Several times I’ve written about the cruise ships I’ve been on and my observations on the use of technology, both by the cruise line and the passengers. This time, I thought I’d take a few minutes and tell you my thoughts on how to make a cruise more relaxing and fun.
Every time we go on a cruise, someone asks me if I’m worried about a fire, a breakout of disease, food poisoning, the ship sinking, etc. I usually respond by saying that I haven’t been that lucky. If disaster should strike, passengers are often compensated by their monies being refunded and a discounted or free future cruise. Of course, it’s inconvenient to be stranded out on the ocean. It’s also inconvenient to be in a car accident, a hurricane, a burning building, etc. I have never liked the idea of getting on an airplane even though I know that it’s probably safer than driving to the store.
People often ask me why I like to cruise. I think the biggest reason is that when you get to your stateroom, you unpack your suitcase and put it away until your vacation has ended. There is no need to find a hotel every night, carry the bags to the room, unpack what you need and then carry them out the next morning. I think the only bad things about cruising is embarkation and debarkation. With thousands of people waiting to board the ship, you need a little patience waiting in the line. At every terminal I’ve been to, I’ve found that it is worthwhile to pull up to the unloading area and check your bags with one of the porters. It’s well worth a tip to not have to lug your bags from the parking area to the terminal. When getting off the ship, you have the choice of leaving your bags out the night before or carrying them off the next day. Many people choose to carry their bags with the misconception that they will get off faster. It just doesn’t happen and it’s a pain in the you know what to lug your suitcases down the ramp. The cruise line is going to get you off as fast as they can. They have to get ready for the next load of passengers and that can’t happen if you’re still on board. The real delay when you get off the ship is going through customs.
When I retired from the Navy, my wife always wanted to go on a cruise. I resisted her for many years. After all, I had been on or under almost every ocean in the world at least once. I finally let her talk me into going on a three day cruise. After that, I was hooked. We’ve been on a lot of cruises since then. She always asks where I want to go. I almost always say, I don’t care. I just like to go. Almost anyone you ask will tell you that the Alaska inside passage cruises are one of the best. We’ve been twice and are planning another. When anyone asks me which cruise ship I think is the best, it’s the same answer as which ship in the Navy is the best: the one I’m on. Talking with other cruise passengers, I’ve found out that every cruise line and ship is either the very best or the very worst. All I know is that we’ve cruised almost exclusively with Carnival. We tried another line and didn’t like it.
If you look at my waistline, you can tell that I enjoy eating. Aboard a cruise ship, there are a lot of places to eat. Besides the main dining room, there are usually a half dozen or so assorted buffet lines, pizza places, sandwich shops, etc. My wife and I seldom eat our meals anywhere except the dining room. We like the idea of the waiter coming to the table, taking our order and bringing us the food. Every cruise I’ve been on I’ve met people that never went to the dining room. I think they are missing out on better food. Of course that’s a matter of opinion, but it’s my blog so my opinion is the one that counts. I recommend that you check them all and then go where you like. Every ship I’ve been on has had great food. There are also a few premium restaurants where you can pay extra. I’m pretty cheap and haven’t tried them. One thing I’ve never understood is that on the last day of the cruise, some people stuff their carry bags with fruit, pastries, etc. Not only is it illegal (U. S. Customs will fine you if they catch you), I don’t know why you would want food that is already getting old.
When you first get aboard the ship, you soon find out how large it is. With passengers and crew, there are several thousand people on board, the size of a small city. It isn’t too hard to get confused as to where exactly you are. I’m always surprised at how people ask each other how to get somewhere. The smart thing to do is to ask a crew member, not someone who is probably just as lost as you. It won’t take long before you learn how to find the three most important places: your stateroom, the places to eat and a comfortable chair.
I can’t believe the number of people that have told me they got bored on a cruise ship. Each day the Cruise Director publishes a list of the days activities. There are any number of activities like trivia, bean bag tosses, card games, chess and checkers, bingo etc. The ship’s casino is more than willing to take your money. Nightly entertainment includes Las Vegas style stage shows, comedians, singers, different band, etc. There is even entertainment in the dining room at dinner time. One of my personal favorite things to do is just find a comfortable chair and watch the people.
Have fun on your cruise.