First time cruising...not too happy about the idea

[Sneezykevina]

If you do choose to go, please do yourself & especially your family the huge favor of truly putting aside your negative reservations. Once onboard, avoid comparing things to the AI's you've enjoyed. Try not to complain, but to look for the positive things to comment on. Maybe try to review the various CC threads to look for positive info but avoid participating in the negative threads until you return.

 

And if you're really concerned about your bar bill, sneak on some alcohol. Heck, the worse thing that will happen is that you'll get it back at the end.

 

Good luck!

 

 

It will never happen. I have a friend who is like the OP and ya know what? If we convince him to do something new.....he's miserable even if he likes it.

[45014]

In all seriousness, for one, I'm a pretty mellow guy.

I may have come on a little strong at first, but before this thing took shape, I still haven't had any desire to go on a cruise...if so, I would have gone on one by now.

In years past, vacations usually revolved around renting a house for a week, and yes, exploring; getting some local flavor...it morphed into going to resorts....I'll probably go back to renting a place in the future, but my son can get into resorts at a reduced rate...because, lets face it....a vacation for a week anywhere for a family is not cheap...and most cruises cost a lot, and don't come across as a good value.

 

 

I think you are a very selfish person. Your wife would probably not enjoy herself if you went with her.

Have you ever asked her if she enjoys an AI ? Maybe she doesn't want to go to an AI, and just goes because she wants to spend some time with you and the family. It's not like it is for weeks. Suck it up! Anyone can "put up" with something for only a week.

[sandestination]

Let me restate that....obviously, going on excursions can be adventurous, but having limited time at a destination is not....cram as much stuff into limited time is not my cup of tea.

I can only imagine vendors licking their chops as the ships dock...shopping is not a destination I choose when traveling.

Regarding the time when you reach port...Grand Cayman 7:00 AM....so if you want to make the most of your day there you have to set an alarm clock?

...and regarding the experience...if I go I'll be hooked....the same was said to me about attending a Bruce Springsteen concert....I didn't enjoy it.

Bottom line for me: this trip (5 nights) would cost almost as much as a week in Curacao that I will be going to in two weeks, EVERYTHING included.

COLOR="Purple"] O.K. Here's the deal. I've done both loved both, as far as kick back and relax probably more at an AI that is if your not into seeing stuff each day. But on our first cruise my husband laid by the pool most of the ime and I played bingo....I scheduled a massage for my husband on our last cruise and he loved it. He also plays golf at ports ($110.) is pricy but it's trans, cart, green fees, and a golf pro. You know if you play golf time with a pro is expensive and you meet new guys that hey you might just like..St Thomas Mahogany run is a once in a life time deal.

 

I Don't know where you are going. If you don't like wearing slacks and golf shirt casual attie for dinner at night you can eat in the buffet. If you are in port you probably won't be doing as much drinking as if you were at a hotel for the day. But I will also tell you when we were in Jamica we went in a jewelry store and he got free beers (great for me grin... but he bought a citizens watch.

Fortunately for me, my husband loves flea markets, shopping for leather wallets belts jewelry as well as jet ski's parasailing speed boats etc.

We have done cruises specifically to see if we liked the place as someone else said. Also we do change up. Cruise a while and AI a while. but we like to see new places to discover and make new memories together.

But sounds to me like you are almost dead set against it

 

SOooo Tell your wife she works hard all year weather it is taking care of kids working around the house or a job...tell her to go and have a great time. every wife or husband should be allowed to go for a week with family or good friends I mean.

If you trust your spouse and obviously you do because you are still married.

 

After my husbands heart attack at age 54 we discovered you never know what tomorrow might bring

 

SO Love each other with all your hearts,

never go to bed mad

and do something nice for each other even when it isn't a special occasion.

 

I spent a week at the beach with my cousins. We split everything 3 ways gas and all. We had cousins night at the casino 2 weeks ago we all live different places.

 

This summer we are taking a cruise together even though I am going with my husband in Dec. I am cutting back on things I don't really need an again we are sharing a room.

 

If your wife is going to be with family I am sure she could go in a cabin with someone and share the cost. If you have kids and feel you can't afford everyone...be a sweatheart and keep the kids. (DON"T FALL OUT ON ME NOW) I know that one was a shocker.

 

Life is two short

 

However my neighbors husband went with her, hated it loved the golf said he wouldn't do it again...This year she went on a cruise with the girls and he went on a golf pkg vacation with the guys. It's not like going out with the gang at night having bears while the other one is at home.

You married her, you love her, show her :)[/color]

[sandestination]

In all seriousness, for one, I'm a pretty mellow guy.

I may have come on a little strong at first, but before this thing took shape, I still haven't had any desire to go on a cruise...if so, I would have gone on one by now.

In years past, vacations usually revolved around renting a house for a week, and yes, exploring; getting some local flavor...it morphed into going to resorts....I'll probably go back to renting a place in the future, but my son can get into resorts at a reduced rate...because, lets face it....a vacation for a week anywhere for a family is not cheap...and most cruises cost a lot, and don't come across as a good value.

I posted earlier hope you read it it was a sincere from the heart post but saw on this about renting a beach house etc. Trust me it's nice I did it with my cousins BUT When I did it with the family as well as I enjoyed it I worked like I would at home , cooking, eating 1 meal a day out, Laudry, taking care of the kids...NOT A LOT OF MOMMY TIME and if there are no other family or friends around sharing task YUK... PLUS we go on all inclusives, fly to cancun, stay at the oasis, LONG POOL 5 swim up bars 5 resturants and a nine hole golf course included we usually always go there LOVE it for A.I. we got air and all for 1500 total. If we would have driven to fla rented a place meals etc. A.I. is the only way to go if you DON"T want to cruise But this year we are flying to Fl, cruise an all for $1531.00 O.V.

 

What's that old shirly temple song O.K. so your not that old... "Be optimistic, don't you be a grumpy, when the road gets bumpy just smile.

[sandestination]

Oh one more thing if you don't go and you like to drink have your wife bring alcohol back it's cheap and duty free, cigs too if you smoke

[232271]

It will never happen. I have a friend who is like the OP and ya know what? If we convince him to do something new.....he's miserable even if he likes it.

 

 

I believe this has to do with PRIDE. Your friend would be embarassed to admit he was wrong and actually did like this. Many many people miss out on so much in life becuase of PRIDE, myself included.

 

As for the OP, If your wife wants to go then I would try to overcome my pride and not care what my wife's family said about me or my decisions and go for my wife. NOT for any other reason at all. Love is about compromise and you can go with her on this cruise and it will mean the world to her. Make sure her family knows why you are going, not for them, but because you love your wife very much and want to make her happy. :) What a wonderful "gift" it would be for your wife.

 

Good luck on your deicsion I am sure it will be a tough one.

Let us know how it turns out. We all mean well!:o

[KC_fn]

To the OP: How about doing something for your DW just because you love her? Hasn't she ever sacrificed her wishes to make you happy? Think of this as a way of returning that sacrifice. Do it for her. And do it cheerfully. ;)

[mcamp]

I think you are a very selfish person. Your wife would probably not enjoy herself if you went with her.

Have you ever asked her if she enjoys an AI ? Maybe she doesn't want to go to an AI, and just goes because she wants to spend some time with you and the family. It's not like it is for weeks. Suck it up! Anyone can "put up" with something for only a week.

First of all, you don't know me....secondly, why should anyone have to "suck it up" on vacation, while spending at least $4000.

I don't know everyones financial earnings, nor do I care, but that's a lot of money for a five day trip....if you want to flip the bill, I'll "suck it up".

Last but not least, planning a vacation isn't "honey, here's where we are going, pack your bags".

I said earlier, it's a research is done, and the botton line is: is it affordable, are the flights desirable, and is it a place worth going (culture, things to do, safe).

Hey, the cruise thing isn't for everyone, and I've expressed my feelings on the matter.

No need for name calling, or judging my personality.

[MrPete]

$4000 for a 5 day cruise? I think it's time to attack the group leader.

[sea_u_onboard]

Hey, the cruise thing isn't for everyone, and I've expressed my feelings on the matter.

No need for name calling, or judging my personality.

I agree - no need to attack.

 

I can understand your misgivings in spending $4000 for 4 on such a short cruise. When are you going? Is this a suite?

[sea_u_onboard]

Just went back and see you are going in December - if it's anywhere near Christmas it can be high.

[Lulachick]

Gosh I went on a 5 day cruise, got two ocenview rooms on the Victory ( which is bigger than the Inspiration)and paid a whopping $3200. I would stroke out paying 4K for a crusie unless it is a transatlantic on the Freedom.

Sounds like you have your mind made up and your wife is going to lose out either way it goes.

[flynrph]

Romance...we will be traveling with our two kids...11 and 8 at the time of travel.

Right there is the reason. Traveling with your kids and giving them a new experience. This will make for great family memories. We, as a family cruise frequently and love the time spent together, and apart on the ship. This year will be special for us as all the cousins are getting together on a cruise. Expand both your children's and your personal horizon.

One thing I keep in mind as I age, I really don't want to look back and say I should have tried something when I could have. Opportunity is knocking.....:cool:

[travelagentgirl]

If your cruise is costing you $4000 for five days you may want to check around on your prices. Also figure out if having a balcony or an oceanview room is really a must where it is your first cruise.

 

I would be interested to know when you go to an ai for a week say in Mexico or something do you spend every day going out on excursions to explore or discover or spend most of the time relaxing at the resort and going out once or twice a week?? Because depending on what you are doing that can really add a cost to the AI price. And if you are only going out once or twice a week it is almost the same as going on a cruise as after all it is a floating hotel.

 

My boyfriend also has a similar attitude as you do saying he knows he isn't going to like it even before he has given it a try. However for me he is going with me in December on the Liberty, and because he has agreed to keep an open mind I find as we get closer he is actually getting excited.

 

My advice would be as a TA who helps people make the decision every day whether a cruise or an AI is the way to go, I would say if you are honest to god that dead set against it don't go. You will only be wasting your own time and energy as well as everyone around you. I know if I was working on the ship I would rather serve someone who was happy to be there rather then debbie the downer. Also when you are looking at value of the vacation it may be helpful to figure out what your per night rate works out to? Also taking in to the fact everything that is and isnt included.

 

All in all in mho I would say do whatever you think is going to make you and your family happy. I don;t think it would hurt you to try a cruise, you've got to try everything at least once to know if you like it.

 

Good Luck

[joan_al]

This sounds just like the show "Everybody Likes Raymond" when Ray's mother paid for the whole family to go to Italy. Raymond was a pain is the butt for the first week then finally realize that the trip was great.

[CruiseFuse]

MCamp: I definitely understand your concerns. Our family took our first cruise (4 of us) in Dec. 2005. I was really concerned about the financial side of it as we had just gotten married, paid off a lot of debts caused by ex's, etc. We did a 7 day Western Car.

 

Dec. 2006, Hubby decided that instead of a cruise we would all fly directly to Cancun because he found this "great deal" on an all inclusive. Well, the resort was wonderful, we love Cancun and the Mayan ruins, etc. and we had a good time. All 6 of us this time. But - this year we are going back to the cruises for good. The value is amazing. Our children were able to do a little exploring in more than one place, there are entertainment options for everyone in your group; you don't have to worry about directions, maps, finding anything, doing all the driving, etc. You, for once, get to sit back and be taken care of. However you choose. We love waking up early and having room service bring coffee and a light breakfast and watching the sun come up or watching as we come into a port and sitting on our balcony watching as we slip away from a port. We get off the ship, find a taxi (there are hundreds) at the port and hire him (usually very cheap) to be our "tour guide". The food is a million times better than the all-inclusive resorts we have been to and you can always sample local fare in ports.

 

Truthfully, I don't really know how I'd feel about the family reunion thing on a cruise either. I enjoy it being just our family for some well-deserved time away and quality time with them. My husband and I get time alone without having to worry about the kids being bored or under foot. However, $4000 for a 5 day cruise does raise some questions about what you're getting for that rate.

 

Do a search on here of reviews and read them. You may be surprised by what you can gain on a cruise vacation. Good luck.

[deepnite10]

i felt the same way..the DF family orgainzie d a 4dy family cruise to

ensenada out of san pedro..i was less than enthused with the entire

idea..vacationing with 30 in-law s is not my idea of vacation :confused:

 

i had never cruise d befor and and doubt s that i would enjoy myself

*very selfish*..but once onboard i had the time of my life..and now encourage other s who may have similar doubt s about cruising..

 

Hell man..give ur wife a break..im sure she deserve s it..and afterward s

ur going to have to admit u had a blast too..:p

[angelsfort]

1. alcohol can be brought on board with you... I'm not sure of exactly how much, but check the carnival site and you'll find out how much (I don't drink, so I can't tell you... but it's a certain amount per person)

 

2. you CAN go on this cruise and not even spend a moment of time with your wifes cousin. If they are having dinners together each night, you can take the kids up to the buffet... there's no reason that you have to be at the same table with them. (you can tell your wife beforehand that you will go on the cruise, just for her, but that your conditions are that you DON'T do any activities with the irritating cousin)

 

3. I think (and this is just MY opinion) that you should at least give cruising a try. I'm not going to use the "you'll be hooked" line that everyone else is using, because you might not be... just like everything you already enjoy doing, how did you discover you liked it until you actually did it for the first time??? You didn't automatically assume you liked it or disliked it until you tried it at least once... you really should do the same thing with going on a cruise. Try it one time before you decide you don't like it... but the KEY THING is that you should go with an open mind. Don't get on the boat / ship with the attitude that you are NOT going to like it... if you don't do it, you might be missing out on something that you'll truly enjoy.

 

4. If you love your wife, the BEST thing you could do for her is to just go on this cruise with her. Don't put her in a place where she has to choose between you and her family.

 

And if you do this, and you really should explain to her that the ONLY REASON you are doing it is because she wants to do it, she will be very grateful to you... who knows you might get some "Fringe benefits" for it while you guys are on the cruise!! (there are many kid functions that you children can attend and give you guys some quiet time)

[TrqoisWtrs]

Can't tell where OP is from. The $4000 might include airfare, so cruise & air for 4 in December might cost that, but if it is just the cruise...:eek:

[WeBeCruisin']

Mcamp, trying to talk your wife out of a cruise which she would love to take sounds somewhat selfish. If you are determined to have a closed mind and refuse to try something new and possibly life-changing, then work out a compromise. Go where you want on one vacation and then go where she wants on the next.... without trying to talk her out of what she has chosen.

 

I hope you're not the type of person who prejudges things and situations and then does everything possible to make it fail and make it miserable just because you are incapable of admitting you might be wrong, or of losing power or control of other people. :eek:

 

Take the cruise. THEN you'll have a right to judge whether you like it or not. :)

[DqALEX]

This sounds just like the show "Everybody Likes Raymond" when Ray's mother paid for the whole family to go to Italy. Raymond was a pain is the butt for the first week then finally realize that the trip was great.

Too cold for the Motorcycle today. I came to work in my car

[broberts]

mcamp: your posts paint a picture that gives the impression of one who is pretty much pre-disposed to dislike the cruise experience or, in my estimation more likely, a troll. In the hopes that neither is the case I'll take a stab at responding.

 

You've indicated that you like to "explore" destinations on your own time table. Unfortunately cruise ships have to move and therefore do impose time restrictions on one. If you can't stand someone telling you that you have to be somewhere by a certain time, then cruising is most definitely not for you. Give it up right now. If, on the other hand, you are understanding of timetables, then you might well enjoy the ports-of-call. Once on land you are free to explore as you like - on foot, by bus, taxi, tour bus, rented car, scooter, or motorbike, on a sailboat, motorboat, sea-do, kayak or canoe; by yourself, with family and friends, in a tour group, etc. Granted you'll be out of there that night. But that just means that if you didn't like the place you are not stuck there. More importantly, if you did like it you can book another cruise visit or even a land vacation.

 

A cruise ship is really just a compact moving resort.

[SATXLady]

First of all, you don't know me....secondly, why should anyone have to "suck it up" on vacation, while spending at least $4000.

I don't know everyones financial earnings, nor do I care, but that's a lot of money for a five day trip....if you want to flip the bill, I'll "suck it up".

Last but not least, planning a vacation isn't "honey, here's where we are going, pack your bags".

I said earlier, it's a research is done, and the botton line is: is it affordable, are the flights desirable, and is it a place worth going (culture, things to do, safe).

Hey, the cruise thing isn't for everyone, and I've expressed my feelings on the matter.

No need for name calling, or judging my personality.

 

I'm kind of wondering why you even posted here. You appear to have made up your mind in advance and don't really appear to be interested in what anyone here has to say. You've already done whatever "research" you wanted to do and decided you wouldn't enjoy the cruise and appear to be looking for arguments to convince your wife not to go so you can spend the money on a different vacation more to your liking. (Sending your wife with or without kids doesn't seem to fit into your equation since it will cost almost as much for them go go without you as with -- not leaving much $$ for your alternate vacation plans.)

 

Bottom line -- what I like or what someone else likes will not change your mind since you have already decided it doesn't meet your specs. So I guess the question is really whether this is important enough to your wife for you to suck it up and go just this once. Or whether she needs to suck it up and miss out on the family reunion cruise. Sounds like one of your is going to have to suck it up on their vacation in this case.

[sea_u_onboard]

For a true cost comparision look at the same week at a NICE AI and see how it weighs out.

 

I do have to agree with the majority here though. It is only for a short time and if your wife REALLY wants to do it then why not??

[In2why]

Romance...we will be traveling with our two kids...11 and 8 at the time of travel.

 

 

:p Well thats why they have Camp Carnival. :p Nothing says "romance"....like different place, different time.

 

I don't know whether you should cruise or refuse to go or not. But I do hope that if you decide to go you won't make your wife regret it. Nothing sucks more than when my DH does something I want, decides he isn't going to like it ahead of time, and then makes it clear the whole time that he is just "suffering" through it to make me happy. (he hasn't pulled that in years...but as far as I am concerned it should be part of irreconcilable differences in the divorce decree):D