CruiseProGirl

Thanks for all of the great info. BTW, for the poster who asked why I was sailing out of SF instead of San Pedro, I'm actually in Central CA (Fresno) and prefer the SF port to L.A. For the poster who defended "Conversation" as an activity, I, too, have made many new friends by mMahaloeeting them on my cruises. I've met them at dinner. I've met them on shore excursions, I've met them in the casino, etc. I just think it's pretty lame of the cruise director who apparently lacks imagination, to include "talking" as a scheduled activity. In any case, I do appreciate all the feedback. Mahalo!!! 🙂

My husband and I are recent retirees. We're in our early 60's. We are very interested in the 2-week, round-trip cruise to Hawaii out of San Francisco. We've been on many cruises from Alaska to the Caribbean to the Mediterranean to cruises along the Danube. We enjoy onboard activities, however, I am not interested in a floating amusement park, a floating frat party or a floating kindergarten. My main priority is service, good food, comfortable accommodations, interesting ports of call - or just beautiful beaches - and of course, a smooth and safe ride. We went to Alaska a few years ago. The scenery was beyond compare. The tours were wonderful. My issue was on board. The cruise line actually listed "Conversation with your fellow passengers" as an "activity". Boullion and crackers was also listed as an "activity". I apologize for sounding judgmental but seriously? Hot broth and talking is not exactly what I consider as "active" things to do. I still don't know why "napping" wasn't offered as an activity - the afternoons on Sea Days were filled with wall-to-wall snoozers, taking up tables in the buffet. Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to reserve space at the napkin-folding demonstration - at least no one was snoring! So my question is this... will a 2-week cruise to Hawaii be a floating retirement home or will there actually be some activities for younger retirees who still like to move their bodies, utilize their minds and have fun?

Thanks so much for the info. While I do love the beach, I'm thinking maybe a short visit to Barcelonetta Beach to take a stroll might be the way to go rather than an entire day at the shore. Thanks again!

I'll be spending 3 days in Barcelona (first time) before boarding my cruise ship. There's evidently so much to do in Barcelona - do I want to spend any time on the beach? I love the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Crystal clear, warm waters and soft, sugary sand beaches. How would I enjoy Barcelona beaches or should I spend my limited time sightseeing?

Thanks everyone! Ordinarily, I wouldn't fly to Europe from the US for a 7-day cruise. My brother booked as a Single on the 14-dayer. I couldn't handle 2 weeks alone with my beloved little bro', but for one week, we can keep company (for the same price as a Single) and not get on each other's nerves! 🙂. I've decided to fly into Barcelona for 3nts/4days on my own and then join the cruise. My personal interest really lies in Northern Europe, Bavaria, Scandinavia, French Polynesia, Seychelles (just about any beautiful beaches.) Was never really that keen on the Med (I know it's beautiful, just never "did it" for me.) But I thought my brother might enjoy the company (he's still hoping I'll join him for the entire 2 weeks, but, well, you know!) and I've never been to those places so, again, you know. All true travelers are interested in going ANYWHERE they've never been, right?I'm sure it'll be great.

I can't decide between Princess's Athens to Barcelona with stops in Kotor, Sicily and Naples OR Barcelona to Rome with stops in Gibralter, Marseille and Florence.What do you think?