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Quiet Cruise Activities?


puppybug
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Probably a weird question, but what is there to do on a cruise that avoids people and isn't reading, writing and sleeping? I'll be going on Carnival Cruise Valor in about a month and already plan to do those things, but what else?

 

We have travel insurance, but my husband REFUSES to get a refund on my ticket, so I'm stuck going and stuck with the increase in panic attacks I've been having in relation to the cruise. I'm trying to make a list of activities I can do on my own since he plans on eating and drinking himself into a coma and sleeping and not moving for the duration of the trip. I can't handle crowds or loud noises and plan to mostly sequester myself to the adults only area or our cabin. I'm claustrophobic and agoraphobic, so it's a lovely combination for a cruise where I can't win no matter where I am. Are there any quiet, less-crowded activities on board that I can attempt?

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There is a card room to retire to. There is an outside deck off the Lobby Deck with patches of loungers. Find one and watch the ocean. Or find a lounger on deck away from the pool and people watch. EM

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Probably a weird question, but what is there to do on a cruise that avoids people and isn't reading, writing and sleeping? I'll be going on Carnival Cruise Valor in about a month and already plan to do those things, but what else?

 

We have travel insurance, but my husband REFUSES to get a refund on my ticket, so I'm stuck going and stuck with the increase in panic attacks I've been having in relation to the cruise. I'm trying to make a list of activities I can do on my own since he plans on eating and drinking himself into a coma and sleeping and not moving for the duration of the trip. I can't handle crowds or loud noises and plan to mostly sequester myself to the adults only area or our cabin. I'm claustrophobic and agoraphobic, so it's a lovely combination for a cruise where I can't win no matter where I am. Are there any quiet, less-crowded activities on board that I can attempt?

 

 

Here is a little idea you might want to try......there are meetings for Friends of Bill W......these are held once a day.....for AA persons.....there are usually not too many people attending......perhaps 4-6 or 7 ......you will find a nice group of people who are willing to listen to you....sometimes you can have a coffee with them.....you might want to see if you could attend.....I know there are some good people there.

You might also see if there is a little prayer sanctuary or nook or space......these are nice places for collecting one's thoughts as well.

Sending warm thoughts to you.

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Take a walk inside and outside the ship.

 

Sit on the verandah and watch the beauty around you.

 

Go to the spa

 

Go to the card room

 

Watch TV

 

And I am sure you will discover other things to do that work for you while you are on board.

 

Keith

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Probably a weird question, but what is there to do on a cruise that avoids people and isn't reading, writing and sleeping? I'll be going on Carnival Cruise Valor in about a month and already plan to do those things, but what else?

 

 

 

We have travel insurance, but my husband REFUSES to get a refund on my ticket, so I'm stuck going and stuck with the increase in panic attacks I've been having in relation to the cruise. I'm trying to make a list of activities I can do on my own since he plans on eating and drinking himself into a coma and sleeping and not moving for the duration of the trip. I can't handle crowds or loud noises and plan to mostly sequester myself to the adults only area or our cabin. I'm claustrophobic and agoraphobic, so it's a lovely combination for a cruise where I can't win no matter where I am. Are there any quiet, less-crowded activities on board that I can attempt?

 

 

 

Bring some handwork, needlepoint, knitting, quilting. Or get some of those adult coloring books. You could workout for an hour everyday, or just do some stretches and ride a bike, then take a long (big)shower up there. Check out the classes they will have like scrapbooking or cupcake decorating and such. Get WiFi and bring your tablet, do a live review from your unique point of view!

 

 

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I've never cruised on the Valor, so I am not sure what activities they offer. Most cruise ships will have activities that don't involve crowds, such as cooking classes, cupcake making, jewelry making, and things like that. I would log on to the cruise planner and look for those types of activities. You will meet new people, but not feel like you are in a mad house.

 

No matter how many people on the ship, there are always areas that are quiet. Look for the outside areas on decks 4, 5, or 6. The ships usually have loungers on one of those decks and it is very quiet. You can read or listen to music while gazing at the ocean. It is one of the most peaceful feelings ever.

 

There will also be some areas inside the ship where nothing is going on. You will be able to stroll through the ship and find those areas. You can find a comfortable chair and relax. Cruising doesn't have to mean being in the middle of massive crowds the entire time. I would recommend getting Faster to the Fun passes so that you can get on the ship earlier and have access to your cabin immediately. If you can't get those passes, I would recommend arriving after 12:30 so you won't have to sit in the crowded terminal waiting to board.

 

I am not sure if this helps your particular issues, but I have a relative who has sensitivity issues and she takes headphones with her when she is in an area with a lot of people and listens to music. Also, someone here might have experience with this, but I think you can go to guest services when you board the ship and let them know about your issues. Maybe they can make some kind of accommodations for the muster drill.

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I am not sure if this helps your particular issues, but I have a relative who has sensitivity issues and she takes headphones with her when she is in an area with a lot of people and listens to music.

 

Seconding the noise-cancelling headphones suggestion. Bose makes small noise-canceling earbuds that travel well and look like any other earbuds (so they aren't those bulky over-the-ear headphones). Since your partners are forcing this on you, the least they can do is invest in some comfortable noise-canceling earbuds. It help to take the edge off, even without music.

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so, first you basically come on here and admit that neither of your paramours/spouses have given one whit about your fears and are being selfish to the extreme about forcing you to go. then you toss in the fact that one of them plans on 'eating and drinking himself into a coma' and basically ignoring you. the other one sounds like all she cares about is getting to go on a cruise, so again, you will be left alone.

 

you have more things to worry about than finding things you can reasonably expect to be able to handle.

how the hell do you plan on getting through Muster?! surrounded by a hundred people, in close quarters, while a VERY loud and annoying horn is blaring out above your head?

 

what are your plans when you inevitably have a panic attack severe enough to end up in the infirmary? what about insurance to fly you back home when you end up off the ship because the Captain and the medical Officer have deemed it necessary?

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I don’t suffer from any of the mental health issues you have so can’t tell you what will work for you, just what I enjoy doing on the cruise.

 

1. First and foremost is the ports. That’s the main reason IMO to cruise. Hopefully you guys can plan something fun to do in port to look forward to. First thing that comes to mind for you is to hire a taxi at the port for a private island tour. That way it’s just the 3 of you together. If you think you could manage on a beach, maybe try snorkeling.

 

As far as while you are on the boat, I enjoy going up on deck to read, nap, people watch, and listen to audio books. You can almost always fine a chair away from the crowds though it might be windy. There are also activities throughout the day that may be well or sparsely attended. I would suggest checking the daily fir activities that interest you, then showing up a bit before they start and joining in if they aren’t too crowded.

 

No one on here has any idea of what goes on in your personal life, but there is no way I would take this trip with the level of anxiety you have. There’s nothing wrong with traveling without your spouse. Or your spouse traveling without you.

 

 

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I am genuinely considering whether I can afford a divorce because of my husband's complete invalidation of my health. I don't want to seem like I'm a completely non-functioning person. I do triathlon training with the goal of competing in Kona, Hawaii. (Yes, I will have to get used to crowds in order to do this.) I also have no problems with flying. I've been flying since I was a baby and it never occurred to me to be afraid because of this. I've been to France and Portugal. I've stayed a month in England. I've been to Mexico and Canada a few times. Always driving or flying. Driving is slow, but I can always get out of the car. Flying is much faster and I am used to it. I also have good years and bad years with my mental health. So far, this is shaping up to be a bad year.

 

When I'm at home, I typically work and drive a lot (I have my own family care business and mostly work with children and pets and spend my days driving from client to client). I usually work out a lot too (anywhere from an hour up to six hours a day depending on my training schedule). I'm generally paranoid about what I eat and yeah, struggle with disordered eating. I have a lot of control issues. I also spend a lot of time with my dogs and cats. Lately I've had to scale back on the exercise because it raises my heart rate and with the increased panic attacks it's been a small nightmare.

 

Because most of what I do at home is unavailable on the cruise, (it is supposed to be a vacation - no work, no work messages, no traffic, no dishes, no dogs to feed, etc.), I am doing my best to find things that I might find enjoyable to do. I've heard about the Build-a-Bear at Sea event and am cautiously optimistic about trying it (most likely with the noise canceling ear buds - thanks for that suggestion!) I am trying to see if I can get some small art supplies to bring with me. I will also ask guest services about suggestions for getting through muster drill. There's a horn??? QUESTION - ARE THERE ANY FLASHING LIGHTS?

 

My best friend is livid about the situation, but, knowing my husband, she is trying to help me through. She's planning on loading me with DVDs to take and I'll be taking at least five books as well. I originally wanted to book some spa sessions, but after reading reviews and looking at prices, I've decided I'd mostly rather not. I have a membership at a massage place where I live and I'd rather wait until I get back and get a sports massage from my own therapist (there go those control issues again). And I can't stand people watching. Probably because I hate when people watch me.

 

Right now, on my good health days, I think I can make it through the cruise if I just hang out at the cafe area or adult area with all the decaf coffee and a notebook for writing. Please let this be true.

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Definitely get a balcony cabin if any are available, then you can relax on your balcony. On my last cruise I took a look around at what people were doing on their own......many had sudoku or crossword puzzles, some had needle work, some were sketching or writing (journals, I suppose). In the card room, there was a jigsaw puzzle set up in the corner, and a woman was frequently working on it there.

 

If you're looking for quiet spaces during the day (other than your cabin or balcony), consider using locations during the day that are mostly used at night, like dance clubs or bars, or sitting in the buffet area between meals.

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IIRC yes there is a flashing light during Muster. also if that triggers anything, when the casino is open( any time you are at sea) there are lots of flashing lights and noises. it may or may not be easy to avoid the casino based on where it is in relation to where you are and where you want to be.( it is also full of smoke most fo the time)

 

you cannot divorce if you are not legally married.( last time I checked Polygamy was still against the law in the US) didn't you say earlier this was supposed to be some private affirmation of commitment since you can't get married?

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I like the idea of sitting at the buffet between meals!

 

Thank you, I will avoid the casino at all costs. I'm asthmatic as well (smoke and running in cold weather are the biggest triggers). The first thing I'm doing when I get on board is making arrangements with guest services in regards to the muster drill. If my doctor can provide a mild sedative before I leave, I might make it through. (I could probably email the cruise line about the muster drill too, right?)

 

Oh, and about the divorce. I neglected to mention that my husband and I are legally married. Our wife has been in our family for six years. In my state my marriage is technically only common law, but would still require a documented divorce / court proceedings.

 

Thank you all! I really am getting good tips and feeling like I might manage with some accommodations.

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You are panicking over nothing. Being on the ship is the same as being at a resort hotel. No one is making you do anything you don't want to do. There are quiet areas, and busy areas...and you can come and go as you please. If you want to sit in the cabin, no one will stop you. You really are freaking out over nothing. I promise. You will be fine. You might even enjoy it! Give it a shot!

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I like the idea of sitting at the buffet between meals!

 

Thank you, I will avoid the casino at all costs. I'm asthmatic as well (smoke and running in cold weather are the biggest triggers). The first thing I'm doing when I get on board is making arrangements with guest services in regards to the muster drill. If my doctor can provide a mild sedative before I leave, I might make it through. (I could probably email the cruise line about the muster drill too, right?)

 

Oh, and about the divorce. I neglected to mention that my husband and I are legally married. Our wife has been in our family for six years. In my state my marriage is technically only common law, but would still require a documented divorce / court proceedings.

 

Thank you all! I really am getting good tips and feeling like I might manage with some accommodations.

 

Could you tell me how you are legally married, but then you say "...in my state my marriage is technically only common law....".........and what specific state(s) are you discussing......

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