Cruise ships.

No intention to ever go on one of those things. But if I did these look like a bit of fun, more interesting than shuffleboard or whatever it is people do on those crowded tourist traps...

I have been in some rough water in much smaller boats, but without all the luxury items flying around...

On my last fishing trip my buddy was thrown from his sitting position across the boat by a big wave. At first I though sure he had broken bones, probably a hip, but it was just badly bruised. I have a bit more experience on boats than him, so I was holding on pretty tight, or maybe just lucky.
 
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We thought a 10 day multi port Caribbean would as fun as described. It wasn't. But newly retired at the time doing what seemed like the thing to do we did it.

In port hassle by beggars not fun. Unexpected envelopes to tip every crew member that came near us not fun. Really not expected was the tip expected for the chef that prepared the meals for the group we were to sit with. Seated at a group of unknowns in & of itself was not a good experience.

Top that off with a drill for emergency evacuation was a disaster. The bulkhead marking led us to where a group of crew members were standing around smoking. We asked for help to get to where we were supposed to go. Guess what no help just pointed to a passage way & said try that way. I wrote Carnival Cruise about our miserable experience. Their response was a 10% discount for our next cruise. Like that was going to happen.
 
My DD loves cruises she's been on lots... She's the polar opposite to me when it comes to holidays .. I like to be active seeing everything, the way people live as well.
I'm more interested in countries for the local culture ( I wouldn't be happy for example at Disneyworld)... but DD, is someone who loves to kick back and relax all day sunbathing, and reading her books.. happy to go to bed at 9pm after a good dinner with an afternoon in each country where the ship docks , for a quick dash around seeing what's available close to the docks... suits her, she wants nothing more, so a cruise is right up her alley...

Not for me.. .. nor all that tipping, I couldn't stand that either ...
 
Hubby and I have been on multiple cruises and found plenty to do to amuse us. The last one was a film festival cruise. I've always wanted to attend a film festival but it always seems too difficult so to be able to see an oscar nominated film every day was very acceptable.

Cruises catering to Australians know better than to hassle us with tipping. They solve the problem by giving us the choice of paying a lump sum at the end of the voyage or giving tips to staff in an envelope personally. We always choose the latter and thank the cabin crew and the waiters by way of a tip and a handshake. We must have been hitting the right note because they have always been very appreciative.

I think our cruising days are over although if ever I get the chance I would like to take a river cruise on the Danube.
 
Been on several 7 day cruises. Not sure I'd go again, but who knows. It wasn't all that bad or all that good...
 
I am not a cruise expert, but after 47 cruises I can share my opinions.
If you go out of Florida on a 5 day Carnival cruise, you are going to get a bunch of rowdy drunks.
If you go on a mega ship with 4500 passengers, you are going to be crowded.
Without sounding snobbish, if you go on a more expensive cruise, it tends to filter out some people.
I have sailed on Princess, Seabourn, Regent and Silverseas and never felt crowded.
 


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