Zhivago-I'm with you 100%. I have no interest in Princess Cruise lining it around the islands with other overfed Americans eating mediocre buffets, dancing to some low rent boat band, squeezing my daquiri inflated ass into some cheesy sequined dress. Just for the privilege of my lover and I to share a table with Mr. and Mrs. Used Car Lot owner from Kansas City only to have earlier been dropped off at some tourist port to have overpriced clothing and jewelry shoved in my face by local hawkers. (Can you tell I'm inclined to never set foot on a cruise line?) Nah, drop me off in the Cinque Terra, I'll take my dinners in a simple black dress and shoes in some little cliffside taverna, thank you. They can keep their cruise ships and the pestilence that comes with them.
Originally Posted by Miss Valentina
I used to feel similarly about those big cruises, and so I had never been on one. But, as Boston becomes a more regular port of call, and I go the Caribbean regularly, I recently decided to go with one of my gentlemen who invited me on a cruise. The boat costs less than the flight, and is much more enjoyable if you can spare the time. I was surprised to find that I loved it!
I've got nothing for or against Mr & Mrs. Used Car Lot Owner (pretention was never my strong point), but I was pleased to find that they weren't the only people on the cruise. I spent most of my dock time hanging out with the jazz club staff on the island, and had a blast doing it. Basically, when you're having fun, you'll find more fun everywhere
As for the food, stay away from the buffet. Stick with places where you can actually speak to the chef, and your food will turn out much better.
That was my first cruise, not quite sure when the next one will be though I was glad to get the opportunity to see more of the Caribbean than I had before (generally I am visiting family and do not have much time for simple sightseeing) and am planning a return trip to one of my favorite islands right now. A few of my friends in this lifestyle are taking a yacht cruise to the Greek Islands (for real, lol, acronyms are so useless) and I'm thinking of joining in.
Oh... and I'm still looking for a fellow adventurer to accompany me on the National Geographic cruise to the Galapagos - it's on my bucket list