what is so great about a cruise?
 

My husband and I have recently retired and want to plan a romantic trip for the two of us. My friends tell me we should go on a cruise, but it just doesn't sound like much fun to me. Everything looks so crowded...small room, small pool, etc. It also sounds rather rushed...into a port and out of the port. The food sounds good, but I'm not much of a buffet person. So what's the attraction of a cruise? There are certainly a lot of people who go on them so am I missing something here?

For a romantic vacation, forget the cruise and head to Europe for a few weeks. Nothing more romantic than a cafe in Paris or a villa in Italy.

What I like about a cruise is the choice of doing everything(organized activities, sports, massages, sightseeing, etc..) or doing nothing at all. There is a great mix of activities and you can opt in or out, it's up to you. The only buffett on the cruises I've been on is the midnight buffet, other meals were sit down dinners and quite well done. I thoroughly enjoy a cruise!

Vicki,<BR>You want to know the best thing about a cruise? YOU ONLY UNPACK ONCE! Also, it is great to be waited on hand and foot for your meals and have your room taken care of twice a day! We love cruising! You should try it!

Here's what is great about cruises:<BR>You only unpack once<BR>You never have to decide where to eat<BR>You can see many destinations without driving<BR>You decide how active or relaxing your vacation is going to be<BR>That said....it's not for everyone, but my husband and I love them. We've been on two 3 day and three 7 day cruises over the past 3 years!<BR><BR><BR>

I agree that cruising is fun... it is totally stress free. I mean how hard is it to pick a couple of outings.. or pick no outings at all and go it alone. I do think that I enjoy not cruising better though. The reason is that I enjoy spending more time in one place. I guess I would like to do a cruise that also incorporates a few days in a hotel somewhere. I have only been on one cruise though. It was fun. I am pretty young though and we were on our honeymoon. The one thing I didn't like was that we took a small cruise and there were only about 20 people on the boat under 55 and that includes the kids! Anyways, I will definitely go on a cruise again. I just love being on the boat! Erica

I'm with you Vicki.<BR>I don't like 'plastic vacations'.<BR>I like to go where I want to go, when I want to go there, and I don't get stressed travelling abroad. In fact the navigation and exploration are a source of enjoyment for me (my wife, on the other hand, would decompensate if told to navigate abroad...but she's happy to be the passive observer).<BR><BR>Maybe one of the fundamental differences between those that like cruising and those that don't is the tendency to be independent and to enjoy the unexpected/unknown?<BR><BR>

My parents LOVE cruising, but I myself am not a fan. I'd prefer to make my own plans.<BR><BR>My parents loved cruising because they only had to unpack once, and they get to go to lots of different places. My mom likes it because the boat travels at night while you're sleeping, so she never even noticed. She'd wake up and find herself in a new place.

John: What's a "Plastic Vacation"? Have you done much cruising?<BR><BR>Believe it or not, people can like both cruising and independent traveling abroad. I happen to be one who likes to take different kinds of vacations and can see the pluses and minuses of both cruising and touring on ones own. <BR><BR>I don't knock either, I find it gets tiresome to take the same types of vacations, even if to different destinations. The more variety the better. <BR><BR>

Vicki,<BR>Plan a nice trip to Europe - you can do it yourself and you can go where you want when you want. We took one cruise and never again! (glad I went tho, at least I know what I did not like about them now). Too "packaged", NOT romantic at all unless you like to eat at a table with other couples (and/or their kids), small cabins, so-so food, VERY limited time in ports and very overpriced shore excursions. True you unpack once, but you can choose 2 great destinations in Europe for example and stay put and do day trips and/or really 'see' the cities. I'd recommend Paris and whatever else suits your personalities (London or Rome perhaps?). If you are into the "beach" aspect of a cruise you get to send hardly any time on one .. if that is your aim got to Hawaii or Spain. Cruises cater to families more and more and if your idea of a nice trip is not surrounded with kids then don't do it. I think people are brainwashed into believing cruises are bargains, after all your food is "incuded". True, but you are paying for it as part of the total price. Many ships now have dining options - for an extra $10, $15 or so you can eat in a separate dining room. That adds up too. Everything we saw on the cruise was a way to get your money, granted you do not have to buy (and we did not) but they are constantly in your face taking photos that they want you to buy, they have "art" auctions, way overpriced drinks, etc. All in all it was not the greatest of vacations. We normally vacation in Europe and prefer making our own arrangements, etc. I'm sure many will argue that a cruise is great - well, that is their opinion and for them maybe it was - but I've heard lots of complaints about them too. All in all I'd call it the least romantic vacation of all time (sort of like a summer camp atmosphere!). Head for Paris, watch the city lights come on at dusk from atop the Eiffel Tower .. that's romantic.

I agree with Frank. My husband and I like vacations period! We've done 5 cruises over the past 3 years, but have also taken at least 10 other "land" trips (driving and/or flying) during our 11 year marriage. It depends on what destinations and activities appeal to you. The cruising is great for the Caribbean, but I wouldn't go to Hawaii on a cruise (that's our next trip). We did London in 1994 completely on our own and loved every minute of it (except for the rainy weather of course!) Three years ago we went to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. This was a fabulous trip with lots of hiking, biking, sailing etc. What do you like to do?

For our 30th wedding anniversary I thought we'd try something different...a cruise..Well, it is great value for your $$.. take you to ports that you normally wouldn't have a chance to visit. You don't have to make reservations..you have a choice from extensive menus...your room is kept immaculate and your waited on hand and foot.. We are about to celebrate our 47th anniversary and I can't think of a more romantic way to do it. Nights under the warm Carribean or South American skies with balmy breezes.. One of the secrets is to find a cruise that has days at sea..going to a new port every day is exhausting.. We have been to several

Sorry..computer froze.. We have returned to several of the ports for a weeks vacation.. We also do land trips..and we have been to Europe several times, and are getting ready for a weeks vacation in the Carribean, but I think being retired myself that a cruise is great.. Find one that takes you to exotic places, places you've dreamed about.. and go for it..

My parents, who are active and curious travelers who have traveled extensively in the U.S. and somewhat extensively in Europe, recently took their first cruise. They said they enjoyed it, but probably wouldn't do it again. They attended talks and lectures, and went on the shore tours & stops, but said for them, as they're not the type who enjoys lounging around the pool, there wasn't enough for them to do on the boat. On the food, they said it was very good, but how much food can one eat?<BR><BR>Think about what you've enjoyed in previous vacations, and whether those things fit in with what a cruise is likely to be like, to see if it's a choice for you.

I think the question "What do you like?" and "What does this cruise offer?" is what will determine if you should cruise. We have recently been on a cruise that had a new port every day and we loved it. We took the shore excursions (not cheap, by the way) and experienced another way of life in a land far from ours. We like to be kept busy. We have also taken a cruise where too much time was spent on the boat and we did not like it. Pretty boring. If you do decide to cruise, choose a cabin with a balcony. Nothing better than having your first cup of coffee on your balcony as you pull into harbor and having that nightcap before retiring. Enjoy whatever you decide!

you get to wear your old prom dress

Thanks for all of the replys. I don't think I would ever want to go anywhere in my prom dress. I probably shouldn't have gone to the prom in it. I think it was about 5 inches above my knees and a size 6. Anyway, I think agree with Lexma, a cruise may be boring for me. However, you all gave me something to think about.

Good choice on the prom dress...i think someone should have given that advice to folks on the cruise I went on about 10 yrs ago. Also think about chartering a yacht in Greece with a Captain and cook and several of your best friends....very reasonable and exotic!

Vicki...<BR><BR>Here's my 2cents......<BR><BR>Well you've already heard about your floating hotel where you only have to unpack once. I'd say that's the best part. The food is usually good but after a week or more I tend to get sick of it. It's very nice to be waited on and it's also nice to have your room cleaned a couple times during the day. To cruise or not to cruise? Based on experience my answer is that it depends on the destination. <BR><BR>We cruised to Alaska on our honeymoon which was absolutely wonderful but we also spent a week there on our own after the cruise ended. We were by far the youngest people on the ship (we were 33 at the time)but I understand that's changed a lot in the past several years. There are places in Alaska that have to seen in the water and other parts that must be seen on land. To do one but not the other I feel you'd be missing something but overall I think it's a great cruise destination. <BR><BR>Several years ago we also cruised through Scandanavia & Russia which I think is another great cruising destination. It was well balanced because it allowed 3 days in Russia and only one day in the smaller ports. At least I feel like I got to spend time in some of the important places in St. Petersburg.<BR><BR>Although I've only done one Caribbean cruise, I'd say that's another good crusing destination. Most places you visit can easily be covered in a day.<BR><BR>Now for a bad example of a cruising destination. We cruised the Mediterrean about a year ago and in my opinion that's a terrible cruising destination. Here's an example: <BR>We spent 10 hours in Rome but the ship is docked at the port of Civitavecchia which is about 2 hours from the city of Rome. There's 4 hours right off the top for just traveling. Basically we're covering the city of Rome in 6 hours. It was literally a whirlwind tour where you spend anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes trying to see everything. You can't even imagine what it's like trying to get to the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, etc. in such a short time. Plus the Pope was giving a mass when we were there but we never got to see it because we had to move on! Now picture trying to accomplish this in the other ports of call like Florence, Provence, Naples/Sorrento/Capri. Essentially you have literally anywhere from a few hours to one day to see places where you could literally spend a week or more. In addition, most people go to Europe to get a feel for the culture, people, etc. We spent 10 days in Europe surrounded by other Americans. <BR><BR>So the answer is, ...cruising is great if the destination is right!<BR>

ttt

Top 10 reasons I'll never cruise again:<BR><BR>1. No matter what anyone says, the ship is crowded if it is sold out or close to sold out. You have to compete for everything -- seats by the pool, seats in the theatre, elevators, seats in the one better restaurant. Days at sea when everyone has to be on the boat are the absolute worst.<BR><BR>2. The time in port is so short (always less than a day) that you have almost no chance to sample local culture. <BR><BR>3. The ship's entertainment offerings can be quite lame. The ship comedian. The movie you can rent at Blockbuster or already saw. The lounge act. It ain't Broadway.<BR><BR>3. Steam table food. Not bad, but certainly nothing to write home about. Quantity is way more important than quality on a cruise. I'd rather sample local cuisine, thanks.<BR><BR>4. Your day is scheduled, whether you like it or not. Be here for dinner by this hour. Be there for the live show or lose your slot. Get there early for the cooking demonstration before it fills up. Get back to the boat by x time or we sail without you. That was not relaxing.<BR><BR>5. Claustrophobic quarters. Yes, you can pay to upgrade, but cabins are plenty smaller than hotel rooms.<BR><BR>6. Everything is sanitized for your protection. If you somehow can't find your way to a local beach in port, you can pay a bunch of money for an excursion to take you there. Anything to keep cruisers away from the locals.<BR><BR>7. Ports were probably the worst parts of the islands. Or, at least, I hope so. The local culture at port seems to exist to sell you cheap trinkets. It is much easier to avoid that by traveling on your own.<BR><BR>8. No place for quiet relaxation. The pool is busy and noisy, the restaurants are busy and noisy, the deck is busy and noisy. <BR><BR>9. Ship-board announcements telling you the itinerary for the day. Very intrusive.<BR><BR>10. Bottom line: when I returned, I hadn't learned anything about the places I visited. In contrast, I learn plenty on my European vacations, and I was intellectually and culturally enriched by those trips.<BR><BR>Cruising is often cheaper than a land-based vacation, but my experience was that you get what you pay for. Cruising isn't for everyone, so I hope this helps you figure out whether it is for you. Good luck with your decision.

The best thing about a cruise? I don't have to be on it.

Vicki,<BR><BR>I have gone on a number of cruises and have also gone around the U.S. and abroad by myself.<BR><BR>Cruising definetley has it's benefits, all of them listed above. But, don't feel like you "should cruise" just becasue someone says you should. It's your life! It's your trip in more ways than one.<BR><BR>Be honest, you must have had a travel dream of your own. We all do. A nice start would be to get your own ideas.<BR><BR>Rent the Movie: SHIRLEY VALENTINE!!!! That'll give you a start. A woman in her late 40's (?) who's always wanted to travel, but has stayed home and done everything for everyone else. And one day she recalls HER DREAM, her vacation and the joy begins!<BR><BR>Search Fodor's sites for: Europe* <BR>Ask yourself what do I LIKE? Snow, blue water, sun and fun, history, art, theatre, dancing? Go ahead, knock yourself out. Be yourself!

All Aboard!

All Aboard? Isn't that a train?

Why I don't cruise.<BR>1. I don't like paying money for everything even if I don't use it.<BR>--12 different meals a day<BR>--Continuous entertainment that I can't possibly attend all shows even if I wanted to<BR>--tips to every Tom, Dick and Harry<BR>--lectures and presentations<BR>2. Shore excursion prices that are extra and expensive<BR>3. Bar bills that add up.<BR>4. Small rooms<BR>5. Long waits to get on and off the ship<BR>6. Schedules that have to be followed. Eat at this time, be there at that time etc.<BR>7. Crowded pools and lack of deck chairs.<BR>8. Continuous announcements over the load speakers.<BR><BR>Stress free, yeah right.<BR><BR>Give me a one or two town stay and I'm much happier.

Cindy:<BR>Excellent summary of MY views on cruising as well.<BR>I'd offer one exception, though.<BR>Most all of what you say relates to the standard major cruise lines and their ships.<BR>If you check into Silversea and a couple of the other small luxury lines you'll find the opposite of most of your experiences.<BR>Yachts instead of mammoth liners.<BR>A few dozen passengers.<BR>Gourmet food cooked to order.<BR>Slow pace. Very nice ports of call. No prefab itineraries to take away all your freedom.<BR>Some which are non-formal (no tuxes etc).<BR>Very interesting people---not much of the 'never been anywhere else but the Las Vegas cheapo motel' crowd.<BR>The downside? The cost.<BR>But the point is that it is possible to buy an enjoyable cruise experience (for the particular people who dislike the mass appeal cruises).

ttt

Everything.

Vicki- Why not have the best of both worlds- A romantic place and a cruise. Go to France, Stay a few days in Paris, then charter a small boat and cruise down the Canal du Midi. It's beautiful, romantic etc. If you enjoy biking(it's nothing strenuous), stop where you want along the canal and bike for a while through charming country villages and one of the most scenic regions of France. Just writing this makes me wish I was there!

I hate cruises. Why would you want to be limited as to where you want to go? Probably because you're such a lemming and because cruises keep you "occupied" - so you don't need to make your decisions.<BR><BR>I lump all people who go on cruises in with the people who like to stay in places like Club Med, Sandals, etc. They just fall inline...and the amazing thing is, some people pay through the nose. They also use a travel agent which is a huge joke nowadays. Jane - don't bother defending yourself here again. We're not interested in hearing about your life as a down and out travel agent.<BR><BR>