Cruising is what you make it!
I will never forget July 11-14, 2003. These are the dates of my first cruise. 16 years and 18 cruises later, I still love cruising! Although I have visited several ports multiple times, I get excited as if each cruise is my first.
I have heard many excuses as to why people do not cruise — too much water, I can’t drink all that water, I will be bored, they are too crowded, I am afraid I will get sick, remember the Titanic, that’s too long to be on a ship.
Yes, there are days you are surrounded by water. Looking out into the water is calming! Stay in a balcony cabin. Order room service or grab something to eat from one of the many dining venues. Sit on the balcony, enjoy your meal and look out into the clear blue water, listening to the waves and gazing at the blue skies. The sunsets are also spectacular!
There is no need to drink all water. Falling off the ship is next to impossible. Horse play, standing on the rails, being in a restricted area or other inappropriate dangerous activity can put you in a situation to where you may fall overboard. Avoiding this type of behavior is the best advice I can offer.
Getting bored is not an option while cruising! If you get bored it it your own fault! There are so many activities. Relax by lounging on the pool desk, take in the sunsets and sunrises on the top deck(s) or from your balcony room or pamper yourself by getting a massage in the spa! Be adventurous by trying the zip line, ice skating, iFly, roller coaster or simulated water surfing! Try activities you love or ones where you have never been a participant — mini golf course, basketball, dodge ball, table tennis or many other activities!
Some cruise photos show crowds. It is true some areas may be crowded. Several of the photos with crowds are from the ship’s parties. Everyone is invited to each sail away or event party. If crowds are not your thing, avoid these parties. Several cruise lines will show the festivities on the television in your stateroom (live or shown later). From my experience, although mega ships house 6000+ guests, the individual activities tend to be less crowded. With so many activities in which to participate, guests are doing various activities at the same time.
It is possible you may become ill while sailing. I have gotten sick on 4 separate cruises. Twice was due to a conch allergy I developed. At first, I assumed it was a bad batch of lobster bisque. However, I ate conch at the same port and did not have lobster bisque. It was then determined it was an allergy to conch. I was the only person in our group to become ill. (There is a medical staff onboard. Be sure you check your medical insurance policy. If you did not purchase the cruise company’s insurance or purchase an international policy through your insurance provided, medical visits will be treated as out-of-network. As you know, you pay a higher percentage with out-of-network claims.) Other times, I became sea sick. I did not take motion sickness medicine, wear a patch behind my ear or wear sea sickness bands. Sea sickness kept me in bed for most of the day the firs time. The second time was not as bad. While dining, one of the guests mentioned that they convince themselves they are being rocked. I now convince myself of this anytime the waters feel a bit rough. It has been a tremendous help!
Let’s talk norovirus. Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States. Norovirus is not confined to only cruise ships. It just happens to be the place where most people hear about it happening. From majority of the news reports that I read, the media is reporting on norovirus based on someone using social media to report what they are currently experiencing. Norovirus is also reported in other closed and crowded environments — hospitals, nursing homes, childcare centers and schools. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that a person will get norovirus about 5 times during their lifetime. While you can get it at any time of the year, it is most common between November and April. There are hand sanitizer and hand washing stations throughout cruise ships. If you witness inappropriate behavior in the dining areas on a ship, PLEASE bring it to the attention of the crew! It could possibly be the difference in your having a norovirus free cruise.
Titanic? Seriously? There is no comparison in the Titanic and today’s ships. Today’s ships are much more technologically advanced. Imagine the number of ships that sail each week. They come back!
Cruises do not have to be long. There are very few that are 1 night (usually inaugural sailings) or 2 nights. (Coming very soon are details on a 2-night group cruise.)
Room, meals, nightly shows, planned activities, activities at your leisure — all available on your cruise! These were the selling points for my first cruise. My mom and I had wanted to visit Las Vegas. Our (then) travel agent suggested a cruise. We would have all of this included in our cruise fare. Had we visited Las Vegas, we would need to pay for each meal, each show and each activity.
Each cruise line is unique. It is my pleasure to help you discover the joy of cruising! Once you sail on your first cruise, it most likely will not be your last. Like me, you may wonder why you did not try it sooner.
Food! Food! And More Food!
