My wife and I took our first ocean cruise in 1997 (through the Panama Canal on the Crystal Harmony) and instantly fell in love with the experience. Since then we have been on nineteen ocean cruises, literally all over the world.
Non-cruisers express concerns about cost; fear of water, the possibility of seasickness; ships that are too big or too small; not spending enough time to really get to know a specific place, etc. Then they ask why we do this?
First and foremost is the opportunity to see many different people and places that we would never otherwise have the opportunity to do, or be able to afford. Second, today’s cruise ships are the closest way that an average person will ever have to experience opulence, service and luxuries normally reserved for royalty. Third, once you reach the ship you put your clothes away, tuck the suitcases under the bed and never have to deal with them again for the duration of the trip. Fourth, depending upon your preference there are numerous opportunities to sit quietly by a pool or out on deck. There is also dancing, games, group classes, excellent speakers, and other first class entertainment, up to an including Broadway quality stage shows. Activities depend on the cruise line and their style.
There are ever-present opportunities to sample wonderful foods and wines from around the world. There are safe places for kids to be entertained and make new friends. Every day comes with new adventures; be they shore excursions, new entertainment or simply new weather.
If you can afford and prefer there are suites available that rivals those of the best hotels. Alternatively, for an all inclusive cost there are numerous accommodations available, that come with all the same access to the ship and the ports. In short, my wife and I love the draw, the peaceful serenity and, yes, sometimes exciting actions of the sea. We love to be pampered like royalty. We love to meet people and visit places like Anchorage, Alaska; Terra del Fuego, Argentina; Beijing, China; Papeete, Tahiti; Sidney Australia; St. Petersburg, Russia and the Isles of Greece.
Next, we are thinking about Capetown, South Africa!
AlwaysHarriet 