Love the Planning

[charlielinda]

I love cruises and I love planning the trips.  I find half the fun is the researching.  Does anyone else love the process.  Yesterday I booked specialty dining; today made air arrangements and got my internet package.  After our cruise we’ll be staying for 11 days in Ireland so I have lots more planning to do.  Does anyone else loved the planning phases?  

[bebe08]

I sure do 🙂  We have a cruise to Greek Isles Sep 2019 and a cruise to Japan April 2020 booked.  Santa heard my wish and got me guidebooks to both for Christmas.  I spend hours and hours researching...where to stay before and after, what to see, excursions, dining, reading reviews, etc etc.   So much fun!!

[phoenix_dream]

Years ago, before retirement, I loved the planning and anticipation process.  Now we are retired and travel often so I have come to absolutely hate the planning as there is so much more of it.  First world problems for sure

[helen haywood]

Yes!  We had a cruise one year when a hurricane interfered and we honestly weren’t sure we’d be able to go until the day before.  I had told myself not to think about it because if we couldn’t go I’d be crushed.  When we finally were able to go I felt like the cruise was half the experience it normally was...and it was!  Because I’d been deprived of all the pleasant planning and anticipation!

[Canuker]

Love the planning.
I'm a retired accountant, so planning details comes easy and willingly.
Example: one of the first things I do when planning a new trip is to find out when sunrise and sunset is. You might be surprised how much it varies on a cruise, with the ship moving around and changes in time zones. That way I know the 'window' I have for daytime, 'exploring', beach etc. activities and, if there is port time after dusk (e.g. on an overnight port stay) what time is available for evening partying etc. 
It's a good way of getting the best out of the time available. 
Example: we sail into New Orleans for Mardi Gras, arriving at 6:30 pm. Sunset there is 6pm. I am so looking forward to sailing up the Mississippi as day turns to night and the lights and sounds of The French Quarter greet us as we reach the Big Easy. By knowing the time of sunset that day, it makes planning for this treat dead easy and ensures I won't miss it, camera and binoculars in hand. You won't find that listed in the cruise ship's daily program!

[charlielinda]

Awesome.  I’m going to check on sunrise and sunset times right now.  

[chemmo]

We justify the cost of cruising by the fact there are definitely three different pleasure sensations....

 

the planning

the cruise

the memories....

 

We are serious planners, We generally book as itineraries are released to make the most of the ‘anticipation’ time! We research everything from pre and post cruise hotels to restaurants in ports, airline choices....On ship we know exactly the room we want and even which restaurant we are going to book each night! 

 

What a lovely post Charlielinda! Must go and check now how  that hotel I fancy for 2020 in Japan is doing on trip advisor....

 

 

[charlielinda]

You made me laugh.  Right now I’m sending emails to taxi tours in Liverpool for May of this year.  

[Jim_Iain]

I also love the planning process an it keeps me busy between cruises.   Sometimes things don't go as planned and then back to the drawing board.   Earlier this year I took a B2B2B from Alaska to Japan and around the island.   I had really been looking forward to this cruise and had something booked in every port.   I had booked 7 private tours and 2 group tours and all of them required advance payment.  

 

We were hit with 2 typhoons and schedules were shifted causing me to cancel all with the exception of 2.  Luckily mot were booked through Tours by Local and they have a force major clause in their contract which allowed me to receive a 100% refund.     Always good when doing your future planning to make sure you understand the cancellation provisions. 

[4774Papa]

18 hours ago, charlielinda said:

I love cruises and I love planning the trips.  I find half the fun is the researching.  Does anyone else love the process.  Yesterday I booked specialty dining; today made air arrangements and got my internet package.  After our cruise we’ll be staying for 11 days in Ireland so I have lots more planning to do.  Does anyone else loved the planning phases?  

I enjoy the planning, since I am able to vicariously enjoy the trip before it is taken.  I plan our land tours, hotels, tours, flights and have no need of a travel agent.  For cruises, I tend to plan private tours.  Occasionally taking a ship's excursion when the price is close to private tours and the tour I want is long and missing the ship is more a risk.

 

I like to write up detailed cruise reviews of our trips after they are done.   If you are planning to visit one of these places, this may help you.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/user/4774Papa/

New England and Eastern Canada

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=547125&et_cid=2764671&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

Melbourne, New Zealand and  Explorer of the Seas TransPacific cruise

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=620702&et_cid=3065755&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

28 drive tour of Wales and England with TA back to Miami

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=599139

Portugal, Douro and part of Spain

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=535267

North Sea and TA

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=264272

Black Sea and E. Med

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=228545

British Isles

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=221137

Transatlantic

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=221136

Australia

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=216863

W. Med  NCL Epic

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=103808

AMA Rhone River

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=103733

Southern Caribbean

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=99934

Spain, Canary Islands and Morocco

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=80907

E. Med and Adriatic, NCL Gem

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=70129

Russia, Kiev and Baltics

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1478384

China

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1718320

Alaska, Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=547125&et_cid=2764671&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

Japan and a little bit of China

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=518503&et_cid=2531924&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

Singapore to Dubai

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=501167

 

South America

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=248878

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=94024

[miched]

14 hours ago, Canuker said:

Example: we sail into New Orleans for Mardi Gras, arriving at 6:30 pm. Sunset there is 6pm. I am so looking forward to sailing up the Mississippi as day turns to night and the lights and sounds of The French Quarter greet us as we reach the Big Easy. By knowing the time of sunset that day, it makes planning for this treat dead easy and ensures I won't miss it, camera and binoculars in hand. You won't find that listed in the cruise ship's daily program!

 

The sun rise and sunset is listed every day in the daily paper

 

Happy cruisng 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

 

[chemmo]

Knowing things like sunrise and sunset times can really enhance experiences....When we cruised from Seattle, for example, we booked the space needle to arrive to dine whilst it was still light and we could enjoy the views but then to still be dining and able to then enjoy the night time skyline...

 

We often book Tuscan on S class to enjoy the sun going down....

 

We do also really track the sun’s path on our cruises to see if port or starboard offers an advantage....

 

 

[charlielinda]

Thank you for the great ideas.  I always check on other ships in port.  

[Marelaine]

I love cruise planning, starting with researching itineraries and pricing. After I've made my decision, I start looking at pre/post cruise hotels and excursions, do some more research on each port, check out weather histories and forecasts. 

After booking the cruise, flights, hotels, excursions, I turn my attention to packing, which I enjoy even more than planning. My children are adults who have moved into their own homes. I've turned one of their bedrooms into my packing room. I keep all my summer and travel clothes, travel sized toiletries, accessories, shoes, iron, ironing board and luggage  in there. I usually start packing and re-packing 6 -8 weeks prior to the cruise. I guess packing is my hobby. 

[DENIE]

I love the planning!  Of course, my wife does not....so I usually get free reign there.  I just have to have everything "approved" on her end, though (LOL!).  But, we have similar tastes, so usually we agree.  A few years ago we met another couple through Cruise Critic before taking a Caribbean cruise.  They were looking for another couple to share/reduce the price per person.  We gladly joined them on 2 private excursions, and have remained good friends to this day.  Our friend was experienced at booking private excursions on cruises, and taught me a lot.  Today, it is fun to plan our "private tour" adventures, and always get great tour guides!  We just booked a Mediterranean cruise, so that will be the next big planning challenge...including booking air!

[Mike981]

I do and I don't. I like planning and I feel that I spend more time planning than my wife could because of her job demands. But I don't like the pressure/feeling that I am responsible for a great trip. I have gotten better over the years, but I never lose my nervousness.

[pinkswans13]

Indeed..Indeed...Love, love, love the planning process!! Such a euphoric feeling. My partner and I have a transatlantic coming up in April on the Edge. The excitement has been enhanced by this brand new ship. Excursions, hotel, air, dining as well as spa treatments have all been booked.

 

Sometimes I research what I have already researched just to make sure I made the right decisions. Besides you always want to have educated/researched backup options.

 

Now the cure for that sad, depressive feeling we sometimes experience at the end of the trip experts say, is to start planning the next vacation immediately...It works!!

 

[SeahawkSiren]

I too so love the planning!  I have been on several cruises but just booked my first one with Celebrity!  I am so excited!  And my cruise is not until April 2021.  Such a long wait.  Ugh!  It will be a bucket list cruise though, a Transpacific including Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and Hawaii.  It will also have many at sea days which I am really looking forward to, glorious days just relaxing on the ship watching the ocean.  It will also be my longest cruise - 20 days!  I cannot wait!

 

I have booked my cabin on Celebrity Solstice and have started researching hotels in Sydney.  Have a lot more research to do, including shore excursions, etc.  Also have plenty of research to do just with Celebrity in general (dining, spa, etc.) since this is my first Celebrity cruise.

 

I also like to look up what phase the moon will be at during my cruise as I love the way it shimmers on the water!  And there will be a full moon during my cruise! (yes, I admit I have already looked at the moon phases for April 2021) 😀

[Silkroad]

This is a great thread! I’m happy to know I’m not alone😉 We too check the path of the sun to decide between port & starboard cabins. We also check sunrise/sunset times before the cruise, in part to decide when to book dining. And yes, we do check the moon phases. I do most of the research and booking, but I need to work around our work schedules. I fantasize about being retired, and being able to book long b2b itineraries. Someday🙂

[zdad59]

I love doing it.    MY gang calls me THE PRINCE OF PLANNING.     I really enjoy doing the research.

 

Attached it a copy of our itinerary for our upcoming cruise in February.     Each couple gets a laminated version to put up in their cabin, and I also make a pocket sized one for folks to carry in their pocket.

 

Enjoy the planning.   I sure do.

Itinerary.pdf

[chemmo]

2 hours ago, SeahawkSiren said:

I too so love the planning!  I have been on several cruises but just booked my first one with Celebrity!  I am so excited!  And my cruise is not until April 2021.  Such a long wait.  Ugh!  It will be a bucket list cruise though, a Transpacific including Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti and Hawaii.  It will also have many at sea days which I am really looking forward to, glorious days just relaxing on the ship watching the ocean.  It will also be my longest cruise - 20 days!  I cannot wait!

 

I have booked my cabin on Celebrity Solstice and have started researching hotels in Sydney.  Have a lot more research to do, including shore excursions, etc.  Also have plenty of research to do just with Celebrity in general (dining, spa, etc.) since this is my first Celebrity cruise.

 

I also like to look up what phase the moon will be at during my cruise as I love the way it shimmers on the water!  And there will be a full moon during my cruise! (yes, I admit I have already looked at the moon phases for April 2021) 😀

 

We did a TP as I retired! Best itinerary ever....Planning included finding a little gem of a hotel in Hawaii (Park Shore), snorkelling in Bora Bora and time post cruise in Sydney....The sea days were fantastic too, lots of rest and relaxation, hope you enjoy.

[SoberJulie]

I too think that the planning portion is every bit as fun as the vacation itself!

 

[pamkev]

18 hours ago, 4774Papa said:

I enjoy the planning, since I am able to vicariously enjoy the trip before it is taken.  I plan our land tours, hotels, tours, flights and have no need of a travel agent.  For cruises, I tend to plan private tours.  Occasionally taking a ship's excursion when the price is close to private tours and the tour I want is long and missing the ship is more a risk.

 

I like to write up detailed cruise reviews of our trips after they are done.   If you are planning to visit one of these places, this may help you.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/user/4774Papa/

New England and Eastern Canada

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=547125&et_cid=2764671&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

Melbourne, New Zealand and  Explorer of the Seas TransPacific cruise

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=620702&et_cid=3065755&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

28 drive tour of Wales and England with TA back to Miami

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=599139

Portugal, Douro and part of Spain

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=535267

North Sea and TA

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=264272

Black Sea and E. Med

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=228545

British Isles

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=221137

Transatlantic

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=221136

Australia

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=216863

W. Med  NCL Epic

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=103808

AMA Rhone River

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=103733

Southern Caribbean

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=99934

Spain, Canary Islands and Morocco

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=80907

E. Med and Adriatic, NCL Gem

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=70129

Russia, Kiev and Baltics

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1478384

China

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1718320

Alaska, Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=547125&et_cid=2764671&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

Japan and a little bit of China

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=518503&et_cid=2531924&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

Singapore to Dubai

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=501167

 

South America

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=248878

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=94024

 

Would like to see your New England review although when I click on the link it's not available. I'm a planner also have the fun

 

[4774Papa]

5 minutes ago, pamkev said:

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=547125&et_cid=2764671&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

 

 

[pamkev]

Just now, 4774Papa said:

https://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=547125&et_cid=2764671&et_rid=17221689&et_referrer=Boards

Thanks

Just now, 4774Papa said: