Sue O

We are considering going on our first cruise ever to Alaska on the Holland America Line. (Inside Passage). My husband is a person that needs things to do all the time - no sitting by the pool for him. Our friends tell us that there is "plenty" to do on ship. Can someone tell me what that "plenty" entails? I'd like to figure out if he will be stir crazy by day two.

Jay

Maybe he'll enjoy a napkin-folding course or bingo

Rhea

Is this for real? If you're really serious re your question, why don't you ask HAL via your TA to send you one of the daily newsletters which covers events from 6 A.M. - to the wee hours DAILY. <BR>The newslettter is 11x14 folded into a 4-page brochure so do allow sufficient time daily to high-light what might interest him. <BR>And he make have to go to the naplin-folding to relax after using the Nautilaus equipment assuming he's in shape!

John

There's always some "down time" on a ship but no more so that on any vacation. I like to stay occupied as well so I sympathize. Alaska is beautiful and the scenery truly can keep you busy a lot more than you might think. The ships offer dance lessons, spas, art auctions, shopping, 24-hour food (he can always eat!), bars and clubs, casinos, shuffleboard, internet cafes, etc. Also remember that there only 2 "at sea" days in Alaska so you'll be in port cities for about 8-10 hours each day for four days.

Pat

Sue, <BR>It depends upon what kind of things he enjoys. Certainly there is a lot to do if he enjoys meeting people, bingo, shuffle board, wildlife lectures, treasure hunts, excersice classes, tours of the bridge and the kitchen, trivia games, card games, etc. The ship we were on (Westerdam)had a gym and basketball. At night there are movies, live shows, dancing, and the casino. I would imagine that the newer ships have more options available. Of course, you are in ports three days and you are up-close-and-personal with the glaciers and wildlife while in the park on one day. <BR> <BR>We took this cruise last year and enjoyed it very much. BUT, you should note that we don't participate in most of the group activities. While on ship, we stayed on the deck, enjoyed the scenery, took pictures, walked the deck, talked to other passengers, and read books. It is a very relaxing cruise. If this is not your husband's cup of tea, you might opt for a cruise with more exciting port-of-call than Alaska has to offer, or choose a bigger ship which might offer a broader selection of ship activities. <BR> <BR>Although we like HAL very much, you should note that the passenger age group is mainly mid-40s and up. (Some will tell you the average age is 70! On the cruise we took, the age range appeared to be mostly mid 40's to mid 60's, with very few young adults with young children.) <BR> <BR>Let us know what you decide! <BR> <BR>Pat <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Paige

I was concerned about my husband being bored before we took our first cruise also. I can sit on deck and enjoy a book all day but he can't. As the previous poster mentioned, you are only at sea for two days. My husband spent these days mainly on deck enjoying the scenery which is spectacular. There is also the nautilus center, usually a movie in the cinema, a lecture on ports, wildlife, etc, art auctions and all the things previously mentioned. I don't think he'll go stir crazy.

Lydia

Sue, I agree with all the others about things to do on the ship. We've traveled the inside passage three times and plan to go again in the future. Read the activity sheet that they put in your cabin every evening so that you can plan what you want to do on the ship the next day. <BR>When the ship is docked though, they don't offer very many things to do and rightly so because you are in port and there are things to do and see off the ship. But while at sea there are so many things planned that so often you must pick and choose because a lot of fun things overlap each other. A lot of the daytime activities have already been mentioned in the previous posts above. <BR>In the evening they also plan group activities, like quizzes, sing-a-longs (our favorites) and karoke, mystery games too many things to mention. <BR>If your husband likes yard work or gardening or those kinds of things, busy work with his hands, he may be bored. But on a cruise, in order to have a great time I think you must be open and enjoy meeting people and there are certainly a lot of people from all walks of life to meet. Just go, let your hair down and enjoy!!!

X-cruiser

My (limited) experience is that most things to do are offered on days the ships are at sea. Those activities are often jam packed, as demand far outstrips supply for anything even remotely worth doing. Factor in that you may have to eat on the ship's schedule, and I think it gets tough to have a relaxing vacation filled with meaningful activities on a cruise. It's like going on vacation and being forced to stay at your hotel for a few of the days (and being forced to come and go at port on the ship's schedule as well). Even if they have hokey activities, it is still a confinement some active people like me don't like at all. <BR> <BR>Anyway, I've never done the kind of cruise you mention, so perhaps they are different in some way. Maybe better would be to plan out a nice land-based vacation where you can ratchet up the activity level as you see fit?

Sally

<BR>If you are under 35 I would consider another line for your first cruise. Altho the above posts are correct, these activities are not what I prefer to do on the days at sea. Enjoying the views, and other passengers are more my cup of tea.

Frank

For first time cruisers who are not certain they will enjoy a cruise, I would recommend a short, cheap cruise. No more than 4 days on an older ship that is offering a low price. This is a good way to sample cruising and see if you like it. You can than graduate to a longer and more exotic (expensive) cruise like Alaska. If you happen to live near a port like New York, Miami, etc. it's even better since there is no air expense. Also make sure to bring along and take Bonine or something similar since nothing will ruin a cruise like getting seasick. Lastly, weather will play a big roll in your enjoyment of the cruise, more so than a land based vacation. Keep in mind that the Alaska inside passage cruise is a lot less reliable than the caribbean and frequently has both rainy and cold weather.<BR><BR>

crusin'

When I went on my first cruise with my daughter I didn't know if I would be able to keep myself busy...I hate the sun (or so I thought) and certainly couldn't see myself sitting by a pool all day...believe me...it wasn't a problem...the problem was finding enough time during the day and night to do the activities that are usually planned.... <BR> <BR>Each day there is a 4 page activities sheet placed outside your door (at least on Princess)...what you've got to do is figure out how to do it all without missing a thing....there are usually two to three shows planned for the evening...along with movies, piano bars, etc., etc. Many ships have libraries and believe me, sitting around the pool won't be boring...there is plenty to 'see'...although I have a friend who traveled to Alaska and said there wasn't much poolside sitting since the weather is a bit chilly. <BR> <BR>On Princess there is usually a little 'party' planned, especially during their sail a ways.....if you sit at a table with at least 6-8 others, you'll probably make some friends...there are shore excursions, etc. Of course, you can always eat. <BR> <BR>My husband jogs...he did that...he excercises...he was able to do that....there'll be plenty for him to do...if there isn't, then don't go on another cruise.