Accidentally booked a cruise during the presidential election. Any advice?

[allicat955]

Hello all! This is my first post here, so I'm sorry if I'm not doing this right! 

 

My boyfriend and I have been talking for YEARS about going on a cruise (I went on several growing up with my family, he's never been on one), and finally this year we both have the finances/ are in a good place in our careers to go on one! I was so excited and after doing research for a month, we booked with NCL on the Norwegian Jade to sail to the Bahamas on November 3rd! Awesome, so excited, can't wait!... Until I was talking to my best friend about it, and she brought up "Isn't that during the presidential election?" Now my excitement has turned into nervousness. I'm not particularly political and don't want to start a political debate here, but I think a lot of Americans could agree the current political climate has felt growingly tense and sometimes scary over the past few election cycles, and I'm concerned how that may culminate on the boat when the results are coming out, especially with alcohol involved... I talked to my mom about it whose an avid cruiser, and even she expressed serious concerns. She even wanted me to rebook to different dates... 

 

I also think I should mention that my boyfriend and I are an interracial couple. I bring this up because we've already experienced in our four years together the rude glances/stares/ side comments. We've had complete strangers make really rude/ degrading comments to us before, and I'm fearful with alcohol and the election going on, someone may feel inclined to say something to us... We love each other to death so we deal with it and treat everyone with kindness and respect, but I really just have this fearful nightmare in my head of someone trying to start something with us on election night/ post election night, and I really want to avoid that.

 

I'm assuming the results will be broadcasted/ available to find on board so I know there's no way avoiding it, but I think I really just need some advice/ encouraging words/ any words of wisdom. Has anyone been on a cruise during an election (particularly a 'controversial' / tense one) with any advice? Any advice in general? Should I just rebook for a different date like my mom suggested? I do taxes for a living and my boyfriend's job is flexible, so if we had to rebook, we can. I also think my perspective may just be warped since I used to live near DC where all anyone ever talked about was politics, so I might just be making up scenarios in my head for nothing, but again any advice/ words of wisdom to calm my stress would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

Thank you all for any insight/ info u can provide ❤️❤️ 

[wwcruisers]

While I do not cruise NCL -- DH and I stick to X & Royal -- I've not seen political discussions be an issue. And, I do recall at least one cruise in early November (election day) where we had to send in absentee ballots, before we left.You'll find that most folks cruise to escape the madness of day-to-day life -- not to bring it with them.

[1025cruise]

I wouldn't be worried about cruising during election season. In fact, sounds like a good time to be at sea.

[ColeThornton]

Welcome to CC.   Respectfully, I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill.  In all my cruises I've never had anyone try to engage me in a political discussion.  Sure, maybe an off the cuff humorous comment that I just blow off and change the subject but, no..it's never been an issue.

 

I highly doubt that results will be broadcast on the ship, that's not what they do.  They will though annoy you with other announcements like "Hey, bingo is starting in the Atrium".  😉

 

Yea, you are getting yourself wound up unnecessarily I think.  I'm sure you will have a wonderful cruise.

 

By the way, being a new cruiser there is a couple of forums you will be interested in to visit if you haven't already.  First Time Cruiser forum and the NCL Cruise Line forum.  Click on "Forums" at the top left of this page, scroll down and you'll find them easily.  😉

 

 

[ontheweb]

You really won't find a lot of political discussion as people generally cruise to have a good time vacation.

 

Though the results may not be announced they will be easy enough to find. You can go on the internet. There will be a television in your cabin which will also be a source for news if you choose to use it as that.

 

Enjoy your first cruise as a couple and do not unnecessary worry yourselves over the reactions to election results.

[StollyBolly]

I wouldn’t worry about it.  If I’m onboard and someone starts talking politics I walk away.  Leave them to it.  Most people are trying to have a good time.  You’ll just have to endure that some will be happy with whatever outcome and others won’t.😁

[NotADopey1]

If you’re worried about racial prejudice, it is not as prevalent on a ship filled with international passengers. They don’t care about your race.  If you are polite, intelligent and engaging don’t worry about it.  Regarding politics, if someone is overly opinionated, please feel free to excuse yourselves and leave as we have several times.  If you are badgered just tell them you are on vacation and prefer not to discuss religion or politics.  Or you can just claim to be from another country.  

 

 

 

[Essiesmom]

You will find many interracial couples on the ship.  No one blinks an eye.  Relax and enjoy.  EM

[Aquahound]

I agree with the others.  Just relax.  A cruise is probably the best place to be to escape the media hype and sensationalism of elections.  I'm sure there will be discussion but for the most part, people on cruises tend to part from the world's problems while on board.  

[crystalspin]

2 hours ago, allicat955 said:

Hello all! This is my first post here, so I'm sorry if I'm not doing this right! 

Welcome to Cruise Critic! You did just right. Hope you can find your thread again to read responses!

 

Just remember to request "absentee" ballots (or vote early if you are in an area that does that).

[allicat955]

thank y'all for all the responses, this is exactly what I needed to hear!!! I think I just needed to hear someone else say it was going to be fine to solve my worries so I really appreciate you all reaffirming that for me. Definitely feeling a lot better + feeling more relaxed and looking forward to our travels now 🙂 ❤️