Dealing with Political Discussions On Board?

[Smokeyham]

With so much division within the United States right now I am wondering two things:

 

1. Are people who are on board ships seeing a lot more political discussions happening and if so;

 

2. How are you dealing with those discussions when you find them going at dinner or in other places?

 

One request.... Please do not make this a place to promote "your side" or to bash "the other side."

 

Thanks!

[gerif]

I, for one, flatly refuse to discuss either politics or religion on a cruise.

[feathersandnananose]

When traveling in Great Britain during the Bush years, we were only asked once about our feelings about our President. We answered honestly. I think - and hope - that Europeans are more polite than we have any hope to expect.

 

Don't worry. And if you get questions, answer them honestly. It's a given in our country that we have an abundance of different opinions! It's one of our strengths.

[navybankerteacher]

It just takes a bit of listening - instead of mouthing off - to get a feel for the arttitudes held by a new acquaintance. Without selling out your "side", it is not very difficult to at least partially agree - because all of us must have at least some doubts about whoever we support. And, once you have established that you are not a fanatic, you can then suggest other topics of conversation.

[pris993]

We met a couple on the Grand Princess after the election, over lunch at the buffet. We were both from the San Francisco bay area and it was interesting when the subject of the recent election came up we discovered we had all voted for President Trump. We also discovered each couple had one member who was a legal immigrant to the USA many years ago and understand what meant to come here legally. So we had a lot in common.

 

I do not generally bring up politics but if the subject surfaces I honestly speak my mind in a civil manner... so far have not had any a problems doing so.

[Travelcat2]

I do not discuss politics onboard a cruise ship. Having said that, I can understand if it is a topic of discussion this week (not specifically our president but certainly about how the current bans affect cruising (both for the passengers and crew).

[firecrewcapt]

Political discussions go in one ear and out the other, plain and simple.:D

[Kartgv]

It's easy to say "Hope you don't mind, but we came on vacation to escape politics for awhile." You may need to say it more than once, but if they persist, I'd politely excuse myself and leave.

[klfrodo]

Depends on how it goes.

If it's an intelligent conversation where opposing views can be discussed and opinions respected, the conversation can be enlightening.

If one person only wants to spout their views and everyone else is wrong, then I have no problem excusing myself from their presence.

 

I was in Europe before our elections and during the Brexit process and found the conversations to be very polite.

[Cras108er]

Only had one time where we had dinner with a table mate who was pretty boorish about his political beliefs. If memory serves me correctly, it was either "anytime dining," or we made it so. Otherwise, most people discussions have been conspicuously absent. I think that is even more important these days, when we are even more divided. I want my vacation to be enjoyable, as does everyone else, I am sure. :)

[sail7seas]

Excuse yourself if someone starts down a conversation path you do not welcome and head to nearest rest room. By the time youreturn,, i fyou ejjnoy a cocktail or glass of wine, the steward has brought you a 'fresh one. :D YOU cannot be forced t o discuss a sub ject you wish to avoid. Use the techniques you likely have used for the whole campaign period. Most of us have perfected our personal methods by now.

Edited January 30, 2017 by sail7seas

[zqvol]

You can always discuss current events without making it political.

[wwcruisers]

Use the techniques you likely have used for the whole campaign period. Most of us have perfected our personal methods by now.

 

Amen, SailSeven!

Edited January 30, 2017 by Host Walt

[Travelcat2]

You can always discuss current events without making it political.

 

Agree 100%.

[Grandma Dazzles]

Depends on how it goes.

If it's an intelligent conversation where opposing views can be discussed and opinions respected, the conversation can be enlightening.

If one person only wants to spout their views and everyone else is wrong, then I have no problem excusing myself from their presence.

 

I was in Europe before our elections and during the Brexit process and found the conversations to be very polite.

 

Totally agree. My husband loved to discuss politics, and I agree that conversations can be very interesting and don't have to necessarily involve specific political candidates or parties. I remember several years ago at our large MDR table a great conversation with English and Australian table mates where the Americans at the table explained the electoral college, and why the popular vote doesn't necessarily win the presidency.

 

We discussed immigration, political parties, employment, lots of fairly controversial topics, and didn't always agree, but it was a great cruise and I think we all learned a lot in a civilized manner.

 

I think you have to take clues from the conversation and know when to change the subject, or just shut up/walk away if it is no longer pleasant.

[sfaaa]

I, for one, flatly refuse to discuss either politics or religion on a cruise.

 

Wise decision. You are either for or against and there is no middle ground on these topics. It's best to stick to cruise talks or funny jokes.

[sloopsailor]

I, for one, flatly refuse to discuss either politics or religion on a cruise.

 

And add sports that that list. :D

[jamessemaj]

Political discussion is interesting to me. I won't get into head-bashing arguments with opposite views from mine but enjoy hearing all views. Including commiserating with those of common belief to mine. Limiting topics of conversation is boring to me.

Edited January 30, 2017 by jamessemaj

[donaldsc]

I do not start any discussion on politics. I also will not discuss politics with someone whom I judge is from the US. However, if someone who is not from the US asks, I try to explain the American political system since many of them do not understand the nuances of the system. I will also give my opinion in a non-inflammatory way.

 

DON

[floatn]

The week after the election, I was onboard NCL roundtrip from SJU. By day two, the mixture of unlimited alcohol and heated politics got the better of two guys and both, along with families & luggage, were escorted from the ship the following day. I imagine that this is far more common today.

[BourbonNBluesLuvr]

 

2. How are you dealing with those discussions when you find them going at dinner or in other places?

 

 

Hello,

 

I deal with such discussions on a ship in the same manner I do anywhere or anytime else in my life...or in the same manner I discuss more interesting topics...such as Bourbon, Blues, Beer and Travel...in a civil, polite, respectful, interesting and inquisitive manner !!

 

Enjoy

 

BBL

[sparks1093]

It just takes a bit of listening - instead of mouthing off - to get a feel for the arttitudes held by a new acquaintance. Without selling out your "side", it is not very difficult to at least partially agree - because all of us must have at least some doubts about whoever we support. And, once you have established that you are not a fanatic, you can then suggest other topics of conversation.

 

Couldn't agree more.

[cruzeluver]

We happened to be on board a cruise ship on election day. I had wondered in advance how it would go over and reactions from people once we knew the outcome. We were in the casino as the returns came in and when it was clear what the result would be, it was obvious some were quite pleased and others were visibly upset. But I saw no fights or arguments break out, although of course it is quite possible somewhere on the ship things may have gotten out of hand.

[Husky61]

I, for one, flatly refuse to discuss either politics or religion on a cruise.

 

I don't discuss either at anytime, whether on a cruise or not.:)

[Pyrate13]

I try my best to not discuss politics at all when on vacation. Unfortunately, some folks just have to insist on giving their political opinion no matter how much you try to avoid it. Even here, where the OP asked that we not do it, some felt obliged anyway. :rolleyes: