I think you're right.

Keith

Starting to see more and more smaller, customized cruises up here now. Small ships with maybe 1-200 people going off the beaten path and out for longer

i have zero interest in going. I don't like being confined, further out than I can. swim back to or tourist areas.

Unfortunately my wife has always wanted to take a cruise so I will go on one with her someday. Way to many other things I thin would be time better spent so much other stuff to see. But if she wants to go I will go with her.

I’ve been on several cruises, but now prefer to just fly to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, or Cancun and stay put there.

As for medical insurance, I buy the supplemental coverage every November when I go to hunt moose in Newfoundland. It includes a medical airlift back to the States, if needed. Always get extra zero deductible insurance on a rental vehicle, in case I pile into a moose.

X2

Its an affordable way lower-middle income folks to see some pretty beaches and have some fun for 3-5 days. But yes, you are right, most wealthy people have their own boats.

I went on a cruise once when I got married. I actually loved the food and thought it very very good. But I hated the enclosure.

I have been on several, they are fun! Have been on the big ships and small ships, old and new. The new ones have the better shows. It’s amazing what they do on them. The food is also always great, I prefer the dining rooms rather than the buffets. You can normally go there for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I also like people watching, you get to see some real idiots drunk, and normally see some fairly attractive gals showing off the latest swim wear. I like the new styles! Cruises are fun, ports of call are normally tourist traps, but the ships can be the destination. My wife and I both like to be on the water so I guess that helps. My next cruise I’m thinking a relocation cruise, maybe Tokyo to the west coast. Those can be fairly cheap but long rides. 15/16 days. But someplace around $100 a day. If you’re bored it’s your own fault.

wws

$100.00 a day is cheap compared to staying in a hotel. What do you get with that besides a room?

Keith

I looked some cruises up they are only about 1/3rd the price of what I thought they were. As long as you stay healthy and don't get hit with unexpected fees, they are not a bad deal.

I wish we had good help and could get off the farm for a bit. I don't know that I would go on a cruise, but I would consider one. One of my brothers has two vacation homes and my dad has another, I could stay at for free. Except for hospital stays, neither Diane or I been off the farm, overnight, for probably 10 years.

Keith

That is where they get you; unexpected fees that you pay at the end of the cruise.

Educate yourself before you go. All of the major cruise lines are adding new ships to their fleets. They aren’t doing this because people get scammed and don’t go again.

Pick the right cruise and itinerary. It’s like staying at a hotel. You get what you pay for. I wouldn’t suggest Carnival. Our go to is Royal Carribean.

Determine to right ports to leave from. Out of Miami or Puerto Rico, it’s going to be loud and wide open. Out of Orlando, Galveston or Europe, folks are more laid back. Don’t want to be around kids? Choose the ship and itinerary wisely. Spring Break?? No Thanks.

As far as hidden fees, you should know ALL of that up front. I’d suggest working with a good travel agent, but I’m biased based on my wife’s business. Don’t want to purchase the drink package up front? Then count how many you’re getting each night at $14 each and don’t complain when you have a $700 tab to pay at the end of the cruise because it got away from you.

I get that this isn’t for everyone, but don’t rely on hearsay or the worst of the worst stories that you hear. No different than your average person’s view of trapping unless they actually know someone who has done it.

I've gone Twice on Carnival, plan one on a waning moon

waxing moon was too rough of seas .

I had a lot of fun!

Im not a fan of the Big boats but I am strongly considering a 9 day Mississippi cruise on a paddle wheeler of sorts, Starting at Memphis and ending New Orleans. stops are geared towards historical sites.

That Would be fun.

Used to work with a guy that went on a Mississippi River cruise in a canoe. Him and a classmate bought a canoe when they graduated high school. Left from St Louis and went to New Orleans. Camping fishing swimming. I think it took several weeks as they were in no hurry. Said when they got to New Orleans they sold the canoe and took a bus home.

There are shorter trips also, Food is supposed to be incredible local cuisine, take the bus or rent a car and drive back to starting point.

I started this post. I have been on one cruise some years ago. We didn't have any issues. I just wanted to post this to show that for one couple their cruise turned out to be a horror story that cost them dearly. After their story was televised others came forward with similar stories.

Three things I won't do:
Cruise - no interest in a crowded petri dish
Concert - no interest in a loud crowd of people
Travel by train - did it once, NEVER AGAIN!

What was wrong with the Train ride?