Early to Bed Confession

[take us away]

Hey! We're at least 20 years younger, apparently, than most of you on this thread and we can stay up! You bet!!

 

There are two whole instances when we can and do:

 

Late evening Crew Show

New Year's Eve

 

But, it isn't easy!

 

If we've had a nice long afternoon nap, we can otherwise stay up till, maybe, 10 pm after Main Upper Dining!!!

 

Loved your answer. Was just off the Amsterdam in April and both crew shows were at 3 pm - loved it and the show room was absolutely packed! Hope this is a new trend.

 

As a way too early riser, (yes, I am the one in the Lido at 5 for coffee with my crossword puzzles and welcome the sunrise from the back deck), I celebrate New Year's in London on TV, which I can stay awake for to cheer in the new year!

Edited May 27, 2016 by take us away

[Rockit]

I confess that I am. "Geezer"..I have been all of my life. Early to bed early to rise type of person. I cruise to relax and catch up on sleep! My wife and I have busy schedules and look forward to the downtime on cruises. Now make no mistake, this "Geezer" also plays in a Classic Rock band so late nights etc. are not strange to me. For me when I step foot on a cruise ship, my internal clock automatically winds down and I go into Relax mode. Cheers.

 

 

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[Rockit]

I confess that I am a "Geezer"..I have been all of my life. Early to bed early to rise type of person. I cruise to relax and catch up on sleep! My wife and I have busy schedules and look forward to the downtime on cruises. Now make no mistake, this "Geezer" also plays in a Classic Rock band so late nights etc. are not strange to me. When I step foot on a cruise ship, my internal clock automatically winds down and I go into Relax mode. Cheers.

 

 

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[jm485]

I took a HAL cruise with my MIL a few years ago. I was in my mid-40s; she's 30 years older. We'd go to dinner around 7, have an after-dinner drink. Then I'd head to bed and she'd go out to a show or to hear music in one of the lounges. We were in Australia and NZ, so there were a lot of Aussies and they liked their night life!

 

I think once a line gets a reputation for either active or quiet nightlife -- it's going to attract people with those preferences. It will be a challenge for HAL to attract younger cruisers who want a busy ship in the evening -- maybe they should focus on younger fuddy-duddies like me, whose body clocks are in tune with our work hours!

 

 

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[Moriah]

I just love this thread. Seems like MOST of us are early to bed and early to rise, and yet.. when I'm on a ship and I get up early to watch the sunrise... there is almost never ANYONE about! Where are you all? :) It can be lonely on the ship at 5 AM... Being a very early riser and LOVING that part of the day, my one "problem" on board is the lack of decent coffee before the Neptune Lounge or Explorations Cafe open - and they usually don't open until 7 at the earliest - WAY too late in my book! :) So... I settle for waiting or if for a cup of Lido "coffee" and I'm out on the decks in any weather. It's my favorite part of the day and actually, probably my favorite part of cruising! If we are docking somewhere early, even better - I love standing on deck and watching that whole process. If we're at sea I love the smell of the early morning air, even if it's freezing in Alaska or sultry in the Caribbean... it's the best. So... I'm usually in bed by 10 to get at least 6 hours of sleep before the sunrise calls me outside...

Oh, editing to add: I'm 62 and have been an early riser all my life except perhaps a couple of my teenage years :) I never understood my college friends who pulled "all -nighters". I've always needed my sleep, and always felt if I wasn't up early I was missing something. As opposed to others who thought they were missing something if they went to bed early!

Edited May 27, 2016 by Moriah

[jillorpy]

This is one of the reasons we sail with HAL. No wild parties keeping us awake.

[brazilgirl]

I am 46 and have been cruising for the last 8 years.

 

I always choose very port intensive cruises and fly long distances. I always like to be in my stateroom by 10 pm in order to feel rested and enjoy our sightseeing.

 

Although I retire to the cabin early, I like to read before going to sleep. I am not an early bird...on sea days I like to sleep a bit later. I guess I am just a bit lazy and enjoy relaxing!

 

I am also an introvert, so I need my "downtime" away from people and noise to recharge at the end of the day.

 

I am now counting the days to my next cruise... Only a month away!

[wishful thinking]

I love the way you put how I feel. The early bird may catch the worm, but I have no need for worms, so no reason to get up early. I make it to breakfast just as they are closing Lido down.

 

On a HAL ship I am just finishing dinner about 10:00 PM. Then, if it's something interesting, off to the show. After that I'm wide awake, and ready for fun! Out of the showroom to find---nothing. Lounges are quiet, as the musicians are on break. Keep going to the next lounge to find---nothing.

There was a time the last lounge didn't even open until 11:00 PM! Those were good days, and made me come to love HAL.

 

So, what's a girl to do but give up and head for bed long before midnight. If HAL wants me to spend money, please create an opportunity!

 

Oh I'm sooo with you on this Ruth! Luckily for me though I really enjoy BB Kings so they keep me entertained most evenings. Also luckily for me, during the last 4 cruises on HAL I've met some wonderful people who are like minded, and we all end up at the Seaview Bar until the early hours - lol. I remember a couple of years ago we had to beg, yes BEG, the bartender to stay open past 11pm. And I guess you'd put me in the 'geezer' class because of age, but there's still life in this old gal yet - lol!

[lahlah57]

This is one of the reasons we sail with HAL. No wild parties keeping us awake.

 

Woo hoo that right!!! :D

[sandij]

We are in our very late 60's and I for one am usually in the cabin by 10pm unless there is a late show I want to see. My DH who gets up like a alarm clock at 5:30 every morning is usually in the casino when I am getting ready to pass out. he takes a nap though at sometime during the afternoon, especially after a tour. But we love cruising and they really are what you make of them.

[iancal]

There has to be something worthwhile for staying up for, staying out and about.

 

If the entertainment is poor or there is no decent movie why stay up?

 

What we see on cruise lines is if the entertainment is good, the bars are open and the place is buzzing. They are making revenue. It the entertainment is poor people exit to their rooms.

 

We are not party people but we do not want to cruise on a nursing home.

[mame42]

There has to be something worthwhile for staying up for, staying out and about.

 

If the entertainment is poor or there is no decent movie why stay up?

 

What we see on cruise lines is if the entertainment is good, the bars are open and the place is buzzing. They are making revenue. It the entertainment is poor people exit to their rooms.

 

We are not party people but we do not want to cruise on a nursing home.

 

IMO, a large group of active, destination focused, mature cruisers of any age, who spend most of their day going and doing ashore, do not a nursing home make. They are the reason I sail with HAL.

[SilvertoGold]

Loved your answer. Was just off the Amsterdam in April and both crew shows were at 3 pm - loved it and the show room was absolutely packed! Hope this is a new trend.

 

As a way too early riser, (yes, I am the one in the Lido at 5 for coffee with my crossword puzzles and welcome the sunrise from the back deck), I celebrate New Year's in London on TV, which I can stay awake for to cheer in the new year!

 

Thank you for your comment!

 

I love the longer cruises: they do often have the good sense to hold the Crew Shows in the afternoon. I suppose some pax might say that timing gets in the way of with their nap.........!

 

Nice idea about NY Eve!

[kevingastreich]

I am so with you. We always get early dinner seating, go to the show and then back to the cabin by 9 or 9:30. I am usually in bed by 10pm (which is about 1/2 hour later than I am at home). My husband stays up a little longer. If I wake up earlier than him in the morning, I throw on some sweat pants and shirt and go to the lido for coffee (and yes sometimes pastry) and then finish breakfast when he gets up with him. It works for us. :rolleyes:

 

I usually end up having THREE breakfasts! Early for coffee and fruit, then hit the gym, then a more substantial breakfast, AND THEN, DW is up and we either eat room service or go to LIDO for more! :D By then, it's getting close to lunch time! :p

[Cruiser Andi]

IMO, a large group of active, destination focused, mature cruisers of any age, who spend most of their day going and doing ashore, do not a nursing home make. They are the reason I sail with HAL.

 

 

Thank you for saying this! It was exactly what I was thinking.

Edited May 27, 2016 by Cruiser Andi

[Cruiser Bruiser]

Add me to the list of "geezers." I'm 48, and I'm asleep by 10:00 p.m. I try and stay awake later, but the body just doesn't want to do it. Sit-down breakfast in the MDR; a great day by the Lido Pool and an afternoon in the spa; dinner no later 6:00; early show if I can make it; drinks, piano, BB King and Adagio if they're playing and the timing works. That's more than enough.

 

Interestingly, I was just reading a review of a 7-night Norwegian Getaway cruise by a young, attractive 20-something couple that was celebrating their wedding anniversary and the husband's MBA. One of their few complaints was that the parties all started at 10:30 p.m., which was too late! :p

Edited May 27, 2016 by Cruiser Bruiser

[Sue from Canada]

I've been a night owl my entire life. I can supervise the moon while the rest of you see to the sun! DH is just the opposite. :-)

 

I don't really require late-night partying or gambling, but do like to have conversations in an attractive venue. I trust those are available on-board? Can always order snacks from room service. Have also been looking at the DVD library on the Prinsendam, which can also keep me entertained when others are sleeping. Can Perhaps organize a movie party in a stateroom or two?

 

A movie party in a stateroom with snacks from room service. I like this idea. But I'm sure the people on either side of the cabin would be banging on the walls or door. My mum and I are both night owls. One time we were laughing so hard around 2 a.m. that our neighbours did bang on the cabin wall:eek: I thought that once I retired I'd be able to sleep in - no luck. I still wake up anytime after 5:30 a.m. I always order my breakfast in my cabin as I'm not one who likes to socialize before I've had my coffee. Although I did go to the MDR for breakfast on my last cruise. I was seated with two super chatty ladies. Thought I would die. Don't think I'll do that again.

Edited May 28, 2016 by Sue from Canada

[cruising cockroach]

Might be a HAL demographic/passenger thing. Only 2 HAL cruises I have been on were repos that we in no means port-intensive. 1st cruise had a mean age in the early '70s and 2nd was at least late '50s-mid '60s. Ships were very quiet especially after the last show ended (or even before). Never checked if anyone attended the Crows Nest lounge for late night dancing.

[Alberta Quilter]

A movie party in a stateroom with snacks from room service. I like this idea. But I'm sure the people on either side of the cabin would be banging on the walls or door. My mum and I are both night owls. One time we were laughing so hard around 2 a.m. that our neighbours did bang on the cabin wall:eek: I thought that once I retired I'd be able to sleep in - no luck. I still wake up anytime after 5:30 a.m. I always order my breakfast in my cabin as I'm not one who likes to socialize before I've had my coffee. Although I did go to the MDR for breakfast on my last cruise. I was seated with two super chatty ladies. Thought I would die. Don't think I'll do that again.

 

No wonder I never saw you on our May/15 cruise! I really did laugh out loud at your last few sentences!

[3rdGenCunarder]

IMO, a large group of active, destination focused, mature cruisers of any age, who spend most of their day going and doing ashore, do not a nursing home make. They are the reason I sail with HAL.

 

Yes! Good post!

 

We are a lark/owl combination. DH gets up early, and I tend to stay up late (and sleep late). But that's at home.

 

When we travel, I shift to lark behavior. I don't try to do this, it just happens, and not only on cruises. I think part of it is the excitement of "what are we going to do today?" I would say it's because we're so active when we travel, but my recollections of my last HAL cruise include a lot of time in the spa and on our balcony...

[Caribbean Chris]

I have to get up by 6 a.m. to feed my partner (the canine one), whether at home or on board ship. On cruises when there are time changes, it can be 5 a.m. until I can phase in the change. Raylene's stomach will not be denied.

 

So we all usually go to bed early, too.

[jhsocal]

Like all the pleasant posts, no snark. I{we} would vote with RuthC. Enjoy happy hour in Ocean Bar, late set seating, late show in Showroom, maybe able to catch last set in Ocean Bar. Never stay up super late if next day is port day. Must admit it is rather quiet after ten pm. One venue I have seen a late crowd is the Piano Bar.

[VennDiagram]

We cruise for the ports and for the ocean.

 

Once upon a time, I was a late-to-bed, late-to-rise person. That has changed and now I am usually one of the first people up in the morning when we cruise. Lido to myself, promenade deck to myself. It is a gentle, calm start to the day.

 

DH and I don't stay up late when cruising, even if there is a party in full swing.

[Sue from Canada]

No wonder I never saw you on our May/15 cruise! I really did laugh out loud at your last few sentences!

 

AQ - I'll have to book a cruise you and your mum will be on. Maybe I'll hold my own craft session at midnight or trivia. Or, walking four times around the deck in our pajamas followed by drinks in the Ocean Bar. Wouldn't the lower promenade passengers like that:D

Edited May 29, 2016 by Sue from Canada

[IllinoisGirl1978]

I want to say that 90% of people don't talk until they have their morning coffee/tea/juice. :o

 

I'm a natural morning person, and my friends are more nocturnal. It's a strange mix, but it helps me with working at Starbucks. :p