PJK

Our daughter is doing a continuing ed cruise in the Caribbean and wants us to join her. We have never gone on a cruise, but we did go to Cayman once on our own. We have been to Europe 8 times on our own (with lots of help from folks on this web site) and I am having trouble seeing myself on a cruise. While money is not a huge issue with us, we could easily do Europe for the same money, probably considerably less, and I am having trouble thinking that a cruise could possibly be as wonderful as going back to Europe. Does anyone care to comment?

StCirq

Um, not to be too judgmental, but Europe offers, to me at least, about a thousand more levels of culture, history, and art and architecture. Oh, and MUCH better food, though there are certainly some good Caribbean dishes.

Also, I'll admit I hate cruises - did one once way back when all over the Caribbean and thought I'd about die before I got off that boat. It was like Vegas on water - nothing but bars and cheap entertainment and way over-the-top meals and stupid stuff like huge ice carving contests and slot machines and Dinner with the Captain and yuck yuck yuck! And they dropped us off in ports like Dominica where hordes of very poor kids were scrambling for handouts and the cruise passeners were so cold and merciless - I hated the whole experience! Give me a nice week anywhere in Europe instead.

I didn't meet a single person on that week-long cruise, either, that I was the slightest bit interested in. When I travel in Europe I meet countless people I'd like to stay in touch with, and often do. On the cruise, all I kept thinking was I hope none of these people ever tries to reach me again.

MelJ

After several trips to Europe, I went on my first cruise about three years ago: hubby, daughter, two grandsons--on a Disney Cruise. I guess they don't get much better than Disney, but I didn't find myself yearning to get back on a cruise ship the way I immediately yearn for Europe after arriving home.

For one thing, there are only so many trips you can make around the ship. I'd much rather walk out my door and say, "hmmm, which way do I wish to go today? What neighborhood will I explore?"

A cruise is, IMHO, like spending the entire vacation on the property of one resort. Fine if you're looking for total relaxation and not much stimulation, but not exciting or mind-expanding in any way.

tuscanlifeedit

But it's your daughter, isn't it? You say she "is doing a continuing ed cruise" and I am not sure what that means.

How long is this cruise? What is the topic? Where are they going? Does it have an educational focus? Does your daughter live in the same town as you do, or would this be an opportunity to get together with her? Is she going alone? Would your presence make a big difference to her?

If it is something important to her, and she wants you there, wouldn't that sort of override yucky cruise-related stuff?

Personally, I would rather go to Europe than anywhere, but my husband and I take at least one or two trips a year that have more to do with family than destination. Some of these are really wonderful, and frankly, some are awful. But it's family. I don't regret spending time with them. Especially if it makes them happy.

And money is a huge consideration for us.

I am going to Arizona next week, and attending a Nascar race. Now, that is all about love and not at all about my preferences. I would be going to Europe if this had anything to do with me and what I want. But I'm going, and I plan on having a grand time.

blondlady

Big Question - What part of the Caribbean????? If its Mexico way, I would put a lot of thought in it --say like would you be stopping in Cozumel? If so, save it for another year.

AAFrequentFlyer

I also think that if your daughter asked you, regardless of what anybody else tells you, you should go cruising...

It sounds like she is at a stage of her life where she will be ready to move on soon, and this possibly could be the last time the three of you get to spend quality time together. You may never have a chance like this again. Everything else should be a second thought. Just my opinion.

That said, you didn't say what kind of continuing education cruise is this?

I could think of 2 possibilities:

1. Just a regular big cruise ship and her major is hotel/travel management. In that case, unless my child did invite me, I wouldn't do that type of a Carribean cruise either (although I disagree with some of the replies), as the Carribean does have very interesting, rich history if you know where to look for it. The problem is that on a regular cruise ship you won't have time to actually experience it.

or

2.Is she in marine biology, history or enviornmental studies and she's on one of the smaller research/educational type cruise? If that's the case, not only will you spend some quality time with your daughter, but you may find the cruise very fascinating, educational and eye opener. It's a totally different crowd and atmosphere, and you actually get to see some fascinating things. The best part is that these type of cruises have very well known educators, specialists, historians, etc, who just love to share their knowledge. These ships go to places that the big ships just don't and they take their time exploring.

Please let us know what you decided?

Good luck!

travelgirl2

I'd join my daughter. Definitely.

But, I agree that a trip to Europe would be so much more. We always have this dilemma. I feel that an overseas trip is a better use of time and money than anything else. Hubby often wants to go to a Caribbean resort, an Arizona spa, rent a beach house at the Jersey shore, take the kids to Disney. We do all these things, in addition to going to Europe about once every year or two, but I always feel that I've missed an opportunity to have an exotic adventure. He also is pushing for a cruise. I imagine that I would hate cruising (I'm allergic to crowds, crave novelty and variety.) The perfect cruise to me seems to be The World by Residenseas, where people live on the ship and it takes them all over the world, stopping in ports for several days. (Of course, it costs mega bucks, so it will probably remain a dream.)

walkinaround

i'm not sure what you want to hear. this is a europe forum where europe is generally favoured over cruising. you are not just asking opinions on whether people favour cruises or europe but with the issue of visiting your daughter involved, only you can decide. they are obviously very different types of holidays and i think most of the reasons they are different are obvious. if you just want to feel better about wanting to go to europe rather than on this cruise then you'll get plenty of reasoning for this here but to what end?

daisy58

I think I am having an aneurism (sorry)

marigross

They are totally different! I love Europe but I like cruises, I think they serve an entirely different purpose.

It is a great vacation for mothers with babies or small children or when you just need a relaxing, lazy vacation.

I took a cruise to recover from post-project burn out and it was great. At that point I don't think that I would have had the energy to enjoy an european vacation to the max. Our daughter loved it (she was nine at the time).

It IS better than a resort vacation, at least the scenery changes daily. I do not like resort vacations.

Where is the cruise going? Which company are you going with? There is a BIG difference between Carnival and Silversea.....

Tassietwister

I loved Europe when I went way back when but then found other places and Europe seems to be always about 4th on my list now. Though reading these forums sometimes it makes me think...oooh that sounds nice. However still really want to go here, there and everywhere and Europe can wait. Also we are more into nature so Europe is reserved for dreams of great food only.

If you have been to Europe 8 times then do the cruise. There is far more to this world than Europe, far far more. Even if it only serves to underline your love of older cultures it will be a great experience.

kswl

"I am going to Arizona next week, and attending a Nascar race. Now, that is all about love and not at all about my preferences."

Tuscanfeedlit, it sounds as though you are a very, very nice person and an ideal spouse. My hat is off to you.

RufusTFirefly

As others have pointed out directly and indirectly, it all depends on what you are looking for.

If you just need to relax and slow down, or you are real social animals who enjoy just spending time with friends in a relaxing situation, I suppose a cruise could fit the bill.

Personally, I relax and slow down at home in the backyard hammock for a lot less money than a cruise costs. But, for one reason or another, this is not a viable option for many people.

While a cruise isn't something we find particularly interesting, millions of people do find that it meets a need that they have. Different strokes for different folks.

Of course, PJK, you also have the daughter connection to consider--would the time spent with her on a cruise be a quality bonding time that might well have enough added value to make the cruise a good idea?

cmt

It seems that the choice is not so much between the destinations--Europe vs. Caribbean--as between designing your own vacation vs. accepting your daughter's invitation to see her at work teaching a group of people on a cruise.

If the choice were strictly between types of trips--Caribbean big-ship cruise vs. normal (non-cruise) European trip, I'd clearly choose Europe. I've never been on a big-ship cruise, and I'm pretty sure I would hate them. (I did, however, enjoy a sailing cruise in part of the Caribbean on an old "tall ship," but this was a relatively small ship with only about 10 people, we spent almost all our time outdoors, our land stops were often rustic islands, and I love snorkeling.)

As some have pointed out above, I think the family and personal factors may be the most important ones affecting your decision. I don't know what you mean when you say your daughter is "doing" a continuing ed cruise, but I suspect you mean she is one of those teaching or organizing it. For example, if your daughter is teaching a continuing education course in marine biology and would love for you to see her at work in her profession and see the kinds of things she finds fascinating, this may be a great opportunity for you. On the other hand, if she's simply one of many who signed up to take a CPA continuing ed. course, and wants you to tag along for company because the other people are such annoying bores, the trip could be torture.

Voyager2006

As someone else has pointed out, these are two entirely different experiences and each has its own intrinsic value. Millions of people have now cruised and millions have gone to Europe and it is hard to believe that members of either group are "wrong" "stupid" "lazy" and all those other pejorative words sometimes associated with descriptions of who does what. And, depending on what you do either on the cruise itself or in the various ports I disagree that it cannot be "mind expanding" since after all, mind expansion depends entirely on the person whose mind is actually involved and their activities whether on a cruise or sitting in some house somewhere out in the weeds.

If you are "having trouble seeing myself on a cruise" then I suppose that sort of travel experience isn't for you.

But i think the real question may be whether or not your are ADAPTABLE enough to actually TRY something new and finally see for yourself, not to mention the pleasure it might bring to your daughter as well as the communication it might foster between family members.

ira

Hi PJ,

I also suggest that this is a very private decision that we, who are biased toward Europe, can't help you with.

JJ5

I've cruised in my youth and took a Western Caribbean last Feb. to Jamaica, G.Cayman, Cozumel, FL. It was on Princess. It was the first big ship cruise I've done in almost 20 years.

But I've been on smaller higher end better ships as well (MEXICO)for 2-3 day jaunts. You will have time with your daughter on the cruise, but do not think this will be anything like a trip to Europe "on your own".

I've decided I will go on cruises (anywhere- even Alaska) only when I'm too old to make it on my own. This last one we spent 50% of the time in crowds of Americans, Canadians, and British. Cruise stops are short and crowded- you don't get in depth visits- most of the time- just more tender lines and structured tours.

tuscanlifeedit

kswl

I'm not all that nice, just holding to the philosophy that love it nothing more than behaving lovingly. Not that that isn't often hard work. ;-) But thanks for the lovely compliment.

daisy58: I'm worried about you.

PJK: can we hear more details back from you?

suze

When my family wants me to go on vacation with them, I go (it's not about which destination is better). That said, I get seasick, can't picture myself on a cruise either, and would definitely rather be in Europe -LOL.

CatFancier

PJK....I don't think we have enough information about the situation, but if your daughter REALLY wants you to join her (and not just SUGGESTING), and you've been to Europe eight times already, then maybe you should go to the Caribbean, even though the prospect is somewhat less than exciting.

Do you see her all the time? Do you live in the same city? Is she likely to be "moving on" after this? Any of these will play a part in your decision.

I personally would go to Europe at the drop of a hat. You'd have to DRAG me on a Caribbean cruise....but under certain circumstances, I'd go and try to enjoy it.

Maybe you can let us know what you ultimately decide??