How many out there LOVE to cruise?
Jan 27th, 2005, 06:01 AM
#1
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How many out there LOVE to cruise?
Do you love to cruise? Or do you prefer a land vacation. What is your favorite cruise line?
I have a friend, and her and her husband cruise exclusively 3 or 4 times per year. I would tire of the same itinerary, etc. Cruises are fun, and I like them, however, they are a little cliche at times. If I am cruising, I like RCCL. I hated Carnival. However, I know a lot of people that like Carnival.
I have a friend, and her and her husband cruise exclusively 3 or 4 times per year. I would tire of the same itinerary, etc. Cruises are fun, and I like them, however, they are a little cliche at times. If I am cruising, I like RCCL. I hated Carnival. However, I know a lot of people that like Carnival.
Jan 27th, 2005, 08:52 AM
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I think cruising has it's place. I've been on about 8 cruises, and the ones I really enjoy are the cruises where you want to visit a number of destinations in a short amount of time. Similar land vacations cause you to pack and unpack everyday in a different hotel. And sometimes the cruise can reach distant destinations on one trip that you could never see in one trip any other way. Being on a cruise for such a vacation saves a lot of time schlepping your luggage around and you have planned transporation to every destination. Instead of dealing with those things, you can be out eating, sightseeing, and having fun--what vacations are all about.
We've been a a number of different cruise lines as well--the only one I wouldn't go on again is Carnival. Once was enough there.
I don't prefer cruising over land or vice versa, it depends on the destination is what we have in mind for the vacation.
We've been a a number of different cruise lines as well--the only one I wouldn't go on again is Carnival. Once was enough there.
I don't prefer cruising over land or vice versa, it depends on the destination is what we have in mind for the vacation.
Jan 27th, 2005, 08:55 AM
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I agree.. Carnival was terrible. And the real kicker was as we were leaving port, and kathy Lee Gifford comes on teh loud speaker with her singing..."if you can see me now, I'm on a fun ship cruise".
I was ready to jump overboard. She drives me nuts anyway.
I was ready to jump overboard. She drives me nuts anyway.
Jan 27th, 2005, 09:02 AM
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I love to cruise, but I don't choose to cruise over a land vacation just because it's a cruise.
I choose to cruise depending on the destination - specifically, when there's not too much that I'm interested in seeing on land.
I did an Alaskan cruise because of the scenery and I was happy spending just a few hours in each port. I declined a Mediterranean cruise because there's just too much to see on land.
I like the Holland America line. RCCL wasn't bad, but I enjoyed my cruise on HAL better. I'm planning another short RCCL cruise this summer - hoping it will be good.
I choose to cruise depending on the destination - specifically, when there's not too much that I'm interested in seeing on land.
I did an Alaskan cruise because of the scenery and I was happy spending just a few hours in each port. I declined a Mediterranean cruise because there's just too much to see on land.
I like the Holland America line. RCCL wasn't bad, but I enjoyed my cruise on HAL better. I'm planning another short RCCL cruise this summer - hoping it will be good.
Jan 27th, 2005, 10:29 AM
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pdx: A cruise is a basically a resort that takes you to specific places, similar to an "all inclusive", except at the all inclusive, you're almost stuck at the resort or in a particular region. We've been on cruises that allowed us to visit a vast number of places from between 7-14 days including a trip from Fort Lauderdale through the Bahamas, South America, Mexico. Or a trip from Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and the Hawaiian islands. Another that explored European capitals. We haven't gone, but there is the Greek Isles and any caribbean island you wish to travel to.
You have a choice of several restaurants or room service; you never see your luggage from the time you check it in at your departure airport until you hit your cabin (unless you go on Carnival). You have your choice of various modes of activities/entertainment when you don't feel like venturing into port or for days at sea...these include boutique shopping, movies, gyms, casinos, a full-service spa, bingo, classes, wine tastings, going to the pool, laying on the deck OR....just sleeping in your room. Food is served at your convenience any time from early morning until midnight. Many cruises are now equipped with Pizzarias, lunch buffets, sit down restaurants, ice cream parlors, grilles and specialty restaurants or coffee bars.
Perhaps the reason you don't understand the appeal IS because you've never been on one???
You have a choice of several restaurants or room service; you never see your luggage from the time you check it in at your departure airport until you hit your cabin (unless you go on Carnival). You have your choice of various modes of activities/entertainment when you don't feel like venturing into port or for days at sea...these include boutique shopping, movies, gyms, casinos, a full-service spa, bingo, classes, wine tastings, going to the pool, laying on the deck OR....just sleeping in your room. Food is served at your convenience any time from early morning until midnight. Many cruises are now equipped with Pizzarias, lunch buffets, sit down restaurants, ice cream parlors, grilles and specialty restaurants or coffee bars.
Perhaps the reason you don't understand the appeal IS because you've never been on one???
Jan 27th, 2005, 10:42 AM
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I've been on 2 Carnival cruises and hated both of them. The first one I was with my family so couldn't escape. The second one I was with my husband ("try it again for the first time") as soon as we hit the first Island stop, we were of and on a plane back home with a full refund.
They pack way too many people on those ships. There is not enough room for everyone. We had a balcony cabin, which was smaller than my entire bathroom at home, the food terrible (worse than any low end AI we've stayed at),the forced seating with strangers very uncomfortable and the short Island stops just not worth it. Having to just pick one thing you want to see and felt like we were rushing to get back to the ship on time, so not enjoying the site.
DH wants to go to Alaska, and I've looked into a cruise with NCL since they don't do forced seating, but I just can't bare the thought of getting on another ship with all those people. It's on the back burner for now. We have 3 land vacations planned for this year.
They pack way too many people on those ships. There is not enough room for everyone. We had a balcony cabin, which was smaller than my entire bathroom at home, the food terrible (worse than any low end AI we've stayed at),the forced seating with strangers very uncomfortable and the short Island stops just not worth it. Having to just pick one thing you want to see and felt like we were rushing to get back to the ship on time, so not enjoying the site.
DH wants to go to Alaska, and I've looked into a cruise with NCL since they don't do forced seating, but I just can't bare the thought of getting on another ship with all those people. It's on the back burner for now. We have 3 land vacations planned for this year.
Jan 27th, 2005, 10:48 AM
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KVR - what about something like a cruise with Cruise West for Alaska? I've never been on a cruise, but I have looked into Cruise West and it looks like a lot of fun - the ships are small, the focus is on the destination rather than the ship's services, and so on. I ordered the video and was totally sold - unfortunately it is beyond our budget at the present time.
Jan 27th, 2005, 10:53 AM
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Cruises are perfect for family reunions and groups. I love them for that - you can be as active or sedentary as you like, no big decisions over where to eat tonight, no agony over finding a big enough table... However, when vacationing with my husband and/or immediate family, we much prefer "land" vacations. By the way, you get what you pay for. There is a huge difference between Carnival/Royal Caribbean type lines, and the really high-end lines, like Radisson and Crystal. Food, service, even cabin amenities really improve the more you pay.
Jan 27th, 2005, 11:35 AM
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Interesting post. There are so many people that do cruises only for vacation, then there are those that go to Disney world only for vacation, then there are some who go to the same island destination time and time again.
I personally like to mix it up...its a big world out there.
We took our first cruise last year. We went on a Western caribbean (because we have never ben to that side of the caribbean) on Celebrity. We had a suite with a butler and a balcony. It was a large sunny cabin, and it was nice to have a space of our own to go to. That being said, we are accoustomed to going to different locations but enjoying our own space. We go on vacation to have quiet time together, not looking to make new friends, sit around an overcrowded pool and watching people gorge themselves on all you can eat food. We also did not like being on a schedule on vacation, meals, excursions, etc all have to be on time. We aways found ourselves rushing as to not be late for something. We did not like having so many people in such a small space, espically at dinner. Even though we had a tble for 2, you have 2 other couples on either side of you sticking their nose into your business. I did not think that would be an issue, but it was. There is a lot to do on a ship but not the kinds of things we like to do.
On the other hand, I can see why they are popular. There is a great value for your dollar (depending on the cruise line). It is a worry free kind of vacation, not having to worry about meals, entertainment. It was ok, not my favorite. Maybe we are just not "there" yet. It will be a long time before we go on another as we are used to smaller resorts, less people, and no rules.
I personally like to mix it up...its a big world out there.
We took our first cruise last year. We went on a Western caribbean (because we have never ben to that side of the caribbean) on Celebrity. We had a suite with a butler and a balcony. It was a large sunny cabin, and it was nice to have a space of our own to go to. That being said, we are accoustomed to going to different locations but enjoying our own space. We go on vacation to have quiet time together, not looking to make new friends, sit around an overcrowded pool and watching people gorge themselves on all you can eat food. We also did not like being on a schedule on vacation, meals, excursions, etc all have to be on time. We aways found ourselves rushing as to not be late for something. We did not like having so many people in such a small space, espically at dinner. Even though we had a tble for 2, you have 2 other couples on either side of you sticking their nose into your business. I did not think that would be an issue, but it was. There is a lot to do on a ship but not the kinds of things we like to do.
On the other hand, I can see why they are popular. There is a great value for your dollar (depending on the cruise line). It is a worry free kind of vacation, not having to worry about meals, entertainment. It was ok, not my favorite. Maybe we are just not "there" yet. It will be a long time before we go on another as we are used to smaller resorts, less people, and no rules.
Jan 27th, 2005, 11:45 AM
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A 2 or 3-day cruise can be a lot of fun, but much longer and I start going stir crazy, regardless of how big the boat is or how many activities they try and create.. (Does anyone really go on a cruise to play miniature golf or go rock climbing?)
A buddy of mine who was in the business for many years told me the repeat business for most cruise lines is less than 10% -- which probably accounts for the massive amounts of advertising we see on TV and elsewhere for these cruises.
My biggest beef with cruises is not having any control over my time. For example, if I'm interested in a given port of call and want to stay for an extra day, or even an extra few hours, I hate not having that option.
A buddy of mine who was in the business for many years told me the repeat business for most cruise lines is less than 10% -- which probably accounts for the massive amounts of advertising we see on TV and elsewhere for these cruises.
My biggest beef with cruises is not having any control over my time. For example, if I'm interested in a given port of call and want to stay for an extra day, or even an extra few hours, I hate not having that option.
Jan 27th, 2005, 12:18 PM
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I'd rather land travel, but I do not put people down who choose to cruise time and time again. They know what they like, and they are usually extremely sociable people who love the interaction at each price level. It's completely different on various vendor lines.
There are so many cruise web sites for addicts- that I find it hard to believe that they are unpopular as you make them sound. Many people never go on vacation or travel at all- just do not feel the urge to see what's over the next hill. And also they find the entire process burdensome and tiring in details of arrangement. I find it difficult to read condescending opinions about other people's travel habits time and time again here. It is the worst aspect of these boards, much worst than the trolling- IMHO. At least they are traveling. And also as people age, this is one of the only ways they may have to group or go logistically. IMHO there is a value judgment here that's not kind or positive. If you don't like cruising, just don't go again. You don't have to critize others for what they like. WDW and Carnival have darn good businesses and they didn't get there by not pleasing their customers most of the time.
I myself could never take my 83 year old mother in her wheelchair on vacation any other way. She doesn't even want to access the planes anymore. Nor would my 35 year old son been able to go down a waterfall on a tire in Belize without Carnival. He could never have afforded to bring 6 of them there, any other way. Why diminish these kinds of effort to TRAVEL? Not everyone can afford the Windsurf or Seabourne, maybe not even 1 out of 10 of us could.
I would never go on any venue with those numbers and expect to not converse.
There are so many cruise web sites for addicts- that I find it hard to believe that they are unpopular as you make them sound. Many people never go on vacation or travel at all- just do not feel the urge to see what's over the next hill. And also they find the entire process burdensome and tiring in details of arrangement. I find it difficult to read condescending opinions about other people's travel habits time and time again here. It is the worst aspect of these boards, much worst than the trolling- IMHO. At least they are traveling. And also as people age, this is one of the only ways they may have to group or go logistically. IMHO there is a value judgment here that's not kind or positive. If you don't like cruising, just don't go again. You don't have to critize others for what they like. WDW and Carnival have darn good businesses and they didn't get there by not pleasing their customers most of the time.
I myself could never take my 83 year old mother in her wheelchair on vacation any other way. She doesn't even want to access the planes anymore. Nor would my 35 year old son been able to go down a waterfall on a tire in Belize without Carnival. He could never have afforded to bring 6 of them there, any other way. Why diminish these kinds of effort to TRAVEL? Not everyone can afford the Windsurf or Seabourne, maybe not even 1 out of 10 of us could.
I would never go on any venue with those numbers and expect to not converse.
Jan 27th, 2005, 12:39 PM
#17
No one has mentioned getting sea sick! Has anyone gotten sea sick? That is my apprehension for trying a cruise. I feel that I will be stuck for a week feeling uggh....Any comments? Otherwise I think it would be a ton of fun to try. You get to see a little bit of everywhere and for some places, I am sure that is enough. On the other hand, you may discover a great new place to spend a week.
Jan 27th, 2005, 12:46 PM
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The small ships of the Clipper Cruise Line are very nice and the food is surprisingly good and varied. They are US flagged and crewed and the 2 'fer specials from USAA/Intrav make them great bargains.
We have done the Panama/CR and the US and British Virgin Islands. Alaska is next on our list.
M
We have done the Panama/CR and the US and British Virgin Islands. Alaska is next on our list.
M
Jan 27th, 2005, 02:03 PM
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Went on a Carnival cruise 5 years ago-never again Carnival. The only good part was that it introduced me to Grand Cayman, where we often vacation now. If we ever go again, it would have to be on a better cruise line and mainly for the purpose of seeing some southern caribbean islands for future vacations.
