topic Re: To Cruise or Not in Community Chat

To Cruise or Not

Bookbabe — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:13:10 GMT

I am serious about this question although some of you probably think it is silly.

I have been afraid of the water for ever and never went on a cruise. I honestly don't understand how a big boat stays afloat.

I am closing in on age 72 and have been invited on a 7 day cruise with my kids and grandson.

I keep telling myself why not at my age. Why not experience something new and why be afraid at my age.

I'd like your thoughts gals.

Thank you,

Bookbabe

Re: To Cruise or Not

jaxs mom — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:14:17 GMT

I'd go just to be with the family, but cruising isn't really my first choice for a vacation.

Re: To Cruise or Not

Burnsite — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:32:00 GMT

Make memories with your loved ones--definitely go. As I get older, if anyone wants to get together, I am on board and happy to be there.

I disliked cruising the one time I tried it. I didn't like the regimentation, the standing in line for everything, or the sort of bland food they served. (I was cruising on Disney, so the films and children and lack of gambliing was a plus for me---they had only bingo, which is about my speed. The ship was gleaming wood and nicely finished--no plastic-type look. The staff were very nice.)

It was peaceful and beautiful, watching the flying fish and the dolphins and the coastlines of Panama and Mexico. I didn't think it was worth all the money it cost, but it was quite pleasant.

I had a novel to read so was perfectly happy. I got a little seasick in some rough weather, took one of those bromine (sp?) pills and my stomach settled right down. I got so bored I worked out at the gym a few times a day and actually gained only 1 lb. This was a looong cruise, 14 days, and it was much too long for me.

I liked the stops at ports but they were very few, as it was mainly a respositioning cruise. We went through the Panama Canal, which was great, but didn't even stop anywhere in Panama, which to me was hard to believe.

Re: To Cruise or Not

PamfromCT — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:23:24 GMT

We have done a fair amount of traveling but never went on a cruise until we went to Alaska a few years ago. I never thought I would enjoy a cruise, but I really enjoyed it very much. I liked not having to pack and re-pack, not having to concentrate on where we were going to eat, etc. The service was very good, and we enjoyed the shore trips we had planned. I bet you would have a lot of fun with your family.

Re: To Cruise or Not

MaRina — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:25:10 GMT

Bookbabe, I'm with you. I'm to claustrophobic to be stuck on a boat in the middle of no where.

Re: To Cruise or Not

YorkieonmyPillow — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:29:14 GMT

@Bookbabe wrote:
I am serious about this question although some of you probably think it is silly.
I have been afraid of the water for ever and never went on a cruise. I honestly don't understand how a big boat stays afloat.
I am closing in on age 72 and have been invited on a 7 day cruise with my kids and grandson.
I keep telling myself why not at my age. Why not experience something new and why be afraid at my age.

I'd like your thoughts gals.

Thank you,
Bookbabe

I wouldn't go.

You say you've always been afraid of the water - why put yourself into a situation that may be more stressful than you can deal with.

I don't think your age has anything to do with it.

I wouldn't go on a free cruise, either. For a lot of reasons.

Re: To Cruise or Not

game-on — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:29:30 GMT

Bookbabe..... I can appreciate an honest question.... you have the right to have fears.... and to be true to yourself.... at 72 you can be part of your family and love them but not do what they want you to do.... it seems you have answered your own question.... you dont want to do this and it is not a necessity..... you can tell them you love them but sit this experience out.... and will listen to them when they return and look forward to seeing the photos.....

Re: To Cruise or Not

SXMGirl — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:30:44 GMT

Definitely go on the cruise with your family. Unless you are cruising during hurricane season, you probably will not experience rough waters, even though there is no guarantee. For the most part, once you set sail, you will not even notice that you are on the water.

I have only been on two cruises, and I disliked the first one. The second one was great. Much of it depends on what the ship offers and what you are comfortable doing. I am not a gambler and I am not a drinker, so I need a ship where I can work out, go to the spa, and go to the pool. I prefer a ship that has an adult solarium, but that might not be important to you because of your grandchildren. I also enjoyed cooking demos and the art shows.

I have also found that the larger ships have better nightly entertainment. If you like spa treatments, I have had some of the best on my New England/Canada cruise.

I have only sailed on Royal Caribbean, but both times the fruits and vegetables were some of the freshest that I have ever eaten. I prefer the buffet so that I can eat any time that I want, but the dining room is nice and you can eat as much as you want. Order everything ont the menu.

I am sure that you will go, so get yourself a new swimsuit, a few good books, and enjoy yourself with your family.

Re: To Cruise or Not

kivah — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:31:00 GMT

Bookbabe: I'm ur age and went on a cruise with a friend years ago. It's the most "relaxing" experience. The fact that you'll be with ur family and partake all the good food -- and have options to get off the ship at different ports is the best. The ship stays afloat like the plane stays up in the air. There are always shows to see, drinks to drink, and lots of activities. Go For It.............

Re: To Cruise or Not

Kadilac — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:42:34 GMT

I love cruising. Have done it several time and would book a 90-day cruise if I could. The most relaxing vacation you can have if it is a good cruiseline. You don't have to stand in line except maybe to leave at the end of the cruise. Just wait until everyone else gets off or don't bother getting off. It would be a great time with family. HOWEVER, if you go knowing you are going to be be nervous, uptight, panicked; then you are not going to have a good time and possbly ruin it for others. Just think of it as a floating hotel.

Suggest you try a short, local trip (weekend) first to see how you like it before committing to a week long trip, if at all possible.

Sounds like a wonderful opportunity and if it were me I'd be packed in a minute and standing on the dock.

Re: To Cruise or Not

CLHS68 — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:49:01 GMT

I love to cruise but everyone is different. But there is so much to do or as little whatever you like. Someone cleans your room. Your meals are served no cooking or clean up. You get to visit different ports. I slept better on the ship than I do at home. Went right to sleep and slept all night. You need to decide what is right for you.

Re: To Cruise or Not

shaggygirl — Fri, 13 May 2016 22:56:40 GMT

Been on 3 cruises, Western Caribbean, Alaskan & Mediterranean. Best and most relaxing vacations ever. You can do as much or as little as you want. And as one of the other posters said, think of it as being in a big hotel, a luxurious one. One piece of advice, get a cabin with a balcony, it makes such a big difference to be able to step outside anytime to sit and read or relax and just watch the world go by when you want rather than have to be out on deck to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. I say go and create memories for yourself and your family of a wonderful time together.

Re: To Cruise or Not

winamac1 — Fri, 13 May 2016 23:07:07 GMT

I have been on 4 cruises. I love cruises.

Re: To Cruise or Not

winamac1 — Fri, 13 May 2016 23:07:51 GMT

@shaggygirl wrote:
Been on 3 cruises, Western Caribbean, Alaskan & Mediterranean. Best and most relaxing vacations ever. You can do as much or as little as you want. And as one of the other posters said, think of it as being in a big hotel, a luxurious one. One piece of advice, get a cabin with a balcony, it makes such a big difference to be able to step outside anytime to sit and read or relax and just watch the world go by when you want rather than have to be out on deck to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. I say go and create memories for yourself and your family of a wonderful time together.

I agree about getting a cabin with a balcony. I won't cruise without a balcony!

Re: To Cruise or Not

Desertdi — Fri, 13 May 2016 23:08:25 GMT

I wouldn't want to be on a ship that holds as many people as a small town......

Re: To Cruise or Not

MaggieMack — Fri, 13 May 2016 23:13:38 GMT

I have never had any interest in going on a cruise. I get to relax enough in my regular life, and I fear that the food would be so irrestible my clothes wouldn't fit when I got home.

@Bookbabe, is there something you would like to do instead? Suggest it for another time and don't feel pressured into going. For me, I can pass up any vacation that doesn't include a daily round of golf.

Re: To Cruise or Not

shaggygirl — Fri, 13 May 2016 23:22:24 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
I wouldn't want to be on a ship that holds as many people as a small town......

Oddly enough, the ships that hold as many people as a small town....well you wouldn't even know it. There are so many activities in different parts of the ships that people are taking part in,and others sitting poolside and others relaxing on the various decks, foks enjoying the restaurants at different times that even on "at sea" days you'd have no clue if it's hundreds or thousands on the ship. And on days in port so many go off the ship on various activities it can actually seem quiet on board.

Re: To Cruise or Not

Plaid Pants2 — Fri, 13 May 2016 23:23:51 GMT

I say go for it!!!

Create memories with your family, show them that you are never too to face and conquer your fears.

I bet once you get on the ship, and get in to all of the activities, and everything, you'll forget all about being on the ship and you'll find yourself having fun!

You can do it!!!!

Re: To Cruise or Not

Irshgrl31201 — Fri, 13 May 2016 23:31:18 GMT

I would go just to be with your family if I were you.

As for cruising for me, I think I would only be interested in one of the more luxurious cruise lines like Crystal, RMS QM2 or Silversea and would like the round the world options for cruising. My husband and I would like to do that within the next 10 yrs.

Re: To Cruise or Not

Kimi Eliz — Sat, 14 May 2016 00:01:41 GMT

Do it! I am going on a cruise on Monday. Alaska this time. I can't wait. Go for it.