April 2023 Cruise – So, what’s it like on a cruise ship anyway?

I never thought I would want to cruise. I imagined hoards of obnoxious people, tiny little cabins with no space, noisy nighbors next door, and food for the masses that would be filling but flavorless. But when my friend Genny saved for years to take herself and her daughter on a cruise to Alaska and her daughter couldn’t go, she asked me. Yuk, a cruise. But it was Alaska, and it was paid for, and I do so love boats and water…so I consented…and fell in love. 

I remember us walking around the ship and how it felt so BIG. We kept asking each other where all of the people were! The cabin did not feel small at all, our neighbors were quiet, the food was good with enormous variety, and service was outstanding. Best of all, I was on a ship on the water! I was so relieved and so excited to find I could relax and truly enjoy it.

People often ask, “what’s it like on a cruise ship?”. My experiences are limited to Holland America ships – mid-sized (1800-2200ish passengers) and the Cunard Queen Mary (the only true ocean liner still sailing across the Atlantic). There are far too many details to write here, and these days you can find pictures and tons of information on the internet, but I’ll hit a few of the highlights that make it so enjoyable for me.

I am a frugal traveler. I work and plan hard to squeeze the most out of a buck, and with a bit of effort cruising can be very reasonable. Deals are available with a little flexibility, and lodging, food, and transportation to various destinations are all included. In addition there are activities and entertainment available throughout the day and night. And, as mentioned, traveling on the water is relaxing and wonderful to me. Sitting on a balcony or by a window watching the water and scenery as we pass is soothing to my soul. 

We have had cabins on the inside and outside, and currently occupy one on the aft (back) center of the ship where we have a panoramic view to both sides and the rear (I’ll try to upload a bit of video).

Excursions can be booked to do and see unusual things like flying in a helicopter to walk on a glacier, riding a gondola through a tropical rainforest or a train through the Yukon, sailing between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the locks of the Panama Canal or paddling in a kayak along lakes and rivers, standing at the base of the pyramids or the tops of mountains, visiting grand Palaces and ancient temples and museums of art and churches from simple to simply spectacular, or dozens of other activities including just strolling into local towns and villages in an attempt to experience people and cultures that are simultaneously different from and similar to our own. 

Different cruise lines handle meals in different ways, but it seems that most have similar options that include room service, a buffet with huge varieties, and dining rooms with table service. Some also set afternoon tea or have other other special events and many have specialty dining for which you typically pay extra. We have tried some of all and like them all! My favorite part of mealtimes is having a bite of several different items from the buffet that would never go together in a meal, or opening a menu in the dining room and choosing courses based on what I would like to have instead of based on the cost!

Onboard activities and entertainment are also varied and plentiful. There are numerous music venues from classical to jazz to rock and roll, classes from line dancing and cooking to picture taking and wine tastings, talks and presentations on various topics including our scheduled ports and everything from astronomy and the stars to the inner workings of the cruise ship and the azipods. I always attend that one!  And in the evening there is usually some type of show from musicians to comedians – some of which are actually quite good!

There is a lower deck for walking, an upper deck jogging track, a gym, a spa, pools and hot tubs.  There is the “crow’s nest” at the front where you can play board games, complete puzzles, research destinations to come, have specialty coffees and beverages, or simply sit and watch the world pass by from the comfort of indoors, or you can always watch movies on your in-room television. And for those who like to give away money, there is a casino where you can donate as much as you’d like. ☺️ 

There are also opportunities for various denominational and nondenominational  services typically led by one or more volunteers from the “congregation”. Last Sunday we participated along with nearly 40 others in a sweet time of worship and sharing.

I have a friend who loves river cruises on the Viking long ships. Somewhat different from ocean cruising, they do look amazing!  Are there downsides to cruising? Yes. Like any vacation, the trip always comes to an end. 

Fortunately for us, this cruise is a means to an end, which is another visit to Rome and parts of Italy. But first – the Azores of Portugal and two stops in Spain! 

Rambling…sailing…gratefully along.  Thanks for joining us!