CRAZY4TRAVEL

I took a cruise in Alaska which I enjoyed but did not care for the Caribbean cruises I took. I felt like cattle. I can see the appeal of unpacking just once and being able to see so many destinations but I think you lose some of the cultural experience by sleeping and eating on board the ship. Just not my thing.

nibblette

Hate cruises! Not a big eater, dislike being chased around by delusional, old guys (with limited places to go, hard to really hide).
Give me the open spaces and freedom and independence to go where I want.
Nuff said!

Doxygal

My husband and I have traveled many places and love Europe - we toured Italy for three weeks alone on our honeymoon. We also like to cruise and have found ourselves doing so more and more since his diagnosis at age 40 with MS. Don't judge so quickly - not everyone who goes on a cruise is a coach potatoe - it's just easier to push his collapsible wheelchair around the ship and see more things. I have been working out like a dog so I can push him up hills and steps and stuff and tour the four days we have in Rome this summer before a cruise. We didn't plan on the MS - it's crimping our travel style but some of you sound so haughty. We used to hike and camp and stuff like that - we're in our 40s and have to make adjustments - we haven't given up the land tours, but cruising is one of the things we do more of as my husband's condition progresses. It could happen to you.

sweetbippity

Not sure why some people feel the need to look down on others' vacation choices.

I'm not a sun, sand and sea person by any means, but really enjoyed my first cruise last year.

rudidawg

We've not only travelled all around Europe, but have done three cruises. In fact, we will be touring Switzerland, Italy, France, and or course Germany in the fall, and have a cruise booked to the Hawaiian Islands in January. For some destinations, it really is a great way to go. Last summer we cruised to Greece. It would have been impossible for us to do and see all we did on our own. Unpacking once and visiting several places during the week definiately has its advantages. Most of the time spent "on the boat" is at night, anyway.

chicgeek

My husband and I have been married for 42 years, and always swore we would never go on a cruise. We have driven all over Europe, sailed bareboat charters in the Caribbean, and basically done our own thing.

When we wanted to go to Tahiti a few years ago, we signed up for a Renaissance cruise, mostly because of the price offered. We loved it, and it totally changed our view of cruising.

We decided before we went that we would treat the cruise as our "floating hotel", and do our own thing. It was wonderful! We saw several islands, which we wouldn't have done if we had been at a resort. We met another couple with whom we hit it off, and had a blast with them.

After that we did an Alaskan cruise, and once again did our own thing, picking up activities and excursions on our own.

I think the quality of one's cruise experience is more a function of the person than the cruise itself.

We spent almost all of our time outdoors on the decks, absorbing all the beautiful views. I met a woman who was frustrated because her husband spent all of his time in their cabin watching movies!!!

Then for our 40th anniversary, we took our children and grandchildren on a Mexican Riviera cruise. It was perfect for a multi-generational vacation. There was plenty to do for everyone, we could engage in activities either separately or all together.

The best part, I thought, was that it was a wonderful family vacation without anyone having the responsibility. No one had to cook, everyone could do what they wanted, and we all had a wonderful time.

My message is that you can make a cruise whatever you want out of it. My husband and I took a cruise alone together last year, and thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing time for ourselves, too. But we enjoy every trip we take. They are all different, and serve different purposes.

Most of our friends who only take cruises are not as adventurous as we are, and are intimidated by driving and getting around in foreign countries. To each his own.

JJ5

Well said, chicgeek.

With all the different levels, types, sizes, destinations etc. available now-it may be fairly ignorant to judge others choices re cruising. There are so many variables in peoples' physical abilities (and this is often totally unrelated to age)and life situations, plus all the variables in types of cruises. Well, to lump them all together is just silly.

clevelandbrown

Of the people I know personally, the only ones who decry cruises are those who have not been on one. Invariably, those who had expressed negative opinions, but then were dragged onto a cruise by their spouse, have returned with a positive opinion.

I've not been on a cruise, yet, and I'm not particularly attracted to the idea of dining and dancing all day, but I've also received a lot of literature describing cruises that I think would be interesting. There is a lot of variety in the types of cruises available, and I'm sure I could find one that matches my interests.

My dream tour would be to take a repositioning cruise to Europe, then spend a few months there and take a repositioning cruise home. I think of that each time I am crammed into a tourist seat in an aircraft; its a nice comfortable way to avoid jet lag.

Ceci

I've done ten cruises, and nearly twice as much independent land trips to Europe.

What can I say? That I've chosen well, always picking these cruises carefully, based on the itineraries and places where I'd like to go, but not stay longer. I've been to the Greek Islands on three different cruises, combined with some Adriatic and Mediterranean ports, or the Black Sea, the , the Red Sea, the Indic Ocean. I visited many different places, got to see vastly diverse ports like Haifa, Sharm El Sheik, Petra, Aqaba, Sagafa, Dubai, Valetta, Taormina, Dubrovnik, Alghero, among other lovely ports, to which I wouldn't have gone for a longer time, unless I've been before and made sure I'd enjoy them. I've watched the Solar Eclipse on the Black Sea, an unforgettable experience.

And I loved all the cruises I made, except for two, one in the Caribbean, on a big Princess ship, which I hated. And another by the French Riviera, because was a big mistake- it's much better to explore the the region by land, which I did, too. So, I was nearly always very happy with my choices.

Sure, cruising is not for everyone, but it's an easy, sometimes financially advantageous, way to traveling that is almost stress free, safe, practical and comfortable, since one packs and unpacks only once, has no checks-in to deal with, planes, airports , trains, long car drives and all that stressful things I hate, although I love to travel.

When we know what we want, and the choices we have, as well as the constraints that cruising involves, like too little time in port sometimes, or having dinner on board night over night, cruising might be a wonderful, very convenient way of traveling and seeing the world.

To each, his/her own. And I'm still missing the Baltic Sea, which I haven't done yet!!!

LoveItaly

Hello doxygal, I am so sorry your husband has MS. I have a cousins wife whose mother has been fighting MS for years. But she fights on and yes, she and her husband take cruises so that they can travel.

I have also known some other wonderful people that have been diagnosed with MS in their 40's. A few carried on with their life thanks to their wonderful spouses like you are. A few ended up in assisted living homes as their spouses left them as they did not wish to deal with all the problems and life adjustments.

Blessings to you and your dear husband along with wishes you have many more cruises and whatever trips you two are able to take together.

Marianna

We tried a Caribbean cruise once a long time ago and, at that time, it didn't seem to be our thing. However, my husband and I are still planning a cruise of the Nile one of these days.

Doxygal, I understand - things happen and we deal with them a day at a time. May all your travels together be happy, pleasant and joyous!

cmccloskey

I plan my vacations and then see if cruising fits. This year I cruised to Bermuda. I've been there before the traditional way. This year cruising there fit my objectives better. I had two kids with me so one kid (14) did all the kids club things (i.e. he found his pack of peers) while the 12-year-old and I had a trip more centered on her. While in Bermuda they saw everything that I love about the islands. So we had several different vacations all at the same time. The general impression of cruising as dancing-and-dining 24-7 is true if you want it to be. I didn't.
I'm an independent traveler who rents cars and explores, rents an apartment and settles into an area, or does whatever suits my fancy. I won't discount cruising off-hand; it is just a different approach to traveling. Cruising takes me to places (Malta) that are too expensive to do independently. How many people here would make a point of seeing Tripoli or Corsica or Crete? Easy enough to do on a cruise.

Myself, I'm not averse to the odd vacation everything is done for you - someone else drives, and cooks, and cleans... just like a ten-year-old!

My days of schlepping bags on the TGV aren't over, but I can enjoy the comfort of a cruise, when carefully selected to achieve my other goals.

Dohlice

I don't think I could ever go on one. I think it would be a nightmare and all the food I can eat just doesn't appeal to me. And I have no interest in seeing 7 islands in 7 days. I like to wander 1 island ALL week! It also seems that the bigger they become, the less safe they are.

I have friends that have taken a couple of Barefoot Cruises and that seems a lot more enjoyable and cozy.

Tries2PakLite

No -- I'll take either. I've been on great cruises and great trips to Europe.

Hagan

In our LUCKY years, we take one land-based trip (usually to Europe) for the adventure, excitement, cultural education, and yes, the challenge of it. Then about six months later, we take an inexpensive cruise to anywhere in the Carribean with some neighbors for the sheer relaxation and fun of it! We love doing both, but they are very different types of travel.

As for all those folks who have never cruised and have a distinct disdain for it, but think they'd like to do a Wingjammer-type cruise, read on.
My cousin had it in her head for at least the last 15 years that she wanted to do a Windjammer cruise, with Aruba as a port of call. For their 40th anniversary, that's what they did, and unfortunately, hated every second of it. They said it was like "camping at sea", the hubby had to duck everywhere he walked to avoid getting his head knocked off, there was no place to sit on deck, the cabin was hot and claustrophobic with bunk beds. Point being, as much as we all say we love to travel, most of us also like a certain level of comfort as we mature. Some people may look down their noses at the large cruise ships, but they do provide a touch of luxury and privilege that most of us could never have otherwise. I think that's a large part of the appeal, and it's a valid one.

Dohlice

I think at different points or stages of my life, different things will appeal to me. Right now it's just me and my husband and we like either a little adventurous or secluded and romantic. With teens I think a cruise could be fun. I have two siblings who have gone with their kids and they absolutely love it. It might be fun with a group but I don't like to go away with other people. Now that they leave from my city at some point maybe I'd go to Bermuda if it was a great deal. I just definitely wouldn't want to fly to and from one.

I don't in any way look down on people that cruise. Right now it's just not for me.

ilovepwds

I too was an anti-cruise snob. But that was before my husband and our 2 teenage sons took a 2 week Baltic cruise on Celebrity in June. The itinerary took us from Dover to Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Talinn (a must see), Berlin, Copenhagen and Helsingborg/Helsingor (aka, Elsinore for you fans of the Bard) and then back to Dover. Was it whirlwind? Of course. Did we get to immerse ourselves in anyone place? Of course not - at each port we signed on for guided tours. But each and every one of our guides was incredibly knowledgeable, knew the answers to all our questions and, wow, did we learn a lot about the very interesting history of this part of the world - all without having to do massive amounts of research before hand. And sailing into the ports at Oslo and Stockholm - priceless. As for the ship, well, it was wonderful - the food was very, very good and the service was impeccable. The people on the ship were lovely - mostly families and older, retired people - no rowdy types. Also, you never felt like you had to take part in any activities if you didn't want. We chose to see the mini-Cirque du Soleil and an amazing concert pianist. But we never did any organized activities - for us, it was family time. Would I do it again - probably yes. Definitely not to the Caribbean or similar destination. But I would take another cruise where I could learn as much as I did on this one (e.g. Mediterranean) or maybe a more nature oriented cruise (e.g., Alaska or New England/Canada or even the Galapagos). And the best part is you don't have to constantly pack and unpack. Anyway,those who are anti-cruise snobs just might be converted if you chose the right cruise and the right ship and the right line.

Vera

AGREE with OP. I once was standing in line at the airport ready to leave Athens, and a group of cruiseship people were beside me. It was obvious from their conversation that they had met lots of fellow Americans, but nary a Greek in their ten-day trip.

Also, as my husband and I sat sipping our ouzo in a taverna overlooking the caldera of Santorini, we felt so sorry for those people rushing back to the ship. It is like going to a self-contained vacation resort and thinking you have been at the location where it is located. A friend who goes to Africa on safaris frequently, and travels in Europe also, says "When I'm using a walker, I'll consider a cruise."

If you love cruises, I sincerely wish you the best. Enjoy yourself. I'm just speaking about my own preference.
Vera

karens

I am extremely hesitant to step foot on a cruise ship. It's not because I am smug, it's b/c I know how I like to travel. I like to explore and I don't like to be with a ton of other people (I plan to avoid crowds whenever possible, i.e. scheduling "popular places" for weekdays if at all possible, arriving early to avoid crowds, etc). I have been on a beach in St. John early and it was wonderful. Then the cruise crowds came in and it was a totally different experience.

The things that people say there are to do on a cruise, I feel I can do very well at home. I can go to the gym, I can sit by the pool, I can eat, I can hire a babysitter for my kids. I don't need to pay $$$$ to do these things on a cruise ship. I'd rather be exploring.

When I vacation with my kids, I want to be with my kids. If I want to do something with my husband, I go away with him and we then do things that we can't do with the kids, and leave them with their grandparents. I can't see putting my kids in a kids club, and then going to the gym? I can do that at home.

I priced an Alaska cruise for the 4 of us. $6000, not including air. 7 days at sea and only 3 of those days on land. I can't justify this expense. We spend a week in the American west for half that and do a lot more than sit by the pool, spend time in a kids club, etc.

I also balance the cruise with that my kids would like - they would love the big cruise ships with the rock walls, water slides, etc. But that also means a bigger ship and crowds and casinos and other stuff that just doesn't appeal to me.

I also really question the "value" that some people put on crusing. For example, one woman raved how great a deal it is that for $25/day/kid, her kids could have all the soda they wanted. This is a GOOD deal?!? She was spending $50/day on SODA on top of what she already paid for. I don't see that as a vacation value.

I would never say NEVER, but I'm not signing up for a cruise any time soon, either.

karens

P.S. I did read this whole thread. buon giorno - your description made me laugh. And Intrepid, one could guess from many of your posts that you're not getting that much yourself...