Just got back from vacation. It was so good, that I had to figure out some way that I could incorporate it into a list of 10. Since it's my blog, my editor said it was ok. Once again, I try not to make this blog about me personally, but rather my views on things. This entry will be both about me and my views on the subject of a cruise.
Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm a live and let live kind of guy. I don't usually go out on a limb and say that something is the 'BEST'. Even on my top 10 lists. They are never listed in order of preference because that order will change depending on my mood and I figure nearly everyone else is about the same way. This list will try to push you into the direction of cruising as a vacation. I should get a kickback from the cruise industry and if nothing else from the Disney Cruise Line <-- (The happiest voyage on earth).
10. Radio Silence - What is the point of a vacation? It's it to 'get away from it all?'. Of course it is. Well when you are on a cruise ship, you have to pay extra (and by extra, they mean extra in every sense) for Internet and usually cellphone access. I saw plenty of idiots that just couldn't leave their technology alone and they were constantly ignoring the rest and relaxation around them in favor of squeezing just a little productivity from their bothersome vacation. People like this deserve the early grave they will likely come to because it's the only way they will get any rest. Only within the past few years was a cruise starting to fail it's customers by allowing cellphone and internet access. Before then you had to call the ship to shore method and it was VERY expensive. That way you will not be tempted to leave your rest and relaxation.
9. Not as expensive as you might think - According to AAA the average vacation cost in 2007 was about 100 dollars per person per day. Yes I know, the average person doesn't have a deal like you do because you get to stay with your aunt and you fix sandwiches for the whole trip, but if on average you spend 100 dollars a day, then 150 a day on a cruise is a pretty good deal considering they are doing all of the work for you and all you have to do is ENJOY. It's certainly not out of reach for many that might think it is.
8. I don't want to be busy!! - A cruise allows you to be as busy or as lazy as you would like. There are really very few limits as to the direction of your relaxation. There are always movies or presentations. Workshops abound. Or you can take your book and sun yourself on the deck and watch the ocean go by. The latter appears to be the activity of choice by many cruise goers. I am partial to taking in movies and wandering around the decks aimlessly comfortable in the knowledge that I am accountable only to myself for the time I am 'wasting'
7. People are a lot more fun - Because you are on a cruise with other like minded people, you will find that making friendships is pretty easy. After all, nobody is placing any demands on anyone and as a result people are naturally on their best behavior. If you travel with multiple families that is fun as well.
6. My hotel room takes me places! - You go to sleep in America, you wake up in the Bahamas. You go to sleep and you wake up at sea. You go to sleep again and you wake up in Mexico. No travel time because you don't have to drive it. You get out of the boat and see the fun at the port and when you are tired of the fun, you go back to the boat for more fun.
5. If mom can relax...everyone can relax. - This one is specific to Disney Cruise Line because It is the only boat I have experience with as far as children's programs. But they have programs for 4 different age groups as well as infants (at an extra cost). The programs are so engaging that many of the kids dread mom and dad coming to pick them up. If mom can turn down her maternal instincts and let the fine Disney staff ply her kids with entertainment and fun, then mom can unwind and have some fun herself. If mom can have fun, everyone can have fun.
4. Everyone should know what it feels like to be rich. - If they are working on the boat, they are working so you can enjoy yourself that much more. There is a room steward that makes sure everything is made up in your room, there is a waiter and an assistant waiter there to make sure you have great flavors tripping the light fantastic off of your tongue at dinner. There are people all over who's only wish is to entertain you and make your trip happy. This is what rich people do. They hire people to worry about their comfort. It's surprisingly easy to get used to.
3. Who's driving? oh yeah, the captain. - I have no personal experience with this, but on some cruises there are options to have liquor included in the price of the cruise. The Lush Boat will drive you all over the ocean in your inebriated state and the captain will continue driving. Be careful, if you cause too much drunk trouble, they'll just chuck you over the side.
2. Are we entertaining you enough? - I mentioned before that there is a lot of entertainment options. On the Disney Cruise you have a theater that is running different first run movies all day. Your room is running movies as well. You can take classes or join in competitions, you can exercise or just sit back. On top of all of this, there are broadway style shows to be had. Really entertaining and very fun. There are so many options in the way of entertainment that you are often wondering if you should skip a meal so you can participate in something else. You can fall into the trap of being so busy that you start getting really tired on the boat. Don't do this. Just take in enough for your enjoyment. Don't push yourself. Your main goal here is to re-lax. ahhhhhhhh.
1. Food Glorious Food! - I save the best for last. In this case, the food. It is not just your cafeteria/convention food fare. It's very near gourmet with very original recipes that are artfully put on your table for you to consume. Not sure if you want the Chicken or the Seafood? Take them both. Wondering what the other deserts taste like? Get them as well. A cruise tradition is to offer a midnight buffet that is dedicated to just the deserts of the cruise. If I wasn't so full of food the whole cruise I would have gone in. I just couldn't. Why oh why couldn't I have had that second stomach surgically installed?!
If you made it to the end of this blog, congratulations! you deserve a cruise. Go on one!
Thanks for reading!
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