Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> sf wrote:
>> So, eat lunch where you port if dinner is out. If you're on a cruise
>> to do more than just sample each port, you're out of luck unless
>> you're willing to foot the cost of paying of your own overnight stay
>> in a hotel and transportation to the next port where you want to get
>> back onboard. Cruises are for getting the feel of a place and
>> deciding if you want to return for a closer look. At least that's how
>> I use them. There are places, I've crossed off the list that way.
>> BTDT, move on.
>
> Our first tip to Europe was on a motor coach tour. We got to see many
> places in 10 days, a good sampling of the region. It was a good way to
> experience the land, learn how things work, know what we wanted to see in
> the future, etc. It made subsequent trips much easier. I'd still be
> standing in line trying to get a bite to eat at the Auto Grill had I not
> seen how it works. Just a bit different than the way we do counter foods.
> Tours also have the ability to get you in and out of places quickly instead
> of standing in long lines and the guides are very knowledgeable so you get a
> lot of information easily.
>
> I could enjoy a cruise for maybe a day or two, but once I've walked the
> ship, I'm ready to head out to some other places. I love the water, but day
> after day of ocean is not that exciting. I'd rather be driving or looking
> out the window on a train or bus. Driving has the advantage of being able
> to stop whenever you like. There is no place I don't want to go, just that
> I'd like to see some places more than others.

There is so much to do on a cruise ship, Ed. We had 6 sea days in a row
on our last voyage which was a transatlantic and we were never bored or
at a loss to do anything.

We played trivia a couple of times a day. The ship had a daily sudoku
puzzle. I went to the gym every morning (except for 3 times out of 14
days---pat-pat) There are pools and hot tubs and lounge chairs in the
sun for the lay-abouts. There are classes like vegetable carving and
towel folding or wine tasting. This cruise had a cocktail tasting, too.
We did one on another cruise and it was a lot of fun. We got to mix
cocktails and drink them.

There were lecturers on board, too. One fellow was from NASA and gave
lectures about the space program and stuff. Another lecturer talked
about some other stuff. We weren't interested, so I don't really
remember what it was.

There were bridge tournaments and card games and dominos.

There were seminars, too. One was on accupuncture. We also learned some
rudimentary Tagalog at a class and DH was having a grand time using it
on the waiter, who seemed to be delighted with it, and our cabin
attendant. I sat through a Spanish class and realized that I knew more
than I thought I did.

I climbed almost to the top of the rock wall and went in-line skating
with my girlfriend. Spent a lot of quality time in the steam room and
sauna, too. Passed up on getting a massage as I now have a gal locally
who is so awesome.

There are also ballroom dancing lessons and movies to watch in a theater
or on the TV in your stateroom. We had a group from the Cruise Critic
Roll Call board that got a room in the conference center and planned
some activities in advance.

The library has lots of books. There is also WiFi (not very cheap but
cheaper than Princess) if you need to find something on the computer or
check your email. If you don't have your own machine, they have several.

There is a show every evening in the theater. There is dancing into the
wee hours and several different venues so that you can take your pick.

There is also bingo (very pricey) and the casino where the machines are
tighter than -----.

Let me tell you that sitting on one's balcony with one's sweetie and an
adult beverage while watching the ocean can be very romantic.

One of the best parts of sea days is that we find time to be together
with nothing else to distract us ;-)

Of course this isn't for everyone, but don't knock it if you've never
tried it. Do a 3 day from a nearby port if you can and give it a try.
Lots of people get addicted to it like I am but that addiction does not
preclude my traveling other ways.
--
Janet Wilder
Way-the-heck-south Texas
Spelling doesn't count. Cooking does.