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

[In2why]

Don't go. You have already decided you will be miserable. If you go you will rub it off on others and they won't have any fun. Send your wife and kids so they can have fun.

 

 

I agree.

[AZ Karaoke Girl]

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.

Very true. If you don't go, your kids will remember this and they have to decide what "retirement home" you will live in:D :D. Your wife will be unhappy and make you miserable.

 

In all seriousness, if you agree to go, your wife and kids will be happy that you are sacrificing for them and you will be providing wonderful memories for everyone. You wouldn't have to admit that cruising is wonderful so you could keep your ground about hating cruises and its a waste of money yadayadayada but still come out ahead cuz wife gets pampered for once, kids have fun without having mom & dad watching their every move and you can choose to distance yourself from the family whenever you choose (remember the buffet). Perhaps the irritating cousin will leave you alone knowing you are "sacrificing" your vacation for your wife and kids.

[Wild Bill]

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".

 

Maybe you should do some research on a cruise the first week of December, and tell the cousin you will consider going if they change the date. The first week of December should be a lot cheaper for a five night cruise, than $4000. Research the room choices and dates on the Carnival web site, then put it back on them to change the date. Act like you are making a reservation on the website, to the point where you get an acurate total cost for the 4 of you, and then get out of it. Airfare is best arranged on your own, so don't include that through your booking.

It is hard to afford a vacation with a family, and lots of AI's don't charge for kids, so you do save there. Look into ways to cut cost here. Also, if the cousin is doing the arrangements, and more than 8 cabins are being booked, tell them you want to know if he is getting his cruise free. If he was planning on doing it that way, try to get him to split his discount among all of you. The kids will pay a lower additional person rate in your room, so maybe you aren't figuring it all out correctly. Just some suggestions to bring the rate down.

KT

[CrazieNCruisingGypsy2]

DH was in the Navy for 6 years and assigned to the Air Craft Carrier JFK. When I first mentioned a cruise to him his reply was "I spent 6 years on a boat why would I want to take a vacation on a boat?". Well, after much persuasion and promises he would love it I got him to go on our first cruise in March of 2003. It was a 5 day cruise. When we got off the ship he wanted to know when we'd be going again! Now, it's the only vacation he really wants to take! He decided very quickly that a cruise ship is way different than his Navy "Boat". He loves the sea days much more than he enjoys port days. We're going on a "Family Reunion" cruise in May of next year and we're going to have a ball. You just have to remember that just because they are doing something you don't have to. That's a big rule for our family cruise!

[CrazieNCruisingGypsy2]

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.

 

We're going on a 7 day Cruise out of Galveston on the Conquest. We will be taking our 10 yo with us and we have a balcony. It's only costing us $2,300 and that's with the new Fuel Surcharge. To us, it was a good value.

[MaryZ]

give the vacation a chance. You'll probably have fun.

I have friends who hate cruising because of all the "timing" issues. Yes we wish all lines would go to choice dining. We no longer get up early and run off the ship when it docks. we've been to most of the islands and we just go to the beach mostly. We don't shop, since I live in the ny metro area.

As far as diving goes, we dive but not on cruises. The time issue is too great.

When we want to go diving, we take a diving vacation, not a cruising vacation.

Anyway, even if you don't like, it's a short cruise and will be over quickly. Most people are happily surprised that they did have a good time. Hopefully that is how you will be.

[Ms Belvedere]

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

Oh dear, I can imagine my response to my husband if he pouted his way out of going on vacation then had the nerve to ask me to bring back alcohol and cigarettes for him - ahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaahha!!!!!!!!

[mcamp]

Maybe you should do some research on a cruise the first week of December, and tell the cousin you will consider going if they change the date. The first week of December should be a lot cheaper for a five night cruise, than $4000. Research the room choices and dates on the Carnival web site, then put it back on them to change the date. Act like you are making a reservation on the website, to the point where you get an acurate total cost for the 4 of you, and then get out of it. Airfare is best arranged on your own, so don't include that through your booking.

It is hard to afford a vacation with a family, and lots of AI's don't charge for kids, so you do save there. Look into ways to cut cost here. Also, if the cousin is doing the arrangements, and more than 8 cabins are being booked, tell them you want to know if he is getting his cruise free. If he was planning on doing it that way, try to get him to split his discount among all of you. The kids will pay a lower additional person rate in your room, so maybe you aren't figuring it all out correctly. Just some suggestions to bring the rate down.

KT

This is the week the apparently is best for her family...otherwise we would have to take the kids out of school anyway.

It's like anything....it's amazing how cheap roses are on Feb.15th.

 

As for posting here....I came here thru Trip Adviser....maybe to vent...or get oppinions from others who have been thru similar experiences...I've got better things to do than trolling at a cruise site.

 

As for other deals others are mentioning...this is THE peak week to travel, and I would still need to get from Massachusetts to Tampa....I factured in $300 per person for air...the base price for outside cabin works out to about $2600-$2800.

[bellaa]

mcamp,

could you email me please? I have a question to ask you about a previous post. I am not trying to push you into cruising, I promise.

Thanks!

loria6@gmail.com

[Big Kielbasa]

Went on an Alaska cruise with the wife's two brothers and a sister in law, made it clear from the inception that we would not be tied at the hip. About 80 % of the time we took different shore excursions and were away from each other the majority of the day. We met at dinner and discussed the day and all worked out well, make it clear from the start that you would like some alone time durning the cruise.:cool:

[johnritt]

Vacations.

 

I love AI's, like cruises.

DW loves cruises, likes AI's

 

Next vacation, Pearl in April.

 

"If Momma ain't happy, nobody happy"

[cruisebie]

This is the week the apparently is best for her family...otherwise we would have to take the kids out of school anyway.

It's like anything....it's amazing how cheap roses are on Feb.15th.

 

As for posting here....I came here thru Trip Adviser....maybe to vent...or get oppinions from others who have been thru similar experiences...I've got better things to do than trolling at a cruise site.

 

As for other deals others are mentioning...this is THE peak week to travel, and I would still need to get from Massachusetts to Tampa....I factured in $300 per person for air...the base price for outside cabin works out to about $2600-$2800.

 

 

mcamp-I don't blame you for wanting to vent a little. $4,000 is expensive for a 5 day vacation. Also, it seems like your wife's family has made the decision to do this (at the most expensive time of the year) without including your family in the decision making process, putting you in the position of being the "wet blanket" if you don't go. I think I would be more than a little pissed about it, too.

 

Since you asked for some reasons why cruises are so great, here are a few of mine.

 

1. I like that the ship is a floating resort, with lots of activites and things to do. Or nothing to do at all. The point is--I can be as active or as relaxed as I feel like being. If my DH doesn't want to do the same things as I do, it's a small matter to split up for an hour or two and then meet back up.

 

2. The other thing I like about the floating resort concept is that I unpack once and visit several places. I would hate the moving around from place to place on vacation if I didn't have the ship as my base.

 

2. For me, it's all about the ports the ship will visit. I choose the cruise I will go on based on which ports are visited. I usually prefer cruises that are port intensive.

 

3. On port days, I do not rush to fill my day with multiple activites. I usually research each port and choose to do something that is a little more off the beaten path, I don't enjoy shopping and I don't enjoy being crammed together with dozens of other passengers and being whisked from place to place. I've visited Cozumel twice and both times rented a car and visited the less populated side of the island and walked on virtually vacant beaches. Once we visited the San Gervasio mayan ruins and hired a local guide who told us a lot about the mayan culture--a very interesting guy to talk to. We also enjoy getting away from the most touristy areas and sampling the local cuisine. If you decide to go, visit the ports of call boards and research your options. You will find several options that will let you sample the local culture without succumbing to the herd mentality.

 

4. In the evening, there are a lot of choices for things to do. I enjoy taking in some of the shows (mainly the comics), I like to spend a little time in the casino (I limit my gambling budget-so it is usually a little). There are nightclubs and dancing if you want them. Amazingly, the outside decks are virtually deserted in the evenings, so they are a good place to get away to for a little quiet time.

 

5. I enjoy meeting new people on board. I like having the same dinner companions each night and sharing the day's activities. Also, it seems that conversations just seem to start where-ever you happen to be: in line at the buffet, on deck by the pool, in one of the bars in the evening. I always seem to run into the same folks over and over--you kind of get to know them throughout the week.

 

6. The Inspiration itself would be a major selling point for me. She has just been through a major re-hab and they have added a new waterworks section and a new serenity section for adults.

 

Sorry, I just realized that this is getting a little long :o , but you did ask!

I hope that some of my ramblings help to give you an idea of what cruises are like--others may be able to contribute things that matter to them. Whatever decision you ultimately make, I wish you and your family well. :)

[Minn.cruisers]

My DH wasn't too hot on the idea at first either. He sat and watched me getting all excited about the upcoming cruise, going on the CC threads constantly, and shopping/packing.....etc. Slowly warmed up to the idea, (I was rubbing off on him...) we got on the plane to fly to FLA, boarded the ship, met up with the CC buddies I ahd been conversing with (and reading aloud to him at home all along...) and it was FUN from that moment on for him. We are planning a reunion cruise next year with that same group, and he IS excited about it.

Also are going on a Carnival cruise in 29 days...he's excited about this one too. You will warm up to the idea, and you will have a great time. Promise.:cool:

 

16 yrs ago got engaged on our 1st cruise....

[WeLuvVacation]

This is the week the apparently is best for her family...otherwise we would have to take the kids out of school anyway.

It's like anything....it's amazing how cheap roses are on Feb.15th.

 

As for posting here....I came here thru Trip Adviser....maybe to vent...or get oppinions from others who have been thru similar experiences...I've got better things to do than trolling at a cruise site.

 

As for other deals others are mentioning...this is THE peak week to travel, and I would still need to get from Massachusetts to Tampa....I factured in $300 per person for air...the base price for outside cabin works out to about $2600-$2800.

 

 

It seems like your In-Laws have set you up to be the bad guy. 4K minimum for a 5 day cruise is outrageous. And that does not include additional monies spent onboard and with shore excursions if any. They know your not crazy about crusing to begin with, they set up the reunion on Christmas week the most expensive week of the crusing season. It's gonna be a tough one but I feel you're right in wanting to take a pass on this one. If they want this reunion that bad they should consider the 4 day Tampa cruise that sails right after the 5 day Christmas one. It's a little cheaper. That could be an option. Good luck!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

My wife's relatives wants us to go on a cruise as kind of a family reunion thing.

They are planning to go on the Inspiration (Carnival) for the five day cruise out of Tampa (December 2008)....my wife wants to go, and I'm not too happy about the idea.

To be honest, I have no desire to go on a cruise.

Myself, I enjoy going somewhere and exploring. Spending a day or less at a port doesn't seem to adventurous.

As far as value is concerned, it also seems over priced compared to staying at an AI resort in the Caribbean...am I wrong here...being that alchohol is not included.

Well, I'm going to do my best to talk my wife out of this, unless someone here can give me some good reason why cruises are so great.

 

It's only a week out of your life. Do it for your wife so she can be with her relatives. They won't be around forever. Who knows, you might even enjoy yourself.

 

Bill

 

Bill

[sandestination]

It seems like your In-Laws have set you up to be the bad guy. 4K minimum for a 5 day cruise is outrageous. And that does not include additional monies spent onboard and with shore excursions if any. They know your not crazy about crusing to begin with, they set up the reunion on Christmas week the most expensive week of the crusing season. It's gonna be a tough one but I feel you're right in wanting to take a pass on this one. If they want this reunion that bad they should consider the 4 day Tampa cruise that sails right after the 5 day Christmas one. It's a little cheaper. That could be an option. Good luck!

If he'd have asked he wouldn't be on the boards. But I don't think Jesus would let himself be in this position. You know being our lives are pre planned. However I totally understand about the money issue. He didn't say at first about the cost being so high or the week he was going. If they can't afford it for everyone maybe she could go but the kids would feel left out I am sure unless that could be their Christmas and let anyone who was going to buy them presents take the money and give it to them for the cruise. However My grandson has been dieing for us to take him. But the airfare etc I told him if everyone who was going to give him something for Christmas could give him Money then we can put it on airfare etc. He said when are we going I said first of Dec he said o.k. because we'd be back in plenty of time to get regular presents. :) We aren't that tight. We are taking him this summer when we can drive to N.O. or Mobile for a short cruise.

[sandestination]

Oh dear, I can imagine my response to my husband if he pouted his way out of going on vacation then had the nerve to ask me to bring back alcohol and cigarettes for him - ahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahaahha!!!!!!!!

That's when you smile and say O.K. Not a problem BUT you know in your heart you have the credit card......evil grin....:( just kidding

Figure it like this you are going he's not so you're happy and he's happy

 

I've said it before on these post and I am sure everyone is tired of hearing it...but if you haven't gone through the experience you have NO IDEA how horrible and scared you get.I almost lost my husband to a heart attack this year at age 54 and after 36 years of marriage you think twice before NOT DOING something nice for someone. we had also had words over something stupid...but I Never have and Never will go to bed angry. You might have a lot of nights without sleep :) but that's something my Dad told me when I was younger and it has stayed with me..... Trust me after 36 yrs there are times we'd like to shake each other too. Fortunately he has a good sense of humor. He'll say don't you look at me like that and that's when I say I'll look at you anyway I want and you'll like it and grin. then i tell him to hide his face and he acts like a kid and sticks his bottom lip out and puts his hand over his eyes and peaks through his fingers. Then we both laugh and hug each other...Or he'll say "you're so cute when you're mad. My friends tell me he is Ray Romano to a tee.... Anyway off the subject I just Love him and get scared everytime he has a rough night and is feeling bad... So we keep the humor up But I still can have a evil grin side and so does he

[cathyoo]

My first cruise.. For years my mom has been wanting me to go on a cruise..No interest at all. One year she calls to tell me of a wonderful deal on a RCI cruise. Lot of family going. She wants me and DH to go. I tell her "can't afford it, maybe when the youngest gets out of college,etc." She calls me back to say that my sister and her are going to treat us. Now neither of them has any extra cash to throw around.

 

I tell my mom "thanks but no thanks" and I promised in a few years I'd go. She pulls the old "I may not be here in a few years". So we ended up going and paying our own way. My DH was not nuts about the idea. We already had a vacation spot he loved that was within driving distance and not as expensive. But he understood that it was important for me to honor my mom's wishes. We watched our pennies on that cruise but still managed to have a wonderful time.

 

Guess who is the cruise addict? That's right my DH would cruise every month if we could afford it.

 

I'm not sure everyone is being fair to your wife's family. This might be the best time for everyone. The bottom line is can you afford it? If the family reunion was being held at an AI would money still be an issue?

 

I don't think you should go into debt for a vacation not of you choosing but if you can afford it than I think you owe it to your wife to put on your game face and help her make great memories. What a wonderful Christmas present that would be.

[cathyoo]

I just wanted to add something.. I've been married 39 years and cannot imagine that if one of us would really have our heart set on something, the other would not move heaven and earth to make it happen.

 

Why don't you just plan on getting loads of brownie points. "Okay, sweetheart, paying a small fortune to be stuck on a ship with your relatives is not my idea of a vacation but I know that I'll have a good time since I'm with you and the kids, and if you're happy that is all that matters to me".

 

Then proceed to make sure she has the vacation of her life.

[lubbockcruzr]

hey Mcamp try it you might just be surprised. I understand what is making you not want to go. but trust me the ship is large enough to escape from the inlaws LOL and as for the children the look in their eyes will be worth every hesitation you have in going. I will be taking my new wife and her 3 little girls on their first cruise in 3 wks and I've seen the children on the other cruises and the joyful glee in their smiles and laughter (and I can tell you I cannot wait and be the one that gets to see it first hand aimed at me) and to see their parents content and relaxed just taking a break from the hectic days of work. and did I mention camp carnival for the kiddos is free from like 9 am till 10 at night lots of time for you and your significant other to relax and unwind also.

 

but remember you and your fam will make or break your vacation, if you go, GO all in for your family, and make the best of it. cause you go and are not in it your family will no and it will drag them down too if thats the case you are better off not going. I wish you well in making the best decision for you and your fam.

[WeBeCruisin']

but remember you and your fam will make or break your vacation, if you go, GO all in for your family, and make the best of it. cause you go and are not in it your family will no and it will drag them down too if thats the case you are better off not going.

 

Lubbock, it sounds like the OP has a pre-packaged argument for anything anyone says about the benefits of a cruise. And he seems to be the type that, if he does go, will make everyone chronically aware of his disapproval and martyrdom.

 

I say let the wife and kids go, and then he can stay at home. Then everyone will be happy. :D

 

Speaking of Lubbock, one of my close friends lived there for years and years up until about six months ago. She had a place in Leveland called "The Mean Woman Grille".

[aggieastrosfan]

mc,

I think that sneezy was right. It sounds as though you have a mind set that is going to accentuate anything negative that you can find about the cruise, and deny enjoying anything about it (even if by some wild chance that you should discover such).

That would mean that you would be throwing a wet blanket over your family being able to enjoy themselves, not to mention providing fodder for the relatives to be used against you into the foreseeable future.

Maybe the best of all bad choices would be for you to stay home and pout, have the wife and kids go on the cruise and be able to enjoy the family reunion without having to feel as though they have to tip-toe around your preconceived negative attitude.

If that becomes your choice, just be aware of the fact that your wife and your kids will NEVER forget that you made the choice to separate yourself from them on this vacation, it will remain in their memory banks forever.

Or, you could leave your attitude at home and go and see for yourself just what it is that so many other people are out there enjoying every day.

Decision time.

Randy

 

Best post I've seen on this thread. If you can't leave your preconceived opinions at home about cruising (and this cruise in particular with your wife's family), don't go. You'll make everyone more miserable the entire time.

 

However, just know that this won't be the end of it. If you ALWAYS want to take the family vacation you want, and not what your family wants, it will come up, and it will be an issue. I'm dealing with a DH right now who wants to do an AI, and is frustrated that we always do cruises. We're looking to do one now, because it's something he wants to do - and I'm going to go and still have a good time, because it's still a vacation, and it's an easy sacrifice to make him happy.

 

Only you can decide what's more important - your family's happiness, who wants you there at least giving it an HONEST shot, or your own, sitting at home for the week by yourself.

[cruzzza]

I say that you deserve to be upset about spending $4,000 on a vacation that you don't really want to go on. Can you reason with the wife or is she dead set on going? You could probably spend a lot less by going at another time. I also wonder the wife's reasons for wanting to go. Maybe she secretly thinks this is the only way to get you on a cruise, and the family reunion is just a bonus to her. How about suggesting a cruise (without the extended family) at a less expensive time, would she go for that? I do think you should give cruising a fair chance, but $4,000 is a lot of money and I'm afraid you will be disappointed considering how much you are spending.

 

In your decision, I would factor in how much it would please the wife. Maybe this really does mean a lot to her. If you do it for her, you have to "sell it" that you're having a great time or you'll ruin it and she'll resent you. You never know, you might like it. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

 

I've come close to booking an AI several times, but I can't stand the thought of not being out at sea. I'm afraid I'll look out at the ships sailing by and regret my decision. You probably have a similar fear about seeing the resorts as you sail into or out of port. Cruising may or may not be your cup of tea, but I encourage you to try it, then you will know for sure. I am still debating on my next vacation!

[Podorama]

My wife's relatives wants us to go on a cruise as kind of a family reunion thing.

They are planning to go on the Inspiration (Carnival) for the five day cruise out of Tampa (December 2008)....my wife wants to go, and I'm not too happy about the idea.

To be honest, I have no desire to go on a cruise.

Myself, I enjoy going somewhere and exploring. Spending a day or less at a port doesn't seem to adventurous.

As far as value is concerned, it also seems over priced compared to staying at an AI resort in the Caribbean...am I wrong here...being that alchohol is not included.

Well, I'm going to do my best to talk my wife out of this, unless someone here can give me some good reason why cruises are so great.

 

Well, a cruise is as is much of life, it is what you make of it. Why you would even think about talking your wife out of going on a cruise baffles me. I guess it is true some people don’t like going on a cruise but there are people who say they don’t like SEX either…. Well I’ll put it this way, going on a crusie is JUST LIKE SEX, if it is no fun, it is your own fault. (Yes, I have been on many cruises and lots and lots of sex.. and it has always been at its worst, GREAT!

[madge57]

OMG!! Are you still whining about this!! Get off the fence either your going or not. Be a man and tell you wife your not going and to make plans for her and the kids!!! In other word get on with your life!!!