We all got together over the holiday to discuss our February trip, and the dreaded word reared its ugly head…cruise.
Now it’s not that I’m 100% opposed to cruises. I did one in 2000 that went to Jamaica, Cozumel and the Cayman Islands, and had a blast..in Jamaica, Cozumel and the Cayman Islands. It was the 4 days at sea that drove me nuts.
To crowded, everyone fighting over deck chairs by the pool (There actually was a fistfight between two woman over saving deck chairs. I guess there is an etiquette to it and it wasn’t observed. It was entertaining though!) Being herded in and out of dinner like cattle, bad, bad, entertainment, it just wasn’t that much fun.
Now I know today they show you all these great things you can do on your cruise, free style dining, rock climbing, putting greens,etc, but the bottom line is, your still stuck on a boat, and the time off ship you usually have time for one excursion, then your back on the ship.
I like going to a destination, getting to spend time there, checking out local haunts, meeting the locals, getting to do numerous excursions, which you don’t get on a cruise.
Now the one factor that could sway the group, price. Cruises are very economical. Everything is covered in its price, except alcohol, and since I don’t drink, that’s not a factor. We’re all more budget travelers than luxury travelers, so price is a consideration. I’m up in the air about this, but a friend did make a good point.
While it might not be my first choice, a cruise in the Caribbean beats a cold week in the February Midwest every time. Amen
Tuesday, 2. December 2008
Kevin,
I took a cruise a few years ago with my now ex. We had a great time on and off the ship. Dinners were fantastic, and the shows were OK, not great. Feel like you do that the off-ship excursions don’t allow you a ton of time to do more than a couple things. Overall, really enjoyed the experience - reasonable cost, even with the cost of alcoholic drinks - and am planning to do it again next year to the Caribbean Islands with my girlfriend.
Jeff
Tuesday, 2. December 2008
I’ve been on 2 cruises. The first was an all expense paid by my friend’s company and it was FANTASTIC. The company had the entire ship!
The other one was on board one of the bigger ships and yes, I too felt like cattle.
I think a cruise is best when there is a reason, such as: company trip, country stars trip, motovational speakers… Without a common element, I would vie for a standard vacation.
Thursday, 4. December 2008
Kevin,
Great stuff. Love your blog. I will continue to look at your background as I freeze in the cold north of New York. I love the islands as well. I had the joy of going to Jamaica and loved it. I learned to barter with the natives over goods and never lost it. I get funny looks at the butcher when I begin to haggle over the daily cut!!!! Thank you for your kind words on my blog, it is my desire to be an ispiration to others and lead by example. Believe n others and they will believe in you and believe in what you offer.
Regards,
Michael Bristol
Friday, 12. December 2008
Did you end up going on the UFirst cruise? I’m a little behind here…just getting my power turned back on after an ice storm!! I can’t believe you can think about complaining about a cruise!!!! But then again, I’ve never been on one so I wouldn’t know about the negatives you pointed out! But, like Michael, I see your profile picture and continue to be envious!
Great start on your blog!!
Tweet ya later!
Saturday, 13. December 2008
Never been on a cruise Kevin, and my thoughts are kind of along yours. I like to move around and being on ship? I don’t know.
Great article.
Awesome blog.
God bless you Kevin.
Brian