I really really don't want to go on a cruise....what am I missing???

[cbdo2007]

I would rather just fly to a tropical destination and stay in a nice place on the beach. I guess I could understand if you live near a cruise port, maybe wanting to go on one, but if I'm flying and paying $300 each for a plane ticket, we can get to the carribean for another couple hundred bucks and then we don't have to deal with the big boat and all the people and stuff. I'd rather spend time laying on the beach than in line at the buffet. What's wrong with me??? What am I missing that makes cruises enjoyable??

[maddezmom]

1. I've been saying the same for years

Yet I'm going on a 10 Mediterranean Cruise in Oct with my parents and little sister.

[Scuba]

2. I'm with you. I particularly don't want to be on someone else's schedule.

[liberal N proud]

3. I have never had any desire to sit on a boat and be overcharged for drinks

There are far more things that I would prefer than cruising.

[LynneSin]

4. I know how you feel - I can't understand the appeal of a cruise

It's like being forced to go on vacation with all these people who don't know and you have to adhere to their schedule.

My vacation attitude was formed when I was 16 years old. Our high school singing group had a trip to Mexico for a singing competition. Part of the time we spent in Mexico City and other part touring some of the nearby tourist attractions like the pyramids. Rooms were setup that 3 students would share a room with one chaperoned and I happened to be rooming with the 2 girls I'm friendly with and the one girl's mom.

In fact the girl who brought her mom, her dad came too. No siblings, she was an only child.

I never saw a family so uninterested in learning about the local culture of the country and so disrespectful to the people that live in the country. I was very shocked. Every restaurant they complained about the horrible food and every destination they talked about how miserable it was compared to what they like to do in the USA for vacations (Touring with their RV). Our bus made a stop along the roadside to some people who would allow us to hold their iguanas. Everyone wanted a chance to hold them but this family stayed on the bus and turn their backs to the people. When the kids were asking for 'chicalets' (gum), they made rude comments about how the kids were all beggars (I ended up giving the kids all of my stash of Hubba Bubba Gum).

It took alot for me to not yell at these parents because my parents taught me to be respectful of your elders. But honestly, afterwards I really didn't feel like hanging out with these 2 girls anymore (the other girl in our room ending up mimicking what this family did). I ended up hanging out with some other kids in the group and we had the time of our life doing all the fun things in Mexico including getting drunk on Mescal (whoopsie!).

After that I found that I gained a serious peeve towards package vacations and tour groups. I never wanted to take a trip where others controlled what I would do for fun and entertainment. Cruises to me seemed like giant ships filled with families who want to 'visit' other countries but not really experience them. I also prefer traveling to destinations that are not overrunned by American Tourists. I've been to Cancun and Acapulco and I loved Acapulco way more because there were less Americans and more tourists from all over the globe.

So I'm thinking you might have the same reaction towards group tours. I suppose if my family with all the nieces & nephews wanted to do a family cruise I would go for the sake of the family. But if I have to choose - forget about it.

[geardaddy]

10. Yes, the ugly American.

I hate that.

My g/f and I were on a night train from Paris to Florence and ended up staying in the dining car all night. We were joking with the French waiter in our limited French and pantomime. In the booth next to us were a couple of guys from Texas. One was very respectful, but the other was proud of the fact that he ate only McDonalds' in Paris and went to all the American chains to shop. The nice guy was so embarrassed by his friend.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

29. That's interesting

That's the very same factor that has put me off doing cruises as well (well, that and the expense involved). For some reason I have the same impressions of cruises and the people on cruise ships as you do. I like the concept but that's probably what would keep me from doing one of them

That having been said, I've gone on three package tours now and have thoroughly enjoyed them all and have never encountered the types of people you were unfortunate enough to have done. Sure, I have encountered the odd ugly or loud American (as well as a few other nationalities) but oddly enough I've only observed those types when traveling individually so thankfully have not had to interact with them. I did encounter a very snobbish and quite hostile South African on one of my package tours but thankfully she was outweighed by the number of very friendly and warm people there. While I hate the schedules that package tours entails -especially getting up early -and it does prevent me from interacting with the locals and their environment, something which I enjoy -I enjoy making new friends and sharing memories and experiences with other people.

[siligut]

5. The sensation of floating in a vast ocean

One evening on deck, I had the feeling of what I believe astronauts must feel. You get to visit several different cities or islands and getting there is comfortable and indulgent. While traveling on the big boat, you can attend lectures, see shows, swim and sun or drink and gamble.

It is true about buffets and food, there is a lot. And after hearing about the Norwalk virus, I don't want to go on anymore cruises either.

[Capt. Obvious]

6. The norwalk virus

and a huge bar tab

[Rambis]

7. Don't blame you

A boat catching fire in the middle of a vast body of liquid that could save you by putting the fire out or drown you? If you do manage to survive you could always die of dehydration in a life raft. No thank you very much!

[Kaleva]

11. Versus falling from 30,000 ft. in the sky at high speed?

[Rambis]

19. quick one

no bother

[HopeHoops]

8. Just various intestinal diseases requiring multiple rolls of toilet paper.

[Kaleva]

9. The shits. What's a vacation without that? Return home pounds lighter & tanned!

[geardaddy]

12. I've never been on a cruise...

and I've never been attracted to it. But, I'm going on one this summer to Alaska. My mom wants the family to take a vacation and that's what she wants to do. So, I'm going.

[Patiod]

15. I think Alaska is a different deal

Everyone I've ever talked to who went on an Alaska cruise LOVED it. It's a great way to see that part of the world.

[mysuzuki2]

13. I have no interest in traditional cruises either.

But I have always wanted to do a windjammer cruise on an old sailing ship in Maine or the Maritimes. That sounds like a lot more fun.

[Arugula Latte]

14. It doesn't appeal to me, either.

With the exception that it's probably the best way to see calving glaciers in Alaska, although I did see some of that from the intercoastal ferry.

However, it seems sort of claustrophobic, and I'm not big on making chit chat with strangers at meals. Also, I've read some stuff about how horribly most cruise lines treat their slaves, er, employees, particularly the "lowly" ones like baggage handlers.

[Patiod]

16. David Foster Wallace wrote a great essay on cruises

"A Supposedly Fun Think I'll Never Do Again". The title sums it up -- he agreed with you.

http://www.amazon.com/Supposedly-Fun-Thing-Never-Again/dp/0316925284

[Populist_Prole]

17. Add me in to the "just not into it list"

Great reasons already posted that I well agree with, but Lynnesyne scratched the surface of my main reason for my disinterest, which I'd like to expand upon. The whole shallowness and forced "enjoyment" of the thing. The shows, the food, blah blah blah.

Every last person I know ( and have known fairly well for years and years, aged from early 30's to early 50's ) who rave about how great cruises are tend to be, compared to me, philistines of a sort. They don't want to immerse themselves in the often overlooked more interesting aspects. The want to be "entertained" too much. The finer points of things are completely lost on them. I'm New York, London, Boston; They're Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Once we went to the north rim of the Grand Canyon: I was rapt by the jaw-dropping splendor and wanted to hike 10 miles of trails; "They" were obsessed by the number of real log cabins in the pine woods ( which serve as the hotel "rooms" of the place ) and how much the nightly rates were and "how much this place must bring in". They also complained miserably about how spartan the cabins were even though they had electricity and running water. Spoiled philistines.

[LibDemAlways]

20. Different strokes....I personally enjoy being on

a ship floating from port to port. I like the idea of visiting a number of different places to determine where I'd most like to go back and see in depth.

I splurge and get a cabin with a balcony so I can sit out by myself and watch the ocean go by. It's totally relaxing.

I would never presume to suggest how others should spend hard earned vacation dollars, though. To each his own.

[RebelOne]

21. You are missing a lot of fun and a lot of good eating.

I have been on three cruises and loved it.

[JCMach1]

32. We usually do the independent travel thing too (All over the world),

but it was fun last summer to sit back, relax and let the hotel do the moving.

Why? It was fun!

[Aristus]

22. Another post in support of cruising.

It al depends on who you cruise with, and on what line.

My wife and I tried Carnival and Princess, and were underwhelmed, even though we retained the enjoyment of the concept of cruising. Then we sailed on Holland-America, and had the time of our lives. First of all, she and I both enjoy fine dining; and the dining is the best. Small portions of exquisite food, served in courses. We reject assigned seating in order to either choose to sit by ourselves, or join other groups. Joining others works out much more often than you might realize; we only had one bad experience (at tea-time one afternoon, we sat with this couple of cranky old farts who complained about everything!) Most of the time, we sat with wonderful groups of people, many of whom were from Canada, or one of the European countries.

These gatherings were especially fun. There were always one or two American republicans who wanted expound on politics, and got gently smacked down on subjects like nation health insurance and a social safety net by people who know the benefit of these programs. And I was always willing to assist in the smack-downs, as a medical professional, and the difficulties I have getting my underinsured patients the care they need.

On our most recent cruise, to Hawaii, the cruise director hired a Hawaiian historian who offered daily lectures in Hawaiian history, music, culture, etc. My wife and I didn't miss a single one; they were fascinating.

We met and became friends with a guy, very liberal, who was a retired program director for the Smithsonian Institution, and his stunning, charming Vietnamese wife.

During the days at sea, between port calls, you are on nobody's schedule but your own. If you want to eat every meal offering, go to every show, attend every planned activity, or simply do nothing at all, it's your choice, and no one else's.

I don't blame people who think cruises are a little bourgeois. But like anything else, they are what you make of them, and I love them.

[ohiosmith]

24. Have to agree. We've cruised more than 150,000 nautical miles with HAL including three

Grand World Voyages. I particularly like the smaller ships they use for longer voyages. The last trip we took with HAL had 1,200 passengers. The last trip we took on a Carnival ship had 4,000 passengers. The other lines don't compare.

[MerryBlooms]

23. I'm with you, but...

Everyone I know who's been on a cruise has loved it, so I'm leaning more towards trying it. My oldest sis did an Alaskan cruise that she is still talking about 5 years later.

[Kali]

25. doesn't really appeal to me for most of the same reasons others gave

and I doubt I would spend the money to travel that way even if I had a lot of it. Having said that, if somebody invited me and paid my way I would go and I would find a way to enjoy it. Loafing around and eating good food, seeing the ports etc sound OK, and I am sure I would have fun.

I made a personal vow a long time ago - any chance to travel that comes my way must be met with real effort to go. Even a crowded, over-scheduled 14 day 20 city of Europe thing would be better than not having that experience. Again not that I would ever choose and pay for something like that but to say no if it were offered? not me, I can be packed in an hour or two - let's go.

[HeiressofBickworth]

26. I've been on a couple of cruises

and I would do so again. I understand the concerns about treatment of their employees. It's well known that cruise ships fly under Liberian or Panamanian flag so they don't come under US labor laws. Crew members I talked with were there for the money -- saving to go home (wherever that is) in a few years and start a business. As passengers, the only thing we can do to mitigate their circumstances is tip well.

As one other poster said, a cruise is what you make of it. If you want to just veg out, there is ample opportunity and space to do that. For people who want more activities, there are lots of those offered. You don't have to eat each and every meal offered, but you can, if you wish. And on some cruise lines, if you prefer to dine alone or with your companion, that can be done also.

Last time I cruised, they had assigned meal seating only. I was lucky enough to be assigned to a table with nine other certifiably insane people who were an absolute hoot each and every meal.

So, it depends on how you perceive vacation travel. Some don't count going and coming (air) as part of the vacation. Others, like myself, consider vacation starting from the time you leave the house until the time you return. So the actual travel time is part of the vacation which is why I also like taking the train.

[blaze]

27. Travel with National Geographic!!!

We did the Alaska Inside Passage trip... but I'd be happy to try any of their other destinations.

Small, 60 passenger, ships... a crew well versed in all the flora and fauna... great respect for the local cultures... so many good things.

http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/about

[GoCubsGo]

28. That's one of the few instances where I can understand the attraction.

The fjords in Norway would be another, as would Antarctica. I can see a cruise in places where everything is best seen from the water. And, I guess I could see it if one has lots of time, and just wants periods to kick back and relax between the sight-seeing. But, you wind up missing out on what's between the ports of call.

[blaze]

30. I can't comment on trips other than the Alaska one...

but I imagine they use similar approaches.

We NEVER had time to kick back and relax!! I mean, we could have if we wanted to, but there were always excursions to go on. We kayaked and hiked and rode smaller (10 person) crafts to get as close as allowed to the glaciers... Travel from port to port was done primarily at night while we were sleeping. Any extended day times on the ship were in areas where we were likely to see whales breaching and bubble net feeding... (and we saw a LOT)

By day two, we had used so many adjectives and phrases to describe what we were seeing and doing.... amazing, breathtaking, wow, did you see that?.... they really started to sound hollow very quickly... but we kept saying them anyway. <g>

And the staff is so passionate. They know all about the ecology of the area, the people, the culture... We had a Tlingit woman join the cruise for a night. She spent a night on the ship and the entire next day. What a treasure of info she was!

Sorry... don't mean to gush... I just enjoyed this trip more than I can say.

[GoCubsGo]

33. I understand the gushing.

I went to Alaska more than 20 years ago. I'm still gushing. I didn't do a cruise, but I did take a day trip along the Kenai Fjords. That was the best day of the whole trip. I would love to go back and do a cruise. Not one of those big cruise line cruises, however. But, a small outfit, or a National Geo. tour, or something like it.

[otohara]

31. Depends

I wouldn't do a cruise now because of the environmental footprint thing.
I went on two cruises when I worked in marketing back in the 80's, they were free to certain clients.
The SS Norway cruise in the Caribbean was amazing.
The US owned ship cruise I did in Tahiti was horrible.

Scandinavians are much better at cruising than American's.

[Bake]

34. Well, you could be missing seasickness ...

And THAT'S so much fun!



Bake

[tanyev]

35. I don't see the appeal of flying somewhere just to lie on the beach for a few days.

Seems kind of...boring.

[goclark]

36. I've been on one cruise

and after that time I said no more.

I took a Cruise to Greece and I was the 1st off and last on.

I hated it ~I need to be on solid groud.

I don't mind sailing in calm waters for short distances but no more.

[alarimer]

37. Cruises are my worst nightmare.

Trapped on a boat with thousands of people. Only stopping in destinations for a very brief time and then herded around like cattle.

Yuck.

[felix_numinous]

38. I think without getting hammered

people would end up throwing each other overboard. You can't get in your car and drive away, and you're just stuck there with whoever is on board at the time. I don't think you're missing anything-- a beach vacation has more options

[pscot]

39. Being trapped in a corridor 2 feet wide and 900 feet long

with a thousand other people screaming and shitting themselves as they trample one another in a panicked struggle to escape a watery death?

[Initech]

40. I'd rather rent a boat and a GPS and explore the Carribbean on my own terms.

[6000eliot]

41. Ive been on a couple of cruises. It's like a floating resort.

If you don't like eating and gambling, there isn't a lot in it for you.

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

42. You have to enjoy food, shopping, casinos, spas, and live shows. It's a floating resort.

Sometimes the cruises stop at various islands for a day or so so you can explore different things at your leisure.
IMO, for the price it's hard to beat a cruise for variety.