Cruising . . . what's not to like?

 

For my family and friends, most know my hubby David & I were once "never cruise" people.  Neither of us wanted any part of being on a ship but for different reasons.  For him, it is about not wanting to be out on a ship in the middle of the ocean where disasters can happen.  Fires, mechanical failures and contagious illnesses are all publicized negatives about being on a cruise ship.  Knock on wood, I'm not prone to motion sickness and I haven't gotten sick on a cruise.  For me however, it has always been, and still is, about my general dislike of crowds, long lines and obnoxious & rude people.

For many years I have witnessed the mobs of people taking over the areas around several of the Alaskan ports.  In particular, Skagway and Juneau can be terrible when there are a lot of ships in port.  And during the land portion of "land & sea" vacations sold by the cruise lines, the terrible behavior of people I've witnessed in Denali National Park, Seward and Ketchikan leaves me feeling ZERO LOVE for being around such people.

Back in 2019, David & I did what I called the "UNcruise" of Alaska's inside passage.  We spent 3 weeks exploring many of the wonderful native communities via the Alaska Marine Ferry.  We experienced, not just checked off boxes, in Sitka, Hoonah (aka Icy Straight Point to the cruise industry), Glacier Bay National Park, Petersburg, Juneau and Skagway.  With the exception of Hoonah, we spent at least a couple of days enjoying these each of these places.  And the entire trip, including lodging, meals, transportation and tours was significantly less expensive than had we done (and paid for) a 7-10 night Alaskan cruise.

I still remember chuckling watching this group of cruise people on a tour with a local Skagway guide.  She had them acting so silly walking and quacking like ducks as they crossed the road.  I guess if that is your idea of fun, good for you. 

Like I've said in a prior blog post, I now have a better appreciation for the brief experiences afforded travelers while doing an excursion or tour as part of a cruise vacation.  I know Portugal and Spain have so much more to offer, so I take joy in knowing I got to sample just a little of the culture, people and sights of a part of Europe I had never imagined visiting.  So for that, I am thankful for the opportunity to cruise.

I just do not like the crowds or lines and as I get older, my tolerance (physically and emotionally) grows shorter.

And it's not only on the ship, but also at embarkation and debarkation from the ship.  This trip the embarkation was a real mess, largely because of the new procedures in Europe and Portugal's apparent partial implementation thus far.  The line was outside of the cruise port and out to the street!  Inside the port terminal, there were several long queues to navigate through before being allowed to board the ship.  It was little wonder that an hour into the process, there was a line out to the street.

And here I am sitting and waiting to navigate the baggage pick-up after disembarking and getting ready to clear US immigration in Florida.  Thank goodness I had wheelchair assistance and was wheeled forward through the handicap accessible lane and had help with my large suitcase.

I'll close this somewhat Debbie Downer post on a high note by saying I do enjoy cruising and the experiences I've been able to share with my sister Pam.  I have made some wonderful friends along the way, several of whom we continue to keep in contact with and have seen since initially meeting on a ship.  So as I like to ask, "Am I better with or without cruising in my life?"  I can say without a doubt, I'm living a better life thanks to cruising and will continue to do so as long as my health and patience hold up!