i mean really if there was trouble getting a table for dinner and a seat for a show.....this seem to be an issue that the staff could not seem to get things to run smoothly according to what has been posted here....as we were not on this cruise.....what would everyone do in case of an emergency on the ship.....like a fire or something really serious......it sounds like it was very unorganized from reading all the posts....it sounds like a headache....it does not sound like a vacation to me ........we were on the first cruise and never had to wait in a line for anything...
always had a seat at the show ......
this is my question.....if you want to go on the cruise how do you know how packed it will be?but no one answers my question......i do not want to book a cruise that me and my partner save up all year for to not even be able to get a seat at the show or be able to have dinner before 10pm.........so was the boat overcapicity?....that brings us back to safety issues.....just my 2 cents worth.......
i do think that rfamily does have a heart and are doing a wonderful thing but it just seems unorganized.....which this can be fixed.....:D

[pengwin]

yes I will agree it was crowded. But I think the vacation is what you make of it. It is not up to r family to entertain you although they do. If you were to go on a regular cruise it would be boring. I think the r family crew works their tails off. We were able to watch the shows we could not go to in our room. For us to be with people like us, To have our daughter play with kids like her. For our daughter to be part of our wedding ceremony= priceless

[bafisher]

SPRING: Go at least once. I understand being hesitant about the cost. If you can go once...go and make it the best vacation you have ever had.

The room service is so so fun! We did the same as some previous posters: ordered juice and danish (and WARM milk for toddlers, who eventually picked up the stateroom phone and asked for bottles) for early morning and then went for a later breakfast.

It is an amazing week, like no other......try it!


Beth

[K&T Cali]

In life you can look at things in a positive light or a negative light. Is a line where you have to wait a royal pain in the butt or is it the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with the person standing next to you and get to know them as a person and perhaps meet someone you can stay in contact with?

Is having to take the stairs an opportunity to work off some of the day before's chocolate buffet and run off some of the kids excess energy or is it an inconvenience that you are going to allow to ruin your entire day?

Is being turned away at the pirate dinner the end of your life or is it an opportunity to have a special private pirate dinner with just you and your kids in the cafeteria? Talking like a pirate to each other, pretending that the food is creatures from the sea that the pirate ship has sailed through. Then standing up and having your kids follow you as you walk an imaginary plank down the dinning hall and off the ship?

In my business I have met people that look at minor inconveniences along the way and turn them into major mountains that affect every aspect of their daily lives. Others take it in stride and look at the big picture and end result.

The latter type of person seems to enjoy everything in life more. That is what I strive to do in my life. I can tell you that if you look at the cruise and the big picture you will be in awe as to the amazing overall experience that it is. If you concentrate on the small stuff and let it ruin your entire experience then in my opionion you need to rethink the way you look at all things in your life.

We will be on the next cruise in July and probably most of them after that. We will board the ship expecting to have a week away from the pressures of my job, a week with just us and the kids and Grandma and Grandad, a week where Grandma and Grandad get to spend quality time with their grandkids, a week where we will meet some amazing people from all over the US and Canada that will become our friends, a week to see a part of the world that we would probably never have traveled to, a week where we will feel free to be the people we are and free to show affection for each other, and on and on and on.

Don't sweat the small stuff and you will have an amazing time like we did and like we plan to do again in July!!!!

[spring]

Thanks to Kelli and others for their helpful responses. Clearly the cruise was overcrowded, and full capacity creates crowds. My girlfriend and I hate crowds - bordering on being crowd-phobic and it can really ruin a good time for me very quickly.

HOWEVER, I am extremely easygoing and as my questions might indicate - if there are alternatives then I can change my plans on a dime.

We don't have children and aren't planning on bringing any so I think that's just going to make everything much easier. We don't have 5 kids and all that to take into consideration, so we are going to be very flexible (relative to the other families onboard).

Generally we would be more suited to maybe an Olivia cruise type thing (being that we're a couple) - but really, we want to go on an RFV cruise!! We want to be around the happy gay families and all those other great reasons. And, as others have said, there's going to have to be a trade-off between convenience and community. It's good to go in with one's eyes open and I appreciate everyone's posts on their experience, pro and con.

And my girlfriend tells me it's going to be 2 month's wages - but who's counting, eh?

Thanks again, everyone! We are def. saving up!

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

In life you can look at things in a positive light or a negative light. Is a line where you have to wait a royal pain in the butt or is it the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation with the person standing next to you and get to know them as a person and perhaps meet someone you can stay in contact with?

Is having to take the stairs an opportunity to work off some of the day before's chocolate buffet and run off some of the kids excess energy or is it an inconvenience that you are going to allow to ruin your entire day?

Is being turned away at the pirate dinner the end of your life or is it an opportunity to have a special private pirate dinner with just you and your kids in the cafeteria? Talking like a pirate to each other, pretending that the food is creatures from the sea that the pirate ship has sailed through. Then standing up and having your kids follow you as you walk an imaginary plank down the dinning hall and off the ship?

In my business I have met people that look at minor inconveniences along the way and turn them into major mountains that affect every aspect of their daily lives. Others take it in stride and look at the big picture and end result.

The latter type of person seems to enjoy everything in life more. That is what I strive to do in my life. I can tell you that if you look at the cruise and the big picture you will be in awe as to the amazing overall experience that it is. If you concentrate on the small stuff and let it ruin your entire experience then in my opionion you need to rethink the way you look at all things in your life.

We will be on the next cruise in July and probably most of them after that. We will board the ship expecting to have a week away from the pressures of my job, a week with just us and the kids and Grandma and Grandad, a week where Grandma and Grandad get to spend quality time with their grandkids, a week where we will meet some amazing people from all over the US and Canada that will become our friends, a week to see a part of the world that we would probably never have traveled to, a week where we will feel free to be the people we are and free to show affection for each other, and on and on and on.

Don't sweat the small stuff and you will have an amazing time like we did and like we plan to do again in July!!!!


BRAVO BRAVO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO VERY WELL SAID
CRAZY

[Nancy]

For those who are considering a first time cruise with rFamily...my 2 cents....

CROWDS??? WHAT CROWDS ??!!!! Have those people complaining of crowds or "seat saving" or not enough of "this", or too much of a line for "that" EVER been to DISNEY ????? Or a high school play or a local sporting event or waited to get into a concert or even waited to get onto a bus?? A few lines, a little wait...those are facts of LIFE, not problems with rFamily vacations. Enough about seat saving..it is NOT a crime...I suggest you make some friends who don't mind waiting in line and have them save seats for YOU and then you don't have to be so hostile about some of us saving a few seats !

I was on the ship to Alaska, obviousl. I have no kids..but., I met great families and dined with families who had plenty of kids who used the kids crew all week and NEVER had ONE complaint of a line, of problems with the kids crew staff......I honestly did not ever know there was a problem with overcrowding until this barrage of complaints appeared on this forum....

I believe it is worth every penny you will spend if you decide to go. You will leave with the sense that being gay is okay, it's normal, it's the norm, it's just like having brown hair or green eyes or being chunky or having a good singing voice...it's just one of the things that makes you who you are...and onboard an rFamily vacation...you are given a WEEK to remove the fact that you are gay from your description of who you are...you can just be you and know it is just FINE that you are gay.

I left for 2 weeks more of vacation after the cruise...I left for the 2 weeks and people were moaning about the crowds etc etc etc, I came back..same people still whining...I left for a week in Ptown...now I'm back...more complaining!!!!...I am forced to reply to this forum to say...isn't enough just enough??!! We have now been back from Alaska for over ONE MONTH...I, for one, would love to see an end to the complaints...time to move on and be positive...or, find something else to complain about somewhere in your lives. I'm sure someone will keep you waiting at the deli counter...someone will get your order wrong at McDonalds...stop complaining about rFamily...which has done so much for SO MANY FAMILIES....about 6,000 pages ago...Kelli wrote you all...they HEAR YOU..they are making changes...stop the insanity of the complaining!!

Stop painting a negative picture for those who haven't had the AWESOME experience of an rFamily cruise. I'd hate to think someone missed out on a wonderful trip because someone else was, well, a half-empty kinda person. The rFamily trips are truly fantastic and not to be missed no matter what the nay-sayers say.

I challenge you all to just go on with your daily lives and let's just keep our own memories of Alaska limited to emails to friends we made, photos we took, and leave all this blah blah blah-ing behind us ! I challenge you all to make this the last entry in this thread.
Thanks again to rFamily....

The End

[wearefamily]

I challenge you all to just go on with your daily lives and let's just keep our own memories of Alaska limited to emails to friends we made, photos we took, and leave all this blah blah blah-ing behind us ! I challenge you all to make this the last entry in this thread.
Thanks again to rFamily....

The End

Ooooh, I LOVE challenges! :D

I, for one, am happy that people voiced their concerns about the crowd situation. As you said, those comments where received by R Family, and changes will be made in the future. Less crowding means a better trip for everyone.

Bravo to R Family for making great vacations, and for listening to your clients when things are not perfect! This move alone will keep us coming back.

[3texans]

Rfamilyvacations is a wonderful work in progress, and Kelli, Gregg and staff, we love you and all you do. You have a very loyal following because you have created something that didn't exist! We are quite passionate about our safe haven, and very protective of our rfamily.

I think it may be helpful if we talk about capacity controls on the Dawn and what numbers we'll be looking at for adults and kids. At what point, will we be full, and how will people be told that they can't add grandma, even if there is a bed in the room? Everyone will have a better idea of what to expect, and can hopefully plan accordingly. We are all looking forward to a relaxing and wonderful vacation with our forever connected "boat families." We love you and can't wait until we're together again....

[twomombooks.com]

I was NOT on the Alaska cruise and will say that the crowded thread did make me nervous as we want to go on an R Family cruise but had not booked one yet at that time. We travel to Europe every other year as a family and almost always go off season to avoid crowded conditions.

This said, I appreciated Kelli and Greg's comments about being aware of the issues and I am mindful that this is a business venture.

We are indeed now booked for the July 2007 cruise. It was too perfect for us not to ignore. It leaves out of NYC (we are in CT) and we have wanted to see Bermuda and have a beach vacation for a long time, so we are VERY EXCITED TO GO.

See you on board!

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

For those who are considering a first time cruise with rFamily...my 2 cents....

CROWDS??? WHAT CROWDS ??!!!! Have those people complaining of crowds or "seat saving" or not enough of "this", or too much of a line for "that" EVER been to DISNEY ????? Or a high school play or a local sporting event or waited to get into a concert or even waited to get onto a bus?? A few lines, a little wait...those are facts of LIFE, not problems with rFamily vacations. Enough about seat saving..it is NOT a crime...I suggest you make some friends who don't mind waiting in line and have them save seats for YOU and then you don't have to be so hostile about some of us saving a few seats !

I was on the ship to Alaska, obviousl. I have no kids..but., I met great families and dined with families who had plenty of kids who used the kids crew all week and NEVER had ONE complaint of a line, of problems with the kids crew staff......I honestly did not ever know there was a problem with overcrowding until this barrage of complaints appeared on this forum....

I believe it is worth every penny you will spend if you decide to go. You will leave with the sense that being gay is okay, it's normal, it's the norm, it's just like having brown hair or green eyes or being chunky or having a good singing voice...it's just one of the things that makes you who you are...and onboard an rFamily vacation...you are given a WEEK to remove the fact that you are gay from your description of who you are...you can just be you and know it is just FINE that you are gay.

I left for 2 weeks more of vacation after the cruise...I left for the 2 weeks and people were moaning about the crowds etc etc etc, I came back..same people still whining...I left for a week in Ptown...now I'm back...more complaining!!!!...I am forced to reply to this forum to say...isn't enough just enough??!! We have now been back from Alaska for over ONE MONTH...I, for one, would love to see an end to the complaints...time to move on and be positive...or, find something else to complain about somewhere in your lives. I'm sure someone will keep you waiting at the deli counter...someone will get your order wrong at McDonalds...stop complaining about rFamily...which has done so much for SO MANY FAMILIES....about 6,000 pages ago...Kelli wrote you all...they HEAR YOU..they are making changes...stop the insanity of the complaining!!

Stop painting a negative picture for those who haven't had the AWESOME experience of an rFamily cruise. I'd hate to think someone missed out on a wonderful trip because someone else was, well, a half-empty kinda person. The rFamily trips are truly fantastic and not to be missed no matter what the nay-sayers say.

I challenge you all to just go on with your daily lives and let's just keep our own memories of Alaska limited to emails to friends we made, photos we took, and leave all this blah blah blah-ing behind us ! I challenge you all to make this the last entry in this thread.
Thanks again to rFamily....

The End

AMENAMEN AMEN

[justanothermom]

I’ve been lurking on this forum for months now, but this thread finally got me to write! I am in the “constructive criticism is helpful” camp, because I do think that is the only way to change things. My partner and our 9 y.o. twins were on the Alaska cruise. We were in the planning stages to go on the Feb cruise, but after Alaska, decided against it. There were a lot of great things to love about the R Family experience. For my partner and I, it was just too much work and not enough relaxation for our limited vacation budget. (We can only afford one nice vacation per year.) But, overall, it was a pleasant vacation. (Kind of reminded me of going to Disney...fun, but crowded...and you definitely need some R & R after the vacation.)

For our kids, there was one incident that made such an impact on them, that they are the ones who convinced us not to go again. Near the end of the cruise, there was an “Amazing Race” game for the older kids. There were two versions, one for teens and one for pre-teens (ages 11-13). My 9 y.ear-olds really wanted to do the younger kids game, and talked to the R Family staff about it several times on the day they were accepting registration. The staff was very nice, but really wanted to enforce the age limits, which was totally understandable. I told the kids that there were rules for a reason, and that as they got older, they would be able to do more things. This was accepted, and everything was fine.

Well, the time for the “Amazing Race” contest arrives, and even though they couldn’t participate, our kids wanted to go see the beginning. They were stunned to see that one of Rosie’s kids, who we know from her blog is only 8, was allowed to play the game.

We tried to tell them that these things happen, that having parents who run a business is sometimes an advantage, etc. But for whatever reason, they felt that it was so unfair that it really colored the whole cruise experience for them. It’s the one story they tell anyone who asks about their summer vacation!

Yes, my partner and I think that this is totally unreasonable for the kids to be so upset over this one little incident. But, as an early poster to this thread helped me realize, this is our kids reality. Even if I don’t feel it is valid, for them it is still what they took from the experience. Maybe to a 9 y.o. such things are more important then they would seem to an adult.

I really value the insight provided here, and we will certainly be reading this forum to see how future cruises shape up.

Lisa

[KJS84]

just my 2 cents worth....i think that they should of let your kids play in the game too.....this is sad......i probably would of went to the rfamily staff and pointed it out and questioned it.....at the time of the game but it was probably too late then huh?
take care all