I often have people ask what is good about a cruise, why anyone would want to do it.
There’s loads of reasons, the biggest being that once you pay, it’s all-you-can-eat included! Plus loads of games and activities, and being on the ocean is always beautiful.
But in my opinion, the best thing about cruising (to places you’ve never been) is that it’s a fantastic way to get an overview for places. A taste of countries that you might now want to have invested in otherwise – a way to see if you want to go back.
Obviously there’s downsides too – but we won’t go into that. Suffice it to say that my parents really, really love cruises, hence the main reason we went on one when they came to visit.
As this was my fourth cruise, I was ready. Knew what to expect. And was more excited for this cruise than any before.
Why? Because the first three: I was 13 years old, 17 years old, and 20 years old. Really, the most awkward ages you can be on a cruise. (Awkward teen, not-yet-adult-teen, and “What do you mean I can’t drink on the ship even though I can drink in every port?!”)
But this one? I was drinking age baby.
Suffice it to say, this led to,
“What happens on a cruise ship, stays on a cruise ship.”
Ah, I can hear the groans of frustration from wanting to hear the stories.
Let’s just say I did find out:
- That along with free food, it’s also possible to get loads of free drinks!
On that note: I gleaned just how many drinks it takes to get a two-day hangover (but being the hearty soul I am, the ever-present urge to expel did not keep me from exploring Turkey! Neither strep throat on a previous cruise or a hangover on this one would keep me from seeing new places!!). Also my new drunk-conversation-topic-obsession: getting a job.
- My brother’s not as protective as he used to be. (Apparently living away from home for several years in other countries makes him feel that I can take care of myself. What??)
- That when there are others your age aboard cruising is WAY more fun!
- That 18 < 23.
Cough… yes, well… some math learners are slower than others…
- The expensive cabanas are much easier to sneak into at night (go figure).
- The gyms onboard are quite nice!
(Who knew? I’d definitely never stepped in one before! And running on the treadmill while facing the ocean makes it feel like you’re running on water!)
So you know, I found out the really important stuff in life. Or rather, “not-so-important”.
But as with all travel whether profound or not – it left me with great memories, and LOTS of great stories.
I can’t wait for these stories!
Going to Aruba at age 17 was super awkward, especially since the drinking age there is 18. I got to sit and watch my 19 year old brother and my father drink together while I sipped virgin daquiris.
I hear ya! I had to do that for so long with my brother! (He’s 5 years older than me, so happened for a while!) Bet Aruba was great though!!
The greatest!
Great stories — that you won’t share! *pout* That kind of makes them memories instead of stories, doesn’t it?
We’re debating whether our next cruise should be in Europe or Alaska. Maybe in 2014.
I would say Europe, but my parents LOVED Alaska – said it was awesome!!
Looking forward to the stories!!!!!
I would love to share them all, but some aren’t good for me to put on a blog that has my name on it
Jillian now you’re just teasing us!!!!
my cruising experiences have been SO different! we always take my grandparents from ukraine on cruises so i’ve done the mediterranean at age 11, caribbean at 15 and alaska for my college grad at 21. but they’ve ALL been old-lady cruises! the hottest action was watching the proverbial boring great-aunt sue dance with her upper body (knees no good anymore) to some cover band doing abba hits in the ‘club’ onboard! i also hate how everything is commodified on board and there’s always those pesky photographers tryin’ to take & sell you a photo at every moment. and the entertainment is so cheesy, and you get like, 6 hours in each port so what can you really explore? i’m a cruise hater, i know! hehe.
I’ll admit, the three before this one were old-people cruises, so I know how you feel! And we only went to the two comedy shows (we skipped all the other ones, lol). Exploring-wise, I feel that there definitely isn’t enough time, but that’s why I think it’s a good introduction to whether you’d want to come back later. Some places, after 6 hrs I’m like, “Wow, so glad there’s no more time here! There’s nothing else to do!”
This is why you give the guilty parties pseudonyms, dear. For the stories.