Community Chat

[NYC Susan]

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@RedTop wrote:

@Bookbabe

I share your views, and understand perfectly.   I do not like to be around water, as in lake, river, or ocean, and have no intentions of ever going on a cruise.   I also refuse to fly.   

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I LOVE to be around water.  I swim all summer, and I go out on boats quite often.  I grew up near the ocean, and that's where I'm happiest.  IMO being near, in, or on the water is the most relaxing thing in the world.

However, I've never been the slightest bit interested in going on a cruise.  Too much about it just doesn't appeal to me.  My reasons have nothing at all to do with safety, btw. 

In this case, I think I would do it, though.  I can't imagine turning down such a lovely invitation or the opportunity to be with family.  I wonder if a cruise is the only option.  And if so, then maybe the OP could try out being on a boat for a short period of time before then.

All things considered, I think I would do it.  Mostly because I think I would have regrets later if I didn't.  OP, you should do whatever feels right for you!!!  (Your family sounds lovely, btw.)

[Susan in California]

I have traveled a lot in my life, really traveled and got an opportunity to see a lot of the world. I always had a desire to "see the world" and I did it with friends months at a time when I was younger. I have never been interested in cruises, but a dear friend of mine loves them. In your situation, I would go. It will be such a fun experience with your family. Unless you are deathly afraid of the ocean, I would consider it a wonderful time to relax with your family members. I don't think cruising gives a particularly accurate view of the places where you dock. But if you are having a nice time with your family, that is what counts. The best to you, and I hope you go and have a great time.

[Carmie]

I say go.  Any vacation spent with family where you don't have to cook, clean, etc is a good thing.

I have been on a couple of cruises and I'd go again.  Cruises are not my first choice of a vacation, but they can be relaxing.

I am the motion sickness queen, so I always get a cabin near the middle of the ship... And not on an upper deck, that way there is very little movement.

My husband can't swim and he is afraid of the water and he cruises.  So far, no one made him get off and swim. 😀

Please go... You'll have a good time.

[gmkb]

I have been on many cruises and have always enjoyed myself.  My husband is the opposite.  He has a hard time keeping busy because all the activity is frivolous.  He likes the food choices.

The ships generally glide thru the water and you don't even know you are moving.  

You did not say which line your family is using, but as a hesitant cruiser, that would make a difference.

Generally speaking the lower priced lines have more children, more young adults, less luxury.  Disney cruises have lots of children, no casino, a postage stamp size adult pool and expensive, but fun for families with children.  Perhaps you could tell us which line your family is considering. Princess, and Holland America are my favorites.

[MyShadowLove]

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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

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@Bookbabe...How very thoughtful of your children!...The question did occur to me as to why your children would invite you on a cruise, knowing that you have a fear of water?....I was also thinking that, perhaps, being with your children and grandson, may help to alleviate your fear somewhat  and you may just end up surprising yourself at how much you enjoy it!...Also, your statements, which I highlighted above, indicate to me that you really would love to be able to just let go of that demon, called fear, and experience a wonderful new adventure!

  

[SaRina]

Wait a minute!  Susan, how did you get from NYC to California so fast?

Not on a cruise ship!  :-D

[Sunshine Kate]

My DH and I went on a 5 day cruise several years ago for the first time.  I doubt I'll ever go on a cruise again. 

I didn't get seasick, but just didn't enjoy.  The food with mediocre.  I was worried about safety (ship sinking).  

We were so happy to get docked and get off the ship and going home.  I have no intentions of ever going again, just not my kind of vacation. 

I'm glad I went though and survived.  Now on to our next adventure.  

[Kachina624]

I've been on several cruises and found them enjoyable until we hit a rough one several years ago.  It was to Alaska too which is usually calm and uneventful but we left from Seattle, went out to the open sea and it was awful.  I've got no desire to do that again.

[NYC Susan]

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@SaRina wrote:

Wait a minute!  Susan, how did you get from NYC to California so fast?

Not on a cruise ship!  :-D

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Haha!  That took me a minute, but it IS pretty funny how we posted right after each other!  :-)

[Mominohio]

If you are going to be uneasy and uncomfortable the entire time, you will bring down the others in the group. If you think you can suck it up and keep calm, then it would be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy time with family.

I don't at all judge your concerns, and our comfort level with things varies by individual. 

It is probably something that you won't know until you do it, just how it will be for you. I hope you are able to go because it will be great memories not only for you, but the rest of the family who will probably miss you if you don't go. 

But don't feel pressured to do something that you really don't feel comfortable doing, or don't want to. It wouldn't be easy to fake, and it would be better to let the others go and have fun, without bringing down the fun for them.