To Cruise or Not

Bookbabe · ‎04-17-2010

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

jaxs mom · ‎04-18-2012

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

Don't Change Your Authenticity for Approval

Burnsite · ‎03-10-2010

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.

PamfromCT · ‎05-22-2014

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.

MaRina · ‎08-12-2013

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

YorkieonmyPillow · ‎01-13-2013

@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.

game-on · ‎03-22-2010

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.....

SXMGirl · ‎07-07-2010

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.

The next time that I hear salt and ice together, it better be in a margarita!

kivah · ‎03-11-2010

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.............

Kadilac · ‎03-27-2010

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.