I was packing up my cruise related souvenirs today, and I realized one thing. Cruising is not as glamorous as it used to be. Now, I’m going back 25 years or so. We would save for an entire year so we could enjoy “the best week of our lives”. We were amazed by the food. Awed by the service. Took tours of the different islands. Our reminders consisted of enameled pins, t shirts, photos, the usual stuff. We would be rewarded for returning to the same line with a pin, a bag, something. To this date, my favorite souvenir is a custom bobble head of me and my wife on a see-saw we ordered on an NCL voyage. We’ve redone our vows, sat for a private photo session, and had dinner with the Captain.
These days ( CoVid not withstanding ), cruise ships are crowded. Serve pedestrian food, rewards seem to have hone the way of the midnight or chocolate buffet. Incentives to book with one line are practically non existent. I can pay to get on a cruise ship by simply pulling out my credit card, knowing I can pay it off by the next bill.
They have made cruising very affordable, and though I’ve met some very nice people, I have also come across many people who are rude, abusive to the staff, and have an exaggerated sense of entitlement.
Chogs still exist.
I guess the luster has worn off, or maybe I’m jaded, but I miss the smaller ships. These mega ships, meh. I’m not impressed.
just my mind wandering I guess
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No longer the glamorous vacation
98 Answers
Holland
As in Holland America ?
Smaller ships are nicer, but as you mentioned, with the youngsters cruising with you, the bigger ships might be best for them
Lynn is wonderful
or maybe just try a different line like an msc or something. from what i have seen if we look we can find the ship that works. for me at this time the big ship works having a teen son. but i still see smaller ships out there like on MSC and Holland
although it is more expensive, can you afford to take as many cruises per year as you would have on the "Mass" cruise lines ?
Lynn is considerate and caring
The only thing keeping me off a ship more often is Time Off, and proximity to a cruise port!
If I lived in Florida, or ::Shudder:: Closer to New York/New Jersey or Baltimore ::Shudder:: I would be cruising much more often.
although it is more expensive, can you afford to take as many cruises per year as you would have on the "Mass" cruise lines ?
Lynn is considerate and caring
I think many agree with you. An alternate path is to go for the high end luxury side. Instead of sailing the lines for the "masses", save up for the small, boutique lines. They're still maintaining the culinary and service quality. You'll give up the toys and your loyalty status, but fair trade. We're almost at that point. We'll sail less frequently, but find an improved solution.
It's my beleif they've simply been sucked up into the me-first ethos that's spreading through Western society and they (ironically) lack, as many do, the self-awareness to see what they're doing.
interesting thoughts.
Although not my belief, I respect what you have to say.
Lynn is thoughtful and caring
And I thought I had it bad with multiple people asking me, when wearing the white jacket tuxedo, what job I do on the ship! You must hear, "hey, captain!" all evening!
Also, nice Dexcom (I think) CGM. It's good to see a fellow cyborg out and about.
I have had that happen a few times. Then they see the badge and get confused!
and it is indeed a Dexcom G6. Ive been using Dexcom for the last 8 years, and I dont know how i survived the preceeding 12! I'm one of the "lucky" ones that got Physicians approval to wear it on my arm/shoulder. After I went through 5 sensors in my first week with the G6 from them being knocked off by my body armor, Scott-pak, or firearm, the doc gave up and said "Fine"
Although I got an email last week from the Dexcom Warrior Program, advising that the new G7, which is designed to be worn on the arm, was approved by the FDA! Some Day they'll be able to just replace the damned pancreas LMAO
Glad you agree with me .KantWait2Crooze
On occasion, during my candlelight suppers at home, we discuss this and other important topics.
You might be aware that I am active in local charity events.
my candlelight suppers often are fund raising events for local charities and am proud to say that I have been the recipient of many awards for my work and dedication.
It's with pride and I feel grateful that you agree.
Thanks
Lynn is beautiful.
Agree with you ? I wouldn’t even want to cruise with you
As for the MDR...I have 2 looks. Formal night(s) and every other day:
And I thought I had it bad with multiple people asking me, when wearing the white jacket tuxedo, what job I do on the ship! You must hear, "hey, captain!" all evening!
Also, nice Dexcom (I think) CGM. It's good to see a fellow cyborg out and about.
You do look very handsome and beautiful in those pictures, and thanks for posting.
(Please post some more pics)
I agree with the lazy inconsiderate comments you made of those awful people on the ship.
These people normally live in Trailor parks or in mobile homes and have limited knowledge of day to day lives of normal people.
They eat pizza all day, and shipshape they are not :)
Truly awful people and should not be allowed to cruise.
Yes, thank you.
However, please note I didn't say or even imply that those who do not dress up for others are "awful people". In fact, i quite clearly wrote, "perhaps they have nice enough personalities". They may (or may not) be considerate in other ways. Not considering others' enjoyment of a shared experience when getting dressed is a degree towards awful; but, alone, does not make one an awful person. Nor does it mean they live in a "Trailor [sic] park" (it's trailer, and it's not a proper noun); they clearly have money to spend on cruises and flying to and from the terminal port cities. It's my beleif they've simply been sucked up into the me-first ethos that's spreading through Western society and they (ironically) lack, as many do, the self-awareness to see what they're doing. Doing a bad thing, though, does not make one a bad person.