Things others do on a cruise that make you wonder why.

[pamwinn]

We all have our reasons for cruising and certainly different opinions as to those things that are important. What do people do that you simply can't fathom? My response follows:

 

I can not understand why hundreds of people fight over lounge chairs to sit around or swim in a pool that is in reality not much larger than a backyard pool. I admit being a germaphobe. There are thousands of fannies and crotches in a relatively small volume of water and I simply can not fathom the attraction.

 

Another thing I do not understand is the preoccupation with the food. I guarantee that anyone who has ever dined at my house has been impressed. But, on a cruise, unless the food is truely unpalatable, why do people care? I have come across very few restuarants that can prepare food significantly better than I can...maybe different and as good, but not better. As long as the cruise food tastes good and is presented in an artistic manner, it's fine with me. I didn't have to prepare it or clean up the mess.

 

You may wonder, "well what is it she actually enjoys in a cruise?" My answer is, the ocean. Maybe you can't understand how I can possibly feel this way. Tell me.

 

PS Ignore any typos

[Irishjayne]

I am also a good cook and agree with you. I am interested though in the presentation. How to make the food look as good as it tastes. Love cookbooks with pictures.:D

[PescadoAmarillo]

I would find it tortuous, tortuous(!), to sit in a smoke filled casino losing money that could be used toward another cruise when, at any time, day or night, I could be watching the ocean with my best friend (who also happens to be my husband).

[Irishjayne]

PS: I will never look at the pool in the same way again.:eek:

[srphnx]

What I can't understand is people who go on a cruise obsessed with the ports, getting off first thing excursioning themselves into exhaustion and then come back from a cruise more tired than when they left. I get on a cruise for the ship, the ports are just a small bonus.

[spongerob]

Here's the one that mystifies me, and we've all seen it. Why do people go on a cruise, then actively search for things to complain about? We're supposedly leaving the small stuff behind, unwinding, and letting the world take its course. I've seen people get upset over the tiniest things, even to the point of making a big stink because a coffee cup wasn't filled all the way up. We've got plenty of small stuff to sweat in the course of our lives, why add to the list when you are paying good money to have a good time?

[pamwinn]

I used to know the stats on that volume of water to butts thing. I can't remember anymore but it was something along the lines of sharing your bath water with a hundred or so.

 

For food presentation, if you go on a galley tour, they have bulletin boards posted with pictures depicting exactly how the food is to be plated.

[Tantsee]

I have never understood why people bring food on board with them. There is food on the ship everywhere you turn, yet I know many people who wouldn't think of coming on board without a cooler full of emergency snacks. I have yet to leave a cruise feeling like I was deprived of food, and wishing I had brought my own.

[bjboothman]

Following Tantsee's line of reasoning, I'll never understand all the posts about bringing a bottle of wine or heaven-forbid, sneaking liquor onboard. People spend upwards of $3,000/couple plus airfare to stay in a balcony room for 10 days and then worry about $50 worth of booze. I couldn't possibly be bothered to lug that stuff. I feel the same way about buying duty-free liquor to take home. So I can save $18 on a bottle of Kahlua. So what. I have enough luggage to check and lug back to the car. Just isn't worth it to me.

 

Oh, one more thing. I just don't get Diamonds International, Tanzanite International etc. I've looked on each of my 4 cruises and still didn't find anything I couldn't get at a jewelry store at home (on sale) for a similar price. And at home I can be guaranteed of who I am dealing with and know where to go if there is a problem. Do you all really find what you consider to be bargains at those places?

[yasbindmd]

Here's the one that mystifies me, and we've all seen it. Why do people go on a cruise, then actively search for things to complain about? We're supposedly leaving the small stuff behind, unwinding, and letting the world take its course. I've seen people get upset over the tiniest things, even to the point of making a big stink because a coffee cup wasn't filled all the way up. We've got plenty of small stuff to sweat in the course of our lives, why add to the list when you are paying good money to have a good time?

Answer: Some people are just plain miserable. A 7, 10, 14, 26, or 1000 day cruise isn't going to fix it..

[dosi]

I will never in all of my life understand the man on my Paradise cruise that was forever making himself top ramen and cup of noodles soups....maybe he was on the special all sodium, no vegetable, no protein diet. :D

[srphnx]

I never get why some people get to the port so late, like they are dreading getting on, we get on as soon as we can, those hours are valuable, we have 2 meals and a "nap" and a nap in by the time some people get on the ship.

[edYYZ]

Answer: Some people are just plain miserable. A 7, 10, 14, 26, or 1000 day cruise isn't going to fix it..

This is true. And I agree with spongerob 100%.

[edYYZ]

What I can't understand is people who go on a cruise obsessed with the ports, getting off first thing excursioning themselves into exhaustion and then come back from a cruise more tired than when they left. I get on a cruise for the ship, the ports are just a small bonus.

I can actually understand this. In fact, I really like the ports myself. It is definitely relaxing and fun to just wander aimlessly or do nothing on a ship, but it's also nice to go out to see where the ship is taking you. Even with port intensive itineraries (e.g. Alaska), you still have plenty of time "off" to relax. It's nice to have that good balance. I don't think I'd cruise just to do nothing for days and days on end - that's what my friend's cottage is for! :D

[Coral]

Pam - I don't fight for a lounge chair but I do like to use the pools on the ship. I personally do not know anyone in the city I live in who has a backyard pool (not as common in Nebraska as California or FL for example) and I live approx 20 hours from an ocean. With limited vacation time, the only time I swim is on a cruise ship. I have not been to a public pool here for 20 years.

 

bjboothman - I agree. On my first cruise, we bought liquor to bring home (not sure why since I don't drink but everyone else was). We hauled this rum all over the streets of Puerto Rico and then the long flight home. Never again.

[edYYZ]

Oh, what I will never understand is why some people are so eager to get off the ship at the end of a cruise. When I was on the Diamond this May, starting on day 6 of the cruise, I heard a number of people saying how they were ready (and eager) to get off the ship.

 

And yes, bjboothman, I don't understand the obsession with Diamonds International and jewellery at ports. I've been looking around for a white gold chain, and I know that DI has one that's in 10K and a very standard design for at least three times the cost of a very uniquely designed 18K one I saw in a very reputable, local shop (and it was not on sale). Aside from saving on tax, I don't understand buying expensive jewellery while on vacation (except that you always want to spend money and feel more open to making purchases when you're on a trip - at least I do).

[KUSydney]

Like Steve, I don't understand the people that roll in around 3 to get on the ship. The fam and I are up and at 'em at 9:30-10 am! Waiting in line is part of vacation for us!

 

It's also beyond me how people can be so ready to get home. Someone once said on the boards that once the cruise is over it's time to get back to reality. I'm in cruise mode for at least a week after the cruise, still feeling like I'm on the ship, feeling that if I'm not eating every 15 minutes that I'm going to starve... you get my point.

 

But, my original thought is the people that are so caught up in petty issues that they have a totally horrible time. You've seen it, the couple that's fighting, the kids that have run amok and ruined their parent's vacation, that sort of thing. I don't understand how people can't just get all their issues together for a week or so and just relax. Isn't that what vacation is all about?

[LARGIN]

bjboothman says.. Following Tantsee's line of reasoning, I'll never understand all the posts about bringing a bottle of wine or heaven-forbid, sneaking liquor onboard. People spend upwards of $3,000/couple plus airfare to stay in a balcony room for 10 days and then worry about $50 worth of booze. I couldn't possibly be bothered to lug that stuff.

 

If the ship served my brand of Single Malt Scotch I wouldn't have to sneak in mine.. As for the Wine, I legally bring in 4 bottles packed in wine carrying cases in our carry on. I drink 3 with my wife and share the 4th with the Maitre D' and Head Waiter. These are usually older bottles of Red not served on the ship. The booze is not $50 but a whole lot more.. Even with bringing my own wine, my wine bill on my last cruise was over a grand..

[KUSydney]

I think a lot of the jewelry thing, at least for my mom, is the memory behind it. Dad got mom a tanzanite and black opal ring on the Legend and it's not because we couldn't find one at home, (although I've never seen one like it on land) but more of "remember that cruise on the Legend....". It's way more representative of their relationship now, and what their life is all about (cruising!).

 

If not that, I think a lot of the appeal of the jewelry stores for a lot of people on shore is the brag-factor. Someone compliments you on your new tanzanite bracelet and instead of saying "yeah hubby got this for me at (name your local jeweler)." You can say "oh yeah, we got this at this cute little place in (name an exotic port of call)".

[srphnx]

I think a lot of the jewelry thing, at least for my mom, is the memory behind it. Dad got mom a tanzanite and black opal ring on the Legend and it's not because we couldn't find one at home, (although I've never seen one like it on land) but more of "remember that cruise on the Legend....". It's way more representative of their relationship now, and what their life is all about (cruising!).

 

If not that, I think a lot of the appeal of the jewelry stores for a lot of people on shore is the brag-factor. Someone compliments you on your new tanzanite bracelet and instead of saying "yeah hubby got this for me at (name your local jeweler)." You can say "oh yeah, we got this at this cute little place in (name an exotic port of call)".

That is an excellent point Sydney,also there is the souvenier factor, justifying a purchase as a "reminder'.

[DoniaG]

In defense of those of us addicted to jewelry shopping, I have to say two things -

 

1. There are definitely bargains to be had - if you know a bargain when you see one. But you'd better do plenty of homework on prices before you go.
   
2. There are few stores, at least in this part of the country, that have the incredible variety of choices the better stores in St. Martin and St. Thomas offer. There aren't just a few pieces of sapphire (or emerald or mystic topaz) jewelry - there are dozens and dozens of pieces. It's not just about getting that tanzanite bracelet, it's about getting one that isn't exactly like everyone else's!
   

And, yes, Steve, this is my very favorite kind of souvenir!!!

 

Donia

 

1. 
   

[CruiseFever]

You guys have hit on all the ones that puzzle me too.

 

One I hadn't really thought of but rings so true to me is the one about why do people "excursion themselves" to death. If we go with the flow of it all we could almost feel guilty for not having excursions lined up ashore. I'll take a good sea day over a bus filled with other passengers excursioning something but inevitably headed for a stop n' shop.

 

That whole thing about people who love to complain simply mystifies me too.

 

Bringing something along, be it a coffee pot for coffee that makes your day, beer they don't offer on the ship, or other items to customize your cruise I understand. But spending thousands of dollars to go someplace and moan, fight and complain (apparently) just for the heck of it is bizzare.

 

A valid complaint I understand, but get on it, get it solved and move along for cryin out loud.

 

Talk about people that come on board so late, ok I understand if they were having lunch with the President, a round of golf with Tiger Woods or brain surgery but othewise, to me, every minute of the whole thing is important. We don't plan every minute of every day to do something, far from it, all the planning is before we step aboard, after that its everybody for themselves!

 

Now Jewelry, that's another matter. The deal is that if I do well in the casino, DW gets something sparkly. Let's just say she's not having to tote extra luggage with her sparkles from cruises

[srphnx]

I am adding a late entry.. why do people go on a cruise to exercise on a treadmill in full view of a walking deck with fresh sea air and no line or time limit or sweat from the pervious user all over the controls. Why not walk on the DECK?

[edYYZ]

I am adding a late entry.. why do people go on a cruise to exercise on a treadmill in full view of a walking deck with fresh sea air and no line or time limit or sweat from the pervious user all over the controls. Why not walk on the DECK?

Haha that's a good point. Although I never stepped in the gym onboard so have no idea what kind of view you get :). What did look fun, though, was when people were on exercise bikes at the front of the lido deck. Now that looked like a pretty neat experience.

[relevart]

Are you really saying you would not go ashore to see the Pyramids or Luxor? This spring I was on a 30 day cruise with about half the days sea days. The excursion days were a bit intensive (ie:Viet Nam, Bombay etc) but I would not have missed them for the world.

 

As for getting on the ship early,when you are in foreign ports there could be a problem like the Princess transfer from Bangkok to the ship.

 

There is no way I could have seen so much on my own land tour in 30 days and had 15 days at sea!

 

I too have no desire to swim in the pool and am happy sitting on my balcony.