ldubs

From reading then forums I think a lot of people will be happy with the return of a traditional dining option. Overall, I think it is a pretty good change.

I guess everyone who travels is foolish because things can happen with any kind of travel.

We have done a one way van rental for travel to our cruise terminal. In fact our group was too large for one van so we rented two. More recently we had a one-way van rental for a land trip. However, we did not take the rental vans back. We flew home from a different disembark port. For large group cruises, we have done car caravans with our personal vehicles from SF Bay Area to Los Angeles to catch a cruise. If you have trouble finding a one-way van rental, you might have more luck selecting an airport drop off location. Meaning instead of dropping off, say in New Orleans, drop it at MSY then shuttle to the port. Might be just in my mind, but seems rental companies might offer that option more than a drop off with less traffic. If you cannot get the two separate one-way rentals (one going and one returning) it might still be good to do a rental. Even if you keep the rental van for the duration of the cruise, the additional parking would be slightly offset by the eliminating any one-way drop fee, and might still be less than several airfares. Don't know for sure. Just a thought.

When we have a family/friend group cruise, people will generally share their excursion interests. Folks are welcome to join or not.

If I had to name my most enjoyable vacations they would likely be those that combined a cruise with a DIY land trip.

We travel with others all the time. Sometimes another couple and sometimes a large group of family and friends. For the most part our interests mesh. Where they don't a little flexibility helps. No one is expected to join in for any activity except for the group dinner. Though in practice, most will end up doing about the same thing. If I didn't know someone very well, I would be hesitant to go on a joint vacation.

I disagree. To some a cruise can absolutely be considered superior. That does not mean they can't enjoy other things. I think folks may be getting too wrapped up in the thread title. It should be a discussion, not a vote. It is not hard to conclude one might discuss the pluses and minuses. Like the things you mention about ocean cruises.

I do not believe that. I was referring to an earlier post that said that. I am in agreement with you and immensely enjoy hanging out for a day in a picturesque place.

You don't like the way the question was asked. Got it. I understood the question to be a discussion of why cruising is great for them (or not).

We have done an inside cabin with two kids. It is crowded. It was fun. Kind of like camping in a four person tent.

Thanks for sharing this. I can see how folks would make the mistake. I mean, domestic travel, like a domestic flight, doesn't require a passport or BC -- yet.

I'm not surprised at the disagreement, but would like to see more info why or what is superior. So far the only reasons I've seen is people are deluded into thinking a one day port visit is meaningful and ports with large ships are crowded. I agree with the potential for crowds. For the other, I guess it depends what someone enjoys. Your comment also made me realize as I have achieved some age advantaged status, cruises are just physically easier. For people with mobility issues or even just the normal aches and pains that come with advanced years, a cruise is a pretty good option.

Yep. Cruising is easy and relatively worry free.

And those who get offended too easily I suppose. I sure agree that these forums are wide open when it comes to viewpoints. Even the wrong ones that don't agree with mine. 😀 I've never been part of one of the groups mentioned, so can't comment other than I'm sorry to hear they are so heavily filtered. I also agree the Mod's do a terrific job.

If I have a question I would rather ask in a new thread than attempt to search for relevant answers in one that is thousands of posts long.