I need some info on taking a cruise. The prices right now are as low as I have seen. My concerns are many. I get carsick, so the thought of being stuck out at sea while violently ill with no way off scares me. How bad is the motion on a cruise?
Secondly, I have seen a few TV shows where they show the cruise and it seems horribly crowded at all the pools, on the private islands where they take you for a day at the beach, and while dining. I do not want to spend my vacation or my money on something that is the equal to the mall right before Christmas. I do not find that atmosphere at all enjoyable. If you have cruised, please give me your honest perception of the experience.
By paula
I have not taken a cruise, but my parents have. My father commented that with the size of the cruise ship nowadays it was like when he was on a carrier in the Navy. You hardly know your on water. And cruise ships today are as big if not bigger than carriers back in the 50s.
You can check out:
http://www.ehow.com/video_2201182_begin-planning-vacation-cruise.html and see if it helps. (10/14/2010)
By Suntydt
I suggest an inside room with no window, also don't look out over the side at the sea or for sure you will lose it. When inside you will not even know you are moving. Our cruise was the best trip we ever took, do all of the activities they offer. This it the time to try new foods, and if you don't like it just ask for something different. They are more than happy to do just about anything for you. Eat dinner at the table they assign to you, we met 8 other people at our table and had a blast with them. (10/16/2010)
By Lee
Hi, first about the motion sickness. I would take Gravol or whatever you normally use, I think it is better to be over prepared than to take a chance on being sick. Believe me, lots of people on the ship will be taking motion sickness medicine. Why not? What is the down side? Then you can enjoy the whole process without worry. And if you can't look out over the sea, why go?
I was a bit surprised by the wind on the deck. It isn't like the Love Boat! Some days had little or no motion, but most days we knew we were on a ship, and one night was quite swingy. I went on a cruise once, a long time ago, and maybe a bigger ship would be smoother, but if you go on a bigger ship, you will certainly have more people. The dining room was full, of course, because everyone eats! Just like a fancy restaurant.
Some people go on the cruise for the pools and sunbathing, so those will likely be crowded. I only went swimming once, but it is like a public pool or a public popular beach. If you want to be the only one there, you are going to have to go to some wilderness location or in the off season (when the weather is likely terrible, which is why it is the off season!)
I found it the equivalent of popular holiday spots, local beaches that are great on a long weekend or going to a public pool on a hot day. Of course it is crowded, but you can still have fun. (10/16/2010)
By Louise B.
I have been on four cruises and have another one booked for April of 2011. The ships now days are huge and being on one of these ships is just like sitting in your living room, do not worry about getting sea sick. Just make sure that you don't go on The MS Westerdam, Holland America Line, as that ship is a piece of junk, and you could very well get sea sick on that one. We went on that ship, and it was bad. We now sail with Princess Cruise line and have never, ever had a problem. You need not worry about being crowded, we have never had a problem with that either. You can go to your Dr. and get a sea sick patch, if you really think that you need it. We got them and we never used them. Book that cruise and have the time of your life! I am counting down the months till I can get on my next one. There is nothing like it. Hope this has been helpful.
By Wanda
I cruised with Celebrity Cruises and it was fantastic! Your every need is attended, the food is plentiful and wonderful, and even though we visited multiple ports of call, the ship was the best place to be, around the clock. Go for it. (10/16/2010)
By jax
Don't cruise. The gigantic ships have little or no motion, but you seem like you will be expecting turbulence, let's say if it rains. Yes, it's crowded. The elevators are jammed, dining rooms can be noisy, or you can dine at an odd time or in their more expensive restaurants (not included in the fare). Swimming pools are small and very crowded.
Tour buses run on curvy and twisting roads. When fares are so cheap it attracts more passengers which means more crowds. This doesn't bother me, since I grew up in New York City, but your attitude precludes trying out cruising. Camping in one of the state or national parks in a cabin or lodge can be economical and certainly not crowded. (10/16/2010)
By Evelyn Mayer
They make Dramamine and other motion sickness pills. Pop one before you board and as suggested or needed. They do work. You might even ask your doctor if you should start a regimen of treatment a couple of days before the cruise.
One website I recommend is www.tripadvisor.com.
You will find people on there that cruise all the time, have been on the ship you are investigating, know the ports, excursions, etc. It is a lovely travel website! Look up the port of call on this website and click the "things to do" section. Most of these things are the same ones you will find offered on the ship. We booked Carnival cruise line's Celebrity, 6 years ago. It was a fabulous trip! My mother, in her wheel chair, was supported by friendly staff, food was good and plentiful, price was good.
I also recommend speaking with agents of the cruise line. That is what they are there for. Excursions are the chance to experience something outside of the norm. Lower your expectancies a bit and choose something all involved will like. You will be pleasantly surprised! But book early! if not ahead of the sail date. Pools on ships are for kids. Period. They are saltwater pumped in from the ocean, rocky when in motion, and when the ship is not sailing you are off and running to port anyway. I am willing to bet you never get in one. I am a "water lover" and never found the setting appealing, or even had the time to bother.
Big ships are just that, big! Crowds can be expected at dinner time, but the agenda is set for you by the crew to avoid this instance. Attend the shows, they're lots of fun! Read the paper work in the cabin, there are hidden charges, bottles of water are not free. Be prepared to get your picture taken at every turn by the ship's photographer. They sell them to you at the end of the cruise.
My ultimate suggestion is get excited, lower your expectancies, do your homework and have some fun! The crew on cruise ships are there for you, experienced at every problem or concern and once you board you will find time flies, regrettably! (11/03/2010)
By dede smith
I'd like to address only the issue of motion sickness. The rest is subject to individual preference. On my last cruise I followed some advice that I obtained online. To avoid getting sick, put a cotton ball in the ear opposite your dominant hand. So, If you are right handed, the cotton ball goes in the left ear and vice versa.This was the most effective motion sickness method I've ever used. My friend also started to get sick and following my recommendation, obtained immediate relief. It is inexpensive and effective, and I can now throw away my pills and wristbands. (11/10/2010)
By Rosiegirll
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