Any of you guys been on a cruise?

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Sun May 06, 2012 8:28 pm

My mom wants to have a family reunion on a cruise ship..never been on one
She is looking at the Royal Carribean, Freedom of the Seas..western side...
This is not my idea of a good time...to much of a country boy I guess...
but whatever makes mom happy...
So...Any of you guys been on a cruise?
Anything worth while doing besides drinking, eating and gambling?

DadsMod12 · Post by **DadsMod12** » Sun May 06, 2012 8:53 pm

My wife and I went on one last summer. The food ranges from okay to great, the good news is if you don’t like it order something else. I tolerate the time on the ship. My wife and I are not much for sitting by the pool or drinking our time (and money) away. We love to explore the various ports. We scuba dive when we can and when that doesn’t work out we have done anything from sight-seeing to zip line. The cruise line tours are expensive; last year we hired a taxi and he took us to a zip line and then to a great beach for lunch and then he gave us a tour of the island. This cost us $50 for the both of us.

Rimfire McNutjob · Post by **Rimfire McNutjob** » Sun May 06, 2012 9:01 pm

I've been on several and primarily on Royal Carribean. I prefer the eastern side St. Thomas, St. Martin, etc. it's a bit more laid back to me. I thought I'd hate it but cruising grew on me. Probably somewhat easier because someone else was paying. They were company events that I was required to attend.

The only part I didn't care for was the arranged and formal dining. Like I said though, I was pounding the caviar and liquor on the company's dime so that may be influencing my opinion. I can tell you that my wife loved it as the women seem to favor cruises for some reason. It may be related to you being trapped there and forced to pay them attention.

Mescalero · Post by **Mescalero** » Sun May 06, 2012 9:14 pm

Never been on one, but I reserved a place.
As the time grew closer to departure I still did not have a cabin asssignment.
I knew instictively to stay away from the engine room ( diagram of ship provided by cruise line ).
When I could not nail a cabin assignment, I cancelled.

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun May 06, 2012 9:28 pm

I've been on three over the last almost 20 years. My wife and I went on one for our 5th anniversary, and then another for our 20th, taking the kids. We enjoyed it so much with them we went on another 2 years later. All were on Carnival. Each line seems to have carved something of a niche, with Carnival appealing to families with kids up through teens (Disney tends to be for families with younger kids).

We've discovered a few tricks, which meet our needs. Might not be for everyone though. First, we got interior rooms. No window, but since all we do is sleep and shower in the rooms, we didn't want them to be fancy - we'd rather save the money. We were able to get two rooms for what many of our friends paid for one with a windown or higher up on the ship. Two rooms is nice because you have two bathrooms - and this comes in handy for the wife and daughter getting ready.

The last couple/few years the cruise lines were offering great deals. Basically, you have an all-you-can eat floating hotel, taking you from one interesting place to another. We got to see a lot of countries and lots of interesting stuff, without the additional costs or having to unpack/repack every day. Though I have eaten like a king on this trips, none of us gained weight, because we walked it off doing the excusions.

Now, neither my wife or I drink very much, so that kept the cost down a ton - enough we could indulge in my wife's hobby (jewelry; I can't complain - she doesn't mind [too much] my hobby!). All great trips the kids will never forget.

If you have never been, I recommend a cruise at least once for everyone. These are very social trips - the more the merrier. It is not for everyone, but for most, they are a ton of fun.

pokey · Post by **pokey** » Sun May 06, 2012 9:45 pm

big boat, must have a machine shop. that would be cool.

how about trap shooting off the fantail ?

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Sun May 06, 2012 10:02 pm

pokey wrote:big boat, must have a machine shop. that would be cool.

how about trap shooting off the fantail ?

Did that the first time, but I think a lot of cruise lines dropped the trap shooting after 9/11...

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Sun May 06, 2012 10:40 pm

Rimfire McNutjob wrote:I've been on several and primarily on Royal Carribean. I prefer the eastern side St. Thomas, St. Martin, etc. it's a bit more laid back to me. I thought I'd hate it but cruising grew on me. Probably somewhat easier because someone else was paying. They were company events that I was required to attend.

The only part I didn't care for was the arranged and formal dining. Like I said though, I was pounding the caviar and liquor on the company's dime so that may be influencing my opinion. I can tell you that my wife loved it as the women seem to favor cruises for some reason. It may be related to you being trapped there and forced to pay them attention.

Just talked to my wife....and St. Thomas, St. Martin, and one other island owned by the
cruise line are where they are planning on going....OMG the boat has just been refurbished
and there are bars, shops and restaurants everywhere.....I better go on a diet before we go.
Scuba diving sounds like it will be my favorite activity....

1894c · Post by **1894c** » Mon May 07, 2012 1:45 am

nope... :)

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Mon May 07, 2012 6:07 am

We went on a short one on Royal Carribiean 10 years ago,eastern carribean. Great time,Weather,food lots of Eye candy

everywhere and Happy People. Last year we went on Princess from Seattle up to Alaska for 10 days. Great time also. the ships have live shows every nite, a track to walk on, big workout rooms in addition to all the usual stuff. I eat most of My meals in the main dineing room as it was tremendous.You can be as busy as You like or chill out and relax. I would go again.

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Mon May 07, 2012 6:47 am

nononononononononononononononooooooo

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:27 am

336bl wrote:nope...

Yea, me neither. I hate being around other people who don't think like me, so its either the mountains or nuttin'.----------Sixgun

jdad · Post by **jdad** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:31 am

I've been on 6, in the last 25 years. The best was a Royal Caribbean trip, to Alaska. The worst was an NCL cruise, to Hawaii.

READ THE REVIEWS ON-LINE, OF THE CRUISE YOU ARE CONSIDERING. We knew what we were getting into, with the Hawaii cruise, but if you want to see the islands it was ok. There was nothing about the ship or crew we liked. The Alaska trip was the complete opposite. Everyone went out of their way to make sure it was nothing short of perfection.

86er · Post by **86er** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:41 am

I've been on about a dozen cruises to various places. I like the shows that are offered in the evenings. Some are family oriented and some are adult. You'll find everything from Cirque de Sole' to comedians to live music. I've still found the trap shooting on recent trips but at $1 a shot (sometimes $5 for 7 shots) it is a short lived activity. Now I only shoot if they are giving a prize. Lot's of new cruise ships have water park - like rides aboard. Many (most) ships have saltwater pools, so I don't swim much on the ship. They contain filtered ocean water so it is very salty and quickly dries your skin when you come out. There are excersise programs on almost every ship and I tend to participate if for no other reason than for something to do. You can sign up for running in the early AM, along with Zumba, CardioFit and other classes. There will probably be a gym too with strength machines, elipticals and cardio-machines. At each stop you can arrange a side-tour, usually at an additional cost but some of it can be interesting and educational. If you don't want an organized tour there will be a tourist area right near the port with shopping and some food and entertainment. Most tour lines will advise you not to leave the port area on your own for safety and security reasons. Of course food is abundant and usually pretty good on the cruise ship but overindulging is too easy. Have a great trip!

.45colt · Post by **.45colt** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:43 am

"My mom wants to have a family reunion on a cruise ship" I couldn't get Your opening line out of My mind. I'm pushin 60 and most of My Family and All of the Elders are gone.I wish I would have had that chance. Do it for Mom,You may really Like it.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Mon May 07, 2012 9:05 am

.45colt wrote:"My mom wants to have a family reunion on a cruise ship" I couldn't get Your opening line out of My mind. I'm pushin 60 and most of My Family and All of the Elders are gone. I wish I would have had that chance. Do it for Mom, You may really Like it.

+1.

I had the privilege of escorting my Mom to a family Reunion when she was 76... and of the 1500 that attended, she was the 3rd oldest, fartherest traveled to the event... and I learned more about my family and my Mom in particular than I probably cared to know... and loved EVERY minute of it. And, she & I were trapped in an airplane together for 12 hours... each direction! My only regret is that I couldn't afford take my wife, son, sister, niece & nephew along with us. (That particular B-I-L, not so much)!

I couldn't really afford to go either, but if I didn't, Mom wasn't going either. And that was her last opportunity to see her last brother and probably several of her 1st cousins.

Enjoy the freedom of the ship and Your Family!

buckeyeshooter · Post by **buckeyeshooter** » Mon May 07, 2012 9:14 am

I did one, Carnival line in the eastern carribean. The big problem was that you did not have enough time to enjoy the island you visited. For example; Purto Rico visit -- arrived at 5pm, allowed to deship at 8pm but had to be back by 9:30 pm. Well--- they did not leave until 5am the next morning.

Why would I need to be back at 9:30? I wanted to go to a nice nightclub for some dancing and maybe a drink.

So, no more cruises never and no way for this sailor!!

Newtmaker · Post by **Newtmaker** » Mon May 07, 2012 9:30 am

My wife and I went on one back in 2002 or 03, same ship same cruise line. It was a GREAT experience. If you plan ahead and don't try to go whole hog, it can be very reasonable.
I spent 27+ years in the navy and did a few cruises on carriers, and the cruise line is definately the better choice

Walt

gak · Post by **gak** » Mon May 07, 2012 11:07 am

Only once for me but would like to again. Mine was a 'big deal' (read: more $) Millenium Cruise 1999/2000 on Carnival - Western Caribbean. Enjoyed it immensely as it was something entirely new for me. I'll be in the minority and say I liked being at sea more than the landfalls--afterall, I figured, I'm normally always on dry land. My very favorite part, aside from the aformementioned eating, was just standing at the rail fully underway looking at the water, staring out to sea, smelling the air--taking it all in.

I'll differ from the one poster and say definitely outside (window) room--and fairly low/close to the water at that. The room may be mostly a place to hang your hat, but the views and seeing the waves and boat wake, and especially waking to see dolphins "racing" the boat--are worth it. Also reduces the claustrophibia a bit, and to me, well worth the premium.
I did enjoy the anchorages--Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica--the latter the least just 'cause seemed less overtly friendly; a bit of resentment of ship passengers from some locals. . Can't necessarily argue the why, just that 'you don't need it' on such a trip. There was a visceral sense of less security--No incidents, but I'd defnitely stick with--or adopt--a group for a tour. This info may be dated--for good or bad, so definiteky do your own research.

Cayman was as beautiful as pictures show--warm (and sunburning) though oddly chilly water the day we were there due to a storm way out ar sea (currents). I snorkeled but did not scuba dive; others did on the other side of the island and reported warmer water. Cozumel was the dreamiest water ("stay in all day" perfect temp, not too warm or cold) of the bunch on our trip, though the island itself nothing special (this wasn't long after a pretty destructive hurricane so that may not be fair as a generalization.

All of our stops would normally have been decent enough in length for the destinations, though we were rushed on a few occasions. We almost didn't make our boat sailing out of Cozumel (there approximately 7-7) as we had to go back into town to find a young man in our group partying--an adventure by iself! Despite the above negatives about Jamaica (we heard--and complied--with cautions to definitely stay out of Kingston--it's on the non-(cruise) tourist side anyway), I wished we had more time there - especially at one of the famous beaches. Instead, we had a great time anyway climbing the famous falls (talk about refreshing and recommended) but a very so-so abbreviated minibus island tour, one leg of which mired in traffic interminably making our way through "just" a big town--very impoverished and highest density I've ever seen (average bus speed 2 mph to avoid people)--which was daunting. We had just told the driver "take us places" so partly our fault. We did feel time bound in Jamaica. Just saying, if you landfall in Jamaica especially, have a specific plan. In Cozumel, it"s sufficient to just tell the taxi driver "take us to a nice beach."

Being the special MY2000 trip, at the stroke of midnight, the ship stopped exactly halfway between Cuba and Haiti and sounded off. Multiple bands and parites on board. Some 3000+ people dancing and tweetering on deck. Normally not a big crowds type, but it was unforgettable. Delightful weather, but especially evenings, throughout. (departing Miami 4pm Dec 26 was abnormally cold and whippy with no one prepared for! Take at least a windbreaker.) Sailing all night in the direction of Cuba, we awoke to stupendous weather that stayed throughout the trip.
Daytime onboard "activities" indoors didn't so much for me. As others have saif, it's a floating hotel. I can do the gym at home; can't really see doing anything hum-drum you'd normally do on dry land

The jogging/walking track way on top was a worthwhile way to burn off a few calories and still feel you were on a hiatus from your normal day-to-day, what with the great air and views of ship and sea. Again, just enjoying you're at sea was the main attraction for me, so being on deck reading a book, eatin' n' embibin', socializing, sunning for some, etc, were the fun things. I'm a skin cancer poster child so talk about being at odds as the rest of the group as they sunned constantly, me seeking shade while still wanting to be with family was a challenge. Still, loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat.

On this particular trip, ironically, some in the group had lobbied the family's "master trip planner" (matriarch on my SIL's side) for the Eastern Caribbean as "better" (and two days longer than our 6/7) but the West won out. The Carnival ship that did that Eastern side--also Millenium cruise--had major engine problems two days out. And had to turn around and seek repairs--also a few days--in Nassau. Consolation prize for all this mess after repair was heading out on a trunkated Western Caribbean tour instead! There were folks who had "special" major wedding plans on St. Thomas, etc, with others flying in from points all over; they had to catch extra flights. Deboarding the ship in Miami (just an hour after our arrival) local news crews showed the passengers--to a person--totally p-o'd, with home videos already aired showing the captain (Italian, sound familiar?) telling all the passengers in the "palladium"--as they headed to Cozumel etc--to "go **** yourselves (!), read your contracts, the captain has the final say!!" gesturing throughout in very Italian style! Guess we were lucky!

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon May 07, 2012 11:59 am

I'm still waiting for a Q-Ship cruise off the shore of Somalia...

hfcable · Post by **hfcable** » Mon May 07, 2012 1:04 pm

Sixgun wrote:
336bl wrote:nope...

Yea, me neither. I hate being around other people who don't think like me, so its either the mountains or nuttin'.----------Sixgun

well put! i doubt that i will ever be forced to do this.

Rimfire McNutjob · Post by **Rimfire McNutjob** » Mon May 07, 2012 2:11 pm

RIHMFIRE wrote:Just talked to my wife....and St. Thomas, St. Martin, and one other island owned by the
cruise line are where they are planning on going....OMG the boat has just been refurbished
and there are bars, shops and restaurants everywhere.....I better go on a diet before we go.
Scuba diving sounds like it will be my favorite activity....

I think you will enjoy it. I've been on Explorer of the Seas and several other of their large "of the Seas" ships. There are too many to name now. But they are of such a large format that they have a nice mall in the center of them. It's crazy.

My only problem was that I always ended up buying jewelry for the wife in St. Thomas. They usually have good deals on it there if you don't remember to declare it coming back through customs.

There are also many good restaurants off the beaten path in St. Thomas. You have to get several blocks off the main drag but they are around ... mostly where the locals eat. I wouldn't go too far off the beaten path without a decent sized group though. I've heard stories of tourists being mugged away from the main tourist areas.

All in all, a very good trip on RCI.

Stan in SC · Post by **Stan in SC** » Mon May 07, 2012 3:46 pm

Mz. Linda and myself have been on six or seven cruises.The best one was the inside passage from Seattle,Wa. to Alaska.Been to Bahamas,Cozumel,Mexico,St. Thomas,St. Maarten,San Juan,Puerto Rico and a couple of other places.
Norwegian Cruise Lines has open dining which is eat supper when you please.Set supper times are ok when you get used to them.
I love cruising.I don't want to necessarily go anywhere.I just want to be on the boat,eat,meet other people and play slot machines.I don't drink so we don't frequent the on board bars.
The night time shows are great.Las Vegas quality almost.
It is a good relaxing way to take a vacation.Don't knock it if you ain't tried it.

Stan in SC

shooter · Post by **shooter** » Mon May 07, 2012 5:27 pm

I've been on 2, and going on another this year. The first was about 11 years ago when I graduated high school. The second was 2 years ago with my wife's whole family. I'm not big on the cruising part, but it's fun once you actually get to the ports. I would much rather do an all inclusive stay at a resort somewhere. I've only ever been on Carnival cruises. They are just ok. The food isn't the greatest, and I think they are geared more toward people on a budget. If you haven't been, it would be worth going at least once, as you may love it. One thing cruises are good for is seeing more than one place on a vacation, and doing it fairly economically.

marlinman93 · Post by **marlinman93** » Mon May 07, 2012 5:39 pm

I've never been on one and I doubt I ever will. Just not my idea of fun personally. I'd rather spend the money on a trip to some remote resort in the mountains, or traveling the USA.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon May 07, 2012 5:42 pm

Do Guided Missile Cruisers count?

Last cruise I was on was on the Vincennes before it played in Hormuz...

jager3 · Post by **jager3** » Mon May 07, 2012 6:31 pm

Wife and I went on an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle up the "inlet passageway" a few years back. Excellent experience all the way around! Excellent food and entertainment and everyone on the NCL was very accommodating. Our ship had "Free Style" dinning where you could chose where you wanted to eat and when. If you wanted to have "formal dinning" it was available with even a rental "tux" available for the occasion. The scenery was spectacular and you could "pick and chose" the tours offered at each port. Considering that neither my wife or I are "cruise people" and we wouldn't consider one in the Caribbean (sand and "marimbas" are not our thing), the Alaskan cruise was well worth the price of the tickets. We were never beyond sight of land and we hardly knew we were aboard a ship (far different from my experience aboard big "gray boats"). If we were to go again, we would opt for the last cruise out; friends have told us that the "stores" on board are in "fire sale" price mode once the ship sets "sail".

rimrock · Post by **rimrock** » Mon May 07, 2012 6:39 pm

I've been on 2 Royal Caribbean cruises--about 40 yrs ago and 35 yrs ago. In high school I found it boring but the food was outstanding. We took several off boat side trips (expensive in my inexperienced eyes) that resulted in many laughs over the years. In college, I met a nice Canadian lady and a wonderful lady from South America that made the cruise much more fun. Again the food was outstanding. I took fewer off boat excursions, of course, since I was already side tracked. Looking back, I would not spend the money on that type of vacation. I don't feel that physical or food safety is a high enough priority with cruise lines. Now, I'd rather take the family of 50+ people counting in-laws into the mountains of the Western United States for about a month worth of fine grandeur. To each his own. Here's hoping your family has some extraordinary time together whatever it chooses to do together.

rimrock

flightsimmer · Post by **flightsimmer** » Mon May 07, 2012 6:54 pm

Been to Alaska, Hawaii and western Caribbean. I loved the Alaskian inside passage, Hawaii and Mexico, not so much.
Sailed on the Holland America-Zandaum to Alaska, much better amenities and food-Oh my. Would go again in a heartbeat. Lots to see.
On the other hand Hawaii and Carribean- just water.

Old Ironsights · Post by **Old Ironsights** » Mon May 07, 2012 8:34 pm

jager3 wrote:Wife and I went on an Alaskan cruise out of Seattle up the "inlet passageway" a few years back. Excellent experience all the way around! Excellent food and entertainment and everyone on the NCL was very accommodating. Our ship had "Free Style" dinning where you could chose where you wanted to eat and when. If you wanted to have "formal dinning" it was available with even a rental "tux" available for the occasion. The scenery was spectacular and you could "pick and chose" the tours offered at each port. Considering that neither my wife or I are "cruise people" and we wouldn't consider one in the Caribbean (sand and "marimbas" are not our thing), the Alaskan cruise was well worth the price of the tickets. We were never beyond sight of land and we hardly knew we were aboard a ship (far different from my experience aboard big "gray boats"). If we were to go again, we would opt for the last cruise out; friends have told us that the "stores" on board are in "fire sale" price mode once the ship sets "sail".

I was steerage/"deck class" for that one. My car stayed nice and dry in the hold. I got wet with rain on the deck until they decided to let us hang out in the lounge...

turnkey · Post by **turnkey** » Mon May 07, 2012 9:09 pm

Yup.
NATO Cruise1985 when I became a Bluenose on the USS America as part of the Marine Detachment. Had liberty in England.I liked England.
Med Cruise 1986 when we bombed Libya. Liberty in Italy, Spain, and France. Don't care to go back.
Gulf of Mexico, Carribean, been up and down the Eastern seaboard.
Finally went back to the FMF to be a real Marine. Ended up going on another Med Cruise that went into the Indian Ocean through the Suez. Became a Shellback on the way to Kenya. Stopped in Somalia on the way Back North. Don't recommend it.
Got back into the Med. Did exercises in Turkey, Spain, Sardinia,and Italy. Stopped in Israel for a port call. On this cruise we hopscotched between three different ships, the USS Austin, the USS Guadalcanal, and the USS Spiegal Grove.[A real pigboat] I wouldn't want to do that again.
After that cruise was over we went to Vieques [spl?] Island Puerto Rico for an exercise. That was my LAST CRUISE!!!

I own a couple of kayaks now.

afish4570 · Post by **afish4570** » Mon May 07, 2012 10:16 pm

Only one with wife and a bunch 50 yrs. ago in Navy......We went on a Celebrity cruise on the ship called the Horizon to Bermuda. I was told and I think it was a good choice for a 1st time cruise, 1 week. Food was outstanding and shows onboard were 1st class. We chose the late dinner time because when you are onshore and want to get back to the ship for an early dinner it cuts into your beach time.......We chose to eat as much as possible on the ship as the local food is quite costly.....also get a soda card if you don't drink alcohol . Do the math as the $30 or so cost per person is alot cheaper than paying the per drink cost. Make sure you go to the midnight bonanza and all the other on deck festivities I don't drink or gamble any more and I had a blast. There is alot of stuff to see and do. Walking on deck and taking insites while getting you walking in, a free gym, pool etc.Keep your eyes open and you will find fun for all. Don't bring any knives,kubatans etc.......bring you camera and have fun.afish4570

JNG · Post by **JNG** » Tue May 08, 2012 4:18 pm

Went on a cruise last year, wife wanted it. I was in the US Navy, made two cruises one 9 months the other 7 months. Last thing I want to do was to sit in an iron tub visting two bit islands. The wife loved it. I would rather watch paint dry on the walls. By the by, I don't gamble, I stay out of water unles I'm fishing. A bottle of booze cost $80.00, but that's cheaper then sitting in a bar. Thought at least I could shoot skeet, nope. The wife loved the cruise. The food for breakfest and lunch was only so so. Supper was OK, though on the last night we were served a half of a lobster tail with no butter, really. We took a Celebrity cruise. Oh, the wife of the couple that went with us got terrible sick on the last two days, so did a slue of other people. My wife did have fun. Good luck.

Joe

jcw · Post by **jcw** » Tue May 08, 2012 7:11 pm

Been up on the alaska ferries twice. Might not qualify as a "cruise" per se. We've been thinking about a trip on a warm weather "lard barge" in the near future though.

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Tue May 08, 2012 8:58 pm

marlinman93 wrote:I've never been on one and I doubt I ever will. Just not my idea of fun personally. I'd rather spend the money on a trip to some remote resort in the mountains, or traveling the USA.

ME TOO!

Post by **Ysabel Kid** » Tue May 08, 2012 9:32 pm

Rimfire McNutjob wrote:I can tell you that my wife loved it as the women seem to favor cruises for some reason.

Actually - I can answer that - in my wife's own words. It is a week long vacation for her. No meals to prepare, no bed to make, no grocery shopping, errands, etc. She loves them - a lot more than I do - but then again, I love her more than anything, so if it makes her happy, count me in!

gak · Post by **gak** » Tue May 08, 2012 9:53 pm

RIHMFIRE wrote:
marlinman93 wrote:I've never been on one and I doubt I ever will. Just not my idea of fun personally. I'd rather spend the money on a trip to some remote resort in the mountains, or traveling the USA.
ME TOO!

I thought the same; was surprised though. Certainly something different and was very glad I did it at least once...bucket list and all that, but now that I've done it feel some kind of another cruise is way overdue twelve years on.

Post by **Old Savage** » Tue May 08, 2012 10:20 pm

Relax, enjoy - nothing not to like.

))

GonnePhishin · Post by **GonnePhishin** » Wed May 09, 2012 10:43 pm

NOOOOOOOOOWAYYYYYYYYYYYY.

With all of that food I'd gain 25 pounds in 5 days

Not for me.

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Fri May 11, 2012 12:46 am

It is great to see everyone that has done the Alaskan inland really enjoyed it. We are booked to do that soon. I hope to get up to Wa. early enough to do some fishing before we board, too.

We did a Blues music cruise a few years back. It was put together by Delbert Mc Clinton, and had several other artist. Almost round the clock music, much of it impromptu.

Streetstar · Post by **Streetstar** » Fri May 11, 2012 7:47 am

Nate Kiowa Jones wrote:
We did a Blues music cruise a few years back. It was put together by Delbert Mc Clinton, and had several other artist. Almost round the clock music, much of it impromptu.

Now that sounds cool !

I've never seriously considered taking a cruise, but you guys put the idea in my head of taking my mom and some of my aunts (her sisters) for a family reunion type thing --- she would love it i think

I've seen enough of the world-- i can stay onboard and read a nice book while everyone else has that type of fun

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Fri May 11, 2012 10:49 pm

Lets see........ 2 Meds, 2 North Atlantic, South Atlantic, West Pac all at Uncle Sugars expense......but would kinda like to take a Viking River Cruise but too broke and crippled...........

rick

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Fri May 11, 2012 10:56 pm

jumbeaux wrote:Lets see........ 2 Meds, 2 North Atlantic, South Atlantic, West Pac all at Uncle Sugars expense......but would kinda like to take a Viking River Cruise but too broke and crippled...........

rick

thanks for your service!

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Sat May 12, 2012 1:28 pm

RIHMFIRE....thank you sir.....I believe that it is not only an Honor to have served but it was also my Duty.....

rick

Nate Kiowa Jones · Post by **Nate Kiowa Jones** » Sat May 12, 2012 2:39 pm

jumbeaux wrote:RIHMFIRE....thank you sir.....I believe that it is not only an Honor to have served but it was also my Duty.....

rick

jumbeax,
yes, thank you for protecting and serving our country.
I did one of the Tiger Cruises the Navy offers a few years back when my son was on the Nimitz. The food wasn't anything like Carnival

But, I had a great time. Four and a half acres of flight deck!!! That is BIG Boat!!!

Barcelona Rick · Post by **Barcelona Rick** » Sat May 12, 2012 4:39 pm

Thank you Steve and Thank your son for his service. I did all of my sea duty aboard Destroyers.....darn things rocked and rolled tied to the pier. Got to see the world and the all gun Tin Can I served aboard had three 5" 54 mounts and 2 twin 3" 50 mounts plus hedge hogs that were replaced by torpedo tubes. Talk about a blast when we played John Wayne and fired all 5 guns broadside....

rick

MrMurphy · Post by **MrMurphy** » Sun May 13, 2012 9:21 am

Never been on a cruise myself, unless you count home-port open houses on a FF and an FFG.

Friend did the Alaska thing for his honeymoon, they loved it. Both are outdoors types and got to hike a glacier and a bunch of other stuff.

No particular desire to see the Caribbean except maybe to scuba.

My traveling was all by land, all over Europe at government expense, so I'm pretty much 'done'.

getitdone1 · Post by **getitdone1** » Sun May 13, 2012 12:39 pm

Never been on a Cruise Ship per se.

Back in 1963 I delievered a new Pontiac from a dealer in Chicago to a dealer in Anchorage, Alaska. My cheap way of getting to Alaska. I arrived in Anchorage about 2:00 a.m. in the morning and it was still light--about like very late evening. Oncoming traffic on the Alaskan Highway had put a rock into the windshield but receiving dealer seemed to take this in stride. I seen a ton of wilderness on that trip !!

On the way back to Indiana I got on a ship in Haines, Alaska and traveled thusly down the 'Inland Passage.' Stopped over night in Juneau and experienced one of the rains Juneau is famous for. From Juneau down to Prince Rupert and then on a bus and soon seen some of the prettiest mountain scenery I've ever seen.

Not wanting to get off the subject here but just thought of this and thought some of you would find it interesting. Quite an experience.

I have had relatives who have been on cruises and all have enjoyed them. A brother went to the Panama Canal area not long ago.

Don

Stan in SC · Post by **Stan in SC** » Mon May 14, 2012 11:13 am

"Transitional " cruises are interesting and economical.They are where the ships are being moved to the area of most activity which varies by season.They do no go to a particular place of interest.They are just being moved for example from Alaska to the Carribean.Transitional cruises are usually longer and if you just like being on a boat it is a good way to go.

Stan in SC

RIHMFIRE · Post by **RIHMFIRE** » Mon May 14, 2012 12:37 pm

It looks like the women have made their choice

There probably glad I'm not in charge...
cause we would be going to Alaska

It's the Freedom of the Seas...check out the video..
and they want Balcony rooms....
7 day trip starts from Port Canaveral....next door to Nasa...
First stop is Cococay...an island owned by Royal Carribean,
Then to St Thomas,...then to St Maarten...then home...
This is going to cost me a lever or two or three
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacrui ... v=2&snav=4

Mom cant stop talking about it...She is very excited and happy to
have this family reunion on a cruise ship...
All they have to do is pick a date!

I think I better go loose some weight...its a dang floating buffet..