Cruises

[crokett]

Ever been on one? I have some friends who want my wife and me to go with them later this fall. Aside from probably not being able to pry her away from the kids for that long, I am not sure I see the point in sailing around on a big ship in the ocean for 3 days. I know they make stops at various ports - how often and for how long do you stay?

[Alex Franke]

I've been on about 50. Literally. Love 'em.

Usually a half day to a full day at each port, and usually a day at sea (or more for longer cruises). The ship is a destination, too. Each cruise line has a different style -- some things good, some not so good. Each ship in the cruise line has a slightly different character, too. . . certainly each class of ship.

What ship are you going on?

There are a couple things I like in particular. First, it's a completely different experience, e.g. walk around the ship on an overcast night and (if it weren't for the wind -- especially at the front) it's as if you're floating in space. You don't have to drive anywhere, or pack/unpack, and the food is included (some exceptions). There's stuff to do on board, but it's just as easy to just find a little corner somewhere and do nothing at all. Great for catching up on reading, etc. You also get to see a variety of different places without feeling like you're traveling to each one -- just wake up each morning in a new place, with a new language and new things to do. I also like the chance to dress up every once in a while -- and people-watching especially on the more formal nights it a lot of fun for me, too. ("Formalness" varies from cruise line to cruise line.)

Any questions about it, just let me know -- I've been on most cruise lines, at least a couple times each.

One more thing: Traveling with friends is a blast, too. We've done it a number of times. The ships are big enough and there's enough to do that you not going to be spending every moment with them, so don't worry about that at all.

Okay, just one more: Cruise lines usually also have quality kid's programs, and even offer babysitting services. So bringing the kids could be an option, too. The (trained) staff will keep the kids busy for a good part of the day.

[poolhound]

We have been on quite a few and also love thyem. Think of it like a floating hotel. There are some great deals out there and if you look at the price as a room with food and entertainment included they are a steal.

The catch always come with the "on board" charges. If you just want to eat in the main restaurant and only drink soft drinks it wont be much at all but if you are up for a good time, frequenting the casino and closing out the bars each night look forward to a hefty bill.

We like to have such a good time and have seen our final bill more than the cost of the cruise - but we did have a great time

FYI - I have a contact at NCL who can do some great deals if you decide you want to go.

[LCHIEN]

i've been on about 15 or so cruises. My experience mirrors what Alex said.

Takings kids (3rd and 4th passengers go really cheap) is a good idea, there are kids programs during much of the day and even babysitting while in port so you can go. when my kids were mid teens they had the absolute best time. They could be trusted on their own to go anywhere on the ship with their new friends. Just meet us for dinner was the rule.

The thing is you can do as much as you want or as little as you want. Its a floating hotel and security is much better than a land hotel because it has a large moat. You can make new friends of just be a loner.
You wake up in a new place every day and never have to pack or catch a train or plane. Every night is a first class dinner and you can order two entrees if you wish (on one trip I had three lobsters at one sitting... shhhh) Your waiter knows you well and greets you by name every evening and knows what you want without asking by the 2nd day. Keeps the restaurant guessing/picking game we play on land trips to a minimum.

I've never taken one as short as 3 days, always 7 days to 10 days and it seems like its too short. 3-day is probably Carnival, an entry cruise line. Carnival is known as a party line. There are more sedate cruises. Each line has its own personality and to some extent, an age bracket. In recent years i've been on Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean.

some good bargains on cruises. Drinking and port excursions and or gambling can add up the costs quickly - I don't take excursions in most stops anymore, I explore on my own in most ports with a little homework and go on excursions only to get places you usually can't go alone.

[BadeMillsap]

Go!!!!!!!!!!!

We've done 7, 10 and 14 day cruises ... huge mega ships and small intimate ships ... all over the world ... and yeah ... it is a blast. Traveling with friends is the best ... everyone gets off on something different and table conversation in the evenings is terrific.

I've never cruised with kids in our group but know the cruise lines go out of their way to accommodate them however you want.

Also ... this year in particular ... the cruise lines are cutting incredible deals and the "value" of a cruise dollar is even better than it has been in the past and it has long been one of the best values for your vacation dollar.

Different lines have different focus ... Carnival is a little more "party" than Princess or Holland America in my opinion ... Royal Caribbean is a good 'middle of the road' line and Disney is of course very kid oriented.

Have a blast!!!

[catta12]

I have been on two and will go again. Most of what has been said is the same with my experiences. They were better than advertised, and that doesn't happen often nowadays.

[pbrew]

I have been on a few - expecially liked the Alsaka cruise - if you do that one make sure to do plenty of excursions - they can be pricey but are worth it.

[conwaygolfer]

There is one in every crowd. I guess it will be me - the one who will never be tempted to do another cruise.
About 10 years ago I asked my wife what she wanted for our anniversary. She said a short cruise. She also informed me that if it did not happen, there would be no reason to ask next year. Because there would be no next year.

So I set up a 3 day cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. It was fun enough til we woke up around 7am. back in port at Ft. Lauderdale. They would not let us depart until everyone went thru customs and declared what they had bought. We set looking at our luggage on the dock until about noon. BORING.

Couldn't do a thing for over 3 hours. Just wanted off the ship. Thankfully she said she had had enough of cruising. Perhaps if the trip was longer, it would have been better???

Sorry bout that.

So in about 3 weeks we are traveling across the state for a balloon ride. That is something we are both looking forward to. Bet we don't get stuck waiting to clear customs...

Glenn

[Alex Franke]

It was fun enough til we woke up around 7am. back in port at Ft. Lauderdale. They would not let us depart until everyone went thru customs and declared what they had bought. We set looking at our luggage on the dock until about noon. BORING.

That's unfortunately the worst part of the cruise experience -- and it's been just like that for decades. They love you to death for days or weeks, and then, suddenly at 7AM, after gratuities have been delivered, the "honeymoon" is over, and they seem to kick you out and slam the door in your face.

Regardless, I usually stay in the cabin until they drag me out kicking and screaming, or find someplace different to wait it out. I also usually lug my own bags off the ship if at all possible.

Unfortunately it's part of the process, though. Unless you're on an American flag ship (which usually only happens in Hawaii) and didn't make any foreign stops, then US Customs is going to want to hear from you before you get off the ship. At the same time, the cabin attendants need to get all the rooms cleaned up so they can go ashore and enjoy some well-deserved time off.

That combined with a short 3-night cruise and it can leave a bad taste in your mouth especially if you don't know it's coming. But don't let that keep you from giving it another try. If you know to expect it and you plan for it, then it's really not all that bad...

[pacwind3]

been on 4, two different cruise lines. #5 will be in July. Leaving for Alaska on the 4th. I HIGHLY recommend them. Granted, they may not be for everyone, but I have always had a good time, felt spoiled with food, room service and such and it is my preferred method of taking a vacation.

[dbhost]

I prefer to fly to my destination and head out from there. Not enough shore time on cruises for my taste.

Of course the only cruise I have been on was with someone I wish I hadn't been with in the first place...

[jackellis]

We've done the Inside Passage cruise from Whittier to Vancouver. LOML did most of the reverse on the ferry. Her verdict: preferred the ferry, even with a bunch of drunk kids on board. I didn't mind the big ship, but I can't say I liked it either. We did go with a long time friend of mine and her husband.

We'd like to try a much smaller ship that goes to more exotic places.

Different strokes, I suppose.

[Kristofor]

My sister was married on a Cruise (technically while in a US port to make it legit) and several of the family went with (probably increased the fun factor). It was her 7-8th cruise but my first. It was much more enjoyable than I expected. I really don't like crowds when trying to relax, but with the exception of the one at-sea day the boat was never crowded, and once ashore it wasn't too bad either...

This was an 8 day March cruise through the Caribbean. Not enough time for a lot of culture at each stop, but plenty of time for sun, sand, and snorkeling (I love swimming and there is much better scenery on a coral reef than in a MN lake...)

If I had to pick just one vacation per year it would still be a trip to the mountains, with an "up north" option every third or fourth year, but if two or more vacations are in the cards I would work another cruise in (in fact we have one scheduled for December...)

[LCHIEN]

That's unfortunately the worst part of the cruise experience -- and it's been just like that for decades. They love you to death for days or weeks, and then, suddenly at 7AM, after gratuities have been delivered, the "honeymoon" is over, and they seem to kick you out and slam the door in your face.

Regardless, I usually stay in the cabin until they drag me out kicking and screaming, or find someplace different to wait it out. I also usually lug my own bags off the ship if at all possible.

Unfortunately it's part of the process, though. Unless you're on an American flag ship (which usually only happens in Hawaii) and didn't make any foreign stops, then US Customs is going to want to hear from you before you get off the ship. At the same time, the cabin attendants need to get all the rooms cleaned up so they can go ashore and enjoy some well-deserved time off.

That combined with a short 3-night cruise and it can leave a bad taste in your mouth especially if you don't know it's coming. But don't let that keep you from giving it another try. If you know to expect it and you plan for it, then it's really not all that bad...

Again, I have to agree with Alex here. Getting off is the worst part of cruising. Again, more days on vs. one morning of inconvenience makes longer cruises nicer. Many lines now offer fast exit if you pull your own luggage off. Good if your party can handle their own luggage down ramps and stuff.

On a three day cruise there should be no reason you can't pull your own stuff off. 14 days with several changes of formal wear and lots of shopping, well, I can see needing help.

One thing bad about cruising, is, you don't reallyget to know the port cities of call that well. You can hit the highlights and the tourist spots. Some ports they stay for the night life. One of my European acquaintances says you have to spend a minimum of 3-4 days in a city to get to know it and get the real flavor and learn the local customs and cuisine. True enough. I have flown back in years following cruising to a port I kind of liked after a days' visit. That makes the cruise a sampler trip.

Some times you visit cities for the cities, you cruise for the experience of getting there.

[DaveS]

If you go on a cruise that is longer than 4 days, you should bring your stretchy "fat" pants.

I swear, they feed you on these things like they are prepping you for slaughter.



The main thing I didn't like about the cruises was the waiters pushing drinks.

On some cruise lines, they pester you (politely) to buy a drink, and heaven help you if you buy one, because then they will be back every 3 minutes asking if you want another.