Cruising again...
@1creekgirl (40534)
United States
June 7, 2019 5:02pm CST
Our daughter, her husband and son, and our son and his son (Nathan) are leaving on ANOTHER cruise tomorrow. They told me where they're going, but I never can keep up with it.
They drove to Florida today and are leaving from there. Those are the cruising-est people I've ever seen!
They're been trying to get my husband and I to go on one with them and we're actually considering it. Maybe a short one for four or five days.
We've got an appointment next week to apply for our passports and going to Walgreens tomorrow to get our glamour shots, I mean mug shots, I mean passport photos.
Okay, Lori A Moore, any advice or warnings? Other than "don't fall off the ship"?
I have mixed feelings about it, but the kids really want us to go with them. And how cool is that? Our kids and grandkids actually want to hang out with us.
But we'll see. You guys have any helpful hints or horror stories?
23 people like this
26 responses
@NJChicaa (116013)
• United States
7 Jun 19
@1creekgirl No I don't think so. We go to Cozumel, Mexico every year and the condo we stay at is right next to a cruise ship pier. We see everyone get off the ship like little ants and rush into town. Then they all rush back to be on the ship in time to not be left behind. It looks very hectic to me. I like to just get somewhere and then know that I can relax. Also I'm not a fan of mediocre food and that's what I've heard about the ships--tons of food but not particularly good.
4 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
8 Jun 19
@NJChicaa That is a personal opinion. Most cruise lines provide very good meals and food all day long. You can get food 24/7 if you want to. The reason ,most people are running when they get off the ship is they think they are going to miss their tours or sales. Some people do not know how to relax.
5 people like this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
8 Jun 19
An excellent question. My advice would be yes go for it. You are close enough to go around the Caribbean or perhaps up the West coast to Alaska. Cruising is a wonderful experience. Last Friday I came off a two week Cruise from Southampton to New York on the Queen Mary, I have just posted about it. It is an amazing experience. Every evening a log is left in your cabin for activities going on the next day so you can browse and plan your day. There is so much to do you won't be able to do it all. I could write a book about it. Imagine waking up each morning in a new port, a new country even.
The entertainment is amazing from classical concert to broadway shows. Enrichment lectures, casino, relaxing bars or lounges, some even have large swimming pools and log flumes. One ship even has bumper car rides. The facilities are amazing and available to you most included in the price. There are activities for all age groups and you can do as much or as little as you wish. Nothing is compulsory it is YOUR choice.
The food is superb breakfast, Lunch, afternoon tea, Dinner, Snacks. You could eat all day long which unfortunately some people do.
I came off the Queen Mary last Friday and on Saturday I booked a world cruise in 2021 which is four months of heaven in my opinion. I was bouncing off the ceiling with excitement this time last week.
Do feel free to ask any questions but I do think you should give it a try. You will be hooked. Good luck.
4 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (45501)
• India
8 Jun 19
@garymarsh6 wow you had a gala time on the cruise!
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
Getting hooked...that's what I'm afraid of! Your trip sounds amazing. I expect sailing on the Queen Mary would be pretty magnificent. So, in 2021 you'l be on a four month long cruise? I can't even imagine. Tell us all about it and I'd love to hear about the cruise you just took.
3 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
7 Jun 19
Well, my best friend and her husband has been on two. I need to start saving towards one for myself I think. She says that once you go on one you will want to go all the time. They have a dinner towards the end where you can ask the crew different questions, atleast I think it's one of the last dinners.
4 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
7 Jun 19
My daughter actually thinks she wants to live on a cruise ship when she retires. Thank goodness her husband has better sense.
3 people like this
@ScribbledAdNauseum (104632)
• United States
7 Jun 19
@1creekgirl I feel like she would get tired of it. The glamour of it would fade. Plus, that would be one expensive retirement.
3 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
13 Jun 19
@ScribbledAdNauseum Do what I did and work on the ships. Nothing like it.
1 person likes this
@CookieMonster46 (13447)
• United States
8 Jun 19
never been on a cruise lately I only hear the bad of cruises, but my friend, goes on them all the time and has been just fine.
3 people like this
@CookieMonster46 (13447)
• United States
8 Jun 19
@1creekgirl I don't think I would do well on one, I would be afraid of what I don't know, or get sick and stuck on the boat. so for now I stay on shore.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
It sares me every time I hear about accidents on cruises.
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
13 Jun 19
You said you only hear the bad about cruises, like what. Some people never leave their stateroom except tp eat. There is so much more than eating. You can get involved and play games or sports or swim or dance or lie around and do nothing. You have the options on the ship, it is up to you to use them and enjoy things you do not normally do.
1 person likes this
@rakski (112925)
• Philippines
7 Jun 19
@1creekgirl for sure, we will be waiting for your update here
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
7 Jun 19
Thanks, I'll let you all know how it is, if we do go.
4 people like this
@LindaOHio (156271)
• United States
8 Jun 19
Cruises can be really really bad or really really good. Hopefully yours will be seamless, no problems and full of fun.
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
I just hope our ship doesn't sink or crash into something.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (156271)
• United States
8 Jun 19
@1creekgirl I hope you don't get food poisoning. That seems to be another common occurrence.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
7 Jun 19
My daughter's been on so many, she's my resident expert!
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
18 Aug 21
@1creekgirl It is always good to have someone with you on your first cruise as there are so many things people miss if no one is there to tell you the ups and downs of cruising. You can try their suggestions and decide on what you want to try or not. I hope you have a great cruise and maybe one day I will meet you on one.
@snowy22315 (170025)
• United States
8 Jun 19
Cruising is fun, and I bet when you go on one you will get addicted. My advice would be try to get as much included as possible, so you don't have to spend any extra money onboard.
3 people like this
@ptrikha_2 (45501)
• India
8 Jun 19
Well "don't fall of the ship" is an important one!
Isn't it!
And do not mylot when you are towards the edge of the deck.
Eat rightly and do not overload.
Start a mylot discussion if you start feeling sea sickness
And do not mylot when you are towards the edge of the deck.
Eat rightly and do not overload.
Start a mylot discussion if you start feeling sea sickness
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
Thanks for all the great advice! Since we won't have internet, myLot will have to wait until we get home. I'll try not to get too fat with all the yummy food.
3 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
18 Aug 21
@1creekgirl Don't forget that if you have something to eat and really love it, just ask and you will get more of it. No charge......
1 person likes this
@marguicha (215492)
• Chile
7 Jun 19
I have never been on a cruise. But I love to have a holiday with my daughters. By all means, try it.
3 people like this
@marguicha (215492)
• Chile
9 Jun 19
@1creekgirl I had lots of fun on February when I went to Ciudad de Mexico with my daughters.
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
We got our passport photos today, so we'll see.
2 people like this
@rebelann (111195)
• El Paso, Texas
9 Jun 19
I'll bet you'd have so much fun @1creekgirl
1 person likes this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
Yeah, the best part will just be spending time with the kids.
2 people like this
@hereandthere (45651)
• Philippines
8 Jun 19
i've read what some people like is not having to pack and unpack at each destination since you have your own room.
i've also read that others don't stay in their room much since they socialize and get involved in as many of the activities offered.
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
There seems to be so much to do on the cruises.
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
18 Oct 20
@1creekgirl You can always go online and go onto any cruise line and look for their daily news papers and it tells you what activities are going on everyday.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
8 Jun 19
I love cruising, it is the most relaxing vacation in the world,
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61047)
• United States
10 Jun 19
@1creekgirl take Bonine everyday just in case of seasickness and just enjoy. We love holland America it is a more adult line with great food and they serve tea every afternoon. They have thermal suites where you can go to relax!!
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
9 Jun 19
I totally agree..thanks for the comment!
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
I think they're not as expensive as I thought, but then there are extra fees for excursions, etc.
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
18 Oct 20
There are cruises of all sizes, ex, amount of days and are you want to go to. There are some things that cost more but you do not have to have them. We don't go to the casino except for 1 or 2 nights and don't stay that lone. I am cheap and play the quarter machines. 
@LadyDuck (458230)
• Switzerland
9 Jun 19
@1creekgirl I was just thinking that for you it will be good anyway, you are not going alone, you have your kids and grandkids company. I went with my husband and there were many things we did not like, first of all being obliged at a table with other people, they did not offer small tables.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
We've never wanted to go on one, either. If we do this time, it will only be to spend time with the kids.
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
13 Jun 19
@LadyDuck That was the olden days. We never sit with anyone for meals. Now a days you have the choice to sit with others or alone. We sit alone but end up talking to others if we want to. We also sit in a different area every night unless we want the same table as the previous nights.
2 people like this
@xFiacre (12597)
• Ireland
7 Jun 19
@1creekgirl I can’t think of anything worse than a cruise! All those people running about enjoying themselves - eugh. Now stick me on a small cargo vessel with no other paying passengers chugging down the coast of South America in bad weather and I’ll jump at the chance. But go on, you’ll love it!
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
7 Jun 19
Well, I have to admit the cruise appeals to me more than a cargo vessel would. There are things about a cruise I don't like such as tiny rooms, possible sea sickness, loud people, but the food sounds great.
And the best part is doing something, hopefully fun, with the kids.
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
18 Oct 20
@1creekgirl All the rooms are not small. You choose the size you want and the area on the ship. Before going on every cruise, I make sure I get a small bottle of dramamine, or motion sickness pills or other brand. Every store sells them by their own brand too. As far as loud people go, the ships are so big and there is so much to do that you won't be bored. Besides, you would have your family there too and just watching them have fun will make you happy..
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205831)
• Walnut Creek, California
10 Jun 19
It's cool that the kids want you to go with them. If I were given the choice between a cruise and a learning how to castrate bulls and turn them into steers, I would choose the latter, but that's just me. Horses were not made to ride on boats.
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
8 Jun 19
I can probably answer any questions you have about cruising as my husband and I have been on over 50 cruises plus I was a hairdresser on cruise ships for almost 2 years many years ago. I don't think anything can compare to cruising. My first suggestion is DO NOT overpack. That is one of the biggest issues. You don't need more than two suitcases each and some people, like my husband, only brings one and one back pack.
Try to organize your days ahead of time. if you are a person that wears mostly pants for dinner instead of formal attire, try and wearing your skirt or pants more than once. You do not need new things every day. Wear a different top with the bottom, either skirt or pants. You do not need shoes to match every outfit. Again, a basic color that you can
My best invention was get one of those hanging shoe organizers that has 12 or more slots for shoes. You will need space for brushes, combs, tooth paste, etc. Drawer space is very limited. Hang the shoe holder over the edge of the shower or any door.
If you want I can give you some more tips. I can write a book about cruising. I don't want to overload your mind yet.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
Nancy, thank you so much! I really like the idea of a hanging shoe bag. Please, any advice will be so welcome. I'm pretty sure you've got my daughter beat in the number of cruises! Did you enjoy working on them? What was your and your husband's favorite trip?
2 people like this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
13 Jun 19
@1creekgirl We really cannot chose one trip, there have been so many but this last trip on the Norwegian Bliss is probably the number one. Any new ship is so great and usually has some new things. As far as ports we do not have any one special one from our experiences but when I was working on them I loved Iceland, Greece and Africa. Denmark and all of Scandinavia. I did like others to.
Another thing to think about is the walls in the staterooms are magnetic so you can bring some little clips that are magnetic for any notes you want to hang.
In the dining room don't be afraid to ask for seconds if you want them. My husband always did that and so did I when they were serving some of our favorite foods, like lobster. We haven't seen lobster being served on any ships in the past few years.
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
19 Aug 21
@1creekgirl I am finally on here again and I thought of more advice if you can use it. Some of the lines have great entertainment. If there is something you really want to see, go very early as the seats go fast and you might not get one. We mostly travel on Norwegian and they have the Beatles Show Band and they are so awesome. The lines get so long going into those shows and some people couldn't even get in. We have seen them more than 5 times.
Another thing, makes sure to get all the necessary items like, tooth brush, hair supplies, deodorant, etc. They have anything you need but it is very expensive. A few trips back, I forgot hairspray. I went to the onboard beauty salon to buy some and it costs me $7.50. I didn't even ask the price as I thought it would be about $3. Boy, was I surprised when I saw the price on our bill that went to the room the next day.
You can have laundry done the next day service but it is expensive also. I try and bring things that I know I can wear more than once, like a pair of black pants or a black skirt. I have brought a little bottle or packets of detergent to wash things by hand.
If you have any questions let me know. Pictures can be beautiful but they are also expensive. In the beginning I use to buy a lot but realized how expensive they were. The more trips we went on the less pictures we bought.
1 person likes this
@DesirousDreamer (34783)
• Peoria, Arizona
8 Jun 19
Never been on a cruise, they sound kind of terrifying to me but I am sure they are such a great time and I ever had the opportunity I would try it out. When the opportunity comes up, go for it! The best things in life are experiences!
3 people like this
@1creekgirl (40534)
• United States
8 Jun 19
Felicia, you are absolutely right..the best things in life truly are experiences.
2 people like this
