Trashy holiday for vulgar people.

In general, I don't like to be "captive" when I am traveling; if I'm not happy with my accommodation or feel unwell, I prefer to have the ability to leave. Did not enjoy my one cruise to the Bahamas. However, I am willing to consider cruising to places otherwise difficult to get to (Alaska's southeastern ports) or possibly destinations where the ship would be a sanctuary of sorts, providing food and comforts not likely on land.

Anonymous wrote:I took less drowsy 24 hour dramamine and did fine on the two short Caribbean cruises I have taken (motion sickness is an issue for me).
We did not eat with anyone else on either trip - I am not sure how that worked out - but I did prefer that.
I haven't used medical care (dr on board) while on a cruise, but relatives have.

We liked all of the activities and shows on board and visiting / getting off the boat and doing things at ports.

I like almost anything and I'm up for almost anything at least once. Other things I like that DCUM thinks are tacky, include Disney World and the Outer Banks. I am not above anything, really or worry whether I like tacky things. I like tacky things like cowboys boots too - to speak to a recent DCUM post on another topic, and many eons liked a lot of desserts in the slightly trashy desserts thread and often make them and bring them to parties where they're gobbled up. I consider myself fun loving and young at heart.

I did get covid for the first (and only time) after I came home from my August 2022 cruise.

Refreshing post! Thx.

OP, why not try a short cruise to see if you like it? There are quite a few which are only 3-4 days and go to the Bahamas.

They are also not as expensive (once you get to Florida) as many others. You could combine a short cruise with time spent elsewhere in Florida.

The fact that the Bahamas are less than 100 miles from the U.S. should be of some comfort. Of course, you should always buy medical evacuation insurance no matter where you travel. Again, if it is a short cruise going to the Bahamas the insurance won't be ridiculous.

There are things I hate about cruising: constant money-grabbing initiatives by cruise lines, other passengers who act like jerks, miniscule pool areas, and of course risk of illness with so many people on board.

We mitigate it by not getting a drink package and just pay-as-we-go, getting a cabin with a balcony so we can have a private space to enjoy watching the sea, go to the pool/hot tubs at off-peak times, and eat in the dining room where you have less chance of being exposed to the nasty things people do at the buffet. Most cruise lines will seat you at a small table if you request it, if you go to early dining option.

There are lots of types of cruises, just like there are lots of types of hotels and resorts. Just like them, it depends on the destination and the quality/luxury level.

Yes, a small cabin on a Carnival cruise to Jamaica is just a drunken crowd. Might as well go to any Caribbean resort.

A nice suite cabin on a higher end cruise or cruise section (Celebrity, NCL Haven, Holland America, etc.) that takes you to a bunch of ports in the Mediterranean or Alaska, I love it!

Crowded and filthy

Everything thing. Getting sick being #1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, they're crowded and diseased. I would never.

+1 and the idea of being afloat in the open ocean gives me feelings of claustrophobia.

Same. I went on one with some friends in my 20s and had no issue with it, it was a fun vacation. Did it in my 30s with DH & kids and was surprised that I woke up a couple times in the night overwhelmed with claustrophobia and had to get out and go up on deck until I calmed down.

Would not have done another but my parents wanted to take the whole extended family on a cruise to Alaska for their 50th Anniversary so I gave it another shot. Claustrophobia was even worse. It only really hits me when going to sleep/wake up during the night so got some sleeping pills in the first port to help but will never take another cruise.

I have been on two. Downsides are very cramped small rooms, high risk of illness, I get seasick, long lines at buffet, never enough time to immerse yourself at any port so it feels kind of surface/lacking depth. Crowded tiny pool, difficult to get a chaise. I do think the vibe is usually fun, the nightly entertainment enjoyable, it’s easy/not stressful. For me, the seasickness and norovirus make it a non-starter in the future. But I get what people like.

Everyone I know has come back sick over and over again.

I hate buffet food.

Spend way too much time on the ship.

Norovirus

Yuck

You get what you pay for. Disney is one of the better ones, obviously if you have kids, but we've seen a lot of people there who didn't have kids. The ship was very clean, very nice, easy to get around and great food. But we're not picky lol. We had fabulous weather and no sea sickness issues. We also took Bonine (non-drowsy and lasts 24 hours).

Disney also doesn't nickel and dime you as much as some of the other cruises, which we appreciated. We'll definitely be going on another.

They are ok and good for multiple families/generations. We’ve only done Celebrity (even with our kids) which has the reputation of better food, an older and quieter crowd, and less high octane entertainment. Suits us pretty well.

I like that you get to go to several places on a cruise and don’t have to pack and repack. I don’t love traveling with so many people, but it’s so economical compare to a Caribbean all-inclusive. We take one or two trips per year and over a 20 year period we’ll do four cruises - western Caribbean twice, Bermuda, and Alaska. I like it on occasion.

If you like to go to several destinations, not have to worry about paying for food every day, enjoy nightly shows/entertainment, can deal w/ crowds, the short time at a port, all the extras (tips, port excursions, don't get seasick easily) then you may enjoy it.

I took less drowsy 24 hour dramamine and did fine on the two short Caribbean cruises I have taken (motion sickness is an issue for me).
We did not eat with anyone else on either trip - I am not sure how that worked out - but I did prefer that.
I haven't used medical care (dr on board) while on a cruise, but relatives have.

We liked all of the activities and shows on board and visiting / getting off the boat and doing things at ports.

I like almost anything and I'm up for almost anything at least once. Other things I like that DCUM thinks are tacky, include Disney World and the Outer Banks. I am not above anything, really or worry whether I like tacky things. I like tacky things like cowboys boots too - to speak to a recent DCUM post on another topic, and many eons liked a lot of desserts in the slightly trashy desserts thread and often make them and bring them to parties where they're gobbled up. I consider myself fun loving and young at heart.

I did get covid for the first (and only time) after I came home from my August 2022 cruise.

If you are cool with Myrtle Beach, you're golden for a cruise.