A week away from our first cruise & I'm really worried...

[spny84]

NCL Spirit 4/3. I know about shore excursions. We'll book a few of those. It's the time on the ship that worries me.

 

My DH can not usually sit still and we do not do beaches or buffets while I could easily sit and read several books. We usually cruise in the winter just to go someplace warm, we always pick port intensive cruises - 1 sea day. And we did the NCL Spirit last year.

 

On your cruise there are several with Mayan Ruins, good snorkeling, and Cozumel had the best ATV'ing we have ever done (good and muddy). We usually pick 1/2 day excursions (am) then come back to the ship and clean up and grab something to eat. Then get off again and visit the town or shopping area a bit (We thought Costa Maya had some of the best items-gifts). We always get a balcony, so on return it's watch the sail away (and people running to get on the ship) and have cocktail time (w/ snacks we carry down/up to the room). For us then it's dinner time and then we watch whatever show/comedians/music that is going on. We usually walk the promenade deck a few times also. Again for us it's bedtime (early to bed/early to rise is us). We like to spend time together on vacation because it's a time for us to reconnect with no schedules coming between us.

 

On the sea day, we have breakfast in the dining room because no reason to rush. There are usually lectures which we have enjoyed during the day, sometimes things like bridge tours are offered. NCL has a lot of drinking "tours" which you pay for (beer tasting, martini tasting, bar hopping, etc.). There is usually a movie, and Second City even did something during the day last year. There is also the standard ship things like trivia, dancing, gambling. If you are a gambler they do have tournaments, but DS said NCL's rake (not sure if the word is right) is too high but it entertained him in the evenings. And also on this last sea day you have to pack.

 

I can't say you will not get bored but we always seem to find something to do and DH has now been on 5 cruises, though we do not do them every year. And we did enjoy the Spirit last year.

[GORDONCHICK]

Been on 6 cruises (7th & 8th are booked), and I think I've layed out by the pool for a total of an hour! DH loves to read, so he'll find a quiet corner to go do that. Me? I'm all over the ship. The Spirit is a lovely ship - both great size and layout (easy to get around). There is a jogging and running track on the ship, as well as a gym - if you're a workout person. There are also 2 driving cages for golfers. I think there's a basketball court on the Spirit, but not positive. There are all kinds of trivia games, tasting events, art auctions, and usually some food prep demonstrations. The Spirit also has a card/game room so you may be able to join some others for cards, dominos, or even board games. There's a library if you didn't bring your own books (or enough). The Spirit also has some unique art since her history is being part of an Asian fleet before beng moved to NCL.

 

Really, the only way to be board on a cruise ship is to decide to be and do it. But I would think that would be more of a challenge than finding interesting things to do and people to visit with. I would whole-heartedly suggest you join the rollcall for your sailing (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1303359) and get started meeting people who you'll be on board with that week. Then it may not seem like you've been sentenced to a vacation of boredom!

[michelle1836]

Are you a people watcher? you will never be bored if you are!! :)

[MCC retired]

In my many years as a TA , I encountered the reluctant husband first cruise situation , more times than you can believe.

At least the OP has succeeded is booking the first one.

 

Seems it's always the husband keeping the couple/family from cruising?

Confinement (can't get off & go home if they don't like it ) was the #1 reason.

 

However , 95% of the time , that same husband is contacting me for their next cruise and more.:)

[momtogkc]

I understand, I'm feeling the same way about our first cruise next month. I would have never, ever picked a cruise vacation, but we are going through work so I didn't really have a choice. We are going with 4 other couples who love to just sit in the sun - not me - I need to do stuff! My husband has been laughing at me because I have been researching things to do on the ship and at the ports and am so worried I'll be bored. It looks like there should be stuff to do, but I hope it's stuff I like.

[johneeo]

I understand, I'm feeling the same way about our first cruise next month. I would have never, ever picked a cruise vacation, but we are going through work so I didn't really have a choice. We are going with 4 other couples who love to just sit in the sun - not me - I need to do stuff! My husband has been laughing at me because I have been researching things to do on the ship and at the ports and am so worried I'll be bored. It looks like there should be stuff to do, but I hope it's stuff I like.

 

You will find so much to do you will not be able to do it all.

[Ukulele JJ]

That's great, the folks with low expectations usually have the best time. Be sure and tell us about it when you return!

 

I, for one, am really looking forward to Nodak's follow-up post when he gets back from the cruise. I'm betting we'll have another cruise convert on our hands... :D

 

JJ

[SuiteTraveler]

I understand, I'm feeling the same way about our first cruise next month. I would have never, ever picked a cruise vacation, but we are going through work so I didn't really have a choice. We are going with 4 other couples who love to just sit in the sun - not me - I need to do stuff! My husband has been laughing at me because I have been researching things to do on the ship and at the ports and am so worried I'll be bored. It looks like there should be stuff to do, but I hope it's stuff I like.

 

I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised at just how much there is to do on a ship. Honestly, I don't understand the people who spend their cruise laying out by the pool - with all the other stuff going on, they miss out on so much! But then, we have a pool at our house, so a swimming pool is not terribly exciting to us and neither of us like being in the sun for an extended amount of time - we prefer to swim at night. Sometimes, it's just fun to stand on your balcony or at the rails with a pair of binoculars and look at other ships, sealife and the view! You never know what you will see. Some Caribbean cruises have spotted people in dire straits trying to sail to the US and have alerted their ship's crew and next thing you know there's a rescue operation underway! Weather at sea is also just magical! And pulling into and out of ports is great fun to watch - especially at the end of the day - it is fun to see people who are late coming back to the ship running for it - sometimes missing it! I also love walking all over the ship. Sometimes I just go to the buffet to see what they have. They tend to change it out for breakfast, lunch, teatime and dinner at least. There are usually classes and demonstrations that are fun. I have a friend who goes to all the quizzes on the ship - AND - she usually wins big! It's always exciting to meet her at dinner and found out if she won that day! The spas are enjoyable and there's always live music somewhere or a movie or show. Sometimes I'll play Bingo just for the heck of it and that's fun. People watching is another fun non-activity activity on a cruise ship! You can be as busy or as lazy as you want. That's the great thing about cruise ships!

[cruiser-007]

As many of the 33 posters before me mentioned- there is lots to do on 'sea days'. I was a little weary about this too in 2007, but now we've just booked our third cruise so the cruise lines are doing something right. I'll have to say cruising is a very unique kind of vacation and it may not be for everyone but you must try it (I bet you'll like it). Personally, my favorite thing to do is grab a coffee and watch the sea turn to a lighter blue on the walking deck, but that's just me.

 

Please make the best of it and have lots of fun!:)

[trish1c]

....We both enjoy museums (although I enjoy that more than her), shopping, hiking, national parks, and road trips.

 

Cruising is not for everybody. Super active people who prefer to be on the go all the time during a vacation generally do not like cruising all that much. Cruise "activities" tend to be rather sendentary -- eating, lounging in the sun, attending an art auction or ice carving demonstration, reading, etc. I love reading & laying in the sun but the rest of the on board activies are pretty boring.

You are getting a lot of positive feedback on these boards b/c everyone here loves cruising. The people who don't aren't here.

Had you expressed these concerns before booking I would have suggested you book an active ship like RCL's Freedom of the Seas where you can use the flowrider or Oasis where you can zip line across the back.

My best advice is book an excursion on every port. Hopefully you picked a port intensive cruise.

When you are on board for a sea day, sleep in. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, try to find some on board activity you can tolerate. You can also go to the gym or do laps around the various decks. There is usually some kind of golf simulator & an organized "tournament" -- sign up. There may be a pick up basketball game or two & a ping pong tournament. Because you like museums, you may find some enjoyment at the art auction or at least strolling through the area where the art is displayed. To make your wife happy see if you can manage an hour in the sun next to her just for the company. Perhaps some afternoon romance? ;)

Try to put on a brave face & a smile. You may be pleasantly surprised but even if cruising turns out to be not your cup of tea, at least you tried.

Good luck.

[NODAK1979]

I, for one, am really looking forward to Nodak's follow-up post when he gets back from the cruise. I'm betting we'll have another cruise convert on our hands... :D

 

JJ

 

I just want to enjoy this one, that's all. With the cost that this has turned out to be, I had better. My wife and I are starting to spar a bit about the cost. She kept telling me how this would be cheaper than a traditional vacation, but it's clear that it isn't. And with every mounting thing that we discuss, I get more and more aggrivated with it. I'm basically putting the clamps down on spending on the ship, I know that.

[johneeo]

I just want to enjoy this one, that's all. With the cost that this has turned out to be, I had better. My wife and I are starting to spar a bit about the cost. She kept telling me how this would be cheaper than a traditional vacation, but it's clear that it isn't. And with every mounting thing that we discuss, I get more and more aggrivated with it. I'm basically putting the clamps down on spending on the ship, I know that.

 

Great.

 

Confront her.

 

Be miserable.

 

Do everything you can do to make it a horrible vacation.:eek:

[NODAK1979]

Great.

 

Confront her.

 

Be miserable.

 

Do everything you can do to make it a horrible vacation.:eek:

 

If that's what it takes to be fiscally responsible, then so be it. I'm the one who does the checkbook in the household, because she wants me to, so because of that I feel that am qualified to say what's overboard and what isn't.

 

Basically, a cruise that cost 1300 in fare is going to cost 2500 total when everything is said and done. We did Costa Rica last year for a lot cheaper than this. I'm just very frustrated by all the nickel and diming here.

[johneeo]

If that's what it takes to be fiscally responsible, then so be it. I'm the one who does the checkbook in the household, because she wants me to, so because of that I feel that am qualified to say what's overboard and what isn't.

 

Basically, a cruise that cost 1300 in fare is going to cost 2500 total when everything is said and done. We did Costa Rica last year for a lot cheaper than this. I'm just very frustrated by all the nickel and diming here.

 

Sounds good.

 

Have fun:rolleyes:

[cruisin'tex]

....that I'm going to be really bored.

 

Before anybody asks why I booked a cruise, it's because my wife has been asking to go on one so I gave in. I typically give her about everything she wants.

 

Anyway, typically we go on traditional vacations. Either long weekends (4 days) or week-long ones. We try to do 2-3 of these a year.

 

We both enjoy museums (although I enjoy that more than her), shopping, hiking, national parks, and road trips.

 

However, she enjoys laying out in the sun and the beach. The beach I can take or leave. Laying out?? No.

 

I'm assuming most people spend the days just lounging around. I can't handle that. It's bad enough I can't drive us from place to place. I'm just not sure what a person can do at like 2PM on a cruise ship.

 

Please make me excited for this. I'm actually nervous with a bit of dread mixed in.

 

Don't know what line you're sailing but all provide a number of activities during the day. Each night, you'll get a "newspaper" for following day. Check it out in advance and then join in.......and enjoy!!!

[Cras108er]

If that's what it takes to be fiscally responsible, then so be it. I'm the one who does the checkbook in the household, because she wants me to, so because of that I feel that am qualified to say what's overboard and what isn't.

 

Basically, a cruise that cost 1300 in fare is going to cost 2500 total when everything is said and done. We did Costa Rica last year for a lot cheaper than this. I'm just very frustrated by all the nickel and diming here.

 

 

Wow! You sound angry - and not just about the cruise. My advice is to do both of you a favor and let her go on the cruise by herself. You'd save money and at least one of you would have an enjoyable time. Seriously, this doesn't sound like the makings of a enjoyable vacation.

 

I think the question is whether you can afford a vacation. If you can't, then maybe you shouldn't be going at all. If you can afford it, then please don't deprive her of an enjoyable cruise by griping about money the whole time.

 

There is definite merit in being fiscally conservative, but there is a balance. Is it your intent to live like a miser so that when you die, you can leave it to someone else who will do all the things you deprived yourself your entire life? If $2,500 won't kill you, consider it an investment in your marriage. Its a lot cheaper than a divorce lawyer.

[texasbluebonnet]

We were on the Spirit in December. The crew and ship are outstanding!There are so many things to do on the ship. I was never bored. The pub crawl is alot of fun. You really need to sign up for it. If you are on the western carribean itinerary you will only have 2 sea days. I think you will have a really good time. Please have a positive attitude as you board the ship.

[NODAK1979]

Wow! You sound angry - and not just about the cruise. My advice is to do both of you a favor and let her go on the cruise by herself. You'd save money and at least one of you would have an enjoyable time. Seriously, this doesn't sound like the makings of a enjoyable vacation.

 

I think the question is whether you can afford a vacation. If you can't, then maybe you shouldn't be going at all. If you can afford it, then please don't deprive her of an enjoyable cruise by griping about money the whole time.

 

There is definite merit in being fiscally conservative, but there is a balance. Is it your intent to live like a miser so that when you die, you can leave it to someone else who will do all the things you deprived yourself your entire life? If $2,500 won't kill you, consider it an investment in your marriage. Its a lot cheaper than a divorce lawyer.

 

We can certainly afford it, but the question is return on investment. Like I've said before, we go on multiple vacations a year and we have a good amount of fun and generally I can do it cheaper than this. Since cruises aren't really heavy on really doing anything, I'm just frustrated it costs more to sit on a boat than to actually do something.

 

And she won't go on a vacation without me. I've even brought up the idea...she doesn't want to. I wouldn't want to either though, so it works out.

[trish1c]

I just want to enjoy this one, that's all. With the cost that this has turned out to be, I had better. My wife and I are starting to spar a bit about the cost. She kept telling me how this would be cheaper than a traditional vacation, but it's clear that it isn't. And with every mounting thing that we discuss, I get more and more aggrivated with it. I'm basically putting the clamps down on spending on the ship, I know that.

 

I understand that you are growing frustrated with the costs. Does your final estimate of $2,500 include everything including spending on the ship (tips, transportation to the ship, excursions, drinks etc.) or is that before you start? If you haven't added in the above, the price will go up.

I don't know where you stayed in Costa Rica but a ship is fairly luxurious. Other than the size of the cabin v. hotel room, it's like staying in an expensive resort, plus the majority of the food is included (all if you opt not to go to an extra fee restaurant). It generally is a pretty good deal vs. going to any of the ports as destinations unto themselves.

Even if you don't end up loving cruising, I hope you find some enjoyment in this trip.

[spny84]

We can certainly afford it, but the question is return on investment. Like I've said before, we go on multiple vacations a year and we have a good amount of fun and generally I can do it cheaper than this. Since cruises aren't really heavy on really doing anything, I'm just frustrated it costs more to sit on a boat than to actually do something.

 

And she won't go on a vacation without me. I've even brought up the idea...she doesn't want to. I wouldn't want to either though, so it works out.

 

Our cruise vacations (7-day - 6 in ports) usually cost about $1000 more for required gratuities and shore excursions (which as I said before are snorkeling/ATVing/Hiking --No Beach Sitting). After that we don't really have any cost, this is up to you (and your DW). I don't drink much (maybe 1 per day) and DH smuggles a little bit on with his legal wine bottles; so drinking doesn't cost much for us. The food, we only eat what is offered for no extra charge and we have always been happy with this decision (food IMO is good to very good convention food). Also, most of the entertainment is free, so each evening we don't pay any extra to see a show/live music/movie/comedian. Casino/Bingo/Spa/wine-alcohol tastings/Shopping all cost extra but up to you on whether you spend or not on them. On all ships you can bring on soda/water and some wine legally so purchase in port (wine is usually embarkation only), also you can sit in the bars and request nothing, ask for ice water (I do often), or bring in your own glass of wine/soda.

 

I'm a big budget-er and calculate every cost before a trip, including things like food in the airport, etc. So I see nothing wrong with you planning and researching all your expenses. We are older now (50) and no longer usually stay at the cheapo hotels and prefer a little nicer one (still not up to Waldorf :)). And I have found that cruising is usually cheaper for a week but not by that much (we get a balcony cabin). The biggest thing I miss on a cruise is local food and superior food. But one cruise to warm water in the winter every other year has been great for us. We still do many land vacations, cruising is just another option.

 

Try to accept you have paid for this already and try to go with the theory of enjoying it.

[Cras108er]

We can certainly afford it, but the question is return on investment. Like I've said before, we go on multiple vacations a year and we have a good amount of fun and generally I can do it cheaper than this. Since cruises aren't really heavy on really doing anything, I'm just frustrated it costs more to sit on a boat than to actually do something.

 

And she won't go on a vacation without me. I've even brought up the idea...she doesn't want to. I wouldn't want to either though, so it works out.

 

NODAK1979, I am not sure how you calculate "return on investment." There isn't an easy formula like there is for a financial investment. It really comes down to what you value. To me, making my wife happy is a pretty good return on investment. Everything in life has a cost and you have to decide if the benefit is worth it. Since you have never gone on a cruise before, I'm not sure you're really in a position to determine the return on investment yet. As others have pointed out, you may have a distorted picture of what actually happens on a cruise. Be willing to try something new. Its not a "cheap vacation, but it also doesn't have to be exorbinant (sp). It is comparable to most land based vacations of the same length with comparable amenities (food, entertainment, lodging, etc.) Go with an open mind and have fun. It is afterall, your vacation.

[GORDONCHICK]

I just want to enjoy this one, that's all. With the cost that this has turned out to be, I had better. My wife and I are starting to spar a bit about the cost. She kept telling me how this would be cheaper than a traditional vacation, but it's clear that it isn't. And with every mounting thing that we discuss, I get more and more aggrivated with it. I'm basically putting the clamps down on spending on the ship, I know that.

 

 

You need to get a grip! My DH is one of the most fiscally conservative people on the face of this planet (he makes Dave Ramsey look like a Congressman spending our money...) and he will tell you that a cruise CAN be a very ecomical vacation if you choose for it to be and go into it with a plan. For what you get, it's certainly a lot of bang for the buck. Now to qualify this, we always cruise in an inside cabin - those that choose to spend more on their cabin, well goody for them. We don't eat in specialty restaurants where there is an upcharge. And we do go on excursions - all private ones at this point. We don't drink (I've seen more bar tabs at the end of a cruise total more than the cruise itself) and my casino slot money is usually $100 for the trip. We've never done a spa treatment, drink clinic, or played bingo. We do shop in port, but our choices are carefully made and we don't buy junk (though we will buy t-shirts for DS - who is almost 10). We do one cruise per year and one big driving vacation each year, with long weekend getaways thrown in as well.

 

Our 1st was a Panama Canal (partial transit) because he'd said the only time he'd want to cruise would be for the canal or Alaska, but he fell in love with cruising as a whole so we continue to go. Don't knock the price of the cruise until you've been on one - you may find it worth much more than you paid - I know my DH did!

[NODAK1979]

Alright, I'm going to do my best. The shore excursions we are doing do sound pretty interesting. I do believe they will be the best part of the vacation.

[Carolin]

I agree with you. The ports and excursions are the best part of the cruise. At least they are to me. I consider the ship secondary to where we are actually going.

 

On sea days I sleep in. Wake up refreshed. I explore the ship. They always have some unique feature. I go to trivia and shows. I also meet some very interesting people who I have met on here through Roll call. Some of us have bonded pretty tight.

 

Please enjoy your cruise and spending time with your wife. :)

[Ukulele JJ]

Alright, I'm going to do my best. The shore excursions we are doing do sound pretty interesting. I do believe they will be the best part of the vacation.

 

Woo-hoo! That's the spirit!

 

I sort of know where you're coming from. It can be frustrating to have to shell out a bunch of money for something your wife really, really wants but that you personally don't really see much value in. You start thinking of all the other things that same money could go for... ugh. :mad:

 

But I'll say two things about that. One, as a previous poster mentioned, you're basing perceived value on your current ideas and expectations about crusing. There's a very good chance (as long as you don't get too Grouchy Smurf about it, of course) that you'll find the experience more enjoyable than you anticipated. Maybe you still won't think it's completely worth the price, but at least it'll be less of a rip-off than you figured it would be. :D

 

Second, there's something else your money is buying you in addition to the cruise and your wife's happiness: It's buying you future financial ammo!

 

There will come a day when the tables are turned and you want to buy something a bit extravagant that your wife sees little or no value in. A motorcycle? A vintage guitar? Turning the garage into a full-featured woodworking shop? Trip to the Super Bowl? Who knows... but it will happen.

 

And when it does, you'll have this phrase in your arsenal: "Well honey, remember that cruise?" :p

 

JJ