The Stifling of the Seas: It's Just Not for Me!

I'm a veteran of four cruises, the last one completed just last week. I'll never do another one. My experience this time was exactly like yours. Too many people, felt like we were herded like cattle. To top it off, apparently customer service is a dirty word to Holland America. I'm already planning my next trip to Alaska, in March 2013. But it sure won't be on a cruise ship. My other advice: if you do a cruise, don't book shore or land excursions before you arrive. Land tours, in particular, can't be cancelled once booked--so you're stuck if you find you've made a mistake. On the other hand, if you wait to book, you can make sure you're choosing wisely.

I have never been on a cruise, it's never really appealed to me either. If I were to ever consider going on one, I believe I'd choose the Alaskan. I like my freedom and privacy too much to be herded on a "fun" cruise. I'm only speaking for myself. I didn't think I'd ever get on a helicopter either, but I toured Maui on the Blue Helicopter tours that they offer. I prayed and prayed about it, and just had to do it as I never would have been able to live with myself if I had not flown in one. I absolutely loved it. Our pilot had been a L.A. traffic reporter for the Sheriff's Dept. before going over to Hawaii, I felt I was in safe hands. I have the C.D. to review every now and then.

I think it would be an amazing trip. My husband and I talk every summer about driving there with the kids. I can only imagine how breathtaking the landscape is and wonder what it would be like to hike.

My mom is going on an Alaskan cruise this summer and she is very excited! I think there is something about going on a smaller ship perhaps with less people...I would find it more enjoyable! It also sounds like you had amazing views the whole time :)

I would recommend an Alaskan cruise over a Caribbean cruise any day. It is the only cruise we've ever taken and we chose it on purpose. This was in 2003 before we had Charlie.

Hubby and I are not beach people. We didn't want to be on a gigantic ship filled with young 20 year olds, families with little kids, or 10 thousand other people.

The Alaskan cruises are smaller ships - approx 1500 total passengers. The scenery is breathtaking. I sat on the deck for hours just watching the whales, glaciers, etc. We even saw a grizzly bear on the shore one day. The lines weren't long and you never felt like a packed sardine. The shore excursions were awesome too.

We want to do it again but add on a week at Denali National Park as well.

Elizabeth

@texasebeth ( http://twitter.com/texasebeth )  and My Life, such as it is.... ( http://texasebeth.blogspot.com )

when you first think of a cruise - it seems like the perfect getaway. But in reality three days out to sea are grueling. The whole time I was wishing I was still in St. Martin.

We went on a cruise for our 10th anniversary, and I felt the same exact way you did. I'm glad we did it once but I would much rather explore and island for a week than be stuck on a boat for 3 of those days!

and relax. But you are right one cruise is enough...We tried it and know it isn't for us.

I love reading on deck. But didn't you find it extremely crowded? it was awful for us! I had practically climb over people to get into in my lounge chair. I should have video taped it just for the awkwardness of the whole situation :O

...but it was wonderful. We enjoyed the stops at various ports of call with shopping and sightseeing and being on the beach. Just the two of us, mostly, but we did meet some fun people.

The food was exquisite. There was a lot to do on board, too, but just being able to lie on a deck chair and read without the kids wanting something or other was a huge treat. A welcome break from our otherwise very busy lives.

That said...I think one cruise was all I'd want. Otherwise, it's "been there, done that".

"If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere"

Lake Mary Musings ( http://www.lakemarymusings.com )

really love cruises! My in-laws were shocked that we didn't love it! They couldn't get over it and looked at us like we had three heads.

I know from standing in line sometimes - I felt like letting out a loud moo!

a buffet gal. But I did enjoy the dining room and extra cost meals. Some of our suppers were mouth-watering :)

Did you find any activities or entertainment help to pass the time?

I definitely came off the ship ten pounds heavier! I realized on our days out to sea revolved around food, when we were going to eat, where we were going to eat, and what to eat...I will say the food was fantastic at the dining room and extra cost restaurants. I'm not much of a fan for the buffets, but I did enjoy the 3 pm cookie raid....

I love to explore, get lost, and discover something new. It feels more like an adventure to me! But everybody has their preferences...

What was your best travel discovery?

Nearly 18 years ago, we took a cruise for our honeymoon as all we'd heard is how fabulous there are. And like you, we are not a fan of the cruise!!
We felt like cattle herded here and there. And talk about cabin fever on that damn ship! Never, ever again!
{I think if I even suggested a cruise Sexy Hubby would suggest a divorce. Not really, but you get my point.}

Katie Walters is the author of An Authentic Life ( http://www.anauthenticlife.com/ ), and a regular contributor to Montana Parent ( http://www.mtparent.com ).

We had the same experience on a cruise. The destinations were fun, but the time on the ship was dull. I didn't even especially enjoy the food. To me it was typical buffet fare.

I have never been on a cruise, mostly b/c I can barely walk without getting motion sick, but I think it would be too claustrophobic for me. I like to get away from people, not be plastered to them! And, really, I would probably just drown my sorrows in the buffet and have to be rolled off the ship.

I've never been on a cruise, but everyone always says what a wonderful time it is. I've never been interested because I don't want to be cooped up on a ship. I'm much better at walking around getting lost whilst taking in my surroundings. Much more fun that way too.