The first time we went on a cruise, my husband, Jim, says he had to be dragged kicking and screaming onto the ship and he had to be dragged kicking and screaming off the ship. He mistakenly thought he would hate it but now we’re experienced cruisers with 8 cruises under our belts including 2 Mediterranean cruises, 5 to the Caribbean, and most recently the transit through the Panama Canal on the Norwegian Star. Next on the docket is an Alaskan cruise scheduled for June, 2015.
Cruising offers several advantages. First, your transportation, accommodations, meals, and entertainment are all included in the package so there’s less to plan and arrange after selecting your cruise. There are plenty of cruise lines and itineraries to choose from so you’re likely to find the perfect cruise for you. In addition, you know what you’re getting for your money and the total cost upfront… unless you spend a lot onboard and don’t keep track. You can choose to do as much or as little as you like with lots of options for activities onboard and excursions in ports, or simply relaxing by the pool with a book in hand. A cruise allows you to sample various ports of call without longterm commitment. If you like a place, you can return in the future and if you don’t like it, you’re not stuck for the duration of your vacation. Finally, while traveling place to place, your belongings stay onboard in one place so you don’t have to pack up for the next stop.
There are several disadvantages as well. If you’re a misanthrope or just not a particularly sociable person, the proximity of 2400 other passengers and half again as many staff may be uncomfortable. If you suffer from motion sickness (I had it once) or any other illness, being on a ship confined to a tiny stateroom is definitely a nightmare. See my post entitled Quarantine on the Norwegian Star. Additionally, there isn’t much opportunity to spontaneously change plans because you have no choice but to go where the cruise ship goes at the appointed time or they WILL leave you behind. Finally, alcohol is very expensive onboard and although you can take your own wine, it carries high corking fees. Cruising isn’t for everyone but as a friend once said, “If everyone liked it, it would be too crowded for us.”
Each ship is different but all that I’ve seen have a Las Vegas vibe to them–a kind of gaudy, glitzy, glittery glamour. Personally, I prefer a more understated elegance but I’m sure the cruise lines have plenty of research to back up their style choices. The closest I’ve seen to my personal taste is the Hawaiian theme decor on the Norwegian Jade which, ironically, cruises the Mediterranean and not Hawaii.
Before we leave the ship at the end of our cruise through the Panama Canal, here is a last look at the Norwegian Star.
The Atrium on the Norwegian Star
Mural in Stairwell
Deck chairs on the Promenade
Promenade Deck
Red Lion Pub
Lori on deck for walking
Pool area with water slide
Lori and me in the hot tub
.
An example of towel art that appeared every evening in our stateroom
Goodbye to Cruising the Norwegian Star
So tell me, have you cruised? What other advantages or disadvantages of cruising have you identified? Please share your thoughts.
Based on events from November, 2014
I get travel sick on the smoothest seas so think I might struggle with cruising!! That said, a cruise to Alaska sounds so incredible, maybe worth the queasiness!!
The patch fixed me right up so I always keep one handy but I haven’t needed it since. Also, a room midship on a lower floor helps. Stay tuned for “all things Alaska” this summer!