cruise with another couple?
 

I am planning a cruise and am trying to figure out if it would be a good idea ti invite freinds along or should we (husband) just go by ourselves. We all have children who are not coming. PLease help with opnions, i do not want to feel like we have to entertain each other 24/7 so let me know if is a good idea one way or another. p.s. going on RCCL. thanks

I don't think anyone can truly answer this for you - its an individual decison. However, I think that if you do go with friends, you should not feel shy about saying that you do not need to spend all of your time together. You can play by ear how much time to spend together, and not feel pressure to be with each other all of the time.

Kitty,<BR>I agree with Howard. We occasionally travel with friends and it has worked out well. We are taking a Princess cruise with 4 friends in July. Our policy is to have a frank conversation about expectations before they book with us. My husband and I don't spend every minute together, I don't want to do it with friends either. Generally, we meet for breakfast (those who are up and do breafast), and then meet again late afternoon or early evening for cocktails and dinner. Everyone has their own experiences of the day to talk about. Sometimes we do shore excursions together on a cruise or programs during the day that interest any or all of us. Main thing is that everyone knows what is expected, or not expected. Works for us. Try it.

If you don't travel with friends, you will make friends on the ship. Our first cruise we tried the "together" thing and had a table with 6. It is much more fun to be at a large table (8 or 10)and get to know other people. THere is a mentality that since you don't know these people and won't see them again, you open up and share much of your experiences. It is great way to enhance your experience. <BR>During the day, do your own thing and not be beholden to others.<BR>You will have a great time no matter what. You do have to go into cruising with the right mental attitude (ie crowds, cramped living quarters).<BR>Do your homework on ports to know what excursions, if any you want to do.<BR>Have fun.

Kitty--- A little of both--<BR>We met a great couple on a cruise we did 2 years ago--became friends and went on another cruise with them this past Nov....<BR>BOTH were great-- It is fun meeting new people and also fun going with friends,whether they live near you or not----<BR><BR>Most of the time we go alone and hope we meet nice people.....and most of the time ,it is nice....I can say in 27 years of cruising, we have only had to change table 2 times.<BR><BR>As far as going with people we know real well...that would be great also.<BR>But we NEVER spend ALL our time with friends--we may spend time at the pool with them,and have dinner and maybe,just maybe, the show--but there is plenty of space on these ships to go your separate ways....<BR><BR>Usually on the islands, we start out together-or all the women start out together--and somewhere during the course of shopping we get split up--<BR>It's not earthshattering to be split up, nor is it mandatory to be joined at the hip----Just sit down and explain what you are looking for with your friends that you would possibly be travelling with...........And enjoy yourselves!

Here's a hint. If you travel with friends or family, do not book adjoining staterooms. The farther away the better. You can stay in contact by phone.<BR><BR>Paul

Hi, We have cruised and done land based trips a few times with other couples and families. Cruising gets our vote. There is plenty to do for everyone. No need to always stay together. The many activites will surely lure some away f<BR>rom the pack, and others may just choose a quiet spot in the sun. We usually meet back up for dinner, but have no qualms about staying in for room service. Especially when we travel sans children. Have a great trip.

hi everyone,<BR>we're sailing sat. with friends of 40 years. we got them hooked on cruising last year. we don't stand on ceremony for anything, we all do our own thing, he'll go to the gym,she'll lay around the pool reading, me likewise with my hubby. we have cabins on different decks so we have our own space. you have to feel comfortable with the people you're with. we're already working on next year to hawaii. it's so much better than hoping to meet peoople you'll click with, & if you do, that's an added bonus.<BR>pepper

we often cruise with friends...but our policy is.....during the day do your own thing and meet for dinner at night.....sometimes you do things together on land but most often not. It works well and weve done it for years

Kitty,<BR><BR>Are you swingers?<BR><BR>JJ

no we are not, just freind who are traveling together. why did you assume we were and not any of the others that posted?????

my husband & i have cruised w/friends & family...the trips have worked well because we do things separately during the day. generally, we meet for dinner. if we happen to meet up with them during the day we spend some time together. we have also planned activities together during the day. we have a clear understanding that we are not "joined at the hip" and there is no obligation to participate in group activities.