I really enjoyed this thread. We have never cruised feeling like it wasn't for us. We like a bigger room and a king size bed is a must. We also wondered how we would do without a beach. Recently, we have been hearing so much though from people who carry on about all of the special foods and the activities, the shows, the dancing, etc. Some very good points were brought up here that we never would have thought about - like all the people around the pools and lines on the way to eat. So, thanks for helping us make an informed decision.

IN GENERAL THEY PRETTY MUCH ALL SUCK.MAYBE SOME OF THE SMALLER SHIPS THAT GO TO THE NICER ISLANDS MIGHT BE WORTH LOOKING INTO,OTHER THAN THAT YOU CAN KEEP EM

t

Interesting thread! I and my partner travel a lot, almost always on our own. Of course, to each his or her own when it comes to what kind of travel on does, but we are the types who dislike tours, group travel, etc. and always looked at cruises as the epitome of that style of travel. I must admit that as someone who loves to plan the details of my own independent trips, I look down a bit at some others who in the group travel barely seem to know where they are, or what is there for them to see, etc.<BR><BR>A good example of this is looking at some postings (on other travel boards) regarding Cartagena, Colombia. A discussion was going on whether the port was too unsafe to get off the ship at all, vs. braving it by taking the organized cruise excursion. In the meantime, we spent a vacation in Cartagena, and loved it. The people on the cruise tours we saw, even given that they were only in port for a few hours, missed the best places of the city. They were taken to places that could handle groups - not the worst places of course, but they missed out.<BR><BR>Anyway, guess what our next vacation will consist of - a cruise! However, because we did not want the typical port a day cruise on a large ship - we are sailing for 14 days across the Atlantic, on a ship that holds only 150 passengers. We are going for the cruise experience. People we know can't fathom why we are doing this - usually, even when we go to beach areas (not too often) we wind up doing a lot of sightseeing. I am even questioning what I will do all day, and hope I won't be bored. I figure I am going to expereince something new for myself, and bring lots of reading material, board games, cd's, and we shall see. I am hoping that there is a lot of interaction between people on the ship, but of course I can't know how that will pan out until the cruise actually starts.

Howard<BR>I hope you enjoy your cruise!

Message to Marla - thanx!!<BR><BR>I plan to post my thoughts on my return.

ttt

My goodness - I would have never imagined there would be so many people out there who would have hated cruising. It's unfortunate, but to everyone who did not enjoy their time 'onboard' - perhaps you should have researched your information a little better. Some ships hold 3500 people, while some only cater to 600 - it all depends what you are looking for. If you don't want to line up all the time, and be herded like cattle, then choose the appropriate cruise. If you are looking for a basically all inclusive vacation, where food, most airfares, accommodations, shipboard activities, and travel to various ports of call are included, then cruising is the way to go. I agree with Steve - it's all what you of make it...and next time - choose a different travel agent who will 'ask' what you are looking for in a cruise, so that they can find the right one for you. Bon Voyage.

Why did I just know this thread would make the cruisers defensive??? <BR>First, I did hours of research using this board and others as well as reading and talking to a TA. We selected the itinery/ship very carefully.<BR>Second, I can't really say anything bad about the experience as a whole so there is no need to feel so defensive.<BR>Finally, I have friends who love to winter camp which sounds god awfull to me but to each his own.<BR>Cruising is simply not for everyone and to imply that we did somthing wrong is totally missing the point.

Good point BJ - and it's true, cruising is not for everyone - however, those who disliked cruising for various reasons (ports of call, number of passengers, regimented schedule (thinking they have to participate in everything), massive line ups..etc)-it would have been nice if their TA's, picked something that was more suited to their customers needs/wants...not just booking them on the first/largest ship they wanted to promote, thinking it was what their customer wanted.

Could not resist responding. I've done a least 8 cruises, and loved them all! Going on Southern Caribbean Jan 26. Have already booked either independent tours and/or leased a car. Cruising is what you make of it. I never stand in lines for food. Many times just do room service, take advantage of grills and pizzerias. Do not let the cruise lines regiment me. Always take alcohol on board, as I refuse to spend their prices for louzy drinks. Cruising is a fantastic way to check out a lot of ports to decide if one is worth returning to. You are all right, that shore excursions are "canned" and set up for tourists. You just have to venture on your own for maximum experience. I've cruised Europe, Holy Land, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa just last January and am really looking forward to January 26!!

Sometimes you can research til your eyes fall out, and have a great travel agent who tries to figure out exactly what you want. But you know what? Sometimes that doesn't matter and you have to actually EXPERIENCE it to decide if it's what you like or don't like. To say one didn't research enough or didn't have a good travel agent isn't always the case when someone is disappointed with a trip.

I haven't been on a cruise, I'm pretty sure it's not for me, an AI is too regimented for me, I'm with the local culture, eat where/when you want, travel on your own crowd on that.<BR><BR>I do want to say though, that the only time you have to hold hands with hundreds of strangers at Dunn's River Falls is if you go with a large group. Hire a private driver to take you there and you can do whatever you want! We did, and climbed a little, walked the path a little, and swam in the pool or just hung out - as long as we liked, no rush at all.<BR><BR>Non cruisers may wish to avoid it on cruise days though, because there ARE so many people there then.<BR><BR>:) Liz

Is that Marla of the "yawn cruise" post? Is that why you didn't post the promised update?

For what it is worth I went on a Carnival Cruise about 8 years ago and really didn't care for it. I am a little on the snotty side so the "all you can eat buffets" and the people missing teeth were a bit much for me. My second cruise was on Windstar Cruise which only has 300 people and is very elegant but also laid back. I loved that. I guess the moral of the story is that there are lots of travel experiences out there and you have to really know yourself to get what you want in a vacation.

topping

We are looking into a cruise for our 25th anniversary and had some brochures out on our kitchen counter. It is funny how different your perspective can be - my wife looked at the aerial shot of the pool/deck and said wow - look at the size of that ship!!! My nineteen year old looked at it and said - Wow - look at all those chairs....looks crowded!! So there you go - it all depends on what you look for!