55+ And I No Longer Feel The Need To.......

[SargassoPirate]

As I approach 70 and am still an avid cruiser, there are certain things that I used to think were almost mandatory or things that I would obsess about prior to the cruise.  I do still obsess about cabin location and whether there is a wrap-around promenade, but beyond that I'm pretty well satisfied by most any day on the ocean.  I no longer feel the need to.....

 

Be the first on or off the ship.  As long as I get on before the ship sails, I'm good.

 

Attend every production show.  I find most of them annoyingly over amplified anyway.

 

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck.  I enjoy a lounger on the promenade much more.

 

Get off the ship in every Caribbean port.  Been there, and they all start to look alike anyway.

 

Use ship excursions.  Some of my best days have been walking around the port city and discovering a small coffee shop or cafe to enjoy.  Beats marching to the tour guide's clock on a crowded excursion bus.

 

Eat evening meals in the MDR.  I find it much more relaxed to eat breakfast and lunch in the MDR, and then have a light evening meal in the buffet.  Frees up a lot of m y time in the evening also.

 

To a youngster, I probably sound like an old curmudgeon, but one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

 

How about you?

 

 

[cb at sea]

Sounds about right....the more you  do something, the more WHAT you enjoy about it changes!  

[Lois R]

Everyone is different, no matter what age----I am 61 but even when I was younger I never felt the need

to attend all the production shows.

 

As for dinner, my last few cruises have not offered a dinner buffet but I love being served on a cruise, so dining

in various restaurants has been good to me

 

You don't sound like an old curmudgeon  to me----we all have our preferences.  It is your cruise after all.

Doing what is best for ourselves is the way to do it!

 

[bbwex]

It often seems as the the CD is trying to force people to do stuff, and to the extent that he tries to get people moving and into different activities, I guess they are trying.  The thing to remember is that it is your trip, do as you please, and just enjoy.

[Lois R]

28 minutes ago, bbwex said:

It often seems as the the CD is trying to force people to do stuff, and to the extent that he tries to get people moving and into different activities, I guess they are trying.  The thing to remember is that it is your trip, do as you please, and just enjoy.

Hi, that must be on the big ships....my last 4 cruises have been on small ones and the CD has never tried to do that at all.

They figure you can read your daily newsletter and see what is being offered.

[shipper50]

8 hours ago, SargassoPirate said:

As I approach 70 and am still an avid cruiser, there are certain things that I used to think were almost mandatory or things that I would obsess about prior to the cruise.  I do still obsess about cabin location and whether there is a wrap-around promenade, but beyond that I'm pretty well satisfied by most any day on the ocean.  I no longer feel the need to.....

 

We have something in common. I am turning 70 in May and have only been on 2 cruises and they were with someone. I am thinking of doing a cruise to Alaska by myself and just have to find the right one at the right price. Wont be going to May of 2021 though.

 

 

 

 

 

[iancal]

We go our own way.  Always have in business and personal matters.  Never felt the need to conform simply because others do.  I cannot say that I have ever obsessed with anything on a cruise.  The one exception to that was keeping track of where our children were at any given time on the ship.

 

In retirement I think we care even less about doing, dressing, or acting in a certain way. 

 

Edited March 3, 2020 by iancal

[StartrainDD]

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

...one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

 

ABSOLUTELY!

 

We do still try to be on board early, but mostly because we need to meet with the dining room host about DW's special dietary needs.  We often cruise with friends (who we have met on cruises) and as we dine together we do usually enjoy the dining room.

 

Enjoy cruising!

[cruznjan]

...try to do everything on a cruise. Relaxing is good.

[SargassoPirate]

....pose for photos getting on the ship at embarkation, off the ship in ports of call, and while trying to eat dinner.

[trivimp]

On 3/1/2020 at 8:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck.  I enjoy a lounger on the promenade much more.

 

🤣🤣🤣

This is me.  I always marvel at the chair-hog threads... because I'll be over there enjoying the sea breezes & my blender drink in the SHADE  

[Canuker]

One of the great joys of a cruise vacation is that there are so many choices, so that we can all tailor our time aboard to what we would like.
It's something that cruise lines know and deliver very well.

[Justalone]

On 3/1/2020 at 6:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

As I approach 70 and am still an avid cruiser, there are certain things that I used to think were almost mandatory or things that I would obsess about prior to the cruise.  I do still obsess about cabin location and whether there is a wrap-around promenade, but beyond that I'm pretty well satisfied by most any day on the ocean.  I no longer feel the need to.....

 

Be the first on or off the ship.  As long as I get on before the ship sails, I'm good.

 

Attend every production show.  I find most of them annoyingly over amplified anyway.

 

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck.  I enjoy a lounger on the promenade much more.

 

Get off the ship in every Caribbean port.  Been there, and they all start to look alike anyway.

 

Use ship excursions.  Some of my best days have been walking around the port city and discovering a small coffee shop or cafe to enjoy.  Beats marching to the tour guide's clock on a crowded excursion bus.

 

Eat evening meals in the MDR.  I find it much more relaxed to eat breakfast and lunch in the MDR, and then have a light evening meal in the buffet.  Frees up a lot of m y time in the evening also.

 

To a youngster, I probably sound like an old curmudgeon, but one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

 

How about you?

 

 

I have never been obsessed with the cruising lifestyle,  so I won’t miss cruising..other kinds of leisure travel for me. 😁
Do you think this Covid-19 pandemic is a way of “thinning the herd”, either through natural selection, or if you are religious, is God’s/Jehovah/Mohammed, plan?

Safe travels however that might be.🙏

Edited March 14, 2020 by Justalone

[Lois R]

Seriously?  No I don't think that...….

[lenquixote66]

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

As I approach 70 and am still an avid cruiser, there are certain things that I used to think were almost mandatory or things that I would obsess about prior to the cruise.  I do still obsess about cabin location and whether there is a wrap-around promenade, but beyond that I'm pretty well satisfied by most any day on the ocean.  I no longer feel the need to.....

 

Be the first on or off the ship.  As long as I get on before the ship sails, I'm good.

 

Attend every production show.  I find most of them annoyingly over amplified anyway.

 

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck.  I enjoy a lounger on the promenade much more.

 

Get off the ship in every Caribbean port.  Been there, and they all start to look alike anyway.

 

Use ship excursions.  Some of my best days have been walking around the port city and discovering a small coffee shop or cafe to enjoy.  Beats marching to the tour guide's clock on a crowded excursion bus.

 

Eat evening meals in the MDR.  I find it much more relaxed to eat breakfast and lunch in the MDR, and then have a light evening meal in the buffet.  Frees up a lot of m y time in the evening also.

 

To a youngster, I probably sound like an old curmudgeon, but one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

 

How about you?

 

 

I agree with the majority of your points and I am a bit older than you.

[sullaRaffaello]

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

As I approach 70 and am still an avid cruiser, there are certain things that I used to think were almost mandatory or things that I would obsess about prior to the cruise.  I do still obsess about cabin location and whether there is a wrap-around promenade, but beyond that I'm pretty well satisfied by most any day on the ocean.  I no longer feel the need to.....

 

68 here

 

 

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

Be the first on or off the ship.  As long as I get on before the ship sails, I'm good.

Only want to be on early to enjoy a good embarkation day lunch

 

Attend every production show.  I find most of them annoyingly over amplified anyway.

Never cared about shows. Only ever went to them to please ladies I was with.

 

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck.  I enjoy a lounger on the promenade much more.

Never had any interest in loungers anywhere

 

Get off the ship in every Caribbean port.  Been there, and they all start to look alike anyway.

Never felt I had to get off. Did most of the time, though.

 

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

 

Use ship excursions.  Some of my best days have been walking around the port city and discovering a small coffee shop or cafe to enjoy.  Beats marching to the tour guide's clock on a crowded excursion bus.

I've taken them, but never felt I had to. Enjoy walking around on my own as you say.

 

 

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

 

Eat evening meals in the MDR.  I find it much more relaxed to eat breakfast and lunch in the MDR, and then have a light evening meal in the buffet.  Frees up a lot of m y time in the evening also.

I eat all meals in the MDR, not because I felt I had to but because I wanted to. Buffets on board a ship are demeaning.

 

To a youngster, I probably sound like an old curmudgeon, but one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

Agree.

 

 

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

 

How about you?

I felt this way at 21. Haven't changed.

 

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

 

 

 

[1980dory]

On 3/1/2020 at 8:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

As I approach 70 and am still an avid cruiser, there are certain things that I used to think were almost mandatory or things that I would obsess about prior to the cruise.  I do still obsess about cabin location and whether there is a wrap-around promenade, but beyond that I'm pretty well satisfied by most any day on the ocean.  I no longer feel the need to.....

 

Be the first on or off the ship.  As long as I get on before the ship sails, I'm good.

 

Attend every production show.  I find most of them annoyingly over amplified anyway.

 

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck.  I enjoy a lounger on the promenade much more.

 

Get off the ship in every Caribbean port.  Been there, and they all start to look alike anyway.

 

Use ship excursions.  Some of my best days have been walking around the port city and discovering a small coffee shop or cafe to enjoy.  Beats marching to the tour guide's clock on a crowded excursion bus.

 

Eat evening meals in the MDR.  I find it much more relaxed to eat breakfast and lunch in the MDR, and then have a light evening meal in the buffet.  Frees up a lot of m y time in the evening also.

 

To a youngster, I probably sound like an old curmudgeon, but one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

 

How about you?

 

 

 

I'm 71 and you stated my sentiments exactly.  I'm tired of visiting the same old "approved" tourist traps selling their cheap Chinese junk souvenirs.  One never gets to see the real country or people.  It's all canned or prepackaged tourism.  Most disliked: Nassau.  Visit when there are five cruise ships in port and then tell me about all the wonderful things you saw and did.

Been there, and done that too many times!

[iancal]

^+1

 

Agree completely.   That is why, since retiring nine years ago we have done far less cruising and far more international independent land travel.   We are quite ambivalent as to whether we will ever cruise again.

[balkor2]

In my opinion the keyword is "Need". The only NEED is eating drinking and breathing.

The rest is a choice, a choice to keep relations good. A choice to minimize issues. A choice that we enjoy.

 

On 5/4/2020 at 8:24 AM, 1980dory said:

Be the first on or off the ship.  As long as I get on before the ship sails, I'm good.

While we enjoy being on early .. there is no need to be "First". Enjoy being early for do not enjoy being under the gun or running late. Reduces Stress once on ship.

On 5/4/2020 at 8:24 AM, 1980dory said:

Attend every production show.

While have not attended Broadway (Sheltered) nor have seen all the shows. Truly enjoy the talent of the most of the shows like We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! So most of the shows will go see

 

On 5/4/2020 at 8:24 AM, 1980dory said:

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck. 

Enjoy the outside, do not have to be in direct sun light, most of the time in the shade for it is easier to read our books there and keeps the Blanc cooler longer 😉

On 5/4/2020 at 8:24 AM, 1980dory said:

Get off the ship in every Caribbean port.

Caribbean or not, if we don't like the port. We don't get off. Not a fan of the Pan Handlers on a couple ports we have been too.

On 5/4/2020 at 8:24 AM, 1980dory said:

Use ship excursions

Absolutely do. On some of the ports, will always use excursions, so if there is a problem ... I know the ship will wait or will provide transportation to where ever. Have seen where the Ship is leaving the port and the "other" is beating on the "other" while calling them every name in the book. So by choice I choose to protect myself at certain (or new) ports.

 

On 5/4/2020 at 8:24 AM, 1980dory said:

Eat evening meals in the MDR

We absolutely love being waited/served on/too.  That is one of the best parts to dress up. Share an elegant evening with good food, great service, and great company (employee and at the table).  We have found the buffet to be more like a trough and competition (for the food and a place to sit). So we chose to be escorted to our table and be waited. We usually befriend the people in MDR and then miss them.

 

On 5/4/2020 at 8:24 AM, 1980dory said:

To a youngster, I probably sound like an old curmudgeon

I can see how that can happen and have been told that (in different words but same meaning). It comes with Wisdom LOL.

 

On 5/4/2020 at 8:24 AM, 1980dory said:

but one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

 

And that is the best take away from it all. I see and understand the foundation for it is built on the principle of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (aka Pyramid). People have asked us about cruising frequently from which cruise line to take and Big Ships or small ships, etc.

So in relation to your list :

On 5/1/2020 at 8:58 PM, sullaRaffaello said:

I no longer feel the need to.....

is the same as "I require on my vacation (cruise) ..." or:

 

On my Cruise, I feel I need too ...

 

Turn off all electronics and put in the safe.  I don't want to receive text messages, phone calls, emails, Facebook, tik tok, IM's, etc etc.

 

Go to the Schooner Bar.  On many of the ships we have been on, the Schooner Bar is the hub of conversation, people, great service, good laughs, and trivia. Oh the Trivia games are some much fun, where else can you find out that you know so little and laugh with good people about it.

 

Go to the Solarium and read.  We enjoy sitting in a lounge chair (if one is available - Do not require) with the outside air,  a cool (cold) dry white wine (or Scotch neat, sometimes on the rocks), and a good book to get lost in. From time to time doing a little people watching. There is so much to learn from people and not say a word.

 

On Oasis class Ships, We must go to the Trellis Bar in the evening.  There is something about a good drink, good bartender (Xander was the best on Harmony), and the night sky. I honestly didn't understand how or why but it was mesmerizing and enchanting. 

 

Vintages and Tapis for lunch. On Harmony & the Allure, Tapis and Vintages for lunch. We enjoy the experience of the Wines and all the different breads, meats, veggies, and cheeses (so far). We have only experienced twice thus far. But enjoy the experiences and people. In relation to that, we experienced for the first time (willing to do again) and that was in the Pub, there was this french fries and stuff on it and this soup that never had before with a beer never heard of either. WOW such fun.

 

Something that is a requirement - no franchise. While we know that Guinness in Ireland is totally different than in America and the McDonalds in Hawaii serves different foods than in PA. We are not interested in going to another state, country, culture, etc and not experience what is. An example is going to Boston, Mass and tasting Harpoon Brewery and Bar Style Pizza. Going to Maine and having a Lobster (both were done on Serenade of the Seas). 

 

Ok done rambling like an old man LOL

[olemissreb]

On 3/1/2020 at 8:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

As I approach 70 and am still an avid cruiser, there are certain things that I used to think were almost mandatory or things that I would obsess about prior to the cruise.  I do still obsess about cabin location and whether there is a wrap-around promenade, but beyond that I'm pretty well satisfied by most any day on the ocean.  I no longer feel the need to.....

 

Be the first on or off the ship.  As long as I get on before the ship sails, I'm good.

Never have felt the need to do this. I like to time it such that there are no lines or very small, quick moving lines.

 

Attend every production show.  I find most of them annoyingly over amplified anyway.

I'm with you here. I've been too disappointed in so many of them.

 

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck.  I enjoy a lounger on the promenade much more.

I admit, I'm a sun whore. I like being out on a lounger catching some rays while reading a book and sipping on an adult cold beverage.  I like being close to the pool so that I can jump in and cool off if I get too warm (which I usually do).

 

Get off the ship in every Caribbean port.  Been there, and they all start to look alike anyway.

I like getting off at most ports.  Since I will now be solo cruising, there are some I probably won't like Jamaica. 

 

Use ship excursions.  Some of my best days have been walking around the port city and discovering a small coffee shop or cafe to enjoy.  Beats marching to the tour guide's clock on a crowded excursion bus.

I do independent excursions.  I like looking for things that are different.  For instance, on a cruise that I ended up having to cancel, I was going to take a cooking class at an ex-pat's home.  We were going to learn how to cook some of the foods native to that island and I can't remember which one now.  Those smaller, more intimate, excursions are the ones I love to do.

 

On 3/1/2020 at 8:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

 

To a youngster, I probably sound like an old curmudgeon, but one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

 

How about you?

 

 

 

Somehow I deleted your MDR comment - I love dining in the MDR.  As a retired stay-at-home mom, anytime I can get someone to wait on me for a change and dress up in the process, I'm all for it! :)  Plus with all the specialty restaurants these days, there is so much more for me to choose from and have more people waiting on me!  :D

 

I just turned 57 last month, so if you are an old curmudgeon, then I guess I am too.  All of us can do what we want, when we want, and as much (or little) as we want and still all enjoy ourselves and come home relaxed and refreshed.  Isn't that what vacations are for?

 

[DreadPirateRobert]

Curmudgeon? Not at all.  I feel the same for the most part on all those topics.

 

I do enjoy getting on the ship early and getting settled in. Any rush to get off the ship on port days sort of depends on what we have planned.

 

Never been a fan of shows. My wife will usually get me to one but lately she has lost interest. Usually after dinner and a little wine we’d call it a night anyway. 

We are early risers. Walking up on deck or sitting on our balcony as the sun rises will always be more enjoyable than any production show or comedian. 
 

I still get a lot of sun though I’m more cautious and use sunscreen.  Being in or by the pool is our favorite place on sea days. We’ve met some fun and interesting people. A good book, a good drink and people watching are favorite parts of cruises.

 

We’ve been to many of the Caribbean ports several times and yeah there are lots of similarities. If you’ve been to one “Margaritaville ......”

Bonaire was a pleasant surprise. After a great snorkeling excursion we just wandered. It was very relaxing. 
 

After 19 years of cruising I’m finally learning to let go and stop using ship’s excursions exclusively. I can only imagine the opportunities and experiences we’ve missed.  I was always afraid of something causing us to miss the ship. Ironically the only time we almost missed a ship we weren’t even on an excursion; we were drinking at a beach bar. Imagine that.

Friends we often cruise with do extensive research and pick great excursions so when we’re with them we just do what they do. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[kanadakid]

Eat all meals in MDR - breakfast esp. is enjoyed continental style on the pool deck after a brisk swim and before all the punters are up and out.

 

to buy the drinks package - I would rather disembark and imbibe on local spirits at a beach or cafe, then make my way back to the ship with my cooler bottle. Instead of soda I enjoy a mix of sweet tea and tart lemonade from the buffet area with lots of ice. Makes great bar mix!

[cricketcj1]

Have bean on 45 Plus cruises on multible lines.  age mid 70ts,All so toured 49 States in  US by RV for 5 yrs. We loved the freedom it provided. The last few years Its just short 1 or 2 wk, trips by car but 2 to 12 wk. cruises leave the driving to the Captain. Best things about cruiseing Are the people on & off ship,  You can do as much , or little, what ever you&Ms  like. Keep Smilling this too shall pass.

[cruz040864]

On 3/1/2020 at 9:21 AM, SargassoPirate said:

As I approach 70 and am still an avid cruiser, there are certain things that I used to think were almost mandatory or things that I would obsess about prior to the cruise.  I do still obsess about cabin location and whether there is a wrap-around promenade, but beyond that I'm pretty well satisfied by most any day on the ocean.  I no longer feel the need to.....

 

Be the first on or off the ship.  As long as I get on before the ship sails, I'm good.

 

Attend every production show.  I find most of them annoyingly over amplified anyway.

 

Use a lounger on the Melanoma Deck.  I enjoy a lounger on the promenade much more.

 

Get off the ship in every Caribbean port.  Been there, and they all start to look alike anyway.

 

Use ship excursions.  Some of my best days have been walking around the port city and discovering a small coffee shop or cafe to enjoy.  Beats marching to the tour guide's clock on a crowded excursion bus.

 

Eat evening meals in the MDR.  I find it much more relaxed to eat breakfast and lunch in the MDR, and then have a light evening meal in the buffet.  Frees up a lot of m y time in the evening also.

 

To a youngster, I probably sound like an old curmudgeon, but one of the beauties of cruising is that you are free to enjoy the cruise and the ship in your own way.

 

How about you?

 

 

I no longer need to travel on the Mega Hotels (I don't think they are ships cause it doesn't seem like cruising to me).  I personally don't need all the bells and whistles.  I like cruising......... IMHO

[BLITZMA]

I am now a 70 year old widow and am planning my first solo cruise.  How do you pick a cruise where I  can meet similar people?